Chapter M: M. McCARVER (4)

The usual vicissitudes of the long but somewhat monotonous journey across the plains were enlivened one night by the sudden arrival in camp of a messenger, on horseback, from the West. He had been riding hard and seemed anxious to proceed as fast as possible. It was Joseph Meek, messenger of the Oregon colonists, on his way to Washington to announce to the government the Whitman massacre and the Cayuse war. "The Cayuse Indians have broken out," he said, "and are murdering far and near, sparing neither man, woman, nor children. Men are all up from the valley fighting them hand to hand. Our boys charge and the Indians charge back, death and destruction at ever charge." The effect of the vivid account, that none could give better than Meek, was great. Women and children were frightened and crying. Even the men questioned the wisdom of proceeding. Watt, however, being well acquainted with Meek knew his proclivities for exaggeration when striving for effect. Gradually the facts were brought out and the situation, though still serious, was not sufficient to turn back the emigration. For the rest of the journey Watt was the most cautious of the party. No Indians appeared and the fear of the emigrants wore off; but, like the water from the mountains, the Indians might come unannounced into camp at any time, as the experienced traveler across the prairies well knew. Even the seriousness of this occasion furnished Watt material for his practical jokes. When the party had exceeded the usual limit of carelessness in sitting late and burning the camp fires in the enjoyment of social intercourse, Watt arranged with the guards of that night a plot. The alarm for Indians was to be sounded at early dawn. The plan worked to a charm. The emigrants, who had retired to rest with a feeling of security, now crept out in confusion or hid themselves away in ridiculous positions. The bully of the crowd who had boasted that he "would like to eat an Injin for breakfast every morning," was now pushed from the wagon by his delicate wife, with a rifle in one hand and his pantaloons in the other. The heroine of the hour was a young girl, Mary Greenwood, the daughter of one of the reliable men of the party. She was seen amidst all the confusion kindling a fire and beginning to mold bullets for the men to use.

The journey was made without mishap to the sheep until Snake River was reached. Here the current was strong and they were carried down the stream. The dreamer of Oregon's new industry stood on the bank, helpless, and awaited the issue. The enterprise might easily have terminated at that point; but fate decided otherwise. One fellow in the flock, with all the qualities of a leader, struck out for shore with a strong stroke and soon the larger part of the flock reached the land and the wool industry for Oregon was safe.

Without other incidents of importance the journey was finally ended and the family were all together in their new home in Oregon. The wool weaver had proved a worthy successor to the Scotch Irish silk weaver of colonial days. He had shown the stuff from which new countries are settled and new industries started. The sheep, after their long and dusty drive, were placed upon the rich pastures of the farm in Yamhill County, and to all appearances were well pleased with the new environment. The cards and reeds and castings for loom and spinning wheel were put in place and cloth was made, sufficient to meet the needs of the family and in particular of those eight sisters whose needs had played so important a part in the beginning of the wool industry for Oregon.

The wise dreamer, however, had been unable to see fully the future. He had not known that while his plan was under way the discovery of gold in California had attracted the notice of the world; that the population flocking there would cut off the demand for his woolen cloth, while abundance of goods would come in from the East by water to increase the supply. The enterprise was well conceived, but as a financial move it was doomed to temporary failure. The sheep, however, were here and could wait for more favorable conditions. "About six or seven years after the gold mining excitement wore off," says Watt, "and people began to sober down to the home business, a few began to think about the prosperity of the country. We were buying too much and had nothing to sell. Stock had run down; there was little inducement to go into wheat largely. We must do something to prevent so much of an outlay for merchandise from other countries. Wool was almost worthless and there was plenty to keep a small mill going if we could only get the mill." Being interested in sheep himself Watt was anxious to make that industry profitable. He believed that the time had come when woolen goods on a considerable scale could be manufactured at a profit; that the cheapness of raw material would overbalance the high price of labor.

Watt had no personal knowledge of woolen mills but there were in Oregon, at the time, two millwrights who understood the subject and were anxious to be employed in such an enterprise. As the subject was canvassed the interest grew. In 1855, therefore, articles of incorporation were drawn up for the erection of a woolen mill to be located somewhere in the Willamette Valley. Subscriptions to stock were sought and offers of bonuses solicited. The articles provided that the capital stock should be $25,000, and that when $9,000 was paid in a meeting should be held to decide upon the location of the mill. A committee of five was appointed to take charge of the matter. The meeting to decide upon location was held at Dallas when the requisite amount of stock was paid in. It was a meeting of considerable importance, as much rivalry had arisen regarding the location. One party wished it to be placed on the Luckiamute, west of the Polk County hills, and the other desired it to be located at Salem on the east side of the hills. Lively work had been done; the party favorable to the Salem location had secured a bonus worth about $7,000 and had control of the voting stock. Considerable scheming, preliminary to the vote occurred, and when it was taken "you could hear a pin drop," says Watt. The result was favorable to the Salem site, and plans were begun for the construction. Within a few weeks all the stock was paid in and the company had possession of a piece of land for the mill. A board of five directors was elected and orders were given to begin the work. The water power was to be brought from the Santiam River by means of a ditch. The task was not great as the bed of Mill Creek could be used and the water power was soon secured. An agent was sent East to purchase the machinery and by the time it arrived the building was ready for its occupation.

