GARNETT EXPEDITION
Little is known about this aspect of the campaign against the Indians. Maj. Robert Garnett was given command of 300 troops with orders to protect Col. Wright's flank and to head into Yakima Indian territory. It was reasoned that Garnett should have less men because the Yakima tribes were already weakened by war with the US and that most of the remaining warriors had moved to the Spokane area.
Further orders were that they were to quiet all hostiles west of the Columbia and to march to the mouth of the Okanogan where they were to punish those who had attacked some miners.
During the expedition one detachment captured a village that was suspected of harboring unfriendly Indians. Here they tied 5 to some trees and shot them. Another force attacked a fishing encampment on the Wenatchee and shot four. Afterwards, troops pursued the Indians but without success as the Indians were able to cross a deep canyon by cutting trees and using them as bridges.
Finally, Garnett proceeded to the Okanogan where he learned of Wright's success. He then lead his force back to Ft. Simcoe from whence they had started.
Garnett's expedition was a success because while Wright was fighting in the Spokane area many of the warriors were near Wilbur where they looked for an attack by Garnett.
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