 Note that Native Americans warred for complicated conceptions of prestige and for resources, and did not comprehend the European war for conquest or annihilation.The blockhouse was sturdy timber with breastworks and ravines, defended by 57 armed volunteers—at least six Marines—and overshadowed by the 150 man, 566 ton, 16 gun sloop-of-war "Decatur" and the bark "Bronte", anchored and cannon zeroed (bearing and range laid in) at close range out on Elliott Bay.The Battle of Seattle (1856) ended more a skirmish, somewhat more farce than tragedy.