Oregon historical quarterly

lh 'I''

FbRONTQ

! :

THE

QUARTERLY

OF THE

VOLUME XVII

MARCH, 1916— DECEMBER, 1916

Edited by

FREDERIC GEORGE YOUNG

Portland. Oregon

The Ivy Press

1916

[I]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
ASTORIANS, DlD THE RETURNING, USE SOUTH PASS — A LETTER

BY RAMSAY CROOKS
By Harrison C. Dale 47- 51

INDIAN, THE, OF THE NORTHWEST AS REVEALED BY THE EARLIEST

JOURNALS
By O. B. Sperlin 1-43

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION, 1850, THE. SETTLEMENT OF

THE UMPQUA VALLEY — ITS OUTCOME
By Socrates Scholfield 341-357

LINCOLN, OREGON'S NOMINATION OF

By Leslie M. Scott ,. .201-214

McLoucHLiN, DR. JOHN, INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO LETTER OF, TO

SIR GEORGE SIMPSON, MARCH 20, 1844
By Katharine B. Judson 215-239

MINTO, JOHN, A TRIBUTE TO

By William Galloway 44-46

PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC, THE MOVEMENT IN OREGON FOR THE

ESTABLISHMENT OF A
By Dorothy Hull 177-200

REMINISCENCES OF MRS. FRANK COLLINS, NEE MARTHA ELIZABETH

GILLIAM
By Fred Lockley 358-372

REMINISCENCES, EXTRACTS FROM UNPUBLISHED

By H. R. Kincaid 77-106

SLAVERY, SOME DOCUMENTARY RECORDS OF, IN OREGON

By Fred Lockley 107-115

DOCUMENTS

CROOKS, RAMSAY, A LETTER OF, ON THE DISCOVERY OF SOUTH PASS

Introduction to by Harrison C. Dale 47- 51

DAY, JOHN, LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF. Editorial Notes by

T. C. Elliott 373-379

FISHER, REVEREND EZRA, CORRESPONDENCE OF
Edited by Sarah Fisher Henderson
Nellie Edith Latourette
Kenneth Scott Latourette

55-76; 147-176; 267-339; 431-480

[III]

Page
HUDSON'S BAY CONTRACT, A

Notes by T. C Elliott 53~ 54

LEE, REVEREND JASON, DIARY OF

116-146; 240-266; 397-430

WRIGHT, ELIHU, LETTERS OF TO His BROTHER, SAMUEL WRIGHT

Introductory Note by Geo. H. Himes 380-396

AUTHORS

DALE, HARRISON C., Did the Returning Astorians Use the South

Pass— A Letter of Ramsay Crooks 47- 51

ELLIOTT, T. C., Notes Explanatory of A Hudson's Bay Contract. . 52- 54

-Editorial Notes for the Last Will and Testament of John

Day 373-379

GALLOWAY, WILLIAM, A Tribute to John Minto 44- 46

HIMES, GEO. H., Introductory Note to Letters of Elihu Wright. .380-396

HULL, DOROTHY, The Movement in Oregon for the Establish-
ment of a Pacific Coast Republic 177-200

JUDSON, KATHARINE B., Introductory Note to Letter of Dr. John

McLoughlin to Sir George Simpson, March 20, 1844 215-239

KINCAID, H. R., Extracts from Unpublished Reminiscences 77-106

LOCKLEY, FRED, Some Documentary Records of Slavery in

Oregon 107-115

— , Reminiscences of Mrs. Frank Collins, nee Martha Elisa-
beth Gilliam 358-372

SCHOLFIELD, SOCRATES, The Klamath Exploring Expedition, i#50. 341-357
SCOTT, LESLIE M., Oregon's Nomination of Lincoln 201-214

SPERLIN, O. B., The Indian of the Northwest as Revealed by the

Earliest Journals . 1- 43

IVI]

THE QUARTERLY

of the

Oregon Historical Society

VOLUME XVII MARCH, 1916 NUMBER 1

The Quarterly disavows responsibility for the positions taken by contributors to its pages

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST AS

REVEALED BY THE EARLIEST

JOURNALS.*

O. B. SPERUN, Tacoma, Washington.

When Alexander Mackenzie in 1789 was exploring the great
river which bears his name, he asked everywhere for informa-
tion concerning the tribes west of the Rocky Mountains. He
was told1 that natives on the river to the southwest which
falls into the Belhoullay Teo or White Man's Lake were of
gigantic stature, very wicked, and adorned with wings; that
they fed on gigantic birds ; and that they possessed the extra-
ordinary power of killing common men with a look of the eye.
These native reports of native contemporaries, even to the

*This paper was read before the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Ore-
gon Historical Society, December 18, 1915.

For this study I have found my greatest and most valuable storehouse in
the Provincial Library at Victoria, British Columbia. Mr. E. O. S. Scholefield,
Provincial Librarian, has done more to unearth needed material than I had
imagined could be accomplished. His extensive knowledge of Northwest history
ha* guided me, his kindness and helpfulness have more than encouraged me. I
wish to express my deep appreciation of the Provincial Library and my sincerest
thanks to Mr. Scholefield. Mr. Charles W. Smith, of the Reference Department
of the University of Washington Library, has also been a genuine help to me on
numerous occasions. In the earlier stages of the investigation I drew heavily
upon the Northwest collections of the Tacoma Public Library, the Seattle Public
Library, and the Washington State Historical Society. For the Transactions of the
Oregon Pioneer Association I am indebted to Mr. George H. Himes, Curator of the
Oregon Historical Society. To Mr. T. C. Elliott, of Walla Walla, I am rery
grateful for being permitted to examine the proof-sheets of Thompson's auto-
biography, in process of publication by the Champlain Society of Toronto.

i Voyages: Vol. I., Ch. VI.

2 O. B. SPERLIN

linking of "wings" with "very wicked," we now know to be
fiction; but fiction no more misleading than when we let our
concepts of "siwash," "buck," and "squaw" represent the orig-
inal inhabitants of the Northwest. Other fiction more insid-
ious has passed in the guise of truth for the last century — more
insidious because it has passed under the name of "historical"
fiction; it has even been labeled, and has thereby libeled, his-
tory.

"How would our history read, how would the story of the
advance of white men into our country differ, if it had been
written by Indians instead of by New England Puritans?"
dramatically inquired an Indian neighbor2 of ours at the organ-
ization of the Northwestern Federation of American Indians.
Historians have been prone to estimate the Indian by what he
became after commerce had brought degradation and while
government was bringing slaughter. The study of the native
in his native life and character has been notably inadequate.
To some, indeed, information for such study has seemed utter-
ly inaccessible ; for Indians have left no monuments to per-
petuate their history, no names ever to associate with their
deeds. By the inexorable force of their sacred custom, when
the hero died his name grew silent forever upon the lips of
men; name and deed alike were lost in oblivion. Is so little
known of the Indian before the white man came that we must
depend upon fiction for our reconstruction of that era? Or
is there a body of historical records still available but scarcely
known through which we may forego fiction and get a glimpse
of reality?

The purpose of the present study is to examine every known
record of first contact between Indians of the Northwest and
explorers and traders, in order to see what light, though ever
so checkered, these original journals throw upon the char-
acter of the native races: and to investigate in particular the
Indian's hospitality, religion, probity, government, industry, and
home, or his lack of these, and to review therewith his known

2 Henry Sicade: Tacoma, 1914.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 3

vices. It has been the pleasure of the writer to examine the
original journals, either as transcripts or in published form,
which describe upwards of one hundred cases of first contact ;
and he is convinced that secondary authorities3 in at least nine
other cases are worthy of consideration. These one hundred
and more cases cover the seventy years just preceding the end
of the first year of Astoria. The writer is aware that cases
of first contact between whole tribes and white men are re-
corded as taking place even in his own state as late as 1852 ;4
but he is of the opinion that by 1812 indirect influences radiat-
ing from trading establishments and coasting vessels were
sufficient (ever so little might be sufficient) to invalidate con-
clusions based thereon. These cases, chronologically arranged
following 1741 and preserving the (original tribe or band
name in the comparatively few cases where the journalists
used them, are as follows :

Chirikof among the Sitkas; Bering at Kayak Island and
among the Aleuts ; Giotto f among the Koniagas ; Perez among
the Haidas and the Nootkas; Heceta and Quadra among the
Allequas and the Quinaults ; Heceta among the Clayoquots ;
Quadra among the Sitkas and the Kaicanies ; Cook among the
Nootkas, the Chugatches, and the Nuchusks; Arteaga and
Quadra among the Ucalenzies; La Perouse among the Hoo-
nids ; Barkley among the Pacheenas and the Quilliutes ; Dixon
among the Yakutats, Hippas, Cumshawas, Massets, and Nin-
stints ; Portlock among a northern band of Sitkas or the south-
ern Hoonids; Meares among the Tatooches, Willapas, and
Tlaoquatch; Douglas probably among the Sebassas; Duncan
among the Skiddegats, Skedans, and Classets ; Gray among the
Nasomahs, Umpquahs, Killamooks, Makahs, and Custas;
Quimper among the Sokes, Tsomas, and Clallams ; Elisa among
the Songhies; Gray among the Quatsinos and Skeenas; Nar-
vaeth among the Sanech, Cowichens, Comux, and Nanaimos;
Galiano and Valdez among the Namoose, Lummi, and Tacul-
tas; Vancouver among the Hunas, Chimakum, Twanas, Saw-

3 Sec List of Authorities, Appendix.

4 Report Indian Affairs, 1857: pp. 327-9.

4 O. B. SPERLIN

amish, Nisquallies, Chebaulups, Duwamish, Snohomish, Skagets,
Kwantlums, Clahoose, Squamishts, Nimkish, Ucletas, Coquilts,
Necultas, and Quackolls ; Gray among the Chinooks ; Brough-
ton among the Skilloots; Whidbey among the Chehalis;
Mackenzie among the Sicanies, Tacullies, upper Atnahs, Dinees,
and Bella Coolas; Lewis and Clark among the ShoshoneS,
Tushapaws, Chopunish, Yakimas, Pishquitpas, Claquellas,
Echeloots, Multnomahs, and Walla Wallas ; Fraser among the
Natlahs, lower Atnahs, Chilkotins, Asketties, Hacamaughs,
Neilgemughs, Achinrows, Swanemughs, Tahowtins, and Nas-
quatins; Andrew Henry among the Bannacks; Thompson
among the Kootenays, Saleesh, Skeetshoo, Kullispel, Spokanes,
Ilthkoyapes, Simpoils, Nespelems, Methows, Sinkowarsin,
Skummooin, and Palouse; Franchere among the Cowlitz;
Ross among the Piscows, Chelans, Okanogans, and at Kam-
loops; Stuart among the Shushwaps; Hunt among the Ban-
nacks and the Cayuse ; and Harmon among the Babines.

How were these explorers and traders received, how enter-
tained? We may recall at once the tragedies of Chirikof,
Heceta, Captain Barkley, and Captain Gray; but do we then
bear in mind that these are but four cases out of more than
one hundred examined? As the immediate cause of the vio-
lence must forever remain unknown in three cases of the four,
may it not be more profitable to examine first the cases of
favorable reception, where there are manners and customs
embodied which may help to explain the disasters which are
now so dark?

First, in regard to the mere ceremony of receiving a stranger,
concerning which Jefferson specifically directed5 Lewis and
Clark to inquire: The "national hug" of the Shoshones; the
discarding of moccasins and the outspreading of blankets ; the
chief's harangue with its vociferated "oys" of approval; the
ceremonial pipe of peace held to the four points of the com-
pass, to heaven, then to earth ; the white robe thrown over the
stranger's shoulders ; the community singing and dancing ; the

5 Original Journals: Vol. VII., p.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 5

making of presents; and among the Eraser River tribes the
shaking of hands even to the extent of twelve hundred at a
sitting — many of these are common to many journals. But
on the coast, as pictured by the earliest visitors, the bonfires
gleam through the mist; the canoes put out from shore; the
natives sing in time to the beat of a paddle on the gunwale;
some occupants, as the earliest observer, Fray Crespi6 quaintly
puts it, "make movements like dancing" ; the canoes make three
turns about the stranger ship; the birds' down flutters through
the air like snow and floats upon the water ; the chief, orating
and shaking his rattle, invites the visitors to his own harbor,
for the neighboring tribes are all "peshak" or bad; and the
cry "Wocash! Wocash!" in token of friendship rings out, so
Vancouver7 records, until the visitors are "almost stunned by
their graduations." Cook8 would call these Indians "Waka-
shians" from the word which was so frequently in their mouths.
If visitors meet natives on shore first, the latter stretch out
their arms to the sky to show that they have laid aside their
weapons; or they display the white robe or a tuft of white
feathers, or they cross their arms to the sky in token of friend-
ship. In a few cases, as Bering9 among the Kayaks, Gray10
among the Nesomahs, and Hunt11 among some bands of
Bannacks, the natives fled and could not be induced to return.
Here is an unpublished account from the pen of John Hos-
kins,12 one of Captain Gray's journalists, which, though em-
bodying none of these enumerated ceremonies, preserves and
defines the spirit: "I was received at my landing by an old
chief who conducted me with Mr. Smith to his house; seated
us by a good fire ; offered us to eat and drink of the best the
house afforded; which was dried fish of various sorts, roasted
clams and mussels. Water was our drink, handed in a wooden
box, with a large sea clam shell to drink out of; the chiefs

6 Crespi: Diarv.

7 Voyage : Vol. III., p. 307.

9 Lauridsen : Vitus Bering.

10 Haswell: p. 33.

11 Irving' s Astona.
I a Narratire: p. 37.

6 O. B. SPERLIN

son attended me, opened my clams, roasted my fish and did
various other kinds of offices in which he was pleased to en-
gage. After this entertainment we were greeted with two
songs, in which was frequently repeated the words, 'Wakush
Tiyee a winna' or 'Welcome, traveling chief." Incidentally,
while Hoskins and his fellow officer were thus entertained,
his men, freed from the restraint of officers, managed to kick
up a row, and the visitors from the Columbia fled into the teeth
of a storm.

Indeed, when face to face with the "traveling chief," what
wonder fills the native heart! "A very respectable old man
sat down by me," writes Thompson,13 "thankful to see us and
smoke of our tobacco before he died, he often felt my shoes
and legs gently as if to know whether I was like themselves."
The Carriers received Mackenzie14 with a mixture of astonish-
ment and admiration. "Do not you white men know every-
thing in the world ?" queried an Atnah chief when asked about
the geography of the Tacooche Tesse. The Tacullies offered
to pay Harmon15 if he would bring fair weather when they
were starting out on a journey. They thought that all who
could read and write were supernatural beings. The Indians
above the Falls of the Columbia thought Lewis and Clark
came from the sky — "rained down out of the clouds," White-
house16 puts it. The natives of Whidbey Island17 showed in-
expressible astonishment when they saw the white under Whid-
bey's clothes. At Point Gray they examined Vancouver with
the greatest curiosity. Indians on the Parsnip who had never
seen white men waited for nine years in the neighborhood of
one spot after Finley had turned back from that point in 1797 ;
their curiosity was gratified when Fraser18 came in 1806. The
old Hacamaugh chief at the mouth of the Thompson River
"often stretched out both hands through curiosity, in order
to feel us," as Fraser19 records. In some cases, notably those

13 Oregon Hist. Quart.: Vol. XV., p. 54.

14 Voyages: Vol. II., p. 167.

15 Journal: p. 301.

1 6 Original Journals: Vol. VII., p. 183.

17 Vancouver, Voyage: Vol. II., p. 162.

1 8 First Journal.

19 Journal: p. 182.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST

recorded by Mackenzie, Lewis and Clark, Fraser, and Ross,20
the sick were brought to be healed and even the dead to be
restored to life. The Cowlitz, according to Franchere,21 lifted
up the legs of their visitors' trousers and opened their shirts
with amazement. The Haidas, when Perez first visited them,22
placed their hands gently upon their visitors' breasts. The
Spanish friars had on board an image of Our Lady ; the Haidas-
touched it in greatest astonishment, to see whether it were
alive. The astonishment at the sound of the rifles, at quick-
silver, at the air gun, at the burning-glass, and even at Clark's
negro servant York are well known. On the terrible rapids
of the Fraser River,23 a chief said that though Indians did not
run the rapids, his confidence in the superiority of the whites
was such that he would not hesitate to accompany them wher-
ever they thought proper to venture. Many of the tribes on
the Fraser24 and the Columbia danced and sang all night when
the white men first came.

The Indian's attitude at first was clearly that of admiration
for superior beings, but not of worship of a supreme being.
More valuable still, their attitude was uniformly and almost
without exception friendly, until it had reason to be inimical.
"Thank Heaven for the favors we find among this numerous
people!" exclaims Thompson25 with his usual fervent heart,
after months of traveling among them. He had good reasons
for that devout thanksgiving. "Frank," "communicative,"
"generous," "by no means beggarly," "friendly," "cheerful,"
"most hospitable," "good humored," and "sincere" — these are
some of the epithets from Lewis and Clark, and these honest
observers are not alone. "They vied with each other in acts
of kindness," writes Ross; "very friendly," "communicative,"
"very kind," "very hospitable," "very peaceable," "generous,"
and "charitable." "Confident," "respectful," "foremost in
showing marks of greatest hospitality," "courteous," "liberal,"

20 Adventures: p. 133.

21 Narrative: p. 107.

22 Crespi: Diary.

23 Journal: p. 163.

24 journal: p. 182.

25 Oregon Hist. Quart. : Vol. XV., p.

199-

8 O. B. SPERLIN

and "good humored" writes Vancouver ; while "civil," "friend-
ly," and "orderly" recur probably a hundred times in his jour-
nal. "We never observed anything contrary to the most per-
fect friendship and confidence which they repose in us," says
Don Maurelle26 of Heceta's landing at Trinidad Bay; "they
were not only pleasant in intercourse but affectionate." Even
concerning the Indians at the Quinault, where a detachment
of Spaniards was cut off a few days later, the same journalist
speaks of their great cordiality. "They seemed quite pleased
at meeting us," says Eraser;27 "happy to see us," "pleased in
our company," "wished to be friendly to strangers," "they
carried no arms, as testimony to our friendship." Of another
tribe28 he says, "Knowing our indiscretion, and dreading a like
attempt [to run the rapids] they voluntarily transported our
canoes overland to a little river beyond the rapids." Another
tribe received him29 and his men as if they had been long lost
relatives. "One tribe," he30 says, "did not expect us, but were
so happy at our return that they lent us their canoes while they
themselves went on foot to their villages." When Thompson
was in desperate straits, due to the impassable condition of the
torrential tributaries of the Kootenay, a chief, unable to get
a volunteer to guide him, said that while he was alive the
white man should not perish in the mountains for want of a
guide and hunter. He went himself, and proved to be a noble,
manly and humane guide.

In countless ways their actual treatment bore out these nu-
merous and generous words of praise. Indians on Hood's
Canal presented Vancouver31 with fish, roots, and other articles
of food "in such a way as to convince us that they had much
pleasure in so doing." On Bute's Channel, when his32 boats
were in difficulty, they "voluntarily lent their aid to the utmost
of their power, and were rewarded for their cordial disinter-

26 Harrington : Miscellany: Don Antonio Maurelle.

27 Journal: pp. j$7ff.

29 Tc

30 1,

31 V

ournal: p. 187.
ournal: p. 192.
ournal :

1: p. 210.
/oyage: Vol. II., p. 91.

i* P. *3S-

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 9

ested assistance." Near Point Mudge they threw cooked
salmon aboard his38 ship as it passed by. At Cape Orford they
made the usual presents, and did not have the least idea of
accepting anything in return. But when he34 gave them beads,

34 Voyage: Vol. II., p. 24.

medals, etc., they stripped off and offered him their garments
and offered these to him in return, and were astonished that
they were to keep both the presents and their fur garments.
When Lewis and Clark35 were descending the Snake River,
a band of Chopunish delayed their march to warn the travelers
of the rapids and to pilot them through. David Thompson
records presents of good roasted salmon, antelope meat, roots,
moss bread, or berries, from nearly every tribe. He was usual-
ly invited or urged to remain. The Palouse forced a present of
eight horses on him,36 with a war garment. The chief insisted
that they did not wish any return for the present of horses,
but that they knew the nature of a present. Thompson paid
them with bills good at trading posts; but the natives could
not understand how a piece of paper could contain the price of
a horse. Ross, journeying up the Columbia, records presents
of horses and salmon, and invitations, usually urgent, to remain
with the natives over night or permanently. The Tushapaws,
according to Whitehouse,37 and the Chopunish, according to
Gass, made presents of food to Lewis and Clark, though the
captains class the latter as stingy. The natives of Whidbey
Island, according to Vancouver,88 "parted with their newly

38 Voyage: Vol. II., p. 286.

acquired friends with great reluctance." Broughton,39 the
first up the Columbia, speaks of warlike appearance, but com-
mends orderly behavior, great civility, and utmost decorum.
For the "Friendly Chief" among the Skilutes on the Columbia
he named Friendly Reach and Parting Point. Broughton was
supplied very liberally with salmon. At Gray's Harbor Whid-
bey40 found the behavior of the Chehalis "uniformly civil,

33 P. .269.

35 Original Journals: Vol. III., p. 117.

36 Ore. Hist. Quarterly: Vol. XV., p. 121.

37 Original Journals: Vol. VII., p. 149.

39 Vancouver's Voyage: Vol. III., p. 67.

40 Vancouver's Voyage: VoL III., p. 83.

10 O. B. SPERLIN

courteous, and friendly." When his boat was stranded, as he
tells us, they were very kindly, and by signs and other means
afforded them such assistance as soon conducted them into deep
water, when they took their leave and departed. Among the
Haidas Vancouver had only to sign to the Indians that he
was going to rest and the tribe retired to a distance. The
Nootkas importuned Captain Cook41 to pay them another visit.
The tribes of the Fraser were always desiring the explorer
to discontinue and remain with them. He was given presents
of roots, hazelnuts, skins, berries, excellent dried and fresh
salmon, and sturgeon. Apprised of their approach, the chief
came out to meet the visitors42 with roasted salmon. "They
gave us 40 salmon," he records, "and sent young men along
with us to carry them, saying, 'The Indians above are poor.' "
Even these "poor" Indians generously shared43 what they had.
Indians assisted at the portages with their horses and carried
part of the baggage themselves. He44 pitched his tent by
native camps and enjoyed entire peace and security. Indians
had only to notice that his45 men needed new pairs of mocca-
sins, and a coat of mail was usually presented to him for the
purpose. On his return journey, so he46 writes, "They assisted
us in passing our baggage over, which was of greatest service
to us, the portage being long and the weather extremely hot."
Perez47 was invited by the Indians to land and was shown a
good harbor. At the Fraser River mouth in 1792 Indians gave
mulberries and shellfish, and when they found that Galiano48
and Valdez needed water they went to their village and brought
some vessels full of it. The Indians on Valdez Island "allowed
but few minutes to pass without trying to point out to us49 the
dangers we were going to encounter and the mode and oppor-
tunity of triumphing over them." They accompanied the

41 Voyage: Vol. II., p. 286.

42 Journal: p. 212.

43 Journal: p. 212.

44 P. 182.

45 P. 214.

46 P. 218.

47 Crespi: Diary.

48 Sutil y Mexicana: pp. ssff.

49 Sutil y Mexicana: pp. 82ff.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 11

ship through the dangerous channel when the sun reached the
proper place on the mountain tops; then they sent, without
any request on the Spaniards' part, a canoe with a man and
woman to guide them. Referring to the Indians of the Gulf
of Georgia met by the Galiano and Valdez expedition,
Espinosa50 writes of "the joy on their faces when they met us,
and the kindness with which they treated us." Quadra records
of the Nootkas that he never experienced any vexation at the
hands of the natives. Bering's journalist speaks of the profuse
expressions of good will with which that explorer's men were
received.

Before leaving this subject of treatment, let us examine all
cases as Mackenzie's51 treatment by the Burke's Canal Bella
have little significance. We must exclude at the outset such
cases of unfriendly reception, omitting only a few that seem to
Coolas, for this was not a case of first contact; trading ships
some months before, under "Bensins" and "Macuba" as the
Indians remembered their names, laid the basis for Mackenzie's
ill treatment. A similar case is Eraser's52 trouble at the mouth
of his river in 1808. Traders for fifteen years had called
there. Nor need Quadra's53 troubles in southern Alaska engage
us long. In one case he ordered native canoes out of the
harbor. "They made signs," he says, "that we were the people
who ought to leave the harbor, which belonged to them."
Later he had a fight with them and killed some of them. The
fight was over two of his crew whom he thought they had
taken prisoners. When the struggle was over and an ex-
change of prisoners effected, he found to his chagrin that his
men had not been stolen away by the Indians, but were at-
tempting to desert him.

But we must consider for a moment Mackenzie's54 tempest
in a teapot among the Atnahs. He was not attacked, but hostile
demonstrations threatened him until the matter was cleared

50 Sutil y Mexicana: p. 153.

51 Voyages: Vol. II.. p. 27$ff.

52 Journal: pp. 2O3ff.

53 Expeditions: p. 3ooff.

54 Voyages: Chapt. VII.

12 O. B. SPERLIN

up. He had told them that he was going down the Tacooche
Tesse to the sea. Suddenly he began a retrograde movement,
to take a short-cut to the Pacific. His unheralded change of
mind and the poor work of his interpreters came near costing
him dearly. Harmon55 among the Babines writes, "They came
to meet us armed; they offered no offense, but showed that
they could defend themselves." Franchere56 records that
McKay and Montigny when attacked by the Cowlitz "dis-
played a friendly sign to the astonished natives, and invited
them to land for a friendly talk; to which they immediately
assented." Then the Astorians learned that the Cowlitz were
at war with the Kreluits (Skilutes) ; and for the Kreluits the
attack had all the while been intended. Eraser,57 returning to
the Hacamaughs, thought that their attitude had changed, and
that they were treating him coldly, until he learned that they
were actually starving, and the degree of famine caused the
disagreeable gloom which had so forcibly attracted his notice.
Meares's58 longboat under Duffin was attacked by natives prob-
ably at Nitinat, in 1788; but soon afterwards Duffin learned
that these natives claimed Tatooche for chief, and Meares
learned that Tatooche was at war with Wickananish, who was
Meares's closest ally among the Indians. The Nitinats, there-
fore, were at war with Meares in about the same way that the
Japanese are at war with the Turks in the present war.
Observe how, in these inimical cases, misunderstanding plays
such a large part. " Misunderstanding through ignorance of
the idiom may bring the most fatal consequences," writes
Espinosa59 of the Galiano and Valdez expedition. Hoskins60
says on the same subject, "Too often it is the case that sailors
when no officer is with them, from their ignorance of the lan-
guage, either miscomprehend the natives or the natives them;

55 Journal: p. 282.

56 Narrative: p. 107.

57 Journal: pp. 213, 214.

58 Voyages: Appendix IV.

59 Sutil y Mexicana: p. 20.

60 Narrative: p. 38.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 13

thus each deeming [that] the other insulted, a quarrel ensues.
— As well in civilized as in savage governments, from small
causes, great evils spring." Fraser81 was cautioned that he
should not take any village by surprise, or mischance might
follow. Cook62 describes the natives as quick to resent injury.
Indians considered that all products of their country belonged
to them; both Quadra63 and Cook came near finding to their
sorrow that all products included even water and grass.

There are but five cases of first contact along the coast (none
in the interior) in which fatalities resulted. In 1788 Captain
Gray64 was sailing leisurely along the coast of Oregon, trading
and provisioning when the wind was unfavorable for progress
northward. Above Cape Lookout, probably at Killamook Bay,
Indians in canoes brought out berries and boiled crabs which
they furnished without payment, thus saving, according to
Haswell, the lives of three or four sailors who were in the last
stages of scurvy. Then the captain traded for furs, the natives
taking whatever was offered without the slightest complaint.
Several boat loads of wood and water were also taken aboard,
the natives behaving with greatest propriety, but always armed
and showing that they were armed. While waiting for a tide
Coolidge and Haswell, officers, went ashore for their health.
They took seven men ashore with them to get a load of grass
and shrubbery for the livestock aboard. The Indians received
them in a most friendly manner, invited them to their homes,
and entertained them. One of the haymakers was Captain Gray's
negro servant, Marcos, a boy from the Cape Verde Islands.
He had stuck his cutlass into the ground. A curious or thiev-
ing Indian pulled it out and started off with it. The negro
boy, in spite of everything his comrades could say to the con-
trary, dropped his load of grass, and screaming, pursued the
thief. Other Indians soon surrounded him at the end of his
chase. Haswell and Coolidge, out digging clams after their
entertainment, heard the outcry, and ordered the chiefs to have

6 1 Journal: p. 160.

62 Voyage: II, 309.

63 Expeditions: p. 390.

64 Haswell: pp. 44-47.

14 O. B. SPERLIN

the cutlass and the boy brought back. The chief coldly indi-
cated that if the white men wanted these, they should go get
them themselves. The negro boy had caught the Indian by
the collar, and was crying out to his companions that he had
caught the thief. In the fight that followed, the negro was
killed with knife and arrow ; and Gray's men, as they retreated
to their boats, killed the leading Indians, and one of the white
men was wounded with an arrow. Gray sailed away, and
called the place Murderers' Harbor, a name which fortunately
did not stick. Such fracases have happened the world over,
wherever sailors go ashore ; and they need but little explana-
tion. It may be noted here, however, that the Indians con-
sidered the hay their property, and probably did not under-
stand at first that it was to be taken without pay. Cook65 had
tried to cut grass at Nootka ; he paid the first proprietor liber-
ally ; soon there did not seem to be a single blade of grass that
had not a separate owner, and his pockets were forthwith
emptied.

A second case of hostile treatment was that met with by
Captain Barkley66 of the Imperial Eagle at the mouth of the
Hoh River in 1787, one year earlier than Gray's fight. While
anchored between Destruction Island and the mainland, he
hoisted out the longboat and sent it with a smaller boat in
tow to go up the river whichh could be seen from the ship, his
purpose being trade with the natives. The longboat was in
charge of William Miller, the second mate; Mr. Beale, the
purser, and ten men. The river was found too shallow, as
expected, for the longboat ; and the smaller boat, with Messrs.
Miller and Beale and four men, rowed away up stream, taking
with them a sheet of copper for purposes of trade. These un-
fortunate persons were never seen again, though every exer-
tion was made by the longboat's crew to find them before re-
turning to the ship. The next day a strongly armed party
was sent from the ship in search of the unfortunate people. A
landing was effected and careful search made. Some portions

65 Vpyag«: II, 284.

66 Victoria Daily Colonist, Mar. 3, 1901, "Cruise of the Imperial Eagle."

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 15

of mangled and bloody clothing were found, but no part of
the bodies or the boat. The dreadful conviction was forced
upon the Imperial Eagle's crew that all had been murdered.
Captain Barkley proceeded to China with a good collection of
furs.

Another serious and mysterious case is recorded by Don
Antonio Maurelle and Bodega y Quadra,67 journalists of the
Heceta expedition in 1775. The commander's ship was off to
the south of the Quinault River, near Point Grenville. When
the Spaniards landed and planted their cross, the natives pres-
ent, in spite of this "insanity of civilization" were friendly and
carried on pleasant intercourse. Quadra's tiny schooner lay
some distance to the north, in a dangerous anchorage. Here
also the natives were "tractable in disposition" and bartered
skins with his crew. He68 says : "I gave them beads, mirrors,
and handkerchiefs, for which they endeavored to repay me
with abundance of various fishes and whale flesh. After this
reciprocal traffic I sent six men ashore well armed with the
boatswain, to cut wood, timber for a cap which had split, and
to replenish the water which we needed ; but disembarking for
their tasks, more than three hundred Indians fell upon them by
surprise, and as far as I could see, slew them ; for in the space
of two hours I did not see in the midst of the tumult, more
than one flash without report, from which I concluded that it
was a misfire. I also noticed that two of my people started
to swim to the ship, but if they were wounded, the coldness of
the water or excessive loss of blood would prevent them from
reaching it, and I am therefore in doubt whether they per-
ished from drowning or by the hands of the traitors." As
Quadra extricated his schooner, his men killed six of the
Indians and sunk all their canoes in sight. He wished to return
and make greater reprisals; but his superior, Heceta, over-
ruled him. One month later, as Heceta without Quadra or
a one of his men, was returning passed Point Grenville, ten
Indians came off in a canoe to trade. Some of Heceta's sailors,

67 Barrington : Miscellany: Don Antonio Maurelle.
67 Expeditions: First Voyage, p. 285.

16 O. B. SPERLIN

pretending to recognize some of those engaged in the massacre,
threw grappling hooks at the canoe, hoping to capture the
Indians and hold them for ransom in case any of the four
Spaniards might be captive. But the hooks only struck Indians
in the back and did not hold the canoe.

In a last effort to locate the spot where the Spaniards made
the first landing ever effected on the Northwest coast and
planted the first of many crosses for the King of Spain, the
late Mr. Gilstrap of Tacoma inquired of Quilliute Indians near
the spot in 1908, to find out what tradition had to say. The
oldest Indian, who claimed as usual to be over a hundred, said
that he had been told that the Indians were celebrating in their
potlatch house. The Spaniards were invited to partake of the
feast. Then the Spaniards wanted to trade for dried salmon.
Indians would not trade, for could potlatch treasures be
traded? Spaniards began to take the dried salmon from the
line anyway, and Indians fell upon them and killed them. This
tradition has a great deal to contend with, for it very likely
confuses the Spaniards' disaster with the loss of the seven men
by Captain Barkley of the Imperial Eagle twelve years later,
and it is also most likely that the disaster occurred among the
Quinaults instead of among the Quilliutes. The river was
named Martires and the Island to the northward was named
Dolores by Heceta; the island was renamed Destruction by
Captain Barkley, and the river six miles to the north was named
Destruction River. Meares gave the river and bay what he
understood to be the native name, Queenhithe ; it has since been
known as Elihoh, and Ohahlat, and finally plain Hoh; and in
all accounts since these early disasters, the natives of this re-
gion have been known as among the most inoffensive along the
coast.

The fourth known case of inimical treatment, alike serious
and mysterious, was that of the Russian Chirikof69 in 1741, in
connection with the real discovery of the Northwest coast — at
least a day before Bering saw the high mountains of the St.

69 Davidson : Tracks and Landfalls of Bering and Chirikof.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 17

Elias Range. Chirikof needed water, and he desired to ex-
plore for a harbor. He sent a boat manned by Demetrief and
nine others, fully armed even to a small brass cannon, and a
complete set of signals for every emergency. First came the
signal that the boat had landed safely; next followed signal
after signal for three days that all was going well. Then all
signals ceased; day followed day and the boat did not return.
Chirikof, thinking that the boat might have suffered damage
in some landing, sent his sole remaining boat under Savelief
and five men, with instructions that at least one boat should
return immediately after the missing boat had been succored.
The second was seen to land and the men were observed to
start off; but the gloom of night came on and there was no
preparation for return. In the morning two canoes, one large
and one small, were seen to put from shore, and the cry was
raised that the two boats were returning. Then Chirikof,
anxious to be gone from the place of so much suspense, gave
orders for all to be in readiness to sail. In the confusion of
preparation no one seems to have noticed until the canoes were
nearly alongside that they were filled with natives. Then the
Russian sailors came thronging on deck until the natives,
circling about the ship as was their custom in receiving strang-
ers, were frightened by the numbers ; and with cries of "Akai !
Akai!" the Sitkas sped for shore. Then Chirikof, heartsick,
cursed his ill stars that his men had frightened them off, for
he felt that his missing men were likely prisoners and could be
ransomed. He had no boats left with which to make a landing ;
a storm came up, and he was compelled to run for the open
sea. But the veteran loved his men, his followers for many
years ; and when the storm was over he came back and coasted
for some days, firing signals ; but no signs of either Indians or
his lost men could he find. The council of officers voted to
return to Avatcha, in Siberia.

Our American Captain Gray had more than his share of con-
flicts with the natives, but the supposed fight at Gray's Harbor70

70 Ore. Pioneer Association, Transactions, 1892, p. 80.

18 O. B. SPERLIN

(then known as Bulfinch's Harbor) reported by Porter in his
paper before the Oregon Pioneer Association at the celebra-
tion at Astoria, in 1892, of the One Hundredth Anniversary
of the Discovery of the Columbia River, seems to have been a
mistake due to a geographical error. The fighting, done chiefly
by Gray's side, occurred a year earlier, at a place called Chickle-
set village on Bulfinch's Sound, not Bulfinch's Harbor. None
of Gray's men were injured. Hoskins71 tells the story in de-
tail; and if there occurred a year later a second fight at a
second Chickleset village situated on Bulfinch's Harbor as the
first was situated on Bulfinch's Sound, then that was a marvel of
nomenclature that the Bulfinch72 extract made in 1816 from
the Second Volume of the Log Book of the Ship Columbia
should likely have mentioned. But Gray did have one78
more encounter, fatal to three of his crew, seemingly some-
where on Portland Canal, in 1791. Considerable familiarity
had grown up between the crew and the natives, and it is
not at all certain that this was a first meeting between the
races; near-by regions had been frequented by traders for
four years. A small detachment from Gray's crew, consisting
of Caswell the first mate, Barnes, and Folger, had gone some
little distance in the jolly boat to fish. They were cruelly
murdered by the Indians. Gray recovered Caswell's body,
and sailed away, naming the place, as previously at Killamook
Massacre Cove, and the headland Murderers' Cape.

Such is the record ; practically all receptions were hospitable
except these five. These were friendly at first, before trouble
arose that proved fatal. Practically all of the journalists, even
four of the five adverse cases, speaks in definite terms favorable
to the natives. All these seem to be cases of first contact, and
must not be confused with the hostile attacks and massacres
later as in the case of the Boston and the Tonquin. We need
only to read a few such journals as Ingraham's, Hoskins' or
"A New Vancouver Journal" to learn that the trade relations

71 Narrative: pp. 37-39.
73 Proceedings: p. 87.
73 Proc««iin«B: p. 75.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 19

had been be-deviled ten, yes even twenty, years before the
fate of Astor's Tonquin; and some of our American traders
whose names are now highly honored, were no whit less
culpable than the slaughtering Promyshleniki, the coureurs
des bois of the Russians.

When the Lewis and Clark expedition came below the Cas-
cades, according to Whitehouse,74 they found an Indian who
could "curse some words in English." It is reasonably certain
that this Indian had to learn English in order to do this curs-
ing; for the natives had no language for taking the name of
their god in vain. In fact, many of these early journalists
could not make out definitely whether the Indians had any god
at all. Of course this was due to the brevity of the observa-
tions in many cases, and to the fact that Indians had no temples,
no priests, no public worship in the usual sense. Most tribes
went no further in naming their god than to call him the Good
Spirit or even the Great Mystery; just as our greatest English
philosopher has called God the Unknowable. Thompson, who
was with the Indians longest and met as many new tribes
intimately as any explorer not even excepting Vancouver, says
that their religion was simple and natural, without sacrifices or
superstitions. They acknowledged a Great Spirit who dwelt
in the clouds to be the master of everything. Mackenzie75 says
that their religion was of a very contracted nature. Of the
Bella Coolas76 he says that they believed in two spirits, Good
and Evil ; they tried to conciliate the one and avert the enmity
of the other. Harmon77 says of the neighboring Tacullies that
they have a very confused and limited idea of the existence of
a supreme being, but that they believe in the immortality of the
soul. The Nootkas readily permitted Jewitt,78 a prisoner from
the plundered ship Boston, to worship his own god in his own
way. He79 says further that the Indians "believed in
a Supreme Being, the Great Tyee of the sky." Lewis

74 Original Journals: Vol. VII., p. 187.

75 Voyages: Vol. II., p. 24.

76 Voyages: Vol. II., p. 313.

77 Journal: 293.

78 Adventures: Chapter IX.

79 Adventure*: p. at 6.

20 O. B. SPERLIN

and Clark report that the Shoshones "implore the Great Spirit
for protection." Ross80 records that the Okanogans believed
in a good and an evil spirit, both invincible. Practically all
journalists agree with Cook81 that Indians paid no religious
homage to their carved images. Lisiansky82 says they believe
in a Creator of all things, who, when angry, sends down dis-
eases. Mosino,83 the scientist with Quadra at Nootka, says,
"They recognize the existence of a God the Creator and Pre-
server of all things ; a malignant being, author of wars, sick-
ness, and death; they abominate this odious origin of their
calamities, as they venerate and exalt the good God who has
created them." Don Antonio Maurelle,84 learning that In-
dians had a plurality of wives, inferred "with good cause," so
he says, "that they were atheists."

La Perouse,85 the French explorer, could not find the least
trace of any worship, though he had said previously that
before the natives came on board they seemed to address a
prayer to the sun. His stay was brief, however, and his ob-
servation centered chiefly on externals. Malaspina86 thought
that because Indians thought he was worshipping the sun with
his astronomical instruments they treated him with greatest con-
sideration. Quadra87 also saw indications of sun worship, though
otherwise he saw not the slightest trace of idolatry. Haswell88
reports great adoration to the sun, and the belief in a "supreme
god and a Deavle." Thompson says that the sun, moon, and stars
were divinities, above all the sun, who made the lightning, thun-
der and rain. By the most painstaking observers prayer was oft-
en seen and described. Haswell89 reports that he had "seen old
people appear to pray with great fervor and shed tears."
Thompson90 describes the chiefs as they made short prayers at

80 Adventures: p. 288.

8 1 Voyage: II, p. 318 and 334.

82 Voyage: p. 243.

83 Sutil y Mexicana: Vol. II., p. 137.

84 Harrington: Miscellany: Don Antonio Maurelle.

85 Voyage: Vol. II., p. 144 and p. 88.

86 Voyage: p. 160.

87 Expeditions: p. 318.

88 Voyage: p. 86.

89 Voyage: p. 87.

90 Ore. Hist. Quarterly: XV.,

pp. 42ff.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 21

their receptions to him. Jewitt91 reports that before a whaling
expedition the Indians passed a day alone in the mountains to
sing and pray to their god. Each fasted for two days; then
the whole crew fasted for a week, bathing and rubbing their
bodies several times each day. He92 records that on many
other occasions they repaired in secret to the woods to pray;
and that bathing was always a ceremony of prayer. He93
came upon women miles from any village, with eyes shut and
face turned towards heaven, praying; this going alone into
the woods to pray was frequent. Lewis and Clark94 say that
the wonderful fireworks display among the Chopunish of
setting the fir tree on fire was a kind of prayer to bring fair
weather to the traveler's journey. Thompson95 reports of
nearly all of his tribes that they danced "that we might be
preserved on the strong rapids"; "for our good voyage and
preservation to the sea and back again"; "each dance ended
with a kind of prayer for our safety." "All their dances," he
says, "are a kind of religious prayer for some end." "They
never assume a gay, joyous countenance, but always are of
serious turn, with often a trace of enthusiasm." "They con-
tinually kept blessing us, and wishing us all manner of good
visiting them, with clapping their hands and extending them to
the skies." Again he says that their worship was in dancing.
Ross96 says of the same tribes that on all solemn occasions they
have a short prayer, though there are no places of worship,
public or private. When Galiano and Valdez97 laughed at
Maquinna's prayer for good weather for their ship to sail, they
were rebuked by the natives. As they98 were leaving Neah
Bay the chief Tetacus, when the ship was becalmed, "turned
to the point from which we wanted the wind to come, became
serious, stretched out his arms, and began to move his fingers ;
he now closed one down, then all down, then put out two,

91 Adventures: p. 180.

92 Adventures: 216.

93 Adventures : p. 217.

94 Original Journals: Vol. V., p. 159.

95 Ore. Hist. Quarterly: Vol. XV., Nos. i and a.

96 Adventures: p. 288.

97 Sutil y Mexicana: p. 22.

98 Sutil y Mexicana: p. 37.

22 O. B. SPERLIN

then raised one, and left it thus for a short time, and during
all this he remained in a sort of abstraction which indicated
that he was praying mentally." Harmon" reports that the
Carriers, when the sun was eclipsed in 1811, "took their hands
full of swans' down and blew it through their hands towards
the sun, imploring that great luminary to accept the offering
thus made him, to be put on the heads of his sons when en-
gaged in dancing, and to spare the Indians."

Ideas100 of future life varied with different tribes and even
with individuals. Haswell101 records that they supposed their
departed friends became guardians and senders of the fish
animals that are of most service to them. "They think it gives
the deceased great pain to cut particular fish with a knife, and
that they send no more if it is allowed of." Jewitt102 says that
at death, property of the deceased was burned, destroyed, or
buried, not that it might accompany him to the spirit land,
but to keep people from the temptation to speak his name.
Ross103 says that the deceased's property was burned or de-
stroyed, otherwise the spirit would never be at rest. Most
journalists agree with Franchere104 that Indians believe in a
state of future existence. Thompson records several cases
which show how the idea of "Life after Death" was deep-
rooted in every nature. Indians like other races were all super-
stitious in one way or another. The superstitions were strong-
est regarding the salmon, the universal food, even for the
inland tribes of the Northwest, the failure of which meant
starvation. "Salmon do not like the smell of iron," the Dinees
declared to Mackenzie ;105 they said the same thing of venison,
that the salmon would smell it and come no more. When one
of his men threw a deer bone into the river, a native instantly
dived, brought it up, and burned it. So they would not let
him use his astronomical instruments, for fear he might

99 Journal: p. 207.

100 Alexander Henry: Travels.

101 Voyage: p. 86.

1 02 Adventures: p. 174.

103 Adventures: p. 321.

104 Narrative: p. 250.

i »5 Voyages: Vol. It., p.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 23

frighten the salmon away. Thompson at Kettle Falls found
that these things were not superstition, but based upon the fact
that salmon ran off when any pollution was thrown into the
river. Farther down the Bella Coola, Mackenzie was re-
quested not to discharge fire-arms for the same reason. If a
Nootka ever ate bear meat, according to Jewitt and others, he
abstained from eating salmon for two months, or the salmon
would hear of it and come no more. Lewis and Clark106 report
that at the Falls of the Columbia, the first salmon was divided
up, one piece for each child in the camp, to hasten the arrival
of the salmon run. Ross107 says that for the first ten days the
salmon among the Chinooks must not be cut crosswise nor
boiled, but roasted; must not be sold without the heart being
taken out, and must be eaten the same day they are taken from
the river. Franchere108 adds that if these regulations were
not observed, the river would be obstructed and the fishing
ruined. Many similar superstitions are recorded by later ob-
servers. The salmon played such an important part in their
lives that no wonder the cry, "Salmon have come! Salmon
have come!" was caught up with joy and uttered with ani-
mation by every person in the village, as told so graphically
by Harmon.109.

Music was closely related to religion. A common method of
expressing joy was drumming with sticks on roofs and sides
of houses ; but the Indian had a better way of expressing his
deeper religious feelings. The chants of the Hoonids reminded
La Perouse110 of the "plain songs" of the churches of France.
"The air of these songs — greatly resembled those which I
have heard sung in the Roman Catholic Church," writes Har-
mon.111. Mackenzie speaks of the Atnahs' soft, plaintive tones,
and modulation that was rather agreeable; it had, he said,
somewhat the air of church music. Hoskins112 reports that by

106 Original Journals: Vol. IV., p. 300.

107 Adventures: p. 97.

1 08 Narrative: p. 260.

109 Journal: p. 223.
no Voyage: p. 88.
in Journal : p. 305.
1 1 a Narrative : p. 99.

24 O. B. SPERLIN

1791 the Spaniards had been among the Tatooches endeavor-
ing to convert them to Christianity. The chief said that he
and several others had been baptized, as had several of their
children. This ceremony he went through, as also the chant-
ing of some of their hymns with the most serious religious
air: "Though it was in broken Spanish [Latin?] and Indian,
yet he imitated the sounds of their voices, their motions, and
religious cants of their faces to a miracle, at the same time
condemned our irreligious manner of life." These early bap-
tisms by Catholic priests solve the strange mystery which
troubled Galiano and Valdez113 next year when they heard
Tetacus (Tatooche) call his favorite wife "Marie"; which the
chief pronounced over and over till he convinced the Spanish
commanders that it was the real Christian name. After a
musical concert by natives for a chief who had been sick for a
long time over the death of his daughter, Hoskins114 asked
whether the music did not annoy the sick chief; the sick man
replied that the music was very pleasing to him; for, he said,
"a few nights since the moon when he was asleep told him that
if he had have had a great deal of singing his child would not
have died, and unless he himself had he would also die ; there-
fore he every day should have a concert." "Superstitious wretch,"
cries Hoskins, "but thou art a child of nature !" Marchand115
calls singing among the Indians a social institution. The lan-
guage of song116 was different from the language of conversa-
tion. The Indians of the north coast seem to have been espe-
cially fond of music, and proficient in the art as they under-
stood it. "Sutil y Mexicana"117 informs us, "Maquinna found
fault with our trills and all music in which the soft langour
of b flat predominated, saying that the one who trilled seemed
to be shivering with cold, and the other sang like a man half
asleep." Mosino118 says, "Chief Quicomasia, having heard
some of our instruments, said that they did not please him, as

1 13 Sutil y Mexicana: p. 3off.

114 Narrative: p. 113.

115 Voyage: I, 350.
n6Tewitt: Adventures: p. 129.

1 17 Vol. II., p. 151.

118 Sutil y Mexicana: Vol. II., p. 151.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 25

they seemed to resemble the songs of the birds, which amuse
the ear, without touching the heart." He119 further records
that chiefs had no use for poetry and music except to praise
their god and celebrate the deeds of illustrious living heroes ;
but music, he said, was used "profanely among the Plebeans."
Cook120 says that these Indians were fond of music and sang
in the exactest concert, great numbers together. Their songs
were slow and solemn, the variations numerous and expres-
sive, the cadence and melody powerfully soothing. Mar-
chand121 says that all beat time, and that they have so true an
ear that never more than a single stroke is heard. Meares122
was charmed with the music of the Tatooches, "for its simple
melody of nature ; proceeding in perfect union and exact meas-
ure from 400 voices; it found its way to our hearts." The
unknown author of "A New Vancouver Journal"123 thus com-
pliments Maquinna's entertainment of song, dance, and panto-
mime: "Thus ended this entertainment in which there was
something grand and curious and well worth coming the dis-
tance from Nootka to see alone." Fray Crespi,124 hearing the
Kaicanies sing, exclaims "By the air we knew that they were
pagans!"

To sum up: All except the French observer La Perouse
agree that the Indians believed in a good spirit ; that there were
no temples, no idols, no priests; that there was little public
worship; that prayer was common, especially in retirement;
that though they believed in "Life after Death," their ideas
of that future life varied; and that music was usually asso-
ciated with religion.

That Indians were honest and faithful to their word is re-
corded and exemplified by most of the journals. Mackenzie125
reports that they were remarkable for honesty. The wretched
Sicanies left the beaver skins as promised stuck up on a pole,

119 Ibid: p. 151-

120 Voyage: II., p. 310.

121 Voyage: I., p. 351.

1 22 Voyage: p. 157.

123 Wash. Hist. Quarterly: V., p. 305.

124 Crespi: Diary.

125 Voyages: II., 35.

26 O. B. SPERLIN

so that when he126 returned two months later he found the
skins there and completed the first beaver trade debt overland
west of the mountains. All the four journalists of the Lewis
and Clark expedition speak of the Shoshones as extremely
honest, and instance the lost tomahawk that was returned with-
out the asking, and the borrowing of knives and kettles, always
carefully returned. Whitehouse127 called the Tushapaws "the
honestest savages we have ever seen." Lewis and Clark128
speak warmly of the Walla Wallas' act of integrity in bring-
ing to them the steel-trap that was left behind ; they call them
the most hospitable, honest, and sincere people met with in their
voyage. Thompson shows of the Upper Columbia tribes that
they were usually truthful and did not tell more than they
knew of local geography. Fraser,129 following Indian geogra-
phy, laid out the first highway in British Columbia in 1807.
Duncan,130 first among the Makahs, was given the first Indian
information of Puget Sound, which Vancouver three years
later put to proof. Vancouver calls the Chickamun and many
other tribes honest in trade and traffic. Captain Cook131 says
that in his trading with the natives there was the strictest
honesty on both sides. Of the Muchusks on Cook's Inlet he
says, "They trafficked with our people for some time, without
ever giving us reason to accuse them of any act of dishonesty."
The author of "A New Vancouver Journal"133 says that not-
withstanding a treacherous, piratical disposition, the chiefs
behave with some degree of honor to those with whom they
make bargains. He cites: "Wicananish amongst others fre-
quently receives in advance from the masters of vessels (par-
ticularly one Kendrick) the value of from 50 to 100 skins to
be paid in a certain time, which hitherto he has commonly
fulfilled, and when the Butterworth and Jenny were together in

126 Voyages: Vol. II., p. 102 and p. 329.

127 Original Journals: VII., 150.

128 Original Journals: IV., 345.

129 First Journal.

130 Descriptive note to Dalrymple's Map, 1790, sketched by Duncan, and
•bowing entrance to Straits of Juan de Fuca.

131 Voyages: II., p. 270.

132 Voyage: II., p. 393.

133 Wash. Hist. Quarterly: VI., 64.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 27

that part I have understood that they could not purchase a
skin, as Wicananish was making up a quantity he owed and
had likewise made a promise to the person he was in debt to
to keep all the skins for him over and above the sum due, that
he collected."

Fraser134 records that the Atnahs brought to Mr. Quesnil a
pistol which he lost while out riding. He says that while many
things were left loose and scattered about in such a manner
as to afford all opportunity to the natives, nothing went astray.
He cached most of his goods and put away his canoes in the
presence of the Indians. Then he135 made another cache,
unknown to the natives. The latter was torn open by wild
animals; the natives saved what they could for him.136 The
articles in the caches left in their charge were safe, for Indians
had continually attended to their safety during his absence.
Another cache was kept safe by another tribe, though the
keepers were on the verge of starvation. "They deserved
much credit for abstaining," he137 says. He rewarded the
keeper, who immediately divided with all his tribe. Once on
his trip two Indians overtook him138 with a piece of iron his
men had forgotten ; and iron was like gold to them. At another
point, as he139 was coming back up the river, natives restored
to him various articles which had been lost in the wreck of
a canoe going down. Espinosa140 writes of the exactness with
which all the Indians fulfil their contracts. He relates that
Natzapa, on Vancouver Island, asked sundry individuals of the
packet San Carlos for sheets of copper and other objects on
credit to take to the Nuchiwases and obtain skins. "He had
the misfortune to upset his canoe. He lost his wife, whom he
loved dearly, his own property, also that of the other people
which he was taking. It would seem that in such sad circum-
stances he might easily have excused himself from paying his

1 34 Journal: p. 167.

1 35 Journal: 167.

1 36 Journal: 215.

137 Journal: 219.

138 Journal: 184.
1 38 Journal: 184.

140 Sutil y Mexicans : p. 155.

28 O. B. SPERLIN

creditors ; but in accordance with his ideas of rectitude he took
upon himself the entire weight of his misfortunes and worked
incessantly until he had paid all that he owed." Here, from
a Spanish scientist, observing Indian life, we get an exact
parallel to the heroism of Sir Walter Scot when he assumed all
the half million debt of his firm when the crash came, and
paid it all by his own heroic labor.

Of course Indians would pilfer and steal ; and the more they
associated with coasting traders the more the propensity grew.
Curiosity, "childish curiosity/' according to Cook,144 played a
strong part in the earliest thefts. Vancouver142 records an
attempt to steal a note-book which of course the Indians
couldn't read. Nothing so fascinated the natives as a scrap of
writing. This pilfering went so far among the Chugatches as a
plan to plunder Cook's143 ship, the Discovery ; and if Spaniards
set up an astronomical observatory ashore, "their importunity
and their inclination to steal," remarks Navarrete,144 soon
made it necessary to move the said observatory on board
again.145.

Government among the Indians seems to have been loose
and simple, but sufficiently efficient. Quadra146 on the coast
found all submitting to the old men of the tribe, and appar-
ently living in good harmony. Malaspina147 likewise found
chiefs the venerable old men of the tribes; but according to
Cook148 the chiefs were not always elderly men. Many of the
inland tribes had two chiefs, one the civil, and the other the
war chief. The former was the real head of the tribe. Lewis
and Clark149 observed that the creation of chiefs is due to their
ability, bravery for a war chief being a prime requisite; that
the influence of the chiefs is only such as they win, for each
individual is his own sovereign master. Captain Chanal150 of

141 Voyage: II., p. 312.

142 Voyage: Vol. II., p. 273.

143 Voyage: II., p. 360.

144 Sutil y Mexicana: Vol. I.

145 See also Malaspina: pp. is6ff.

146 Expeditions: p. 3i8ff.

147 Voyage: p. 155.

148 Voyage: II., p. 334.

149 Original Journals: Vol. II., p. 370.

150 Voyage: I., 358.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 29

the Marchand expedition, thought the chiefs were chosen be-
cause of ability in trade. No chief has power over the property
of individuals. Ross151 says that the chief's control is nom-
inal; the Indian maxim is that Indians were born to be free,
and that no man had a natural right to the obedience of an-
other. There is no coercive power to back the will of the chief,
yet he is seldom disobeyed. He seldom interferes in family
affairs, the ordinary routine of daily occurrences. Every morn-
ing at daybreak he rides or walks about the village and har-
angues as he goes; the business of the day is then and there
settled ; but he never interferes with the affairs of individuals.
This custom of the morning harangue is preserved to this
day; the chief in this determines the movement of the camp
as a whole, hunting parties, fishing, etc. Weightier matters
always are brought before a council, a government by the most
important men of the tribe. These councils are ceremonial and
always orderly. After the chief has opened the matter, coun-
cilors speak to the point, always one at a time and earnestly
and orderly. Mackenzie152 found the Dinees quiet and peace-
able, never making any incursions into the lands of their
neighbors. Lewis and Clark153 report the Shoshones and other
tribes very orderly, not prone to crowd around or disturb.
Captain Chanal154 says that in traffic they were orderly, no con-
fusion, no disputes, neither eager, urgent, noisy nor importu-
nate. Thompson, except at The Dalles, invariably reports that
the Indians behaved well, and were under the control of the
chiefs. Navarrete155 tells us that Indians deal kindly among
themselves, and do not allow themselves to be carried away
with anger. Jewitt156 says that there are no violent quarrels
between citizens.

There is no compulsion in going to war. Thompson de-
scribes the Kullyspell Indians' customs of mustering, which
may be regarded as typical. If a small group is anxious to

151 Adventures: p. 293.

152 Voyages: Ch. IX.

153 Original Journals : III., p. 14.

1 54 Marchand : I., 359.

155 Sutil y Mexicana: Vol. I.

156 Adventures: p. aao.

30 O. B. SPERLIN

get up a war party, the individuals put white earth on their
heads, and for a few days pretend to be crying for relatives
and friends who have fallen in raids by the enemy. If the
tribe favors war, others put on white earth and pretend to cry.
The movement gets so strong that the chief calls a council.
If the council decides adversely, the wearing of white earth
probably ceases ; if favorably, two good agents are sent to the
next tribe who are friendly. These emissaries go about their
work in the new tribe just as the original white-earth wearers
in their own tribe ; the same process is carried through. But
if the tribe is against, any who please as individuals may join
the war party. The tribes or parts of tribes thus confederated
for this special war now elect a war chief. If later events
show that the party is too weak for war, the end and aim is
probably changed to the next most dangerous and therefore
most glorious exploit ; namely, horse-stealing. But even in this,
to fulfill vows, some blood must be shed, if it is only that the
chief cuts his own arm.

A noteworthy feature of Indian government was the scarcity
of punishments, especially their aversion to corporal punish-
ment. Most tribes never punished their children, for they said
that it cowed and broke the spirit of the boy to whip him. They
objected strenuously even to flogging of white men by white
men under the then current military code. When Jewitt157
explained to a chief whose brother was insane just how insane
people were whipped in England to restore their sanity, the
chief reluctantly ordered his brother whipped by Jewitt's brutal
companion ; but when the chief saw his brother writhing in
pain from the white man's lash, he ordered the proceedings
stopped, and said that if there were no other way to cure him
but by whipping, he must remain mad. The Indian died,
haunted by the spirits of the white men he had slain when
the crew of the Boston were massacred. Harmon158 once had
the temerity to flog an Indian; in his own words, he "chas-
tised the chief severely with a yardstick." It looked much like

157 Adrentures: p. 177.

1 58 Joormal : p. 207.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 31

a mistake for a while ; but next day "the Indian came back and
now considered that he was my wife! He thanked me for
what I had done, for it had given him sense!" A blow,
especially in public, is considered a most serious disgrace.
Indians, though great rovers, were greatly attached to their
place of birth, and would not leave that region willingly for
any part of the world. They were contented and cheerful, he159
says, in the midst of severe privations.

Indian tribes on the coast usually held slaves ; among inland
tribes slavery was not so frequent. Slaves were either pur-
chased or taken in war. Most of them were well treated, and
were about as well off as their masters. Ross says that mas-
ters were kind and indulgent to their slaves. In paddling the
canoe, and in hauling the net, masters always took a hand
with their slaves. In most tribes women did much of the
drudgery and routine, although some tribes, as the Carriers160
and the Yakimas, men took a large share in the work of
women. Captain Chenal161 observed that the men reserved
for themselves the more laborious work. Indians, even the
men, if you please, were industrious except when food was in
great abundance and the climate mild. Ross says that the
Okanogans were always employed and industrious. Thomp-
son says that the Indians west of the Rockies prided them-
selves on their industry and skill in doing anything. Cook162
says that everything they have is as well and ingeniously made
as if they were furnished with the most complete tool-chest;
and worthy to be put in competition with the most delicate
manufactures of the known world. Even the degenerate
Carriers, according to Harmon,163, were glad to be given work
to do. They were indolent from habit, he thought, not from
nature. Hunting, fishing, traffic, and sometimes war, occupied
the men; root-gathering, berry-picking, garment making, and
household cares occupied the women. Shell money or hiagua,

159 Journal: p. i&afi.

1 60 Harmon: p. aga.