Before the machinery was placed the introduction of this new industry was the occasion of a splendid ball in the spacious building. It was one of the most brilliant social affairs ever held in Oregon up to this time. Among the list of those present from all over the territory were dignitaries of state, including the Governor; dignitaries from the army, including Lieut. Phil Sheridan, and as Watt himself says, "even dignitaries from the church were present." Watt was an inveterate lover of song and dance, and would go many miles at any time to engage in such festivities. He was therefore in the height of his glory, which was not even destroyed by the fact that his chosen lady, Miss Lyons, beautifully adorned in a gown of blue velvet, with golden stars, was led to the dance by the Governor. Indeed, he had no reason to be uneasy, for the understanding between them was good, and a few years later, 1860, he was married to her, dressed for the occasion in a suit of wool made in the mill which he had done so much to establish.

By the first of May the machinery was in place, and everything was in running order. Cloth bearing the name of "Hardtimes" was produced, and the first blankets ever made west of the Rocky Mountains were sold at auction. The first pair went to Mr. Watt for $110, and the others brought $75 to $25. At first all the product that could be turned out found a ready market; competition, however, soon set in and the managers of the mill were undecided what course to pursue. Unwilling to discontinue the enterprise Watt was consulted, and agreed to take the entire product of the mill for a period of three years at a fixed price. By an aggressive process of advertising, in which he personally carried the goods into all the important places along the line of the old Holladay stage route, both in Oregon and California, a market was created for the goods. In three months after the agreement had been made the managers of the mill were willing to give a large consideration in return for a relinquishment of his contract. The goods found such ready market that the building and machinery were doubled. Prices continued to rise; debts were paid off; the value of the stock rose; a gristmill was built by the company; the race through the town constructed, and salaries of officials were raised "as high as their consciences would allow them to take." A woolen fever began to spread through the country. Mills were built at Oregon City, Brownsville, and Ellendale. This was the period of greatest prosperity. Conditions changed, but Watt was not then connected with the business. Divisions had arisen among the stockholders of the company, and Watt had disposed of his stock in 1866, when it sold for a value of $800 per share. He continued to be interested in sheep to the close of his life, and large flocks of the finest breeds were kept on his farm under the care of a Scotch herder employed for the special purpose. He was ever interested in furthering the sheep industry in other parts of Oregon, and it was partly through his influence that sheep were first placed upon the ranges of eastern Oregon.

But the dreams of the dreamer broadened as time passed. In 1866, when divisions led to his withdrawal from the woolen mill, the crop of wheat in the valley was unusually large. The wheat industry had been increasing for years. Oregon was rapidly passing from the fur trading and pastoral stages of industrial life to that of agriculture. With an ever-increasing supply the market was restricted, and here was a problem to attract the mind of Watt. Shipments of wheat were made to California, but the markets beyond had tempted only the most daring. One line of steamers had been established between Portland and New York and four or five vessels had been drawn into the trade. The Sally Brown was the first to make the trial and Watt was the man who gathered up the cargo which she carried from the wheat fields of the Willamette. Ever in the van through life Watt conceived the idea that a cargo of wheat could be sent to Liverpool, the market of the world. With him to think was to act, and in 1868 he went through the valley gathering wheat for the first cargo to the greatest wheat market in existence. It was an adventure in magnitude exceeding anything that he had tried before. Failure would mean a heavy loss, and success would usher in a new day for the industrial life of Oregon. The cargo was gathered and the vessel set forth on the long voyage. The destination was reached and the grain inspected. It was unlike any that had ever been seen before on the docks of the great market. The inspectors had never seen kernels of wheat so large. The decision was pronounced that it could not be right, and the whole cargo was condemned as water soaked and unfit for the market. The loss fell heavily upon the consignor of the cargo, but a beginning had been made that was destined to grow until Oregon's industrial isolation should be ended.

In closing this paper it requires but a few words to sum up the chief characteristics of Joseph Watt. He is best seen in the narration of his life. Ever engaged in enterprises that were ahead of his time, he belonged to the vanguard of industrial development in Oregon. Ever a dreamer, he met with heavy reverses but yet retained a competence sufficient for a comfortable old age. Independent and genuine in his character, there was no cant in his make-up. One of the company of kindred spirits that includes the names of Nesmith, Matthieu, Clark, Boise, Minto, Crawford, and others, his company was always appreciated, for he was genial and sociable in disposition. By the Indians he was loved, and they gathered about him at his home in Yamhill as they would about no other. Deeply interested in all that pertained to Oregon, he was truly one of her benefactors. Always loyal to the early state builders, he conducted a party of them in an excursion to the East when the railroad connection was completed. Always deeply interested in the Pioneer Association, Watt was its president for a time and rarely was absent from its meetings. By gift from his widow the author of this paper has deposited in the vaults of the Oregon Historical Society the little book in which he kept the names of the members in their own handwriting. It is worn and soiled through frequent use, but it will ever be a valuable reminder of the earliest of our state builders, as well as a reminder of him whom the author has chosen to designate as a "pioneer captain of industry in Oregon."

JAMES R. ROBERTSON.

DOCUMENTS.

TWO WHITMAN SOURCES.

Correspondence to the _New York Spectator_ which describes Doctor Whitman as a passenger on board the steamer Narraganset on Long Island Sound. Doctor Whitman is on his way from New York to Boston.

Editorial from the _New York Daily Tribune_ of March 29,
1843.

