Page "Chimakum" Paragraph 8

In 1847 a disastrous conflict with the Suquamish devastated the Chimakum, effectively wiping them out.

According to Wahélchu of the Suquamish, various conflicts and tensions between the Suquamish and Chimakum had reached the point where the Suquamish decided to launch of " war of extermination " as soon as some immediate provocation was offered.

At least two pretexts for war soon came to pass and a war party was organized.

Because Chief Kitsap, the Suquamish war chief, was either dead or unable to lead, Chief Seattle, for whom the city of Seattle was named, became the leader of the war against the Chimakum.

The Suquamish under Chief Seattle were assisted by about 150 Klallam warriors.

Before long the Chimakum were confined to one village with a stockade, located near the mouth of Chimakum Creek, near present-day Irondale.

The village stronghold was named Tsetsibus, or C ' íc ' abus, and had long been an important gathering place.

The Suquamish warriors hid themselves near the village and waited for a good chance to attack.

A Chimakum family left the village and headed north, passing by the hidden Suquamish.

The father was recognized as the man responsible for the death of respected Suquamish Tulébot, which had been one of the pretexts for war.

The Suquamish immediately fired a volley of bullets.

Many of the Chimakum villagers rushed to help the man and his family.

Seeing the village mostly empty, the Suquamish rushed through the woods and entered the village from behind.

Once their numbers inside the stockade were sufficient, the Suquamish opened fire upon the Chimakum inside the village.

The Chimakum were taken completely by surprise and found themselves unable to resist or escape.

According to Edward S. Curtis, recounting Wahélchu's telling, " the rapid rain of bullets mowed them down.

" Women and children were captured and taken away as slaves.

The Suquamish paddled away, leaving the last Chimakum village in ruins and nearly all of the people either dead or captured.

One of the few Suquamish who died in the encounter was Chief Seattle's eldest son.