161 Marchand: I., p. 361.

162 Voyage: II., 373. 374-

163 Journal: p. »S.

32 O. B. SPERLIN

beaver skins and beads were the mediums of exchange; but
copper, iron, and sea-otter skins were financial standards along
the coast. Indians were skilled traders before white men came,
according to all accounts, and within a few years, according to
Marchand,164 the most skilled of the white race had little to
teach them. This trading often called for traffic over moun-
tain ranges, as from the Okanogan165 to the Puget Sound or
Whulge over the Cascade Mountains; or passed great river
obstructions, as on the Columbia at The Dalles.

Though their tools were crude and limited, Indians were
skilled in many lines of carving, boat-making, and fabricating
implements for fishing, hunting, and storing provisions. In
praise of their physical skill we have many notable accounts.
Fraser,166 describing their chase after wild sheep, calls them
really expert. "They run full speed among the perpendicular
rocks; which had I not ocular demonstration I could never
have believed to have been trained by any creature, either the
human or the brute creation ; for the rocks appear to us (which
perhaps might be exaggerated a little from the distance) to
be as steep as a wall ; and yet while in pursuit of the sheep they
bounded from one to another with the swiftness of a roe ; and
at last killed two in their snares." Jewitt167 describes the
wonderful skill of the Nootkas in taking the whale, the "King's
Fish." The coast tribes, both men and women, were accorded
the position of the best canoe managers ever seen; the plains
and mountain tribes, both men and women, were noted for their
extremely good horsemanship. In fleetness of foot one Indian
proved as swift as Drewyer and Reuben Fields, the best that
Lewis and Clark168 could trot out. At Priests Rapids Thomp-
son169 saw an old man who ran nearly as fast as a horse, a
marvel to him and his men. Fraser170 describes the wonderful
skill of Indians in scrambling the "Jacob's Ladder." "They

1 64 Voyage: Vol. I., p. 286.

165 Ross: Adventures: p. 291.

1 66 First Journal.

167 Adventures: pp. 122 and 178.

1 68 Original Journals: V., p. 117.

169 Ore. Hist. Quarterly: XV., 55.

170 Journal: p. 211.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 33

went up and down these wild places with the same agility as
sailors do on board a ship."

Lastly, let us consider the most intimate of all, the Indian
family relationship. Polygamy was permitted, but was not
the usual state, and was unknown among a few tribes such as
the Red Fish Dinees171 and the Yakimas. Thompson gives
us a most enlightening account of polygamy— more so than
any of the other journalists. He ascribes the cause of it to
the wife rather than to the husband ; unless she or her husband
have widowed relatives who live with them in the same tent,
the wife is unable to do the work when the family comes. A
second wife is necessary because of the great amount of work.
Then, too, friends when dying often bequeath wives to certain
bosom friends who they know will take care of them in the
sense of providing a living for them. Sometimes an Indian
man would thus have four or five wives, willy nilly except the
first ; often the burden of supporting so many was very great,
and the work necessary to ward off starvation was done in a
quiet spirit of heroism.

Indian children in a family were few, from two to four,
due to hardships endured by mothers. Mackenzie172 says that
Indians considered the state of women in labor as among the
most trifling occurrences of physical pain, and were justified
in this apparent insensibility. All other testimony was to the
same effect. Marriages occurred while the parties were com-
paratively young. The betrothal was usually arranged and
presents given by parents years before. Sometimes these
betrothals were broken, and much misery and strife resulted.
Most tribes of the interior esteemed chastity a virtue, viola-
tion of which was punished with death. Thompson cills the
Saleesh a fine race of moral Indians, the finest he had ever
seen, and he was a strict judge. Alexander Henry, Junior,178
said the same thing of the Saleesh, and he was undeniably a
degenerate. Chastity was not always a virtue among some of
the coast tribes, especially among the lower and slave classes.

171 Mackenzie, Voyage*: Ch. VIII.
1 73 Voyages: Vol. IL, p. 16.
i?3N«w Lj«ht: Vol. II., p. 710.

34 O. B. SPERLIN

Hoskins17* reports that Gray's crew found women exceedingly
modest; nothing could tempt them to come on board ship.
Dixon175 records a sensitiveness in regards to incontinency
which is certainly not surpassed among civilized peoples. "The
New Vancouver Journal"176 contains the following record:
"The women are very modest in their behavior, and cannot
bear the most trifling attacks of gallantry. An indelicate word
will often bring tears to their eyes; but as there are few
societies without a bad member or two, so it was here." Jew-
itt177 was sure that sailors gained a wrong impression of Indian
chastity at some harbors, due to the fact that some masters
prostituted their slaves. Other evidence indicates that Jewitt
was right. The earliest explorers, La Perouse among the
Hoonids excepted, give strong testimony to Indian virtue.
Ross,178 who ought to know, as his lifelong companion was
an Okanogan woman, says, "The women have in general an
engaging sweetness, are good housewives, modest in their
demeanor, affectionate and chaste, and strongly attached to
their husbands and children. Each family is ruled by the joint
will or authority of husband and wife, but more particularly
by the latter." Chenal179 says that husbands usually consulted
their wives before concluding a bargain. Mackenzie180 says
that though women are as slaves, their advice is sought in
everything except matters relating to woman's domestic situa-
tion. Clark181 says that among the Shoshones women "are held
more sacred" than among any they had seen east of the
Rockies.

Family love was a strong feature of Indian life. Natives
were fond of their children, says Mackenzie,182 but careless
in their mode of taking care of them. Maquinna came near
killing Jewitt's companion in captivity, for striking his son.
Indians, as said before, did not whip their children; shame

1 74 Narrative: p. 43.

175 Voyage: p. 227.

176 Wash. Hist. Quarterly: VI., 61.

177 Adventures: p. 131.

178 Adventures: p. 295.

179 Marchand: I., p. 360.

180 Voyages: II., 26.

181 Original Journal: III., p. 10

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 35

and the ridicule of other children in the open camp punished
them. The family members usually lived together in greatest
happiness, according to Lewis and Clark.183 The Chopunish
and the Multnomahs, they wrote, respected old age with ven-
eration. Mackenzie reports the same of the Atnahs. Has-
well184 reports the "collections of contributions at the chiefs
house, from which it was carried in procession to the home
of the deceased and presented to the widow and children. Like
donations, they say, are always practiced on similar occasions."
Ross185 describes the strong family attachment among the
Okanogans, and the special favors shown to the young in
giving them always the new and clean dress. Husbands, he
says, were kind and indulgent. Thompson says that women
and children were treated with kind attention. Vancouver
calls the tribes he met "happy, cheerful people." Fraser186
describes a guide who refused to go with him, alleging that
his wife and children would be subject to starvation. When
this was provided against, he went. The Hacamaugh187 chief
had his old and blind father carried by attendants and intro-
duced into the council room and given every attention.
Espinosa188 describes at length the warm affection and regard
for each other among the family of Tetacus, probably none
other than the great chief Tatooche. Wife-beating, as among
white people, was not unknown; but a blow in public was
beyond the power of endurance, as Thompson's Journal clearly
shows. In this particular case it led to suicide.

Indians were strong on bathing ; but the custom of painting
the face, body, and hair, and the lack of soap, more than
offset the effects of frequent bathing. Jewitt189 says that the
Indians bathed once a day winter and summer, and scoured
the paint off with rushes. Mackenzie190 reports that Indians
bathe frequently ; and that small boys, as usual, are continually

183 Original Journals: III., p. 126.

1 84 Voyage: p. 87.

185 Adventures: p. 297.

1 86 Journal: p. 162.

187 Eraser's Journal: p. 183.

1 88 Sutil y Mexicana: II., 36.

36 O. B. SPERLIN

in the water. The sweat-bath was an institution among the
inland tribes described by all but a few journalists. Lewis
and Clark191 record that the Clatsops washed their hands,
evidently a noteworthy event. The same writers describe
Indians as fond of hot,192 cold, and vapor baths, and speak in
highest terms of the cleanliness of the Chopunish. Thompson
testifies likewise for the Saleesh and numerous other tribes,
as does Ross for the Okanogans, and Cook for the Chugatches.
Filth was, however, one of the deplorable features of Indian
life, not at all in keeping with many other traits of character.
Cleanliness among but few tribes was next to godliness in
the associations of the sweat-bath, fasting, and prayer. Even
the lice-eaters, however, accounted for their filthy custom on
the ground of gratitude.

Although Indian vices were fewer than those of white people,
they had certain vices which all agree were native to the race,
for white men found them when they first came. One from
which they suffered most was a combination of gluttony, waste,
and improvidence. There were regular seasons of abundance
and famine; only few tribes had sufficient foresight to make
ample provision against the season of scarcity. Another vice
was gambling, the passion for which led to almost unbeliev-
able sacrifices. Suicide was rare among the men; and even
among the women and slaves, where life was the hardest, it was
not very common. Cannibalism was rare ; most tribes, notably
the one193 here in the neighborhood of Tacoma, held the idea
in abhorence. Indians made fun of white men for eating dog
and horse meat, so common among the Astorians and North-
Westers ; some fish-eating tribes even held venison in the same
abhorrence. Intoxication, later the Indians' bane, was un-
known at first, and was stoutly resisted as shameful and down-
right disgraceful. We have shown how in cases of first con-
tact Indians regarded white men as superior; but they were
soon undeceived in some respects. Drunkenness of the white

191 Original Journals: III.

193 Original Journals: III and IV.

193 Vancouver: Journal: II., p. 136.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 37

men was the immediate cause. Consider the following account
from Harmon:194

"Jan. 1. Indians asked if they might remain at the fort and
see our Canadians drink. The Canadians began to drink and
quarrel; the natives became apprehensive, and hid under the
beds; they thought the white people had run mad, and ap-
peared not a little surprised at the change. It was the first
time they had ever seen a person intoxicated."

With this it may be well to compare a scene from the pen of
Alexander Henry, Junior,195 which, although east of the moun-
tains, represents the Indian after the fire-water had been intro-
duced and forced upon the Indians :

"April 30. * * * Indians having asked for liquor and
promised to decamp and hunt well all summer, I gave them
some. Grande Grieule stabbed Capote Rouge; Le Boeuf
stabbed his young wife in the arm; Little Shell almost beat
out his old mother's brains with a club, and there was terrible
fighting among them. I sowed garden seed."

What a blessing had the trader sowed nothing but garden
seed that thirtieth of April! There were noble men among
the traders who resisted with all their might the urgency of
their eastern partners that fire-water be used as the most
profitable article of trade. One such was the great geographer
David Thompson. He made a law of his own that no alcohol
should cross the mountains in his company. He wished to
be free from the sad sight of drunkenness and its many evils ;
but his partners insisted that he must take it, and sent him
two kegs. He deliberately loaded these upon the most vicious
horse he could find, which vicious horse rubbed his load
against rocks and trees until he was rid of it. Then Thompson
wrote to his partners, telling them what he had done and
promising to do the same with all they might send him.

To many of these generalizations there is one locality that
is an exception, the region along the Columbia from The
Dalles to the Cascades. Explorers and traders, going in either
direction, always noted a change here. The experience of one

194 Journal: p. 196.

195 New Light: Vol. I., p. 143.

38 O. B. SPERLIN

can be duplicated many times over. Franchere, Henry, Cox,
Ross, Irving, Thompson, Lewis and Clark — all have their word
of condemnation for the Indians of The Dalles or Cascades.
The worst elements among the natives seemed to flock here,
till the place became the emporium of vice. The mouth of
the Columbia and many other places soon became vice-ridden
after the advent of the traders; but The Dalles seems to have
been so from the beginning.

This is a composite record, a record of observations by ex-
plorers, traders, scientists, surveyors, friars, adventurers, cap-
tives, lieutenants, clerks, and sergeants. Some of the expedi-
tions, like those by Perez, Vancouver,' and Lewis and Clark,
have three or four journalists, which are in substantial accord.
They agree in giving the Indian a better bill of character than
has usually been manifested by historians, Bancroft possibly
excepted. They show that the Indian received the strangers
hospitably, that they practiced a simple, unostentatious religion,
that they were men of honor, of simple industry, and physical
skill, that their government was simple but efficient; and that
the home embodied strong attachments, though it exhibited
at times improperly apportioned burdens. Indian vices, not
necessarily crimes, were such as improvidence, gambling, and
occasionally cruel treatment of enemies; but we cannot justly
charge the race with the alleged crimes of treachery, drunken-
ness, nor with atheism nor idolatry.

These conclusions are not radical nor startling; but if they
have brought even a modicum of justice to the so-called vanish-
ing race, they are worth while. We all know the story of
Sacajawea, the Bird Woman of Lewis and Clark. Two cities
of the west have honored her with worthy monuments. That
in Portland reveals the unconquerable courage of the west;
that in St. Louis portrays patience that endures to the end.
But I have often wondered what of the thousands of others as
faithful, as patient, as hard working, and as noble as she, who
have not had a world renowned expedition to celebrate and
commemorate their virtues. If we could but notice these vir-
tues more, might we not take a juster view of the widely
heralded vices?

APPENDIX

LIST OF JOURNALS CITED.

Barkley, Frances Hornby. Journal of the Imperial Eagle,
1786, etc. Transcript in Provincial Archives, Victoria.

Bodega y Quadra. Expeditions in 1775 and 1779 towards the
West Coast of North America. Translated from Anuario
de la Direction de Hidrografia, Ano III, 1865. Transcript
in Provincial Archives, Victoria.

Bulfinch, Charles. See Gray, Robert.

Clark, William. See Lewis, Meri wether.

Colnett, James. Voyage to the South Atlantic and round Cape
Horn. London, 1798.

Cook, James, and King, James. A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean
undertaken for making discoveries in the Northern Hemi-
sphere— performed — in H. M. Ships the Resolution and Dis-
covery in the years 1776-1780. London, 1784.

Cox, Ross. Adventures on the Columbia River, including the
narrative of a residence of six years on the western side of
the Rocky Mountains. London, 1832.

Crespi, Fray Juan. Diary of the Expedition of Perez, 1774.
In "Documents from the Sutro Collection," published by the
Historical Society of Southern California. Los Angeles,
1891.

Dalrymple, Alexander. Charts of the Northwest Coast of
North America. London, 1789-1791.

Dixon, George. Voyage Round the World, but more partic-
ularly to the North- West Coast of America, performed in
1785-1788. London, 1789.

Dixon, George. Remarks on the Voyages of J. Meares. Lon-
don, 1790.

Dixon, George. Further Remarks on the Voyages of J.
Meares. London, 1791.

Duffin, Robert. Journal. In Meares's Voyages.

Espinosa y Tello. Relacion del viage hecho por las Goletas
Sutil y Mexicana, en el anno de 1792, para reconcer e
estrecho de Fuca. Madrid, 1802.

40 O. B. SPERLIN

Fraser, Simon. First Journal, April 12, — July 18, 1806. A
copy of the transcript in the Bancroft Collection. Copy in
the Provincial Archives, Victoria.

Fraser, Simon. Letters from the Rocky Mountains from Au-
gust 1, 1806, to February 10, 1807. Transcript in the Pro-
vincial Archives, Victoria.

Fraser, Simon. Journal of a Voyage from the Rocky Moun-
tains to the Pacific Coast, 1808. In Masson's Les Bourgeois
de la Compagne du Nord-Ouest. Quebec, 1889.

Franchere, Gabriel. Narrative of a Voyage to the North-
West Coast of America in the years 1811, 1812, 1813, and
1814. Translated and edited by J. V. Huntington, New
York, 1854.

Galiano, Dionisio Alcala. See Espinosa.

Gass, Patrick. Journal of the voyages and travels of a corps
of discovery— 1804, 1805, and 1806. Pittsburg, 1807.

Gray, Robert. Log-Book of the Ship Columbia in her voyage
from Boston to the North-West Coast of America, from
September 28, 1790, to February 20, 1792. Photostat copy
in the University of Washington Library.

Gray, Robert. Extracts from the Second Volume of the Log-
Book of the Ship Columbia. In "Transactions of the Twen-
tieth Annual Reunion of the Oregon Pioneer Association
for 1892." Made by Bulfinch in 1816. Portland, 1912.

Harmon, Daniel William. Journal of Voyages and Travels in
the interior of North America — extending — nearly to the
Pacific. Andover, 1820.

Haswell, Robert. Voyage round the world on board the Ship
Columbia Rediviva and Sloop Washington, 1787, 1791-92.
Transcript in the Provincial Archives, Victoria.

Henry, Alexander. Travels and adventures in Canada and
the Indian territories between the years 1760 and 1776. New
York, 1809.

Henry, Alexander, Junior, and Thompson, David. New Light
on the Early History of the Greater Northwest ; the manu-
script journals of Alexander Henry and of David Thomp-
son—1799— 1814. Edited by Coues. New York, 1897.

Hoskins, John. Narrative of a Voyage to the North West
Coast of America and China, 1790-1793. Transcript in the
Provincial Archives, Victoria.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 41

Ingraham, Joseph. Journal of the voyage of the Brigantine
Hope from Boston to the Northwest Coast of America, 1790-
1792. Photostat copy in the University of Washington
Library, Seattle.

Jewitt, John Rogers. The Adventures of John Jewitt; only
survivor of the Ship Boston, etc. Edited by Robert Brown.
London, 1896.

La Perouse, Jean Francis. Voyage round the World in the
years 1785-1788. London, 1798.

Ledyard, John. Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage. Hart-
ford, 1783.

Lewis, Meriwether, and Clark, William. Original journals of
the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1804-1806. Printed from
the original manuscripts. Edited by Thwaites. New York,
1904-5.

Lisiansky, Urey. Voyage round the World in the years 1803-6.
London, 1814.

Mackenzie, Alexander. Voyage from Montreal through the
Continent of North America to the Frozen and Pacific
Oceans in 1789 and 1793. London, 1801.

Malaspina, Alessandro. Viaje politico-cientifico del mundo —
1789-1794. Second Edition. Madrid, 1885.

Marchand, Etienne. Voyage round the world — 1790-1792.
Edited by Fleurieu. London, 1801.

Maurelle, Don Antonio. Journal of a voyage in 1775 to ex-
plore the Coast of America, northward of California. In
Barrington's Miscellanies, pp. 469-534.

Meares, John. Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789 from
China to the Northwest Coast of America. London, 1790.

Meares, John. Authentic copy of the Memorial to the Right
Honorable William Wyndham Grenville, etc. London, 1790.

Meares, John. An Answer to Mr. George Dixon, etc. Lon-
don, 1791.

Pefia, Fray Tomas de la. Diary of the voyage of Perez, 1774.
In "Documents from the Sutro Collection." See Crespi.

Portlock, Nathaniel. Voyage round the world in the years
1785-88, performed in the King George. London, 1789.

Quadra. See Bodega y Quadra.

Quimper, Manuel. Segundo Reconocimiento, 1790. Trans-
cript in Provincial Archives, Victoria.

42 O. B. SPERLIN

Ross, Alexander. Adventures of the First Settlers on the Ore-
gon or Columbia River, 1810-1813. London, 1849.

Shelekhof, Gregory. Voyage of a Russian Merchant — 1783-

1787. No title page.
Sutil y Mexicana. See Espinosa in list of Journalists and

Navarrete in list of Authorities.

Tello. See Espinosa y Tello.

Thompson, David. Voyage to the Mouth of the Columbia.
Edited by T. C. Elliott. In Oregon Historical Quarterly,
Vol. XV, Numbers I and II.

Thompson, David. See Alexander Henry, Junior.
Valdez. See Espinosa.

Vancouver, Captain George. A Voyage of Discovery to the
North Pacific Ocean and Round the World, 1790-1795.
London, 1802.

Washington Historical Quarterly. "A New Vancouver Jour-
nal." Edited by E. S. Meany, Vol. V., Nos. 2, 3, 4, and
VI., No. 1.

Whitehouse, Joseph. Journal. In Vol. VII of Original Jour-
nals of Lewis and Clark.

AUTHORITIES CITED.

Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of the Northwest Coast.
San Francisco, 1884.

Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of Alaska. San Francisco,
1886.

Chittenden, Hiram Martin. American Fur Trade of the Far
West. New York, 1902.

Coxe, William. Account of the Russian Discoveries between
Asia and America. London, 1780.

Dalrymple, Alexander. Charts of the Northwest Coast of
North America. London, 1789-91.

Davidson, George. Tracks and Landfalls of Bering and Chir-
ikof on the Northwest Coast of America, 1741. Private
publication. San Francisco, 1901.

Irving, Washington. Astoria ; or Anecdotes of an Enterprise
beyond the Rocky Mountains. Philadelphia, 1836.

THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 43

Lauridsen, Peter. Vitus Bering. Translated from the Danish
by Julius E. Olson, 1889.

Porter, Edward C. The Ship Columbia and the Discovery
of the Oregon. New England Magazine, Boston, 1892.

Porter, Edward G. The Discovery of the Columbia River. In
"Transactions of the Twentieth Annual Reunion of the
Oregon Pioneer Association." Portland, 1912.

Walbran, John T. The Cruise of the Imperial Eagle. A Lec-
ture before the Natural History Society of British Columbia.
Victoria Daily Colonist, March 3, 1901.

A TRIBUTE TO JOHN MINTO*

By WILLIAM GALLOWAY.

On this the 157th anniversary of the birth of the great
Scotch poet, Robert Burns, I am asked to say something of
another poet, writer and Oregon pioneer, Hon. John Minto,
who never let the natal day of "Bobby" Burns pass without
celebrating the occasion with song and feast.

I knew Mr. Minto intimately from my childhood and can
never think of him without associating him with two other
noted pioneers of Oregon born under Britain's flag — Dr. John
McLoughlin, born in Canada, and Hon. F. X. Matthieu, also a
native of Canada. These three pioneers were bosom friends
and co-laborers in laying broad and secure the foundation of
our young commonwealth. Their remains lie on the banks of
the beautiful Willamette they loved so dearly, and no men more
loyal to the American flag or American institutions ever
breathed the pure air of heaven.

Mr. Minto was a native of England, born in 1822, crossed
the plains to Oregon in 1844 and settled near Salem where in
1847 he married Martha Ann Morrison, a pioneer of 1844.
Of this worthy pioneer woman it can be truly said she was of
the highest stamp of American womanhood and was no man's
inferior. Of this happy union there were eight children born,
three only surviving, being valued residents of Salem, their
native city. Minto was born of the common people, lived the
life of the people he so loved and died with a last prayer for
the supremacy of the plain people. He often said "We have
too many paupers and too many idle rich, but not enough of
the great mass of the common people who move the world
civilly, morally and financially."

Our constitution written by our pioneer fathers is the most
enlightened and progressive of any state constitution in the

Address delivered at Robert Burns memorial exercises held at Salem Janu-
ary 25, 1916.

A TRIBUTE TO JOHN MINTO 45

union. Our civil and criminal code, enacted by our early legis-
latures of which Mr. Minto was often a member and always
a valued adviser, has done more to break down sex distinctions
under the law than that of any other American state. Those
pioneer legislators who had toiled for six or seven months
crossing the plains with their wives and children in their ox
teams, had learned the value and superiority of true woman-
hood, hence under the laws of Oregon there is no sex distinc-
tion in the possession of property. A woman in Oregon can
hold land in her own name, can sue and be sued, can administer
upon the estate of her deceased husband, and is the legal
guardian of her own children, she pays taxes and has a voice
in saying how those taxes shall be expended. In Oregon no
sex inequality or sex inferiority is recognized by law, and it
can be truthfully said that no man living or dead has done more
to incorporate those sacred and inalienable rights of the people
into our statutes than our departed and beloved friend, John
Minto.

Mr. Minto was a most retiring man who accepted office and
position of public trust as a duty imposed upon citizenship.
He was eminently qualified and might have filled any office
in the gift of the people of his adopted state. He preferred
his muse and worked solely in developing the latent resources
of his state. He was a pathfinder in searching for highways
and means of communication with other sections of this great
northwest and the eastern states. I believe Mr. Minto. would
have preferred the honor of discovering an advantageous moun-
tain passageway for egress from and ingress to the Willamette
valley or the improvement of some species of our domestic
animals than the honors of a membership in Congress.

In politics Mr. Minto was a Democrat until the Civil War,
when he associated himself with the Republican party, though
he was never a strict partisan in any sense. He was a member
of the Odd Fellows and Elk orders, and when he passed away
was the oldest member of those orders in the state.

Mr. Minto was a student to the very last moment of his
long and useful life. He read and wrote continuously and has

46 WILLIAM GALLOWAY

left his impress upon every page of Oregon history. He loved
the birds of the air and the beasts of the forest, yes, every-
thing in nature from the flowers of the valley to the snow-
capped peak of Mount Hood. With such a soul and heart it
is but natural that the writings of the great Scotch poet Burns
should have held first place in his literary affections.

Mr. Minto died at the age of 92 years, beloved by all who
knew him or had ever felt the inspiration of his pen and muse.

DID THE RETURNING ASTORIANS
USE THE SOUTH PASS?

A Letter of Ramsay Crooks.

Contributed by HARRISON C. DALE.

On June 29 or 30, 1812, a party ostensibly under the command
of Robert Stuart, carrying with them letters and papers for
Colonel Astor, set out from the recently erected post, Astoria,
to return overland to the states. Stuart was accompanied by
Ramsay Crooks, Robert McLellan, Benjamin Jones, Francois
Le Claire (or Le Clerc), and Andre Vallee. Following up the
Columbia and the Snake, familiar country to them all, for they
had traversed it only a few months before, they encountered,
August 30, just below Caldron Linn, Joseph Miller and three
others, who had been detached from the main party of over-
land Astorians at Andrew Henry's abandoned post on upper
Snake river, the previous October. These men related how,
during the winter, they had traveled far to the south and east
of Henry's post and then, with the approach of spring, west-
ward again until they had been discovered by Stuart and his
party.1 They now proceeded together, but in a few days Mil-
ler's companions abandoned the rest of the party. Miller now
undertook to pilot the remainder on their journey eastward,
but, as it happened, his services were not particularly valuable.
Under his direction, they followed the Snake some distance
until they reached a country of great sandy plains. On Sep-
tember 7, they abandoned the Snake and, still under Miller's
guidance, wandered in a vague fashion until they reached a
river to which they gave his name.1 This stream they ascended
until September 12. They then turned east over a range of

i Washington Irvin
i Bear river accor"

ng, Astoria, Philadelphia, 1841, II, ia8.
ding to Irving, Ibid., II, 134, and, wit!

i Bear river according to Irving, Ibid., II, 134, and, with a query, according
to Coues, Henry-Thompson Journals, N«w York, 1897, II, 8*4, note.

48 HARRISON C. DALE

hills2 and then north along a large branch of Miller's river
coming in from the north.3 Up this they traveled, the first
day, twenty-five miles, and the next, twenty-one miles, encamp-
ing on the margin of a stream flowing north.4. Two days
more brought them to a stream "running due north which they
concluded to be one of the upper branches of Snake River/'8
This stream they descended about a hundred miles.6 Abandon-
ing the river, they struck northeast across the Teton range,
forded several streams, including the left fork of the Snake,
and, bending their course constantly to the east and southeast,
finally, on October 11, found themselves "encamped on a small
stream near the foot of Spanish river mountain."7 They
crossed this elevation on the twelfth, reaching on the other
side a stream a hundred and sixty yards wide.8 on the seven-
teenth, they passed two large tributaries of this stream rising
in the (Wind River) mountains to the north, and, on the
eighteenth, a third tributary.9 On the nineteenth and twentieth
they continued their course, striking a large Indian trail run-
ning southeast which they had crossed on the fifteenth.10 Con-
tinuing in general in a southeasterly direction, they followed
this trail during the nineteenth and part of the twentieth, but
when they found it turning northeast, they abandoned it, con-
tinuing their own way southeast. Next day, the twenty-first,
however, they turned north northeast, striking the trail again.
That day they made fifteen miles ; on the twenty-second they
made only eight but they crossed a divide. The twenty-third,
they reached a stream running south southeast, which they
concluded could not, however, be a tributary of the Missouri.11
Accordingly they turned due east all that day and on the twenty-

2 Preuss range ( ?)

3 Smith's fork or Thomas fork, according to Coues, Ibid., loc. cit.

4 Salt river, Coues, Ibid., loc. cit.; Chittenden, American Fur Trade, New
York, 1902, I, 209; Irving, Ibid., II, 138.

5 Irving, Ibid., II, 137.

6 South or left fork of Snake river. 91 miles, Coues, Ibid., loc. no miles,
Chittenden, Ibid., loc. cit.

7 Irving, Ibid., II, 153. The southern spur of the Gros Ventre range near
the sources of Green river.

8 Green river, Coues, Ibid., loc. cit. Chittenden, Ibid., I, 210.

9 The Sandy (?), Irving, Ibid., II, 159.

10 "Probably the regular highway down Green river valley," Chittenden Ibid
loc. cit.

11 Irving, Ibid., II, 165.

DID ASTORIANS USE SOUTH PASS/ 49

fourth and twenty-fifth. The next day, the twenty-sixth, how-
ever, brought them to the Sweetwater on the Atlantic side of
the continental divide.

Elliott Coues in his edition of the Henry-Thompson
journals concluded that "the pass they made can be no other
than the famous South Pass of the Rocky Mountains."12 The
same year, however, in reviewing a new edition of Irving's
Astoria, he concluded that they followed a course "very near
South Pass — perhaps within twelve or fifteen miles of it,
where they wandered off the Indian trail which would have
taken them through the pass, and kept about southeast till
they had headed the Sweetwater entirely. They then struck
east, south of that river, and finally fell on it lower down."18
In the light of this, the evidence of Ramsay Crooks, one of the
leaders of the expedition, is poignant.

In 1856 the newly formed Republican party nominated John
Charles Fremont for President and among the many qualifica-
tions for this high office which his supporters urged was his
alleged discovery of the South Pass. Ramsay Crooks was an
old man at the time, residing in New York City. Vigorously
hostile to Fremont politically and sickened by this fatuous
distinction of which the Republican papers were boasting, he
was moved to write the following letter to Anthony Dudgeon
of Detroit.14 The value of the letter lies not in the proof that
the returning Astorians came through the South Pass, — for in
all probability Elliott Coues was quite right in concluding that
they missed the actual pass, — but rather in the firm conviction
of one of the leaders and the last of the party that the return-
ing Astorians were the first to discover this famous gap in the
continental divide.

12 Elliott Coues, New Light on the Early History of the Great Northwest, New
York, 1897, II, 884, note.

13 The Nation, LXV, 499*-, New York, 1897. This change of view he was
induced to make after a discussion of the problem with Major Chittenden, Coues,
Forty Years a Fur Trader, New York, 1898, 29, note.

14 This letter was published in the Detroit Free Press, copied by the Detroit
Advertiser, and recopied from that paper by the Deseret News of November 5, 1856,
from which I take it.— H. C. D.

WHO DISCOVERED THE SOUTH PASS?

The Detroit Advertiser having asserted that Col. Fremont
was the discoverer of the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains,
a correspondent of the Detroit Free Press denies the truth of
statement and the editor of that journal publishes the follow-
ing letter from Ramsay Crooks, Esq., of New York:

"New York, June 28, 1856.

My Dear Sir : — Just as I was about closing my letter to you
of yesterday's date, I received the Detroit Free Press of the
21st inst, containing a laudation of Col. John C. Fremont
taken from the Detroit Advertiser of the previous day and
which (if it had been true) is not, in my humble opinion, a very
important item in making up the essentials of such a man as
should become President of this glorious confederacy.

I, however, presume it is intended to exhibit him as endowed
with uncommon intrepidity and daring in exploring so wide
a region, surrounded by savages and grizzly bears, thereby
proving great firmness of character, so very desirable, but
unfortunately so very rare in the head of a great nation.

But even if the Colonel had discovered the 'South Pass,' it
does not show any more fitness for the exalted station he
covets than the numerous beaver hunters and traders who
passed and repassed through that noted place full twenty years
before Col. Fremont had attained a legal right to vote, and
were fully his equals in enterprise, energy, and indomitable
perseverance, with this somewhat important difference, that
he was backed by the United States treasury, while other ex-
plorers had to rely on their own resources.

The perils of the 'South Pass,' therefore, confer on the
Colonel no greater claim to distinction than the trapper is
entitled to, and his party must be pressed very hard when they
had to drag in a circumstance so very unimportant as who
discovered the 'South Pass/

Although the Free Press conclusively proves that the
Colonel could not be the discoverer of the 'South Pass/ the
details are not accurate and in order that history (if it ever
gets there) may be correctly vindicated, I will tell you how
it was.

WHO DISCOVERED SOUTH PASS? 51

Mr. David Stuart sailed from this port in 1810 for the
Columbia River on board the ship 'Tonquin' with a number
of Mr. Astor's associates in the 'Pacific Fur Company/ and
after the breaking up of the company in 1814, he returned
through the Northwest Company's territories to Montreal, far
to the north of the 'South Pass/ which he never saw.

In 1811, the overland party of Mr. Astor's expedition, under
the command of Mr. Wilson P. Hunt, of Trenton, New Jer-
sey, although numbering sixty well armed men, found the
Indians so very troublesome in the country of the Yellowstone
River, that the party of seven persons who left Astoria toward
the end of June, 1812, considering it dangerous to pass again
by the route of 1811, turned toward the southeast as soon as
they had crossed the main chain of the Rocky Mountains, and,
after several days' journey, came through the celebrated 'South
Pass' in the month of November, 1812.

Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the
River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter
and reached St. Louis in April, 1813.

The seven persons forming the party were Robert McClel-
land of Hagerstown, who, with the celebrated Captain Wells,
was captain of spies under General Wayne in his famous In-
dian campaign, Joseph Miller of Baltimore, for several years
an officer of the U. S. army, Robert Stuart, a citizen of Detroit,
Benjamin Jones, of Missouri, who acted as huntsman of the
party, Francois LeClaire, a halfbreed, and Adre Valee, a
Canadian voyageur, and Ramsay Crooks, who is the only sur-
vivor of this small band of adventurers.

I am very sincerely yours,

RAMSAY CROOKS.

Anthony Dudgeon, Esq., Detroit, Michigan."

DOCUMENT

A HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY CONTRACTi

AN AGREEMENT, made this First day of March in the
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and
Fifty, between John Macphail in the Parish of Loch, in the
County of Ross in Scotland, of the one Part, and The Gov-
ernor and Company of Adventurers of England, Trading into
Hudson's Bay, by William Fraser Tolmie,2 their agent, of
the other Part, as follows :

The said John Macphail hereby contracts and agrees to enter
into the Service & Employment of the said Company in North
America in the capacity of Shepherd & Cattleherd and that
he will embark when thereunto required on board such Ship or
Vessel, as shall be appointed by or on behalf of the said Com-
pany and proceed to and for

the Term of one years to be computed from the said Embarka-
tion and for such further time as hereinafter mentioned and
faithfully serve the said Company as their hired Servant in the
capacity of Shepherd and Cattleherd and devote the whole of
his time and labour in their Service and for their sole benefit,
and that he will do his duty as such and perform all such work
and service by day or by night for the said Company as he
shall be required to do and obey all the orders which he shall
receive from the Governors of the Company in North America
or other their Officers or Agents for the time being. And
that he will with courage and fidelity in his said station, in
the said Service defend the property of the said Company and
their Factories and Territories and will not absent himself
from the said service nor engage or be concerned in any Trade
or Employment whatsoever except for the benefit of the said
Company and according to their Orders — And that all Goods

1 The original agreement is among the Fort Nesqually papers now in the
possession of Mr. C. B. Bagley, of Seattle, Washington, who has kindly permitted
this copy to be made. — T. C. E.

2 Dr. William Fraser Tolmie (Inverness, Scotland, Feb. 3, 1812; Victoria,
B C., Dec. 8, 1886) after two years' absence in England and Scotland took
charge of the H. B. Co. Fort Nesqually on July 5, 1843 (succeeding Mr. Angus
McDonald) and remained there until July, 1850, when he was transferred to
Victoria, B. C. Dr. Tolmie in 1846 represented Lewis County in the Legislature
of the Provisional Government of Oregon. — T. C. E.

A HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY CONTRACT 53

obtained by Barter with the Indians or otherwise which shall
come to the hands or possession of the said John Macphail
shall be held by him for the said Company only, and shall be
duly delivered up to the said Governors or other Officers at
their Factory or Trading post without any waste, spoil, or in-
jury thereto. And in case of any wilful neglect or default
herein he shall make good to the said Company all such loss
or damage as they shall sustain thereby to be deducted out
of his wages. And that the said John Macphail will faith-
fully obey all laws, orders, and regulations, established or
made by the said Company for the good government of their
Settlements and Territories — And at all times during the resi-
dence of the said - in

North America, he will defend the rights and privileges of the
said Company and aid and support their Officers and Agents
to the utmost of his power — and the said John Macphail
further engages and agrees that in case he shall omit to give
notice to the Governor or Officers of the said Company in
North America one year or upwards before the expiration of
the said Term of One Years of his intention to quit their serv-
ice and return to Europe, then that he hereby promises and
engages to remain one year longer & also until the next Ship
in the Service of the said Company shall sail from thence to
Europe as their hired servant in North America upon the like

terms as are contained in this Contract — And the said

also engages and agrees that

in case the said Company shall not have any ship which will
sail from North America for Europe immediately after the
expiration of the said term of One years or of such further
term as hereinbefore mentioned then he hereby promises and
engages to remain in the Service as a hired Servant of the said
Company in North America until the next Ship of the said
Company or some Ship provided by them shall sail from thence
to Europe upon the like terms as are contained in this Con-
tract provided always that the said John Macphail further
agrees to keep watch & ward and perform such other work
in the navigation of the Ship of the said Company in which he
shall be embarked on the outward and homeward voyages as he
shall be required to perform by the Commanding Officer of
the said Vessel.

And the said William Eraser Tolmie on behalf of the said
Company hereby engages that upon condition of the due and
faithful service of the said John Macphail in like manner as
aforesaid but not otherwise the said John Macphail shall re-

54 A HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY CONTRACT

ceive from the said Company after the rate of Forty-five
Pounds Sterling per annum to commence from the 1st day of
March, 1850, as aforesaid, and up to the day of his embarkation
from thence to Europe in one of the Ships of the said Com-
pany's Service or in any Ship provided by them.

Provided always, and it is hereby expressly agreed between
the said parties thereto, that it shall be lawful for the Gov-
ernor or Governors or other Officers of the said Company
in North America at any time during the said term of One
years or such additional term as aforesaid to dismiss the said
John Macphail from their Service and direct his return from
thence to Europe in one of the Ships in their employment or
in some ship provided by them and in such case his wages are
to cease from the day of his embarkation for Europe. — And
further that in case the said John Macphail shall at any time
during this Contract desert the Service of the said Company
or otherwise neglect or refuse duly to discharge his duty as
such hired Servant as aforesaid then he shall forfeit and lose
all his wages for the recovery whereof there shall be no relief
either in Law or in Equity.

In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their
hands.

WILLIAM ERASER TOLMIE.

his
JOHN X MACPHAIL.

mark

Signed in the presence of :
ADAM BENSTON.

(10 Decmr 1845)

John Macphail to have as Rations, 1 Ib. Tea, 8 Ibs. Sugar, 40
Ibs. Flour, 84 Ibs. Beef, per month.

To have permission to visit Vancouver during summer '50
after woolpacking is completed and then if required to take
sheep to Vancouver

Correspondence of the
Reverend Ezra Fisher

Pioneer Missionary of the American Baptist

Home Mission Society in Indiana,

Illinois, Iowa and Oregon

Edited by

SARAH FISHER HENDERSON

NELLIE EDITH LATOURETTE

KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE

56 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Clatsop Plains, Clatsop County, Ore., July 23, 1847.

Dear Brother Hill :

Your favors of October 26th and November 13th were re-
ceived June the 20th, and read with great pleasure, they being
the first communications I have received from yjbur pen
since I left Rock Island, 111., although I have written about
half a quire of paper to you. One letter, however, of yours
reached Oregon City; but our letters are all forwarded by
private conveyance, and it was lost. It was the one which
came on board the Brig Henry, Captain Kilburn, from New-
berryport.126 The pamphlets and papers, which were sent
on board that ship, were also lost. But Brother Johnson
received his letter sent at the same time. The boxes of
goods which you forwarded on board the Bark Whiton, Cap-
tain Geleston,127 will probably be here in two or three weeks,
and will be very gladly received, as we are brought to rather
straitened circumstances. In view of the small number of
inhabitants at Astoria and the difficulty of sustaining my
family there, we moved to these plains (Clatsop) about the
first of May last. This I did by the advice of our Baptist
friends in the Territory. Yet here we are compelled to
devote most of the week providing the bread that perishes.
Yet I think our position is as favorable to the promotion of
the cause of truth as any I could have taken in Oregon after
the one which Brother Johnson occupies. The future com-
merce of the country must pass within a few miles of us,
and we feel strongly confident that a port of entry will be
established near the mouth of this majestic Columbia, and
other public works must necessarily go forward in our county
as soon as we have a territorial government organized by
the United States Congress. At present we have but a small
population in this county. In view of the time being so
near at hand when this must probably become a command-

126 This was William K. Kilborn. The "Henry" is a familiar figure in
Oregon history of this time. See Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 414, 679-80; II: 24,
43» 48-

i27Galston, not Geleston. For the return voyage of the "Whiton" see
Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 620.

CORRESPONDENCE 57

ing point, I think you and the Board would approve of
my course, were you in Oregon to see and judge for me.
I am building a temporary log cabin this summer, which, to-
gether with raising my provisions, confines me at home. Yet
I intend by the help of God to spend four or five weeks in
the Willamette Valley the coming fall. When once we get
into our house, I could probably support my family with two
hundred dollars a year, with the industry of the family and
what I should receive from the people, and be able to devote
myself entirely to the ministry of the Word, should there be
any way opened whereby you can with certainty make re-
mittances, principally in articles of clothing and furniture
such as will be indispensable to our comfort. We trust the
time is near when the present difficulties under which we
labor will be obviated by the establishing of a regular mail
route across the mountains and by a frequent communication
by shipping from this place to New York and other Atlantic
ports. I trust before this the terms of a permanent peace
are negotiated between our nation and Mexico. O when
will the adorable Prince of Peace forever terminate the hor-
rors of war! I trust that tolerance to the gospel will be
gained to all the country which our nation may acquire, but
there is efficacy in our gospel to gain this victory at incom-
parably less expense, both of money and sufferings.

It is greatly to be regretted that we are situated so far
from your relief that we are obliged to leave our appropriate
calling to procure our daily bread, and I have often asked
the question why our hands must be bound, when there is
so much to do for the cause of our Redeemer in Oregon. It
is not because the people refuse to hear the gospel from our
lips; and God is my witness that it is not because I delight
in secular pursuits, at least while on every hand we see so
much need of the undivided, unremitted labors of a devoted
gospel ministry. But while we lie in this situation, other
denominations of Christians are beginning to lay a founda-
tion for future influence, and among them the Roman Catho-
lics are the most numerous and the best sustained by far.

58 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

We are in daily expectation of the arrival of a vessel
freighted with Roman missionaries, priests, teachers, nuns
and missionary funds to the amount, it is said, of $130,000
to be expended in Oregon. Can we, must we labor five or
six days with our hands and then, when the Sabbath re-
turns, go worn down in body (and shall I say in spirit) and
but half prepared to the place where God is to be publicly
worshipped and there meet the congregations and proclaim
to them the words of Eternal Life? But God is our helper,
and His promise does not fail. Even in these trying circum-
stances we often feel an assurance of the Divine presence in
the little groups to which we preach.

You request me to be specific in making my reports ac-
cording to the instructions contained in our appointments.
I must be honest in this matter. For the last six months my
labors have been principally confined to the Sabbath ; my
visits of a pastoral kind have been few. In our county we
have not sustained a prayer-meeting; but we are beginning
to make an effort to sustain the monthly concert. On our
removal to these plains, we immediately organized a Sabbath
school and Bible class in connection with the Presbyterians.
There are about twenty-five Sabbath school children and I
have a Bible class of about ten middle-aged and young men.
Mrs. Fisher and our daughter have each a class. We have
a small library of about thirty volumes and expect to obtain
an addition from books sent out by the Massachusetts S. S.
Society. We have made this temporary arrangement and
addressed the corresponding secretary of the A. S. S. Union,
soliciting a donation of books. Our Sabbath exercises are
conducted as follows: Preaching at 11 o'clock A. M. ; inter-
mission; Sunday school, after which we spend about an hour
in singing.

Our plains extend from the mouth of the Columbia River
along the beach south about fifteen miles, and, for the sake
of our Sabbath school, we have deemed it expedient to meet
and preach with the Presbyterians, the Presbyterian minister

CORRESPONDENCE 59

occupying one Sabbath and I the next, alternately.128 I
preached a few Sabbaths at 5 P. M. in the south part of
the plains, but it was soon found that a want of time com-
pelled us to abandon the evening preaching.

Our congregations are about fifty, on an average. We
have not yet taken any measures to organize a Baptist church
in this place, there being no male members but myself, yet
we think we shall do something on that subject this season.
We meet in a little log school house, about 16 feet square,
in which my daughter teaches a small day school of about
15 children. I have obtained no signatures to the temperance
pledge in the form in which you published it,129 but the frequent
instances of violation of the laws by introducing ardent spirits
among the Indians and selling to the Whites without license,
induced the settlers to call a meeting, which resulted in every
man but two or three signing a pledge that we would hold
our persons and property in readiness to prevent the unlawful
introduction and sale of intoxicating spirits into our county.
Little is drunk in the county except by the Indians and a few
Whites who are as regardless of principle as the savages
themselves. Perhaps I can say with certainty that for the
last four weeks we have had more than usual attention to the
preaching of the Word, although we learn of no instances of
hopeful conversion. We feel a strong assurance that a great
change externally has taken place among the inhabitants of
these plains within the last six months. A general desire to
maintain good order in society is apparent.

The people generally have not been accustomed to aid in
the support of the gospel, and as yet they have everything
to do to open their farms and provide their families with
clothing, which would be regarded very indifferent, even on
the frontier territories east of the mountains. I find neigh-

128 This Presbyterian minister was probably Lewis Thompson, a native of
Kentucky, who came to the Pacific Coast in 1846 and settled on Clatsop Plains
Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. II: 680.

129 Temperance sentiment was strong in early Oregon. There was a pro-
hibition law from 1844 to 1846 and a large proportion of the population was in
favor of prohibition even after there was no law on the statute book to that effect.
Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 281, 437, 537-9; II: 37.

60 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

bors kind, but it will require years to place them in even
comfortable circumstances. Consequently we cannot expect
much support immediately from the people. We have one
sister who has furnished us with more than half our butter
this summer. The people help me some in building my
house.

On the subject of education our citizens manifest a very
laudable spirit. We should have erected a school house suitable
for a school and meeting house this summer, but for the
extreme pressure of business to prepare for the coming summer.

July 26 — I have just learned that the Brutus is to leave
the first favorable wind and Elder Geo. Gary130 is to return
to New York on board with his wife. I therefore have but
a few minutes more to write, and much to write. I must there-
fore close this package in a few minutes and carry them ten
miles, deliver today and return.

I have several times stated to you the sum with which
we could be sustained by taxing every power of economy,
and even parsimony, without our reach. But were we to be
liberated to devote ourselves as freely to the ministry as our
brethren in New England and New York, with all their aid
of deacons, deaconesses and pious, devoted lay members, it
would require a sum not less than from $400 to $600 per
year. And why should we not give ourselves wholly to the
work? Is it because the labors of a missionary in Oregon
are less important than those of a local pastor in the churches
at home? Your Board and the churches wish to hear the
most cheering news of our success as ministers. You wish our
pens ably wielded in the description of the country as it relates
to its geography, physical resources, natural history, manners
and custotms of the people, and in short everything which will
contribute to scatter light and awaken an interest on the
subject of our new territory, and all this is right. But how
can this be done by men loaded with secular cares and worn
by daily labor to procure what would be a poor subsistence

130 Rev. George Gary came to Oregon in 1844 and was superintendent of the
Methodist Mission in Oregon, 1844-7. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 39, 218; II: 677.

CORRESPONDENCE 61

in the States? If I have one object for which I desire to live
more than all others, it is to see the cause for which Christ
empoverished himself making the people of Oregon rich.
That this may be done, we must labor in every moral depart-
ment which relates to the well being of a new republic where
vice rolls in like the waves of the ocean.

I hope to be able to write a few more sheets which will reach
Elder Gary at the Sandwich Islands.

I wish you to forward me most of the amount appropriated
for my support in such articles of clothing as we shall order,
as far as practicable. A few dollars in money seem indis-
pensable, perhaps twenty, which you will probably send in
gold or silver in the box of goods you send. Hereafter direct
all boxes and packages for me to Astoria.

Please send us the following articles, as far as practicable
and in accordance with the directions of the Board :

Two bolts of good common sheeting, unbleached.

Twelve yards of good bed ticking.

Two webs of good common calico, dark colored.

Twenty yards of linsey for children's winter dresses.

Two pairs of women's calfskin shoes, suitable for an Oregon
winter, no. 4.

Two pairs of good slippers, no. 4.

Two pairs of stout calfskin shoes, men's, no. 9, suitable for
winter rains.

Two pairs of boys' shoes, stout, nos. 3 and1 4.

Two pairs girls' shoes, nos. 1 and 2.
Two pairs of girls' shoes, nos. 12 and 13, little children's
numbers.

Twenty or twenty-five yards of Kentucky Janes.

One dark shawl of worsted, or some kind of woolen text-
ure, adapting the price somewhat to our income.

One dress coat black cloth; I think no doubt that one
which would fit you will fit me, but guard against expenses,131

131 It was the frequent custom of the author, in ordering from the East, to
specify that the clothes should fit Rev. Benjamin Hill, as the two were about
the same size.

62 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

let it be substantial, but it may be much coarser than would
be called for in your city.

Ten yards of satinet.

One dollar's worth of good spool thread.

One card of shirt buttons.

Hooks and eyes, pins, sewing needles.

Two fine combs.

50 cents' worth of tape, sewing silk, pants and vest buttons.

1 pair of cheap fire shovel and tongs.

1 pair of plain andirons.

One cheap set of teacups and saucers.

Six common dining plates, four bowls.

One spider, called skillet in the West, for frying meat.

One pair of silver set spectacles.

15 or 20 pounds of coffee.

One two-quart pitcher, plain.

Two cheap linen table cloths, white.

Give my thanks to Br. Everts for the Bible Manual. Bi*.
Johnson has received his.

I am now on board the Brutus and in great haste. Elder
Gary has engaged to deliver these sheets in person and will
probably give you some interesting descriptions of the state
of things generally in Oregon.

I will just say that I have received a letter from a Brother
Ross,132 a member of Br. Evert's church, who is in California.
He is engaged in a Sabbath school at San Francisco Bay,
and strongly solicits ministerial aid. From all the information
I can receive, I am of the opinion that a faithful missionary
or two should be sent to California immediately on the receipt
of the intelligence that it is added to the United States. I am,

Yours as ever,

EZRA FISHER.

1 32 This was Charles L. Ross, who came by sea to California in 1847. H«
was prominent in San Francisco for a number of years as a merchant, land owner,
and public-spirited man. Bancroft, Hist, of Cal. V: 704.

CORRESPONDENCE 63

Missionary at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Should you have opportunity to forward any boxes or
packages to the Islands and not directly to this place, you
can direct to me to the care of E. O. Hall, Financier for the
A. B. C. F. Missions at Honolulu, Oahu, and pay the freight
and they will probably reach me in safety.

Received Jan. 17, 1848.

Clatsop Plains, Oregon, Oct. 20th, 1847.
Rev. and Dear Br. Hill :

The Bark Whiton being about to sail for N. Y. in a day
or two, I take this opportunity to address you a line, which I
trust will reach you in three months, as Captain Gelston pro-
poses crossing the Isthmus and sending his ship around the
Cape.

The two boxes of goods which you forwarded me on the
Whiton were duly received, and the accompanying letters. I
have delivered half the Bibles and Testaments, pamphlets and
periodicals, and half of the goods which you forwarded to
me, without my order, to Br. Johnson.

The Bibles, Testaments, periodicals and reports were most
gladly received and read with eagerness not only by myself and
family, but by the surrounding community. They seemed to
transport us to the shores of civilization and the regions of
Christian enterprise, after years of seclusion. I carry with me
a few tracts and religious periodicals each Sabbath, and give
away the tracts and request the periodicals to be returned for
further circulation. I give away no tract without enjoining
upon the receiver the importance of reading it.

Your letter of January 19th and 24th was received last
week, but the periodicals are still behind; probably lost. I
have just returned from a tour of four weeks in the Willam-
ette Valley. I found rather an interesting state of things in
Tualatin Plains. A gradual work of grace has been in progress
in those plains since last June. Since last January, Brother
Vincent Snelling has baptized fifteen into the fellowship of the
church in that place, two of whom were the fruits of a series

64 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

of meetings held last year during my residence there. Some
three or four more will be baptized next month. Religious
interests are wearing a more favorable appearance on Yam
Hill River and on the Rickreal. Two have been added to the
former church and others will probably unite soon with each
of the above named churches. The Methodists and Congre-
gationalists in the Willamette Valley have received some acces-
sions. The Campbellites are industriously engaged in making
proselytes. We have no unusual interest in this place; our
congregations are good for the number of people in the com-
munity and a marked attention is given to the preaching of
the Word. O that God would give me more of the spirit
of my station ! We have not yet constituted a church in this
place, and shall probably delay organizing until spring, unless
we should see that the time has come to arise and build before
that time. We are having some accessions to our population on
the coast by the present emigration now arriving, and some-
what expect one or more Baptist families to settle with us.

Since the first of last August I have labored about half
of the time directly in the appropriate duties of the ministry,
and the remainder of the time in providing for the immediate
wants of my family; preached 13 sermons; delivered two
lectures; attended one prayer-meeting; one covenant meet-
ing; visited religiously 20 families and 12 individuals; visited
no common schools ; baptized none ; obtained no signatures
to the temperance pledge; neither assisted at the organization
of a church nor the ordination of a minister; have taught
regularly a Bible class of 10 scholars, except four Sabbaths
of my absence ; distributed about 500 pages of tracts, 10 Bibles
and 20 Testaments ; traveled 450 miles to and from my appoint-
ments ; received no person either by letter or experience; no
cases of conversion in the field of my labor; no young men
preparing for the ministry. The monthly concert is not sus-
tained in Oregon. My people have paid nothing for missions,
Bible societies or other societies; for my support $5. Con-
nected with my labors is one Sunday school conducted by Bap-
tists and Presbyterians; 30 scholars and six teachers, two

CORRESPONDENCE 65

of whom are Baptists; and about 40 volumes in our library.
As soon as the opening of spring we design establishing our
preaching meetings and Sabbath school separate.

I have repeatedly explained to you the reason of fixing my
location at the mouth of the Columbia at so early a date in
the history of the country. It is simply from its local import-
ance and not because we have a large population in our vicinity
at present. But our population is increasing gradually and
are among the most intelligent and enterprising of Oregon,
and I am greatly mistaken if our population and enterprise do
not rapidly increase after next summer. I think the commer-
cial mart of our territory must be at Astoria, or near the mouth
of the Columbia. My present plan of operation is to spend
the rainy season in this vicinity and, during the best part of
the year, for traveling and collecting congregations, spend
two or three months in traveling and preaching in the Wil-
lamette Valley till they are better supplied with preachers and,
if time permits, to visit Pugets Sound during the summer and,
should our brethren settle there, which they probably will the
coming season, raise an interest there, with the blessing of
Him without whom we can do nothing. This point and the
Sound must become the great commercial points in Oregon.
We have now four Baptist ministers in the territory, besides
Br. Johnson and myself, who will probably settle in the Wil-
lamette Valley above Oregon City183 and, although they have
not enjoyed great advantages, they will probably be able to
preach to the churches now formed and sustain the religious
interests, with the assistance which Br. J. and myself can
render them, till other ministers shall arrive, if God goes with
them. A large portion of our Baptist members are from the
upper part of Missouri and have not been much accustomed
to exercise themselves in Christian enterprises, consequently
it is too much to expect that they immediately engage in Sab-
bath schools and other benevolent efforts with the facility and

133 There arc records of only three ministers — Rev. Vincent Snelling, Wm.
Porter, and Richard Miller — besides the author and Mr. Johnson. The fourth wa«
possibly James Bond, who was licensed but not ordained. Mattoon, Bap. An. of
Ore. I: 43, 58, 59. Minutes of Wittamette Bap. Assn. of Oregon, for 1848.

66 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

perseverance of men trained from their youth in this kind of
work. Besides, many of them were just able to raise means
sufficient to bring their families across the mountains and
they have everything to do to give their families a competent
living. Yet we have some happy exceptions ; may God greatly
multiply this class. We have fixed upon the third week in next
June to organize an association and trust by that time we shall
have seven or eight churches to go into that organization. I
think Br. Vincent Snelling ought to receive an appointment
with a salary of $100 or $150. He is a faithful, worthy
brother. I informed him that it would be expected that the
churches which he supplied would request the Home Mission-
ary Society to assist them in sustaining him and specify the
amount they were able to do. He manifested a reluctancy to
lay the subject before the churches, lest it might arouse some
prejudice, as the churches were not altogether missionary in
their views. I replied that I should be unwilling to constitute
churches which would be likely to excommunicate me for
carrying out the great principles of the gospel plan of salva-
tion. Yet I thought he was unnecessarily timid, and I should
apprehend no unpleasant consequences in presenting the sub-
ject in a mild and affectionate manner. I leave the subject
with your Board, hoping on the whole that Br. Snelling may
receive your patronage. I can assure you he is a zealous,
worthy brother.

As it relates to California, I think our Board should spare
no time in finding a judicious, practical preacher to locate at
the most favorable point on San Francisco Bay. Our whaling
vessels and merchant and war ships are almost constantly enter-
ing and leaving that Bay and, should our Government retain
Upper California, there must be places of importance imme-
diately springing up on that spacious harbor. Br. Ross, a
member of Br. Evart's church of your city, is there, and per-
haps he has already applied to you for a minister.

Baptist peculiarities must be vindicated in Oregon. Our
Pedo-baptist and Campbellite neighbors are mooting the subject
of baptism, and especially of communion. May we have

CORRESPONDENCE 67

grace to present these subjects as gospel truths in the love
of the gospel of the Blessed Saviour.

Brother Johnson received a letter from you informing us
that the Board had voted to increase our salaries to $200 each,
which I hope will enable us to give ourselves entirely to the
work, after three or four weeks which must be spent, on my
part, in rendering my house tolerable for the winter.

I wrote you in July by Elder Gary, on his return to New
York. (He will probably deliver the package in person.)
In those letters I ordered you to forward me some articles
of clothing and other articles. Should you receive this in sea-
son to forward a few other articles with the box before ordered,
you will please put up twelve yards of Canton flannel, fifteen
yards of red woolen flannel, six or eight pounds of saleratus or
pearlash — put it up in a box or jar; four pounds of candle
wicking; a tin reflector for baking bread; a hat, cheap, sub-
stantial, 23^2 inches around the outside under the band; one
set of Fuller's works bound in sheep.134 I very much need a
commentary of the Bible, having disposed of both of mine
before leaving the States on account of the transportation
across the mountains, but I do not know but I shall make my
orders exceed my income. Put up also one additional web of
substantial dark calico. We hope the Baptist Publication
Society will forward us a few of their publications, such as
exhibit the peculiarities of the denomination and others of a
devotional character, such as memoirs of eminent Christians,
as a donation, if they can. The people here need religious
reading. Probably some books of the above named character
might be sold. Can you not obtain and forward us more
tracts, as our stock will be exhausted before we shall get
returns from this ?

My family are in good health. Indeed, we have had no
sickness on the coast with the whites since the settlement of
the country. Providence has given us one of the most salubri-

134 The works of Andrew Fuller (1754-1815), a famous Baptist (Englh
theologian. McClintock and Strong, Cyc. of Bibl. Theol. and Eccl. Lit. Ill: 6<
The edition asked for was probably that published in Philadelphia, edited

lish)
692.

probably that published in Philadelphia, edited by
Joseph Belcher. O. A. Roorbach, Bibliotheca Americana, p. 209.

68 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

ous climes on earth. No doubt the whole territory is more
healthy than any portion of the United States of the same
extent of territory. Although we have small districts contig-
uous to inundated lands somewhat subject to bilious attacks
in the summer, yet no New Englander, or even any person
east of the Allegheny Mountains, has anything to lose in point
of health in emigrating to Oregon.

I design spending some time next winter in giving you a
general description of the country — its physical resources, the
manners and customs of the people and the improvements
of the country in manufactures and commerce. At present,
however, I will only repeat substantially what I have more
than once written to my friends in the State, that, although
the face of the country below the Cascade range of moun-
tains is generally broken, except in the valleys of the rivers,
yet I think there is less waste land than is found in the same
extent of country in New England1, and the soil will not suf-
fer in comparison with that of New York, and portions of
this district probably equal the finest parts of the great West-
ern valley. Almost all our hill and mountain lands are rich
and almost entirely free from stone and it is generally believed
that the timbered land will produce better than the prairies
when once it is cleared. The timber, although of an enormous
growth, is generally so filled with balsam or pitch than when
green it is fallen by fire and, with comparatively little chopping
or piling, the fire consumes it, so that land may be cleared fit
for the plough as easily in Oregon as in New York.

As far as my observation has extended, the lands bordering
upon the coast possess the richest, deepest soil and produce
the most abundantly where they are sufficiently level to be
cultivated. Few countries can be found in the world which
will produce vegetables in greater abundance, or of a more
delicious flavor, than the lands on the coast of Oregon so far
as they have been tested. Although little is known in the
state of Oregon except the far-famed Willamette Valley, yet
it is my opinion that the soil on the coast, wherever it is
sufficiently level for cultivation, will by far surpass that val-

CORRESPONDENCE 69

ley in producing every kind of vegetable, and perhaps will not
be inferior to it in the growth of wheat. Oats and barley
flourish remarkably well on the poorest lands on the coast.
The whole coast country will undoubtedly become one of the
finest countries in the world for rearing cattle, horses and
sheep, when once its forests are removed1 and the grasses are
introduced. We only want our coast to be occupied with the
industrious, enterprising farmers of N. Y. and N. England
to make it one of the most desirable countries in the world.
The whole coast region is so tempered with ocean spray and
timely showers during the whole of the summer months that
it is almost entirely exempt from the severe droughts to which
the country is so much subject east of the Coast range of
mountains.