ARRIVAL FROM OREGON.

We were most agreeably surprised yesterday by a call from
Doctor Whitman from Oregon, a member of the American
Presbyterian Mission in that territory. A slight glance at
him when he entered our office would convince any one that
he had seen all the hardships of a life in the wilderness.
He was dressed in an old fur cap, that appeared to have seen
some ten years' service, faded, and nearly destitute of fur;
a vest whose natural color had long since faded, and a
shirt--we could not see that he had any--an overcoat, every
thread of which could be easily seen, buckskin pants,
etc.--the roughest man we have seen this many a day--too
poor, in fact, to get any better wardrobe. The doctor is one
of those daring and good men who went to Oregon some ten
years ago to teach the Indians religion, agriculture,
letters, etc. A noble pioneer we judge him to be, a man
fitted to be chief in rearing a moral empire among the wild
men of the wilderness. We did not learn what success the
worthy man had in leading the Indians to embrace the
Christian faith, but he very modestly remarked that many of
them had begun to cultivate the earth and raise cattle.

He brings information that the settlers on the Willamette
are doing well; that the Americans are building a town at
the Falls of the Willamette; that a Mr. Moore of Mr.
Farnham's party, some sixty years of age, was occupying one
side of the Falls, in the hope that [the] government would
make him wealthy by the passage of a preëmption law; that
the old man Blair, another member of the same party, was
living comfortably a short distance above, as all who have
read Mr. Farnham's travels will know that he deserves to do.
Doctor Whitman left Oregon six months ago; ascended the
banks of the Snake or Laptin River to Fort Hall, and was
piloted thence to Santa Fé by the way of the Soda Springs,
Brown's Hole, the Wina, and the waters of the del Norte.
From Santa Fé he came through the Indians that have been
removed from the States to Missouri. The doctor's track
among the mountains lay along the western side of the
Anahuac Range; and he remarks that there is considerable
good land in that region.

We give the hardy and self-denying man a hearty welcome to
his native land. We are sorry to say that his first
reception, on arriving in our city, was but slightly
calculated to give him a favorable impression of the morals
of his kinsmen. He fell into the hands of one of our vampire
cabmen, who, in connection with the keeper of a tavern house
in West Street, three or four doors from the corner near the
Battery, fleeced him out of two of the last few dollars
which the poor man had.

[This editorial was quoted in full by the Boston
_Advertiser_ of March 31st.]

* * * * *

From the _New York Spectator_, Wednesday evening, April 5,
1843.

CRUISING IN THE SOUND.

GENTLEMEN: Respecting the goodly Bay State I can say but
little, because since I saw you, I have been only an
occupant of steamboat and railroad cars. I had long supposed
that a three-day trip to Boston was only hereafter to be a
notion and reminiscence of olden time, but alas! I have had
the stern reality of things as they "used to was." I left
New York on Monday, in the Narraganset, at the usual time.
We had a rough trip into the Sound, and at 12 o'clock
Captain Woolsey, with sound discretion, carried us into the
New Haven Bay, where we anchored till Wednesday morning,
when we proceeded to Stonington, and on going over [to?] the
railroad and finding it in the vocative case, owing to the
outbreak of the waters, we retraced our movements and again
took boat, and made a passage around Point Judith.

It is due to Captain Woolsey and his very gentlemanly aid,
Mr. Richmond, to say that everything was done to make a
large body of disappointed passengers feel happy; good and
plentiful meals were gratuitously provided, and it can
hardly be possible that any wayfarer on this occasion left
the Narraganset without a deep conviction that, under the
severe and awkward circumstances of the passage, all had
been done that was possible to obviate the inconveniences
and disagreeables of the passage through the Sound. I would
add that the boat worked well. We had a very pleasant set of
passengers. Among others I may mention the Hon. Robert
Rantoul of Boston. This gentleman is by far the ablest man
of the Democratic party in Massachusetts, and unless I could
see him embarked for Salt River, (which I think must be his
final destination,) I would rather have him embark on the
same boat in which I sail, than any other. He is a very
interesting, affable man, of great research, and will, I
doubt not, yet render good service to the country.

THE REV. DR. WHITMAN FROM OREGON.

We also had one who was the observed of all, Doctor Whitman,
the missionary from Oregon. He is in the service of the
American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions. Rarely
have I seen such a spectacle as he presented. His dress
should be preserved as a curiosity; it was quite in the
style of the old pictures of Philip Quarles and Robinson
Crusoe. When he came on board and threw down his traps, one
said "what a loafer!" I made up my mind at a glance that he
was either a gentleman traveler, or a missionary; that he
was every inch a man and no common one was clear. The Doctor
has been eight years at the territory, has left his wife
there, and started from home on the 1st of October. He has
not been in bed since, having made his lodging on buffalo
robe and blanket, even on board the boat. He is about
thirty-six or seven years of age, I should judge, and has
stamped on his brow a great deal of what David Crockett
would call "God Almighty's common sense." Of course when he
reached Boston he would cast his shell and again stand out a
specimen of the "humans."

