He took part in several raids. In 1841 at 55 years old. He led an attack upon the winter village of ee-lahl-ko at the confluence of the upper Green and White rivers. He is also said to have led an attack on a Chemakum stronghold near Port Townsend. Chief Seattle is said to have participated in more raids than any other chief in the Puget Sound region.
In 1850, the Ebey-Shaw party had reached Elliot Bay and were welcomed by Chief Seattle and his band. Seattle wanted to trade with the whites. He talked Dr. David Maynard, an Indian agent and trader, into establishing a store near his people at Alki Point. Maynard agreed. This is when Maynard renamed the city after Chief Seattle. Chief Seattle had invited Maynard to the town site established by Arthur Denny, which he had named Duwamps, in honor of the Duwamish tribe. Maynard's successful enterprise prompted him to change the name to Seattle. Chief Seattle wasn't happy with this tribute, since his culture forbid use of a person's name while they were still alive. But Seattle received money and more influence as a result so his displeasure lessened somewhat.
On January 10, 1854, territorial governor Isaac Stevens arrived at Seattle to try to get the Suquamish and Duwamish to move to a reservation. Chief Seattle was there. In a long speech, he recommended that the Indians go to the reservation, but he wanted to reserve the right to visit burial places whenever they wanted. A treaty was signed in which those who signed promised not to engage in revenge murder. Chief Seattle was one of those who signed. At the time, Chief Seattle was troubled that white men gave more weight to a document with a signature than in believing his word.