The general impression has been made abroad that there is
little good land susceptible of settlement near the sea board.
But I think it will be found that there is about as much good
land suited to farming purposes in the vicinity of the mouth
of the Columbia as there is in the vicinity of the Hudson
River. And bordering Pugets Sound, including Whitby's and
other islands, are many fine tracts of very rich land well adapted
to agricultural purposes. And perhaps a very considerable
tract of the finest, richest land in Oregon may be found on the
coast between the mouth of the Umpqua River and the south-
ern boundary of the Territory. Indeed, I am informed by
those who have traveled the coast that there is not a stream
putting into the ocean south of the mouth of the Columbia but
affords some good land for settlement.

I have given you these brief facts, hoping and praying that
they may come under the eye of many a pious brother, and
sister, too, whose spirit may be moved to come over and
labor with us in the glorious work of giving a moral and relig-
ious character to the thousands of our own countrymen who
now people Oregon and the millions who will soon people the
Pacific shores. Cannot some of our excellent deacons and
praying, working, young married brothers and sisters be in-
duced to come and become our fellow laborers in this delight-

70 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

ful clime and in this most delightful and important work?
Is not the great Head of the church now pressing the question
to the very heart of our members of our lay brethren? Will
they not go and plant the seed and cultivate the tender plants
in the garden of the Lord? How important the position in
relation to half the globe, and that yet unevangelized ! How
important the position in relation to the commercial world,
if the half is even realized which our national government
anticipates ! Will not many of our praying brethren heed the
call and come and work with us in the morning of our exist-
ence in Oregon ? Everything is to be done, if this part of the
country is to be saved from the reign of idolatry , the tyranny
of skepticism and the dominion of the Beast. I must close
this and hasten to write a few lines to our private friends.

Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.

N. B. — We shall establish the monthly concert in these
plains next month. Romans are sparing no pains to secure
the influence and wealth of Oregon to their church ; their
priests are all Jesuits. May all our brethren in the States
pray for God's blessings to rest on our labours. Will you
not use your influence in encouraging our lay brethren to
come and settle with us? I can almost assure them that
they will never regret the sacrifice they must make at the
first, if they will first count the cost, in the fear of the Lord,
and wait on Him, after their arrival, before they get dis-
heartened. Many on their arrival, seeing things so new and
different from the more improved parts of the country they
have left, become soon dissatisfied, before they have tried a
winter and a summer in Oregon. But few, very few, remain
dissatisfied more than six or eight months. When once they
feel the bracing, salubrious atmosphere of the summer and see
the generous returns for their labor, they soon form a strong
attachment to the country, and nothing but the want of im-
proved society and a love of relatives and friends left behind
will induce them to look back with desire to the land of their

CORRESPONDENCE 71

youth. These inconveniences must be remedied by the habitual
efforts of every philanthropist and Christian.

Yours truly, E. F.

Received May 6, 1848.

October 31, 1847.
Dear Br. Hill:

We are all in health. Winter rains are just commencing.
Crop of wheat in the upper country is light by means of an
unusually dry summer, but on the coast all crops are usually
good, droughts seldom affecting the coast seriously. The
present immigration is numerous, the number of wagons be-
ing generally estimated at about 1,000, and about 4,000 souls.135
Perhaps they have had more than a usual share of sickness and
suffering on the road. Hundreds are yet on the last part of
the journey. More than 1,200 or 1,500 wagons should never
attempt to cross the mountains in one year, and they should not
be incumbered with more loose cattle than is necessary for
ample teams and milch cows. Sheep stand the journey best
of all domestic animals and are the most useful when here.
Emigrants from the eastern and^ middle states should come by
water, if they can submit to a long sea voyage. Please enter
the enclosed letters in the post office immediately upon reception
of this. I send you a package of three sheets, by Captain
Gelston, containing my report from August first. Shall spend
some time during the rainy season in writing you.

Our general prospects in Oregon are brightening. Com-
merce is increasing rapidly and a general impulse is given
to every branch of business. We earnestly hope the U. S.
Congress will provide for us a_ government the coming ses-
sion.136 I trust your Board will provide for California imme-
diately on the U. S. securing that territory to her jurisdiction.
A colporter preacher jointly sustained by the A. Bapt. Publica-
tion Society and the H. Mission Board, with a supply of books
and tracts, would be an invaluable accession- to Oregon. I

135 Bancroft says the number of persons was between 4000 and 5000. Hist,
of Ore. I: 623.

136 Oregon was given a territorial government in 1848.

72 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

have written Br. Malcom on that subject. Oregon is in perish-
ing need of this very kind of instrumentality. Will not our
eastern Baptists give this Ter. the first colporter, with his
supply of books adapted to every age and condition of man in
the formation of a moral and religious character? You may
think me enthusiastic. Well, be it so, I am quite sure you
could not be less so, were you here to see and feel our wants
as I do. We must have the Psalmist137 here ; a few dozen would
sell and these would prepare the way for hundreds more.
Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.
Received May 6, 1848.

Clatsop Plains, March the 8th, 1848.
Dear Br. Hill:

The last communications I received from you were under
date of October 2nd and 31st and Nov. 13th, 1846, per Bark
Whiton, and I reported by the same bark up to November
1st, 1847. I also saw a letter to Br. Johnson, which I think
was brought through by the immigration of 1847, in which
was stated the fact that the* Executive Board had voted to
increase our salary to $200 each, which fact I acknowledged
in my last. The Bibles and Testaments appropriated by the
City Bible Society have been of essential service in supplying
the destitute and relieving the wants of our Sabbath schools
and Bible class. The tracts have been earnestly sought and
read with much interest, both by parents and children, and
no doubt they have been blessed of God as an efficient auxiliary
to the ministry of the Word and Sabbath school instruction.
My portion of this stock of tracts is more than half gone and
I have promised Brother Vincent Snelling some. By the bless-
ing of the All Wise, I propose spending about two months of
the approaching summer in the Willamette Valley. I am there-
fore using them sparingly that I may take a package along with
me. I earnestly hope you will not fail to have more forwarded,

1 37 The "Psalmist" was a Baptist Hymnal by Baron Stow and S F. Smith.
McCHntock and Strong, Cyc. of Bibl. Theol. and Eccl. Lit. VIII, 745.

CORRESPONDENCE 73

at least yearly. I made a feeble appeal to the Corresponding
Sec. A. B. P. Society in behalf of books, both for Sab. schools
and the ministry, and also recommended the appointment of a
colporter for Oregon who should be a preacher. I trust that
appeal will be heeded and call forth a hearty response, not
simply from that society, but from the churches. After last
writing, I found a note from you on the margin of a pamph-
let informing me for the first time of my being made a life
member of the A. and F. Bible Society. Assure Br. Allen
that it would afford me great pleasure to receive a line from
him informing me through what medium my name has been
enrolled! in that list of worthy names which have contributed
so much to publish that blessed Book unadulterated for the
nations of the earth. The Bible is above all price. May God
grant the unknown donor a disciple's reward and bless the
offering to the everlasting joy of many souls. As for myself, I
am utterly unworthy this token of respect. As I expect to
forward this by the return party who will probably leave early
next month, and it is somewhat uncertain whether it will reach
you, I must defer writing much that would be interesting and
proceed to state a few of the most important facts.

I send you herein a report of my labor from the first of
Nov. last up to the present date. My labors have been con-
fined to Clatsop County. Since my last report I have thought
best to divide my labors on the Sabbath. Accordingly I
preach one Sabbath at my own house (a log cabin 18 feet by
24) in the south half of these plains, and the alternate one
in the north half of the plains. I have labored nineteen weeks,
but part of my time I am compelled to devote to the immediate
wants of my family. I preached 20 sermons, delivered no lec-
tures, attended four prayer meetings and two religious con-
ferences preparatory to the constitution of a church. Visited
religiously forty families and persons, two common schools.
Baptized none. Obtained no signatures to the temperance
pledge. Have assisted in organizing no church nor the ordi-
nation of any minister. Traveled 147 miles to and from my
appointments. None received by letter, none by experience and

74 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

we know of no cases of conversion. We have one young mar-
ried brother licensed to preach by a church in Iowa.188 The
monthly concert of prayer is observed at my house. My people
have paid nothing for missions, Foreign, Home or Domestic.
Nothing for the Bible cause. Publication Soc. nothing. Edu-
cation Soc. nothing. For my salary fourteen dollars. Con-
nected with my station are two Sunday schools, 42 scholars
and ten teachers and, in one school, 100 volumes recently
donated by a friend, in the other 20 volumes. I have also a
Bible class with eight pupils. We have commenced building a
hewed log house for a school and meeting house, 18 feet by
24, and will be able to use it as a place of worship within six or
eight weeks. This may appear to your Board too trifling
and unimportant to be named in a report, but, could you experi-
ence all the privations of a new country as I am doing, you
would look upon this effort as a valuable acquisition to our
spiritual comforts and an important monument to the progress
of civilization within the deafening roar of the Pacific's surf.
I have regarded it an object so desirable to be accomplished that
I have already devoted more than two weeks' time in labori-
ous efforts through rain and shine in this work. May God be
graciously pleased to make it a nursery of science, a fountain
of morals, a birthplace of souls and a spiritual lighthouse to
guide the pilgrims to the haven of rest. We have appointed the
13th and the 19th of the present month to meet for the con-
stitution of a church in the plains and have invited our sister
churches to send us their delegates to sit in council with us on
the occasion. We hope a foundation is being laid here for
future lasting usefulness. God only knows. Our congrega-
tions have been usually good through the entire winter and
Sabbath schools well attended and, although we can record no
signal display of Divine grace, our apparent changes seem to
indicate the Divine favor. I have seldom felt a deeper sense
of the responsibility of the ministry and the importance of
establishing correct moral and religious principles in a new

138 This was James Bond, who lost his life by an accident in 1849. He had
come to Oregon in 1847. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I: 8.

CORRESPONDENCE 75

and rising community than during the last winter. We greatly
need the prayers of the churches that we may reap ere long
a gracious harvest. Our communities are surrounded by
heathen and1 no one can tell the excessively immoral influence
which the heathen exert on a civilized community. And then
the number of professors are few, consequently but few re-
straints are imposed on the impenitent. Added to this, the
fact that we are at present involved in an unpleasant Indian
war with the Cayuse tribe inhabiting the country along the
foot of the Blue Mountains, south of the Columbia River,
keeps the people in a state of excitement unfavorable to the
cultivation of the Christian graces. The apparent cause of the
difficulty seems to have originated in the fact of the last year's
immigrants having brought the measles among the Cayuse
Indians. Many sickened and died with them and the flux.
The Indians, ever jealous and credulous, suspicioned Dr. Whit-
man of poisoning them. It seems a treacherous half-breed
who had been educated by the missionaries and resided in Dr.
Whitman's family circulated the report that he had overheard
the doctor and Mr. Spaulding discussing the subject of the
best method of exterminating the Indians. Finally, about the
30th of November, one of the most inhuman tragedies which
the history of savage cruelty has ever recorded was perpe-
trated in open day. Dr. Whitman, his excellent wife, Mr.
Rodgers, a young man of unblemished character and engaging
manner, studying for the ministry, and ten other persons were
brutally butchered by the very chiefs who had long manifested
great confidence in the Dr., and for whom he has so long
labored and sacrificed almost all the blessings of civilization
to ameliorate their conditions and direct their whole tribe
to the glories of Heaven through a crucified Saviour. About
thirty men, women and1 children were then taken captive and
reduced to Indian slaves, and the females suffered the most
revolting acts of savage violence in the presence of their own
husbands and fathers and mothers, against which no entreaties
or remonstrances were of any avail for more than a month, till
Mr. Ogden, one of the chief factors of the Hudson Bay Co.,

76 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

proceeded with twenty-two men from Fort Vancouver and
redeemed the captives and brought them to Oregon City. Mr.
Spaulding and family rave been rescued from imminent danger
and! are now in the Willamette Valley. Messrs. Eels and
Walker have not yet been heard from. Fears are entertained
that they, with their families, may be cut off. Yet, as they are
in the Spokane country, it is hoped they will find a place of
refuge at Fort Hall in case of imminent danger.139 Our legisla-
ture was in session at the time of the news of the horrid massa-
cre reached the settlements, and one company of about fifty
men was immediately sent to The Dalles above the Cascade
Mountains to secure the friendly relations of the Indians in
that vicinity, and early in January five more companies were
raised, put under the command of General Gillham and
marched into the Cayuse country. Our troops have had two
engagements with the Indians before reaching the Cayuse
country, in which some fifteen or twenty Indians were killed
and one of our men wounded.140 Probably before this time
there has been a general battle, if the Indians will risk an en-
gagement in the open fields. It is generally hoped that we
shall escape a general Indian war. The Hudson Bay Company
exerts a great influence with the Indians, most of the officers
and servants having taken Indian wives, and their interests and
influence will be of a pacific character. Yet we do not feel our-
selves altogether safe, living as we do in the midst of small
tribes. We feel that our only confidence is in God and in His
^iands we surrender ourselves and our little ones daily. We
ire waiting with great anxiety.

1 39 This account of the Whitman massacre is on the whole correct. The date
was November 29th and soth. Walker and Eells stayed in the Spokane Country
until Spring, protected by the Indian chief. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 666.
Cornelius Gilliam, not Gillham, was the commander of the territorial troops. Ibid
I; 676.

1 40 The one wounded was Wm. B«rry. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I: 703.

THE QUARTERLY

of the

Oregon Historical Society

VOLUME XVII JUNE, 1916 NUMBER 2

The Quarterly disavows responsibility for the positions taken by contributors to its pages

EXTRACTS FROM THE UNPUBLISHED

REMINISCENCES OF

H. R. KINCAID

Go it Tip, come it Tyler,

Beat Old Van, or bust your biler.

While living- in Madison County, Indiana, my native home,
in my fifth year, 1840, I remember distinctly hearing men rid-
ing along the road in front of our house, and singing : "Go it
Tip, come it Tyler, beat old Van, or bust your biler."

William Henry Harrison, the hero of the battle of Tippe-
canoe, was the Whig candidate for President, and John Tyler,
the candidate for Vice-President, against Martin Van Buren,
the Democratic candidate. Both were elected. That was the
fourteenth Presidential election, but Harrison was the ninth
President. Harrison died April 4, 1841, one month after his
inauguration, and Tyler became President.
*****

In 1844 I remember hearing men riding past our house,
singing :

High O, the Ho osier boys, lay Polk low.

Henry Clay was the Whig candidate for President and
James K. Polk was the Democratic candidate. The Demo-
crats were shouting for war with Mexico, while the Whigs
were trying to be neutral or were keeping still. That elected

78 H. R. KINCAID

Polk, an obscure Tennesseean, over Clay, the great statesman
and orator of Kentucky.

*****

My father had a little pamphlet of sixty odd pages which
he prized very highly, and brought it to Oregon. My mother
kept it among her keepsakes for more than sixty years, until
she passed away, November 4, 1912, in her 97th year. The
inscription on the front page reads as follows :

One hundred and fifty reasons for believing in the final salvation of
all mankind by Erasmus Manford. "What Is Truth?" Indianapolis:
Erasmus Manford. 1848.

He quotes from the Prophets and some from the New Tes-
tament, frequently from the writings of Paul, and from other
noted writers and commentators on the scriptures and re-
ligious subjects. He comments extensively and ably on all
the sentences he copied as texts, and makes a very plausible
argument in favor of universal salvation of all mankind. My
father often argued with orthodox preachers, proving by the
Bible, to his satisfaction, that the Bible does not teach or
does not mean hell and damnation for lost sinners. Accord-
ing to my understanding it does threaten such punishment.
But I hope and believe that the writers of such statements
were mistaken. I have more confidence in the justice and
good sense of the Lord, or God, or Universal Intelligence,
than the men had who wrote such things.
*****

In 1851 our family started to Oregon. In Benton County,
Indiana, about thirty miles west of Lafayette, my father's
oldest brother, James, resided. We stopped there for a short
visit and then concluded to settle and give up the journey to
Oregon. My father located on a claim, in the wide prairie,
near Parish Grove, where he had to haul his firewood sixteen
miles. We lived there one winter and summer. I went to
Lafayette, when 16 years old, and worked several months
in a brick yard at 25 cents a day. I got only a few dollars
of my pay and went back in the winter to try to collect the
balance. I got about thirty pounds of brown sugar, which

REMINISCENCES 79

was nearly all I ever received for my summer's work, and
carried it thirty miles on my back in a sack, traveling over
deep snow in cold weather, and got home about midnight.
That was one of my very hard and unpleasant experiences.
The winter was very cold and we gave up trying to live there
in the bleak prairie, so far from timber. Early in 1853 we
started on to Oregon with one ox and one horse team and
arrived in the Willamette Valley September 29, 1853.
*****

On the 5th day of May, 1855, I started alone on foot from
Eugene with my provisions and bedding on a little Indian
pony, for the mines in Southern Oregon and California.

*****

After there was no longer a chance to get work in the
mines, on account of the Indian war, I and a young man
named John Williams, took our blankets, frying pan and
provisions on our backs and walked over the Coast Moun-
tains from Althouse Creek to Crescent City on the Pacific
Coast in California. I was not yet twenty years old and
was slim and light built, but very strong and active. Williams
was a good deal larger and several years older and stood the

trip better than I did.

*****

In the spring I left my "partner" there at Crescent City and
went to San Francisco, and have never seen nor heard of him
since. There was no harbor nor wharf at Crescent City.
Steamers anchored out in the ocean and little lighter boats
carried passengers and freight to and from them. I took
passage in the steerage of a little steamer called the Goliath
and paid $20 for the trip to San Francisco.
*****

I took passage on a steamboat at San Francisco and went
up the Sacramento River to Sacramento City. There was a
bar on the lower deck which was well patronized. Ex-U. S.
Senator, who was then Governor of California, John B. Weller,

80 H. R. KINCAID

was on board, and he and others patronized the bar and were
a lively crowd.

*****

Returning to Oregon I arrived at the family home, in the
hills about three miles southeast of Eugene, about the last
week in December, in the year 1857, having been away a
little more than 31 months, tramping and working wherever
I could find employment, in Southern Oregon and California,
usually on ranches at about $25 a month. During my absence
my father had purchased six acres of land in the southern
part of Eugene, at the south end of Olive street, now in almost
the center of the town, and had the deed made to me.

In October, 1866, I started east, intending to visit a World's
Fair to be held in Paris, France, the next year. I went with
my friend Congressman J. H. D. Henderson, to Washington,
D. C, to spend the winter there and witness the proceedings
of Congress and the scenes at the national capital, and then
intended to go on to France the next Summer. I went to
Portland and from Portland to San Francisco by steamer. At
San Francisco he engaged the same stateroom for both of
us on the new steamer Montana, which had just been sent
around Cape Horn.

*****

At Aspinwall, or Colon, we were put on board an old
steamer called the Ocean Queen. When in sight of Cuba the
boat caught fire and the officers expected it would be de-
stroyed. They got the life boats ready, and we all expected
to be burned or drowned, unless we could escape in the life
boats to Cuba, which was about eight miles north. But after
great efforts the fire was put out. One engine was disabled,
and the steamer ran to New York with one engine. We were
twenty-one days making the trip, about 7,000 miles, from San
Francisco to New York. We ran down a tug in the Hudson
River and sank it just before landing at the wharf.

REMINISCENCES 81

We remained a day or two in New York at the old Astor
House. I put in the time sight seeing. I climbed to the top
of Trinity church, walked from the Battery to Central Park,
and saw more of New York City in one day than many
people born and raised there had seen in a HTe time. On
the cars, going from Jersey City to Washington, Mr. Hen-
derson introduced me to Senator Charles Sumner of Massa-
chusetts, the famous champion of freedom.

The first day in Washington I visited the dome of the
capital, the Smithsonian Institute, the patent office and many
of the public buildings, and saw more of the city than many
who had resided there all their lives.

Before Congress assembled Mr. Henderson and I went to
Richmond and Petersburg, Va., to see the famous battlefield
of Petersburg where the last great battle was fought between
the Union and Confederate armies before Lee surrendered

to Grant.

*****

As my position in Washington was a pleasant one, and I was
promoted from time to time, I remained there about fourteen
years, during the sessions of Congress, serving nearly twelve
years as clerk in the U. S. Senate, going home to Oregon or
visiting other places when Congress was not in session, cross-
ing the continent on the Union and Central Pacific railroads
eight times, both ways, after they were completed in 1869.
C. P. Huntington, Vice-President of the Central Pacific, was
the manager in the East, and was around Congress a great
deal. His tall form was quite familiar to me, and also his
handwriting, for he occasionally wrote me passes and signed
them, and they were as good as gold with any conductor or
officer of the road. He was a big man, mentally and finan-
cially, as well as physically, and his word or written order
was law all along the line.

*****

In 1867 I attended a Fourth of July celebration on the
battlefield of Manassas Junction or Bull Run. Senator John

82 H. R. KINCAID

A. Logan, of Illinois, delivered the oration. I picked up a
shell on the battlefield that had not been exploded. I sent it
to Oregon by way of Panama before the railroad across the
continent was completed, and have since placed it in the
Oregon Historical Society's collections at Portland.

During that year I was sent to western New York to meet
a committee of Congress that had gone there to investigate.
I did not find the committee, but made the trip, going and
returning by way of New York City.

In 1867 I went to Boston and visited the Museum, Harvard
College, Bunker Hill Monument, and other places of interest.
I arranged with the librarian of Harvard College to have
the volumes of the Oregon- State Journal bound by the library
and kept in the library. As long as the paper was continued
after that date, for more than 40 years, I had every copy of
the paper sent to that library. I made the same arrangement
with Mr. SpofTord, Librarian of Congress, at Washington, one
of the largest libraries in the world, and always furnished
the paper, and missing papers when called for, and suppose
complete sets may be found in these libraries. To meet these
and other demands I had twelve papers each week, after the
first two or three years, put in boxes in Eugene, and have had
three sets bound, and nine sets not bound. I also sent the
paper always free to libraries in Portland, San Francisco,
New York and other cities, but in most places they were not
bound, but kept on a stick file awhile and then destroyed to
make room for newer dates.

From Boston I went to Montreal; then on a steamboat up
the St. Lawrence River to Niagara Falls, passing the Thousand
Islands on the way. From Niagara Falls I went by rail to
the Hudson River and took passage on the steamboat Dean
Richmond, at Athens. Some distance below Athens we met
the steamboat Vanderbilt, of an opposition line, coming up
the river. It was about 11 o'clock at night, and many of the
passengers, including myself, had gone to bed in staterooms.

REMINISCENCES 83

The Vanderbilt ran into the Dean Richmond, intentionally as
many believed, and in a short time our boat was resting on
the bottom, with the upper deck barely above water, which
must have been 25 or 30 feet deep, because both boats were
very large and high — regular floating palaces. When I heard
the shock and commotion I tried to open the door, but the
sinking of the boat had cramped the door. I got out through
a window. The passengers were crowded on the upper deck.
Whether any passengers were drowned on the lower decks I
never knew, but supposed some were, the boat went down
so fast. The baggage was on the lower deck and was under
water several weeks before the boat was raised. I did not
get my trunk in Washington for about a month, and then
everything was faded. The passengers were taken off on
small sail boats that were near, and were taken to New York
on another steamboat.

In 1868 I was elected by the Oregon Republican State
Convention one of the six delegates to the National Repub-
lican Convention at Chicago. A proxy was also sent me to
represent one of the other Oregon delegates. I attended
and voted for U. S. Grant for President and Schuyler Colfax,
then Speaker of the House of Representatives, for Vice-Presi-
dent. Both were nominated and elected. I gave my proxy
vote to Congressman Rufus Mallory, who attended and voted
for the successful nominees. I represented Oregon on the
committee on platform. Eugene Hale represented Maine on
that committee. He was a young man, then unknown to
fame, but afterwards became quite a figure in national affairs
as Congressman and Senator, serving in the Senate perhaps
about thirty years until lately. He was active and put him-
self forward at every opportunity, in making the party plat-
form. I noticed and remembered him on that account. He
married, some years later, the only daughter of Senator Zach
Chandler, of Michigan, distinguished for his wealth and for
his speeches, about once a year, in which he twisted the British

84 H. R. KINCAID

lion's tail, and made himself popular with the Michiganders
who didn't like the Canadians who lived across the river from
them. Chandler was the Senator who telegraphed that Hayes
had a majority and was elected. Hayes was finally put into
the White House by herculean efforts of the Republicans,
and Tilden was kept out.

*****

Again in 1872 the Republican State Convention of Oregon
elected me one of their six representatives in the National
Convention at Philadelphia and another representative sent
me his proxy. So I had two of the six votes of Oregon at
Philadelphia the same as at Chicago. I gave the proxy to
Senator Henry W. Corbett and he was admitted on it. Grant
was re-nominated for President without much or any opposi-
tion, but Schuyler Colfax, who had been Vice-President four
years, was defeated, and Senator Henry Wilson of Massa-
chusetts was nominated and elected, and served until he passed
away during his term. He died suddenly in the Vice-Presi-
dent's room adjoining the Senate chamber. I was the only
person in the Vice-President's room except the doctors when
they dissected his body. I voted for Colfax, but did not know
how Corbett voted, but thought perhaps he voted for Wilson.
It was common rumor among the clerks of the Senate that
his name was not Wilson but Colbath. He was either a
foundling or an orphan, they said, and was raised by a family
named Wilson. On both of these occasions, when given a
vote and a proxy in two National Conventions to name a
President and Vice-President and formulate a national policy,
I was in Washington, D. C, and was, therefore, shown a
preference by the convention in Oregon and by the delegate
who sent the proxy over many active politicians in Oregon
as well as the Senators and Representatives in Congress.
*****

According to popular theories every generation ought to
improve on their ancestors. But I once heard Wendell Phillips
lecture in Washington, D. C., on the "Lost Arts." He said

REMINISCENCES 85

a good deal about the superior knowledge of the ancients ;
about "Damascus blades," as sharp as a razor, that would
cut the hardest substances without dulling; about malleable
glass that would bend ; about magnifying glasses that gave
them better knowledge of astronomy and the planets than we
have ; about the pyramids, composed of immense stones trans-
ported long distances and hoisted by machinery much more
powerful than any which we now have ; about railroads found
in abandoned mines; about mummies preserved for thousands
of years by processes not now known to the human race, after
"developing" for thousands of years. He did not claim that
the masses were then as intelligent as they are now, for they
were not educated, but that the educated people then had more
and higher knowledge than the same class of people have
now. He seemed to believe that our universities and scientists
have only found out a little of what their ancestors knew.
*****

In a long letter dated at Washington February 28, 1868,
and printed in the State Journal at Eugene April 11, I de-
scribed one of the most exciting periods in the history of the
United States. A few lines are as follows :

"Sunday, the 23d of February, was a day of excitement in
Washington. There has been nothing like it since the close
of the war. * * * Monday came, and a vast crowd of people
flocked to the capitol. A little after 8 o'clock every seat in
the gallery of the house was taken, and by 10 o'clock, when
the session opened, two hours earlier than usual, the vast
building was alive with people. They swept through every
corridor and passage from the first to the third story. The
rotunda was full, the corridors around the galleries were
blockaded, and the passage on the lower floor, extending the
full length of the building, 750 feet, presented the appear-
ance of a crowded thoroughfare." * * *

Then followed nearly two columns describing the debate
in the House over the impeachment resolution, charging Presi-
dent Andrew Johnson with high crimes and misdemeanors,
which had been introduced into the 39th Congress by Ashley
of Ohio. A great many five-minute speeches were delivered.

86 H. R. KINCAID

Thad. Stevens, chairman of the committee on reconstruction
that reported the impeachment resolution, closed the debate.
Being too feeble to speak his speech was read by Clerk Mc-
Pherson. At 5 o'clock Speaker Col fax called for a vote. The
resolution passed, 126 yeas, and 47 nays, every member of the
Union party present, including the Speaker, voting for it, and
every Democrat against it. The great crowd then dispersed
in the midst of a heavy snow storm that had continued all
day. They had witnessed, by the House, the impeachment
of the first American President, one of the most important
acts ever performed by any legislative body in the history of
the world. I was absent part of the time at Chicago and lost
the run of the impeachment proceedings.
*****

The trial before the Senate as a court, commenced March
30, and ended May 12, 1868, taking about six weeks in the
court, presided over by Chief Justice Chase, and about ten
weeks from the time it had commenced in the House, Feb-
ruary 24.

*****

"Andy" Johnson was in a pitiful condition at the time
of this extraordinary trial. The trial was caused more by
foolish words and acts on his part, and anger and jealousy on
the part of Congress, than by any real necessity for turning
him out of office. I believe now that Grimes, Trumbull and
Van Winkle were right in voting to let him remain in office
until the close of his term. But "old Grimes was dead"
politically when he cast that vote, and so were Trumbull and

Van Winkle.

*****

"Andy" was reported to be drunk in the White House
nearly all the time and an "old fool" all the time. I do not
know that he was drunk any time. I attended his receptions,
and he appeared to be sober then, but had a sad, careworn face,
showing a life of much labor, care and worry. Perhaps he
was being lied about by the Republicans. Perhaps the Demo-

REMINISCENCES 87

crats lied about Grant when they said he was nearly always
drunk when he was on the Pacific Coast and a good deal of
the time afterwards when commander-in-chief of the armies
and when President. I attended his receptions when he was
General and when he was President, and he always appeared
sober, not the least hilarious, but a little sad, showing the
effects of much worry and many cares. He did not look
quite as sad as Andrew Johnson. Perhaps he did not take
his troubles as much to heart as Johnson had. The gossips
said President Johnson had a son in an inebriate asylum. I
do not know whether there was any foundation for that. The
President's wife had died, and the wife of Senator Patterson,
of Tennessee, who was the President's daughter or sister and
another daughter or sister kept house for him and helped him
with his receptions.

*****

Lincoln said he had not much influence with his adminis-
tration. In fact, no king, president, governor other important
officer has much influence with his administration. They are
hedged in with so many circumstances over which they have
no control, and which must be controlled by other human
power or by the Supreme Power of the Universe, that they
are seldom free to do as they wish. President Johnson could
have said truthfully that he had no influence with his admin-
istration. Nesmith of Oregon said when he got into the
Senate he wondered how he got there. After he had been
there a little while he wondered how the other fellows got
there. Andrew Johnson was not the only man — the world
is full of them — who have held important positions and no
doubt have wondered what evil influence ever put them into
positions which brought so much trouble upon them. But
if they would reflect they might come to the conclusion that
there are no two people just alike, and no two positions or
conditions in life just alike, and somebody must fill every
condition (?) and be in every position, whether he is called
Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Kaiser, Lincoln, Grant or An-

88 H. R. KINCAID

drew Johnson. Why is it so? I do not know. After John-
son went out of the office of President he was elected a Senator
from Tennessee. I sat on a sofa a few feet from him and
heard him speak in the Senate about one hour in defense of
his administration as President. The Senators did not give
him much attention. He did not seem to have any more
influence in the Senate than he had with his administration
when he was President.

*****

There was more or less rivalry and jealousy between the
Senators of nearly every state when there were two belonging
to the same party. When there was one Republican and one
Democrat they could get along all right, because one could
not interfere with the appointments or party affairs of the
other. The one belonging to the party in power was sole
monarch of all he surveyed, and, like the devil in olden time,
could take a constituent up on a high mountain and show him
that he owned the whole world with a fence around it. But
if there was another Senator of the same party to butt in,
there was usually a row in the family or a feeling that one
was superior to the other. Morton was the great man from
Indiana, and any colleague of the same party who would have
had the temerity to interfere with the great "War Governor"
would have been reprimanded. Conkling of New York was
the unquestioned Republican boss of New York. Edmunds
of Vermont did not have to worry about old Morrill of Ver-
mont, who usually kept quiet, but sometimes read or spoke
a piece, slowly in a kind of stuttering voice, which Senators
had heard for thirty years until they had become used to it.
He did not interfere with Edmunds, the great, tall, stoop
shouldered, bald-headed lawyer who tore to pieces every
measure he failed to approve, and he usually disapproved of
nearly everything and jumped on it with both feet. Lot M.
Morrill, of Maine, whose bald head often arose when, in a
loud voice, he laid down the law to his fellow Senators, did
not seem to disturb or worry old Hannibal Hamlin, who had

REMINISCENCES 89

been in office nearly fifty years, part of the time as Vice-
President. Hamlin seldom had anything to say, and then
only a few words, in a conversational tone, in reply to a
question or explaining something, never anything like a
"speech." But he always delivered the goods. When he
went hunting he nearly always brought in meat. While his
colleagues would be orating, Hamlin would perhaps go up
to the President or one of the departments to get an appoint-
ment, or order, or recommendation for his state or for a con-
stituent, and take off his old battered hat, and that old hat
would never be put on again until he got what he went for.
It was current rumor around the Senate that every President
and every Secretary for generations had learned from experi-
ence that when that old stovepipe made its appearance and
was set down on the floor or desk, there would be something
doing before it would ever be taken up again to ornament the
head of a statesman. Then there was old Simon Cameron, of
Pennsylvania, the greatest Roman of them all. He started
out like Ben Franklin as a poor printer boy. When he got
into politics his party was in a minority in the legislature.
He pulled over two or three of the majority party and elected
himself Senator. It was never known just how he did it.
But it gave him a great reputation all his life as a worker of
wonders. For forty years or more he controlled the politics
of the great State of Pennsylvania, and made and unmade
presidents, and was a senator, a cabinet officer or foreign
minister for nearly half a century. He said he had been called
a leader of the people but he never was. He found out which
way the people were going and marched right along with
them in the front ranks. He could not have a rival, and
did not need to be jealous of any other senator. They might
orate all day, or two or three days at a time, as Conkling did
in favor of the electoral commission bill to settle the dispute
between Hayes and Tilden for the Presidency in 1877, but
that did not disturb or arouse the envy of Simon Cameron,
who had then perhaps lived 80 years, and had been used to

90 H. R. KINCAID

hearing outbursts of eloquence all his life. He never made
speeches. He knew better. He would some times take a
string and pull it with his fingers, and say a few words in
favor of an appropriation to improve some Pennsylvania har-
bor on Lake Erie, and ridicule the outlandish names of Ohio
towns in which old Ben Wade and John Sherman were inter-
ested, such as "Sandusky" and "Ashtabula." When he wanted
anything he did not blow a trumpet or make a loud noise, but
went around quietly and talked to senators privately, and
usually got what he wanted.

*****

In 1872 the Legislature of Oregon met in the summer or
fall when Congress was not in session. I came home to
Oregon and remained in Salem during the entire session,
working for the election of John H. Mitchell for U. S. Sena-
tor, the act to locate the University of Oregon at Eugene,
and the act to build the locks at the falls of the Willamette
at Oregon City. Personally I had the most friendly feeling
for Senator Corbett, whose successor was to be elected, but I
believed that Mitchell would make the best senator that
could be elected, and I wished to help my personal and political
friend, Attorney-General Williams, who had often helped me
in securing appointments for my friends in Oregon and in
many other ways, and who believed that his political future
would be helped and depended largely on the success of
Mitchell. I sent letters to the Attorney-General in Wash-
ington nearly every day, reporting the progress of the con-
test, and received frequent replies. Mitchell had a decided
majority of the Republicans from the start, but the Democrats
had a majority in the Senate, which was presided over by
James D. Fay of Southern Oregon. On joint ballot the
Republicans had a majority, but of these Senator Corbett had
a strong and determined minority. Day in and day out,
week in and week out, the struggle continued till Corbett,
who had made a good senator and was one of Oregon's
honored pioneers and best citizens, withdrew and Mitchell

REMINISCENCES 91

was elected. Wakefield, the postmaster of Portland, was
managing Corbett's campaign, and some mismanagement on
his part caused Corbett to withdraw. Senator Bristow of
Lane county supported Corbett and withdrew his name. The
three Lane county representatives supported Mitchell.

Dr. A. W. Patterson, Democrat, and William W. Bristow,
Republican, were the senators from Lane County. The three
members of the House from Lane County, all Republicans,
were C. W. Washburne, A. S. Powers and Nat Martin. The
Senate passed the bill locating the State University at Eugene
without much delay and sent it to the House. Rufus Mallory,
ex-Member of Congress, was Speaker of the House, and S. A.
Clarke was chief clerk of the House. I was well acquainted
with both of them, having roomed with Clarke in Washing-
ton, and having been with Mallory much during his term in
Congress and sometimes having attended to his correspondence
when he was absent. When the session of the Legislature
was near the close it appeared that the University bill could
not be passed by the House. There was no printed calendar.
Clarke had the bills tied with a string in a large package. The
University bill was at or near the bottom and it would be
impossible to reach it. I stood behind a railing at the back
of the Speaker a long time to see that the University bill
should not be neglected or overlooked in the shuffle, and
frequently reminded him and the clerk of its great import-
ance. In some way that bill got up from the bottom to the
top of the package and was passed. Had it remained on the
bottom the University would perhaps have been located at
some other place by the next Legislature. How did it get up ?
It did get up and became a law! Many large buildings, a
number of professors, and hundreds of students are now at
Eugene, which would not be there if that bill had not become
a law, and it surely would have failed if it had been left to
take its chances with other measures and come up in its regular
order. I have long believed that everything is possible if you
know how to do it. Clarke and Mallory are entitled to much

92 H. R. KINCAID

credit for the success of the University at Eugene. B. F.
Dorris, Judge J. J. Walton, W. J. J. Scott and others are
entitled to much credit for organizing a society which helped
the plan to locate the University at Eugene, but had not the
bill been carefully looked after by one who had influence
with the clerk and Speaker their efforts would have failed.
The bill providing for the locks at Oregon City also became a
law after a bitter fight against it by its opponents who called
it "the lock and dam swindle."

The most exciting time in Congress while I was in Wash-
ington, with the exception of the impeachment trial of Presi-
dent Andrew Johnson, was the long and almost revolutionary
struggle over the Presidency in 1877, when the Republicans
claimed that Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, had been elected,
and the Democrats claimed that Samuel J. Tilden, of New
York, had been elected at the election in 1876. Dr. J. W.
Watts, postmaster at a little town in the Willamette Valley,
I believe the place was Lafayette — I am writing these sketches
entirely from beginning to end from memory without referring
to any records — was one of the three electors from Oregon.
The other two were Gen. W. H. Odell and, if I remember the
name, John C. Cartwright. The Democrats objected to allow-
ing Dr. Watt's vote to be counted for President, because ac-
cording to their construction of a law a Federal "officer" could
not hold the office of elector, and they held that a postmaster
was an "officer" and an elector was an "officer," and no
"officer" of the United States could hold two offices at the
same time. I believe Watts had resigned. Governor Grover
had appointed a man named [Eugene A.] Cronin to cast the
vote in place of Watts. The Democrats also objected to the
vote of an elector from the State of Florida. If Dr. Watts
and the Florida elector, either one or both, I don't remember
which, should be counted out, Tilden was elected. If one
or both should be counted in Hayes was elected. The Ore-
gon electors, including Governor Grover's man, Cronin, were

REMINISCENCES 93

there in full force for weeks. Senator Zach Chandler, of Mich-
igan, sent telegrams abroad, informing an anxious world, that
Hayes was elected and would be inaugurated on the 4th of
March. The Democrats threatened that if "old Zach" and
his gang undertook to inaugurate Hayes and steal the Presi-
dency from "President" Tilden, there would be war. They
would march on Washington and destroy the city. The stand-
pat Republicans said Hayes should be inaugurated at any
cost. The Democrats said Tilden should be President if there
were enough Democrats in the United States to put him in.
Tilden, an excellent and sensible man, seemed to be more inter-
ested in preserving peace than in being President. Before re-
sorting to force there was a kind of general agreement among
members of Congress to frame some compromise and arbitrate
the dangerous dispute.

The electoral commission bill was then introduced, and
after long debate passed both houses of Congress. It created
a commission composed of Senators and Representatives and
one member of the Supreme Court. This commission had
power to decide all disputed questions. This bill was debated
several days in the Senate. Conkling, of New York, spoke
all or a part of two days in favor of it, and had his desk and
the floor around him covered with documents from which
he quoted. My recollection is that Morton spoke against it.
The general impression in and around the Senate was that
this commission would decide in favor of Tilden. Elaine
came into the room where his brother Bob and I worked and
talked about it. He seemed to be worried and was in doubt
whether he should vote for or against the bill. I do not re-
member how he voted, but the stand-pat Republicans mostly
opposed it. Judge David Davis, of the Supreme Court, had
been agreed upon to represent the Supreme Court on the com-
mission, which otherwise was equally divided between Repub-
licans and Democrats. He had Democratic leanings and it
was about as certain as any future event can be that he would
have cast the deciding vote in favor of Tilden. But while

94 H. R. KINCAID

this was going on in Washington the Illinois Legislature was
contending over the re-election of Senator John A. Logan. A
few Republicans bolted and helped the Democrats to elect
Judge Davis as an independent to the Senate in place of Logan.
This unexpected and unforseen act upset the commission. He
was then a Senator and not a Judge of the Supreme Court.
The Senate and the House both had their members on the
commission. Justice Bradley, of New Jersey, was then placed
on the commission. He gave the casting vote in favor of
Hayes and made him President of the United States. No
doubt some of the Republicans who forced the act through
Congress were disappointed and surprised. At any rate it
was generally believed that Conkling and some of the New
York members and their friends in other states did not want
Hayes. "The best laid schemes of men aft gang aglee." I
am not sure if that- is the correct quotation.

One of the clerks who had charge of enrolling the laws on
parchment for preservation in the State Department, with
whom I worked several years, named Cole C. Sympson, was
from Illinois. He had secured his appointment through Presi-
dent Lincoln. When Judge Davis came into the Senate as
an independent he went into the Democratic caucus, as soon
as they had a majority in the Senate two years later, March
4, 1879. This he did to prevent the Democrats from remov-
ing the clerk from his state, while all the other Republicans
had to go. This was the only time a change, for political
reasons to make places, has been made in the Senate below
secretary and sergeant-at-arms, except in 1861, in the time of
the war of the rebellion. My Democratic successor is there yet
under several Republican Senators. So here again a smaller
matter controlled a larger one, the same as the election of a
Supreme Justice to be a member of the Senate and the defeat
of John A. Logan for re-election, had kept Tilden from becom-
ing President of the greatest nation of the world and put
Hayes in that office.

REMINISCENCES 95

There was a clerk in the Senate from Maine named Fitz.
He got in through the influence of the Maine Senators, Lot
M. Morrill and Hannibal Hamlin, or perhaps the last named.
Fitz' desk was near mine. Hamlin used to come in when
nothing interesting was going on in the Senate and spend
much time talking with Fitz, the same as Senator Kelly of
Oregon did with me. Hamlin was then quite old in years
but extremely rugged and young for his age. He was of
dark complexion, like Logan of Illinois. He had held office,
Congressman, Senator, Vice-President and one place after
another nearly all of his life after he became old enough.
His experience in public affairs had been great. He liked to
talk about the interesting things he had seen and heard. On
one occasion I heard him telling about Daniel Webster. He
said he was present in the Senate, probably then as a member
of the House, and heard the famous debate between Hayne of
South Carolina and Webster of Massachusetts. He said that
while Hayne was speaking Webster was leaning his elbows
on his desk with his face in his hands and was sound asleep
and "drunk." When Hayne got through Webster appeared
to wake up, and raised himself by holding to his desk. He
soon seemed to get wide awake, and the result was that world-
renowned speech. It is not likely that Webster was sound
asleep or "drunk" either, although he used stimulants, as
many public men did in those days, but was not a drunkard.
It is very doubtful if the Union will be preserved forever.
If Nature does not destroy it, by making oceans where con-
tinents now are and continents where oceans now exist, as
has apparently been done in past ages, man will be likely to
destroy it. The "Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites," are not
all dead yet. "Religions take their turns and other creeds will
rise with other years." And reformers, who can make laws
to take the place of Nature, temporarily will destroy the
government, perhaps, or change it into an absolute democracy,
without constitutions, courts or restraints of any kind, where
might makes right. It is not a republican representative gov-

96 H. R. KINCAID

ment in some of the states now, as it was in Webster's time.

*****

Senator Charles Sumner had secured the appointment of a
young man as reading clerk in the Senate. Senator Edmunds
of Vermont induced George C. Gorham, Secretary of the
Senate, to remove Sumner's clerk and appoint a tall, fine
looking man named Flagg from Vermont. Edmunds was a
great lawyer, tall, with a head as bald as a billiard ball. He
was perhaps the most influential man in the Senate on ques-
tions of law. During the administration of President Grant,
Morton, of Indiana, whose legs were paralyzed so he could
not walk and had to sit when he spoke, in a sledge-hammer,
bulldog style, was considered the administration leader.
Conkling, Zach Chandler, Edmunds, Logan and a few others
were close seconds, and whooped it up for the President
whenever he wanted anything. They looked upon Sumner,
who had such a great name abroad, with the utmost contempt.
In their opinion he was devoid of common sense, a man of
one idea, a fanatic who never thought of anything but opposi-
tion to negro slavery, which had been abolished and was a
dead issue. In their opinion he was a nuisance. He had
little or no influence in the Senate for years. They had his
clerk discharged and removed the Senator from the chair-
manship of the committee on foreign relations, then consid-
ered the leading committee of the Senate, as the Secretary
of State is considered the leader of the President's cabinet.
They were hardly on speaking terms with him. Carl Schurz
of Missouri was Sumner's close personal friend, and they voted
the same on nearly everything. When the President wanted
anything Sumner and Schurz jumped on it with both feet.
When the President proposed to purchase and annex San
Domingo, which required a two-thirds majority to ratify the
treaty, they rejected it. Henry Wilson, the other Massa-
chusetts Senator, was just the opposite of Sumner.

REMINISCENCES 97

When Conkling and Platt were the Senators from New
York, just before I left Washington, Conkling became so
enraged at Blaine for interfering in the appointment of col-
lector of customs at New York City, that he and Platt both
resigned. That quarrel perhaps caused the assassination of
President Garfield by Guiteau, who in his muddled brain
imagined that the President had committed a great wrong in
allowing Blaine, Secretary of State, to dictate a New York
appointment. Conkling was a very handsome, tall, aristocratic
man. Governor William Sprague of Rhode Island raised the
first regiment to fight for the Union in the war of the rebellion.
He commanded them as General. After the war he was a
Senator from Rhode Island for many years. He married
Kate Chase, a very beautiful woman, daughter of Chief Justice
Chase, Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln.
Sprague became jealous of his wife, and left her because she
was unusually bright and attracted the attention of public
men. Shje held brilliant receptions at the Chief Justice's
house when he was trying to get the nomination for President
in place of Grant. The gossips had Conkling's name mixed
up with this affair. They also said he lived mostly on milk
and crackers. After Conkling resigned his seat in the Senate
he practiced law in New York City. He got out in a deep
snow in the streets and took cold and died.

When Fenton was elected Senator to succeed Senator Mor-
gan, who had been the "war governor" of New York, the
same as Senator Morton had been the "war governor" of
Indiana, I was in the gallery of the State House of New
York at Albany, and saw and heard the voting when Fenton
was elected. When Fenton came into the Senate Conkling
and the other administration Senators looked upon him about
the same as they did on Sumner.

*****

Russell Sage was the projector and builder of the Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. He was when a young man
a member of Congress from the State of New York. After-

98 H. R. KINCAID

wards for many years he became one of the most powerful
capitalists among railroad men in New York City and a great
power in Wall street. It was said that he was the only man
in New York at that time who always kept ten million dollars
in bank ready to loan or be used in any emergency. When
the Senate was not in session I was frequently in New York
and became acquainted with Sage. He visited at my house
in Washington and I received many autograph letters from
him. My reminiscences, covering a period of nearly 80 years,
from which these few paragraphs are taken in a condensed
form, contain some of Sage's letters, and letters from gov-
ernors, senators, congressmen, judges, clergymen, authors
and others, taken from a collection of many thousand letters,
and some of my editorials and other newspaper comments. It
would make a large book and whether it will ever be published
I do not know. When an attempt was made to assassinate
Sage I wrote a lengthy editorial, taking that for a text. He
sent me a letter of thanks, and Senator Dolph sent a letter
saying he wished the article could be read by every person
in the United States. I sent Sage my paper for twenty years
or more, up to the time he passed away, perhaps about fifteen
years ago. He left over seventy million dollars ($70,000,000)
for the Sage foundation, a charitable institution.

During the four years that I served as Secretary of State
of Oregon, along with Governor Lord, his wife was an en-
thusiastic advocate of making the growing of flax in Oregon
an important industry. She was the pioneer of flax-growing
in Oregon, and never lost an opportunity to talk about and
explain her hobby. If Oregon ever becomes a flax-growing
state, as it probably will, she will be entitled to most of the
credit. The Governor was so much occupied with politics
and the cares of state that he did not have the time nor
patience to give much attention to the flax industry at that
time, however important it might become in the distant future.
Like Huntington, who said posterity might build their own

REMINISCENCES 99

railroads, the Governor perhaps thought that posterity might
raise their own flax or do without flax. The Governor was
hard of hearing and did not hear all or much of his wife's
eloquent appeals for flax in his presence, but he heard enough
to know that flax nearly always came in somewhere. On one
occasion, when the Secretary of State and the Attorney-
General were attending a dinner party with others at the
Governor's house, Mrs. Lord was explaining to the guests
the great advantages that flax raising would be to Oregon.
The Governor did not hear what she was saying but became
suspicious that she had started on her hobby. He leaned over
at the table and asked the Attorney-General in a low voice:
"Is Julia talking about that damn flax?"

* * * * 4

When the 18th regular session of the Legislature of Oregon
met in Salem January 14, 1895, I went into office as Secretary
of State, to succeed Geo. W. McBride, who had held the
office two terms, eight years. I administered the oath of
office to Charles B. Moores, Speaker of the House, and to
the sixty Representatives. The platform on which I and all
the members of the Legislature had been elected had been
unanimously adopted, on motion of Rufus Mallory, by the
Republican State Convention, at Portland, as follows :

"The American people, from tradition and interest, favor
bimetallism, and the Republican party demands the uses of
both gold and silver as standard money, with such restrictions
and under such provisions, to be determined by legislation, as
will secure the maintenance of the parity of values of the two
metals, so that the purchasing and debt paying power of the
dollar, whether of silver, gold or paper, shall be at all times
equal. The interests of the producers of the country, its farm-
ers and its workingmen, demand that every dollar, paper or
coin, issued by the government, shall be as good as any
other."

Senator Dolph had declared in a speech in Boston, or some
place in the East, that he "had the temerity to oppose" this
silver Republican platform. All the Republicans had been
elected on this platform and nearly all were in favor of silver

100 H. R. KINCAID

regardless of the platform. All parties on the Pacific Coast
then favored it. I had the kindliest feelings for Senator
Dolph. I appreciated his valuable services as a Senator and
his worth and ability as a man. I tried to persuade him to
make some concessions to those who favored silver as standard
money, and had written to him in the East to that effect,
during the Summer, between the time of the election, June
4, 1894, and the meeting- of the Legislature, January 14, 1895.
But he would not. He was the only Republican candidate
for Senator before the people when the Legislature was elected,
and he reasoned logically that the election of a Republican
Legislature settled it. He stood on his dignity and would
not try to conciliate or influence any member of the Legislature
in any way. The result was that nearly one-half of the Re-
publicans refused to vote for him on account of his gold
standard views. He lacked two or three votes. "From tra-
dition" if not "from interest," I could not do otherwise than
sympathize with those who refused to vote for him.

Those who were trying to whip in the opposition believed
that the Secretary of State, with the power of his office, which
then included the business of Secretary, State Auditor, State
Insurance Commissioner, State Corporation Commissioner
and member of every state board, could control two or three
members and elect the Senator. One Senator introduced a
bill in the Senate and two Representatives introduced bills
in the House to repeal the laws allowing the Secretary of
State fees. The fixed salary was very small and fees had been
provided in lieu of salary. Without the fees the office would
have been a liability that nobody without a large income would
have wanted or could have afforded to hold. They let it be
known that if the Secretary would get the members necessary
to elect their man, which they said they knew he could, these
bills would be withdrawn or put to sleep, otherwise away would
go the fees ! They were informed that they might go ahead
with their bills and go to any old place with the fees ! Then
the fight started in earnest, and lasted till the last day of the

REMINISCENCES 101

forty days' session, when Geo. W. McBride was elected after
midnight.

Thirty members signed a pledge not to allow any law to
be passed such as they threatened. Without that pledge they
could not have done it, for the Secretary of State had a ma-
jority in both houses and the Governor behind him. I do
not blame Senator Dolph and his friends for anything they
did or tried to do. They felt sore at the bolters and at the
Secretary. He might have felt the same if he had been in
their places. Senator Dolph was entitled to re-election on
account of his superior ability and his valuable public services.
The everlasting money question, the almighty dollar, pre-
vented his re-election. It also prevented the re-election of Sena-
tor Mitchell, in 1897, and the re-election of Secretary of State
Kincaid in 1898.

*****

Gold and silver had been the standard of values at about
16 to 1 throughout the world for 2,000 years, until England
adopted the single gold standard in 1816. This was done
because England had billions of dollars invested in bonds
and other securities in the United States and other debtor
nations. Germany and other creditor nations followed Eng-
land. These creditor nations used their great financial power
to force it upon the United States. Iron, copper and other
base metals have so little intrinsic values that they are not
suitable for money. Paper is the same. Gold and silver
are the only metals suitable for money, and, without silver,
there is not enough gold in the world to pay ten cents on the
dollar of the debts and carry on the business. Under this
gold standard system all debts and all business is made pay-
able in "gold coin," a physical impossibility.

The striking out of silver, the greatest part of the money of
the world, doubled the value of gold, and the value of billions
of bonds and interest and of investments originally made on a
basis of gold arid silver, so that it will take for an indefinite
time double the amount of the products of labor to pay the

102 H. R. KINCAID

principal and interest on these "investments." Now, when
England is spending five billions of dollars a year in war,
Parliament is assured that they can carry on the war five years
on what the debtor nations owe England. Had it not been for
the single gold standard, which enabled them to draw such
vast wealth from their bonds and "investments," they would
not have the means to carry on so great a war. Nor would
their interests prompt them to do it. It is the desire to keep
up this system of drawing wealth from other nations that
has caused the war. England wants a monopoly of this
"business," and Germany is fighting for "self-preservation,"
that is, to keep England from getting all or more than her
share of the trade and wealth of other countries. Under the
gold and silver system of money that had existed for thou-
sands of years these nations could not have drawn such
fabulous wealth from "investments" in other countries, and
this greatest war the world has ever known would in all
human probability not have ever been, and surely not during
the present age. It was forced on the United States by the
great money power of England and Germany, in the interest
of great wealth, when they were drawing billions of dollars
for bonds, stocks and all kinds of investments in America,
all made payable in gold coin of much greater purchasing
power than the original investments, constantly being rein-
vested and increasing in values. Now this vast increase of
wealth in the hands of the already wealthy owners of stocks
and bonds and accumulated money, by laws increasing the
power of their accumulated capital, at the expense of the
debtors and laborers, is reacting with terrible force against
those who did it. It is sweeping away billions of dollars,
millions of lives, and destroying the labors of a century.
War expenses, war taxes and income taxes will take all their
income in "gold coin" and some more, and they will be glad
to remonetize silver and have the money of the world, gold
and silver, when this war is over.

In the United States silver continued to be standard of

REMINISCENCES 103

value at 16 to 1 until 1873. Then, by mistake or design,
silver was dropped out in revising or codifying the coinage
laws. Congressmen denied that it had been done intention-
ally. A great clamor went up all over the United States, the
great silver producing country of the world, for the remone-
tization of silver, for "free silver" or "bimetallism," as it was
variously called. The Pacific Coast and all the silver pro-
ducing states and territories, which produced about $70,000,000
a year, were greatly damaged. All parties professed to be
in favor of remonetizing silver, for twenty years. Suddenly
the "gold bugs" took control, first of Grover Cleveland and
a part of the Democratic party, and then of Wm. McKinley,
who had advocated silver, and the leading faction of the Re-
publican party, and changed the financial system of the United
States. Now an army of financial doctors are trying to
devise some scheme by which promises to pay money can take
the place of money, but all the promises stipulated that they
must eventually be paid in "gold coin," when the government,
the banks, the corporations and the individuals who make these
promises know there is not enough "gold coin" in the world
and never can be, to pay ten cents on the dollar of their
promises.

*****
i

The gold standard candidate for Governor and a lot of
imported hired orators from the East made a whirlwind cam-
paign throughout Oregon in 1898. They whooped up the
war against Spain, and made it clear to themselves and to a
majority of the voters that if any nominee on the Union ticket
should be elected, the volunteers who were being marched
around through Oregon, at large expense, for political effect,
would be without food and clothing in the Philippine Islands
or wherever they should be. The election of a state officer in
Oregon opposed to the gold standard would paralyze the army
and navy of the United States, and the sons and brothers of
Oregon voters might starve and go naked while fighting for
their country in foreign lands! The re-election of the Sec-

104 H. R. KINCAID

retary of State, as a silver Republican, on the Union ticket,
would be the unkindest cut of all to the patriotic soldiers.
He had caused to be printed and distributed a pamphlet con-
taining his writings against the gold standard for twenty-two
years, from 1873 to 1895. A man who would for twenty- two
years support the Republican platforms favoring bimetallism
— silver and gold for standard money — and opposing the single
gold standard, and would then keep right on doing the same
thing, after the leaders of the party, in England and Germany
and some in America, had taken control of the party and
elected a former free silver advocate President on a gold
platform ; a man who would fight for the principle on which
he had been elected and which he had always favored, was
especially offensive to the refined tastes of the advocates of
"sound money" and "criminal aggression," as McKinley at first
styled the clamor for a war against Spain. No party could
change oftener or faster than they could ! By such represen-
tations the gold standard candidates were all elected by large
majorities, but the defeated candidate for Secretary of State
had more than 1,200 more votes than the average vote for the
other Union candidates.

* * * * *

Just before I went out of office of Secretary of State my
friend Governor Lord, who stood by me loyally all the time,
regardless of political dissensions and divisions in the Re-
publican party over the money question, nominated four or
five regents of the University of Oregon, my name being one
of the number. Dolman, a California newspaper writer, had
come to Salem and was writing for the Oregonian. As soon
as I was out of office he filled his letters mainly with attacks
on my administration. Governor Geer sent a message to the
Senate asking for the withdrawal of Governor Lord's nomina-
tions. He objected to the name of Kincaid, but would return

i. Alfred Holman, born in Yamhill County, Oregon, July 6, 1857. He began
his newspaper career on the Portland Daily Bee in 1876, and was attached to the
editorial staff of t'-<e Oregonian from 1888 to 1891. His grandfather, John Holman,
was a pioneer of 1843, his father, Francis Dillard Holman, a pioneer of 1845, and
his mother, Mrs. Mary McBride Holman, a pioneer of 1846.

REMINISCENCES 105

all the others. The Senate refused to return the names, about
25 of the 30 Senators, including nearly all the Republicans,
voting against returning and being in favor of confirming,
but they were in the hands of a chairman of a committee who
refused to report them so the Senate could vote on them.
Those who were engaged in inspiring these attacks and this
petty spite-work went to the presiding officer and informed
him that he had a legal right to send the names to Governor
Geer without the consent of the Senate, which he did before
the Senate had time or thought to order the committee to
report the names. Governor Geer then returned all the names
but Kincaid's name, in place of which he substituted the name
of Wm. Smith, Populist Senator from Baker County. He
remarked that he did not understand why the Governor had
objected to a Republican and then sent in the name of a "wild-
eyed Populist." Holman was a relative of Senator McBride,
for whose election to the Senate I had contributed more than
anybody by keeping him in the State House during the entire
session of the Legislature in 1895 and by refusing to get a
vote or two necessary to elect Senator Dolph as his friends
had demanded on threat of cutting off the fees of the office
of Secretary of State. But McBride had no part in the fight
that was being made on his friend, and was not to blame, and
perhaps those in Salem who were inspiring and directing the
attacks felt justified. From their point of view I had de-
serted the party and had tried to prevent their election. From
my point of view they had deserted the principles of the party
and had prevented me from being re-elected to an office to
which I was entitled "from tradition and interest." The
nation was changing its financial system. The party with
which I had always acted and have continued to act since, had
suddenly reversed itself on a very important subject. It was
natural that the majority should go with the party wherever
it went, following the name. I was responsible for my defeat
by refusing in an interview in the Oregonian to accept a nomi-
nation on a gold standard platform. I was the nominee on

106 H. R. KINCAID

the Union ticket, not of the Democrats or Populists, who had
their candidates, but of the "Silver Republicans." The senti-
ment in favor of a second term, which every Secretary of
State had held, was almost unanimous. Nothing could have
prevented a re-election on the Republican ticket. Some of
my most devoted friends for many years were very angry
because I had "deserted" or "betrayed the party," as they
called it. Some of them lived to realize, no doubt, and others
will if they are in the land of the living long enough, that
they and the party made a mistake when they forced the
English and German financial system on the United States.

SOME DOCUMENTARY RECORDS OF
SLAVERY IN OREGON

By FRED LOCKLEY.

Though Oregon is far north of the Mason and Dixon line,
yet slaves were held in Oregon in the days of the Provisional
Government. Officially slavery never existed in Oregon, but
actually some of the Oregon pioneers held slaves. Hidden
away in the dry-as-dust records of the county court when
what is now Multnomah County was a part of Washington
County and when Hillsboro was the county seat, and in con-
sequence put on airs over its humble neighbor, Portland, you
will find some interesting documents. While looking through
one of the early day volumes of records recently I came upon
this unique record (this is presented not as an instance of
actual slavery in Oregon, but to show that the registration of
a document of manumission was considered advisable in
Oregon) :

"Know all men by these presents, that for and in consid-
eration of five hundred dollars, to me in hand paid by Jane
Thomas, late Jane Snowden, a free woman of color, the
receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, I
David Snowden, of the County of Ray, in the State of Mis-
souri, have bargained, sold and delivered to her the same
Jane Thomas, late Jane Snowden, a free woman of color, one
certain negro boy slave named Billy, aged about eleven years
and the son of the said Jane Thomas, late Jane Snowden, a
free woman of color. This sale is made to gratify the said
Jane Thomas the mother of the said negro boy Billy, as she is
about to emigrate to Oregon and wishes to take the boy with
her. Given under my hand and seal this 17th day of Decem-
ber, A. D. 1852. David Snowden (seal).