I greatly question whether such a figure ever passed through
the Sound since the days of steam navigation. He is richly
fraught with information relative to that most interesting
piece of country, and I hope will shortly lay it before the
good people of Boston and New York. Could he appear in New
York Tabernacle--in his traveling costume--and lecture on
the Northwest coast, I think there would be very few
standing places. Much of his route was on foot and
occasionally on horse or mule back, with a half-breed guide.
To avoid the hostile Indians he had to go off to the Spanish
country, and thence to Santa Fé. A rascally hackman took him
in at New York, and carried him from place to place at his
whim and finally put him down near the Battery, close to his
starting point, charging him two dollars, and it being
midnight he succeeded in the vile extortion.

CIVIS.

In connection with our friend's communication we subjoin an
interesting account of Doctor Whitman's mission, as given by
Mr. Farnham in his travels in 1839 over the Rocky Mountains.
[Fills over one and a half columns.]

* * * * *

DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE OREGON EMIGRATION MOVEMENT,
1842-43.

OREGON--PITTSBURGH MEETING AND DOCTOR WHITE'S REPORT.

The following paragraphs we find in several of the eastern
papers this morning:

"_The Settlement of Oregon._--The meeting at Pittsburgh last
week, reported that it was not expedient for American
citizens to emigrate to Oregon until the United States
Government had taken measures to secure and protect the
emigrants in their rights.

We see, by a letter in the New York papers, that Elijah
White, who went as United States agent to Oregon, and took
with him a large party of emigrants, writes, under date of
August 17th, that his party had increased to one hundred and
twelve, although they had lost two, one by sickness and the
other by accident. They started with nineteen wagons, and
their journey had been slow and tedious; but they had passed
two thirds of the way, and were in excellent health and good
spirits. A favorable opportunity for emigration will occur
in April, through the aid of Mr. Fitzpatrick, at
Independence. Mr. White advises those who intend to go to
prepare light strong wagons, and to take no loading except
cooking utensils, and provisions for four months. Mules are
preferable to horses. He says no doubt exists as to ultimate
success of the colony."

* * * * *

From the _Jeffersonian Republican_, September 17, 1842.

THE SETTLING OF OREGON.

We learn with gratification that it is at least rumored that
an expedition is about to be got up in Saint Louis, to
colonize the rich and interesting Territory of Oregon. To
such as have so laudable and advantageous an enterprise in
view, we are prepared and feel warranted in saying, that it
rests not upon "rumor" that many of our fellow-citizens of
upper Missouri intend emigrating to that highly celebrated
region next spring, and will no doubt be glad to be joined
by as many of the enterprising citizens of Saint Louis as
may think it their interests to join them.

We learn from the "Oregon Correspondence Committee" of this
place, that already they are beginning to receive names of
gentlemen desirous of joining the expeditions, and from
present indications, there seems to be no doubt remaining
that there will be quite a large company formed. Let not
those who now [have it?] in contemplation, draw back, but
steadily persevere, and they may confidently promise
themselves success. The country which they seek is no doubt
one of equal attraction and advantages as any on the globe,
and we rest assured that so soon as the number of
inhabitants will justify, the fostering hand of a
territorial government will be extended to it. Up then every
pioneer, and let your cry be "Onward!"--_Western
Missourian._

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_, March 7, 1843.

LETTER FROM AN OREGON EMIGRATION AGENT TO A FRIEND AT
PITTSBURG.

WASHINGTON CITY, February 21, 1843.

DEAR SIR: Nothing of importance has transpired in Congress
since my last. I am informed by members of the House of
Representatives that the bill for the occupation and
settlement of Oregon Territory will come before the House
this week. It will pass when acted upon. It was referred to
the Committee of Foreign Affairs. John Quincy Adams,
chairman of the committee, reported back the same without
amendment, on the 13th, and, as might have been expected
from him, recommended that the bill do not pass. It is
evident, notwithstanding, that the bill will pass when acted
upon. Captain Stine [Steen], commanding the Dragoons at Fort
Leavenworth, has addressed several letters to Dr. L. F. Linn
and others, wishing the Secretary of War to grant him
permission to accompany us with the Dragoons. I have
postponed an interview with the Secretary of War till I am
ready to leave for the West. I have sent many documents to
you and others. You will please send some of them to your
friends in Ohio, Wheeling, and other places, if you have any
to spare. I have given the names of the several committees
in Pittsburgh, and west of it, to a number of the members,
who promise that they will continue to send all the
documents calculated to throw light on the subject of
Oregon, etc.

I am happy to learn that the citizens of Pittsburgh take so
warm an interest in the matter.

I am your most humble and obedient servant,

J. M. SHIVELY.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_ of March 3, 1843.

The War Department made the following responses to the inquiries of Prof. Joseph Schafer for information as to provision of military escort in 1843 for body of emigrants going to Oregon:

First indorsement.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
_Washington_, _September 5, 1902_.

Respectfully submitted to the Chief of the Record and
Pension Office, War Department.

No information touching the matter of escort for emigrants
from Fort Leavenworth to Oregon in the year 1843 has been
found in this office.

J. PARKER,
Major of Cavalry, Assistant Adjutant General.

Second indorsement.

RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
_Washington_, _September 10, 1902_.

Respectfully submitted to the Quartermaster General of the
Army.

The records on file in this office show that J. M. Shively,
of St. Louis, Missouri, stated under date of March 25, 1843,
that his party would start for Oregon on April 20, 1843; and
that he desired a company of troops. The records also show
that the communication of Mr. Shively was charged to the
Quartermaster General.

Nothing additional has been found bearing on this inquiry.

