The Oregon Rangers was the first organized militia of the white settlers located in the Willamette Valley in the contested region of the Oregon Country, later the U.S. state of Oregon. First established in 1844, the force was never called out to service by the Provisional Government of Oregon and was soon dissolved. Later a second militia was formed in 1846 with the same name, which lasted only a few months. An early historian of Oregon, Frances Fuller Victor, gave a negative assessment of the two forces, stating there lacked "any deeds of prowess performed by the rangers..." Cockstock Incident The Cockstock Incident involved a Wasco named Cockstock was employed on black Winslow Anderson's farm in 1843, with a horse promised as payment. Prior to the end of his work however, the horse was sold to another black pioneer, James D. Saules. This angered Cockstock, who took the horse and issued threats to both settlers. Arriving at Oregon City on 4 March 1844, Cockstock and five Wascos walked around the settlement, showing off their rifles for several hours before crossing the Willamette River. The party returned later that day with an interpreter to ask the settlers why they were "pursuing him with hostile intentions" when a crowd rushed on them, some pioneers wanting to "shoot him at any risk". During the skirmish three men died, two being pioneers, with George LeBreton, Recorder of the legislature, killed by Cockstock with a poisoned knife. Cockstock himself was killed by having his skull broken by the barrel of Anderson's rifle. This conflict was part of the motivation for the bill by the Provisional Government excluding blacks from Oregon. The Oregon Rangers were called upon by the Executive Committee "to bring to justice all the Indians engaged in the affair." Due to efforts of Elijah White however, peace with the Wascos was maintained after the payment of "two blankets, a dress, and [a] handkerchief" to Cockstock's widow. The Oregon Rangers was organised on 23 March 1844, in response to the outbreak of violence, with orders to meet at the Oregon Institute. A total of 25 men enlisted in the group including Webley John Hauxhurst, Lindsay Applegate, William Henry Gray, and Daniel Waldo. They were at first led by Captain Thomas D. Keizur, who resigned shortly afterward, with Charles H. Bennett taking command. These men were expected to provide their own weapons, and promised $2