"Received for record April 10th and and recorded this
thirteenth day of April, A. D. 1854. W. S. Caldwell, Auditor
and Recorder, Washington County, Oregon Territory."

Look over the early records of Clark County, then a part

IT

108 FRED LOCKLEY

of Oreg^ ., but now a part of the State of Washington, and
you will find the following record :

"Fort Vancouver, May 5, 1851.

"Mommia Travers, a black woman, aged about forty-five,
bought by me from Isaac Burbayg-e, in April, 1849, I have
this day given her freedom unconditionally, and she is in all
respects free to go and do as may seem to her most to her
advantage, without let or hindrance from me, my agents,
heirs or assigns. Witness my hand and seal, at Vancouver,
May 5th, 1851. Llewellyn Jones, Captain, U. S. A.

"The above named woman, Mommia, is an honest and per-
fectly conscientious woman and deserves kind and good treat-
ment at the hands of every one. Llewellyn Jones, Captain,
U. S. A. Recorded, July 29th, 1857."

Some of the early pioneers of Oregon hailing from the South
brought their slaves to Oregon with them and asserted their
right to hold them as slaves in Oregon. One of the strong
men in politics in Oregon's early clays was Colonel Nathaniel
Ford. Some years ago T. W. Davenport, whose son, Homer
Davenport, the cartoonist, put Silverton on the world's map,
wrote to Judge R. P. Boise, of the Oregon Supreme Court,
and received the following reply1 as to the legal status of
slavery in Oregon in the early fifties:

"Yours of the second instant is just received. Colonel
Nathaniel Ford came to Oregon from Missouri in 1844 and
brought with him three slaves — two men and one woman.
The woman was married to one of these men and had some
small children. Ford claimed these children as slaves and
continued to claim them until 1853. One of these children —
a girl — had, prior to that time, been given to Mrs. (Dr.)
Boyle, a daughter of Ford. Prior to 1853 the parents of these
children (Robbin and Polly) had claimed their freedom and
left Ford and in 1852 were living at Nesmith's Mills, but Ford
had kept the children. In 1853 Robbin, the father of the

i. This letter was used by Davenport in his discussion of the "Slavery
Question in Oregon." (See this Quarterly, Vol. IX, pp. 189-253. The letter is
given as a foot note on page 196. Mr. Lockley's version of it corrects the date
of Nathaniel Ford's arrival in Oregon.) Mr. Davenport submitted the letter
to bear out his statement — "There was not one negro slave within its (Oregon
Territory's) far-reaching boundaries or within a thousand miles thereof." Of
course, the letter proves an instance of such slavery prior to 1853. — EDITOR QUAR-
TERLY.

SLAVERY IN OREGON 109

children, brought a suit by habeas corpus to get possession
of the children. The case was heard by Judge George H.
Williams in the summer of 1853, and he held that these
children, being then (by the voluntary act of Ford) in Oregon,
where slavery could not legally exist, were free from the
bonds of slavery, and awarded their custody to their father."
The history of slavery legislation in Oregon is an interesting
chapter of Oregon's state life. Peter H. Burnett, the leader
of the Oregon immigration of 1843 and later the first Governor
of the State of California, was a member of the Legislative
Committee of Oregon in 1844. He was from the South and
was opposed to slavery largely on account of the evil to both
the white and black races by the inevitable mixing of the races
where slavery existed. He was also opposed to the liquor
industry. He was the author of the bills prohibiting slavery
and regulating the use of liquor. The slavery act passed by
the Provisional Legislature was as follows:

"An Act in regard to Slavery and Free Negroes and Mulattoes.
"Be It Enacted by the Legislative Committee of Oregon as

follows :

"Section 1. That slavery and involuntary servitude shall
be forever prohibited in Oregon.

"Section 2. That in all cases where slaves have been,
or shall hereafter be brought into Oregon, the owners of
such slaves shall have the term of three years from the intro-
duction of such slaves to remove them out of the country.

"Section 3. That if such owners of slaves shall neglect or
refuse to remove such slaves from the country within the time
specified in the preceding section, such slaves shall be free.

"Section 4. That when any free negro or mulatto shall
have come to Oregon, he or she, as the case may be, if of
the age of eighteen or upward, shall remove from and leave
the country within the term of two years for males and three
years for females from the passage of this act ; and that if any
free negro or mulatto shall hereafter come to Oregon, if of
the age aforesaid, he or she shall quit and leave within the
term of two years for males and three years for females
from his or her arrival in the country.

"Section 5. That if such free negro or mulatto be under
the age aforesaid the terms of time specified in the preceding

110 FRED LOCKLEY

section shall begin to run when he or she shall arrive at such
age.

"Section 6. That if any such free negro or mulatto shall
fail to quit the country as required by this act, he or she may
be arrested upon a warrant issued by some justice of the
peace, and if guilty upon trial before such justice, shall
receive upon his or her bare back not less than twenty nor
more than thirty-nine stripes, to be inflicted by the constable
of the proper county.

"Section 7. That if any free negro or mulatto shall fail
to quit the country within the term of six months after re-
ceiving such stripes, he or she shall again receive the same
punishment once in every six months until he or she shall
quit the country.

"Section 8. That when any slave shall obtain his or her
freedom, the time specified in the fourth section shall begin to
run from the time when such freedom shall be obtained."

This was passed at the June session in 1844. At the
December session of the same year Peter H. Burnett introduced
an amendment, which was passed on December 19, 1844, which
reads as follows: .

"An Act amendatory of An Act passed June 26th, 1844, in
Regard to Slavery and for other purposes.

"Be It Enacted by the Legislative Committee of Oregon as
follows :

"Section 1. That the sixth and seventh sections of said
act are hereby repealed.

"Section 2. That if any such free negro or mulatto shall
fail to quit and leave the country, as required by the act to
which this is amendatory, he or she may be arrested upon a
warrant issued by some justice of the peace; and if guilty
upon trial before such justice had, the said justice shall issue
his order to any officer competent to execute process, directing
said officer to given ten days' public notice, by at least four
written or printed advertisements, that he will publicly hire
out such free negro or mulatto to the lowest bidder, on a
day and at a place therein specified. On the day and at the
place mentioned in said notice, such officer shall expose such
free negro or mulatto to public hiring; and the person who
will obligate himself to remove such free negro or mulatto
from the country for the shortest term of service, shall enter
into a bond with good and sufficient security to Oregon, in a

SLAVERY IN OREGON 111

penalty of at least one thousand dollars, binding himself to
remove said negro or mulatto out of the country within six
months after such service shall expire; which bond shall be
filed in the clerk's office in the proper county; and upon
failure to perform the conditions of said bond, the attorney
prosecuting for Oregon shall commence a suit upon a certified
copy of such bond in the circuit court against such a delin-
quent and his sureties."

John Minto, an Oregon pioneer of 1844, gives an interesting
sidelight on the question of slavery under Oregon's provisional
government. At the rendezvous of the emigrants on the Mis-
souri River he with W. H. Rees fell in with George Wash-
ington Bush, a mulatto, who was waiting the gathering of
the emigrants to go with them to Oregon. Mr. Minto and
Mr. Rees accepted the hospitality of Mr. Bush and his wife
and ate dinner with them. They were in the same emigrant
train, though Mr. Bush forged ahead of Mr. Morrison, for
whom John Minto was working. On September 5th Mr.
Minto, who had gone on foot a few miles ahead of the train,
again fell in with Mr. Bush. Bush was riding a mule and
Minto was afoot. They went back together to the wagon
train, and as they journeyed leisurely to rejoin the others they
discussed the question of slavery. Mr. Bush told Mr. Minto
that if men of his color were discriminated against in Oregon
he was going on into California to secure the protection of
the Mexican government.

Food getting short John Minto and two other young men,
Crockett and Clark by name, struck out ahead for the 600-mile
journey, depending on their guns for food. At Fort- Hall they
found James W. Marshall, who was later to turn all eyes toward
California by his discovery of gold in Sutter's millrace. He
told them that Peter H. Burnett, who had come the year
before, had sent a letter back to the emigrants. Alexander
Grant, the Hudson Bay trader in charge of Fort Hall, had
the letter. Mr. Burnett, who within a few years was to
become the first American Governor of the State of California,
said in his letter to send word on ahead if the emigrants were

112 FRED LOCKLEY

apt to need food. While Minto and his two companions were
at the Fort G. W. Bush with his wife and five children and
his cattle arrived at the Fort. It was decided to have Minto,
Clark and Crockett press on as rapidly as possible and tell
Peter Burnett to send help to the emigrants. After consid-
erable hardship the three young men reached the Willamette
Valley and delivered their message to Peter Burnett. For a
while they cut rails for General McCarver and then took a
contract to get out a considerable number of oak rails for
Peter Burnett. When this work was finished they went up in
a Hudson Bay bateau furnished by Dr. John McLoughlin to
help the emigrants down the river. At The Dalles they found
G. W. Bush, who had decided to stay there all winter and take
care of his stock and the stock of some of his fellow emigrants.
Later he moved to Washougal Prairie. He wanted to come
to the Willamette Valley, but on account of the stand taken
against negroes he moved on the north side of the Columbia,
thinking to be under the British Government, for at that time
the British claimed the country north of the Columbia. Bush
was very popular with the early settlers on account of his
thrift, good nature and generosity. He had helped several
white families financially to get their outfits to come in 1844
and he helped many who were destitute when they arrived.
He was born in Pennsylvania in 1790. With Colonel M. T.
Simmons and some others he settled in the Puget Sound country
in 1845. Bush Prairie is named for him. His son, William
Owen Bush, won the first premium at the Centennial Exposi-
tion at Philadelphia on wheat grown on Bush Prairie.

The question of slavery in Oregon was instrumental in
delaying the plan of Oregon to be made a territory. Thomas
B. Benton, Oregon's firm friend, writing in 1847 as to the
action or rather lack of action by Congress said :

"The House of Representatives as early as the middle of
January, passed a bill to give you Territorial Government,
and in that bill had sanctioned and legalized your provisional
organic act, one of the clauses of which forever prohibited
the existence of slavery in Oregon. An amendment from

SLAVERY IN OREGON 113

the Senate committee, to which this bill was referred, pro-
posed to abrogate that prohibition ; and in the delays and vexa-
tions to which that amendment gave rise, the whole bill was
laid upon the table and lost for the session. This will be a
great disappointment to you, and a real calamity ; already
five years without law or legal institution for the protection
of life, liberty and property and now doomed to wait a year
longer. This is a strange and anomalous condition, almost
incredible to contemplate, and most critical to endure, a colony
of freemen 4,000 miles from the metropolitan government,
and without law or government to preserve them. But do
not be alarmed or desperate. You will not be outlawed for
not admitting slavery. Your fundamental act against that
institution, copied from the ordinance of 1787, the work of
the great men of the South in the great day of the South,
prohibiting slavery in a territory far less northern than yours,
will not be abrogated, nor is that the intention of the prime
mover of the amendment. Upon the record the judiciary
committee of the Senate is the author of that amendment,
but not so the fact. It is only midwife to it. Its author,
Mr. Calhoun, is the same mind that 'generated the firebrand'
resolutions, of which I send you a copy, and of which the
amendment is the legitimate derivation. Oregon is not the
object. The most ardent propagandist of slavery cannot ex-
pect to plant it on the shores of the Pacific, in the latitude of
Wisconsin and the Lakes of the Woods. A home agitation
and disunion purposes is all that is intended by thrusting this
firebrand question into your bill, and at the next session, when
it is thrust in again, we will scourge it out, and pass your
bill as it ought to be. I promise you this in the name of the
South as well as of the North ; and the event will not deceive
me. In the meantime the President will give you all the pro-
tection which existing laws and detachments of the army
and navy can enable him to extend to you; and until Con-
gress has time to act, your friends must rely upon you to
govern yourselves as you have heretofore done under the
provisions of your own voluntary compact, and with the
justice, harmony and moderation which is due to your own
character and to the honor of the American name."

On August 18, 1857, the delegates to the Oregon State
Constitutional Convention met at the Marion County court
house in Salem and took action toward deciding whether
Oregon should be a slave state or a free state. Article 18

114 FRED LOCKLEY

provided that: "For the purpose of taking the vote of the
electors of the state for the acceptance or rejection of this
constitution, an election shall be held on the second Monday
of November, in the year 1857. * * * Each elector who
offers to vote upon this constitution shall be asked by the
judges of election this question: 'Do you vote for the Con-
stitution? Yes or No? And also this question: 'Do you
vote for slavery in Oregon? Yes or No?' And also this
question : 'Do you vote for free negroes in Oregon ? Yes or
No.?' * * * If this constitution shall be accepted by the
electors, and a majority of all votes given for and against
slavery shall be given for slavery, then the following section
shall be added to the bill of rights and shall be part of the
constitution: 'Persons lawfully held as slaves in any state,
territory or district of the United States, under the laws there-
of, may be brought into this state: and such slaves and their
descendants may be held as slaves within this state, and shall
not be emancipated without the consent of their owners.'

"And if a majority of such votes shall be given against
slavery, then the foregoing section shall not, but the following
section shall be added to the bill of rights, and shall be a
part of this constitution : 'There shall be neither slavery nor
involuntary servitude in the state, otherwise than as a punish-
ment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly con-
victed.'

"And if a majority of all the votes given for and against
free negroes shall be given against free negroes, then the
following section shall be added to the bill of rights and shall
be a part of this constitution : 'No free negro or mulatto,
not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this
constitution, shall come, reside or be within this state or hold
any real estate, or make any contracts, or maintain any suit
therein ; and the legislative assembly shall provide by penal
laws for the removal by public officers of all such negroes and
mulattoes, and for their effectual exclusion from the state, and

SLAVERY IN OREGON

115

for the punishment of persons who shall bring them into the
state, or employ or harbor them.' "

When the votes were counted it was found that there were
2,645 votes for slavery and 7,727 votes against making Oregon
a slave state. There were 1,081 votes to allow free negroes
to come to Oregon and 8,640 against allowing free negroes to
reside in the state.

The slavery question a few years later snuffed out the
light for all time of some of the leading politicians of Oregon
who espoused the South's view on slavery.

Finally on February 14, 1859, in spite of the strained feel-
ings upon the question of slavery, Oregon was admitted as a
territory and the position of governor of. the newly created
territory was offered to Abraham Lincoln. His wife not car-
ing to leave her friends in Illinois, Lincoln declined the ap-
pointment and General Joseph Lane, who had distinguished
himself in the Mexican war, was offered and accepted the
place, thus becoming Oregon's first territorial governor.

DIARY OF REV. JASON LEE

EDITORIAL NOTE.

"The Jason Lee Memorial Addresses" contain data bearing upon his lineage,
life and work. These were published in volume VII. of this Quarterly, pp. 225-291.
Special brief characterizations of the different members of the Jason Lee missionary
party by Harvey W. Scott are to be found on pp. 252-4, in one of these addresses.
These memorial addresses were given at Salem, Oregon, on June 15, 1906, on the
occasion of the reinterment of his ashes in the "Lee Missionary Cemetery," near
that city. Having died on his second return from Oregon to the East at his
native place, Stanstead, just across from the border of Vermont, in the Province
of Quebec, he had been there buried.

Left Stanstead, Lower Canada, August 19, 1833.

Sunday, April 20, 1834, arrived at Liberty, Mo., on my
way to the Flat Head Indians.

Sunday evening — Attempted to preach in the Court House,
but when about half through, the wind frightened the people
away and I dismissed by pronouncing the blessing, although
I did not apprehend any danger.

21. — Monday, P. M. Rained very hard. Daniel went to
look for Bro. Munroc and, if possible persuade him to. go
with us.

22. — Went 9 miles to Independence and found Brother
Shepard and slept very comfortably with him in the tent de-
signed for our journey. Felt thankful that we had arrived
safe without accident to the [place] where we were to prepare
for our overland trip.

23. — This has been spent in making preparation for our
departure.

24. — This evening D. returned though he could not suc-
ceed in getting the man for whom he went, yet he engaged
two others, one of whom I had conversed with on the subject
and think he will do well to teach the Indians.

April 25. — Went over to Liberty and finished our business
and accompanied our two friends to our encampment. Took
leave of Mr. and [Mrs.] Kelly, who kindly and gratuitously
entertained us while at Liberty.

Saturday. — Purchased some cows and more horses and re-
moved 4 miles from the river with the intention of camping

DIARY 117

with Capt. Wyeth1 about 9 miles from the river, but was be-
lated and accepted an invitation to turn in and lodge with a
man by name Rickman, — pitched our tent. Part lodged in
the house and part in the tent. He took nothing for our en-
tertainment.

Sun. 27. — Prayed with the family and took our departure
as soon as possible after an early breakfast, being fearful
that the company would start early and we be left behind, but
they did not decamp. Had we known that they would not,
we should not ; but should have complied with the pressing
request of many and preached in Independence.

Mon. 28. — After seeing the animals packed ready for start-
ing returned to Inde. to attend* to some things which in our
hurry we had neglected. Came back and dined at Bro' Fer-
ril's, a local preacher, who kindly gave us corn for our horses
and entertained some of us; and then rode on and came into
camp at dusk thankful that we were on our way to the
farthest West.

Tues. 29. — Started early, accompanied by Bro. Edwards,2 to
find Bro. T. Johnson at the Shawnee Mission, about 7 miles
from camp, but not knowing that course traveled twice that
distance, but was much pleased to find Sister Johnson sur-
rounded with Shawnee sisters engaged in quilting. Stayed
over night; tried to purchase a horse from the Indians but
could not agree on the price.

Wednes. 30.— Bought of Bro. Johnson a cow for beef.
Started accompanied Bro. J. for the camp. After reaching
the prairie Bro. Johnson Re'd from me for the Mis. Soc.
$150.00.

Came into camp before night and was rejoiced for we feared
we should be obliged to camp by ourselves.

Last evening the company encountered a terrible hail storm,
but we had only a shower at the Mission.

Thurs. May 1. — A little before we encamped, saw a few

1 Capt. Nathaniel J. Wyeth.

2 P. L. Edwards.

118 JASON LEE

families of Caw [Kaw] Indians, they are a band broken off
from the Osage. No sooner had we encamped than they
came from their village of bark huts and thronged around us
to our annoyance.

They are a miserable looking set of beings — half-naked —
the children some of them entirely so. Bro. Shepard1 re-
marked that he never before felt half so much like trying to
benefit the Indians.

Two females came with two naked children under their
blankets and made signs that they were hungry and the chil-
dren too.

Multitudes of nearly famishing [dogs] belonging to the
Indians were prowling about camp all night.

Friday 2. — Did not decamp. Some of our com. visited the
Indian camp. I had a desire to go but had so much to do
writing letters &c., that I could not. They said that the
Is. [Indians] had plenty to eat but they had rather beg than
eat their own.

Sat. 3. — Struck tent — came ahead of the Com. and found
a number of wigwams on the bank of the Kansas. They are
Caws — came here to visit the agent General Clark (cousin
to Gen. Clark who went to the Columbia with Lewis).

The company soon came up and immediately set about
crossing the baggage in a flatboat. I crossed with ours the
first load.

The Indians thronged around us and we were obliged to
watch diligently to prevent them from pilfering little things.

Sat down to finish some letters to send back by the wag-
goner who had accompanied us from Independence.

Swam the horses all safe but the horned cattle were very
troublesome and when drove in would swim back. Our beef
cow swam far down the river and went ashore below the
men and ran into the woods a man followed her but lost her
in the bushes. Four or five went in pursuit of her but could
not find her.

i Cyrus Shepard.

DIARY 119

Sun. 4. — Rained a little in the morning. No regard paid
by any of Capt. W's company to the Sabbath and but little
in appearance by ours for we were obliged as we judged to
do things which we should not have done under other cir-
cumstances. We engaged the Indians to look for our cow
and looked ourselves but in vain. She either returned to the
mission or the Indians made sure of her we think, for they are
in a state of starvation we are told having been frightened
away by the Cholera and their corn rotted last year.

Monday 5. — Exchanged a little cow and calf with a Half
Breed for a beef cow. Left some letters [with] General
Clark's son to be sent the first chance to the Post Office which
is perhaps 30 mi. Related to him the circumstances of the
lost cow and requested if found to communicate to F. John-
son and request him to take her and account to the Mission So.
for her; he promised to do all he could but thought it prob-
able that the Indians had eaten her.

Started early before breakfast from the agency and trav-
eled till 12 o'clock and then took breakfast.

It is called 75 mi. from the agency to Independence.

Two Indians turned in a yoke of oxen with ours and
assisted in driving. Others followed and are cooking their
dinner a little distance from us they come and sit down and
watch us while cooking as if they had a great desire to be
partakers with us but we dare not give them our food lest
we should not have enough to last till we reach the buffalo.

Saw one beating something with a stick went to him and he
had killed a rattlesnake.

Tues. 6. — Stopped to dine and bait our animals a little dis-
tance from the Caw Village. Here the Indians remained with
their oxen.

Many came from the Village to trade and it was with great
difficulty that we could prevent their dogs from devouring our
bacon. Just as we were ready to remove it commenced rain-
ing but we proceeded and the rain soon ceased the sun shone
and dried us.

120 JASON LEE

Wedn. 7. — Came safe to camp on the little Vermillion which
is what I should call a large brook.

Thurs. 8. — Milton Sublet [Sublette] returned this morning
on account of lameness which detained us till 10 o'clock.
Wrote a few words to D. Patten Middleton. Was very sorry
to have him leave us for he is a clever man and far better
acquainted with the route and with Indians' character and
customs than any man in company.

Are now on a stream about as large as the little Vermillion
and I think is called black Vermillion.

Friday 9. — Encamped on a brook in a beautiful place. Here
the first deer was killed.

Sat. 10. — Got out of the trail, dined on the Big Vermillion
went back about a mile crossed came about 4 m. and camped
on the Prairie.

Sun. 11. — Decamped early this morning but lost the trail
came to a stop about 11 o'clock. Capt. Thing took an obser-
vation and found we were 40° 18' N. Lat. This has been
spent in a manner not at all congenial with my wishes.

Traveling, labouring to take care of the animals by all and
cursing and shooting &c by the Com.

Read some of the Psalms and thought truly my feelings in
some measure accorded with David's when he longed so much
for the House of God.

I have found very little time for reading, writing or medi-
tation since reached Liberty for I was almost momentarily
employed in making preparations previous to leaving the civ-
ilized world and we now find constant employment from
daylight till it is time to decamp and then I am engaged in
driving cows till we camp, to pitch our tent and make all
necessary arrangements for the night fills up the residue of
the day.

But still we find a few moments to call our little family
together and commend ourselves to God.

May. — Mon. 12. — This morning the Capt. commenced
mending hobbles and we did not expect to decamp till towards

DIARY 121

night. While I was writing in my Journal the word came
that two cows were gone one of them ours. Bro. Edwards
and myself caught our horses to hunt them and started in
haste on our back track judging that our cow had returned
where we killed her calf yesterday distant I suppose about
10 m. all undulating or open Prairie except a few trees and
shrubs on a little creek. It was with some difficulty that
we could keep the trail as there was no mark except what
was made by our party. When we arrived near where the
calf was killed we saw the cows about two miles ahead and
urging their way onward, we took a direct course and pro-
ceded with all speed until we came up with them and began
our return at 11 o'clock. We left camp in a great hurry
without compass telescope or food. When we began to con-
sider on it we thought it probable that the Capt. would leave
by 12 o'clock and felt anxious to return as speedily as pos-
sible. We were on no trace we started but thought we
should strike it soon. We did not travel far before we struck
a trail which we took for granted was ours and followed it.

Having proceeded far enough to reach a certain creek we
crossed and not finding it caused me to believe what I had
before feared: that we were following Wm. Subletted trail
who we were sure was not far behind us.

The different portions of the prairie so much resemble each
other that it is impossible for those who [are] not acquainted
with them not to be deceived by them.

Though we became convinced that we were on Sublette's
trail yet we thought we had better proceed as we should be
likely to find him before dark. Saw eight elk ^ a m. distant
which were the first we saw. Soon after we left camp the
company having found Sublette's trail 2 m. off decamped.
We saw two [men] at a distance pursuing us. As we were
in the Pawnee country we thought it probable that they were
Indians. As they could overtake us in a short time any way
we concluded to wait their arrival and in the meantime milk
the cow for dinner. While we were thus engaged we saw

122 JASON LEE

three others from a little different direction approaching and
we now began to think sure enough that they were Pawnees.
We finished our milk in [time] to mount and pursue our
course before they were near enough to discern whether they
were red or white. We resolved we would not run but move
on as usual and we soon saw they were of our own party
pursuing us to [find] out who we were. Here we see clearly
the hand of Providence in bringing us in a way that we knew
not of for the Com. was but a mile or two in our [rear] and
their march was so crooked that they thought it would have
been nearly impossible for us to have followed them if we had
returned where we left them.

How mysterious are the ways of Providence and how
thankful ought we to be for all His mercies. O, Lord God,
write laws of gratitude on our hearts and may we love Thee
with our whole souls. Amen and Amen.

Tuesday 13. — Last night did not stake the horses. About
1 o'clock they took fright and nearly all ran with all speed with
their hobbles on. The guard and others pursued them and
soon came back with two-thirds of them but ours were nearly
all gone still. I went out about a m. and a half found 9 of
the Capt's. The others were all found four in. from Camp in
the morning except two of the Captain's.

Three of the Otto [Otoe] Indians came into camp this
morning — were very friendly but we strongly suspect that
they stole the horses that were lost.

Wednesday, May 14. — Encamped on a branch of the Blue
a large Brook clear good water.

Capt. Thing took a lunar observation and found we were
97° 7' West from Greenwich London.

We decamp about j/2 past 7 o'clock stop about 2 hours at
noon and camp about y2 past 6. Make nearly 50 m. per day
which is as much as the horses can endure for they are heavily
loaded and the grass for two or three days has been poor.

Thurs. 15. — Encamped on the Blue. Mr. Walker1 caught

i Courtney M. Walker.

DIARY 123

two cat fish which were very palatible as we had plenty of
bacon to cook them. Saw a number of antelope the hunters
killed two.

Frid. 16. — Came about 20 m. to day. Saw an Indian trail
about a week old where a large party had passed. Crossed
the Pawnee trail just before we camped it is worn by travel
so that it appears like a wagon road. They had just passed
and I perc[e]ive our camp is arranged with more care than
usual.

Sat. May 17, 1834. — Started this morning at 7 o'clock.
Made a severe march of 9 hours from the Blue to the Platte.
Left the main Blue on the left hand, crossed a small branch
or brook and having left the trail on the right we came by
compass N. W. till we found the trail of Mr. Wm. Sublet
after marching say 15 m. We then took nearly a W. course
soon found the old waggon trail saw some small sand Hills a
mile distant and as we approached them saw the timber on
the banks of Platte. Came a few m. up and encamped the
first place where we could find good grass and wood. Mr.
Walker caught a cat fish. We came to day 15 m. N. W. and
10 m. W. Total 25 m.

Sun. May 18. — J^ past 7 O-c. A. M. — The rain has been
falling gently since about midnight which is the [first] we
have had since the 6th except occasionally [a] few drops
though we have been traveling over what is considered a rainy
country.

This seems more like Sabbath than any we have passed
since we left the settlements. The rain prevents the men from
being out hallooing cursing and shooting. Can it be that
such men believe that the day will come when the Omnipotent
Jehovah "will judge all men in righteousness by that Man
whom He hath ordained whereof He hath given assurance
unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the dead?" I
have no dought that many are complete Infidels who have
taken but very little thought on the subject. They know that
if future rewards and punishments await mankind that the

124 JASON LEE

scenes which await them as individuals unless their char-
acters are changed (of which they see little prospect) are
appalling indeed and ardently and vehemently desiring that it
may not be so they by the assistance of Satan easily persuade
themselves that a compassionate God will make some more
merciful disposition of man than to punish him forever though
he may have done wrong and they soon persuade themselves
that Christianity can not be true according to that system
apparently few will be saved. However I have no dought
that and the Holy Ghost lift up their voices leave the sinner
but little firmness in his belief till the one is seared and the
other grieved.

While writing the above orders were given to prepare for
marching.

We packed in the rain and marched 5 hours and encamped
in a small spot of wood plenty of grass for the animals.

Mon. 19. — Started at ^ past 7 o'clock A. M. After march-
ing a few miles saw two men horseback some miles distant
approaching us. W7hen they arrived near enough to survey
our Company they halted and the Capt. and others went
out and spoke to them.

They were two Pawnees and made signs that their party
was just behind us and would overtake us tomorrow but
they will not if we can avoid it for the Capt. intends to make a
forced march to keep ahead of them. W^e are on the bank
of the Platte waiting about an hour to bait the horses and
get a bite of dinner. The Pawnees are generally counted
a treacherous tribe and the traders fear such more than those
who are decidedly hostile because when they pretend friend-
ship they only wait an opportunity to betray.

Tues., May 20. — Marched about 26 m. yesterday and as
many to day. Saw a band of Elk this afternoon and the
Capt. started full speed on horseback after them but his horse
was not fleet enough to come up with them but they ran so
near the Com. that they frightened the loose horses and they
took their back track and ran as fast as they could and the

DIARY 125

Capt. and others after them all have returned but the Capt.
and one other saw buffalo on the opposite side of this river
say 200.

Wednes. 21. — The Capt. returned about 11 o'clock last
evening with all the horses but two which he lost not being
able to run them down having followed them about 25 m.
and tired those they rode.

Traveled say 26 m. to day. The Indians have not over-
taken us and we are confident they cannot with their Families
and they take them along when they go to [the] Buff aloe
[country]. Saw at least thousands of Buffaloe to day some
were killed by the men they are very good if fat. I think pref-
erable to beef. The bottom lands along the river are literally
black with them for miles. We killed our cow this morning
before we saw the Buffaloe and paid the Capt. what we owed
him and let him have all except what we wanted ourselves.

May 20. — Some Pawnees Loup Indians came to camp. Their
camp is a day and a half march on the opposite side.

Wednes. 21. — Traveled about 20 m. and encamped as usual
on the bank of the Platte. There were several buff aloe kil[l]ed
to day by the hunters and others.

Thursday 22. — Were obliged to throw away good fat beef
because it would not keep sweet any longer but we [have]
plenty of buffalo. There are some Free trappers as they
are called with us but we have agreed to do our part [of the]
hunting and each mess share the spoil equally.

Fri. 23. — Went out with the hunters this morning to learn
to kill buffaloe. They intended to kill one for breakfast but
it being cold and windy they had retreated to the hills some
3 or 4 m. and thither we followed them and with a great deal
of labour we succeeded in killing 3 and wounded as many
more.

We became thirsty not having tasted food or water during
the day and the hunters soon supplied themselves and invited
[us] to partake with them of what they called cider but I
choose not to participate in their beverage. It consisted of

126 JASON LEE

water drawn from the paunch of the buffaloe by taping but
it was too thick with the excrement to please my fancy though
they affirmed with oaths that it was very good. Only a small
part of the buffaloe is considered good for food. When they
fleece it as they term it they cut the skin on the back and skin
down the sides far enough to turn out the shoulder and then
take the flesh off the ribs which with the tongue, the heart,
the marrow bones and the hump ribs is all they use when
meat is plenty. Arrived in camp just before sunset.

Sat. 24. — This morning forded the south fork of the Platte
without accident except one man lost his gun. We have
marched six days on the Platte. It is say a mile wide very
shallow swift current and very turbid indeed so that when
the wind blows it has the appearance of sand — it is almost thick
with sand if you leave it a short time in a vessel the bottom
will be covered with it. Its bed is sand and very soft. The
country along the shores is as beautiful as I ever saw. The
bottom land is say from 3 to 5 m. wide skirted with sand hills
of all heights up to 50 or 60 or 100 ft. Crossed the hills
and in a few hours reached the North Fork of the Platte.
Saw no buffaloe to day.

Sun. 25, May. — Passed a most picturesque country A. M.
High Bluffs and deep ravines some of which it was difficult
to pass with loaded [animals] . Saw a natural bridge across a
ravine but had not time to examine it. A fine spring of water
bursting from the hills was now [a] pleasant sight for they are
few and far between. While I was journeying along my
mind reverted to the past privileges I have enjoyed in the
Sanctuary of God and could truly say that I longed exceed-
ingly for the house of God but instead of listening to the
word of life flowing from the lips of the Heralds of Salvation
I am doomed to labour on and hear little but cursing and
shooting &c.

Very few of the company know when the Sabbath rolls
around except reminded of it. I feel a lack in my own mind,
a want [of] a closer walk with him whom my soul loveth, a

DIARY 127

more free and constant communion with the Author of all
happiness. O, Lord my God make me spiritually minded
which is life and peace.

Mon. 26. — Came about 25 ms. today. Saw no buffaloe and
the Capt. was obliged to kill a steer for food. The land on
this Fork is very different from that on the other, consisting
mostly of sand capable of producing a little grass, some weeds,
&c, but unfit for cultivation.

Tues. 27. — For a warm dry day never did I travel in such
a disagreeable one. The wind was so strong that it was with
great difficulty that I could make headway when on foot, and
it was of course very severe on the horses.

The bottom of the vessels which contained our dinner was
covered with sand and those who eat most dinner eat most
sand, and it was driven with such force that it made the face
tingle, and in such quantities that it had the appearance of
snow driven before the wind at a distance. We have no wood
and are obliged to substitute buffaloe dung which makes a
very good fire but does not last long and has a disagreeable
smell.

Wednes. 28, May 1834. — It being my guard I was called
at 2 o'clock this morning and am persuaded that it was the
coldest morning I have seen since we left the settlements.
Daniel1 went out with the hunters and brought in a load of
buffaloe meat which was very acceptable to the Company for
some of them have had a rather scanty portion for a day or
so, but we have had a plenty though we take our share with
the others and do our part of hunting but we have the milk
of two cows and a little corn and flour which helps us much.
The hunters came in with plenty of meat. Saw some bands
of wild horses, but did not get near. The hunters shot a wild
horse with the intention of bringing it in for food but finding
buffaloe they abandoned it.

One of the Indians while out hunting saw six Indians with
horses two with guns and four with bows and arrows, prob-

i Daniel Lee, a cousin of Jason Lee.

128 JASON LEE

ably Pawnees. We are encamped opposite a large rock which
has the appearance at a distance of an old castle. From the
looks of it not considering the deception of the level prairie
and the size I should think it half a m. distant but Professor
Nutall [Nuttall] has been out and says it is at least 5 m.
The Thermometer stands at 202° in boiling water.

Thurs. 29 — Have seen plenty of buffaloe to-day but the
hunters did not go out having food enough in camp. It is now
12 o'clock and we are preparing dinner nearly opposite what
is called the Chimney1 and about 2 m. distant Lat. 41° 51'
North.

It was cold this morning so that it produced a hard frost
but is very warm now. There is more difference in tempera-
ture of day and night here I think than in New England gen-
erally. We have made 5^ days march from the ford of the
South Branch of the Chimney.

The Chimney is very appropriately named. The appear-
ance of it at a distance is similar to that of a chimney where
the house has been burnt but on a nearer approach you dis-
cover that it is a huge mass of a conical form about half its
height and runs up precisely like a chimney to the top [its
height] say 150 or 200 feet. Curiosity prompted me to go
and examine it but pity to my horse prevented.

Fri. May 30, 1834.— This day passed Scott's Bluff which
received its [name] from this circumstance —

A Mr. Scott superintendent of General Ashley's fur Com-
pany, was taken delirious in the Black Hills but at lucid inter-
vals expressed a great desire to go home to die and the[y]
thought it best to make a boat of skins and send him down the
Platte some distance by water where the Com. if they arrived
first were to await their arrival. Two men were sent with
him but they were upset in rapids and narrowly escaped
being drowned and lost their guns and everything but one
knife and a horn of powder. The leader of the Com. did not
stop for them and it was with the greatest difficulty that the

i Chimney Rock.

DIARY 129

men could find enough to subsist on until they overtook the
Com. Their report was that he died and they buried him but
his bones and blanket were found a 100 mi. from the place
they said he had died and near the Bluff. As we approached
the Bluff we passed a ravine in some places say 60 feet and
of various depth formed in the level plain wholly by the action
of water. The Bluffs have a most beautiful appearance being
diverse in their height and size. One resembles the cupola of
a church. One near which we passed rises say 200 feet nearly
perpendicular and consists of different strata of hard clay
and rock. A few scattering red cedars decorated the sides
of the stupendous hills. Some of us passed some very deep
ravines but the company turning short to the right as soon
as they passed the notch avoided them.

Sat. 31. — Passed some barren sand hills and traveled over
some good bottom lands. The sight of green trees on the
river bank was truly delightful. For some days we have
been able to find driftwood enough to cook with but to be
permitted to encamp beside a beautiful grove of timber is
truly exhilarating. Seven Buffaloe were killed to-day. Thus
the hand of Providence supplies us with daily food and gives
health to enjoy it. We dined Lat. 42°— 10'.

Sunday, June 1, 1834. — Started about the usual [time] and
arrived at Laramas [Laramie's] Fork and forded it without
difficulty before dinner. It receives its name from the circum-
stance that a man by that name was killed by the Indians on
that Branch. This stream is generally very difficult to cross,
it being very rapid. Some of Sublett's men who are building
a Trading Fort a little distance came to us they are planting
corn. Three of our party Free Trapers left us here with
the intention to catch Beaver in the Black Hills and thus they
expose themselves their lives yea they run greater risks for a
few Beaver skins than we do to save souls and yet some who
call themselves Christians "tell it not in Gath" would have
persuaded us to abandon our enterprize because of the danger

130 JASON LEE

which attended it. Often does the following stanzas rush

into my mind :

The sound of the church going bell,
These vallies and rocks never heard,
Never sighed at the sound of a knell,
Or smiled when a Sabbath appeared.'

But blessed be God I rejoice to see the return of a Christian
Sabbath though deprived of sanctuary privileges.

On this day ten thousand fervent prayers ascend the throne
of grace for Missionary and Mission operations and how
can we but rejoice to witness its return. May that time soon
come when we shall enjoy the privileges of God's house on
the western decline of the Rocky Mountains. I already long
to hear from my dear friends in the east but am doomed to
wait many long months before I can know anything of what
is transpiring among those I love. We have very little pros-
pect of doing any good among those with [whom] we jour-
ney. Our time while in Camp being almost entirely taken
up in taking care of our things horses cooking &c. so that it
is with difficulty we find time to write a little in the journal.

Mon. June 2, 1834. — We encamped last night near a beauti-
ful grove of white ash. We have passed some groves of
Cottonwood which is far more prevelent than any other in this
part of the Country. We have been climbing the Black Hills
which extend some distance South and North to the Missouri
and forms the falls of that River. I think they receive their
name from their dark appearance occasioned by small pine
and cedar scattered over them. They make a very beautiful
appearance. Dined on a beautiful little stream of clear water
which is the first we have seen for hundreds of miles. Marched
late and encamped in a small grove and little grass. Begun to
see the snow caped Mountains which to me are a most wel-
come sight.

Have been afflicted with a diorhae to-day.

Tues. Ju. 3. — Started early this morning and came 15 m.
before we could find grass and dined on the bank of the

DIARY 131

Platte. Started down the bank of the River under the Bluff
but could not find a pass and were obliged [to] ascend the Hill
and make our way for some miles over hills and through ra-
vines by far worse than any we have passed before.

Wednes. June 4, 1834. — This morning forded the north
fork of the Platte with safety scarcely weting a bail which is
seldom known to be fordable at this season. Thus kind Provi-
dence smooths our way before us. Thus we came two days
and a half march on this Fork previous to crossing. Searched
diligently in a grove of Cottonwood for a tent pole but could
find none to please me except a cedar which had drifted down
the river.

Thirsday 5. — The wind blew so hard that every tent except
ours blew down and it was with the utmost difficulty that we
could prevent it from falling but we succeeded and eat our
breakfast in it. It was very difficult packing this morning on
account of the wind, but we were enabled to make a good
days march though it was rather disagre[e]able.

Friday, 6. — It commenced raining just as the word was
given to catch up the horses and made very disagreeable
packing but rained little and soon cleared away and we were
favored with a fine day.

Sat. June 7, 1834. — Arrived before dinner opposite the red
Butes which is the point where we leave the old Platte, having
been on its waters 21 days. The land on this Fork is broken
and consists of sandy plains and sand hills and rugged moun-
tains totally unfit I think for cultivation. A few willows some
Buffaloe bushes and some cotton trees a few scrub [b] y pine and
cedar are all the timber I have seen.

Mon. June 9. — Yesterday decamped soon after sunrise and
made one long march and encamped on a little brook where we
found good grass but short. Was engaged in driving cattle
and they were so weary that it was with great difficulty that
we got them along. Business so occupied my time that I only
found opportunity to read a little in my Bible but not to write
in my Journal. I think that I enjoyed less communion with

132 JASON LEE

my Heavenly Father than any Sabbath since I left Sabbath
and Sanctuary privileges. May the Good Lord quicken me.

Dined at Rock Independence, which stands by itself on a
prairie and is say ^4 of a m. in length % 'in breadth 75 ft.
high without herbage it being a naked rock of granite. Within
a few yards of this rock flows the waters of a small clear stream
called Sweet Water.

Found good grass this evening which is a matter of rejoicing
and thankfulness for our poor Horses were nearly starved.
On either side of the plain which is some miles in diameter
curious Mountains rear their stately heads. They are the
most barren I ever saw. They are detached ranges of the
Rocky M. and if the main range is similar they are most ap-
propriately named.

Tues. June 10. — Was called last night at 11 o'clock to take
charge of my guard it being my middle watch. The wind
blew almost a hurricane and it was so cold that it was impos-
sible to keep comfortable with a great coat but the wind sub-
sided between 12 and 1 o'clock. Though I found some com-
munion with God yet I was when 2 o'clock came I relieved
from guard. Frost this morning but quite hot at noon. The
Capt. sent an express to the Redevous [Rendezvous] this
morning. Followed the river part of the way but some times
it winds its way through the cragged Mountains. The land
here is much the same as it has been for some days past con-
sisting chiefly of sand except some spots on the bank of the
River. It produces wild sage plentifully some of it is from
four to five feet high three or four inches through but is too
bitter for tea.

We cooked our dinner with its stocks. We are just at
the base of a huge M. of granite.

Wednes. 11. — Was constantly engaged in repairing halters
fixing the horses shoes &c. until time to pack up. There is
more to be done on such an expedition as this [than] any one
could possibly think who has never tried it.

The provision is getting short in Camp some have had very

DIARY 133

little to-day and we have eaten our last Buffaloe meat for din-
ner except some we have dried in case of emergency. Have
been leading the Camp for the Capt. this morning and he has
gone ahead to kill meat. When we soped [stopped] here it
was calm but now the sand flies so that it is almost impossible
to write. I must leave writing to take care that the things do
not blow away. Shot an Elk this P. M. which was very ac-
ceptable as some had eaten little for two days they said. Elk
is not considered good meat except very fat. Through the
goodness and mercy of God we have had plenty. O that our
gratitude may keep pace with his mercies. Bless the Lord I
think I do feel thankful for his goodness to me. Glory to
God in the highest he feeds me both with corporeal and with
spiritual food. Amen. Inste[a]d of taking a due west course as
we should have done we followed the River by consequence
lost our A. M. march.

Thirs. June 12. — Went out with the hunters this morning.
They killed a Buffaloe and caught a young Antelope and a
Buffalo calf. Saw plenty Buffaloe to-day and killed a supply.

Friday June 13, 1834. — Went with the hunters and while
trying to kill a Buffaloe one of our cows & one [of] the Capts
that had been left to follow came near us and having lost the
Company were steering for the Band of Buffaloe and we
should probably have lost them if we had not been behind the
Company. Left the Sweet Water this morning [turned] to
the left and soon after lost Sublet's trail. After noon went out
and brought in a piece of meat to dry and some for the Com-
pany. Encamped on a branch of the Sweet Water. The
grass is very short and the horses are failing fast. The alcohol
was handed out freely by the Capt. which soon made some
of the crew quite merry. Some quarreled in the night through
the effects of it. Would to God that the time may come soon
when its use shall be entirely abandoned except as a medi-
cine.

Sat. J. 14, 1934.— Took the lead of Camp while the Capt.

134 JASON LEE

went to see if he could ascertain where he passed when he
went out before.

Dined on a spring of as good water as I ever drank. The
Buffaloe have eaten nearly all the grass.

Remained behind the Company to assist in butchering a
Buffaloe and carrying in meat that I need not have to go out
to hunt on the Sabbath, w[h]ich is our day in regular rotation.
Was obliged to ride fast to overtake the Com. About 5 m.
I think from where we dined we crossed the main Sweet Wa-
ter. Rode about 5 m. farther and came up with rear of the
Com.

One of our horses tired and though he had carried nothing
but his saddle that day we could not get him along and were
forced to leave in the Prairie where was but very little grass
with very little expectation of seeing him again which we
regretted as we knew one would have to walk in consequence
until we reached Rendevous. The cattle nearly failed and fell
some miles behind.

Night drew on fast and no water nor grass. I could have
easily overtaken the foremost part of the Company but chose
to remain with Brothers Shepard and D. Lee and Mr. Abot
and try to keep the trail after night should come on but it
[was] impossible as we were in a country of wild sages which
are so large that they impede the progress of the horses and
also covered with Buffaloe paths which we sometimes mis-
take for the trail even in daylight. Ten o'clock came to a
dry creek as they call in this country and finding a little grass
we concluded to encamp. We cooked no supper for two rea-
sons first because of the labour and time necessary to do it
and secondly because we were in the most dangerous part of
the Indian country and a light might attract them. We tied
our horses milked the cows and drank the milk and lay down
to repose feeling safe in the [care of Him] who controlleth
all things.

It rained a little but not enough to wet through our blan-
kets. Awoke just at daylight after a night's sweet repose

DIARY 135

and found all safe. Soon ascertained that the Com. were not
more than a mile and a half distant but thought we would
have breakfast before we decamped. Roasted Buffaloe meat
and poor water made our rich repast and I am persuaded that
none even in New England eat a more palatable or wholesome
meal. We feel not want of bread and I am more healthy than
I have been for some years. Came to camp and when we
learned that 12 o'clock was the hour for starting, Mr. Walker
and myself saddled two of [the] ablest horses and went for
the one we left and found [him] about six miles distant within
15 rods of where we left him and drove him into camp. Think
we shall save him if we reach Rendevous soon.

Sun. 15. — Decamped near 1 o'clock and crossed a branch
of Sandy River which runs [a] south west course and empties
into Green River which discharges its waters into the Colorado
and through that into the Gulf of California. Here we are
now on the height of Land the dividing ridge between the At-
lantic and Pacific. Our rise has been gradual most of the
way and we have not ascended any such Mountains as I an-
ticipated having passed along on the Prairies at their base.

The Rocky Mountains with their summits and parts of their
sides clad in eternal snow presents to the eye of the traveler
a most grand beautiful and sublime appearance. It rained a
little soon after we started but the sun shone again in a short
time. Gave my horse to Mr. Walker and went on foot. He
was hindered and I was caught in a shower of rain and snow
and hail found it rather cold. Passed some singular moun-
tains one resembles a hay stack which we left on our left
hand.

Encamped on the Main Sandy. Was that weary when we
had arranged our things that I lay down on the grass and slept
two hours of the Lord's day. O, how my soul longs for the
ordinances of God's house. Shall I ever enjoy them again in
that land of privileges which I have left far behind? The
Lord only knows and his righteous will (I would say in per-
fect submission) be done.

136 JASON LEE

Mon. June 16, 1834. — Followed down Sandy and could find
no grass until 2 o'clock and then very poor. Sunday we trav-
eled near W. and this P. M. S. E. and I judge we are not
more than 10 m. from where we encamped on the night of the
14th. The Capt. has heard nothing from his express nor from
Rendevous and hence he is wandering about not knowing
whether he is going to or from it. Two hunters went out on
the llth and we have heard nothing from them since. What
has become of them we cannot tell but think they are lost or
the Indians have found them. We are extremely anxious to
know their fate but have no means of ascertaining. Was on
guard the first watch.

I think this River is rightly named for the Prairies on both
sides of it are sand producing only a little sage and a few
spires of grass and a few trees and willow bushes occasionally
on the bottoms. The horses are failing fast for want of food
more than through excess of labour though that is very severe.

Some of the Com. saw two men belonging to American Fur
Com. on the 17th.

Tues. June 17, 1834. — This day followed down Sandy but
find the grass no better. The hunters came in at noon they
have been lost and looking in every direction for us. We are
encamped on a dry sand plain where there is no grass except
a few scattering spires but the opinion is that we are within
10 miles of Rendevous where we shall find plenty. The horses
are nearly wore down but the mules stand it well and are in as
good flesh as when we started. The Capt. has just started in
search of Rendevous. I find myself quite weary and shall be
glad of a few days rest but the animals need it far more than
the men.

Though we have but little and no bread in fact nothing but
Buffaloe meat and a little tea and coffee yet we suffer no in-
convenience whatever by not having the variety we were wont
to have formerly but I think derive benefit from it. There are
many things which men accustom themselves to use which
[are] deleterious.

DIARY 137

Wednes. June 18. — I o'clock P. M. Though we have come
10 m. yet we have not found Rendevous nor the Capt. Have
found a bottom where the grass is a little better. The plains
are so dry that the dust rises in clouds where horses pass and
makes very disagreeable traveling.

It gives me pleasure to reflect that we are descending
towards the vast Pacific. With the blessing and preservation
of the Almighty we shall soon stand upon the shores which
have resisted the fury of the proud swelling waves of the
mighty Pacific from time immemorial. O, Thou God of love
give us still thine aid for without thee we can do nothing.

Made a short march and came to a fine bottom of grass.
The man who went with the Capt. has returned also the one
he sent out on express.

Thrs. Ju. 19. — Met the Capt. about 12 o'c. near the Forks
of Sandy and Green Rivers. Dined and on the banks of Green
R. P. M. crossed and encamped on the shore grass pretty
good. Here met an Indian Free Trapper w[h]ich is the first
Indian we have seen since we saw the Pawnee Loups before
crossing the main Platte.

Friday June 20, 1834. — Daniel was very sick last night being
in extreme pain and could take no rest or peace until Bro.
Shepard bathed his feet in hot water and put hot flannel on
his back and bowels. His sickness was occasioned by bathing
in cold water I think. He is just able to ride to-day. Started
with the hunters ahead of the Comp. and one of them wounded
a Buffaloe in the shoulder and after they had run y2 or £4 of
a m. we concluded to give them chase and set off one of them
came up before me with the Buffalo but could not get his gun
off. I rode within a few yards of the Buf and gave her a
deadly shot so that she fell in the spot where she stood. We
soon dressed her and loaded most of her on our horses and
pursued the Com. which was now some miles ahead. Come
up with the Com. near 12 o'clock and continued our march
till 4, when we reached a small stream called Ham's Fork

138 JASON LEE

which empties into the Colorado or what is called here for some
distance the Green River.

We call this Rendevous or the place where all the Com-
panies in the Mountains or in this section of them have fixed
upon to meet for the transaction of business.

Some of the companies have not come in, yet most of them
are a mile above us on the same creek. They threatened that
when we came they would give them Missionaries "hell" and
Capt. W. informed us and advised us to be on our guard and
give them no offense and if molested to show no symptoms
of fear and if difficulty did arise we might depend upon his
aid for he never forsook any one who had put himself under
his protection.

I replied I was much obliged to him. I feared no man and
apprehended no danger from them when sober and when
drunk we would endeavor to [keep] out of their way. I
judged it best however to go immediately to their camp and
get an introduction to them while sober and soon as possible
went accompanied by the Capt. Found Wm. Sublett and was
warmly received with all that gentlemanly politeness which has
always characterized his conduct towards me. Sup[p]ed with
him. Was introduced to those who had threatened us and
spent some time in conversation with them on the difficulties
of the route, changes of habit and various topics and made
such a favorable impression on them and was tre[a]ted with
such politeness by all that I came away fully satisfied that they
would neither molest us themselves nor suffer their men to do
so without cause. How easy for the Lord to disconcert the
most malicious and deep laid plans of the devil.

Without thy permission O, Lord no weapon formed against
thy servants shall prosper in thee will I put my trust and feel
safe in thy hands. Some of the men told the Pierced Nose
and Flat Head Indians our object in coming into the country
and they came and shook hands very cordially and seemed to
welcome me to their country.

Sat. Ju. 21. — Felt more like laying down and resting than

DIARY 139

writing or work. Have had a visit from some 10 or 12
Pierced Nose and 1 or 2 Flat Heads to-day and conversed
a little with them through an indifferent interpreter.

But being buisy arranging our things we requested them
to come again when we were more at leisure. A man who has
just come from Wallah Wallah gave us some encouraging
information. Blessed be God I feel more and more to rejoice
I was ever counted worthy to carry the glad news of salvation
to the far western world.

Sunday, Ju. 22. — Was called this morning at 2 o'clock it
being my morning guard but having men enough to guard the
horses and finding the atmosphere very cold I sat most of the
time in the tent.

Felt very stupid after breakfast. Tried to read my Bible
but fell asleep and took a long nap. Soon after I awoke as
many Indians as could enter our tent came to see us and we
told them our object in coming showed them the Bible told
them some of the commandments and how they were given
to all of which they listened with the utmost attention and
then replied that it was all good. They enquired if we could
build houses and said that the Indians at Walla wallah gave
horses to a white man to build them a house and when he got
the horses he went off and did not build it. We of course
expressed our strong disapprobation of his conduct. They said
if we could build a house for them they would each plenty
of Beaver for us which we take as a favourable indication
showing their desire for improvement. One said he was going
to St. Louis next year but he would leave his three children
with his friends who was present and he would give them
to us that we might teach them to read and write and be good.

Some of them shook hands very heartily when thefy] left.

One of the men went to purchase meat of the Indians but
they would not bring it to him because it was Sunday. Thus
while the whites who have been educated in a Christian land
pay no regard whatever to the Sabbath these poor savages
who have at most only some vague idea of the Christian relig-

140 JASON LEE

ion respect the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Though we
might have a congregation of some hundreds of whites to
preach to to-day if they were disposed to hear yet we have
no doubt if [we] were to propose such a thing that it would
be rejected with disdain and perhaps with abuse, for all hands
nearly are employed [in] trading drinking or some such inno-
cent amusement. My God My God " there nothing that will
have any effect upon them?

Lord of heaven and earth move by thy Spirit upon their
hearts and cause the penitential tear to flow.

Mon. June 23. — Bro. Shepard washed for us which is the
first of any account that we have had done since we left and
I have clean clothes yet. Went to Mr. Sublett's Camp to
see about purchasing a mule of Mr. Trapp [Frappe]. Heard
the Indians in one lodge praying and singing went to listen
to them but they were just closing as we approached. How
encouraging to see these red men thus religiously inclined.
Soon after dark a fire was built in the Prairie for the purpose
of a war dance. One with a thing that answered for a drum
stood near the fire and sung with others. While the three
half-breeds who were all that joined in the war dance were
making preparations the whites made themselves perfectly
ridiculous by jumping about the fire trying to imitate the In-
dian dance while none but the little boys would join them. At
length they came and went through their dance which was
rather interesting especially that part where they killed and
scalped one and went off with the gun in triumph.

Slept with Mr. Sublette and returned in the morning.

June 24, Tues. — Purchased some things of the Indians and
a mule of Mr. Frapp. Paid in red cloth at 100 per cent
$55.00. Found that our red cloth was minus 12 yds.

Wednes. June 25. — Removed 10 mi. up the creek and after
taking care of the things commenced writing letters in good
earnest, but found it very hard to bring my mind to the work.

Thursday 26. — Made some repairs on saddles &c, and wrote
some letters.

DIARY 141

Fri. June 27. — Copied a long communication for the Advo-
cate. Found peace in believing.

Sat. June 28. — 31 years of my almost useless life are like
a fable gone. Once I sincerely wished that I had never seen
the light but bless the Lord it is otherwise with me now and I
thank God that I was ever born of the flesh that I might be
born of the spirit. It is hardly probible that I shall see 31
years more but be that as it may I trust that the residue of my
days will be spent more to the glory of God and the good of
the world than those that have already passed. O my God
help me to redeem time. It seems that I am doing nothing
and under existing circumstances can do nothing for- thee;
Lord open a door for usefulness and give me a heart to labour
to promote thy glory and the ultimate salvation of my fellow
creatures.

Sunday, June 29.- — This day seems more like Sabbath than
any since I left St. Louis, and though far from God's visible
Temple and the soul cheering and spirit exhilarating ordi-
nances of his house yet he whose presence fills the temple and
gives it all its charms and all its attractions is here and "He
makes our paradise. And where he is is heaven."

Mon. June 30, 1834. — Laboured hard making halters of
Buffalo hide and though it was my first attempt yet I suc-
ceeded in making two I think preferable to any that I have
seen. Finished some of my letters. While writing past scenes
came fresh to my recollection and cases [causes] me to wish to
hear from my friends.

Tues. July 1, 1834. — This day sealed a long communication
to the Editors of the Advocate one to Dr. Fisk one to Dr.
Bangs one to Bro. Tabor and one to Sister Achash (?) and
carried them down to Wm. Subletted Camp and he kindly
took charge of them. May they safely reach those for whom
they are designed. Took my leave of Mr. Sublette and Mr.
Fitzpatrick & Christie and they all wished me success express-
ing a hope that we might [meet] again in this country. But

142 JASON LEE

in what they wished me success I know not as some of [them]
at least are opposed to our enterprise.

Wednes. July 2, 1834. — Arose this morning at 2 o'clock
it being my guard and after placing the guard lighted a can-
dle and wrote a letter to Bro. Finley and one to Br. Sehon ( ?)
and sent them by Mr. Greenow.

Left Rendevous rather late being detained on account of
some horses that had run away. Had been quite long enough
in Camp and glad to pursue out journey. A band of Indians
No. Pierce and Flat Heads came with and camped with
us on Ham's Fork. They are on their way to the Flat Head

camp.

* * * *

Friday, July 4, 1834. — Just as we were on the point of start-
ing the Indians came and informed us that they were about to
leave us and wished to know if we intended to come back and
stop with the Flat Head Camp. We told them we could not
say positively now we did not know as we could find their
Camp.

I asked them if they would like to have their children learn
to read &c one said he would give me his. Some said they
would like [to] learn to cultivate land.

And they seemed desirous that we should locate among
them. I told them if they came where Capt. Wyeth purposed
to build up [a] Fort that if it were not too far I would go and
see the Chief and talk with him about it and if we did not come
this winter that we would come next or the following.

When we arrived at the place of separation they all shook
hands with me in the most cordial hearty and friendly man-
ner.

I was very much affected with this parting scene. Lord
direct us in our choice of a location. O that these sons of
nature may soon be the children of grace. Encamped on Mud-
dy Creek. Some of the men caught some fine trout. This
being the 4th of July the men must needs show their "Inde-
pendance" and such another drunken crazy hooting quarrel-

DIARY 143

ing fighting frolic I seldom witnessed. Yes, even in this
western world ardent spirits is the bane of poor infatuated
men. Here met Mr. Bonivill's1 company on their way to St.
Louis.

Sat. July 5, 1834. — Passed along the base of some very high
Mountains, say 300 ft. high of a red hue. Crossed over to
Bear River and came down it a few miles and camped. Lost
two cruppers off of one mule.

Sun. July 6. — Had neglected writing for a day or two and
had forgotten the day of the week.

Commenced making cruppers early and finished one before
starting though we took a early start. It was not til we had
traveled some miles that I found out that it was Sabbath and
I could scarce make it seem like Sabbath all day.

Made a very long severe march crossed Bear River twice
and came over some of the most mountainous country that
we have crossed though not so difficult as some the ascent
and descent being more gradual but they were some of them
miles from the base to the summit and some places quite steep
and thus they were ascending and descending for say 4 or 5
hours 'til we reach the bottom of Bear River where we camped.

Mon. July 7, 1834. — Started late from camp. Had difficulty
in finding the cows which detained us til the company were
two miles out. Came 4 mi. and overtook the comp. and dis-
covered we had left one of our horses and were obliged to go
back to Camp for him.

Made a short march and camped on Bear R.

Tuesday July 8. — Came along the banks of B. R. saw more
beautiful little streams of clear water winding through the
hills or more properly Mountains and emptying their waters
into the River.

Buffaloe has been scarce and it has been difficult to procure
enough for food for the Company though we have always had
enough. The Capt. went to see Mr. Bonivill's camp but re-
turned before night.

i Col. B. L. E. Bonn«rille.

144 JASON LEE

Some miles before we came into [ ] began to observe

volcanic appearances and soon discovered what I was satis-
fied was lava. Saw what [is] called here white clay but I
think it is soft chalk.

There seems to be a large bed of it very white but could
form no idea of the quantity.

Wednes. July 9, 1834. — Did not move camp was employed
most of the day in repairing pack-saddles &c. A few yards
from our camp is a curious spring called the Soda Spring.
There are several places where it boils up within a few rods
and though large quantities are thrown up it does not run
off upon the surface but finds its way to the river underground
where you can see it bubbling up in various places. The boil-
ing in one place resembles very much the rapid boiling of
water in a large chaldron the agitation being fully as great.

The water is evidently impregnated with gas it has and acid
taste is rather pleasant and resembles very much the soda
made from powders. There is another half a mile distant still
more curious and astonishing. It [is] so warm that the ther-
mometer stands at 90° in it. From an aperture in the rock or
incrustation formed by the precipitation of particles from the
water a large quantity is thrown several feet below into the
River. It alternately spurts for a few seconds with consider-
able noise and flows more gently for the same length of time.
A few feet distant is a hole of an inch in diameter where the
atmosphere strongly impregnated with sulphur issues in a
manner that strongly resembles respiration and with such
force as to be heard several rods and is quite warm. A man
on whom I can depend who visited the spring before I did
said when the hole was stopped there was a cracking under-
neath resembling the report of a gun. The pressure was so
great that I think I did not succeed in entirely preventing the
escape of the air though I put a wet tuft of grass upon it and
forced it in with my foot, but observed while the grass was
closely pressed into the hole that the waters spurted with more

DIARY 145

force and more constancy and when my foot was removed the
grass was instantly raised.