---- ----,
Chief, Record and Pension Office.

[Name signed not decipherable.]

Third indorsement.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE,
_Washington_, _October 6, 1902_.

Respectfully returned, by direction of the Quartermaster
General, to Mr. Joseph Schafer, No. 311 Park Street,
Madison, Wisconsin.

No record of any correspondence with Captain E. Steen, 1st
Dragoons, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, during the year 1843,
bearing on the matter of a military escort for emigrants is
found, nor is there any record of the communication of J. M.
Shively referred to in the second indorsement hereon.

S. F. LONG, (?)
Major and Quartermaster, United States Army.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_ February 24, 1843.

OREGON.

The Xenia _Free Press_ says: A farmer in this county
informed us a few days since that he could raise a company
of fifty families who, if [supported?] by the Government,
would march, on short notice, for Oregon.

Also on the same page: The _State Register_ (Illinois) says
that the largest meetings it ever witnessed were held in
Springfield on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the hall
of the House of Representatives, a couple of whigs talking
the British side of the question.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_, February 17, 1843.

THE OREGON MEETING.

[The meeting was evidently held on Saturday, February 11th.]

The meeting on Saturday evening at the Council Chamber was
much more fully attended than was expected, the proceedings
of which will be found in our paper. After the organization
and the appointment of a committee to report to the
adjourned meeting to be held on Thursday evening next,
William B. Hubbard, Esq., in answer to a call of the
meeting, commenced a most interesting address, prefaced by
offering a resolution complimentary of Doctor Linn of
Missouri, and those senators who stood by him in the
advocacy of the bill for the settlement of this territory.
The cry of fire caused Mr. H. to close his remarks, with a
request by the meeting that he would proceed with them at
the next meeting. We hope Mr. H. will prepare a synopsis of
his remarks for the press. Nothing would be read with
greater interest at this time.

The Government should speedily establish military posts from
the frontier settlements on the Missouri to the Pacific.
Settlements would speedily take place around each post, and
produce in abundance would soon be raised to supply the post
and the flow of emigration.

An adjourned meeting of the citizens of Columbus and its
vicinity was held in the United States courtroom on the
evening of Thursday, the 10th instant, in pursuance of a
resolution adopted at the last meeting.

[Colonel Medary (editor of the _Statesman_), from a
committee appointed to collect facts, reported that the
committee wanted more time. The subject growing more and
more interesting, on motion the committee was allowed till
next Thursday.]

The resolution offered at last meeting was then taken up,
and on motion of Mr. Hubbard, was amended by adding, at the
end thereof, the words "without the violation of any
international law."

The resolution, as amended, read as follows:

_Resolved_, That this meeting duly appreciate the untiring
labors and distinguished abilities of Senator Linn and
others in Congress, in their successful advocacy of the just
claim of the United States to the Oregon Country; and that,
as a component part of the Great West, we hope for a speedy
adjustment of our rights upon the borders of the Pacific
Ocean, and a like speedy occupation and settlement of that
country, without the violation of any international law.

[Copy ordered sent to Hon. Joseph Ridgway, member of
Congress for the district.]

The _Ohio Statesman_ of March 10, 1843, contains the report of the committee appointed as per the above accounts. The report seems to have been drawn up by Col. Samuel Medary, chairman, and is a strong and interesting document of considerable length. It discusses in full, with all the information available at the time, the economic advantages of the Oregon Country, as well as the question of title. The report is accompanied by a map.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_, March 14, 1843.

OREGON.

The people are again in motion here in relation to the
emigration to Oregon this spring. Peter H. Burnett, Esq.,
one of our most estimable citizens is among the foremost
here in exciting a laudable spirit in relation to the
settlement of that desirable country. On Tuesday evening Mr.
Burnett delivered a very able lecture upon this subject, in
which was embodied a vast fund of information calculated to
impress all who had the pleasure of hearing him with the
advantages attendant on an early settlement of our western
demesne. The American eagle is flapping his wings, the
precurser of the end of the British lion, on the shores of
the Pacific. Destiny has willed it.--_Platte (Missouri)
Eagle._

* * * * *

From the _Chillicothe Intelligencer_, March 17, 1843.

[At a meeting on March 8th, held in the Courthouse, Amos
Holton presented a series of resolutions, and addressed the
meeting at length] showing the origin and justice of our
claim, and the immense value of that territory to the United
States, in a commercial point of view, and to the West in
particular, when, on motion the preamble and resolutions
were unanimously adopted.

JOHN A. FULTON, Chairman.

WM. E. GILMORE, Secretary.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_, April 26, 1843, quoting the _Iowa
Gazette_ (Burlington).

OREGON.

(The article aims to give a plan of preparations for
emigrating, including detailed advice as to outfit, route,
etc. The suggestions are similar to those adopted by the
Bloomington meeting, for which see THE QUARTERLY of the
Oregon Historical Society, Volume III, page 390-391,
December number.)

[The writer thinks that there is a ferry at or near Council
Bluffs.] I speak of Burlington as a very suitable point to
start from, because we have an abundance of the necessary
supplies, and an excellent and very commodious steam
ferryboat for those who are east of us.

(Signed) ONE WHO INTENDS TO EMIGRATE.

N. B.--Newspapers who are friendly to the enterprise are
requested to give the above an insertion.

The same issue of the _Statesman_ still further quotes from the _Gazette_ as follows:

OREGON.

