The Indian Council in the Valley of the Walla-Walla. 1855

"The Indian Council in the Valley of the Walla-Walla. 1855" by Lawrence Kip is a historical narrative that recounts the author's participation in a mid-19th century council meeting between settlers and several Native American tribes. Kip's narrative recounts his expedition from Fort Vancouver to the Walla-Walla Valley, chronicling the natural surroundings and military life of the period. The story follows council discussions headed by Governor Stevens and other leaders, showcasing the customs and reactions of the tribes as land handover proposals are presented to them. The tribes' anxieties and resistance to handing over territory are revealed as they struggle to keep their ancestral lands. Kip's account captures both the colonial mindset of the time and a diversity of Native American viewpoints. The narrative depicts early settler and Indigenous relations during a critical time in American history.