These waters have evidently flowed out in many different
places where large quantities of very curious rock has been
formed by its precepitations upon moss grass &c. One place
I noticed very particularly. The rock at the base is several
yards in diameter and rises in a circular form to the height of
say 5 ft. and is about that distance across the top the incrusta-
tion is a few inches thick at the top and the hollow is filled
nearly up with earth. I have no doubt and am persuaded that
no person who visits it can have doubt but that water once
boiled from this chaldron but has long since found some other
place for discharging itself.

Thirs. July 10. — Left Bear R. and pursued a north course
over the hills and soon reached a small prairie, crossed some
small streams or brooks. Passed Boniville's Camp. He is
making meat. The country presents many volcanic appear-
ances all the stone appear to have been burned. The Company
killed a large griz[z]ly bear. I think there were twenty guns
fired but know not how many balls hit him. They are a very
hard creature to kill.

Fri. July 11, 1834. — Encamped last night on a small stream
called Black Foot. The [stream] is very muddy and difficult
to cross. Capt. McCay [Thos. McKay] formerly of the Hud-
son's Bay Company joined us on the 9th and intends to go
with us to the place where the Capt. is to build his fort and
there wait for his party. Saw a large band of buf. and rode
up to them full speed but the dust flew in such clouds that I
could not see to shoot with any accuracy and hence killed noth-
ing but pursued and overtook three bulls one of which Cool-
cooly shot and we took part of it to camp.

Sat. 12. — Encamped on the headwaters of Ross Fork. Dan-
iel caught a fine string of trout.

Sun. 13. — Traveled only a short distance. Was glad to get a
little rest on the Lord's day. The [men] are engaged playing

146 JASON LEE

cards drinking swearing wrestling &c. May God have mercy
upon them.

Mon. July 14. — Forded some bad creeks and camped about
noon on the bank of Snake River as it called by the Mountain
men but on the maps Lewis Fork.

The Capt. is gone to search for a Fort.

Tues. 14. — Started from the picket and came 4 or 5 m. and
camped where the Capt. is going to build a Fort. Made an
attempt for the first time to set horse shoes and I think suc-
ceeded very well but for want of propper tools found it a slow
job. We are glad of a little rest on account of the animals.

Wednes. 16. — Sent out 12 hunters and Walker was among
them with orders to remain out 12 days if they did not get
their 12 spare animals they took out loaded sooner. The
object is to procure meat to last down the Columbia. The
men are engaged in building a horse pen. The Capt. thinks
he shall be here a fortnight. It will seem long to me.

(To be continued)

DOCUMENT

CAPTAIN BLACK'S REPORT ON TAKING
OF ASTORIA.

EDITORIAL NOTE.

The contract for the sale of the possessions of the Pacific Fur Company at
Astoria and in the interior country to the Northwest Company was made on
October 16, 1813. The transfer may not have been actually consummated until
the 23rd of this month. The British ship of war that had been momentarily
expected did not arrive until November 30. The following account of Captain
Black's procedure in taking possession of Fort Astoria is taken from Chittenden's
"History of the American Fur Trade of the Far West," Vol. I, pp. 22-3:

"On the 2Qth of October a large party set out for the interior to make a
transfer of the various posts and of the property at each. Nothing of note trans-
pired at Astoria, except the arrival on November 23rd of Alexander Stuart and
Alexander Henry, until the 3oth of that month, when the long expected war vessel
hove in sight. It was the Raccoon, of twenty-six guns, commanded by Captain
Black. This vessel, with the Isaac Todd, the frigate Phoebe, and the sloop of war
Cherub, had sailed from Rio Janeiro on the 6th of July preceding with John
McDonald, a partner of the Northwest Company, on board. The Isaac Todd had
become separated from her company off Cape Horn, and had not since been
seen. The other vessels arrived safely at the agreed rendezvous at the island of
Juan Fernandez, and after waiting some time for the Isaac Todd, and hearing of
the havoc which the American Commodore Porter was making among the British
whalers, it was decided that the Raccoon should go alone with McDonald to
Astoria, and that the other vessels should cruise after Porter. The Raccoon
arrived in due time within the mouth of the Columbia.

"The officers and crew of the Raccoon had been led to suppose that a valu-
able prize awaited them at the end of their long cruise. When they found that
the post and property had been sold to British subjects they were greatly cha-
grined and disappointed. Captain Black, it is said, even threatened to bring suit
for their recovery, but the threat, if made, was not carried out.

"If Captain Black was crestfallen at losing a valuable prize, he was disgusted
when he beheld the character of the fort which he had been sent half way around
the world to capture. He exclaimed with ill-concealed contempt: 'Is this the
fort about which I have heard so much talking? D — n me, but I'd batter it down
in two hours with a four-pounder!'

"Captain Black, with a retinue of officers, landed at Astoria late on the
night of December i2th, and after dinner on the i3th he took formal possession
of the fort in the name of the British King, and rechristened it Fort George.
The disappointed captain, could he have foreseen the future, would not have felt
ashamed of this day of small things. He had done what no British sailor had
ever done before — in taking possession of this fort he had saved an empire to hit
country." — EDITOR QUARTERLY.

Racoon, Columbia River

15 December, 1813.
Sir:

Agreeable to order from Captain Hillyer, I succeeded in
entering Columbia River, in Majesty's Sloop Racoon, Novr.
30, 1813 found party of North West Company here, who
had made arrangements with the American party before my
arrival.

Country and fort I have taken possession of in name and
for British Majesty latter I have named Fort George and
left in possession and charge North West Company.

148 REPORT ON TAKING OF ASTORIA

Enemies party quite broke up they have no settlement
whatever on this River or Coast.

Enemies vessel said on Coast and about [Sandwich]
Islands. while Provisions last shall endeavour to destroy
them. Weather here set in very bad.

Left Phoebe and Cherub Longitude 82° 20' W, Latitude
40° 33' S. well. Consort parted from Squadron before reach-
ing Cape Horn, not yet arrived. Natives appear well disposed
toward English.
Sir,

Your Obedt Servt

W. Black

To John Wilson Croker, Esq.,
Secretary Admiralty,
London

Correspondence of the
Reverend Ezra Fisher

Pioneer Missionary of the American Baptist

Home Mission Society in Indiana,

Illinois, Iowa and Oregon

Edited by

SARAH FISHER HENDERSON

NELLIE EDITH LATOURETTE

KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE

150 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

(Continued from page 76, March Quarterly.)

Our governor has dispatched an express to California,141 hop-
ing that the bearer of dispatches will find part of our Pacific
squadron in San Francisco Bay, who may afford us protec-
tion till an express shall reach Washington and our hitherto
too tardy government may give us security in the midst of
the heathen. It is feared by many that the Jesuit priests
were obsequious to the horrid massacre of Dr. Whitman and
family.142 I hope to be able to send you the whole corre-
spondence relative to this subject. By this unexpected prov-
idence, it is feared that every Protestant mission to the In-
dians west of the Rocky Mountains will be broken up. At
least they must be discontinued for the present, while Ro-
manism holds undisputed sway over all those savage minds.
Should not this fact furnish an argument sufficiently power-
ful to arouse the sympathies of the friends of missions to
new efforts in behalf of the degraded sons of the western
plains and mountains, and especially as we trust the time
is at the door when our national government will give protec-
tion to the lives of the missionaries of the churches? I
will assure you, dear brother, as a philanthropist and a
Christian minister, I earnestly desire and devoutly pray that
our national government will lose no time in extending her
excellent laws over our Territory.143 Our laws, although as
much respected as could reasonably be expected, are ineffi-
cient in the punishment of crime. The public mind is un-
settled constantly, hoping for a better and more complete
code of laws; difficulties in relation to land claims will be
multiplying and afford fruitful sources of litigation and our
relations to the savages will be subject to repeated discon-

141 The overland passengers did not succeed in getting through to California.
The letters to California were finally forwarded via the brig "Henry," which sailed
after the above was written. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 1:679.

142 The long and unfortunate debate over the question of Catholic influence
in the Whitman massacre is here reflected.

143 The reference is here, of course, to the laws passed by the provisional
government organized in Oregon pending the extension of the protection of the
United States over the colony.

CORRESPONDENCE 151

tent till our government treats with them for their lands.
They have long been told that the Boston Hy-as Tyee
(Chief) will come next year and pay them for their lands
till they say their turn-turn (heart) is sick and they do not
know but they shall mimmelus (die) before the Boston Hy-as
Tyee comes. Our Indian neighbors like to have the Bostons
settle among them and give them two or three blankets, a
gun or a horse for a section of land and are fond of trading
with the Whites, yet they are like children in their tradings
with the Whites. They have generally great confidence in
the honesty of the Whites till they are aroused to jealousy
.by some designing person.

March 24th — You will probably learn the state of our
Indian relations to a later date than this through the me-
dium of the return party who will leave the settlements for
the States about the 20th of April, and will probably pass
sufficiently near the Cayuse nation to learn the state of the
war.

I have just received yours under date of April 1st, 1847,
which came to the Islands on board the Medora, and will
just state that it affords me great pleasure to learn that God
still reigns in your anniversaries. May you ever be able
truthfully to adopt the language of the Psalmist, "Behold
how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to-
gether in unity." I sometimes almost envy you those heav-
enly entertainments, yet our Heavenly Father has other-
wise ordered it and I would not challenge the wisdom of His
counsels. Since I commenced this package God has been
graciously pleased to give us more than usual intimations
that He has not entirely withdrawn His favors from us.
Last Lord's day we organized a little feeble church in Clat-
sop Plains consisting of seven members, three males and
four females,144, and on Monday one of my neighbors sent for
me to call and see him. I found him laboring under a deep
sense of his condemned condition and he said, "I tell you,

144 This church became extinct in a few years. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:8.

152 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Mr. Fisher, I am a miserable, wretched sinner." The work
of grace appeared most distinctly marked, from a conviction
of his exceeding sinfulness in the sight of God to that of a
full surrender of himself to God and the exercise of faith in
a crucified Redeemer. Tuesday, about 5 P. M., hope sprang
up in his soul and immediately he arose from his bed, which
he had scarcely left for twenty minutes after Sabbath night,
and bowed in the presence of his family and a few Christian
friends in prayer. He still enjoys the consolation of a hope
which fills the minds of his neighbors with surprise. . . .
May God give me grace to improve this providence to His
glory. All I will now say on this subject is that I find num-
bers of our impenitent fellow citizens acknowledging that
they have been unusually affected under the preaching of the
Word the past winter. We can but feel an additional as-
surance that the Spirit's silent, yet powerful influence has
attended the preached Word the past winter. We feel great-
ly the need of grace, lest these indications of divine favor
pass away unimproved. Pray for us in Clatsop and in Ore-
gon that we may quit ourselves as missionaries of Jesus
Christ as well as missionaries of the churches.

I wrote you a large package by the Brutus and entrusted
it to the care of Elder Gary. I also wrote in November by
the bark Whiton, Captain Getston145 a package of three
sheets in which I made a regular report from August to No-
vember. But I have recently learned that that ship is char-
tered for a transport to the Pacific squadron and I fear the
letter will be miscarried or be long delayed. We suffer great
inconvenience in rendering the amount your Board appro-
priate to our support available when needed, but hope to
have a regular mail direct from this place to New York
as soon as next winter. We shall then be able to make our
reports and receive remittances from you timely so as to ob-
viate the necessity of the too frequent interruptions of our
missionary labors by the imperious demands of our families

145 Gelston, not "Getston." Oregon Spectator, July 22, 1847.

CORRESPONDENCE 153

for the bare comforts of life. I know your Board cannot call
in question our earnest desire to labor exclusively in the ap-
propriate duties of a minister, but, if you will just advert to
your books and count up the amount of remittances and then
reflect that we have been already in the field two years, you
will not wonder that we are compelled to be by far more
secular than is desirable. I have received in these two years
only about $70 from your Board. Could I have been in Illi-
nois and received remittances quarterly, I should have been
enabled to devote myself wholly to the work. These are
unavoidable providences which will soon be succeeded by a
direct and certain communication. I do not complain, but
regret that your Board must be driven to the necessity of
feeling that your missionaries are doing comparatively little
in Oregon.

Anything that our brethren or sisters can send us as ar-
ticles of clothing, and especially in cloth, either woolen or
cotton, will greatly assist us. I shall make a request that
you forward articles of clothing and common household fur-
niture and books to the amount of my salary, or nearly so,
up to this time the first opportunity after this. I have pur-
posed to write you on the subject of the manners and cus-
toms and the general character of the people and, from time
to time, give a general description of the various detached
portions of the country, and the present embarrassments
which our colony have to encounter, but this I cannot do at
this time. I will simply give my testimony in general terms
to the climate. After having spent two years and a half
below the Cascade Mountains, I think I have never ex-
perienced so salubrious a climate, even in Vermont or Massa-
chusetts, and never in my life have I seen so few persons
suffering under the influence of disease, in proportion to the
number of population. This remark holds emphatically true
on the coast. Slight colds seem to be the only prevailing
disease, except it be contagious diseases. The measles have
prevailed among us this winter and have swept off a very

154 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

considerable number of the natives, who have suffered long
from the venereal. Our soil is generally productive and
yields a generous return to the labors of the husbandman.
Yet it is not to be forgotten that we are far removed from
the civilized world and consequently the few merchants in
Oregon sell their goods of a very ordinary quality at very
exorbitant prices, often one, two and three hundred per cent
and, in some instances, more than a thousand per cent in
advance of the first cost, among which I will name castings,
edged tools, nails and all iron wares, coffee, cotton, cloth,
leather boots and shoes, hats, cotton and woolen cloth. As
yet there is no competition in trade. Much has been said
and written of the changes of the mouth of the Columbia.
I will venture to remark, upon the best authority, that the
harbor within the mouth of the Columbia is one of the easiest
of access and the safest in all North America. The last fifty
times the bar has been crossed with no other accident than
the loss of the anchor of the brig Henry. For further proof
on this subject, I would refer you to Mr. Blain's145"8 letter to
Honorable Thomas Benton, published in his three days'
speech in the U. S. Senate on the subject, "The United
States' Title to Oregon in 1846." The publishing of that let-
ter in the commercial periodicals in our Atlantic cities would
contribute something to the encouraging of commerce in
Oregon.

We hope to organize an association in June next in the
Willamette Valley.340 We are beginning to need one or two
more efficient missionaries in the Willamette Valley. I have
chosen my position as advantageously as I could near the
mouth of the Columbia and promise seems to indicate that it
is too important to be abandoned. The population is gradu-
ally, but constantly, increasing. We have no doubt but the
government will make the first national improvements at the
mouth of the Columbia, and we think it rather probable that

i45-a Rev. Wilson Hlain, editor of the Oregon Spectator, Oregon City.

146 For the organization of the association, see the letter of Sept. 20, 1848,
and Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:i8.

CORRESPONDENCE 155

the commercial town will be near the mouth of the river.
These considerations have exerted no small influence in the
decisions I have made. At this time we have no other min-
ister in the county and there is labor sufficient to occupy
the time of one man, although we are farther from the main
settlements on the Willamette than is desirable. We need
practical, active, common sense preachers, with warm hearts
and sound minds, and the churches will soon be able and
willing to contribute something for their support.

March 25th. — The indications of divine favor appear to
wear a favorable aspect and another of my neighbors seems
not far from the Kingdom of Heaven. Tomorrow is the Sab-
bath and we hope and pray that the Spirit's power may accom-
pany the preached Word.

Br. Johnson is making some efforts to build a meeting
house in Oregon City. I have not yet learned with what suc-
cess. He will probably write you the particulars.147 Br.
Vincent Snelling should be aided, if your Board can make
an appropriation for him to labor with the Yam Hill church
and the churches in that part of the Valley. Should our next
immigration be large, as it probably will, we shall greatly
need help in the ministry and a colporteur to travel, preach,
sell books, visit and address Sabbath schools. The present
and a few coming years are of very great importance in re-
lation to all coming time in Oregon. They will constitute
the formative period of our Territory, both civilly and moral-
ly. Small, immediate results will probably control interests
of vast importance to all coming years. Our influence as a
denomination should not be lost on the Pacific for the want
of a few men and a little means. Your Board will not neg-
lect Upper California. There can be little doubt but two mis-
sionaries should be sent, as soon as you can find the men, to
labor in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, should that sec-

147 This building, the first Baptist meeting house west of the Rocky, Moun-
tains, was completed late in 1848, or early in 1849. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:6.
See also the diary of the author dated July 2, 1848, and enclosed in the letter of
March i, 1849. The building was situated on Thirteenth and Main streets.

156 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

tion of country become a territory of the U. States.148 Br.
Ross, a member of Br. Evart's church, is there selling goods.
I cannot close this without once more recommending to
our Atlantic brethren, who wish to be instrumental in form-
ing the character of some of the most important future states
in the Union, to come and labor with us. Very soon the
facilities for immigration will be greatly increased, and per-
haps no new portion of our whole country will afford a more
inviting field for usefulness and enterprise than the one
fronting the vast Pacific. Would to God we could make
some of our efficient deacons and private brethren arouse to
a conviction of duty on this subject and induce them to
come over and help us. At the present time it will require
less sacrifice in time and property to sail from New York or
Boston in October or November for the mouth of the Colum-
bia than it does to immigrate by land from Illinois and Iowa
in the spring. The farmer leaving your port in November
may plant and sow Oregon soil in May, without spending a
winter on expense before he can cultivate the soil. Time
admonishes me to lay down my pen.

As ever yours, in gospel bonds,

EZRA FISHER.

March the 29th. — We still see increasing evidence that the
Spirit of the Lord is over us, and although Sabbath was very
rainy our congregation was good and solemn. We learn of
another case in which we begin to cherish hope — a lad of
thirteen years. Some backsliders are awakening. Our prayer
meetings are becoming interesting. O, for a preparation of
heart to lead God's people into the knowledge of every Chris-
tian duty and to win sinners to Christ, our all compassionate
Saviour !

In view of so many uncertainties in regard to my former
letters on board the Whiton reaching you, I think best to

148 Rev. O. C. Wheeler was appointed to California in 1848 by the Home
Mission Society. Soon afterward, Rev. H. W. Read was appointed, but stopped
in New Mexico on his way out. Bap. Home Missions in N. Am., 1832-1882, p. 339.

CORRESPONDENCE 157

give you a bill of goods which I wish you will have pur-
chased and forwarded at your earliest convenience. I wrote
on board the Whiton for one set of Fuller's works. We need
Psalmists and you may send me one dozen, unless you find
some friends who will donate them. If second-handed, they
would be very gratefully received. I requested you to make
an effort to have the A. B. Publication Soc. donate some
books for ministers' libraries and Sunday schools and for-
ward them to me. I also ordered at that time one bolt of
dark calico, ten pounds saleratus put up in an earthen or
glass jar, one hat for me (the thread enclosed in this is the
circumference of my head), one tin reflector for baking
bread, 15 yards of red woolen flannel and 20 yards canton
flannel. Please send us one cheap bureau, one good com-
mon tea set, one set of plain knives and forks, one set of
small dining plates, one common sized deep platter, six half-
pint tumblers (a good article), three or four patent wooden
pails, one ten-gallon brass kettle, bailed, one box of bar
soap, ginger, spice, cinnamon and cloves, two pound each,
two Ibs. of best quality African capsicum, two Ibs. black
pepper, two bolts of coarse cotton sheeting, three bolts of
good, firm, dark calico, one bolt of plaid linsey, 20 or 25 yds.
of yellow flannel, 12 yards of red flannel, one pilot cloth over-
coat large enough for you, to set easy, suited to a new coun-
try and a rainy winter, 15 yards of heavy cadet cloth or dark
colored satinet and six yards of black satinet, a good, fine
article, four yards of black kerseymere, six pairs of colored
woolen half hose, domestic, two pounds of woolen stocking
yarn, two pair of women's black worsted hose, two pair of
white cotton hose, women's; one cheap fur cap for a boy 15
years old, two lapped leghorn bonnets, trimmed, five yards of
Irish linen, three linen handkerchiefs, two silk pocket hand-
kerchiefs, two black silk handkerchiefs, two brown linen table
cloths, 10 yards of brown toweling, one glass lamp, 13 yards
of black silk lustre alpaca, 15 yards of black cambric, and
cotton wadding enough to stuff one cloak, five yards of

158 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

brown Holland, two pounds of candlewicking, six cakes of
shaving soap, one pair heavy calfskin men's shoes, No. 9, two
pair of women's shoes, calf skin, No. 4^, two pair of moroc-
co shoes, No. 4, two pair of boys' shoes, heavy kip, Nos. 5
and 6, two pair of girls' shoes, calf skin, Nos. 1 and 2, two
pair children's calf skin, Nos. 10 and 11. Our climate is wet
and we need thick, firm leather. Also send one school geog-
raphy.

March 31st. — In the purchase of these articles, you will
please have regard to our income and the climate in which
we live.

Our late news from the Indian war is of a favorable char-
acter and we hope the war will terminate in a few months
at longest. Yet a few unfavorable occurrences may involve
us in a general Indian warfare. Present prospects for an
abundant wheat harvest are very flattering. I must close
this, as the last opportunity to send it to the return party
will be in a day or two and I have to answer several private
letters.

Yours with esteem,

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary in Clatsop Plains, Oregon.

Received August 14, 1848.

Clatsop Plains, Clatsop County, Oregon Ter.

Sept. the 20th, 1848.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Very Dear Br. :

All the letters which you sent me on board the ship Ma-
tilda were probably received on board the brig Mary Dane,149
together with thirteen boxes of goods and books shipped on
board the same ship. I suppose the other box was shipped

149 "Mary Dare," not "Mary Dane." She belonged to the Hudson Bay Com-
pany and arrived from the Hawaiian Islands, where she had probably received
these goods from the "Matilda," the latter part of August, 1848. Bancroft, Hist.
of Ore. II:43.

CORRESPONDENCE 159

directly to Br. Johnson, as I find it was designed for him.
I shall forward this by the Brig Henry to the Pacific squad-
ron now on the coast of California, hoping it will reach you;
yet I am in so much doubt that I shall not venture to for-
ward my report from March 8th up to this date, which is
now partially made out. We are expecting a government
steamer in the mouth of the Columbia in a few weeks, by
which I will forward you my report, together with an an-
swer to all your inquiries. I will then write to all the socie-
ties and individuals who have so kindly sympathized with
us in these ends of the earth. The goods and books will
afford us great relief and the donors will be held in grateful,
lasting remembrance. May God reward them.

We organized an association on the 23rd and 24th of June
last in Tualatin Plains by the name of the Willamette Bap-
tist Association, consisting of five churches. I spent the last
of June and the month of July in the Willamette Valley.
Had the subject of an institution of learning under considera-
tion with a few of the most judicious brethren. It strikes
me that the central part of the Willamette Valley, near the
head of what will be steam navigation, will be the place best
adapted to meet the wants of the present population of Ore-
gon, and will always be the center of heavy population.
But we find no man who will secure a tract of land sufficient-
ly large to meet all the wants of a literary instiution unless
I go and buy or take a claim and donate the half of it to the
denomination and enter upon the work of commencing and
sustaining a school in connection with preaching. But in
that event I must measurably abandon this point, which we
feel is of vast importance prospectively. Probably $100 or
$200 would purchase such a claim of 640 acres as would be
desirable. But our laws in Oregon require actual residence
within one year after recording such claim. I have been in
great anxiety on this subject. One year more may probably
put such an opportunity beyond our reach without a very
considerable sum of money. Neither myself nor family have

160 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

any inclination to change our place, unless we see a strong
probability of advancing the general interests of religion by
it. I can secure a tolerably eligible situation in the vicinity
of the mouth of the Columbia River, but at present it is re-
mote from the great portion of the population, yet eventually
I think it will become a commanding central point. But it
will be difficult to induce our brethren to take this view on
the subject. While this subject has been engrossing my anx-
ious care, our whole community has been perfectly convulsed
with the rumor of much gold in the valleys and hills of Cali-
fornia.150 The report has been often repeated and enlarged
upon till more than half of the men of our Territory are
either digging gold or on the way in quest of the treasure.
The region in which it is found is variously represented as
being from 120 to 200 miles in length and about 70 in
breadth, and it is said that no limits have yet been found.
Pure gold is found everywhere where the diggers break the
earth and the amount a man procures per day varies from
$10 worth to $240. The gold bears the appearance of having
been fused and congealed in irregular forms and various
sized pieces, from very small pieces (in form resembling wheat
bran) to those of more than four pounds' weight. Sil-
ver, quicksilver, platina, and even diamonds, are reported
to have been found in this gold region; also iron ore, con-
taining from 80 to 90 per cent of iron. I never saw so ex-
cited a community. Gold is the rage, and it is to be feared
that the farming interests in Oregon will suffer immensely;
and all our manufacturing, commercial, social, civil, moral
and religious interests must suffer for years. Indeed I think
a greater calamity to our colony could hardly have been sent.
California will fill up as by magic with a heterogeneous mass
from every nation and tribe. Our congregations are fast

150 The news of the discovery of gold in California first reached Oregon
early in August, 1848. Bancroft Hist, of Ore. 1:42,43. The account of the emi-
gration of able-bodied men from Oregon to California is corroborated by contem-
poraries. Ibid. 43. (James W. Marshall, an Oregon pioneer of 1844, who spent
more than a year in Oregon prior to going to California, is credited with the dis-
covery of gold there Jan. 24, 1848. News of the discovery of gold reached Yamhill
county early in July, 1848, and William G. Buffum and wife left Amity, in that
«»unty, early in August for the mines. — Geo. H. Himes, Sec. Or. Pioneer Assn.)

CORRESPONDENCE 161

waning. But we suppose we shall receive accessions from
the States to fill up in part the places vacated. Provisions
on the Pacific coast must be scarce in less than eighteen
months. Numbers of our brethren have gone to spend the
winter at the gold mines and others will go in the spring,
probably to make a home. You will see by this that no time
should be lost by your Board in securing the labors of two
or three efficient ministers for California. We feel that we,
more than ever before, need grace to direct in these times of
trial. God no doubt has a providnce in this. May we so im-
prove under these trials that they shall eventuate in the
promotion of the great interests of Zion, both here and in the
ends of the world. Tomorrow morning I leave for the Wil-
lamette Valley. Our brethren in Tualatin Plains have a
protracted meeting appointed and I am strongly solicited to
attend. But I must go with a heavy heart. Perhaps half
the brethren there have gone for gold. I fear we shall labor
in vain. Gold at this time is the people's god and how shall
we be able to present the glories of the Redeemer's character
in so attractive a light as to win the affections of those en-
chanted with the immediate prospects of wealth? But God
reigns and the hearts of all men are in His hands and He
can use the feeblest instrumentality to show forth His
praise. But I should not have chosen this time for special
labor.

I remain your unworthy brother,

EZRA FISHER.
Received June 11, 1849.

Clatsop Plains, Oregon Ter., Sept. 19, 1848.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Very dear Br. :

Your three letters under date of July 15, 1847, July 17,
1847, and October 15th, 1847, together with one bearing date
Feb. 16th, 1847, with an envelope subscribed Sept. 25th, 1847,

162 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

were received on the 5th inst. by the Hudson Bay Company's
brig Mary Dare, together with 13 boxes marked with a dia-
mond and numbered 1 to 10 and A, B and D. I think the
box marked "C" was shipped direct to Br. Johnson from
Honolulu. Your letters cheered our spirits and the goods
and books were most welcome messengers.

Beside the above named letters, I have received from you
since I left Rock Island, April 12th, 1845, the following let-
ters; one bearing dates Jan. 19th, and 24th, 1846, one com-
mission No. 1081, April 1st, 1846, one letter Oct. 26th, 1846,
and one 31st and November 13th, 1846, and one commission,
No. 1170, April 1st, 1847.

I wrote you about the 15th of July, 1847, by the ship Bru-
tus, to the care of Elder Gary, who assured me he would de-
liver the letters in person; I next wrote you about the 1st
of November, 1847, by the bark Whiton, Capt. Gelston, in
both which I think I gave you a brief report of labors. I
wrote again on the 8th of March, 1848, and reported labor
from Nov. 1, 1847, to March 8th, 1848. These three sheets
were forwarded by last spring's return party overland. I
then reported nineteen weeks, preached twenty sermons, at-
tended our prayer meetings, two religious conferences, pre-
paratory to the constitution of a church, visited 40 families
and individuals, two common schools, traveled 147 miles,
one young married brother a licensed preacher in my field ;
monthly concert of prayer is observed; $14 paid for my sal-
ary; two Sabbath schools, 42 scholars, 10 teachers, one
school, 100 volumes in the library ; the other 20 vols. I have
one Bible class of eight members. We were then about to be
constituted in a few days in Clatsop Plains. Had been en-
gaged in building a hewed log school house 18 feet by 24 for
"the purpose of school and public worship on the Sab. I had
spent two weeks in that work.

I will now proceed to report from March 8th, 1848, to Sept.
19th, 1848. My field comprises Clatsop Plains and Astoria.
I statedly supply two stations in these plains. My place of

CORRESPONDENCE 163

residence is Clatsop Plains, the community of Astoria as yet
being too small to justify my fixing my location there. My
post office is Astoria.

I have labored 28 weeks since my last report, preached 37
sermons, delivered two temperance lectures, attended 24
prayer meetings, visited religiously 96 families and individu-
als, visited five common schools, obtained 22 signatures to
the temperance pledge, baptized none, assisted in the con-
stitution of the Clatsop church, no ordination, traveled, to and
from my appointments 611 miles, seven persons were re-
ceived by letter into the constitution of the church and one
to the Santiam church. By experience none.

We know of no conversions since about the time of our
last report. About that time three were hopefully converted.
No young men preparing for the ministry. Monthly concert
of prayer is observed at one of my stations. My people have
paid during this period nothing for home missions, domestic
missions, foreign missions, Bible or any other benevolent
societies ; for my salary $12. Have so far advanced in our
school house that we have a comfortable place for worship.
Connected with my stations are two Sunday schools, ten
teachers and 40 scholars, 125 volumes in each library. Bible
class part of the time in the school ; six scholars. I wrote
in my last informing you of an interesting state of religious
feeling with several of our citizens. I sanguinely hoped dur-
ing the months of March, April and May that we should
have the satisfaction of administering the ordinance of bap-
tism to three or four men, but soon the Cayuse war called
off one young man, and in a few weeks two others who gave
evidence of change being wrought in them removed to the
Willamette Valley and the favorable omens passed off with-
out any in-gatherings to the church. Our congregations,
however, have generally been good for the amount of popu-
lation. Our Sunday schools have been very uniform and our
children appear unusually interested.

164 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Feb. 2nd, 1849.151— Dear Brother Hill : The want of direct
conveyance to New York has occasioned this long delay and
I will now make up my report from Sept. 19, 1848, up to
this time, making 19 weeks.

Preached 24 sermons, delivered no lectures on moral and
benevolent subjects, attended 18 prayer meetings, four cove-
nant meetings, one temperance meeting, visited 49 families
and individuals, three common schools; baptized none; ob-
tained two signatures to the temperance pledge; organized
no church, no ordination, traveled 412 miles to and from my
appointments; received no persons by letter, none by experi-
ence; no person preparing for the ministry. Monthly con-
cert of prayer is observed at one station. My people have
paid nothing for missionary or other benevolent societies.
Paid $45 for my salary. We have one Sunday school, six
teachers, 24 scholars, 125 volumes in the library. No Bible
class. I attend our Sunday school and usually explain the
lessons ; distribute tracts and pamphlets among the children.
We have entirely separated from the Presbyterians in our
S. S. and congregation, or rather they have separated from
us. Our congregations have diminished during the winter
from the fact that numbers of our citizens are in the mines
in California. Yet the people at home are quite as attentive
to the preaching of the Word as usual. Part of our church
will soon move to California and all the rest will spend next
summer at least in the mines, except my family, and this is
somewhat a specimen of the gold excitement throughout
Oregon. But a small portion of the men will remain at
home during the summer, except as they return to harvest
their crops in July, Aug. and Sept. Many families will prob-
ably leave for California, among which will be found more
than a fair proportion of business men. Immediately on the
confirmation of the report of much gold in California our

151 The letter of Sept. 10, 1848, was inclosed with this of Feb. 2, 1849, and
with those of Sept, 2oth and Oct. iQth, 1848, was not received until past the
middle of June, 1849.

CORRESPONDENCE 165

Methodist brethren sent one preacher158 overland to the
mines, and I understand that he is now preaching part of the
time in San Francisco.

Yours, EZRA FISHER,
Received June 19, 1849. Missionary in Oregon.

Clatsop Plains on the Pacific Shore, near Astoria,

October 19, 1848.
Beloved Br. Hill :

On opening the most valuable box, No. 9, shipped from
New York to me on board the ship Matilda, Oct. 15th, 1847,
I found an inventory without either name or place attached
to it, but we infer that the letter was directed to you and not
to either of us from the sentence appended to the invoice
in the following words : "The difference of $2.34 between the
invoice and the letter to Brother Hill is owing to articles
having been brought in after the letter was sent." The box
contained the only shawl, boys' cloth cap, and a piece of bed-
ticking that was sent us. The box was valued at $66.34. We
regret that we have neither name nor place attached to the
invoice, because it would afford us great pleasure to have
addressed a line of grateful acknowledgement to the donors.
The box was thankfully received and contained a number of
articles of woolen clothing which are especially valuable in
our climate, so cool in summer and so wet in winter. Any
second-hand woolen clothes, when but partially worn, are
always very useful where sheep are scarce and looms none.
We have not more than two or three looms in all our Terri-
tory. Thanks to Br. and Dr. Allen for the Mothers' Journal,
the forwarding of the paragraph Bible and Testament and

152 Who was sent to California, th« editors have not been able to find; Rev.
William Roberts and Rev. J. H. Wilbur stopped there several weeks in 1847, on
their way from New York to Oregon, and organized a church in San Francisco—
the first Methodist church on the Pacific Coast south of Oregon. In 1849, R«v.
William Taylor and Rev. Isaac Owen were the regular appointees of the Con-
ference in California. — H. K. Hines, Missionary History of the Pacific Northwest,
p. 371, 386. (Rev. C. O. Hosford, a pioneer of 1845, who was licensed to preach
in Oregon by the authorities of the Methodist Church, Rev. William Roberts,
Superintendent, in the fall of 1847, was sent to California early in 1848. Hos-
ford organized the first class-meeting in a short time, and that became the nucleus
of the first Methodist church in California. — Geo. H. Himes, Asst. Sec. Or. Hist.
Society.

166 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

other favors. I shall answer this letter before long. We re-
ceived a bundle of 100 volumes of new Sunday school books
from the Juvenile Soc. of the Sunday school in the Stanton
Street Baptist Church. I shall answer Br. Cowan's letter
as soon as time will permit. We received a package of new-
Sunday school books, containing 300 volumes, and we regret
to say we found no name nor bill attached to them, as we
should be pleased to respond to the donors direct. We know
they were obtained through your influence in the City. We
regard them a valuable acquisition, especially as we have
been obliged to sustain our school in this place with so few
volumes of the A. Tract Soc.'s publications and other books
less adapted to the capacities of children. We have been
waiting and praying a whole year for just such an auxiliary.
May the blessings of these ends of the earth come on the
donors in the great day of the Lord! The periodicals, espe-
cially of 1846 and 1847, were most gratefully received and
we are still feasting richly upon their contents, whenever
we have an hour of leisure, and we feast not alone. All our
neighbors, and especially our Christian friends, find much
to entertain them. The annual reports are all valuable, and
we only regret that we have no more, as we have frequent
occasions to meet prejudices surly through these matters of
fact. You speak of procuring and forwarding a box of school
books. Next to sustaining the gospel, you will render us the
most essential service in a work of this kind. It is very much
to be desired that the present system of popular school books
in the States be introduced into all our schools in Oregon.
And while so much effort is being made in the old states in
behalf of pouplar education in the Mississippi valley, I trust
a voice will be lifted up in behalf of the Pacific borders.
Would to God that we had a Slade152"8 to plead our cause on this
subject in our Atlantic cities and towns. The importance of
this subject is daily increasing our responsibilities and the
rage of the gold mania is diminishing public sympathy for

152-3 Gov. William L. Slade, of Vermont, President of the National Board
of Popular Education. — Geo. H. Himes, Asst. Sec. O. H. S.

CORRESPONDENCE 167

the general diffusion of knowledge. At present our old states
must assume a part of this responsibility, or it is to be feared
that Oregon and California will prove a curse to the Union.
We want your books and, as far as practicable, the very
same kind and date as those which are so richly blessing
your whole Atlantic slope. But with books, we equally
need teachers of moral worth and, if possible, of vital piety.
Would to God we could make our feelings understood in the
eastern and middle states, and we are sure we should see
every ship from your ports to our coast crowded with men,
and women too, who would become co-workers with us in
this and every noble, philanthropic work. Could you but
visit us and see and feel for yourself all we see and feel
daily of our peculiar relations and temptations, you would
strike a note that would not only call out a few boxes of
goods to clothe the families of the missionaries already in
the field, but would search out from their quiet, comfortable
homes many a useful brother to share with us the toils and
privations and, I will add too, the honors under God of trans-
ferring to these western shores the blessings of general edu-
cation and spiritual, practical religion. We are in perishing
need of help. We need just such men as give efficiency to
the churches at home. Then under God we can move for-
ward in the cause of education and Christianity. But we
will not despond ; we have counted the cost ; God is our
helper and He has the hearts of His people in His hands.
But I must close.

As ever yours,

EZRA FISHER.

On Margin. — Help must be sent to California without de-
lay if possible. I should certainly have spent part of this
winter at San Francisco, Monterey, and perhaps have visited
the mines, if I could have raised the funds to have paid my
passage without digging at the mines.

Received June 18, 1849.

168 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Clatsop Plains, Oregon Ter., Feb. 3d, 1849.

Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

I closed my last yesterday on the subject of California
and will continue to remark. I understand by Capt. of the
Undine that Mr. Hunt, a Presbyterian minister, is preaching
at San Francisco.153 Besides these two, I think there is not
a Protestant preacher in Upper California. In view of the
extraordinary evolution of things in Oregon and the vast in-
flux of population in California and the fact that a large por-
tion of our Baptist brethren of Oregon will be at the mines
throughout most of the summer, and in view of the strong
solicitude of our members in Clatsop about to move to Cali-
fornia that I should visit that territory at least next summer,
and the advice of all the members of the church, and in view
of the loss of the goods shipped on board the bark Undine
the 21st of June, 1848, I have thought it might be my duty
to visit the mines the coming spring and dig long enough to
raise means to pay my passage and meet the present press-
ing wants of my family, spend a few weeks in the American
settlements and towns and return home perhaps in July or
August. I do not know but this course may be regarded by
your Board as outstepping the bounds of your instructions,
but I feel a strong conviction that great and sudden and un-
expected changes justify extraordinary action. I do not
know that I have the first desire to dig in the mines one day
and, if I could leave my family comfortable and go by water
to San Francisco and other towns on the Bay and the mines,
with no other care than that for God's glory on the Pacific
Coast, my care would be greatly relieved. But I have not
the means, and I cannot leave that interest without being
able to make known the wants of that rapidly accumulating
mass to your Board. I will keep an account of the amount
of time lost in traveling and digging, if any, and report to

153 This was Thomas Dwight Hunt, of Honolulu, a Congregationalist. Ban-
croft, Hist, of Calif. VII 1727. Several clergymen came in February, 1840. Ibid.

CORRESPONDENCE 169

your Board, or, should your Board disapprove of the enter-
prise and think the cause of Christ better served by discon-
tinuing my appointment the present year, I shall acquiesce,
with the privilege of continuing a correspondence with you.
I trust, however, that your Board will acquiesce in my views.
I am quite sure, if you were here and knew all I know of
the state of things in California, you would take the most
prompt measures to acquaint yourselves with the wants of
that territory and meet them. Oregon must be measurably
stationary for a time,154 while California will swarm with
people and overflow with wealth, gambling and dissipation,
and, unless our churches act with promptness and devotion
and liberality, these inexhaustible treasures are given over
into the hands of the Prince of Devils, California will be
morally lost and will prove a capital scourge to our nation.
It is only relatively that Oregon sinks in importance. No
doubt she will become three-fold as valuable to the nation
as she would have been, if gold had not been found in Cali-
fornia.155 Although all is in confusion in Oregon and our
citizens and members are now going and coming so that it is
difficult effecting anything permanent here just at this time,
yet be assured that we need more laborers even here, that
the efforts already made may be followed up, and under
God we may expect a rich return. This, like all other ex-
citements, will sooner or later settle and people and wealth
Will flow back to Oregon with astonishing rapidity. We now
need at least two efficient young men in Oregon who can be
well sustained by your Board, and I know that an able young
man now placed in San Francisco and liberally supported,
another at Sacramento City (Sutter's Fort), another in the
American settlements and a fourth at the mines would find

154 This was approximately true.

The immigration to Oregon in 1849 was about 400; in 1850, about 2000; in
1851, about 1500; in 1852, about 2500; while the increase in California during these
years was about ten or twenty times this number. F. G. Young, The Oregon
Trail, in Oregon Hist. Soc. Quar. 1:370. This estimate probably includes only
those who came overland by the Oregon Trail.

155 The influx of gold-seekers to California gave Oregon a market for its
lumber and farm products. Returning miners brought gold dust with them, and
the author's prophecy of Oregon's share in the prosperity of California was ful-
filled. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:48-59.

170 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

profitable work in promoting the interests of Zion under the
Captain of our salvation. I wish you to remember that the
formation of our civil and religious character is at hand and
vice in all its forms must reign, unless Zion's sons are awake.
Just think of the advantageous position of San Francisco in
relation to the whole Pacific trade. Where is there another
such point to be occupied in all North America? Now hold
the map before you. Think of the mountains of gold behind
her, the influx of population from Upper and Lower Cali-
fornia bordering the coast, the Pacific islands, and even
China, swarming hither for gold, and then let me ask our
dear brethren, Are we prepared to leave this point unoccu-
pied for the want of a few hundred dollars? This picture is
no fiction. Already the principal men of the Sandwich Is-
lands are said to be in the mines digging gold, and I am in-
formed that there are some from China, too. And how long
will it be before almost every nation in Europe will be repre-
sented there? All who go to the mines and return say the
gold is inexhaustible and yields from one ounce of pure gold
to six or eight pounds per day to a single laborer. What a
point then is San Francisco for the men of God to take with
Bibles and devotional books and tracts, sending them as upon
the wings of the wind! Will your Board censure me then
for pursuing the plan laid down in this sheet the coming
summer, in the midst of this unsettled state of things in
Oregon ?

I received yours of Jan. 22, 1848, giving the sum total of
three boxes of goods shipped on board the Bark Undine,
Thos. S. Baker, Master, on the 21st of January, 1848. The
three boxes with cartage and insurance amounted to $122.74.
The Undine is now in the Columbia. I understand that she
suffered a partial wreck in passing Cape Horn and her goods
were part thrown overboard and part sold as damaged goods
somewhere on the Pacific coast south of this. Thus you see,
dear brother, that God has been pleased, graciously no doubt,
to deprive me and family of our dependence in clothing for

I

CORRESPONDENCE 171

the ensuing year, and it must probably be ten months before
you will be able to recover the insurance and place the goods
within my reach. The letters enclosed in the boxes with the
periodicals are of course lost. I shall be obliged to write an-
other sheet and enclose in this. I therefore close this by
subscribing myself your unworthy brother,

EZRA FISHER.

N. B. — Want of time prevents my writing more by this
opportunity to California to meet the first mail steamer. But
I will give you extracts from my Journal soon, some brief
geographical notices, etc.

Yours, E. F.

Received June 19, 1849.

Clatsop Plains, Feb. 5th, 1849.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

That there may be no mistake in relation to the boxes
shipped on board the bark Undine on the 21st day of Jan.,
1848, I will give you the copy of the inventory as forwarded
by you.

It appears that Thos. S. Baker sailed as Master and that
Capt. James Bishop & Co. were proprietors. The Undine
has changed owners and masters. It is to be hoped you have
learned of the disaster and secured the insurance and for-
warded me the same articles in kind before this time. But
if not, I trust on the receipt of this you will secure the in-
surance and forward the same articles in kind and quality,
excepting the children's shoes. You will please get them all
one size larger at least, as they are growing fast. I wrote on
board the bark Whiton in the fall of 1847 ordering the fol-
lowing: One set of Fuller's works, one dozen of the Psalm-
ist, one bolt of dark calico, ten Ibs. of saleratus, one hat, one
tin reflector for baking bread, fifteen yds. of red flannel and
twenty yds. of canton flannel.

172 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

On the 8th of March, 1848, accompanying a report of nine-
teen weeks, I ordered the following articles: (This was sent
overland and I fear has not reached you. If you have not
forwarded it, please omit the bureau and in the place send
me a good cooking stove and pipe, as we are not able to have
both at present.) . . .

Please send me the following articles, if I have the amount
due me. Bill ordered Feb. 5, 1849: Six large tin pans, one
set candle moulds, 2 tin pails with lids, six and eight quarts,
10 pint tin cups, 2 quart do., 2 tin coffee pots, one-half box
of glass, eight by ten, 1 keg of nails, 8's, 6's and 4's, equal
parts, 15 Ibs. nails, 10 penny, 1 nail hatchet with handle, 1
ax, 1 spade, with steel blade, 1 hoe, 1 small, plain looking
glass, 1 set of dining plates, 1 set butter do., 1 pitcher, 2
quarts, 1 bolt cotton sheeting, heavy, 2 bolts dark, firm calico,
16 yds. black alpaca, or something suitable for ladies' dresses
and cloaks, 12 yds. black cambric, 12 sheet wadding, 14 yds.
good bed ticking, half Ib. good black sewing silk, 1 good
cooking stove and furniture with 7 or 8 joints of pipe, 6
ivory fine combs, 6 doz. spools white cotton thread, 1 ream
good cap writing paper, 1 box vegetable shaving soap, I pen-
knife, 1 pocket do., 1 traveler's inkstand and 6 common cheap
ones,156 1 pair heavy calfskin boots, No. 10, 1 do. shoes, No. 9.

N. B.— Samuel N. Castle, agent A. B. C. F. M. for Sand-
wich Islands Mission, forwarded the 13 boxes shipped by you
on the Matilda, charging $20.73 to me and to Br. Johnson
$1.22, stating that he should draw on you for the same. Br.
Johnson requests that you should take his proportion of this
freight from the Islands to Astoria from your account
charged to me and charge the same to him, which will prob-
ably be about ten dollars. I have not the separate bills of
freight as charged to him and me from N. Y. to the Sand-
wich Islands. You have on your books and will confer a
favor on me by apportioning the amount, $21.95, between us.

156 These cheap inkstands were probably for school u»e.

CORRESPONDENCE 173

Cut the lower part of this half sheet and you have my entire
bill.

P. S. — Send no more goods by the Sandwich Islands. Bill
continued from the other page: 1 bolt Kentucky jean, 1 pair
thick, men's shoes, No. 6, 2 pairs stout, ladies5 morocco shoes,
Nos. 4 and 4^2, 1 pair misses' shoes, calf skin, No. 2^2, 1 do
No. 1.

Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.

Clatsop Plains, Oregon Ter., Feb. 8th, 1849.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

Yours under date of October 15th, 1847, presented some of
your views of the importance of making an early attempt to
lay the foundation for a denominational school which should
eventually mature into a college and theological seminary. I
was greatly cheered to learn that some of our Eastern breth-
ren were beginning to think on that subject. This is a cause
which is far from being among the least of my cares. And,
first, from selfish motives I am called upon to be awake to
this work. My rising family and that of a respectable num-
ber of our brethren imperiously demand that something be
done, and that soon, or our children must be distressingly
neglected. And, secondly, such is the character of a large
portion of our Oregon Baptists that, as a denomination, we
cannot be efficient and secure a great amount of public con-
fidence till we can find some benevolent enterprise at home
in which we can enlist their sympathies. This will be likely
to be a work around which all will rally from personal in-
terest more readily than any other benevolent enterprise now
before the Christian public. Through this medium I would
hope to call into our Territory more liberal-minded men
from the older states. It is true that we have a respectable
number of Baptists who appreciate the importance of an edu-

174 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

cated ministry and who pray for the universal spread of the
gospel by the direct effort of the church, yet the larger por-
tion of our brethren have never seen it so done in Israel.

Thirdly, we owe it to our rising territory to perform our
part in the formation of our national character. I spent four
or five weeks last summer in traveling through the Willam-
ette Valley 157 preaching and privately laying this subject
before our brethren, and I rejoiced much to find so many
who responded cheerfully to the views that I presented. I
then thought some central point in that valley on the banks
of the Willamette, or near it, in view of the circumstances,
would be the most desirable position. Afterward, when we
heard a report of much gold in the vicinity of the Columbia
River,158 both Br. Johnson and myself thought we might as
well make an effort on these Plains (Clatsop). We, how-
ever, learned that the parties who went to Powder River to
explore for gold brought home nothing but mica, or pyrates
of iron, and the whole tide of immigration and commerce
turned towards California. I, therefore, was compelled to
yield to the popular opinion everywhere rife that Oregon
must unavoidably be thrown back at least two or three years.
Our lovely little church in Clatsop Plains will every one but
my own family go to California, and all think it is my duty
to go this summer, and some are very solicitous that I move
my family there. In view of all these circumstances, nothing
more can be done the present season than to fix on a loca-
tion, and that is somewhat hazardous. Yet with the present
development of the country, both here and in California, I
think, if anything is done this season, I shall be strongly in-
clined to favor the commencement of this work somewhere
near the point on the Willamette where steam navigation will
terminate, say about 70 or 80 miles above Oregon City. I
am strengthened in these views from the facts that the Wil-
lamette Valley is the largest body of rich farming land in
Oregon, and the scenery remarkably picturesque; that the

157 There was as yet no uniformity in the spelling of this name. See note 71.

158 These discoveries were not largely utilized until the sixties. — G. H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 175

large bodies of farming land on the Umpqua, the Clamet159
and Rogue rivers will be the next settled after the Willam-
ette, and that there must be a great thoroughfare opened
from the falls of the Willamette River to the gold mines on
the Sacramento River in California before many years.
Wagons already travel it with convenience.

You ask how a site may be secured? I know of but one
way at present, and that is to find one, two or more brethren
interested in the enterprise to take or purchase claims cov-
ering the site wanted and then pledge themselves either to
donate or sell the necessary amount of land to a board in
trust for the denomination.

My feelings last summer were so much enlisted on this
subject that I became half-inclined to make a claim in refer-
ence to this specific object, change the field of my labor and
pledge half of said claim to the demonination. I, however,
thought of the time and money expended by your Board
to sustain me at the mouth of the river and of the little
feeble church here, and, by the advice of Br. Johnson and
the absence of all counsel from your Board, I concluded to
let matters rest for the present.

Now this complete confusion into which the entire com-
munity, both in Oregon and in California, are thrown by
means of much gold being found in the latter territory will
probably compel me to take my family to the Willamette
Valley and work toward this object, in connection with that
greatest of all works, the preaching of the gospel, or comply
with the wishes of some of the best members of this church
and remove to the vicinity of San Francisco Bay; or it is
possible, but hardly probable, some good brethren may move
to this place. I leave this matter with the great Head of
the Church and trust His providence may mark out plainly
the path of duty. I need much the advice of your Board
on this subject, and trust I shall have it in three or four
months. From the present movement of things I think a

159 Ktamath. See note too.

176 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

large portion of the enterprise and business talent of Oregon
will be thrown upon the Sacramento River and San Fran-
cisco Bay. What proportion of our Oregon brethren and
their families, I cannot now tell. But of one thing I am con-
fident, ministerial help and educational help must be sent to
Oregon and California from the States or little will be done.
My lungs are beginning to fail me ; Br. Johnson has a numer-
ous family and cannot do everything; the means necessary to
sustain a family in Oregon the present year will be nearly
twice as much as it was last year, and it is exceedingly doubt-
ful whether the liberality of the people on the Pacific will
keep pace with the increase of their wealth unless they have
the gospel sanctified to them. Sin and iniquity are making
fearful strides in California since the commencement of gold
digging, if all reports are true. How exceedingly desirable
that these unparalleled treasures be consecrated to the ser-
vice of the Lord in the universal spread of the gospel.
As ever I subscribe myself your unworthy brother,

EZRA FISHER.
Received July 3, 1849.

ERRATUM.

On page 5, line 15, in the paper entitled "The Indian of the Northwest as
Revealed by the Earliest Journals," published in the March number of this
Quarterly, the word "graduations" should be "gratulations."

THE QUARTERLY

of the

Oregon Historical Society

VOLUME XVII SEPTEMBER, 1916 NUMBER 8

Copyright, 1916, by the Oregon Historical Society
The Quarterly disavows responsibility for the positions taken by contributors to its pages.

THE MOVEMENT IN OREGON FOR THE

ESTABLISHMENT OF A PACIFIC

COAST REPUBLIC

By DOROTHY HULL.

To fully understand the political tendencies of the West it
is necessary to understand the Western spirit, for political
platforms are but a more or less clear reflection of the spirit
which animates those who frame them.

The West has always been the home of democracy. The
Western movement in the United States from its first incep-
tion was a democratic movement. The fur traders who blazed
the trail to the West, and the ranchers and farmers who fol-
lowed in their wake forging the broader path for civilization
were not aristocrats, but the common people — rugged, self-
reliant, and ambitious. They pushed to the West, drawn by
the lure of adventure, seeking cheap lands, and a chance to
work out their political and social ideas free from the aristo-
cratic organization of the East. Hence in the West democracy,
social and political, became the dominant force.

The life of the pioneer was rough; social amenities were
few, but a man's valuation was based on his personal worth
and ability, and not on his wealth or ancestry. The problems
confronting the pioneer were new and difficult, and through
the effort required for their solution the minds of even the

178

DOROTHY HULL

older men experienced rejuvenation. With all his faults the
pioneer must be admired for his idealism and his optimism.

The early isolation of the West, and the completeness of its
geographical separation from the political center of the nation
fostered an intense feeling of local independence. It was not
surprising then that in times of great public danger when
vital sectional interests were believed to be at stake this
spirit of local independence should find expression in the
doctrines of popular sovereignty, states-rights, nullification, and
even secession.

So it was that before 1795 the people of the Trans- Allegheny
West threatened the establishment of an independent republic
when it appeared that a selfish and short-sighted Congress was
on the point of bartering away for ephemeral commercial ad-
vantages the right of a free navigation of the Mississippi
River, on which the very existence of the western frontiersman
depended. So it was that during the critical period of our
history from 1850 to 1865 when the forces making for the
destruction of the American Union were gathering impetus for
their most dangerous attack on the integrity of the national
government, and when the Pacific Railroad had not yet bound
the West to the East with bands of shining steel there de-
veloped on the Pacific Coast a movement for the establishment
of a Pacific Coast Republic. While it is true that the move-
ment was supported by but a minority of the people of the
Pacific Coast, the fact of its inception by political leaders of
the West is significant.

While the first cause of the movement may be considered
the spirit of the West, its immediate occasion was the conflict
of local and national interests which became especially marked
after 1855. To understand this it is necessary to present in
greater detail the federal relations of the Western States and
Territories.

The Movement in Oregon for the Establishment of a Pacific
Coast Republic. (1855-1861.)

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 179

On June 15, 1846, the treaty with Great Britain was signed
which secured to the United States the territory of Oregon
lying south of the forty-ninth parallel of latitude. The Ore-
gon question was thus settled, and it was supposed that the
American government would at once proceed to organize a
government for the newly acquired territory. It was not, how-
ever, until August 14, 1848, that the bill providing for the
organization of Oregon as a territory became law. This un-
expected delay, caused by the opposition of the pro-slavery
leaders in Congress to the clause in the Oregon Provisional
Government declaring that neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude, except as a punishment for crime, should ever be
permitted in the territory, was peculiarly galling to the citizens
of Oregon, who felt that although their efforts had been largely
responsible for the acquisition of this valuable territory by the
United States government, that government was now refusing
them necessary assistance and protection. Nevertheless all
bitter feelings were forgotten in the general rejoicing at the
news of the passage of the Territorial Bill in 1848.

March 3, 1849, the territorial government was put into op-
eration by a Democratic governor (General Joseph Lane) ap-
pointed by President Polk. The governor entered upon his
duties with energy and enthusiasm, and the machinery of gov-
ernment was. soon running smoothly.3

In Oregon at this time the political lines of demarcation
were not those laid down by the great national parties; such
parties as existed were based on purely local issues.

Before the territorial organization the people of Oregon
had had little reason to be interested in the national disputes of
Whig and Democrat, and the Oregon settler, though perhaps
a violent partisan before his immigration to the far west, after
that immigration soon came to think little of his former party
alignment, and to concentrate his attention on local affairs.3

«on

i Schafer, History of the Pacific North-West, pp. 216-217.

a Bancroft, History of Oregon, i, 780.

3 Woodward, Rise and Early History of Political Parties in Oregon, in Or»-

Historical Society, The Quarterly, XII, pp. 36-37-

180 DOROTHY HULL

National interests, however, were not dead, but merely dor-
mant, and the organization of Oregon as a territory led to
an awakening which, though gradual, was none the less com-
plete. The position of the people in relation to the national
government practically forced them to take a definite stand
with regard to national politics.

Unwelcome evidence of the dependence of the people of Ore-
gon on the political complexion of the national government
soon appeared. The election of 1848 placed the patronage
of the government in the control of the Whig Party, and the
incoming government was not slow in bestowing all available
positions on office-hungry Whigs. Oregon soon felt the weight
of this policy. The Democratic officials who had already won
the confidence and respect of the people were replaced by
Whigs. A period of bitter political strife followed this change.

Politically, Oregon in 1850, was in a transition state. The
Democrats were undoubtedly the strongest party numerically,
but they, as well as the other parties, lacked organization. It
was impossible that such an anomalous condition of affairs
should continue long. It was evident that both local and
national interests demanded the perfecting of party machinery,1
and the Democrats, spurred to additional effort because of their
hatred of Whig domination, went to work to perfect a party
organization for the territory.

The Whigs, though at first radically opposed to party or-
ganization, learned a valuable lesson from their decisive defeat
in the election of 1852 (territorial), and the organization of the
party followed without undue delay. But even after organiza-
tion the Whigs were not strong enough numerically to com-
pete with the Democrats, nor were their political tactics equally
as astute as those of the chief rival party.

In the Democratic Party itself leadership soon passed into
the hands of a few men who came to be popularly denominated
"The Salem Clique." This group was in turn dominated by

i Statesman, June 13, 1851; February 24, 1852.

,'

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 181

the commanding personality of Asahel Bush, the editor of the
Statesman.1

This Salem Clique gave to Oregon an arrogant and narrowly
partisan rule. Rebellion in the ranks was not tolerated, and
erring members were ruthlessly read out of the party. These
domineering Democratic leaders also soon found it difficult
to submit to the superior power of the national government.

Their proud necks chafed under the yoke imposed by Eastern
officials appointed by an unsympathetic Congress. This feel-
ing was particularly strong during the Whig administration of
President Taylor, and loud were the complaints and many the
protests launched against the custom of filling Oregon offices
with foreign appointees. The territorial delegate in Congress2
was requested to suggest that it would be well if the people
of Oregon were granted the power of electing all their terri-
torial officers.3 The suggestion, needless to say, was unheeded.
In the meantime a violent and bitter struggle was in progress
in the territory between the Whig Officials and the Democratic
Legislature. The tension between the two parties soon became
almost unbearable. Two possible remedies appear to have
suggested themselves to the Democratic leaders — statehood
and independence. A movement for statehood was actually set
on foot in 1851, and also in that year appeared the first accusa-
tion that the leaders of the Oregon Democracy designed at no
distant day to throw off their allegiance to the United States
government and attempt to set up an independent republic.*
If the danger existed, as seems probable, it passed away with
the success of the Democrats in the presidential election of
1852.

In 1854 "the most momentous measure that passed Congress
from the day the Senators and Representatives first met until

1 Woodward, in The Quarterly, v. XII.

2 Joseph Lane. He was elected delegate in 1851, and held that position by suc-
cessive re-elections until 1859, when on Oregon's admission to the Union, he took
his place as U. S. Senator from that state.

3 Letter, Humphrey to Lane, January, 1852.

4 Quoted in Oregonian, July 28, 1851.

182 DOROTHY HULL

outbreak of the Civil War" was introduced in that body — the
Kansas-Nebraska Bill.1

The storm raised by the passage of the bill was never to die
away until slavery itself should be crushed. As Charles Sumner
said in speaking of the act: "To every man in the land it
says with clear, penetrating voice 'Are you for freedom, or are
you for slavery ?' " Not only did the Free-Soilers and many
of the Whigs denounce the Act, but many members of the
Democratic Party refused to follow their leaders in support-
ing it. In a document entitled the "Appeal of the Independent
Democrats" the bill was stigmatized as "A gross violation of
a sacred pledge (the Missouri Compromise) ; as a criminal
betrayal of precious rights ; as part and parcel of an atrocious
plot to exclude from a vast unoccupied region immigrants from
the Old World, and free laborers from our own states, and
to convert it into a dreary region of despotism peopled by
masters and slaves."2 The great Democratic Party was near-
ing the rocks on which it was finally to founder.

The doctrine of Popular Sovereignty enunciated by the
Kansas-Nebraska Act was one that from its very nature ap-
pealed to the people of Oregon, with their virile Western con-
fidence in the ability of the people of a locality to manage their
own affairs, and yet in the beginning there seems to have been
little unanimity of opinion with regard to the bill.

Despite the dominance of the Democratic Party there were
in Oregon great numbers of thinking people who opposed the
farther extension of slave territory, and viewed with alarm the
aggressive attitude of the Southern Democrats who were dictat-
ing the policies of the national Democratic Party. 3 In 1855
the first convention of Free-Soilers was held in Oregon, and
the movement inaugurated which led to the formation of the
Republican Party of Oregon. There appeared, too, a visible
defection in the Democratic ranks, though this was due to local
rather than to national disputes.