The Oregon fever is raging in almost every part of the
Union. Companies are forming in the East, and in several
parts of Ohio, which, added to those of Illinois, Iowa, and
Missouri, will make a pretty formidable army. The larger
portion of those will probably join the companies of Fort
Independence, Missouri, and proceed together across the
mountains. It would be reasonable to suppose that there will
be at least five thousand Americans west of the Rocky
Mountains by next autumn. This, if nothing else, will compel
Congress to act upon the matter. We have reason to suppose,
however, that we shall have a congress which will assume the
responsibility even without any inducement other than the
protection of American honor and American rights.

* * * * *

From the _National Intelligencer_ (Washington), June 7,
1843.

EMIGRANTS FOR OREGON.

The _Liberty Banner_, published in Clay County, Missouri,
says: We are informed that the expedition to Oregon, now
rendezvoused at Westport in Jackson County, will take up its
line of march on the 20th of [May] this month. The company
consists of some four or five hundred emigrants, some with
their families. They will probably have out one hundred and
fifty wagons, drawn by oxen, together with horses for nearly
every individual, and some milch cows. They will, we
suppose, take as much provision with them as they can
conveniently carry, together with a few of the necessary
implements of husbandry. There are in the expedition a
number of citizens of inestimable value to any community,
men of fine intelligence and intrepid character, admirably
calculated to lay the firm foundations of a future empire.

* * * * *

From the _Ohio Statesman_, May 3, 1843.

We attach the suggestions in the report of General
Worthington, adopted in this city on Saturday evening, in
advance of the publication of the report:

"The committee, then, do most respectfully recommend that a
convention of the western and southwestern states and
territories be immediately called, to urge upon the General
Government immediate occupation of the Oregon country by a
military force, and to adopt such measures as may seem most
conducive to its immediate and effectual occupation,
_whether the government acts or not in the matter_.

"That it be declared to the world, that the Californias
never should pass into the hands of England for any purpose
whatever; and that if they go out of the possession of
Mexico, they should at once be attached to the _future_
North American Republic of the Pacific Ocean.

"That all rumored negotiations of the surrender of any part
of the Pacific border for an equivalent in the Californias,
should be denounced as fraught with danger to the peace and
honor and liberty of the American continents, and as a
_repudiation_ of Mr. Monroe's triumphantly sustained
declaration of 1823, _that these continents are not to be
considered subjects of colonization by any European power_.

"That it be declared that Great Britain should be excluded
from the whole of the Northwest coast, between our
boundaries with Mexico and Russia; and, that, to give her
any part, will be a virtual loss of the whole, as it will
cripple, or entirely prevent any important commercial
operations by American citizens on our Pacific coast.

"That we recommend the Oregon Convention to be held in
Cincinnati, Ohio, on the third, fourth, and fifth days of
July, 1843.

"That measures be immediately taken for the appointment of
committees at the capitals of all the states and territories
west and southwest of the Alleghanies, to urge such action
upon their several legislatures as will induce Congress to
immediate occupation of Oregon country by the arms, the
laws, and the citizens of the United States.

"That an address be published to the people of the West, and
the Union generally, setting forth, and urging the adoption
of the principles and opinions above proclaimed."

[The meeting to appoint the delegates to this Oregon
Convention was called to meet in Columbus on the last
Saturday in June.]

EXPERIENCES OF THE EMIGRATION OF 1843.

From the _New York Tribune_ (weekly), August 5, 1843.

We find the following letter from the Oregon Emigration in
the _Iowa Gazette_ of the 8th instant (July):

OREGON EMIGRATING COMPANY.

KANSAS RIVER, June 3, 1843.

* * There are over 3,000 and perhaps 5,000 head of cattle,
mules, and horses attached to the company. Captain Applegate
has over 200 head, and others over 100 head. This has been a
bone of contention with some of the emigrants and very
nearly divided the company. Indeed, I am not certain but it
will be the means of a split yet, as there are a number
without cattle who refuse to assist in guarding them. The
dissatisfaction is not quite so violent now, as the cattle
owners have agreed to furnish the company with beef, (in
case of scarcity of buffalo meat,) work cattle and milch
cows, the former at a price to be fixed by the committee,
and the cows and oxen without charge. The company have
agreed to this proposition, and the former law, limiting
each individual to three head of loose cattle, is thereby
repealed. The number of cattle is quite too large. It is
impossible to guard them at night, and the Indians at this
place have already commenced stealing horses and killing
cattle. The company which leaves next spring for Oregon
should keep strict guard on their cattle and horses at the
crossing of this river, as some eight or ten horses and
mules have been stolen in one night from our company. Doctor
Whitman from Walla Walla, who is in our company, advises
that the company divide into three or four parties, for
speed and convenience, as there will be no danger from the
Indians.

[The name of the writer of the above letter is not given.
The letter, however, indicates that he came to the
emigration from Burlington, Iowa, and evidently lived there,
as his letter was printed first in a Burlington paper. He
was chosen a member of the "cabinet advisers" of the
captain--nine persons. Probably these points will serve to
identify him. Was he M. M. McCarver?]

LETTERS DESCRIPTIVE OF OREGON COUNTRY AND ITS EARLIER CONDITIONS.

A letter by the Rev. Alvan F. Waller to his brother at Elba, New York. It was first published in the _Christian Advocate and Journal_.

