[3] The Chief and four others met the troops at the Touchet and, willingly, became their hostages in order to prevent an attack on his village.

The volunteers and the five hostages began to march down the Touchet in order to establish a winter camp.

[3] As the soldiers marched toward the former Whitman Mission, they realized that they were being pursued by a large group of Native warriors.

Soon, a running battle began at the mouth of the Touchet.

On the first day, four of the five hostages, including the chief, struggled to escape but were killed by volunteers.