1 Printed in American History Leaflets, No. 17.

2 Rhodes, History of the United States from the Compromise of 1850, I, 490.

3 Bancroft, History of Oregon, II, 358.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 183

It was during these troublous times that the rumor of a
plan to establish a Pacific Republic — a plan inaugurated by
some of the Democratic leaders — again became persistent. In
July, 1855, an editorial headed "Our Future," appeared in the
Standard (Democratic) suggesting the idea of the formation
of an independent nation west of the Rockies as being in
harmony with the designs of an all-wise Providence, by whom
this natural boundary had been laid down.1

The leader ran, in brief: "In a new country there are no
old associations, no stereotyped habits which filter in an ac-
customed routine our actions and our thoughts, but the customs
which we were wont to have in our homes have given away
to those which are formed by our new associations. Yes, it
is indeed too true that we must look for new and: energetic
governments in recently settled countries. The British colonies
of North America passed through a Revolution, and reared
for themselves the proudest republic on the face of the earth.

"The French nation alike overturned the dynasty of Louis
Philippe and established a republic also. . . . With these
facts before us the future of our country demands attention.
What will be the results of these causes? Can it be possible
that within a few years the Pacific Coast will ask, and can
secure an independent government?

"Would it be policy for them to do so? And if it would,
what will be the effect of our petition to the United States
Congress? Is the recently avowed doctrine of Territorial
Sovereignty broad enough so that it will permit us freely to
say whether we will come into the Union, or whether we will
remain without, and become separate from it? If nature ever
marked out the division of countries, it has done so in North
America. The vast chain of the Rocky Mountains presents an
unmistakable boundary, and we have reason to believe that
these boundaries, laid down by an over-ruling Providence,
ought to be more strictly regarded. . . . Should we se-
cure anything to our advantage by coming into the Union which

i Standard, Portland, Oregon Territory, July, 1855- Alonzo Leland, editor.

184 DOROTHY HULL

we could not have by and of ourselves? Let us think before
we act. The growing disparity of habits between us and the
Atlantic States, and the pecuniary advantages or disadvantages
of a separation from the states are not the only questions
which ought to be considered. Is it policy for us to join a
government, the different sections of which are even now
antipodal on a most exciting question, and which are cultivat-
ing a spirit of disunion by their altercations?

"Do we wish to embroil ourselves in the agitation of a ques-
tion which might be totally foreign to us? This agitation may
cease, and in the name of heaven we hope it may — but present
aspects are most cheerless. Looking at this question coolly and
dispassionately, that is, the policy of uniting ourselves to a gov-
ernment already shaken by civil feuds and sectional dissensions,
and which we should enter into by an entrance into the Union,
and which we could avoid by refusing to bind ourselves by
any closer ties, — we are compelled to ask seriously, what is
our duty in this respect to the present and future of Oregon.
These questions may be deemed visionary by fogyism, — so
was that of the separation of the United States even after
Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill had been wet with
crimson dew, yes, and until after the Continental Congress had
assembled at Philadelphia."

Carefully laying the burden on the shoulders of an over-
ruling Providence, Oregon's Democratic leaders, with these
facile arguments, tentatively broached the subject of the Pacific
Coast Republic.

The leaders of opposing political complexion were not slow
to take up the challenge. The Oregonian (Whig) was par-
ticularly bitter in its denunciation of these Revolutionary ideas.
An editorial headed, "Revolutionary Filibustering in a ne'w
direction," ran as follows:1

"Four years ago we repeatedly told the people of Oregon
that the leaders of the self-styled Democratic Party designed
at no distant day to throw off their allegiance to the United

i Oregonian, July 28, 1855. Thomas J. Dryer, editor.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 185

States government. . . . We were led to this belief then
from certain unmistakable evidences apparent in every act of
those who then controlled, and now govern the Democratic
Party of Oregon. The recklessness of their conduct, the utter
disregard of law, order, or precedent, was then a subject of
alarm, and has continued to increase to this hour. Whatever
may be said of those who are constantly prating about their
love of country, their devotion to the interests of the American
Republic, . . . the facts are upon record that these men
have been constantly laying their plans for a revolutionary
movement, as the sequel will show. Although the party in
power in this territory have had everything in their hands for
the last three years, and although the leaders have been able,
under their hypocritical cry of Democracy, to create, deceive,
and gull the majority to sustain their measures, and to elevate
an unprincipled set of demagogues to office and power; al-
though their pensioned newspapers and party hacks have de-
nounced for years the great fundamental principles of Ameri-
canism, yet we are not prepared to see them at this early hour
throw off the mask, and declare in favor of a Revolution, and
a separate government here, but nevertheless they have done
so. ... It will be remembered that upon two occasions
this same party have endeavored to fasten a state government
upon the people. These same men have always been the
warmest advocates of a state government. The people have as
often pronounced against their favorite measure. Now, in
view of a strong probability, reduced almost to a certainty, of
a radical change in the administration of the general govern-
ment these men and their party come out in favor of a separa-
tion from the United States and the formation of a new gov-
ernment. Men, and particularly unprincipled men, never act
without a motive. These filibusterers have a motive in view
which will not fail to present itself to the mind. Their object
is apparent. The time, place and occasion which has called
forth this first published evidence of disaffection, will not fail
to convince the honest mind of every American in the land.

186 DOROTHY HULL

Here you see a party which proclaims loud and long that
Americans shall not rule America, proposing a disruption.
They are endeavoring to create disaffection, anarchy, confusion,
and discord among the people — urging to rebellion — a revolu-
tion against their country. What for? The object is plain to
those who know and can appreciate the character and aims of the
party calling itself the Democratic Party. Are the people of
Oregon prepared for this movement on the party chess-board?
They will, of course, indorse it, and push on the cause of dis-
union! We know not a few who will not take passage, no
matter who may attempt to lash or goad them into this in-
famous measure."

In September of the same year the Statesman had some
farther information to give concerning the Revolutionary
scheme.1 A letter from an anonymous correspondent in San
Francisco, reprinted from an exchange, set forth details of the
plan:

"I lay before you, in advance of all publicity, a scheme which
is now advancing under profound secrecy among a good num-
ber of our most respectable and influential citizens. I have no
time to comment, but give you the plan, as it has been re-
vealed to me, without any injunction of concealment. A new
Republic is to be formed, consisting at first of ten states, three
to be formed within the present limits of the State of Cali-
fornia, three in Oregon Territory, two in Washington Terri-
tory, and two from western portions of Utah and New Mexico.
The basis is to be a confederated government similar to yours
on the Atlantic Side. The great Pacific Railroad is to be
abandoned, and every obstacle thrown in the way of its con-
struction, while the argument at the hustings is to be made
to the people that the government at Washington has refused
the road to the people of the Pacific. The question of slavery
is to be adjured and disclaimed until the plan is so far executed
that there can be no retraction, after which the southern four
or five states will adopt slavery. The first convention is to be
imposing in numbers, and especially in the distinguished talent

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 187

of its members. You need no information as to the number
of ex-Senators, ex-Congressmen, ex-Governors, and ex- Judges
who swarm in our midst, panting for one more good old-
fashioned political chase. The President, Senate, Representa-
tives, and Cabinet Ministry are all to be chosen by direct vote
of the people. The naturalization laws are to be fixed on a
severe basis. The act of independence is to be simultaneous
with a well-planned and decisive seizure of the United States
Reserves, with whatever of movables or livestock they may
contain. The Sandwich Islands are to be guaranteed their
independence and the United States are to be appealed to in
a tone of friendly good-bye. Here you perceive an opening
for all the prominent politicians, a field for the military and
naval aspirants, a call for powder mills, and ordnance foundries.
You may also guess how readily such a severance will be
graciously received by England, France and Spain.

"I leave the subject with you without comment. Visionary
as it may seem, it is not a fancy sketch; fail it may, but it is
now a purpose of deep interest with the parties concerned. The
first public movement will be either a society or a convention
for the purpose of forming a new party to be called the Pacific
Railroad Party, to draw off a majority of citizens from all
old party alliances. Through this medium the Washington
government is to be proscribed, and proved to be practically
inadequate to our necessities. It is to be shown that we send
our gold away, and receive no government protection in re-
turn, and that as we now virtually govern ourselves we might
as well have the credit of it abroad. The conspirators will be
startled when they see this letter in your columns, and will
begin to heave the lead to find out their soundings."

If such a plan as this outlined by the unknown correspondent
existed, and if it had been formulated for the reasons sug-
gested by the Oregonian, the failure of that paper's predictions
as to the presidential election of 1856, and the election of
Buchanan was probably more responsible for the failure of
the leaders to consummate the plan for a Pacific Coast Re-

188 DOROTHY HULL

public at this particular time, than was the untimely exposure
of the plot by the press.

Although Democracy had been triumphant in 1856, it was
soon evident that the breach in the ranks of the party was
growing wider and wider. The Civil War in Kansas had
served to swell the numbers of the Anti-Nebraska men in Ore-
gon, as in all the northern states. Republican organization in
Oregon proceeded apace.1 The Kansas strife also reversed the
stand taken by the majority of Oregonians on the statehood
question, and in the election of 1857 the vote for statehood
was carried by a majority of 5938.2 The change in sentiment
was due to the dread instilled in the hearts of the people lest
scenes might in the future be enacted in Oregon correspond-
ing to those in "Bleeding Kansas." The securing of state-
hood as soon as possible seemed the best method of prevention.

The question of statehood having been once decided upon,
the main issue was whether Oregon should be slave or free.
This was a question on which the Democratic Party as a Party
dreaded to express itself, as a dissension was sure to follow.
In order to avoid this shoal the Democratic Party passed a
resolution; "That each member of the Democratic Party in
Oregon may freely speak and act according to his individual
convictions of right and policy upon the question of slavery
in Oregon without in any manner impairing his standing in the
Democratic Party on that account — provided that nothing in
these resolutions shall be construed in toleration of black re-
publicanism, abolition, or any other factor or organization
arrayed in opposition to the Democratic Party."

Many prominent democratic leaders in Oregon took the pro-
slavery side, and three out of five democratic papers were
rabid advocates of slavery. Hence, although two-thirds of the
Democratic Party were probably in favor of a free state con-
stitution, there seemed imminent danger .that slavery would
be fastened on Oregon.3

1 Woodward, in The Quarterly, XII, 130.

2 Woodward, in The Quarterly, XII, 135.

3 Argus, Sept. 5, 1857.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 189

The Constitutional Convention which assembled at Salem on
August 17, 1857, determined to present the questions of slavery
and of the admission of free negroes into the state as separate
issues to be decided by the people when the Constitution should
be submitted to them. Thus was their favorite doctrine of
Popular Sovereignty nobly vindicated.

The constitution was adopted by the people of Oregon by
a decisive majority.1 Only one- fourth of the voters supported
slavery, but free negroes were refused admission into the state.

In the month following that decision of the people the
Democrats were confronted by the "two-edged sword" of the
Dred Scott decision. An expression of opinion could not be
avoided, and yet was certain to cause strife. In the regular
session of the legislature December 17, 1857, a resolution was
introduced : " . . . whereas slavery , is tolerated by the
Constitution of the United States, therefore Resolved — that the
chair appoint a committee of three to report what legislation
is necessary to protect the rights of persons holding slaves in
this territory."

Whether, as was claimed,2 the resolution was introduced in
order to cause dissension in the Democratic ranks,3 that was
the result. The vote on the resolution was indefinitely post-
poned, but the dissension that it bred could not be quelled.

Bush, the local leader of the Oregon Democracy, in the
Statesman of December 8, 1857, endeavored to harmonize the
Dred Scott decision with the doctrine of popular sovereignty.
"It is," he said, "the very gist of the Kansas-Nebraska principle
that the people are called upon when they form a state govern-
ment to act upon the subject of slavery." As to the right of a
citizen to have his property protected under the constitution
he showed that the Constitution recognizes and protects as
property within the states whatever the state laws determine
to be property. In this discussion, however, he classed state
governments, and people moving in the formation of state

1 7i95 to 3215.

2 Oregonian, Dec. 26, 1857.

3 The sponsor was Wm. Allen, a National Democrat

190 DOROTHY HULL

governments together, and made no reference to popular sover-
eignty in the territories in general.

The different parties met in conventions early in 1858 to
nominate state officials, in order that the state government
might be ready to go into immediate operation when Oregon
should be admitted to the Union. The regular Democratic
convention, meeting in March, endorsed both the Kansas-
Nebraska doctrine and the Dred Scott decision, in spite of the
fact that Douglas, the author of the doctrine of popular sover-
eignty had broken with the administration over the Dred Scott
decision. The platform warmly endorsed Buchanan, however,
so it may be understood that Douglas was to be abandoned.
The National Democrats, in a separate convention, though en-
dorsing President Buchanan, held to the right of the people of
the territories to frame and adopt their constitutions and all
local laws for their own government.1 Thus they appeared
to support Douglas rather than Buchanan. The Republican
State convention denounced the Dred Scott decision,2 while
the Whigs showed a disposition to stand with the national
Democrats.3

The party lines on the question were by no means clearly
drawn. Bush, though accepting nomination at the hands of
the regular Democratic convention, undoubtedly preferred
Douglas, but he refrained during the campaign from express-
ing this preference.*

On the other hand Joseph Lane, the territorial delegate, and
hence the national representative of the regular Democratic
machine, who had defended squatter sovereignty from the time
of its inception, now as ably defended the Dred Scott decision.

In the ensuing Oregon election the regular Democratic Party,
in spite of dissensions, was in the main successful, although in
many parts of the territory the opposition (Whigs, Republicans,
and National Democrats, who frequently acted together at the

1 Statesman, March 23, 1858.

2 Oregonian, April 10, 1858.

3 Quarterly, XII, 231.

4 Quarterly, XII, 234.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 191

polls), showed a formidable strength. Their most conspicuous
need was organization.

In July, 1858, the newly elected state legislature proceeded
to elect Senators, in order that everything might be prepared
for statehood. Both National Democrats and Regulars united
in supporting Lane, and he and Delazon Smith, a man of
similar political principles, were elected to represent the new
state-to-be in the Senate.

In the meantime, the Statehood Bill was hanging fire in
Congress. Before this special session of the state legislature,
the bill for the admission of Oregon had passed the Senate.
At the time of General Lane's election to the Senate, letters had
been received from him and published in Oregon declaring
that the Statehood Bill would pass the House, as there were
no obstacles whatever in the way of its passage.1 He appears,
however, to have made no effort to secure its passage,2 and
Congress adjourned without having granted Oregon the de-
sired boon.

Naturally suspicion was not slow to arise in the breasts of
those leaders of the Oregon Democracy who were already in-
clined to distrust Lane's honesty and sincerity of purpose. A
cry of rage went up from Oregon when it was known that
the Statehood Bill had failed of passage. In the Statesman,
Bush gave vent to the popular outcry in a scathing editorial
denouncing Lane, whom he had hitherto supported.^

The testimony that he adduced went to show that Lane was
holding off the admission of the state until he could be certain
of his election to the office of Senator. Later, however, a
more sinister view was taken of his course, and he was accused
in view of the approaching national crisis, of wishing to put
Oregon into the position of a state outside the Union.

Viewing his actions in this light, very significant is the mes-
sage sent by Governor Curry of Oregon, Lane's close friend, to

1 Statesman, March 15, 1859.

2 Statesman, Dec. 21, 1858.

3 Statesman, Dec. 21. 1858.

192 DOROTHY HULL

the territorial legislature which assembled in December, 1858.1
After deploring the fact that Oregon had not been admitted
as a state, he went on to show that the whole territorial system
of the United States was unconstitutional. He said :

"It is wrong in principle. There is no provision of the
Constitution which confers the right to acquire territory to be
retained as territory, and governed by Congress with absolute
authority. Nor, by the terms of the federal compact, can the
people of the United States who choose to go out and reside
upon the vacant territory of the nation be regarded as mere
adventurers, without individual political rights, and be made
to yield a ready obedience to whatever laws Congress may
deem best for their government, and to pay implicit deference
to the authority of such officers as may be sent out to rule them.
No such power has ever been delegated by the sovereign people
of the sovereign states to the government of the United States,
and no such principle underlies the government. ... In
reference to that clause of the Constitution which gives Con-
gress power to dispose of and make all needful rules and reg-
ulations respecting the territory or other property of the United
States, which is contended for as the source from which Con-
gress derives the power to govern the territories, that tribunal
(the Supreme Court) has clearly determined that no such
power exists therein. ... In my judgment Congress has
no constitutional authority to establish governments anywhere
upon the public domain or to create and ordain any species of
constitution or organic law for the government of any civil
community anywhere within the boundary of the United
States."

Such ideas enunciated at this critical time could not but
arouse distrust. Lane later advised the pople to put the state
government into operation without awaiting the consent of
Congress, but largely owing to the influence of Bush this sug-
gestion was not adopted.

i Statesman, Dec. 4, 1858.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 193

At first, as has been indicated, the regular Democratic or-
ganization in Oregon had supported Buchanan, while the
Nationals had appeared to veer toward Douglas. As time went
on public sentiment began to change, and by the latter part of
December many of those who had once been loudest in lauding
Buchanan had become supporters of Douglas, and vice versa.
Bush who had always secretly favored Douglas was by no
means the last to openly shift his allegiance to that leader.

In the meantime, February 12, 1859, the Statehood Bill was
passed by the House, and on February 14 it became law. The
bill had been regarded in Congress as a party issue, and the
debate over it had been long and acrimonious. The Republicans
opposed the admission of Oregon ostensibly because the terri-
tory lacked the necessary population, but really because, while
Kansas with a greater population had been refused admission
unless she would accept a pro-slavery constitution, Oregon with
less population was to be admitted with a constitution prohibit-
ing the entrance of free negroes into the state. They justly
considered the distinction unfair. Then even more influential
was the fact that a closely contested presidential election was
at hand, and Oregon with her democratic delegation might cast
the decisive vote. At any rate, her delegation would materially
increase the strength of the Democratic Party in Congress.

The ultra-southern Democrats steadfastly opposed the bill
because they feared the admission of any more northern states,
whether Democratic or otherwise, or possibly because they, too,
desired to see Oregon a state outside the Union. Today it is
freely admitted that had Oregon failed of admission before
the ejection of 1860 she could not have been received before
1864 or 1865, and with secession doctrines so rife in Oregon
what the result might have been is difficult to tell.1

The Statehood Bill would most certainly have failed of
passage had it not been that fifteen republicans, inspired by
Eli Thayer of Massachusetts, revolted against the party dictum

Conversation with Mr. George H. Hirae*.

194 DOROTHY HULL

and supported the admission of Oregon. As it was, the new
state was admitted by a majority of 114 to 108.1

The final passage of the bill did much to restore the lost
prestige of Lane in Oregon, although there seems to be no
good reason for giving him any credit for its passage. Rather
the opposite. Reconciliation between Bush, the leader of the
Regular Democrats, and Lane was impossible, but the National
Democrats were ready to fly to the support of the latter. Their
views were largely similar to his, and with him at their head
they hoped once more to secure control of the party machinery.2

In this they were successful, and in the democratic conven-
tion of April 20, 1859, Bush was forced to see his enemies in
control of the party from which he had practically read them
out in earlier years : to see their tenets laid down as planks in
the party platform, and their candidates nominated for office.
It was a bitter blow. Bush was not, however, without means
of defense, and the columns of the Statesman for the years
1859, 1860 and 1861 blaze with denunciations of Lane and
his party.

As dissensions among the Democrats increased the Republi-
cans were growing stronger, and straining every effort to form
a party organization strong enough to defeat the Democrats
at the polls. The Republican Convention which met in April,
1859, avowed the strongest devotion to the Union ; announced
its opposition to the further extension of slavery; but denied
the right of the government to interfere with the institution
in the states where it already existed. A declaration was also
made in favor of popular sovereignty, which, while not a good
Republican principle, would certainly strengthen their position
in Oregon, as it was a doctrine on which Oregonians had been
bred and nurtured, and to which they clung, whether Demo-
crats or Republicans. The Republicans, then, condemned the
Dred Scott decision, but upheld popular sovereignty : the radical
Democrats, who under the leadership of Lane had gained con-

i Franklin P. Rice, Eli Thaycr and the admission of Oregon in Proceedings of
the 50th Anniversary of the admission of Oregon to the Union, Feb., 1909.
a Quarterly, XII, 248.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 195

trol of the party machinery, supported the Dred Scott decision,
while the followers of Bush clung to the doctrine of absolute
non-intervention, popular sovereignty carried to the nth degree.
It can readily be seen that even thus soon the bonds uniting
Oregon Republicans and Douglas Democrats were closer than
those connecting the latter with the Radical Democracy.

The elections of 1859 were pregnant with meaning. The
machine Democrats were successful, but their candidate for
Congressman was elected by a bare majority of 16 votes, and
their majorities everywhere were dangerously cut down. Un-
doubtedly many of the Douglas Democrats had cast their votes
for Republican candidates. This was a grim presage of the
end.

The time for choosing delegates to the national nominating
conventions was now at hand. The Radical Democrats had
secured control of the State Central Committee, from which
was issued a call for a State Democratic convention to elect
delegates to the National Democratic Convention which was
to be held at Charleston in the ensuing year to select the presi-
dential candidate of the party. 'Lane hoped to so arrange the
representation in the state convention as to secure his own
recommendation as a candidate for the presidency. His tactics
were understood by the opposition. The result was a split in
the convention which resulted in the withdrawal of the rep-
resentatives of eight counties. After this withdrawal, Lane,
Matthew P. Deady, and Lansing Stout, were chosen as dele-
gates and instructed to do every thing in their power to secure
the nomination of Lane for either the presidency or the vice-
presidency by the Charleston convention.3

This National Democratic Convention met at Charleston
April 23, 1860. The story of the split in the Democratic Party
which occurred there is well known. When the pro-slavery
delegates withdrew at the adoption of the Douglas platform,
Lane, who had not attended the convention, telegraphed the

1 Quarterly, XII, 260.

2 Statesman, Nov. 22, 1859.

196 DOROTHY HULL

Oregon delegation to withdraw with the ultras.1 At the
Seceder's convention which met in Baltimore, Breckinridge was
nominated for President and Lane for Vice-President. Lane's
nomination was undoubtedly due to the fact that it was under-
stood that he would be able to swing the vote of the Pacific
States. It was soon to appear that this was a vain hope.

The news of Lane's instructions to the Oregon delegation
and the report of the doings of the Seceder's convention aroused
a storm of indignation among the Douglas Democrats of
Oregon. Speculation was rife as to the plans of the Breckin-
ridge party, and news of their disunion plans was not slow to
filter through the press. Again was revived the rumor of a
projected Pacific Republic.

The Statesman of July 17, 1860, under the head of "The
Lane and Gwin Conspiracy" said:2

"It is openly charged by Washington correspondents that
Gwin (Senator from California) and Lane have entered into
a conspiracy with Southern Congressmen to break up the
Democratic organization as a preliminary step to breaking up
the Union, out of which three republics are to be formed. The
states east to be divided on the line of the free and slave states,
forming two governments, and the Pacific Slope to constitute
the third. But the dream of these political gamesters will not
be accomplished, in their lifetime, at least. Even in the event
that a secession movement should take place in the cotton
states, California and Oregon when the test comes will re-
main true to the Union."

During the following year the Republican and Douglas-
Democratic Press offered from time to time more detailed in-
formation as to the great conspiracy. It was shown^ that the
Senators and Representatives from California, the Senator and
Representatives from Oregon and the delegation from Wash-
ington Territory, representing altogether a little more than a
million of people, had held a caucus and resolved to favor

1 Statesman, July 3, 1860.

2 Statesman, July 17, 1860.

3 Statesman, July 24.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 197

disunion and the formation of three separate republics, and
that the formation of a Pacific Coast Republic was broached
and advocated in case of a dissolution of the Union by Senator
Latham of California. In December, 1860, fairly complete
details of the plan were given.1 The Pacific Republic was to
be an aristocracy after the model of the ancient republic of
Venice, all the power being vested in an hereditary nobility,
the chief executive being elected on a very limited suffrage.
Slaves were to be procured by inviting coolies, South Sea
Islanders, and negroes to immigrate to California, and then
reducing them to slavery. Gwin, it appeared, favored a sep-
arate republic on the Pacific Coast because he feared that
the aggressive policy of the southern leaders would be likely
to involve the other states in continual difficulties. While the
details of the plan might excite suspicion as the elaborations of
a journalistic imagination, the truth of the main outline ap-
pears to have been fairly well substantiated.

In commenting on the plan Bush of the Statesman said :

"What a ridiculous figure would the Pacific Republic cut
among the nations. With a population of little more than half
a million scarcely able to protect ourselves from the inroads
of the Indians upon our borders, hardly rich enough to sus-
tain the expenses of our economical state governments, and
dependent upon the bounty of the general government for
military protection, mail facilities, and for the salaries of a
large number of our public functionaries, what would be our
fate were we to cast ourselves loose from the protection and
assistance which we receive from it. Burdened with a host of
new officers and salaries, poor, feeble, defenceless contemptible,
we should become the spoil of arrogant officials at home, and
be at the mercy of every petty rival abroad. Now we rejoice
in the pride of our strength — the strength of a great and
powerful nation. Sundered from our parent states our pitiable
weakness would render us a bye-word and a reproach among

i Statesman, December 10, 1860; other references in Argus, Aug. a$. 1860;
Argus, Dec. ao, 1860; Statesmen, July 31, 1860.

198 DOROTHY HULL

neighboring nations. With Mexico upon one side, British
Columbia on the other, a defenseless sea-coast in front, and
a horde of hostile savages and marauding Mormons in the
rear, and unable to protect ourselves on any side, we could only
preserve our existence by forming an alliance with some power-
ful government which could afford us protection at the price
of our liberty."

In September the Oregon legislature met to elect Senaton
to fill the place already vacated by Smith and that soon to be
vacated by Lane. The report of Lane's disunion projects had
by this time irreparably damaged his reputation. Alarmed at
the reports of the disunion conspiracy, the Douglas Democrats
and the Republicans formed what was practically a fusion
party with the one object of defeating Lane and his party.1
After a prolonged and bitter struggle the election resulted in
the choosing of J. W. Nesmith, a Douglas Democrat, and
Colonel E. D. Baker, a Republican, as Senators. A political
Revolution of no mean importance had taken place, and Ore-
gon's Union sentiments were vindicated.

On the sixth of November, 1860, the presidential vote was
cast, and by the ninth it was known not only that Lincoln was
elected, but that the Republicans had carried Oregon.

There followed shortly after the news of the secession of
South Carolina, and early in 1861 of five other states. At
first, in Oregon as in many other northern states was heard
the cry, "Let the erring sisters depart in peace," but later
a more war-like tone developed among Republicans and
Douglas Democrats. The Radical Democratic press, however,
warmly supported the seceders.2

Lane of course openly stood with the Secessionists. In
several speeches in the United States Senate, he warmly de-
fended the action of the seceding states, and indicated that
Oregon's sympathies would be with them.3 Personal pledges

1 Prophecied May 12, 1839, in a letter from Jesse Applegate to J. W. Nesmith.

2 See issues of Oregon Democrat 1861.

3 Speeches of Dec. 5, 1860; Jan. 15, 1861; Mch. a, 1861. Cong. Globt, ad Mo-
tion, 36th Congress Pt. x, 8, 17, Pt II, 1343. 1349-

ESTABLISHMENT OF PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC 199

are said to have been given to Jefferson Davis that the Pacific
Coast States would be disloyal to the Union.1 It seems strange
that such an experienced politician as Lane should have failed
to read the lesson written in the election of 1860. Latham of
California was the wiser, for he admitted in a speech in the
Senate that California would undoubtedly remain true to the
Union.2 Yet there seems to have been greater danger from
the disunion party in California than in Oregon. 3

Although the Radical Democratic party still had a strong
following in Oregon, the fact that the Republicans had carried
the state in 1860 made it fairly certain that no disunion scheme
could have weight in Oregon. A leading politician writing
to Senator Nesmith early in 1861 said : "You will see a good
deal of blowing about a Pacific Republic for this coast. It
does n't amount to anything now. If the Union should go
into more than two pieces then it would most likely become
a fact, and rather a small one.4 Certainly there had been
little chance of such a movement succeeding. While many
people in Oregon believed in the sacred right of secession, but
few were sufficiently interested to take up arms in defense of
the right.

As the War went on, the various disunion papers edited in
Oregon, one by one laid themselves open to prosecution and
were suppressed. While in parts of the state men at first
went to the elections armed, lest the pro-slavery party should
attempt to re-enact the scenes of the Kansas-Nebraska strife,
as they threatened to do,5 the sense of danger gradually passed
away, and a sense of security returned.

1 Elaine, Twenty Years in Congress, I, 308.

2 Congressional Globe, 2d session, 36th Congress, Ft. I, 684.

1 See San Francisco Weekly Bulletin Oct. 18, 1862, for schemes of California
disunionists. When the plan for a Pacific Republic was abandoned they planned
the seizure of the Mexican province of Sonora, which the French also coveted. At
the commencement of the war, California secessionists had formed a league of
Knights of the Golden Circle, taking oath to support a Pacific Coast Republic, and
had planned the seizure of the Custom House .and the Mint in San Francisco, the
Navy Yard at Mare Island, and the depot at Benicia. Fortunately their plans
failed because the person chosen to lead the attack upon the public buildings
named refused to accept the responsibility; and before another leader could be
agreed upon, Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. A., assumed command at the Presidio
in San Francisco, thus relieving Col. Albert Sidney Johnston, who went into tht
Southern States via Mexico at once

4 Deady to Nesmith, Feb. 28, 1861.

$ Conversation with Mr. George H. Hirnc*.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

I. SOURCES.

Correspondence in the possession of the Oregon State Historical
Society.

1. The Applegate Correspondence.

2. The Deady Correspondence.

3. The Lane Correspondence.

4. Letters of J. W. Nesmith.

Elaine, James G., Twenty years in Congress, 1861-1881, I, 308.
Congressional Globe 36th Congress, 2d session, Part I, 8, 17,

382. Part II, 1343, 1349.
Newspaper Files :

1. Issues of the Argus for Sept. 5, 1857; Aug. 25, 1860;
Dec. 29, 1860; Jan. 5, 1861.

2. Issues of the Statesman for July 28, 1855; Sept. 8,
1855; June 23, 1857; Dec. 8, 1857; Mch. 23, 1858;
Dec. 4, 1858; Dec. 21, 1858; Mch. 15, 1859; April 26.
1859; Nov. 22, 1859; Mch. 6, 1860; July 3, 1860; July
17, 1860; July 24, 1860; Dec. 10, 1860.

3. Issues of the Oregonian for July 28, 1855; Mch. 21,
1857; April 10, 1858; April 21, 1881; June 13, 1851;
Feb. 24, 1852.

II. SECONDARY AUTHORITIES.

Bancroft, Hubert Howe, History of Oregon, II. San Francisco,

1886.
Rhodes, History of the United States from the Compromise of

1850. New York.
Rice, F. P., Thayer, Eli, and the admission of Oregon

Worcester's Magazine, February and March, 1906 : reprinted

in Proceedings of the 50th anniversary of the Admission of

Oregon. Salem, 1909.

Schafer, Joseph, History of the Pacific North- West.
Woodward, Walter, Carlton, Rice and early history of the

parties in Oregon in Oregon Historical Society, The

Quarterly, Volumes XI and XII. Portland, 1910, 1911.

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN

By LESLIE M. SCOTT

That Horace Greeley brought about the nomination of Lin-
coln for President in 1860, and that Oregon seated Greeley
in the nominating convention, are central details of a political
narrative which distinguishes Oregon in National annals at the
beginning of its statehood career.

It is within the bounds of probability to say that Lincoln
would not have won the nomination without the influence of
Greeley. We may not go so far as to add that Greeley would
have had no seat in the convention without an Oregon proxy ;
but it is significant that the seat he occupied was Oregon's —
a State then but fifteen months a member of the Union, a State,
moreover, that symbolized the fullest Western idea and marked
the farthest Western expansion of the Nation.

The Republican National convention of 1860, at Chicago,
was more vital to the country in its consequences than any
other political gathering, save the Constitutional Convention
of 1787. The convention of 1860 chose the leader who saved
the National unity. We can hardly doubt that the Chicago
meeting, in this great crisis, felt the guiding influence of that
Providence which is ever watchful in a State, and sent Ore-
gon to the fore and made the great New York editor its mes-
senger.

Oregon had six seats in that convention. Oregon men sat
in three of them — Joel Burlingame, of Scio; Henry Bucking-
ham, of Salem; Frank Johnson, of Oregon City. Two seats
were occupied by nonresidents — Horace Greeley, of New York
City, and Eli Thayer, Member of Congress from Massachu-
setts. The sixth place was vacant.

Greeley had opposed the admission of Oregon because of
the general antislavery fear of its Democratic adherence.
Thayer had joined the Democrats of Congress in admitting

202 LESLIE M. SCOTT

Oregon, and the disfavor of his constituents in this matter
defeated him for Congress in the next election.

Before proceeding with details of the convention it may be
in place to narrate briefly the matters that led up to the bestowal
of an Oregon proxy on Greeley.

The Republican party in Oregon was active and resolute,
but was a minority. It carried the State afterwards in 1860
for Lincoln by a small plurality over the Breckinridge and
Douglas factions of the Democratic party. The antislavery
leaders were determined to be represented in the Chicago
convention.

But Oregon was four or five weeks distant from the Eastern
centers. There was no transcontinental telegraph until Octo-
ber 24, 1861, to San Francisco, and until March 5, 1864, to
Portland (through line). News was transmitted by mail to
and from the Eastern States, either by the pony express, via
Salt Lake and Sacramento, or by the Isthmus of Panama.
Oregon Republicans could not follow Eastern politics closely
enough to participate in the preliminary movements. Its dele-
gates, therefore, had to be free to exercise their own judg-
ments as to the fittest course to pursue.

The Republican State convention met at Salem, April 21,
1859 — more than a year ahead of the National convention.
The State convention did not know what the apportionment
of delegates for Oregon would be, but could not wait for the
apportionment notice to arrive, probably nine months later,
because the next State convention would not meet early enough
to choose the delegates. So the State convention of 1859,
taking for granted that Oregon would have at least three dele-
gates— that being its electoral vote for President — chose that
number of delegates — A. G. Hovey, Dr. W. Warren and Lean-
der Holmes. It instructed them to support William H. Seward,
of New York, for President, "but, in case they cannot secure
his nomination, their further proceedings are left to their dis-
cretion."

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 203

At that time, in 1859, Seward was the leading candidate of
the Republican party. But in the ensuing year another figure
loomed big on the political horizon, Lincoln, of Illinois. More-
over, Missouri had a favorite son, Edward Bates, who had a
large following in Oregon, because of the many pioneers here
from Missouri. So that, as the date of the National conven-
tion drew near, sentiment of Oregon Republicans had largely
changed from its earlier favor of Seward.

That date, it was supposed, would be June 13, but the notice
of apportionment, received in Oregon late in March, named
May 16. In the Oregon City Argus of March 31, 1860, we find :

"By the latest news from the Atlantic we learn that the time
for holding the Republican Convention at Chicago has been
changed to the sixteenth day of May — nearly a month earlier
than was at first decided upon. This will cause inconvenience
to some of the delegates appointed to represent this State, and
we learn that Leander Holmes, Esq., in consequence of his in-
ability to attend, has empowered Horace Greeley to act in his
stead and cast his vote for Edward Bates."

In the apportionment, Oregon was allotted six delegates, or
three more than chosen by the State convention of the year
before. As the next Republican State convention would not
meet until April 19, 1860, and that would not give three addi-
tional delegates, if chosen at that late day, time to reach Chi-
cago by May 16, the Republican State Central Committee —
Henry W. Corbett, of Multnomah, W. Carey Johnson, of
Clackamas, and E. D. Shattuck, of Multnomah — named, as the
extra delegates, Henry W. Corbett, Joel Burlingame and
Franklin Johnson, and authorized them to appoint their sub-
stitutes as proxies.

Of the six delegates named, only two attended the con-
vention— Mr. Burlingame, who went East for interment of
the body of his wife, and Mr. Johnson, who was a divinity
student at Hamilton, New York. Mr. Holmes sent his proxy
to Horace Greeley, and Mr. Corbett to Eli Thayer. Either
Mr. Hovey or Dr. Warren gave a proxy to Henry Bucking-
ham, of Oregon. The sixth delegate was not represented in
the National convention. These details are corroborated by

204 LESLIE M. SCOTT

the following letter signed "F" (probably Henry Failing),
printed in The Oregonian, October 20, 1896 (p. 12) :

"The appointments were made a long year before the meeting
of the convention (National), and, of course, long before the
call was issued. It was taken for granted that Oregon would
be entitled to a representation equal to its electoral vote.

"At that time, Mr. Seward was the most prominent candidate
for the nomination, and, in fact, no other candidate had, as yet,
developed any great strength. During the year [following],
however, a considerable change took place in the sentiment of
the party in Oregon, and it is hardly probable that the same
instruction would have been given in 1860.

"In fact, it was considered by many that the delegates could
hardly be bound by instructions given so long in advance, but
ought to be at liberty to exercise their riper judgment. Edward
Bates, of Missouri, was the favorite candidate of The Orego-
nian, then edited by Thomas J. Dryer, and there was much dis-
cussion as to how far the delegates were bound. The Oregonian
and the Eugene People's Press, Mr. Pengra's paper [B. J. Pen-
gra] taking opposite sides of the question.

"When the call for the Chicago convention came out, it was
found that Oregon was entitled to six delegates, and, as the
State convention would not assemble in time to fill the list [not
until April 19, 1860], the State Central Committee— H. W.
Corbett, E. D. Shattuck and W. C. Johnson — appointed three
additional delegates. They were : Henry W. Corbett, Joel Bur-
lingame [father of Anson Burlingame], and Frank Johnson
[the Reverend Frank Johnson, D. D.]

"The convention was originally called to meet on the six-
teenth [thirteenth] of June, 1860, but the date was changed a
few days later to the sixteenth of May. This upset the arrange-
ments of several of the delegates, as they had so timed their
departure for the East that they could not reach Chicago in
time [for the earlier date]. Mr. Holmes sent his proxy to
Horace Greeley. Mr. Corbett sent his to Eli Thayer, member
of Congress from Massachusetts. Frank Johnson was already
in the East, a divinity student at Hamilton, New York, and
attended the convention in person. Mr. Burlingame, I think,
went to Chicago in person. What Mr. Hovey or Dr. Warren
did I do not remember, if I ever knew, but I think Leander
Holmes' was the only proxy held by Greeley.

"Mr. Corbett and Mr. Holmes both went East, according" to

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 205

their original plans, arriving after the nomination of Lincoln
was accomplished."

In Parton's Life of Horace Greeley appears a brief explan-
ation (pp. 442-43), written by Mr. Greeley, of how he obtained
the Oregon proxy. He says :

"My mind had been long before deliberately made up that
the nomination of Governor Seward for President was unde-
sirable and unsafe. Yet I had resolved to avoid this conven-
tion for obvious reasons. But when, some four or five weeks
since, I received letters from Oregon apprising me that, of the
six delegates appointed and fully expecting to attend from that
State, .but two would be able to do so, on account of the very
brief notice they had of the change of time of holding the con-
vention, and that Mr. Leander Holmes, one of those who had
been appointed and clothed with full power of substitution, had
appointed and requested me to act, in his stead, I did not feel at
liberty to refuse the duty thus imposed on me. Of the four
letters that simultaneously reached me — one from Mr. Holmes,
another from Mr. Corbett, chairman of the Republican State
Committee, a third from the editor of a leading Republican
journal [Thomas J. Dryer of The Oregonian, or W. L. Adams
of the Oregon City Argus'] and a fourth from an eminent ex-
editor [Simeon Francis] — at least three indicated Bates as the
decided choice of Oregon for President, and the man who would
be most likely to carry it — a very natural preference, since a
large proportion of the people of Oregon emigrated from Mis-
souri. One of them suggested Mr. Lincoln as also a favorite,
many Illinoisans being now settled in Oregon."

The National convention took three ballots to nominate Lin-
coln, as follows :

First ballot— William H. Seward, of New York, 173^;
Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, 102 ; Edward Bates, of Missouri,
48 ; Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, 50^2 ; John McLean, of
Ohio, 12; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, 49; Benjamin F. Wade,
of Ohio, 3 ; William L. Dayton, of New Jersey, 14 ; John M.
Reed, of Pennsylvania, 1; Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, 10;
Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, 1 ; John C. Fremont, of
California, 1 ; whole number of votes cast, 465 ; necessary to a
choice, 233.

Second ballot— Seward, 184^; Lincoln, 181; Bates, 35;
Cameron, 2; McLean, 8; Chase, 42^ ; Dayton, 10; Cassius M.

206 LESLIE M. SCOTT

Clay, of Kentucky, 2 ; whole number of votes cast, 465 ; neces-
sary to a choice, 233.

Third ballot (preliminary)— Seward, 180; Lincoln, 231^;
Bates, 22 ; McLean, 5 ; Chase, 24^ ; Dayton, 1 ; Clay, 1 ; (final)
Lincoln, 364; changes to Lincoln, in the order as given in
Official Proceedings, Ohio, 4; New York, 10; Maine, 10;
Pennsylvania, 1 ; New Hampshire, 1 ; Rhode Island, 3 ; Con-
necticut, 4; Ohio (again), 13; Missouri, 18; Iowa, 2V2', Ken-
tucky, 10; Minnesota, 8; Virginia, 8; California, 5; Texas, 6;
District of Columbia, 2 ; Kansas, 6 ; Nebraska, 5 ; Oregon, 1 ;
others, 15; total change to Lincoln, 132 j/2.

Oregon's vote — first ballot : Bates, 5 ; second ballot, Bates, 5 ;
third ballot (preliminary), Lincoln 4, Seward 1; (final) Lin-
coln 5.

On the preliminary third ballot, Lincoln with 231^ votes
lacked but ll/2 votes of the majority to nominate. The stam-
pede to him started with Ohio, whose delegate, D. K. Carter,
announced the change of 4 Ohio votes to Lincoln. Delegates
from other States joined the rush to Lincoln, and, finally, as
reported in the Official Proceedings, a delegate from Oregon,
who, on the preliminary third ballot, had voted for Seward, also
changed to Lincoln, thus giving the nominee the full five votes
of this State. The identity of this fifth man is unknown to the
present writer. It may be in place to point out, at this junc-
ture, that this one vote, on the third ballot, was the only Oregon
vote given to Seward, and that the delegates thus were exer-
cising the "discretion" which the Oregon Republican conven-
tion of April 21, 1859, had allowed to them. Also, it may be
pertinent to add that Oregon gave four votes to the preliminary
movement to Lincoln on the third ballot, and, at last, gave Lin-
coln its other vote, with the announcement of one of its dele-
gates (name unknown) : "Oregon also casts her unanimous
vote for Abraham Lincoln" ; further, that Greeley, evidently,
either joined the Oregon majority that voted first for Bates
and then for Lincoln, or led that majority. And it is important
to note that Oregon's member of the committee on platform
and resolutions was Mr. Greeley.

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 207

When Ohio gave Lincoln the final votes that made the ma-
jority of the convention, there was a moment's pause, "like the
sudden and breathless stillness that precedes a hurricane," says
Holland's The Life of Abraham Lincoln" (chap. xv.). Then:

"The storm of wild, uncontrollable and almost insane en-
thusiasm descended. The scene surpassed description. During
all the ballotings, a man had been standing upon the roof, com-
municating the results to the outsiders, who, in surging masses,
far outnumbered those who were packed into the Wigwam. To
this man one of the secretaries shouted : Tire the salute ! Abe
Lincoln is nominated !' Then as the cheering inside died away,
the roar began on the outside, and swelled up from the excited
masses like the noise of many waters. This the insiders heard,
and to it they replied. Thus deep called to deep with such a
frenzy of sympathetic enthusiasm that even the thundering
salute of cannon was unheard by many upon the platform."

Further light is thrown on Oregon's and Greeley's participa-
tion in the National convention, by a letter of Frank Johnson,
printed in the Oregon City Argus, July 14, 1860. The letter
was dated at Hamilton, New York, June 1. It said in part:

"The first hearty outburst of enthusiasm was on the an-
nouncement of Horace Greeley as member of the committee on
platform and resolutions, from Oregon. It was received with
universal applause, and cries of 'When did you move?' from
those near him."

Speaking of the report of the committee on resolutions, the
letter continued :

"The result is the most perfect and unequivocal statement of
Republican faith ever written, the wisest and most diplomatic
points of which I think I am safe in saying Oregon had the
honor to contribute. Each section of the report was received
with hearty applause by the house as it was read.

"During the third ballot there was tolerable order, until Ore-
gon declared for Lincoln, rendering his nomination certain. At
this point the enthusiasm became irrepressible; the Wigwam
was shaken with cheers from twenty-three thousand Republi-
cans, which were renewed as State after State declared its unan-
imous vote for 'the man who could split rails and maul Demo-
crats.' The cheering was redoubled when a rather premature
salute announced his nomination, and several distinguished men

208 LESLIE M. SCOTT

are said to have wept. It was perhaps half an hour before Mr.
Evarts, chairman of the New York delegation, could secure a
sufficient silence to move that the choice of the convention be
made unanimous."

In the membership of convention committees, the Oregon
delegates were placed as follows: Committee on permanent
organization, Frank Johnson; committee on credentials, Joel
Burlingame ; committee on order of business, Eli Thayer ; com-
mittee on resolutions, Horace Greeley; vice presidents of the
convention (twenty-six others), Joel Burlingame; secretary of
the convention (twenty-five others), Eli Thayer.

The Oregon delegates did not engage in the floor discussions
of the convention, but the proxy delegates, Greeley and Thayer,
did so briefly. Greeley moved that each State delegation pre-
sent the credentials of its members and that any disputes be
referred to the committee on credentials. D. K. Cartter, of
Ohio, moved "to amend the proposition of a gentleman from
Oregon or New York, Mr. Greeley, I am not sure which"
(laughter) that all credentials be presented to the committee on
credentials. Greeley answered :

"I accept the amendment of the gentleman from Maryland
or Rhode Island, I am not particular which" (laughter and ap-
plause.)

A short time later Greeley moved for a call of the States for
the purpose of appointing a committee on platform, but with-
drew the motion in favor of one from Cartter for appointment
of such committee, one member from each State, by calling the
roll of the States. The motion was laid on the table, pending
permanent organization of the convention, and the committee
was appointed at the evening session, the objection being that
the motion then was premature. Greeley and Thayer urged
immediate procedure for the committee, the latter declaring
"The State of Oregon is now ready," but the matter went over.

When the committee on rules and order of business reported
the order of the roll call, William D. Kelly, of Philadelphia,
while defending the recommendation of the committee, that
included the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska and the Dis-

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 209

trict of Columbia in the roll call, was interrupted twice by a
voice, "How about Oregon ?" Whereupon he answered :

"Oregon is a constituted State and there was no question
about Oregon."

Evidently the voice was not informed that Oregon had been
admitted as a State fifteen months before, on February 14, 1859

Oregon spoke again when the convention was considering
the report of the committee on resolutions and platform. Joshua
R. Giddings, of Ohio, moved to amend by inserting a clause of
the Declaration of Independence, relating to the inalienable
rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This
amendment was lost, after Thayer, proxy from Oregon, said :

"I agree with the venerable delegate from Ohio [Giddings]
in all that he has affirmed to this convention concerning the
privileges of the Declaration of Independence. There are also
many other truths than are enunciated in that Declaration of
Independence — truths of science, truths of physical science,
truths of government, and great religious truths; but it is not
the business, I think, of this convention, at least it is not the
purpose of this party, to embrace in its platforms all the truths
that the world in all its past history has recognized. (Applause.)
Mr. President, I believe in the ten commandments, but I do not
want them in a political platform."

"Giddings left .the convention and then, to placate him, his
amendment later was adopted, on motion of George William
Curtis, of New York, one of the youngest delegates from that
State.

"The platform was adopted amid demonstrations of the wild-
est enthusiasm," says Holland's The Life of Abraham Lincoln
(chap, xv.) "An eye witness of the scene says: 'All the thou-
sands of men in that enormous Wigwam commenced swinging
their hats, and cheering with intense enthusiasm ; and the other
thousands of ladies waved their handkerchiefs and clapped
their hands. The roar that went up from that mass of ten
thousand beings is indescribable. Such a spectacle as was pre-
sented for some minutes has never before been witnessed at a
convention. A herd of buffaloes or lions could not have made
a more tremendous roaring/ "

We have narrated Oregon's part in the momentous con-
vention that took three days at Chicago, May 16-17-18, 1860,
to choose the Great Emancipator and the saver of the Union.

210 LESLIE M. SCOTT

Behind the scenes, in the unconscious shiftings of the con-
vention, worked the great editor of New York, the man whom
Oregon sent there, the man whom the leaders of the party in
his own State tried to shut out of the convention, the man,
moreover, who, in the words of Seward's friends, turned the
trick to the favorite of Illinois and thus worked out an old
grudge that had smouldered many years unknown in the bosom
of the editor.

The editor denied the grudge ; perhaps the friends of Seward
exaggerated it ; perhaps the editor was unconscious of it ; cer-
tainly Oregon knew nothing of it. Truly, in the nomination
of the man who was to save the Nation from dissolution, the
words of the poet had further proof :

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.

Defeat in the National convention was a heavy blow to
Seward ; also to Thurlow Weed, his political manager, and to
Henry J. Raymond, founder and editor of the New York
Times, keen rival of Greeley's New York Tribune. Weed and
Raymond ascribed the defeat to Greeley and bitterly denounced
his motives as those of revenge growing out of Greeley's fail-
ure to win the Whig nomination for Governor of New York
in 1854, and the nomination for Lieutenant-Governor in that
year, of Raymond. Weed got his revenge in February, 1861,
by defeating Greeley in a close caucus contest for United States
Senator — but that is another story.

Seward's enemies in the National convention of 1860 were
of various kinds. There were cumulative hostilities from the
Fillmore element of 1856, the Democratic Free Soilers, the
Know Nothings and the foes of the Weed political machine.
Greeley worked cleverly on these elements. His influence con-
tributed greatly to ally them against Seward. Unaided, Greeley
could have done little or nothing; but these forces fitted to
his hand; the result was the greatest political stroke of his
career.

In Parton's Life of Horace Greeley, the Tribune editor's
work is thus described (pp. 442-43) :

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 211

"The general expectation was that Mr. Seward would re-
ceive the nomination for the first ofHce. . . . The person
chiefly instrumental in frustrating the hopes of Mr. Seward's
friends was the editor of the Tribune. At least we may say,
with the utmost confidence, that, had Mr. Greeley, in his news-
paper and at Chicago, given a hearty support to Mr. Seward,
that gentleman would have been nominated."

Likewise ascribing the defeat of Seward to Greeley, Edward
Everett Hale, Jr., in his William H. Seward, says (p. 259) :

"This was a very great surprise and disappointment to Sew-
ard's political friends, and to himself. It was ascribed to a
number of causes, notably the course of Horace Greeley, who
had attended the convention with a view of supporting Bates,
on the ground that Seward could not be elected."

Thornton Kirkland Lothrop, in his William Henry Seward
(p. 215), says Greeley was ready to support anybody to beat
Seward; "And it has been said that, when Seward was ac-
tually defeated, he [Greeley] openly gave thanks that he was
even with him at last." This author admits that the influence
of Greeley was probably exaggerated, but does not deny that
it was effective. "Greeley bided his time," continues Loth-
rop, "and in 1860 went from New York to Chicago as a dele-
gate from Oregon to the Republican convention that he might
do all in his power to get even with Seward and defeat his
nomination."

Editor Raymond, Greeley's newspaper protege and later his
rival, who had supplanted Greeley with Seward and Weed in
the State Whig convention of 1854, was badly cut up by Sew-
ard's defeat in 1860. Knowing these associations, we may
more intimately judge his comments in the New York Times,
in a letter written from Auburn, New York, after an interview
with Seward, following the convention :

"The great point aimed at was Mr. Seward's defeat ; and, in
that endeavor, Mr. Greeley labored harder and did tenfold more
than the whole family of Blairs, together with the gubernatorial
candidates to whom he modestly hands over the honors of the
effective campaign. . . . It is perfectly safe to say that no
other man — certainly no one occupying a position less favor-
able for such an assault — could possibly have accomplished

212 LESLIE M. SCOTT

that result. We deem it only just to Mr. Greeley thus early to
award him the full credit for the main result of the Chicago
convention."

Raymond said that Greeley inflicted the defeat by conceal-
ing his personal motives of revenge under professions of gen-
eral friendship for Seward, and by representing that the sacri-
fice of Seward was necessary for party success. These pro-
fessions and his long political association with Seward gave
Greeley, said Raymond, a hold on Republican sentiment and
a weight of authority; also: "Mr. Greeley was in Chicago
several days before the meeting of the convention, and he
devoted every hour of the interval to the most steady and re-
lentless prosecution of the main business which took him
there — the defeat of Governor Seward." The result, continued
Raymond, was "the deadly effect of his pretended friendship
for the man upon whom he was thus deliberately wreaking the
long-hoarded revenge of a disappointed office seeker."

Thus came Oregon into the great political affairs of the
country at the time of its own beginnings as a State and in
the greatest crisis of the Nation. It came into those great af-
fairs through the small resentments of rival men, thus proving
again that momentous things turn on events seemingly insignifi-
cant. For while Greeley's disappointed enemies may go too
far in attributing Greeley's course to the political revenge of
an unsuccessful office seeker, yet it would seem that Greeley's
purposes did partly grow out of personal antagonisms. His-
tory amply proves that the desires of all the greatest men are
made that way; that antagonisms make the subconscious mo-
tives of their actions, just as the wish or the regret becomes
the father to the thought.

But it is fair to say that not office-seeking disappointments
impelled Greeley against Seward and Weed so much as their
recognition and support of his rival, Raymond, especially after
his long work for their political fortunes. Greeley had done
much for them ; he had been their hewer of wood and the
drawer of water; they had done nothing for him; and they
added insult to injury by casting him aside and taking Ray-
mond as a political partner. Those who know the human-

OREGON'S NOMINATION OF LINCOLN 213

nature side of newspaper men can catch a glimpse of the inner
consciousness of the editor Greeley, and realize how willing
Greeley must have been to answer the summons of Oregon to
represent it in the convention against Seward.

Greeley countered these aspersions, of course, with the skill
of a great editor in a journalistic duello. If his motives harked
back to the subconscious experience of shabby treatment at the
hands of Seward and Weed, yet the modern reader can hardly
doubt the sincerity of his purposes.

"I went to Chicago," he wrote, "to do my best to nominate
Judge Bates, unless facts, there developed, should clearly render
another choice advisable." The reader will remember a quota-
tion from this same statement of Greeley 's quoted earlier in this
article, narrating how he acquired the Oregon proxy and recog-
nized the obligation that went with it to support Bates, who
was a favorite of Oregon Republicans. "I reiterate that I
think Judge Bates would have been the wiser choice. There is
no truer, more faithful, more deserving Republican than Abra-
ham Lincoln; probably no nomination could have been made
more conducive to certain triumph; and yet I feel that the
selection of Edward Bates would have been more farsighted,
more courageous, more magnanimous." Greeley added that
the true cause of Seward's defeat was not his (Greeley's) op-
position to him, but the conviction, on the part of the delegates
from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana, that the nomina-
tion of Seward would jeopardize the election in those States.
Greeley said later, in response to Raymond's letter (quoted in
the foregoing) aspersing Greeley's motives as those of revenge:

"If ever in my life I discharged a public duty in utter dis-
regard of personal considerations, I did so at Chicago last
month. . . . Our personal intercourse [with Seward] as
well since as before my letter herewith published, had always
been frank and kindly, and I was never insensible to his many

food and some great qualities, both of head and heart. But
did not and do not believe it advisable that he should be the
Republican candidate for President."

The "letter herewith published" referred to by Greeley in
the foregoing paragraph, Greeley had written November 11,
1854, after the state election, for whose nomination as Gov-

214 LESLIE M. SCOTT

ernor, Seward and Weed had neglected Greeley and had nom-
inated Raymond for Lieutenant Governor. The latter, ad-
dressed to Seward, terminated the old-time political firm, com-
monly known as Seward, Weed and Greeley, and complained of
the firm's neglect toward Greeley, in distribution of offices
and recognition, during a period of nearly twenty years. The
letter was an indiscreet one ; it betrayed a resentful spirit and it
armed Seward's friends with shafts of criticism and derision
for later attacks on Greeley. As already noted the real motive
of Greeley's hostility, if it came from personal animus, and
it probably did in some measure, probably was the favor be-
stowed by Seward and Weed, after Greeley had borne their
burdens patiently many years, upon Greeley's competitor in
the newspaper filed, Henry J. Raymond. The Seward bio-
graphers have been unsparing of Greeley in comments on this
letter, particularly Frederick Bancroft in The Life of William
Seward.

But Greeley's biographer, Parton, in concluding the chapter
on this episode, remarks, in order to show Greeley's lack of
personal animosity toward Seward:

"Perhaps I may add that, a few days after the election of Mr.
Lincoln in November, 1860, I myself heard Mr. Greeley say:
'If my advice should be asked respecting Mr. Lincoln's cab-
inet, I should recommend the appointment of Seward as Sec-
retary of State. It is the place for him, and he will do honor
to the country in it.' '

Oregon, though in majority Democratic, at the outbreak of
the Civil War, yet gave its electoral votes to Lincoln. Its lead-
ing Senator, James W. Nesmith, a Democrat, was one of
Lincoln's stanchest supporters. Oregon was admitted as a
State, in 1859, just in time to help elect Lincoln. The votes
of its delegates in the convention that named Lincoln for
President participated in the nomination. The distinguished
men, Greeley and Thayer, whom Oregon called to the con-
vention with its proxies, wielded an influence that was decisive
of the result. The writer of this article feels justified in ac-
cording to his native State an honor which history reveals as
hers, and in giving to this article the title : "Oregon's Nomina-
tion of Lincoln."

DOCUMENTARY

(Letter)

Doctor John McLoughlin to Sir George Simpson.
March 20, 1844.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

By KATHARINE B. JUDSON.

The following letter, copied from the original letter book
in Hudson's Bay House, London, is of great interest as well
of importance to students of Oregon history.

Minute annotation has seemed unnecessary.

To the writer it seems self-explanatory. It answers quite
fully, in the figures of profit and loss given, — and the writer
has similar statements for other years, — the extravagant state-
ments made by Americans regarding the supposedly enormous
profits of the Hudson's Bay Company in Oregon. Without
the thrift and careful management which characterized every
move, the Company would have made no profits at all in the
southern section.

Crate, one of the men mentioned in this letter, is mentioned
also in the volumes of the British and American Joint Coin-
mission for the Final Settlement of the claims of the Hudson's
Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Company. He seems to
have been in charge of the sawmills five or six miles above
Fort Vancouver, and to have had many of the duties of a mill-
wright.

216 DR. MCLOUGHLIN TO SIMPSON

One important thing to be noted in this letter, however,
especially in connection with the very long letter which was
published in the American Historical Review, October, 1915,
also found at Hudson's Bay House, are the personal relations
between Dr. McLoughlin and Sir George Simpson. Hostility
to Americans was never demanded of McLoughlin — he was
instructed to keep on good terms with them — and his friend-
ship to Americans had nothing to do with his resignation.
McLoughlin, indeed, abhorred ill-will and rough dealings. He
had had enough experience with fur-trade rivalry and rough
methods, even aside from his very humane nature, to always
wish for pleasant methods and good will. And his friendship
for the "better class of Americans," as he calls them, was
sincere. He also repeatedly wrote the Governor and Committee
at London that even accidental bloodshed in rivalry would
only bring disrepute to the Company and cause complications
with the American government.

As I noted in the brief introduction to the letter in the
American Historical Review, there were endless differences of
business judgment between McLoughlin and Simpson. Mc-
Loughlin, for instance, wanted many posts along the coast
and only vessels enough to carry supplies to them, and bring
back the furs from them, trading with the Sandwich Island
at other times. Simpson's policy was to use vessels almost
altogether and to have no land posts, if possible to avoid them,
or as few as possible and as small as possible. McLoughlin
fought the coming of the little steamer Beaver, and I doubt if
ever he was reconciled to it. It was frequently out of repair,
had to have an expert crew who could be used for nothing
else, was too small for the Sandwich Island trade and too
large, he thought, for a mere coaster. But the Beaver was one
of Simpson's pet schemes, and even McLoughlin's showing
that the vessel was actually a loss, financially, did not quell
his interest in that plan.

DOCUMENTARY 217

But the real bitterness between the two men began with the
death of young John McLoughlin at Stickeen. This was
touched upon by an important letter published in this Quarterly,
June, 1914 (Volume 25).

Now young McLoughlin and young McLeod got mixed up,
in some way, in the Canadian Rebellion of 1837, while they
were both either in the Red River country or in eastern
Canada. I have not yet been able to get details, and have
only one of Simpson's letters which show that they had made
themselves so conspicuous that they had fallen under the dis-
pleasure of the United States Government. Governor Simpson
got both youths out of the scrape and sent McLoughlin to the
mouth of the Columbia with his father. It was only five years
later that the young man was murdered, having unwisely been
sent to one of the most dangerous posts on the coast, with a
crew of insolent, insubordinate, undisciplined men, without any
second officer, and himself not old enough nor experienced
enough, nor with judgment enough, to manage the post with-
out assistance. It was almost a crime to send him there, as
I see it — rash and inexperienced as he was — and most unwise
and ungenerous in Simpson to send away his second officer
and leave the novice there alone, if it was done through dis-
like. Yet those things did happen, without fatal results, and
without personal motives, in the exigencies of the fur trade,
and one has only to read letter after letter of McLoughlin, to
the Governor and Committee, and to Simpson, to feel that
nothing but the utmost skill, determination, and British firm-
ness and justice ever carried the Company through those years
without massacre.