Taken from the _Ohio Statesman_, March 10, 1843.

WALLAMETTE FALLS, April 6, 1842.

DEAR BROTHER: Your last came duly to hand and very much
refreshed our spirits. Write every opportunity, being
assured that intelligence from our friends is to us in this
land like cold water to thirsty souls. You will see by my
letter where I am stationed. This is in some respects a
pleasant though laborious field of labor. This is and is
destined to be, the great emporium of the interior of this
country. Its water power for manufacturing purposes is
probably not rivaled in the States; at least, few and far
between are the privileges which equal or excel it; besides
here is an excellent salmon fishery. As to the country,
taking it all and all, it is a good farming and grazing
country. The winters are so mild that the cattle and horses
do well without feeding. The country is well watered, and
the inhabitants are, in general, healthy. The ague and fever
is the most prevalent disease, although other diseases
occur. On the sea coast I believe it is more healthy than
back in the country. So far as I and my family are
concerned, we have been as healthy as we ever were in the
States. Our little ones are quite as hearty and as lively as
the fawns that skip over the plains.

Produce of all kinds, except corn, does well here, so far as
it has been fairly tried. Some corn has been raised. Wheat,
peas, and oats, I believe, so far as quality is concerned,
can not excel in any country. Potatoes are tolerable, and in
some parts excellent. Indeed, it is my candid conviction,
that an industrious and economical man can live as well
(fruit excepted) and make property as fast as in almost any
country, and far easier than in any part of the State of New
York where I have lived. Let him bring with him a few
hundred dollars in cash or property, his farming utensils,
etc., and settle on one of these delightful plains and the
first year he can support his family from the soil, as he
has nothing to do but fence, plow, and sow, and prepare a
shelter or house for his family; yet he will have to
encounter some difficulties incident to all new countries.
Our mills are few and far between, and not all of the first
order, but rather multiplying and improving; though a good
millwright is very much wanted, as well as apparatus for
building mills and a great many wholesome settlers,
embracing some capitalists who will open trade with the
Islands and China, which can be done from this coast with
great facility. But first of all, our government ought to
extend its jurisdiction and protection over this country.
The state of the country in this respect (especially for
Americans), as well in respect to a currency, is unpleasant.
The Hudson Bay Company seem determined to monopolize as long
as possible; yet in many respects they are quite
accommodating, at least, so far as it is to their interest.
They profess to claim many of the best and most valuable
parts of the country by putting up a little hut without
habitation and forbidding any one settling in those places.
They made a claim at the Falls, on the side where I now am,
about twelve years since, hewing a quantity of timber, etc.,
and a few years since they put up a small hut and covered it
with bark.

Last fall an American took possession of a small island in
the falls, but no sooner was it known at Fort Vancouver than
a company of men was sent off with boards to put up a hut,
and soon the governor of the fort came up, greatly incensed,
called the man a pilferer, and anything but good; he,
however, went on! A cooper wished to build a shop near me,
but was informed, by orders from the fort, that if he built
his shop would be torn down. He, however, went on and built;
his shop still stands. These are naked facts; and others of
the same kind, if necessary, can be forthcoming. By this you
will have some clue to the state of things in this country
in this respect.

I have written in great haste, as this is to be off early
to-morrow morning. Besides, I have plenty of company, a
number of men being here to buy salmon, of which I have the
care. Others are on their way down the river. Indeed, my
house is at times, as to travelers, more like a public house
than a Methodist preacher's.

Your affectionate brother,

ALVIN F. WALLER.

* * * * *

A letter by Titian R. Peale to Thomas Morgan, Esq., of Washington, Pennsylvania:

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 6, 1843.

DEAR SIR: Observing the interest you have taken in the
"Oregon Bill," now before Congress, I conclude that a few
notes, coming from one who has recently traveled through a
portion of the Oregon territory, will be acceptable to you,
and probably be of use to some of your neighbors, who may
feel disposed to profit by the inducements offered, should
the bill pass and become a law.

Being a member of the Scientific Corps of the United States
Expedition, in 1841, I had the misfortune to be wrecked, in
the ship Peacock, at the mouth of the Columbia River, and
subsequently traveled that portion of the country south of
the Columbia River, known as the Wallamette Valley, and
thence across the mountains to California.

The soil, we observed, generally on that route, although not
as rich as that of the Mississippi Valley, was still
sufficiently so, when cultivated, to produce from twenty to
forty bushels of wheat to the acre, of as good quality as
any I have ever seen in my native State (Pennsylvania),
which, added to the facilities for settlers in finding the
land ready for the plough, without the labor of clearing,
while sufficiency of the finest timber is found on the banks
of the numerous streams, is alone sufficient to invite to
the further settlement of the country when known. But this
is not all. The winters are so mild that it has never yet
been found necessary to house cattle, or provide winter food
for them. They thrive and multiply beyond expectation.

Salmon are procured in great profusion in almost all the
streams, and ready markets are found for them, as well as
all the other products of the territory, in the markets of
Mexico, South America, and the numerous islands of the
Pacific Ocean. Thus, from its position in the Pacific, it
has all the advantages which we possess in the Atlantic
Ocean; gaining in the China what might be considered as
partly lost from the European trade.

