Nisqually Chief Leschi Captured
Chief Leschi, a figure etched in the history of the Pacific Northwest, remains a potent symbol of Native American resistance and the complex, often tragic, interactions between indigenous peoples and the burgeoning United States. Born around 1808, Leschi rose to prominence as a chief of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, whose ancestral lands encompassed the southern reaches of Puget Sound in what is now the state of Washington, particularly the area surrounding the Nisqually River. His story, marked by conflict, betrayal, and a controversial execution, continues to resonate, prompting ongoing reflection on justice and historical reconciliation.
The mid-19th century witnessed a surge of American settlers into the Pacific Northwest, placing immense pressure on Native American tribes and their traditional territories. This influx, coupled with broken treaties and the imposition of unfamiliar laws, ignited simmering tensions, eventually erupting into open conflict. The Yakima War, a series of skirmishes and battles that stretched from 1855 to 1858, served as a major catalyst for the events that would ultimately lead to the capture of Nisqually Chief Leschi.
The Yakima War was triggered by a combination of factors. The discovery of gold east of the Cascade Mountains drew prospectors across Native lands, disrupting traditional hunting and gathering practices. Simultaneously, the Treaty of Medicine Creek, signed in 1854, purported to cede vast tracts of tribal land to the United States government in exchange for small reservations and promises of compensation. However, the treaty was fraught with ambiguities and misunderstandings, particularly regarding the interpretation of Native signatures and the true extent of the land being relinquished. The Nisqually, along with other tribes, felt cheated and dispossessed, fueling their resentment and resistance.
Amidst the growing unrest, outbreaks of violence became increasingly frequent. Nisqually Chief Leschi found himself accused of involvement in the killings of two Washington Territorial Volunteers. These accusations, whether justified or not, transformed him into a prime target for Governor Isaac Stevens, the territorial governor who was determined to quell the Native uprising and secure the region for American expansion.
By the summer of 1856, the large-scale fighting in Western Washington had largely subsided. However, the underlying tensions remained, and Governor Stevens sought to consolidate his control and impose a lasting peace. He convened the Fox Island Council, bringing together representatives from the Nisqually, Puyallup, White River, and Green River tribes. At this council, Stevens made certain concessions, agreeing to adjustments to the Puyallup and Nisqually Reservations and establishing an additional reservation at Muckleshoot.
However, these concessions came with a significant price. Following the agreements, Stevens demanded the capture of Nisqually Chief Leschi. This demand highlighted the complex dynamics at play. While Stevens offered concessions to some tribes, he simultaneously sought to eliminate a perceived threat to his authority and a symbol of Native resistance. Adding another layer of complexity, Leschi had reportedly made peace with federal troops and been promised amnesty. Despite this, Governor Stevens remained steadfast in his pursuit of the Nisqually leader.
The capture of Nisqually Chief Leschi involved a heartbreaking betrayal. Leschi’s own nephew, Sluggia, enticed by the promise of a reward, played a crucial role in his uncle’s apprehension. Sluggia reportedly assured Leschi that he would receive a fair hearing. Lulled into a false sense of security, Leschi allowed himself to be taken into custody by Indian agent Sidney Ford Jr. On November 14, 1856, Ford turned Leschi over to Governor Stevens, who promptly imprisoned him at Fort Steilacoom. For his treachery, Sluggia received 50 blankets, a paltry sum in exchange for the life of his uncle and the trust of his people.
Motives behind Sluggia’s betrayal remain a subject of debate and speculation. One account suggests that Sluggia harbored feelings for Leschi’s youngest wife, Mary, and saw the chief’s removal as a way to pursue his affections. Another version, recounted by Wa he lut, a loyal friend and warrior of Leschi, attributes the betrayal to a disagreement between the two men over the rules of engagement during the war. According to Wa he lut, Sluggia had quarreled with Leschi because the chief had forbidden him from targeting women and children. Whatever the underlying motivations, Sluggia’s actions had devastating consequences for Leschi and the Nisqually people.
Following his capture, Chief Leschi was forced to stand trial for the murder of Abram Benton Moses. The trial was widely perceived as biased and unfair, reflecting the prevailing prejudice against Native Americans at the time. Despite the questionable evidence and the lack of impartiality, Leschi was convicted and sentenced to death. On February 19, 1858, he was hanged, an event that remains a source of deep pain and resentment for many Native Americans.
The story does not end there. Wa he lut, consumed by grief and rage over the betrayal of his friend, embarked on a mission of vengeance. He relentlessly hunted down Sluggia, finally locating him in October 1857. Wa he lut exacted his revenge, shooting Sluggia and rolling his body over the bluff near where Leschi would later be buried. Ironically, Leschi outlived his betrayer by only five months.
In the years following his execution, Chief Leschi became a symbol of Native American resistance and a martyr for the cause of justice. His story continued to be told and retold, passed down through generations of Nisqually people and other Native communities. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, renewed efforts were made to re-examine the circumstances surrounding his trial and execution.
In 2004, a Historical Court of Inquiry of Washington State, acting upon a resolution passed by both houses of the legislature, conducted a non-legally binding review of the case. The court concluded that Leschi had been unjustly convicted and called for his exoneration. While the ruling was not legally binding, it served as a powerful symbolic gesture, acknowledging the historical injustices suffered by Chief Leschi and the Nisqually people. The event also prompted the State Supreme Court to consider vacating his conviction.
The legacy of Nisqually Chief Leschi continues to inspire and challenge us to confront the complexities of our shared history. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, fairness, and respect for all peoples. The capture of Nisqually Chief Leschi was a pivotal moment in the history of the Pacific Northwest, a moment that continues to shape our understanding of the relationship between Native Americans and the United States government. His life, his struggle, and his ultimate sacrifice stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the ongoing quest for justice.