In this connection it might be well to note, because the Com-
pany has been maligned, that many residents of the Red River
country begged that the Company should keep control of that
country while there were Indians in it, because of their won-
derful control of the natives ; that there never was a massacre
in the Oregon country, or an Indian war, until the natives
knew that the British no longer had control of the country;

218 DR. McLouGHLiN TO SIMPSON

and further, that co-operating with the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany, the Canadian Government has settled British North
America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, without a single
one of those Indian wars which reddened the soil of America.
And yet the Canadian Government had to do with very savage
tribes, including head-hunters and cannibals.

Simpson had, it seems to me, a distinct prejudice against
young McLoughlin. After the murder, being convinced be-
forehand through his own prejudices, that young John was
to blame, and alone to blame, he did not investigate the murder
with anything like the calm justice or from the impersonal
point of view that he should have shown. McLoughlin, on the
other hand, passionately devoted to his eldest son — perhaps the
more so because of his generous qualities, and of the fact that
he had been a source of worry to him, — expressed an intense
bitterness in his letters to Simpson and to the Governor and
Committee. John Todd, in the Quarterly article referred to
above, says that McLoughlin "has also written a thundering
epistle to their honours at home . . . " It was thundering.
I have read it, and some other thundering letters addressed to
Simpson personally. A letter from Archie 'McDonald to
Edward Ermatinger, in that correspondence which throws so
many side lights on the Oregon country at this period, is per-
haps the best resume that can be made of the Stickeen tragedy —
that one never knew what the young half-breed sons of the
traders would amount to, that so often they seemed to express
the worst of both sides, and that they were always a great
source of anxiety to their fathers.

Vancouver, 20th March, 1844.
To

Sir George Simpson, Gov. in Chief

Rupert's Land
Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours 21st
June, 1843, with the accompanying documents, as p. packet list.

DOCUMENTARY 219

2. I am surprised to learn from you that the men who have
left the Department complain of ill usage as I am certain none
have cause but the case or cases ought to be stated, the in-
dividuals complaining and the person against whom they com-
plain named as the charge is made in such general terms it is
impossible to rebut it except in the case of Heroux which is
stated by Chief Factor Keith in explanation of which I have
to observe that Heroux was employed in hauling logs to the
saw mill. Crate who was in charge of the mill gave Heroux
some orders which he refused to obey and a quarrel arose.
I do not know who struck first but Mr. Forrest happened to
come at the time, found Crate on the ground and Heroux
beating away on him most brutally and some of the men stand-
ing around looking on. Mr. Forrest pulled Heroux off Crate
and indignant at seeing a stout man like Heroux beating away
as he was on a small man like Crate told Heroux to stand up
as he had to do with him, but Heroux seeing he had his match
would not answer the call and Mr. Forrest gave him two or
three cuffs when Heroux took to his heels and came and com-
plained to me and told me so pitifull a story that he affected
my feelings, and supposing he had been ill used I wrote to
Mr. Forrest for an explanation when Mr. Forrest came down
with Crate who gave a true version of the affair. Heroux had
not mentioned to me that he had disobeyed Crate's orders, and
in such a case, allowing that Crate had struck him he was
perfectly justified by the circumstances and it would be no
excuse for a stout man like Heroux to be beating away on a
little man as Crate, though it is not surprising that a man
capable of acting as he did should misrepresent the affair. But
how am I to account for people well acquainted with the char-
acter of these men and who know that their statements in such
cases can never be depended on, bringing forward such charges
in general terms. If Mr. Keith wanted to bring forward this
charge, why did he not enquire into the cause of Heroux's
complaining and against whom it was made, but the best evi-
dence that there was no just cause of complaint is that the

220 DR. MCLOUGHLIN TO SIMPSON

recruits you sent us this year are some of our old hands who
have returned to this Department in preference to any other.
However, you may depend that as heretofore our best en-
deavour will be exerted to make the men as comfortable as the
nature of the business will admit, and I am really astonished
that you should have considered it necessary to write me on
that point, as you have been several times here, since I am in
charge of the Department and no man ever complained to you
of ill usage. I beg leave to return my thanks through you to
Mr. Keith for bringing Heroux's case forward as it has af-
forded me an opportunity of proving its falsity; at the same
time let us learn from this case to be cautious before we give
credit to what these men say and recollect that the old proverb
there are two sides to a story is true.

3. As you say the Boutes must be trained in the country,
but the truth is the men are so miserably small and weak' for
years past we cannot find men of sufficient physical strength
among the recruits to make efficient Boutes to replace our old
hands. At present we have some Boutes who ten years ago
were considered old and so little attention is paid to the selec-
tion of the men that in 1839 a man was sent here from Montreal
who had only one finger and a thumb remaining on his hand ;
in 1840 we received another who has one of his arms withered,
and [an?] impotent arm, and among the recruits who have
come here from 1839 to 1843 both inclusive, there is only one
man who can serve for a Boute. The men are so weak that the
least fatigue lays them up in hospital and the able men have
to do their duty.

4. In your fourth para, [paragraph] you write there could
have been no impropriety in your forwarding the statements
referred to in your third paragraph to the president and council
for their information and they did perfectly right in giving
their opinion and making such observations as they considered
proper. Every person interested in the business has an un-
doubted right to express an opinion be that opinion right or
wrong, and no person has a right to find fault with a person

DOCUMENTARY 221

for his opinion, but no action of mine can justify any one
imputing to me the unfairness of withholding information on
business from my colleagues to entrap them into any measure,
as if I had known you had written them on the subject, I
would not have troubled them about it but my letters [sic]'
speaks for itself.

5. In regard to the remarks in your fifth paragraph re-
lating to the murder of my son in which you write, "I trust I
may not be called upon to resort [revert?] to this to both of us
most painful subject/' permit me to say that I am astonished
how you could think that such a remark would prevent a
parent demanding of you information as to the measure you
took when you delivered the murderer of his son to the Rus-
sians, if that man is to be prosecuted, and you may depend
every endeavour of mine will be exerted to have that affair
thoroughly examined and which I would have attempted to
have done before this but that I considered it the duty of the
Company to examine this affair, the murder of one of their
officers by their servants under his command in one of their
establishments, but since it has not been done I forward with
this a copy of all the depositions to my agent to be by him
placed before council, and to follow such measures as my means
may justify as I have fully explained in my despatch No. 1 and
will observe, as I informed you in paragraph of mine of
March 1843 C. F. Douglas proceeded to the coast and examined
the men who were at Stikine when my son was murdered and
I send you a copy of the depositions he took and an extract
of the letter he wrote the Governor and Committee by which
you see Heroux and P. Kanaguasse ten months before the
murder, were known to have been concerting measures to
murder my deceased son and Mr. R. Finlayson and in the
night of the murder Francois Pressie proposed also to murder
my late son, and Mr. Douglas according to my orders delivered
P. Kanaguassie and Pressie to the Russian authorities and if
this affair is not thoroughly examined, so that justice be done
and the men see that they cannot murder their officers with

222 DR. McLoucHLiN TO SIMPSON

impunity, it requires no gift of prophecy to foretell that this
murder will be followed by others unless the officers allow
the men to do as they please, as on the men's own showing, it
was murder on their part, and if he was drunk as they say
their crime was only the greater. As to my late son being a
drunkard as these men represent, the vigilant watch they admit
he kept and the state of his accounts disprove this and the
cause of their hostility to him was that he kept them to their
duty and would not allow them do as they pleased. If the
character of an officer is to be taken from what such men as
were at Stikine will say, let me in truth add, though it pains
me to say so, will swear to — without examining into what they
say, the situation of the officers is extremely deplorable.

6. I do not know nor can I imagine whence you derived
the information that our rivals in trade have been so success-
ful that they will repeat their visit. It is true Capt. Chapman
caught six hundred barrels salmon, but after he did it was so
bad he could not sell it and has given up the business. Captain
Couch's owner, Mr. Gushing of Salem, Massachusetts, sent a
small vessel last summer and another is expected this season
but he is carrying on a losing business. He is, as they say, a
wealthy man and perhaps keeps on in expectation of our being
obliged to withdraw, and that the business will fall to him.
Another American, Mr. Pettygrove, equipt by the house of
Benson and Co., New York, who were to send here a vessel last
fall with an assorted cargo but she did not come.

7. When you speak of the abundant resources at our dis-
posal, if you mean goods you are correct; but if you mean
men and officers, we are too few of the latter and as to our men,
I have already stated their capacity.

8. In your 9th para, you write, "I am sorry to observe
the Southern or Bonaventura party, have made very poor
hunts, arising as much from the impoverished state of the
country as from their late arrival at their hunting grounds
which by good management might have been avoided." As
to your writing the expedition ought to have been despatched

DOCUMENTARY 223

sufficiently early to benefit by the whole hunting season, I
am surprised to see that you write so as the appointment of
an officer to head the party was made by council and conse-
quently the expedition had to wait until Mr. Ermatinger had
closed the business of the Snake Country and arrived here, and
in fact we had no other officer to place at its head and the
Snake country remained without any manager till Mr. Grant
came from York and you will perhaps recollect that Mr.
Ermatinger objected to proceed in charge of the expedition
and that you spoke to him about it ; but to revert to the party
it was equipped in the autumn of 1842 and placed under the
command of Mr. Laframboise and cleared £477, but the con-
duct of the men was so bad that under no consideration would
Mr. Laframboise return. He had only promised to go for a
trip. I am, said Mr. Laframboise, through the mercy of God
come back safe because I gave way to my men; if I had as-
sumed the tone of a master I would have been murdered by
them. I will not venture again.

9. As to Mr. Grant's good returns they amounted to
£3916.18.6 for outfit 1842, and the gain to £2405.12.8; and
for 1841 the returns amounted to £3706.6.3, the profit to only
£1389.17.1, in consequence of the heavy expense of the op-
position. [American rivalry.]

10. In your fifteenth para, you write in your letter to the
Governor and Committee that by opening a store at St. Fran-
cisco, having a vessel of 150 tons on the coast, selling at first
to retail dealers only and being contented with small profits a
good business might be done, on this subject I shall only re-
peat my conviction that the sooner the unfortunate business
which was badly planned, prematurely and irregularly prose-
cuted, be wound up, the better for the interests of the Honour-
able Company. I am certain people reading this would suppose
that I am the originator of this business. I beg distinctly to
state that when it was first suggested to me in 1835 till you
proposed it to me in London in 1839, though I always had a
good opinion of the business, I opposed it merely because I

224 DR. McLoucHLiN TO SIMPSON

felt we would not be allowed the necessary latitude to carry
on the business in the manner it ought to be conducted, but
in 1839 when you mentioned to me that we ought to enter in
that business, I agreed and made out a requisition by your
direction, and in compliance with my instructions sent the out-
fit in charge of Mr. Rae whom you appointed to it in 1841 ,
It is true I ordered a house to be purchased at St. Francisco
because we could not get one to rent, and it would have cost
much more to build a house than what we paid for the one
we bought and you will see by the accounts current of the out-
fit, it has cleared £1848.5.7 after paying [for] the house and
the duties on the inventory for both which it takes no credit,
and deducting 40 per cent from the outstanding debts which
is much better than I expected considering the situation Mr.
Rae was placed in and proves that the business is much better
than you supposed.

11. By your 17 Paragraph you say you forward ten men
as recruits for the Department, and in your 18th para, you
write, "We are of opinion that there are as many in the De-
partment as you can employ" to which I will revert bye and
bye ; and that you "see by the books that no fewer than [sic] ten
officers and 149 men were stationed last winter at Vancouver."
True, as you state, there were ten officers and 149 men on
the books winter 1842/43 and our winter establishment always
will appear large from this circumstance: that in the winter
we have all the recruits from the other side and every year you
will find in the books men who have left for Oahoo and other
places, and when the busy time comes we seldom have two-
thirds and sometimes not one half of the men who appear in
the winter in our books, and this at the sickly season when
sometimes half of the people are laid up in the hospital by the
fever, so that it [is] only with the utmost difficulty we get
through our work. Last summer, our first week in harvest
we had one hundred and seven men, of these seven men were in
the hospital ; and the last week we had forty-seven in hospital,
and last year was the healthiest summer we have had since

DOCUMENTARY 225

1829. I have known sixty-two men at one time off work from
fever, principally in the harvest. At present we have 149 men,
the same as last year. The wages of the officers and men at
Fort Vancouver attached to the depot and general charges
amount to £3500

Our farm yields

3800 Bushels of wheat, at 4/6 per bushel 855.0.0

90 tierces pork, at 100/ per tierce 450.0.0

100 tierces beef 400.0.0

100 hides 40.0.0

30 cwt. butter 54.0.0

180 cwt. pease 117.0.0

£1916.0.0

which is transferred to the depot, and we have still
in the farm store,

1000 bushels pease
1200 bushels barley
2000 bushels oats

We sent to Woahoo

A. 60 masts, valued here $30.00 a piece 450.00

B. 260 M Lumber, which at 75/ per M 975.0.0

£3341.0.0 £3500.0.0

A. These spars will sell at Woahoo from £25 to £50
each, and some £75.

B. Our lumber which we only value in invoice *75/ per
thousand feet we never sell for less than *200/ per M. From
this you see that these 107 men have done work at this place
which at the low invoice valuation has almost paid the wages
of all our present establishment and we have on hand,

1000 bushels pease

*75 and 200 shillings.

1200 bushels barley
2000 bushels oats

226 DR. McLoucHLiN TO SIMPSON

Besides unloading two vessels from London,
loading 2 for Sitka
unloading 1 from California
loading 1 for London

Do. 2 for Woahoo

Do. the Cadboro and assisting to take the outfits to
the interior to the Snake country, and bringing down the re-
turns and in fact, if the season had not been healthier than
usual, we would not have got through with our work.

12. You say there were no fewer than ten officers, say,
J. McLoughlin
James Douglas
D. Harvey
A. L. Lewis
D. McTavish
G. Roberts

C. Dodd
John O'Brien
William Tod

D. McLoughlin

When you wrote this paragraph, you must have overlooked
the passage in my letter which states that C. F. Douglas would
be employed for the summer in removing* the people from
Fort McLoughlin and Tacko [Taku] and in erecting the
establishment on the south end of Vancouver's Island; Mr.
Roberts had left fall 1842; Mr. Dodd had been sent here by
Mr. Manson without any instruction from me and I sent him
back by first opportunity to Stikine ; I had to send Mr. Tod
to the interior on account of his health, and Mr. O'Brien at the
time you wrote was with you so that we remained during the
busy season

J. McLoughlin

D. McTavish, store and office

D. McLoughlin, shop

'Governor Simpson had ordered these posts abandoned.

DOCUMENTARY 227

A. L. Lewis, farm and men

D. Harvey, saw and grist mill,

from March till June when Mr. Douglas returned and brought
Mr. Low[e] from the coast and it is certain we are too few of-
ficers for the business, and that if we had had one more officer
the vessel for London would have been despatch [ed] one
month earlier and ten good men would have enabled us to
place at least five hundred pounds more to the credit of the
District and if the season had not been fine we would not
have been able to get through our work.

14. We would require here in the summer, to carry on
the business on a proper scale 120 men at the lowest calcula-
tion ; in the sickly season we would require more.

15. We require

2 book keepers, one to go out annually with the accounts

1 clerk for the store

1 do. retail shop

1 do. farm and men

1 do. grist and saw mill

2 do. to write in the office
1 do. casualties.

16. According to your instructions we will supply the Rus-
sians with only 30 cwt. butter.

17. I have not been able to begin to build the lighter [for
the steamer Beaver] and I am happy to see that I am directed
not to build it, as you say the coal room of the steamer might
be used as a store room if required, and the cabin also by
erecting a poop cabin on deck, and on emergency the Cadboro
might serve as a lighter; indeed she is doing so now; as I
was afraid to send her on the open coast in the winter, I sent
her with a cargo of Russian goods to be towed by the inner
channel by the steamer.

18. The mill from Abernethy together with the wages of
the millwright are transferred to the Hudson's Bay Company.

228 DR. MCLOUGHLIN TO SIMPSON

19. In 28 para, you write, "I have made a few alterations
in the indent sent us, striking out the felted cloth which has
been universally condemned and thermometers that appeared
to me quite unnecessary, requesting that plug be substituted
for carrot tobacco as according to some recent alterations in
the revenue laws, the latter cannot be shipped unless to great
disadvantage, and reducing the quantity of strichynine from
6 oz. valued £27.12.0 to one oz. as you say the former
strichynine was perfectly useless. If the article be useless as
represented, much better expose the concern to the loss of one
ounce than six until it be ascertained whether the drug be
effectual or not." As to the felting cloth, on receiving the
account of its bad qualities we had countermanded it before
the receipt of your despatch. The thermometers were to enable
us to keep the registers we had been directed to keep; the
6 oz. strychnine were for sale except about % oz. for ourselves.
The remarks on the inferior quality were that a superior article
to the last might be sent. The large quantity of medicines is
for sale, and I can only state that our requisition is made out
with the utmost care and attention. As to changing the carrot
for plug, I can only say the quality of the last we got from
London is so inferior that no person will buy it when they
can purchase any from the Americans.

20. I send with this the tariff of our Indian trade at this
place which is the same at Nisqually, Fort George and Fort
Langley, but it is impossible to keep to a regular standard
at this place or Fort George with all these Americans around us.

21. In the 73d resolve of Council, I am instructed not to
give passages in any of our vessels whether inland or maritime
to any persons that are not connected with our business, and
I beg most strongly to offer the supplementary suggestion
that our posts also may receive such persons only for temporary
purposes of casual hospitality, and in yours of 29th June you
write, "I have recently heard from private sources that the
Rev. Mr. Blanchette had received two priests from Canada
by the way of Cape Horn, that the Rev. Mr. Demers had been

DOCUMENTARY 229

conveyed into New Caledonia, and these aided by our people
in erecting of their chapels and that the Rev. Mr. Balduc had
obtained a passage in our steam boat." These circumstances
arising probably from pressure of business have been omitted
in your despatches and I mention them merely with the view
of saying you cannot be too minute in recording and com-
municating every passing event of importance. The case how-
ever of Mr. Balduc and Mr. Demers,* I beg however to refer
you to the 73 Resolution of council and to my letters of 21st
Inst. which obviously prohibit any further indulgence of the
kind without the express sanction of the Governor and Com-
mittee, or the Governor and Council."

If it was intended that we should not be at liberty to grant
passages to persons applying and paying for them, there was
no use in fixing the rate of passage money, as no person going
from this to Woahoo or coming from Waohoo to this place
can wait till he gets leave from London to be allowed to em-
bark on board of the Company's vessel, and our being obliged
to refuse when people are ready and able to pay for their
passage will only serve to excite ill feelings towards us which
is contrary to every rule of business and as it is beyond doubt
our duty to conciliate, especially when we can do so to our
own advantage. As to the Rev. Mr. Demers going to New
Caledonia and the short trip Mr. Balduc took with Mr. Douglas
from Nisqually to Fort Victoria, and the arrival of the two
Roman Catholic priests, I deemed [them] to be so very unim-
portant that I did not consider them worth mentioning though
I must observe I did not think the Company had any objection
to the Rev. Mr. Demers going to New Caledonia, but he did
not apply to return, but if he does, your instructions will be
observed. At the same time I must state it will only excite
ill-will towards us, as he can any day he pleases go there
perfectly independent of us. As to the Rev. Mr. Balduc when
I heard he had embarked with Mr. Douglas I was happy of it
as I expected he would have proceeded to the Coast with Mr.

Evidently something omitted in quotation; and quotation marks are erratic.

230 DR. MCLOUGHLIN TO SIMPSON

Douglas and afforded religious instructions to many of the
Company's people who have been for a long time deprived of
it, and which for my part I consider it a duty to afford them
if possible, and it is certainly to the interests of the Company
to do so as it tends to render the servants more honest and
faithful. As to the Rev. Mr. Desmet of the order of Jesuits,
he has been treated precisely as the other missionaries from
the United States. He has had supplies from us on paying
for them in the same way as the Methodist Mission in our
vicinity and the Presbyterians at Walla Walla and Colville.
The Jesuit are at the Flathead and Coeur d'Alene Lake.

23. I informed you in mine of 20th March, 1843, that part
of the immigrants who came from the States with Mr. Hastings
were preparing to leave this for California. About forty of
them left this in May but meeting with Mr. Lease with a party
of their countrymen and hearing that they could get no lands
in California some returned to this place, but the main body
proceeded to Saint Francisco where I understand they have
got lands along side of Captain Sutter.

24. This fall a large emigration came from the States, some
say a thousand persons, but I believe they are not so many.
Eight or ten Jesuit priests and lay brothers came up with them
from St. Louis, Missisoure and proceeded to join their brethern
in the Flat Head country, but some are coming down here this
spring, perhaps to settle in this vicinity. I am informed that
Father Desmet is gone to Europe to endeavour to make an
arrangement with the Hudson's Bay Company to get his sup-
plies for his mission.

25. As I already stated Chief Factor Douglas proceeded
to the coast, took the people and property from Fort Durham
and Ft. McLoughlin which according to your directions are
abandoned and began an establishment at the place he selected
on the south end of Vancouver Island which according to your
instructions has been named Fort Victoria, and placed it under
the charge of Chief Trader Ross. It has a fine harbour, quite
accessible and by last accounts everything was going on well

DOCUMENTARY 231

at this place. The fort is three hundred by three hundred and
fifty feet, to consist of eight buildings of 60 feet, two behind
and three each side, and Mr. Ross is going on with the build-
ings and this year and this year* will plant a large quantity of
potatoes so that by having flour, pease, and a few barrels beef
and pork, he will be able to afford refreshments next winter
to any vessel that may call there.

26. The Vancouver arrived from St. Francisco this third
May and as you see by the account current the outfit to Cali-
fornia for 1842 paid the heavy California duties and got only
the usual advance 33-1/3 and cleared as already mentioned,
[amount left a blank] as per accompanying account.

27. On the same day with the Vancouver, the Columbia,
Capt. Humphreys, entered the River but as you are aware,
the bulk of her cargo was for the Russians and as the whole
cargo was mixed up, we had to unload her entirely and to
save time [as] we took the Russian goods out of the Co-
lumbia, we put them immediately on board the Vancouver,
Capt. Duncan, and sent her with their goods and supplies for
the Coast to Sitka and Fort Simpson from whence after de-
livering her cargo in good condition and received the furs of
Fort Simpson and Stikine, she returned on the 22nd August
under the command of Capt. Brotchie who, as it was his turn
to go home, I had instructed to exchange with Capt. Duncan,
the latter taking the command of the steamer and Capt.
Brotchie of the Vancouver.

28. The Columbia left this the 6th July with a cargo of
wheat for Sitka and returned here on [date left blank]. I
find by Governor Eoline that the wheat arrived late; the fact
is that I supposed they were more in want of goods than grain
and therefore sent the goods first, and though every exertions
were made, it was impossible to send these vessels off sooner
as from the 23rd May to the 6th July we had to unload and
load two vessels besides receiving and expediting the brigade
for the interior.

* A characteristic repetition.

232 DR. McLouGHLiN TO SIMPSON

29. The brigade arrived from the interior the sixth June
and left 24th of the same, but unfortunately in going up, one
of the boats was supset and one of the men drowned and
another in poling fell out of the boat and was also drowned.

30. On the 6th July, the Diamond, Captain Fowler arrived
from London and delivered her cargo in excellent condition
and as there was no prospect of our sending a cargo of lumber
in time to Woahoo by our own vessels, I chartered the Diamond
for four hundred and twenty-five pounds to take a cargo to
Woahoo.

31. The Columbia left this the first of December for
Woahoo but could not get over the bar till the 3rd February.*

32. In consequence of your only sending ten men, I had to
send to Woahoo for fifty Kanakas, part of which is to replace
the Kanakas gone in the Columbia, and three going in next
ship, and the Kanakas I sent for will not replace all the blanks
in our list.

33. On the return of the Columbia, she will proceed to
Sitika with the grain and when she comes from there she will,
according to the intelligence we may receive and the date of
her return and either proceed to California or London with
the returns.

34. A few days after the departure of the express last
March a momentary excitement broke out among the Nez
Perces and Cayuse tribe who inhabit the country about Walla
Walla caused by reports spread among them that Dr. White,
who as I informed you, gave himself out as an Indian agent
for the United States, had said he would take their lands from
them, which it is certain he never said and also from another
report which came to the Willamette that the Cayuse and Nez
Perces had said they intended to attack the settlers, but which
was unfounded.

35. Dr. White stopped here as he was passing and on his
way to visit the Cayuse and Nez Perces tribe according to
appointment and as he might take a fancy (though he had

*It was while waiting three weeks to get over the bar, his visit in 1841, and
because of that delay, that Simpson decided definitely on tb« location of Fort
Victoria, Vancouver Island,

DOCUMENTARY 233

publicly said he had nothing to do with us) to address these
Indians in our establishment, and in case Mr. A. McKindly*
might not know how to act and this might bring us into trouble
with Indians, to avoid this and all misunderstanding hereafter
on the subject, I addressed Mr. McKindly the following letter
and handed it for perusal to Dr. White, after which I sealed
and delivered it to Dr. White, with the request he would give
it to Mr. McKindly which the Doctor did.

36. Vancouver, 14th April, 1843.
Mr. A. McKindlay,

Dear Sir

Dr. White is, I understand, on his way to Walla Walla.
You will observe that until our Government has given up its
claims to the country and recognized the rights of the U. States
and we are officially informed of it, we cannot recognize Dr.
White as an Indian agent and he can only be known to us as
a private individual and as such to be treated with all the
Courtesy his conduct deserves but you cannot permit his hold-
ing council with Indians in the Fort, and you will remember
that the goods sent to you are to be employed in trade with
Indians but you may of course sell him any, or give him on
credit, such articles as are usually supplied gentlemen on the
voyage. I am

Yours truly

John McLoughlin.

N. B. To avoid misapprehension, you will attend no Indian
Council with Dr. White.

37. Dr. White went to visit the Indians and saw the Cayouse
and Nez Perces tribe together about twenty-five miles from
W'alla Walla, at which it is said he principally spoke to them
of religion and advised them to become farmers. At the first
meeting the two tribes in consequence of natural jealousies
were on the point of coming to blows but the assembly broke
up quietly.

* McKinlay.

234 DR. MCLOUGHLIN TO SIMPSON

38. The American settlers on the Wallamette had a public
meeting- last May and wanted the Canadians to unite with them
in organizing themselves into a Government, but the Canadians
would take no part in their plans of organization and govern-
ment. The Americans with a few English who came by the
way of the States and some foreigners formed themselves into
a body, elected three men as an executive board, three others
as magistrates, a sheriff, and three constables, and I am happy
to say all the people have been quiet and in general very in-
dustrious.

39. In May, a party of Americans who came fall 1842 from
the States left this under the command of a Mr. Hastings, an
American lawyer to proceed to California, and if they did
not find that country to suit them they are to go from there to
the States. I learned that they safely arrived, that Mr. Hastings
is highly pleased with the country and has a grant from the
California Government of ten leagues of land.

40. In company with the immigrants there came a Lieut.
Fremont of the Topographical Corps of Engineers, U. S.
Service. He got some supplies from us and left this on the
13th Nov. He expected to be at Washington in March and
to return here this season to finish his survey and it is said a
large immigration will accompany him to this country.

41. As to the immigrants come this year [1843] they have
placed themselves all on the South Side of the Columbia River,
in the Wallamatte, Falaty Plains, about Fort George and
Clatsop and give out that they believe the Columbia River will
be the boundary and they think it is settled by this time. I
know that several of them come strongly prejudiced against
us in consequence of false reports raised as you will see, more
particularly noticed in my letter, paragraph [number left blank]
to the Governor and Committee, arising from a letter published
in the papers by Captain Spaulding who was here in 1840 with
the large re-inforcement for the Methodist Mission and whom
you may remember we saw at Woahoo. However, I believe
their sentiments are changed and they are convinced that they

DOCUMENTARY 235

were grossly misinformed. A large party of them are to pro-
ceed this spring to California where a large party of their
countrymen who came with them separated from them in
the Snake country to go thither.

42. The Lama, Captain Nye came in May with a few sup-
plies for the Methodist Mission, but left as soon as she had
discharged her freight.

43. The Pallas, Captain Sylvester, consigned to Mr. A. E.
Wilson who keeps a store at the Falls for Mr. Gushing of
Salem as I already mentioned, arrived here in September.
She is of about one hundred tons, and it is said is intended to
run between this and Woahoo.

44. On the first July the steamer Beaver left Fort Victoria
on Vancouver Island and proceeds to Fort Simpson on her
tour to the north as far as Cape Spencer. At Fort Simpson the
steamer met the barque Vancouver, according to instructions
I had given Captain Duncan.

45. By the Vancouver I received Governor Etoline's letter
of the 14th July in which he complains strongly of the state
the Valleyfield's cargo was in and of which I am not sur-
prised by the fact that a good deal of our property was injured
and when she was laid on shore at Nisqually for survey a seam
seven feet in length was found which had not been caulked.
At the same time Governor Etoline writes that Urlain Heroux,
the murderer of my son attempted to murder his gaoler merely
because he prevented his escape.

46. Gov. Etoline complains of the late arrival of the wheat
and says it ought by agreement to be at Sitika about the first
June; the agreement provides that the furs shall be there
about that date but the date in which the wheat is to be there
is not mentioned. However I shall as heretofore, do my best
to send them their grain about the first June. As to the delay
this year, the two vessels the Vancouver and Columbia arrived
here together in May and as I conceived they were more in
want of goods than provisions, I sent the cargo of the Valley-

236 DR. McLouGHLiN TO SIMPSON

field which had been here ten months and as the Diamond ar-
rived when the Columbia was ready for sea, I nevertheless
detained the latter to send by her as much of the Diamond's
cargo consigned to the Russians as we could by the Columbia,
and Gov. Etoline not knowing my reasons for the delay, of
course complains and which I merely mention to account for
the reason of the delay and which you see could not be pre-
vented on our part and the detention of the grain merely arose
from a desire to serve them, and you may depend as hitherto
that we will do everything we can to satisfy them and fulfil
our contract and I have great pleasure in stating that we have
found them accommodating and desirous to meet our views.

47. Gov. Etoline would not undertake to build us a lighter,
but proposed to sell us the hull of a schooner for £300 and
if we did not wish to purchase it he very obligingly offered to
send it to us till our own lighter was built but as we did not
require it, I declined with thanks accepting Gov. Etoline's very
kind offer.

48. The plan of operation for our shipping this summer
is to keep the steamer on the coast till October when she will
return here.

49. The Cadboro on her return from Sitika is to proceed
to Langley for a cargo of salmon and come here. She will
then, according to circumstances be sent to Langley with the
outfit, or to St. Francisco.

50. As to the Columbia and Cowlitz, it is impossible to say
how they will be employed until I receive instructions, but
it is evident they will both have to proceed to the N. W. Coast
with the grain for the Russians and the supply for our trade.
It is probable the Columbia will proceed to London with the
returns.

51. On the 4th inst. a meeting of the settlers was called
in the Wallamatte to petition the U. States Congress to ex-
tend their jurisdiction over this country. The Canadians were
invited to attend and did so, and being the majority (as a great

DOCUMENTARY 237

part of the Americans are hostile to Dr. White who summoned
the meeting-, would not attend) voted down every measure pro-
posed, say ing they were British subjects and could have nothing
to do with a petition to the congress of the U. States to extend
her jurisdiction over this country and when the boundary was
run they would obey the laws of the country they happened
to be placed under.

52. On the fourth in the evening the Americans killed an
Indian at the Falls of the Wallamatte. At the same time the
Indian shot an American who died five days after of the wound.
It seems the Indians tokl the Americans this Indian was a
bad man, that he had threatened to murder some of the Ameri-
cans and had murdered an Indian, his two wives and children,
it is said. Dr. White offered a reward of one hundred dollars
for this Indian dead or alive. It seems this Indian heard of
this, when, conscious as he was of being innocent, as is well
known, of the charge of murder brought against him, he went
to the Falls but armed himself with two pistols and was fired
at twice before he fired. Some of the Indian's followers
wounded two of the Americans with arrows. One of them is
since dead. As this has occurred from false report the Indians
themselves spread against this Indian, his relations so far have
been quiet but when they collect at the salmon season there
may be some stir about it; but every exertion of ours will be
made to keep peace in the country which at present seems to me
a difficult task but we will do our best, as if such a misfortune
occurs it would hardly be possible for us to avoid being drawn
into it either by one party or the other, but I trust that by
the mercy of God we will be able to keep clear.

53. The following is a comparative statement of the ac-
counts for Outfit 1842 and 1843 for the Districts along the
sea.

238

DR. McLouGHLiN TO SIMPSON

Outfit 1843

Outfit 1842

54. Gain Loss Gain Loss

Vancouver depot 991.18.11 1213. 3.1

Vancouver sale shop. . .3147.13.11 3838. 2.5

Vancouver Indian trade.2273.14.6 1186.16.10

Langley Fort 1892.10.4 1702.16.10

Nisqually Fort 302.19.8 97.11.8

Simpson Fort 2566.10.1 1486.2.4

McLoughlin Fort 748.12.6 1465.9.3

Durham Fort

Stikine Fort

Country Snake 1225.6.10 2405.12.8

Party Southern CCal.].. 425. 4.1 31.18.0

Islands Sandwich

Russian transaction 1430.5.0 1460.17.9

Columbia barque 97.16.4

Cadboro schooner 92. 2.10 478. 0.0

California establishment.1848. 5.7

Steamer Beaver 1153.17.5 2813. 8.11

Vancouver barque 370, 448. 1.1

Charges general 1787.13.4 2692.7.6

Victoria Fort 488.1.1

Gowlitz barque 409.9.4

£17481. 5.*
[Loss] 3774.19.

3774.19.

[Profit] £13706. 6.

14503.17.2
6816.11.2

£7687. 6.

6816.11.2

55. There is Louttet, a blacksmith, going1 out, and he is
an excellent man and he wishes to be allowed to come back
to the Department. Perhaps he wants to propose to be allowed
to go free at the expiration of his engagement. I wish to see
him back in preference to a stranger, still I wish the rules of
the Service to be kept up, and he to come back on the usual
terms, and if at the end of his time he has conducted himself
well, has the means to establish himself, and we can dispense
with his services, we will allow him to go free, but he nor

*The footing of this column is 3 pence less than as shown, probably due to
the blurring of figures in the original.

DOCUMENTARY 239

any other man ought to be allowed to go free on any other
conditions.*

56. As to the number of men that you ought to send, it
depends on the boundary question. If we are to continue our
business in the present scale, we will require forty whites to
replace these retiring and deaths and to enable us to allow
some of our Sandwich Islanders retire as it does not do to have
too many of them.
I am

Your obedient humble servant

John McLoughlin,

C F.

[Copied from original]

*To go free: that is, to be allowed to terminate his contract and remain in
the country, as the Company were under bonds to return all men into the civilized
section.

(Continued from page 146 in June Quarterly)

DIARY OF REVEREND JASON LEE— II

Sat. July 26, 1834. For more than a week whenever I
have thought of writing in my Journal my mind would at
once revolt at the idea but my aversion arose chiefly from
ill health.

I went out on a hunting excursion in company with two
others and we forded many creeks and got wet frequently
rode hard say 35 mi. without food and when returned lay
down in the tent in a draft and sleeped caught sudden cold
which settled into my limbs and back and the pain was so
intense as to cause the perspiration to flow most freely. The
pain was so extreme that it took away most of my strength
and I am extremely weak yet. Two days I did not sit up
more than an hour. Have been reading some in the Bible
and have read Mrs. Judson's [Ann Haseltine Judson] Memoirs
and was much interested and I think profited. I trust this
light affliction will be beneficial to me and drive me nearer to
the gracious throne. O that I were in a situation to do some-
thing for God.

A few miserable looking Indians came to camp to-day.
They are called Root-Diggers.

The hunters returned laden with meat. Capt. McCay* in-
tends to start on Monday and there is a prospect that we shall
go with him,

I have enjoyed a good degree of comfort for two days and
pray the Lord to revive his love more and more for I long to
be wholly swallowed up in God. Lord Jesus mould me into
thy image that I may glorify thee.

Sun. July 27, 1834. Have enjoyed peace and consolation
to-day to God be all the praise. Repaired to the grove about
y2 past 3 o'clock for public worship which is the first we have
had since we started. By request of Mr. McCay a respect-
able number of our company and nearly all of Capt. McCay's
Indians Half Breeds Frenchmen &c very few of whom could
understand the exercises but all were extremely attentive.

DIARY 241

O, that I could address the Indians in their language. I
did not attempt to preach, but gave a short exhortation from
I. Cor. 10-21.— "Whether therefore ye eat or drink" &c. I
find myself very weak in body and my mind shares measur-
ably the same fate. My voice too was much weaker than I
had anticipated hence I said little and hardly know whether
it was said to purpose or not. I feel a sort of listlessness —
enui [ennui] — or want of energy that I can hardly account
for. Lord deliver me from such apathy and nerve me for the
work which thou hast given me to do.

It rained this morning a little which is not common here.
It thundered and looked likely for a shower but we had wind
and no rain.

Mon. July 28. Last evening two of Mr. McCay's men
commenced a horse race and when the[y] [were] under full
speed another ran in before them probibly with the intention
of turning his horse and running with them but by some means
he did not succeed and the others ran directly on to him and
one of them was thrown and probibly the [horse] fell upon
him and broke something inside for although he was blooded
and cuped [cupped] and everything done for him that could
be done yet his senses did not return and he expired at 3
o'clock A. M. He was a Canadian and a Catholic. By re-
quest of Mr. McCay I attended at 12 o'clock, read the 90th
Psalm prayed and then went to the grave and there read a
part of the 15 Chap, of Cor. and the burial servise as found
in our discipline but was at a loss to account for our Brethren's
abridging that excelent servise in the manner that they have
if they approved of having one at all for real[l]y it seems to
me they might as well have none as have it in its present
form. Nearly all the men from both camps attended the
Funeral and appeared very solelm. O that they would re-
member this that they woul'[d] think on their latter end.
The Canadians put a cross upon his breast. He was buried
without a coffin having no means of making one. A cross was
erected at the Grave.

242 JASON LEE

Tues. 29, 1834. Went about 3 mi. down the river fishing
caught one trout only and found myself so feeble that I was
very glad when I reached camp. Mr. McCay has informed
his Indians what we are and our object in coming to this
country and they were very much pleased indeed and more
so when told there was a prospect of our locating at Wallah-
wallah.

Last evening two Indians came to our tent and brought
with them an interpreter who could speak but little of their
language and told us they wanted to give us two horses.
Being suspicious that it was their intention to pursue the
course which the traders say they generally do Viz. to give a
horse and then require more than its value in goods that they
want I therefore told them that if they gave me horses I
had very little to give them in return and they replied that
they wanted nothing in return. I then told them that I would
take them.

Wednes. July 30, 1834. Capt. Wyeth's Fort is not yet
finished but he will be able to leave in a few days. He pur-
poses to make all the speed possible and his baggage being
mere nothing it is juged impossible for us to take our cows
if we go with him we have therefore determined to go with
Capt. McCay who will travel much more slowly.

While our brethren [were] absent catching the horses, two
Indians came and presented me with two beautiful wite
[white] horses. Surely the hand of Providence must be in
it for they presented them because we are Missionaries and at
a time when two of our horses are nearly worn out. This if
I mistake not augurs well for our ultimate success among
these generous red men. O Lord God hasten the hour when
we shall be able to impart unto them invaluable spiritual things
which will ten thousand times repay them for their temporal

things.

This Fort is in Lat. 43° 14', N. but Lon. is not yet ascer-
tained. It is on Lewis' Fork in an unpleasant situation being

DIAXY 243

surrounded with sand which is sometimes driven before the
wind in as great quantity as snow in the east

Left the Fort at 11 o'clock A. M. traveled S. crossed a
beautiful stream of clear water and after a few hours march
camped on Portneuf. Find myself weak and afflicted with
a severe headache. But what child is there which the father
chasteneth not? If therefore we receive not chastisement
then are we bastards and not sons. Lord assist me with
resignation to bear and profit by all these light afflictions.

July 31. Thurs. Was exercised with so much pain in my
head and back that it was with difficulty that I could com-
pose myself to sleep but find myself considerably rested not-
withstanding. Made a short march and camped on Lewis'
Fork. Grass very good.

Fri. August 1, 1834. How does the golden moments of
time on their rapid wings flit almost imperceptably by ? They
are apportioned to us moment by moment. We look for them
they are gone they are not here. Another month has passed
away and I have made little progress in my journey westward
and I fear not so much as I might have done in my journey
upwards. O Lord quicken me more and more. Amen. My
head has been much more composed to-day and I have been
able to enjoy the scenery which in some places has been rather
beautiful and picturesque. The American falls are quite in-
teresting. Mr. McCay judged the whole fall to be 50 ft.
but the shoot itself is not more than 20 or 25 ft. Saw an
eagle's nest on a rock which rose a few feet above the water
in the midst of the river. As soon as we had camped most
of the males went in to bathe and the females soon followed
but a little distance from them. The grass is very poor.

Sat. Au. 2. Came 9 or 10 mi. and camped on a small
stream with many beautiful cascades of a few feet. One of
the men caught a beaver. Find I am still very weak but
my appetite is good.

Sun. August 3, 1834. Made a march of 3 hours and
camped on Raft River. It is a small stream and received its

244 JASON LEE

name from the circumstance that some of the Traders were
obliged to make a raft to cross it in high water. Even here
I have the word of God to read. What an inestimable
privilege. For it is able to make me wise unto salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. O, Lord waken my drowsy
powers to read and understand and practice all thy righteous
will and pleasure. The Indians play foot-ball on Sunday and
(tell it not in Christendom) it has been taught them by people
calling themselves Christians as a religious exercise. O my
God hasten the time when darkness shall flee away and the
true light shine Jn every heart. Soon my Sabbaths on earth
will be finished and then if I am faithful here (O glorious
prospect) I shall enter upon a Sabbath that will have no end.

This evening I feel my mind calm and serene perhaps the
prayers of the Christian Church have been answered in our
behalf.

How cheering the thought that thousands of prayers have
this day [been] offered for us.

Mon. August 4, 1834. Marched 7^ hours and camped on
a small creek.

Grass not very good. Find myself very much fatigued
but we have time enough to rest.

Tues. 5. Camped on a beautiful brook about 12 o'clock.
We have come \l/2 day march out of our direction to try to
kill mountain sheep.

The Capt. has sent out some Indians to find where the
sheep range and to-morrow we purpose to make a general
hunt. We are surrounded with high mountains in almost
every direction.

Wednes. August 6. Started out hunting in company with
Capt. Stewart and one other. We ascended a very high
mountain in search of sheep. We were obliged to climb it in
a zigzag direction and I think we ascended 3000 ft. above the
level of the prairie on which it is based and still there were
others whose summits were above us. We commenced de-
scending on the opposite side and [I am] persuaded we passed

DIARY 245

places with our mules that it would be utterly impossible to
pass with a horse. The rocks were what they call cut rocks
composed of quartz and we passed over some piles of them
where the mules were forced to leap from one rock to an-
other and there were so many creveses and the rocks were
so sharp that I would scarcely thought it possible for them
to pass without breaking their legs. After descending some
distance we passed between the summits of two mountains
and descended a little on the other side and came into a grove
of spruce fir pine &c. We then went up along the side of
the mountain until we discovered that the mountains formed
a horse shoe shape and were so high and steep that not
even a man could pass them and here we found four as beauti-
ful little ponds of clear cold water as I ever saw. While look-
ing about the base of the mountain for game I heard stone
ratling down the side of it and! concluded that they started
themselves as it appeared impossible for any animal to climb
a mountain which appeared almost perpendicular but on more
minute observation I discovered sheep nearly to the top but
the distance was such that I could but just discern them but
by help of a small telescope I saw probibly a hundred and they
looked very beautiful but we could not get at them.

We now commenced our descent and finding myself too
much fatigued to walk much I rode over places the like of
which I never before dreamed that mortal man would dare to
ride over.

Sometimes after making our way over nearly impassable
rocks we would find some that were entirely so and were
obliged to return and take another route. Some places the
trees and bushes very much retarded our progress. But we
have arrived safe to camp weary and without game.

Thirs. August 7. Passed mountains some thofu] sands of
feet high and descended one long and steep. Saw some hem-
lock spruce and fir poplar &c came about 12 mi. Though
we have not been able to kill any fresh meat yet Mr. McCay
and his Indians have gratuitously supplied us for some days.

246 JASON LEE

The females generally bring it and put it down and return
without saying a word as they can speak no language that
we understand.

Fri. August 8, 1834. Drank -a little milk and water but
took no breakfast, having set this apart this day for abstinence
and prayer. Went out hunting hoping that I should be able
to kill an antelope as we shall probibly see no more game
this side of Wallahwallah but saw only one and could not get
near enough for a shot. Made a long march of more than
20 mi. Found some access to the throne of grace but still
my insatiate soul cries out for more of God. Find myself
very weary but thank God he gives me time for rest and
repose.

Sat. Au. 9. Our way for two days has been mostly over
sandy plains covered only with wild sage and pulpy leaved
thorn and a few willows and birch on the streams.

Came over 20 mi. and are camped without running water.

A large brook flows here in spring and fall but there is
now only here and there a stagnant pool which is warm and
has a very disagreeable taste. I can endure but little am
much fatigued when we reach camp.

Sun. August 10, 1834. My soul would delight exceedingly
to enjoy the privileges of God's House to-day but on the
contrary we must soon each and pack our animals and proceed
on our journey. But my heart is cheered my soul is com-
forted from the consideration that God is here in this "void
waste as in the city full" and that he is the fountain of all
blessedness and that all the means that can be used are only
instruments or mediums through which he conveys his bless-
ings and that he can as easily convey them to us in this barren
waste directly from himself as he can to others through the
preaching of his word or by any other instrume[n]tality. And
blessed be his name he does not forget or overlook us even
us though so far isolated from the civilized world in this
heathen desert. Thank God I find peace in believing and joy
in the Holy Ghost. My ardent soul longs to be sounding

DIARY 247

salvation in the ears of these red men. I trust in God that
I shall yet see many of them rejoicing in hope of the glory
of God. Lord hasten the hour and thou shalt have all the
praise. 7 o'clock P. M. Felt rather fatigued when Br.
Shepard and I arrived in camp with the cows being half an
hour behind the horses.

After resting for some time and reading my bible with
pleasure retired beside a beautiful rapid in Lewis' Fork (whose
waters we reached to-day after an absence of 9 days) and there
soothed by the pleasing sound of the swift rolling water, I
poured out my soul to God in prayer and did not find it in
vain to call upon Israel's God. Felt a rather more than usual
spirit of prayer for the universal triumph of Immanual's King-
dom and especially for the prosperity of the mission in which
we are engaged, and I trust thousands of Christians have been
wrestling with God for the same object and this animates
me in this literally desert land. Saw two very curious springs
on the opposite side of the River. They burst forth from the
rocky bank of the river say 50 ft. above it and the impetuous
torrent white as the driven snow rushes with a majestic
splendour down the nearly naked rocks into the river beneath.
They are so perfectly white that at a distance they have the
appearance of a snow bank. I judge the distance which the
water flows out of the bank or the width of the largest to be
at its commencement two rods and the quantity of it discharges
at least sixty tons a minute. How astonishing are the works
of God; and though we can not comprehend them yet in
wisdom has he made them all.

A contemplation of these works is profitable for w[h]ile it
tends to show us our own weakness, ignorance and insignifi-
cance it gives us more exalted views of the power wisdom
and greatness of the Almighty Maker.

Mon. 11. Au. Came twenty miles and camped on the Snake
Falls and near a band of the Snake Indians called the Diggers.

They have few horses and no guns and live chiefly on fish
and roots hence their name Diggers. They are friendly and

248 JASON LEE

peaceable. They subsist at present on Salmon which have
just commenced running. The Salmon go no higher than
here. We purchased some dried and some fresh. They are
most excellent being quite fat. The dried make good food
without cooking at all. For two fish hooks I could get a fish
that would weigh 12 or 14 pounds. Many of the males are
entirely naked with the exception of a breech clout. The
females have some skins about them but boys of 12 years are
naked as they were born.

These Indians look healthy and are very fleshy and like all
others that I have seen are fond of smoking. Our cows ex-
cited a great curiosity among them being the first probibly
that they ever saw. Some of them like their horses seemed
to be afraid of them. The grass was so poor we were obliged
to send the horses back 5 or 6 mi. to get food. It was with
great difficulty that we could prevent the Indian dogs from
devouring our fish.

Tues. August 12, 1834. Started at half past 8 o'clock
and passed immediately through the Indian camp and men
women and children came out to take a view of us as we
passed.

The falls here are very beautiful.

The greatest fall is say 6 feet but the river is rapid for a
long distance. Arrived at camp with the cows at Y-2. past
3 o'clock having traveled say 23 mi. over nearly barren hills
and sand plains. The river is very swift all the way and
many places rapid. It is truly beautiful and: it is the only
beautiful object that I have seen to-day for I have seen so
many naked rocky and barren sandy mountains that they have
lost their power to charm. We are now drawing near the vast
Pacific and I rejoice that few weeks with our usual prosperity
will find us at Ft. Van Couver. How strikingly the Provi-
dence of God has been manifested in furnishing us with food
and preserving us from all harm through all the clangers which
we have passed. O that our gratitude may keep pace with
his mercies, "Bless the Lord o my soul."

DIARY 249

The Indian wigwams are constructed of willow bushes with
the large end in the ground and fastened together at the top
and covered with long grass which very much resembles
straw and answers the same purpose. Their form nearly that
of a hay stack and some of them 15 ft. in diameter. And to
me who have been so long accustomed to a somewhat similar
habitation they appear quite comfortable for summer for
which they are only designed. One of our horses being old
was unable to stand the hardships of the journey and though
he has not been saddled since we left the Fort we were
obliged to leave him. I regret that the grass was very poor
but the Indians will soon find him and how he will fare with
them I cannot divine but before another spring his labours
will doubtless have terminated. O that like the faithful beast
man might answer the end for which he was created.

Wednes. Aug. 13, 1834. While we were at breakfast an
Indian stole one of Capt. McCay's horses and got off with it
undiscovered. It was discovered that the horse was stolen an
hour and a half after and one of the Indians belonging [to]
camp took a good running horse and pursued the thief alone.
The thief when he discovered that he was pursued left the
horse and run and the other brought him back. To steal a
horse from a company of 30 in open daylight I think rather
a bold push. Marched over 20 mi. and came to camp rather
weary but am much stronger than I was a few days since.
Capt. McCay who has buried one native companion last night
took another to wife. It is customary among the Indians
here for the uncles of the girl to barter her with the [man]
who makes application if they approve of the match for mer-
chandise. But on this occasion the Capt. who had previously
gained the consent of the fair Lady sent for her uncles smoked
with them and then sent for the girl and asked her in their
presence if she was willing to go with him she assented he
then told them that this was the way the whites did that
they gained the consent of the lady and then the relatives
gave their consent and did not sell their females like their

250 JASON LEE

horses. The uncles did not object and they were man and
wife.

Surely these Indians must be very desirous to adapt the
customs of the white people when they so readily yield [in] a
matter of so much interest for a female sells for a pretty
large sum.

Thirs. 14, August. Some very good looking Indians came
to camp last night and this morning but they are poor having
scarcely a knife among them. Cows very weary walked very
slow made a shorter march than usual camped on an island
excellent grass. Thus far we have had plenty of food and
though it has not been such as we have been accustomed to
eat in times past yet it has sometimes been very excellent and
always wholesome for me, though some of it has not always
agreed so well with others.

Fri. Aug. 15, 1834. We are still upon the Island and do
not move camp to-day. The animals will be glad of rest.
Some of the Capt's men are gone 6 or 8 mi. to a little river
to trade with some Indians.

I have been looking over the letters that I have received
since my departure from the land that gave me birth and I
find them very encouraging for they assure me that God's
people in every direction are offering fervent supplication for
our prosperity and the success of our Mission. And this
causes me to rejoice when I reflect that the fervent effectual
prayer of the righteous availeth much. O that I may so live
that I may ensure the blessings which are so earnestly solicited
in my behalf. In the evening and morning we discovered
that when walking through the grass our shoes became wet
through there is no dew in this country and on examination
we discovered that it was salt. It is deposited on the low
grass in fine powder and tastes as strong and good as manu-
factured [salt].

Sat. August 16, 1834. Capt. McCay sent word to me to
send a bag to him for flour and if he had anything else that
we wanted to let him know and we should have it. While

DIARY 251

at the fort I dined with him and partook of the productions
of his own farm corn pork &c. We had kept a little flour to
be used in case of sickness but having used nearly all of it
I thought we had better purchase a few pounds but he re-
fused to sell us any though he sold to others but said he would
send us some if we would accept it as a present accordingly
he sent us say 15 or 20 Ibs. which would cost there as many
dollars.

Soon after sending the above mentioned message he came
to our tent and informed me that he should leave us to-day
and remain in this part of the country trading with the Indians
and trapping beaver till March and pressed me to mention
anything that we needed for our journey down and we ac-
cepted of some flour and a little sugar. How strikingly the
hand of Providence is manifested in our behalf in sending
us the productions of the land to which we are journeying to
sustain us on our way while we were yet at so great a distance
from it and also in inclining the heart of an entire stranger
in this savage land to supply our wants without money and
without price.

Mon. Aug. 18. Started the cows Sabbath morning about
Y-2 past 7 o'clock A. M. and came to a halt % past 9 evening,
having been on the march nearly 14 hours. The horses
reached camp before sun set. After making a long cut off
they reached the river and turned a little up it to find grass
so that we did not see them and we went two mi. below and
left the cows and then went up and found camp. Distance
probibly between 35 and 40 mi. This is indeed rather more
than a Jewish Sabbath day's journey but there seemed no al-
ternative for us but to "go ahead." But I trust the time is not
now distant when we like other Christians shall have the
pleasure of devoting the holy sabbath to religious exercises.
Lord grant that it may soon arrive.

Made a short march to-day and camped in good grass.
Soon after my arrival went to Capt. Stewart's lodge and
had been talking some 15 or 20 minutes when Mr. Walker

252 JASON LEE

came and informed me that Mr. Shepard was in a fit. He
was quite black on my arrival. We applied camphor to his
head and nose and rubed his arms and legs and he soon
began to come out of the fit first utering sounds and then
words and then became sick and vomited I examined and
found large pieces of camphor gum that he had vomited up
together with some roots that he had taken. After vomiting
he became easier but could not after recall anything [which]
transpired for an hour but he is nearly recovered only he
is weak. "Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think
not of the Son of Man cometh."

There is a nearly white gnat rather smaller than the black
one which has for severally days rendered our situation any-
thing but comfortable. I find it impossible to keep out of
my mouth eyes nose and ears. I am this moment nearly on
fire from their bites.

Tues. Aug. 19, 1834. Passed some Indians on an Island
and Bro. Shepard went to them and purchased two fresh
salmon. March rather short. One year this morning since
I took the last view of my native town which contains so
many invaluable relatives and friends.

I tore myself from them in spite of all their arguments
in spite of all their entreaties. I beheld and what did I see!
an imaginary vision fliting before the mind's eye to disturb the
sweet and balrny repose of midnight's peaceful hour? No.
It was no dream it was reality. I saw — but how can I de-
scribe that scene ? The like few have seen, I never saw before
and shall never see again. I saw, yes I beheld with my own
eyes five Brothers and four Sisters their Husbands their Wives,
Nephews Nieces • Friends and Companions of my youth
grouped together to take the parting hand with one whose
face they had but the slightest expectation of seeing again
till the wheels of time cease to move.

The parting hand was extended it was grasped tear after
tear in quick succession droped from the affected eye and
was quickly followed by streams flowing down the sorrowful

DIARY 253

cheek the heaving bosom was no longer able to retain the
hitherto suppressed sigh but I must stop, the sight of mine
eye affected my heart and had I yielded to my feelings I
should have lost the fortitude of the man and the Christian
in the simplicity of the child. I turned my back upon them
and hurried me away and for what? For riches for honour
for ease for pleasure for power for fame in fine was it for
anything the world calls good and great? O Thou searcher
of hearts Thou knowest. One year is elapsed and I have
not yet reached the field of my labours. O how I long to
erect the standard of my master in these regions which Satan
has so long claimed for his own.

Wednes. 20. Made a long march 20 mi. Left Lewis
River on the right. Camped on a small stream of clear
water.

Thirs. Aug. 21, 1834. Traveled 20 mi. passed some warm
springs and one hot one which burst out smoking near the
bank of a small stream. I think the temperature is as high
as the boiling point.

The stones in and near the spring were covered with good
salt some of which we gathered for use as we have had none
for some days. Camped on a small stream water rather dis-
agreeable to the taste. Grass good.

Friday, 22. Came 22 mi. camped on a small brook — best
of grass.

Most of the Indians have gone on. The monotony of this
journey is indeed wearisome to mind and body. For some
days we have been almost constantly surrounded with monu-
tains — form of most resembling that of a hay stack — their
surface sand. They would appear very beautiful to one who
had never before seen the like. But to us who have seen
nothing but mountains so long with scarcely a valley inter-
vening there is little to excite interest. Their form is so
similar that we almost fancy we have seen them before.

Sat. Aug. 23, 1834. Came unexpectedly upon Lewis River
and soon left it and shall see it not again this side of the

254 JASON LEE

Columbia. Overtook the Indians and a small party sent out
by Capt. McCay who are on their way to Wallahwallah. Came
15 mi. Camped on a large brook — good water.

Sun. 24. Camped before 11 o'clock A. M. Thinking it
best to rest on the Sabbath as we expect to reach W. in six
days. The holy and thrice blessed Sabbath which in Christian
lands is hailed as the prototype of the saints eternal rest above
which brings with it an anticipation a fore[t]as[t]e of the
extatic joys of heaven and fills the pious soul with high and
holy emotions which causes him to pant more vehemently for
more of God and for a preperation for the enjoyment of the
now inconceiveable raptures of that glorious and eternal city.

"Where congregations ne'er break up and Sabbath never
end," this holy Sabbath has been to us pilgrims little els[e]
for four months but a day of labour, toil, and fatigue but far
be it from me to murmur or complain. All is right. All is as
it should be.

Mon. August 25, 1834. Traveled over hills and moun-
tains as usual say 20 mi. Camped on a cold stream or rivulet,
grass good. Some part of the way the dust flew in such quan-
tities as nearly to suffocate one and the slow monotony of
cow-driving is indeed very wearisome. And the quart of
milk which they afford us now per day is a small compensa-
tion for this labour but we hope to reap much benefit from
them hereafter. Read Lord Byron's Sardinappollas [Sarda-
napalus] but do not think that sort of writing will tend to
better the heart or mend the life though it may inform the head.
And he who could write such stuff as his "Vision of Judgment7'
— must be — I think, if not infidel in principle (which is most
probible) a total stranger to all vital experimental religion.

Tues. 26. Started 6 o'clock 30 m. with the cows and ar-
rived at camp at 3, distance 25.

The hills over which we came are not nearly so high as
those we have been wont to pass of late. They are covered
with scattering grass which is now dry and turned white for
want of rain.

DIARY 255

1834. Friday, August 29. — Made a severe march on Wed-
nesday. Twelve hours with the cows, 36 miles over some
mountains difficult for the animals being covered with small
stones. Saw some of the Kioos squaws digging cammas.
Camped near the Kioos Village. Thursday did not move
camp. Walked a mile to the village to look for salmon and
cammas, as our provisions were nearly spent, but they had no
salmon and were lean with their cammas. I suppose some of
the Kioos who had been with us informed the chief that we
were there and our object in coming to this country. We
were invited the chief's lodge. Dried salmon, choak cherries
and water were set before us, of which we partook and con-
versed as well as we could by signs and the few words of
Nez Perce that we had learned, but we were sadly puzzled to
understand each other. The chief of the Walla Walla tribe
was there and he showed me some old papers with scraps of
writing on them and a calendar showing the day of the month
with Sunday distinctly marked — written — I presume by some
gentleman of the H. B. Company. I then, in red ink, wrote my
name and Daniel's, stating what we were, dated it and gave
it to him and he seemed pleased with it. He soon made a sign
for me to follow him, and he took me out and presented me
an elegant horse and one of the Kioos presented Daniel a fine
horse and one of the fattest I ever saw. We invited them to
come to our lodge and in the afternoon two chiefs and others,
more than could get into our tent came, and the Kioos chief
and a brave, I think, gave me each a horse. I gave them
knives, fish hooks, awls, etc., not of great value, but of con-
siderable importance to them, in return. We smoked with
them, sang a hymn, and commended them to God in prayer,
and then dispersed, and prepared to go, some of us, and sup
with Capt. Bonneville and wandering traders, in company
with Capt. Stewart, and were treated in a very friendly man-
ner. Started early this morning in pursuit of the horse gave
me by the Wallah Wallah chief, he having broke his halter and
gone. Met the chief coming to see us start, and told what I

256 JASON LEE

was after. He immediately returned to his lodge and sent a
man for the horse and took me into the lodge and asked me if
I would have something to eat. He wished to try my skill in
medicine and presented a sick girl, probably afflicted with
headache. I gave him some camphor, with directions how to
use it. He accompanied me to our camp and the Kioos chief
and others came to see us off, Mr. Shepard and I before the
rest, and gave us a hearty shake of the hand and called us
friends. The fire for a few days has been raging in the woods
upon the mountains a few miles distant, and the atmosphere
was so filled with smoke that we could see but a short distance,
and was painful to the eyes. The two chiefs knowing [that]
we should be likely to miss our [route] followed us and rode
with us some miles until we reached the point where there wab
no danger of missing the way and then took their leave. Is
this not an interposition of Providence? Who would have
supposed that these Indians would have shown such kindness
and generosity towards strangers on account of their religion ?
And yet this is the cause of their taking so much interest more
in us than in others. They have prayer on Sunday fore-
noon, and run horses and dance in the a. m. [p. m.]. In short
their religion amounts to nothing more than a sort of Catholic
mummery taught them by the traders. May He who teaches
us as never man was taught soon teach them the way of life
and salvation opened up by the great atonement made on
Calvary. We have been nine hours ascending and descend-
ing one mountain, the highest and most difficult by far that
we have crossed. Found some beautiful springs of water.
Camp in the woods almost without grass.