The tract of country to which I have more particularly
alluded is about two hundred and fifty miles long, including
the mouth of the Columbia River, and reaching to about one
hundred and fifty miles from the coast. This tract of
country I considered quite equal, if not superior to
Pennsylvania, both in commercial position and capability in
agricultural product, and much superior in its advantages
for raising cattle, etc., being generally interspersed with
prairie and woodland.

Would the above hasty notes prove satisfactory to you or any
of your friends, or if they only serve to awaken a spirit of
inquiry, it will always be a source of pleasure to me in
having communicated them.

With great respect, I have the honor to remain, yours truly,

TITIAN R. PEALE.

_To Thomas Morgan, Esq., Washington, Pennsylvania._

* * * * *

Letter by Peter H. Burnett to the _St. Louis Reporter_:

Taken from the _Ohio Statesman_ of September 11, 1844.

FORT VANCOUVER, November 10, 1843.

FRIEND PENN: I reached here on yesterday, and the grass is
now as luxuriant as a wheat field. Provisions are abundant
here, and Doctor McLoughlin (who is the most liberal and
hospitable man in the world,) furnishes the emigrants with
wheat to be paid for in cash or in wheat next year. At the
Cascades we met provisions sent us by the Doctor, and all
purchased who applied, even without money. Two boats have
been sent us with provisions, and the Doctor has lent two
boats to the emigrants free of charge. We find him doing
everything to aid the emigrants; and those who are here in
the Wallamette Valley, are as hospitable as they could
possibly afford to be. Business is very brisk, and labor
finds ready employment and prompt payment at high prices.
Necessaries of all kinds can be procured at Vancouver.

Most of the emigrants have reached here with their cattle
and baggage, and will soon have their wagons here also. We
find that cattle bear a fine price here and will sell
readily. Cows at from $50 to $75, oxen at from $50 to $100
per yoke; labor $1 per day; beef from 5 to 6 cents; salt
salmon $9 to $10 per barrel of about 300 pounds; wheat $1;
flour $4 per 100 pounds. Anything can be sold here. Butter
from 25 to 37½ cents; sugar, tea, coffee, and dry
goods--plenty. American horses bear better prices than they
do in the States.

The country exceeds my expectations, and certainly if man
can not supply all his wants here he can not anywhere.
Lieutenant Fremont, who bears this, can give you further
information. I must close as he leaves immediately.

PETER H. BURNETT.

* * * * *

Letter of Peter H. Burnett's, taken from the _Ohio Statesman_ of October 23, 1844, which quotes it from the _Globe_, Washington:

LINNTON, Oregon, July 25, 1844.

I am here in our new town, which we have named as above, in
respect for Doctor Linn's services for this territory. Gen.
M. McCalla [M. M. McCarver] and myself have laid out the
town together. He is a gentleman from Iowa Territory, and
laid out Burlington, the seat of government. He is an
enterprising man. Our place is ten miles from Vancouver, on
the west bank of the Wallamette River, at the head of
navigation, and three or four miles above the mouth of the
Wallamette, and twenty-five miles below the Wallamette
Falls. I have no doubt but that this place will be the great
commercial town in the territory. We are selling lots at $50
each, and sell them fast at that. At the falls there is
quite a town already. I own two lots in Oregon City (the
town at the falls). They are said to be worth $200 each. I
got them of Doctor McLoughlin for two lots here in Linnton.
I was six weeks at Vancouver, where myself and family were
most hospitably entertained by Doctor McLoughlin, free of
charge. He has been a great friend to me, and has done much
for this emigration generally. I find provisions high--pork
10 cents, potatoes 40 cents, flour $4 per hundred.

But I find it costs me a little, even less to live here than
at Weston. I paid for wood the last year I lived at Weston
$75, for corn and fodder $50, all of which is saved here. We
use much less pork here than in Missouri. The salmon are
running now and will continue to run until October next.
They generally commence running the last of February and end
in October. I have had several messes of fresh salmon. At
this point we purchase of the Indians ducks, geese, swans,
salmon, potatoes, feathers, and venison, for little or
nothing. Ducks, four loads; geese, eight loads; swans, ten
loads; salmon, four loads of powder and shot each. Feathers
cost about twelve and a half cents a pound. There are more
ducks, etc., here than you ever saw; also pheasants in great
numbers. They remain here all the winter. I have hunted very
little, being too busy. We find it very profitable to get of
the Indians, to whom we trade old shirts, pantaloons, vests,
and all sorts of clothing. They are more anxious to purchase
clothes than any people you ever saw. You can sell anything
here that was ever sold. Stocking Cary ploughs $5 each. We
have an excellent blacksmith living in our place who makes
first rate Cary ploughs at thirty-one and a quarter cents a
pound, he finding it. [Omitting an elaborate description of
the Willamette Valley.] American cows are worth here from
$50 to $75; American horses from $50 to $75; oxen from $75
to $125 per yoke. This is the finest country for grazing
cattle you ever saw. They keep fat all winter. Butter sells
at 20 to 25 cents. And, what I did not expect to find, this
is a good country for hogs. At all events you have here
plenty of grass, a root they call wappato, and also plenty
of white oak mast. A first rate market can be had for any
and everything, and you have never seen business more brisk.
Times are first rate and everybody is busy. The
manufacturing power is unsurpassed in the world. There are
more fine sites than you ever saw. Such water power as that
at the falls of Platte can be found everywhere. * *