Saturday, August 30. — Started at 6 o'clock and ascended
a worse mountain than yesterday. It was with great difficulty
that the cows could get up at all, but we at last reached the
summit and traveled most of the day on the ridge, but we lost
the view of the scenery, the smoke being so dense that we could
see but a few yards. Many green pitch pine trees were burned
down, and the fire was yet consuming them. The grass is mostly

DIARY 257

burnt up. Very little grass remains and that so dry that it is
turned white. Mr. Hubbard, one of Capt. Wyeth's men, came
to camp having- been lost from his company four days.

Sunday, August 31. — Started this a. m. with the intention
to reach Walla Walla tonight, as our provision is nearly spent.
Left Messrs. Shepard and Edwards with the cows, to be two
days to Walla Walla. An Indian told us that we could not
reach Walla Walla till after dark; we therefore camped at
10 o'clock in good grazing. The men did not come with the
cows as we expected, and Mr. Walker went in search of them,
but did not find them. They had taken another road. I know
not where it will lead them. We have just eaten the last food
we have. We have had plenty of meat and a little flour, in case
of sickness, until today. We should doubtless reach Walla
Walla tomorrow, where we can get plenty. How thankful we
ought to be that Providence has thus smiled upon us and so
constantly supplied our wants. O Lord, make us grateful for
thy mercies. I rejoice in the privilege of- being able to suspend
traveling on this holy day, though I have to ride to Walla Walla
without my breakfast in consequence. What our reception
may be at the fort I know not, but think it will be favorable ;
but be that as it may, I feel no anxiety with regard to it. Lord
God Omnipotent, reigneth. Amen. Bless the Lord! the
heathen shall be given to his son for his heritage and the
uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. Lord, hasten
the time.

Tuesday, Sept. 2. — Marched over 30 miles in 7 hours
yesterday and arrived safe and hungry at Walla Walla (Wal-
lula of today). Immediately waited upon the Governor of
the fort, Mr. Pambrun, who received me with great civility,
gave me food, and sent some to the tent for others. On my
return found that the brethren had arrived with the cows.
Thus we have all arrived at Wallah Wallah where we were led
to suppose that we could procure most kinds of food that would
be desirable; but corn and flour, salt, a little fat, and a few
fish from the Indians, are all there is in this place. The gov-

258 JASON LEE

ernor kindly invited me to make the fort my home, and prof-
fered me any provisions he had and regretted that he had no
better supply. I know not whether to leave our animals here
and go by water or go by land. O Lord, do thou direct us.
Capt. Wyeth has arrived in good health. Capt. Stewart killed
a horse for meat, being the only kind he could get here, as he
could not eat fish. We concluded to live on fish.

Wednesday, Sept. 3. — Closed a bargain with Mr. Pambrun
in relation to our animals. We are to have two cows, a bull
and five horses for the same number at Fort Vancouver, and
£2 each for five horses, and £3 for four mules, to be paid in
provisions or goods at the lowest price. This looks very little,
but it is probably the best we can do with them under existing
circumstances. No news of Capt. Wyeth's vessel, and he is
fearful she is lost; but I trust a kind Providence will direct
her safe to port. The Wallah Wallah tribe is small and far
more filthy and indolent than the Kioos. They are constantly
about us, watch us when we eat, crowd around our fire — even
slept in front of our tent. The old chief, father of the acting
chief, is very anxious that we should return to Wallah Wallah,
also that I should preach to them now, but the governor re-
garded it not expedient as the chiefs are absent, and the good
that could be effected would be comparatively little as I could
tell them nothing that they could understand, but what has
been told them before we came.

Thursday, September 4. — This morning packed our baggage
(took) it to the boat with the expectation of getting off in good
season, but did not embark until after dinner. Took our
leave of Mr. Pambrun, who rendered us every possible at-
tention while at the fort. I soon discovered that the water
came into the boat so fast that the goods would soon be wet.
After passing the riffle, which was in sight of the fort, we

DIARY 259

landed, unloaded, and remained until near night gumming the
boat, embarked, came a few miles and camped.

Friday, September 5. — Had a fine sleep in some willows,
laid upon the dry sand. The morning is rather cool, but very
fine, indeed. Our people are preparing breakfast and as soon
as we have eaten we shall embark. The Columbia is clear and
beautiful and the rock scenery on both sides the few miles
we have come is very fine. Bless the Lord all seems to be
well with me this morning. The current is strong, and we
have got ahead well today. Passed one rapid not very dan-
gerous but we all walked except enough to manage the boat.
Indians are scattering all along the banks of this river, and
consequently come out in their canoes to see us and sell some
fish and cherries. They generally want tobacco in return, but
will take powder and balls. They are nearly naked, most of
them. Some have horses. They are said to be great thieves.

Saturday, Sept. 6. — Run one rapid. I came near striking a
rock in the midst of it, but escaped. Camped at 5 o'clock, not
considering it safe to proceed, there being rapids below or
rather falls and the smoke being so dense that we can see but
few yards. Find myself rather unwell. The Indians here have
some fine horses and we frequently see droves of them grazing
on the shores. The Indians live almost wholly on fish which
they procure with little labour. They cure it for winter by
drying.

Monday, 8th Sept., 1834. — Saturday night I was taken with
vomiting and a relax which followed all night severely and
in the morning was exercised with a good deal of pain which
continued with some abatement all day. Passed some rapids
and made the portage of the falls about 1 mi. in length. The
boat and baggage were carried by the Indians at one load. A
hundred or more crowded around us as soon as we arrived and

260 JASON LEE

followed us across the portage, and watched all our motions
till we embarked. They are said to be a thievish set. In a
small eddy just below where we embarked the salmon were
leaping in great abundance. In the course of a few miles we
saw scores of seal amusing themselves in the river which were
the first I have seen and they were quite amusing. We are
camped a few miles below the little Dells and at the head of
the Big Dells. Here we have to make a portage of two miles.
I find myself better the pain having left me in a great measure.
Some Indians run the boat through the rapids and we carried
the goods by land. Came a few miles left Capt. Wyeth to
await the arrival of his company which came by land, and the
wind was high we were obliged to camp.

Tuesday, September 9. — Remained in camp, the wind being
too high to move. Ascended a very high mountain, and
amused ourselves by rolling great stones down the mountain.
Our living is bread and fish.

Wednesday, September 10. — Some Indians came to us and
brought some sturgeon, one weighing probably 50 pounds. We
embarked late and found the wind still so strong that we could
make but little headway, and were forced to debark before
night. It will be a long time before we reach Vancouver
unless the wind abates. We have heard that Capt. Wyeth's
vessel has arrived, hence I feel anxious to know if the goods
have come safe.

Thursday, September 11. — The wind prevented our moving
today. For exercise and amusement Mr. Shepard and I
climbed a hill high and precipitated large stones, some of them
several tons weight, from a ledge several hundred feet high.
There is no appearance of abatement of the wind and when
we shall be able to reach Vancouver is hard to tell.

DIARY 261

Friday, September 12. — After breakfast assayed to proceed,
notwithstanding there was a strong headwind, but we advanced
very slowly by hard rowing some seven or eight miles, when we
could proceed no further by the oar, we towed the boat with a
line, sometimes on the shore and some of the time in the river.
We camped in some willow bushes, here to remain till we see
what the morrow will bring forth. Our provision is nearly
done except flour, but I have no anxious hours, trusting that
he who ruleth the wind will provide for us.

Saturday, September 13. — The wind still continues with un-
abated force, and probably we shall be unable to move today.
But Providence is still watching over us for good. Indians
came with plenty of fresh and dried salmon, and thus our
temporal wants were supplied. And we know that the fount
of spiritual blessing is as near us in this western desert as it
is to those who dwell in Christendom, and through the same
medium we may have as rich a supply as they. Oh, Lord, give
more and more of the bread of life. I had feign expected to
reach Vancouver before Sabbath, but the Lord has determined
otherwise, and I cheerfully submit to his all-wise dispensa-
tions, rejoicing in the knowledge that no good thing will he
withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Vancouver, Tuesday, September 16. — This is the first op-
portunity I have found to journalize since Saturday. Contrary
to my expectations we were able to proceed, and encamped a
short distance from the Cascades. Sabbath morning proceeded
to the falls and made the portage of one mile, carrying two
loads each, and then returned to let the boat down with a
line, but it stuck upon the rocks, and the men being unable to
remove it I went to their assistance and with considerable
difficulty we succeeded in getting it over. But what rendered
it very disagreeable was that the rain was pouring constantly.
We tarried long enough to eat a bite, and proceeded. Camped
near sunset, drenched in rain, built a good fire, pitched our tent
and all slept in wet clothes except myself. Monday started at
seven o'clock, called at a saw mill belonging to the H. B. Co.

262 JASON LEE

They are building a new mill and the workmanship does honour
to the master. The scenery up the Columbia below the Cas-
cades is the most delightful I ever beheld, but we could get but
a partial view of the mountains on account of the mist in which
they were enveloped. Arrived at Fort Vancouver at 3 o'clock,
found the governor and other gentlemen connected with the
fort on shore awaiting our arrival, and conducted us to the
fort and gave us food, which was very acceptable, as we had
eaten our last for breakfast. We received every attention from
these gentlemen. Our baggage was brought and put into a
spacious room without consulting us and the room assigned
for our use, and we had the pleasure of sleeping again within
the walls of a house after a long and fatiguing journey, re-
plete with mercies, deprivations, toil and prosperity. I have
been much delighted today in viewing the improvements of
the farm, etc. The dinner was as good and served in as good
style as in any gentleman's house in the east. Fine musk-
melons and water melons and apples were set before us which
were, indeed, a luxury, after the dry living we have had for
some time. After dinner took a turn in the garden and was
astonished to find it in such a high state of cultivation. The
orchard is young, but the quantity of fruit is so great that
many of the branches would break if they were not prevented
by props. Dr. McLoughlin, the governor of the fort, seems
pleased that missions have come to the country and freely
offers us any assistance that it is in his power to render. It
is his decided opinion that we should commence somewhere in
this vicinity. O Lord, do thou direct us in the choice of a
location. This evening received the joyful intelligence that
Capt. Wyeth's brig was in sight. It is a matter of joy because
the last we heard it was on a sandbar some 70 miles below, and
we feared we should be obliged to go down for our goods. Is
not the hand of Providence in all this? Would to God that I
could praise him as I ought for his gracious dealings with us.
It is now past 1 1 o'clock and I must commend myself to divine
care and retire.

DIARY 263

Friday, Sept. 19. — Daniel and myself are now on the bank
of the Willamette river, a little distance from Mr. McKay's
place. Wednesday expected that the brig would come up to
Vancouver and we should receive our goods there, but the
want of wind prevented her coming up. Went on board just at
night and ascertained that we could not get them until the
cargo was taken out. Slept on board and walked to the fort,
three miles, in the morning and commenced preparations for
a trip up the Willamette. Dr. McLoughlin made all the neces-
sary preparations of men, boat, food, etc., and we were off
about 4 o'clock. Camped up on the sand. Started early this
morning and came to the mouth of the Willamette and found
the brig there. Took breakfast on board. Waited while Capts.
Lambert, Wyeth and Thing explore the vicinity in search of a
place to suit their business, but they could fine none to please
them. Left them with the expectation that they will unload
some of their goods and ours at or near the place where they
now are. Arrived at 1 :30 o'clock.

Saturday, September 20. — Yesterday rode over Mr.
McKay's place. The soil is sandy, light and poor. The corn
killed by frost ; potatoes, light crop ; wheat and peas, tolerably
good. Do not think such land will answer our purpose. This
morning examined a piece of ground on the opposite of the
creek — good soil, timber in abundance in the vicinity and
would make a tolerable farm; but it is but a few feet above
high water mark and in the spring is surrounded by water, and
I fear subject to frost, and fever and ague. There is plenty
of grass for cattle in all directions, and the horses and cattle
for the farm look exceedingly well. The superintendent, a
Canadian, showed us the utmost attention and kindness.
Started 9 hours 30 minutes to proceed up the river. Nearly
all the land for some miles is overflowed in high water.
Passed over a ridge covered mostly with a large species of fir,
white maple, hemlock, ash, black cherry and cedar.

Sunday, September 21. — Daniel, being unwell, I was anxious
to reach the settlement and we reached the river and camped.
Some of the settlers came over to see us.

264 JASON LEE

Monday, September 22. — Come along the river, or a little
distance from it, about 12 miles to Mr. Jarvie's. Called at the
houses of the inhabitants, who were very glad to see us. Most
of the men are Canadians with native wives. The land seems
very good, but the season has been too dry. The crops in
this plain have been better than those lower down the river.
Here we found Mr. Smith teaching half breeds. He is an
American who came from Boston with Capt. Wyeth. At sup-
per we were treated with a fine dish of Canadian soup, ex-
cellent pork, and beaver, and bread made of flour without bolt-
ing, and as fine muskmelons as I ever tasted. Our tent was
pitched in the melon bed and we slept there — found it very
convenient in the morning.

Tuesday, September 23. — Started early this morning and
rode some three or four miles up the river to examine the land.
Found an excellent place for a farm above all the settlers. Re-
turned to the lower farms and went on foot three miles to see a
plain where Capt. Wyeth has chosen a farm.

Wednesday, September 24. — Prairie du Sable on the bank
of the Willamette. Fog dense — cannot see a man two rods.
Good health, plenty of food, etc., but my mind is greatly exer-
cised with regard to the place of location. Could I but know
the identical place that the Lord designs for us, be it where
it may, even a thousand miles in the interior, it would be a
matter of great rejoicing. O, My God, direct us to the right
spot where we can best glorify thee and be most useful to these
degraded red men. P. M. Did not find the horses till nearly
noon. Came about 11 or 12 miles and are on a beautiful
prairie, but know not the distance to the river. This plain
would, I think, make a fine farm, but it is probably too far
from the river. There are 30 Indians, old and young, a few
rods from us, and some of the men are as naked as they were
born — a filthy, miserable-looking company, and yet they are
quite contented. They subsist mostly on cammas. Probably

more than [ ] in this vicinity have fallen a sacrifice to the

fever and ague within four years.

DIARY 265

Thursday, September 25. — Started 8 hours and come over
bad roads very slow to the fall of the Willamette, and thence
to the Clackamas river, forded it and crossed the prairie which
we wished to see, but think it will not answer our purpose.
Left the prairie and found our way a mile to the Willamette
through a swamp thickly timbered and covered with under-
brush. Saw some Indians a little above us; came up and
camped on the sand near them. My mind is yet much exercised
in respect to our location. I know not what to do.

Friday, September 26. — Sent the horses to Mr. McKay's
place and hired two Indians to take us to Vancouver in a
canoe. Expected to reach there to-night, but the wind and the
tide being against us, we were forced to camp.

Saturday, September 27. — Arrived at the fort 9 hours. Found
our brethren well. After mature deliberation on the subject of
our location and earnest prayer for divine direction, I have
nearly concluded to go to the Willamette.

Sunday, September 28. — A. M. Assayed to preach to a mixed
congregation — English, French, Scotch, Irish, Indians, Amer-
icans, half breeds, Japanese, etc., some of whom did not un-
derstand five words of English. Found it extremely difficult to
collect my thoughts or find words to express them, but am
thankful that I have been permitted to plead the cause of
God on this side of the Rocky Mountains where the banners
of Christ were never before unfurled. Great God! Grant
that it may not be in vain, but may some fruit appear even
from- this feeble attempt to labour for thee. Evening.
Preached again, but with as little liberty as in the morning;
but still I find it is good to worship God in the public con-
gregation. My Father in heaven, I give myself to thee. May
I ever be thine and wholly thine — always directed by thine
unerring counsel, and ever so directed as to be most beneficial
in the world and bring most of glory to the Most High ; that
I may at last be presented without spot and blameless before
the throne.

266 JASON LEE

Monday, September 30. — This morning began to make prep-
arations in good earnest for our departure to the Willamette,
and after dinner embarked in one of the Company's boats,
kindly manned for us by Dr. McLoughlin, who has treated
us with the utmost politeness, attention and liberality. The
gentlemen of the fort accompanied us to the boat and most
heartily wished; us great success in our enterprise. Arrived
at the lower mouth of the Willamette where Capt. Wyeth's
brig is, late in the evening.

Tuesday, Oct. 1. — Received a load of our goods from
Capt. Lambert and left the rest in his charge, to be sent to
the fort. Breakfasted and dined with Capts. Lambert and
Thing. Left late in the day and camped a few miles up the
river on the point of a small island, the only place we could
find for some miles where we could get the boat ashore. To
the Willamette we have concluded to go. O may God go
with us, for, unless thy presence go with us, we will not go
up, for it will be in vain.

(Concluded in December Quarterly)

Correspondence of the
Reverend Ezra Fisher

Pioneer Missionary of the American Baptist

Home Mission Society in Indiana,

Illinois, Iowa and Oregon

Edited by

SARAH FISHER HENDERSON

NELLIE EDITH LATOURETTE

KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE

268 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

(Continued from page 176, June Quarterly)

Clatsop Plains, Oregon, March 1, 1849.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

In this I will give you a journal of my tour through the
Willamette Valley last June and July.

June 13th, 1848. — Preached at my north station, four miles
from my residence, to an attentive assembly and attended S.
S. and Bible class. We seemed to enjoy more than a usual
degree of the divine Presence. In the evening walked three
miles to the landing for these plains, seven miles southwest
from Astoria. Here we spent an hour in social prayer with
six or eight professors, among whom were two who have re-
cently professed a hope in Christ. Conversed with Mr. L.
on the importance of publicly putting on Christ by baptism.
He assured me that he is only waiting for the returning
health of his wife that she may accompany him.

19th. — Left the Scippanouin160 landing for the Willamette,
in company with a party of fifteen, in a large canoe. The
morning was delightfully serene and the Columbia, here
eight miles in width, formed one vast mirror reflecting the
light, the imagery of towering hills and stately forest trees
everywhere skirting and often overhanging its bold and pre-
cipitous shores. This day by alternate sailing and rowing or
paddling, we made our way up the stream forty-three miles;
and, just as the sun was concealing his golden beams behind
the accumulation of lofty hills, we sought and found a camp
on a rocky shore at the base of a steep mountain side loaded
with heavy forests and almost impenetrably bestudded with
vines and shrubbery. Here we kindled our fire, took such re-
freshments as we had provided for the journey, committed
ourselves to the care of Him who spreadeth out the heavens
as a tent and laid our weary bodies down under the starry
canopy to rest for the night, as is our uniform custom in
journeying on this mighty river.

22d. — This morning at eight reached Linnton, a small town

1 60 Skipanon, on Clatsop Plains.

CORRESPONDENCE 269

of six or eight log cabins situated on the west bank of the
Willamette six miles above its junction with the Columbia
and twelve S. W. from Fort Vancouver.161 Here I left my
party for Tualatin Plains, ten miles S. W. My way lay over
high hills and through a dense forest. About twelve reached
the house of my esteemed friend and brother, David T.
Lenox. Here I was received with truly Christian hospitality.
Four of his children have publicly put on Christ during the
last year. In the afternoon visited the school which I taught
in the summer of '46, now taught by a worthy Br. Ford,
formerly from N. Y.

23rd. — Met delegates from six churches, and by request
preached on the importance of brotherly love. Was called
to the chair and, after long but friendly deliberation on the
subject of the connection of churches with missionary bodies,
an association was organized, consisting of five churches,
under the name of the Willamette Baptist Association, leav-
ing each church free to act at pleasure on the missionary
question. Oh, how deeply ought Christians to humble them-
selves in view of the thought that so many of our dead breth-
ren are so slow to awake and put on their strength and
come up to the great battlefield of Zion's King! May the
love of the gospel soon bring all our churches to a union of
sentiment and action on this great practical subject.

24th. — This day has been one of hard labor and, I trust,
of some humble, fervent prayer. It does my soul good to
see some manifest marks of discipleship in the midst of
error. A spirit of kindness has been maintained while there
has been very little yielding of principle. On the whole, the
best work done this day has been the discussing and acting
on the subject of the importance of liberating the ministry
from wordly care and encouraging them to work in Christ's
harvest field. Br. Vincent Snelling was appointed to travel

161 Linnton was laid out in the winter of 1843-4. and a road cut out from it
to Tuilatin Plains. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 1:415. It languishes in competition
with Portland.

(P. H. Burnett and Morton M. McCarver, pioneers of 1843, were the town
proprietors. — George H. Himes.)

270 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

and preach twelve months in the Willamette Valley, and
nearly $100 was subscribed on the spot for that object. This
is our commencement of the book of acts. May its records
be greatly enlarged each coming year.

25th. — Sabbath. Preached to an unusually large concourse
for Oregon from Heb. 12:28, "Wherefore we, receiving a
Kingdom which cannot be moved," etc. Theme, Peculiarity
and Immutability of Christ's Kingdom. Br. Johnson fol-
lowed and continued the subject. The fixed attention of the
congregation indicated that they were instructed on sub-
jects of infinite moment. May God apply the word with
saving effect to some souls!

26th. and 27th. — Prepared the minutes for the press and
preached to a small collection in Tualatin Plains.

28th. — Rode ten miles to Mr. Clark's camp ground,163
where a camp meeting was commencing, and at two P. M.
preached on the importance of relying entirely upon the
means of divine appointment in laboring for Zion's enlarge-
ments; Zion's strength rests alone in Zion's King. Some seri-
ous impressions had been made during the meeting of our
Association, and it was evident that some few souls were con-
cerned for their future state.

29th. — Rode ten miles and visited Elder Porter's163 family
and affectionately recommended to the young members the
Pearl of Great Price.

30th. — Rode 28 miles from Tualatin Plains to Oregon City
Country interspersed with prairie oak and fir openings and
occasionally a belt of half a mile of heavy timber; under-
growth, hazel bush, some of which grows 15 feet high and
large enough to be used for making brooms16^; hills high on
approaching the river.

162 The site of the present Forest Grove.

163 Rev. William Porter (1803-1872) came to Oregon from Ohio in 1847 and
settled in Washington County on a farm. He preached mostly for the West Union
and Forest Grove churches. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:58.

164 The author frequently used the hazel to make brooms and coarse brushes
for the use of his own family.

CORRESPONDENCE 271

July 2d. — Preached for Br. Johnson, and after preaching
Br. Johnson baptized a sister in the Willamette, a large con-
course of citizens witnessing the scene, which was solemnly
interesting. In the afternoon visited and addressed the Union
S. school. Br. Johnson's meeting house enclosed except win-
dows, but yet unpainted.

3rd. — Rode 15 miles up the east side of the Willamette to
the Molalla River. Visited an anti-missionary Baptist min-
ister l6s ; found him antinomian in doctrine. Spent the night
with Br. Cornelius and wife. The plains on this stream
(Molalla) are sufficiently large to afford a good settlement.
Here are some eight or ten Baptist members and a church
will probably soon be constituted.166

4th. — Rode 25 miles through a rolling open country, inter-
spersed with prairies. The way lay back of the main French
settlement, the Roman stronghold of Oregon. l6? Spent the
night with a Br. Hunt and family, with whom I became ac-
quainted fifteen years ago in Indiana. Br. H. is some ten
miles from any other Baptist family of kindred spirit on the
subject of Christian enterprise and about twelve miles from
Salem.168 How important that Christians should always,
especially in new countries, select their place of residence
in reference to their usefulness and Christian privileges.

5th. — Rode ten miles to Br. Matlock's, another brother
with whom I labored in Indiana, one and a half miles from

165 Possibly Rev. Isom Cranfill. — George H. Himes.

1 66 The date of the organization of the Molalla church, the editors have not
been able to find. It was admitted to the Willamette Association in 1851 (Minutes
of the Association of 1851), but was in existence at least as early as September,
1849, and had been organized after this letter was written, probably in the spring
or summer of 1849. Had it been organized by March, 1849, the author would
probably have mentioned it in his journal, and it is mentioned in his journal of
September, 1849, as having been organized.

167 This French settlement is usually called French Prairie, because first set-
tled by French Canadians formerly in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company.
Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 1:70.

168 Salem was laid out on lands belonging to the Oregon Institute shortly
after the removal of the latter to Salem in 1844. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 1:222.
There had been a settlement there from an earlier date.

272 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Salem.l69 Visited his family and in the afternoon visited the
Oregon university or, in other words, the Methodist Insti-
tute, now in operation under the superintendence of Rev.
Mr. Wilbur.1?0 His daughter performs the duty of teacher
at present. I learn they are expecting a teacher from the
States the coming year. The school at this time occupies
the place of a common school, but meets the wants of the
village and surrounding country. The buildings are of wood
and have been erected at an expense vastly disproportionate
to the present demands of the country. Yet, feeble as the
school has been, doubtless it has proved a blessing to Ore-
gon and will ultimately reward the denomination for all the
needless expenditures. Its site is eligible, on the east bank
of the Willamette about forty miles above Oregon City.

6th. — Rode twenty miles up Mill Creek to the north fork
of the Santi Am River, visited two families and attended
the funeral of a young married lady with whom I traveled
on our way from the States. Made a short address and of-
fered up a prayer at the grave.

7th. — Rode sixteen miles, after fording the river, to the
middle fork and preached to an interesting collection of people,
some of whom rode from three to twenty-five miles to hear
preaching.

8th. — Crossed the middle and south forks ; the latter stream
is nearly as large as the Mohawk River. Rode 15 miles to the
church on said stream and preached at 12 (noon) to the
church.1?1 This church is situated in the midst of the richest

169 This was W. T. Matlock, who was a member of the state legislature in
1851. History of Pacific Northwest, compiled by North Pacific History Company,
1:326. He later lived near Clackamas Station in Clackamas County.

170 The Oregon Institute, the forerunner of the present Willamette University,
intended at first as a school for the children of Methodist missionaries, was organ-
ized early in 1842. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 1:201-203, 222-

Rev. James H. Wilbur, (1811-1887) came to Oregon in 1847. His daughter
was later the wife of the Rev. St. M. Fackler, an Episcopal clergyman. — W. D.
Fenton, Father Wilbur and His Work, in Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar. X, 2; p. 17.

171 This was probably the Santiam Baptist Church (at Sodaville, Linn Co.),
which had been organized by Rev. H. Johnson that same summer. Mattoon, Bap.
An. of Ore. 1:8.

CORRESPONDENCE 273

and most delightful portion of Oregon. Perhaps a more
picturseque scenery cannot be found in North America. The
church is small, but its members are fast prospering and wish
to work for good while they work for themselves; and under
a faithful ministry we might reasonably hope for happy re-
sults. This is about 65 miles above Oregon City in the center
of the Willamette Valley and a few miles below the termina-
tion of future steam navigation, in the vicinity of water power
to almost any extent. I was strongly impressed with the
thought that near this place was perhaps the most favorable
point in the whole country for the location of an instittuion of
learning for our denomination. By the recent developments
of gold in California these convictions are strengthened.

9th. — Brother Snelling and myself both preached and ad-
ministered the sacrament of the supper. Congregation good
for so new a country, but no unusual interest apparent.

10th, llth and 12th. — Visited; viewed the surrounding
country.

13th. — Rode thirty miles to Salem, and spent the night
with Br. Matlock. 14th. — Crossed the Willamette and rode
about 30 miles over a rolling prairie and open country to the
south fork of the Yam Hill; visited two families, but noth-
ing of special interest occurred.

15th. — Rode 14 miles. My way lay along the Yam Hill
bottom lands; soil luxuriantly rich and large fields of wheat
of enormous growth were now waving their long golden ears
to the gentle breezes that glide over the plains. Met the
Yam Hill church at the time of their monthly meeting and
preached on the occasion at the house of Br. Miller,1?2 an
ordained minister from Missouri. 16th. — It being Lord's
day, Br. Snelling and myself both preached to a large con-

17 a This was Rev. Richard Miller, who came to Oregon in 1847. Mattoon,
Bap. An. of Ore. 1:5, 59-

274 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

gregation for the sparseness of the settlement, and at night
I rode home with Br. Snelling. How distressing the thought
that in all my travels in the Willamette Valley I have found
no Baptist Sabbath school above Oregon City. My spirit is
deeply afflicted with the thought that the children of Bap-
tist families and others have so few opportunities for religious
instruction. One Sabbath each month they may hear a sermon
preached; and then there are few books, except the Bible,
adapted to instruct the youthful mind in morals and religion,
while the temptations to visit and rove the plains in diversion
are many and powerful. I long for the faithful S. S. teachers,
with their neat little library of books, to direct the youthful
mind in the ways of virtue and wisdom.

17th. — Rode 30 miles, crossed the two remaining forks of the
Yam Hill River, passed through Chehalum Valley,173 visited
two Baptist families and spent the night on the south fork
of the Tualatin River with an interesting Baptist family.

18th.— Visited Rev. Mr. Clark in Tuality Plains. Near his
residence he, with the assistance of a few benevolent friends,
sustains a school called the Oregon Orphans' Asylum.17* This
school will probably become in some future day a literary in-
stitution for the Congregational denomination. Rode 14 miles,
visited two families and arrived at Br. Lenox's.

20th.— Walked 28 miles to Oregon City.1" Spent the re-
mainder of the week in visiting in the city and vicinity and
in preparing to go down the river. 23rd. — Preached twice for
Br. Johnson. Congregation moderately good. 24th. — Left
Oregon City for Clatsop on board the launch of the unfor-
tunate ship Peacock.176

173 The Chehalem Valley was settled as early as 1834 or 1835 by Ewing
Young, who had accompanied Kelley to Oregon. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. I:g2.

174 This was the forerunner of Pacific University.

175 Oregon City at this time, according to Dr. Atkinson, had 120 houses.

176 The U. S. S. "Peacock," of the Wilkes exploring expedition, was lost at
the mouth of the Columbia July 18, 1841. Bancroft, Hist, of N. IV. Coast, II 1532.

CORRESPONDENCE 275

28th. — Reached home; found my dear wife just recovering
from a painful illness occasioned by an abscess in the right
breast. It, however, pleased our Heavenly Father to spare
her life and that of our little son, now eight weeks old.

Clatsop Plains, March 1st, 1849.
Dear Br. Hill:

I wrote you one letter under date of Sept., 1848, and for-
warded on board the brig Henry bound for San Francisco.
I have written you three since and forwarded to San Fran-
cisco on board the Mary Cadell. She left about the first
of Feb. I hope these will reach you by mail; one of them
contained my report of 19 weeks up to Feb. 2, 1849. With
this journal I shall send you a letter under date of Feb. 8,
1849, on the subject of a literary institution. Accompanying
the package which I send you on the Mary Cadell were the
following in answer to letters received by boxes of goods
last Sept. : Two sheets to members of Deep River Baptist
Church, Connecticut, under date Oct. 12, 1848. One to Sarah
L. Joslin, East. Jeffry, N. H., Oct. 12, 1848. One to Rev.
Joseph Stockbridge, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1848. One to Mrs.
Elizabeth N. Jones, Weston, Mass., Oct. 17, 1848. One to
the Baptist church in Amenia, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1848. One to
Rev. Reuben Winegar, Rensselaerville, Albany County, N.
Y., Oct. 21, 1848. One to the Elmira and South Port church,
Chenango County, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1848. One to East Greene
church, Chenango Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1848. One to James
Cowan, 119 Ludlow Street, N. Y., Jan. 24, 1849. One to Rev.
Ira M. Allen, N. Y.f Feb., 1849, and a package to Timothy
Taft under various dates, Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y. I trust
they will all reach their places of destination.

I shall leave in a few days for San Francisco, if Provi-
dence wills, and shall probably spend three or four months
in California. Br. Johnson advises to this course in view of
the unsettled state of things at present in Oregon. You will

276 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

hear from me again soon, if life is spared. The goods which
you forwarded on the bark Undine were lost. You will
probably draw to the amount on the insurance office and
forward the same articles again.

I will here insert a small bill of articles which were over-
looked in making out the bill forwarded you last month. I
hope it will reach you before you fill that bill, that you may
put them up together:

1 leather travelling trunk, 2 pairs small shoes for child
2 yrs. old, 1 coffee mill, lace for eight or ten ladies' caps, 2
pair of ladies' dark kid gloves, rather over medium size, 1
dress shawl, worsted, 1 Latin dictionary, 1 Virgil with clavis,
1 pair spectacles, for Mrs. Fisher, set in silver, 4 rolls of
black quality binding about one inch wide.

N. B. — Should this bill not reach you before you fill the
bill last ordered, you will probably forward these articles
with other articles which you may forward for the mission-
aries.

P. S. — I shall report up to the first of April in a few
weeks and hope to be able soon to let you know the state of
things in California. Br. Johnson writes me that probably
nine-tenths of all the men in Oregon will go to the mines in
California next summer.1?? I think this a large estimate.
Gold is found in small quantities in several places in Oregon,
and the prospects are said to be most promising on the
Santi Am River. Whether it will be found sufficiently abun-
dant to justify working is yet uncertain.1?8 No doubt our
government will order a geological and mineralogical sur-
vey of California and Oregon Soon.1?^ Such a work would
greatly aid emigrants in deciding the place of their loca-
tions. We need an unusual degree of grace to enable us to

177 The author was right. Probably about two-thirds of the young and mid-
dle-aged men went. F. G. Young, Financial Hist, of Ore., in Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar.
VII:373.

178 Gold was already found in small quantities in the gravels on the Rogue
River, and along the Willamette. George H. Himes.

179 This survey was not made, although it was later agitated, especially by a
Mr. Evans. — George H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 277

be successful in the great work of the gospel ministry in
the midst of the unparalleled excitement which reigns
through the entire community. Sometimes I almost de-
spond in view of the present and coming scenes. All ar-
ticles of living are high — food, raiment and labor. Oregon
is almost empty of goods. Farming is being neglected to
an alarming extent. All improvements in mills and me-
chanics' work is about to be suspended and the rage is for
gold and how men can reach the mines. It will cost prob-
ably two or three times as much in dollars and cents to
support a family here this year as last. Yet we hope that in
a year or two things will become more settled and the facili-
ties for doing good will be much increased. All reports rep-
resent the moral condition of California alarmingly deplor-
able. Gambling, drunkenness and violence reign.

Yours,

EZRA FISHER.
Received July 3, 1849.

Sullivan's Creek, a fork of the Terwallomy,

May the 12th, 1849.
Dear Mrs. Fisher:

Colonel Hall and Edward Lenox, being about to return to
Oregon, I take my pen to write you a line. My health is
very good, through the tender mercies of Almighty God.
Yet our work is quite laborious at present and we get but
little gold in comparison to those who dug six or eight weeks
ago. Mr. Stone and myself are boarding with Mr. Jeffrie
at three dollars per day. We expect to move camp in a few
days to the bars on the large streams. We may go south to
the Terwallomy, or we may go north toward the American
Fork. I cannot tell when I shall leave for home. Should
providence smile on my health, I think of staying till we can
get on the bars and till I can make enough to help the family
to some of the comforts of life. I have seen men take out 4,
6, 8 and 12 ounces in a day since I have been here, while
others within ten steps would not pay their board and work

278 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

hard. I think the climate tolerably good, but washing day
after day with feet and hands in the water, and drinking to
intoxication and carousing through the night and sleeping
like pigs in the dirt, will generate disease in any climate. I
do not know whether it will be necessary for me to send
you any funds before I return. Should I conclude to stay
till July or August, and I have a good, safe conveyance, I
will send you $100 or $200. If you need anything to make
yourself and the children comfortable and can get a credit
till I come, do not let the family suffer. We hope to find
better diggings as soon as the rivers fall. We have a toler-
able variety of provisions in the mines, but it is not like
home. We have few religious privileges in the mines, and
nothing would induce me to spend three or four months in
the midst of profane swearing, drunkenness, gambling and
Sabbath breaking but the hope of providing for my dear
family, and that, too, while California and Oregon are in a
state of confusion. Next year probably these privileges will
be measurably past. We shall hardly expect to get any let-
ter from you till I go to San Francisco. I wish you would
write me to that place, to the care of Dr. C. L. Ross, and
let me know7 what articles of clothing and groceries the fam-
ily will need and I will do as well as I can for them. I
spend little time in thinking about moving while I am work-
ing hard every day but the Sabbath. I hope to see you in
August or the fore part of September at the farthest. Pos-
sibly in July. I would like to see you all and enjoy the so-
ciety of my family and neighbors a few days at least; but
I hardly dare to think of it now. Give my best respects to
Mr. Robinson and wife. I shall never forget their great
kindness, and should like to be their future neighbors, if
God so directs.

You can have no adequate idea of the vast influx of popu-
lation from all parts of the world to California. Do not
have Lucy Jane teach and work at home so as to make both
you and her sick. I hope Timothy will do well and take

CORRESPONDENCE 279

good care of the garden, so that I can have a few good vege-
tables when I get home, and I will make him a little yellow
present. Ann Eliza and Sarah Josephine must be good
scholars and help Mother do the work and Father will re-
member them. Kiss Francis Wayland for me. I suppose
he is beginning to go alone. May God bless you all and
hasten the time when we may meet in peace and enjoy the
comforts of life.

Benjamin Woods, together with several other of our Ore-
gon men, was killed by the Indians a few weeks ago on the
American fork. But we have no fear from the Indians in
this part of the mines.

Yours in haste,

EZRA FISHER.

Terwallomy River, two miles above the mouth of Sulli-
van's Creek, July 1st, 1849.
Dear Mrs. Fisher:

I wrote you about one week ago by a Mr. Smith of Ore-
gon, who will soon leave the mines homeward bound. But
Mr. Bird, being about to leave tomorrow, I deem it a pleas-
ure to spend a few moments in communicating to my dear
family. I am usually well, although somewhat poisoned
with ivy. Stone is well; also all the Oregon men with us,
except Mr. Bird. He is now recovering from an attack of
the flux. I should have left with him, if I had two or three
hundred dollars more. But the time for digging on the bars
of the rivers is near at hand. I have incurred the expense
and fatigue of the journey and to all probability this is the
last year that the mining business in California will break
up the farming and mechanical pursuits in Oregon, and, as
we very much need a few hundred dollars to settle ourselves
comfortably, educate our children and to aid in promoting
all the interests of Zion on the Pacific Coast, I think I shall
stay till perhaps the first or middle of next month, if my
health will allow me to continue to dig. But should I feel
any strong indications of approaching sickness, I should

280 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

embrace the first favorable opportunity of leaving the mines
and reaching home in safety. I am heartily tired of the
mines. I sometimes think they may be truly called the gam-
bler's and drunkard's heaven and the Christian's banishment.
How long I should be willing to remain in this imprison-
ment for the benefit of myself and family I know not. One
day I look towards the place of all my domestic attractions
and Christian relations and long for a release. I then think
I will not be a fool and entrust the education and support
of a rising family to the charity of the Christian public, or
to the slow and hard earnings of my hands at home, while
six, eight, ten and sometimes twenty and even more dollars
can be made here per day clear of expense at a season when
society is literally broken up in Oregon, and California too.
As far as my friends advise here, they recommend me to stay
two or three months at least, and then they say they will go
with me. I expected to do no great things in mining when
I gave you the parting hand. I have not been disappointed.
Yet to all human appearances I have done better than I
should have done to have remained in Oregon. The weath-
er for the last week has been very warm, the thermometer
rising in the shade during the heat of the day to 106 degrees
and in the sun to 119 degrees, but yesterday and today it is
quite comfortable. We lay by about three hours in the heat
of each day. If you can live comfortably till I return, I
would rather Lucy Jane would study than teach, yet I
would have you consult the good of the neighbors' children
as well as that of our own. I hope Timothy will improve
some in arithmetic and grammar, if he can, after doing the
necessary work for the family. Should you need flour or
anything else., I think you can get it on a short credit and
I will cheerfully pay it on my return. Keep Ann Eliza and
Sarah Josephine at their books part of each day if you can.
Kiss little Francis Wayland Howard for me. I want to see
you all very much. May God bless us all with life and
health and prepare us for a happy and prosperous meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE 281

Tell Widow Bond I have sold her gun tolerably well and
hope she will be benefited by it on my return. I can hardly
expect to be favored with so rich a blessing as a letter from
you till I reach San Francisco. I have written you five or
six letters since I reached that place. I almost envy you the
peas, potatoes, onions, gooseberries, strawberries, etc. I
hope you enjoy them all well, as well as the milk and butter
and eggs. Tell Timothy to save the oats and peas in Mr.
Robinson's barn if he can. Do not forget to remember me
affectionately to him and all the family. I should have writ-
ten Mr. Perry before this, but all my time is occupied, and I
have somewhat expected that he would be in the mines be-
fore this time. Mining business is generally very dull; per-
haps half the miners are doing but little more than paying
expenses. Give my respects to all the friends. Write me
at San Francisco and let me know what groceries and cloth-
ing the family will need the coming winter.

Your affectionate husband and father,

EZRA FISHER.

To Lucy Fisher and all the children.

Mrs. Lucy Fisher,

Clatsop Plains, Oregon.
To be left at Astoria, care of Mrs. Ingles.

San Francisco, Cal., July 18, 1849.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

In a letter of the 29th of February I think I gave you my
apology for visiting California and going to the mines. I
now wish to say that my stay in the mines was a little
more than eight weeks, in which I am not conscious that I
have performed any essential service to the cause of Christ,
farther than that my influence went to suppress the out-
breaking sins of those with whom I associated. During
those eight weeks I preached but two Sabbaths, and I sup-
pose these were the only sermons which have ever been

282 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

preached in the mines. My present haste forbids my giving
you at this time anything more than a brief outline of the
state of things morally in the mines. A large majority in
the part of the mines where I worked were from the Span-
ish-American republics and soldiers and sailors, many! of
whom had either deserted from our country's service or run
away from merchant vessels. The various countries of
Europe, the Pacific isles and China, as well as several states
and territories of our own nation, were represented. Pro-
fanity, Sabbath breaking, gambling and drunkenness reign
unrestrained. Every trading shop within my knowledge
sells intoxicating spirits, and most of them suffer gambling
tables. Perhaps there is not a place on the face of the
earth where gambling is conducted on so large a scale. It
may be said in truth that thousands of dollars are some-
times won at one table in a night. Many of the laborers dig
through the day and at night change their gold into coin
and gamble it away before they sleep. In short, the mines
may, with some degree of propriety, be called the gamblers'
and drunkards' heaven. And to crown the scene, the Chris-
tians' Sabbath is the great day of trade and bull fighting and
drunkenness and licentiousness. Professors of religion sell
more ardent spirits and provisions on that than any other
day in the week. I went to the mines principally to raise
something to give my family the bare comforts of life, hop-
ing, however, that I might in some measure unite bodily
labor with duties of the ministerial office. God has merci-
fully blessed me with about $1000 worth of gold, and to all
probability, if I had stayed three or four months longer and
had been blessed with a continuance of my health, I might
have raised from $2000 to $4000 more. But an abiding con-
viction of the duty I owe to the cause of Christ in Oregon
has induced me to direct my attention to the appropriate
field of my labors as soon as I could place my family above
immediate want. I have been in this place ten days await-
ing a vessel for Oregon. I shall sail tomorrow or next day.

CORRESPONDENCE 283

I supplied Br. Wheeler's180 place in this town last Sab. while
he is making a visit (and I hope an important one) to Pueblo,
about 40 or 50 miles south of this place. One important
object he has in view is to secure, if possible, a site for a
literary institution. The location must be favorable if se-
cured.

Wrote you on the 29th of Feb. last, at which time I made
my report up to that time and, as I left before the middle
of March, I shall not think of being chargeable to your
Board till the time I arrive again at my own home. It af-
forded me great pleasure to meet Br. Wheeler and wife as
missionaries at San Francisco, when I reached here last
April. He needs at least three or four able, efficient fel-
low laborers.181 I hope your Board have them already un-
der appointment. For my part, I think my first business
after reaching home and spending a week or two in Clatsop
will be to visit the Willamette churches and endeavor to do
something with the friends of education by way of agreeing
upon a site and securing it for an institution of learning for
the denomination in Oregon.

I have just received a letter from my dear wife inform-
ing me of the arrival of several boxes and a barrel of goods
at Oregon City, directed to me; also one box directed to
Elder Johnson. I shall attend to that business as soon as
possible and acknowledge the receipt of the goods donated
by letters to the donors. I answered most or all of the let-
ters of which you speak in your last during last winter and
you have probably received the answers before this. Many of
our Oregon men are returning from the mines and I fondly
hope the great gold excitement will gradually abate in Ore-
gon from this time. Yet it is hard to predict what will be
the end of this unparalleled state of things. I understand
that Br. Snelling is at the mines. An excellent brother in
Oregon has given me the assurance that he will join me in

1 80 Rev. O. C. Wheeler arrived in California in February, 1849. Bancroft,
Hist, of Calif. ¥11:727. See also note 148.

181 Two other missionaries for California were appointed by the Baptist Home
Mission Society in 1850. — Bap. Home Missions t« N. Am. 1832-1882, n. 339.

284 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

purchasing two claims side by side and donate in common
with me the necessary amount of land for the site of an
institution and do all in his power to carry the work forward,
if I will go into the enterprise and move to the spot. He
has just carried home with him more than $4000 in gold
dust and coin. The question with me is whether I may
enter into this work without diminishing my usefulness as a
faithful minister. We may act too precipitously on this
subject. Should we take action on this subject before the
immigration from the States reaches Oregon and lands take
a great rise, as they have already done in California, I trust
your Board will at least acquiesce in the movement and in
that event have a suitable man ready for the mouth of the
Columbia.

Yours,

EZRA FISHER.

Oregon City, Nov. 14, 1849.
Received Sept. 13.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H Missionary Society.
Dear Brother:

I shall employ my leisure moments during a few evenings
to transcribe my journal of a tour from my former residence,
up the Columbia River and through the Willamette Valley
in August, September and October last. Aug. 26th. —
Preached to an interesting congregation at Clatsop Plains af-
ter an absence of five months in California. Found it truly
pleasant to meet the few members of the church and address
them on the subject of the importance of fortifying the
youthful mind against the temptations peculiar to the Coast
and solemnly warned the youth of their great danger. 29th. —
Left my family for a tour through the Willamette Valley.

Sept. 4th. — This day reached Oregon City, after a journey
of almost an entire week of laboriously pulling the oar by
day and sleeping on the ground by night, which is no un-
common occurrence to those travelling this route. Found

CORRESPONDENCE 285

the Baptist cause in this city somewhat improved and the
territorial legislature, in which are two of our Baptist
brethren,182 in session, and, providentially falling in with two
other brethren from the country, we held an interesting con-
ference on the subject of the necessity of taking action for
the establishment of a literary institution in Oregon and,
preparatory to this work, unanimously agreed to call a meet-
ing of friends of education in the denomination to be held
in this place on the 21st and 22d days of the present month.
This city, situated immediately below the great falls of the
Willamette, at the head of which two saw-mills, with two
saws each, and two flouring mills,18* are kept constantly
employed, begins to assume a business like appearance. The
town contains ten or twelve drygoods stores, a variety of
mechanic shops, five places of public worship — Methodist,
Baptist, Congregationalist, Seceder18* and Roman Catholic —
and a population of about six hundred souls. At present
this is the most important place in the Territory and it will
always form the great connecting link between the Willam-
ette Valley and the Pacific Ocean. Here I spent four days
in visiting families and the members of the legislature.

8th.— Travelled 16 miles to the sti^e church on the
Molalla over a rolling country interspersed with forests of
fir and open lands generally set thick with ferns and scat-
tering grass. Soil generally good, but settlements few.
9th. — Preached to an interesting congregation on the Molalla
prairie. This church, numbering about eight members, has
had preaching but a few Sabbaths since its constitution.
Manifest a laudable desire for a stated ministry and are
willing to contribute liberally, in proportion to their numbers,
for its support.

182 These two Baptist members of the legislature were probably R. C. Kinney
and W. T. Matlock, members of the House. Rev. H. Johnson was chaplain of the
House. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. II .-72; 1=633; H:i43- Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore.
In the first reference in Bancroft the initials of Matlock seem to be wrongly given
as W. S. The manuscript records of the Oregon City church show W. T. Matlock
to have been a member there.

183 The two flour mills were owned, respectively, by Dr. John McLoughlin
and the Oregon Milling Company. The sawmills were apparently also owned by
them and connected with the flour mills. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:2-5.

i84.Th« Seceders were the New School Presbyterians.

286 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

10th.— Travelled up the Willamette Valley about 25 miles,
crossing four of the branches of Pudding River, all incon-
siderable streams. The face of the country is generally
about as level as the gently rolling prairies of the Mississippi
Valley, except for a few points of hill in passing out of the
Molalla prairie. Soil variable; generally good, yet occasion-
ally inclining to be wet and clayey. Settlements sparse in
the morning, but in the afternoon more compact. Spent the
night with a brother formerly from Iowa. He is settled on
the southwest border of Howell's Prairie, 12 miles N. E. from
Salem and, far removed from church privileges, thirsting for
the golden waters. It is to be lamented that Christ is too
far thrust aside. Oh ! "What shall it profit a man if he
gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"

llth. — Rode ten miles to Salem, a small town on the east
bank of the Willamette, containing some twenty families.
Here I visited two Baptist families who seem desirous of
seeing the cause promoted in their place and have secured
two town lots for church purposes, should they be needed
for that object. I8s This is the point where the Methodists
have located their literary institution. The school at this
time numbers about 70 children of both sexes. This place
has a commanding central position in the Willamette Val-
ley, and will probably become a place of some importance in
future years. At present the health of the place is question-
able. We hope the day is near when an efficient Baptist
church will be gathered in this place. In the evening rode
ten miles up the valley of Mill Creek through a picturesque
and fertile part of the country; spent the night with a Bap-
tist family who have been halting on the subject of mission
measures, but are now desirous of having a church consti-
tuted in their settlement, which may be done in a few
months, if we can find any preacher who can visit them

185 A Baptist church was organized in Salem in November, 1850, but seems
not to have survived. It was revived in 1859. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:i?,
141. See also the letter of Aug. 23, 1853.

CORRESPONDENCE 287

even monthly.186 There are some eight or ten Baptist mem-
bers in the settlement.

12th. — Traveled 23 miles this day over some of the most
delightful part of Oregon; my way lay along the borders of
the timber skirting the Willamette, crossing successively the
Santiam and Callipooia rivers. In passing the Santiam the
foot of the mountains recedes from the river and the prairies
on the east open out to ten or twelve miles in width and
forty or fifty miles in length, except as the streams are
sometimes skirted with rich groves of fir and oak. The
valleys of these streams sometimes penetrate far into the
bosom of the mountains, affording some of the richest and
best watered lands in the world. Farther east the mountains
rise, pile above pile, till at last may be seen some six or
seven lofty conical peaks, raising their summits far into the
region of perpetual snow. At one view the eye can survey
the luxuriant plains with their meandering streams, the ever-
varied mountain side clad with dense forests of evergreen
firs and the still more lofty snow-capped mountains, around
whose sides the clouds sport in wild confusion. Perhaps no
part of the world can exhibit, at one glance of the eye, so
admirable a combination of the beautiful, the grand and the
sublime.

13th. — Spent the day in examining the country in refer-
ence to the location of an institution of learning. I never
travel through this portion of the valley without being for-
cibly impressed with the thought of the almost incomparable
beauty and grandeur which must strike the eye and cannot
fail to inspire the heart of every beholder, when civilization
shall have taxed all the resources of these plains and moun-
tains. How important then that the character of the crowds
that must soon people this valley should be formed by the
precepts of our Holy Law-giver!

186 This was probably the nucleus of the Shiloh (Turner) Baptist Church, or-
ganized August 31, 1850. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:g.

288 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

14th. — Visited a small church on the south fork of the
Santiam.l87 Find the few brethren ready to do something
liberal for the preached Word and in anxious expectation to
welcome Br. Cheadle, our colporter missionary, who has al-
ready arrived safe in the valley.188

15th.— Travelled 25 miles to Mill Creek to meet a Sabbath
appointment which I left as I passed up the valley.

16th. — Preached to an interesting congregation and enjoyed
a good degree of consolation while they listened atten-
tively to the Word.

17th. — Having returned as far as Molalla, I preached at 3
P. M. to a small congregation of people, and on the 19th
reached Oregon City.

Sept. the 21st. — The friends of education convened, and
after the preaching of a short sermon the convention was or-
ganized by calling Br. Hezekiah Johnson to the chair and
electing myself clerk. But a few persons were present; but
all seemed impressed with the conviction that the time had
arrived when God in His providence called on us as a de-
nomination to take prompt measures to establish a perma-
nent school under the direction and fostering care of the
Baptist churches in Oregon.

22d. — Convention met; I again preached, after which the
convention originated the Oregon Baptist Education Society
and adjourned the meeting to the Church in YamHill County
on the 27th.

23d. — Spent the Sabbath with the church in the city and
twice addressed the people. Congregation good. Spent the
remainder of the week in visiting the church in Tualatin
Plains and preached twice on the Lord's day. This church
have in their bounds an ordained minister of excellent char-
acter, but unable to devote much of his time to the minis-

187 This was probably the Santiam Baptist Church, at Sodaville, Linn County.
It was organized in 1848 and became extinct about 1857. Mattoon, Bap An of
Ort. 1:8.

188 Rev. Richmond Cheadle, 1801-1875, was born in Ohio and came to Oregon
from Iowa in 1840. He was at this time colporter for the American Baptist Pub-
lication Society. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:70.

CORRESPONDENCE 289

try.189 The church wants and needs a man of more ability
who can devote his time to the great work of preaching the
gospel. A faithful minister might, the first year, expect
from this church his family provisions, except groceries, and
perhaps more. Your Board would do well to appoint a mis-
sionary for that church and vicinity. This church is situated
in the midst of an interesting farming country and within
from two to eight hours' ride of all the small towns rising
up on the Willamette from the Falls (Oregon City) to its
lower mouth, including Vancouver on the Columbia River.
This church is the oldest and, in truth, at present the most
promising church in the territory, having a number of in-
teresting young men.

25th. — Rode to YamHill Church to prepare for the meet-
ing; visited several families. 26th. — Visited three families,
among whom I met with a man apparently near the eternal
world, yet he seemed unwilling to have his mind led to the
subject of his spiritual welfare. I gave him a few words
of advice and left him to his own reflections. Oh, how
obvious it is that man naturally has no love for God ! . . .

27th. — Met the friends of education, one member from
each church except the Molalla church being present. After
a long and friendly deliberation, it was agreed to locate the
institution on the east bank of the Willamette River, about
eight miles above the mouth of the Callipooia River, and
about seventy above Oregon City. The Education Society
appointed a Board of Trustees for the institution and the
Board appointed me to take charge of the school and re-
quested me to remove as soon as practicable to the place
and open a school. Measures were also taken to raise $2000
for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings and to meet
the other necessary expenses. 28th. — Returned to Oregon
City through an interesting, picturesque country of prairie
and timber forty miles; visited one family on the way and
reached the house of Br. Johnson late at night almost over-

189 This was probably Rev. William Porter. See note 163.

290 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

come with fatigue of body and anxiety of mind. We have
assumed vast responsibilities, yet our strength is weakness
and I fear but a very few realize the amount of responsi-
bilities we have assumed; and then we must take one man
in part from the appropriate duties of the ministry till we
can obtain relief from the States. Yet we cannot do less, if
we do anything. The public will have no confidence in our
meeting and passing resolutions while we do not act. Schools
are greatly needed; our hope of successful operation in Ore-
gon is in the youth. Other denominations are in advance of
us, and the Romans are already at work. Well, by the grace
of God, without which we are nothing, we must try. Pres-
ent emergencies alone reconcile me to the task. I shall
probably be called to preach almost every Sabbath and have
thrown under my immediate instruction a portion of the
most promising youth in the Territory. I confidently hope
relief will be speedily sent from the States in the person of
a well qualified professional teacher to fill the place.

29th. — Attended the monthly meeting of the church at
Oregon City, preached on the occasion, and on the 30th
preached again. The subject, The Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper. Congregation attentive. In the evening addressed
Br. Johnson's Sabbath school.

Oct. 15th. — Having succeeded in procuring a passage
down the river, I went on board a whale boat, the best
method of conveyance we have as yet on our waters, and
commenced my journey homeward. 19th. — After four days
of hard rowing and three nights' lodging on the ground, I
reached home and found my family in usual health and en-
joying the smiles of a gracious providence. The scenery
along the Columbia from the mouth of the Willamette down-
ward is highly romantic. For the first sixty miles the bot-
tom lands spread out from one to eight or ten miles in
width, interspersed with prairies covered with the most lux-
uriant grasses and weeds, but subject to occasional inunda-
tions in June and July. The timber of these bottom lands

CORRESPONDENCE 291

is willow, balm of Gilead, alder, fir, oak and some maple and
ash. Much of this land is sufficiently elevated to admit of
settlement. Immediately back of these bottoms and not un-
frequently approaching the river's edge rise the low moun-
tains, sometimes rather abruptly, but seldom precipitously,
from 1000 to 5000 feet, groaning under a dense forest of
evergreen, fir, spruce and cedar, interspersed with maple and
alder. Lower down the river the mountains occasionally
arise from the water's edge with great abruptness and some-
times raise their basaltic walls like perpendicular battlements
500 or 600 feet, from whose heights the timber lands rise
with a gradual ascent and, during the rainy season, drain
their waters in imposing cascades over these buttresses of
nature into the bosom of the noble river whose rolling
floods perpetually wash their base. As you approach nearer
the ocean the scenery becomes more imposing. The river
widens into a broad sheet from six to fifteen miles in width,
the high hills on either side, with, however, many exceptions
rise abruptly from the water's edge and, clothed with their
evergreen forests, present an imposing contrast to the wide
spread expanse of waters pent up at their bases. Nor does
the grandeur of the scene decline till this vast accumulation
of water loses itself in the Pacific, where may be seen, to
the astonishment of the beholder, the warring of mighty
waters as they meet and dash their angry spray from the
summits of mighty billows, bidding defiance to all the in-
ventions of man.

No doubt that the great commercial emporium of Oregon
must rise into being in the vicinity of this imposing scenery;
and conditions are rapidly working to bring about the com-
mencement of this work. Milling companies are being
formed with a large capital for the erection of both water
and steam sawmills, and other mills are being erected; town-
sites are selected and the rage for speculation in town prop-
erty is fast ripening into a mania. May God grant that the
children of light may be wise and prepare to follow thh

292 REVEREND EZRA FISHE*

extraordinary spirit of enterprise with the spirit of the gospel.
Yours in gospel bonds,

E. FISHER.

Oregon City, Ore., Nov. 31st, 1849.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Br. :

After a long delay in consequence of our unsettled affairs
as Baptists in Oregon, and the multiplicity of cares that
come upon me, both of a religious and domestic character,
by means of my absence in California, I now take my pen
in hand to write you as near as possible the present state of
things with us and to answer a few of your inquiries. And,
first, I will acknowledge the receipt of a list of letters which
I have received from you: One under date of July 20th,
1848; one July 29, 1848; also the box of goods enclosing
with them the bill of lading. Goods were received in good
order. With this I have an inventory and bill of lading of
goods shipped on board the Serampore. One under date of
Aug. 8th, 1848, and with it, I think, a commission No. 1281,
April 1, 1848. Also a commission for Elder V. Snelling,
Br. Snelling is yet in the gold mines and will not probably
return until next spring, consequently he will not be able to
fill that appointment. One under date of October 2, 1848;
one from Jas. M. Whitehead, Nov. 1st, 1848; one from your-
self under date Nov. 1, 1848, accompanying an invoice of
goods shipped on board the bark Whiton, Roland Gelston,
master, with the bill of lading. Goods all arrived safe and in
good order, except that the shoes and donation goods had
become somewhat moldy — not materially damaged. Also
one under date of Nov. 23, 1848. I have just written and
forwarded a letter to Rev. S. S. Cutting, editor of the N. Y.
Recorder; also one to the ladies of the First Bap. Church
in N. Y., acknowledging receipt of their valuable donation.

On the twenty-third of August I arrived in Clatsop Plains
from California, after a passage of twenty-six days. Found

CORRESPONDENCE 293

my family in good health. I immediately entered upon the
duties of a missionary and, after preaching one Sabbath, left
home on a tour in the Willamette Valley. On reaching this
city I found two of our brethren in the legislature and two
more from the country present. Upon deliberating upon the
importance of immediate action on the subject of locating
and putting into operation an institution of learning under
the direction of the denomination, it was agreed to call a
meeting to be held at this place on the 21st and 22d days of
September to take action on the subject. The meeting was
accordingly held and an educational society was formed; but
in consequence of the small number in attendance the meet-
ing was adjourned to the 4th of October to the YamHill
Church. At that meeting every church in the Territory but
one was represented, and the convention voted to locate the
institution on the Willamette River about 70 miles up the
river from this place and appointed a brother to repair im-
mediately to the place and secure the site. It was then un-
derstood that the land was vacant. The convention also ap-
pointed Rev. Richmond Cheadle to labor two months for the
purpose of raising two thousand dollars for erecting a school
house and covering other necessary expenses. The conven-
tion also invited me to move to the place and take charge of
the school and voted: to pay me $400 and to request the
Home Missionary Society to continue my appointment with
the usual salary of $200, regarding that amount as barely
sufficient to sustain my family for the year. Solely from the
consideration of the fact that the exigency of the case seemed
to demand immediate action, and we have no man in Ore-
gon but myself to whom our brethren are willing to look
to fill his place till a competent teacher can be found and
sent us from the States, I thought it best to comply with
the call. The convention also instructed me to correspond
with you on the subject of engaging a well qualified teacher
to take charge of the school. We hope to be able to pay a
teacher $800 salary. Thus you perceive the reason whv I ad-
dress you from this place. I have just arrived here with my

294 REVEREND EZRA FISHEZ

family. We have just learned: that the site on which we
have fixed for the location of our institution is not vacant
and we have concluded to spend the winter in this place. I
shall open a school here within a few days and preach in
this place and the adjoining towns on Sabbaths. I think it
rather probable the result will be that we shall finallv locate
our school in the immediate vicinity of this city. Public
sentiment of our wiser brethren seems to be setting- strongly
this way. By the opening of the spring the question will be
decided whether we locate permanently at this place or in
the center of the Willamette Valley. We hope to be able to
buy the lands and erect the first temporary buildings and
perhaps support our first teacher without calling on the lib-
erality of our eastern brethren directly for funds. But we
must look to you for a competent teacher qualified to teach
the Latin and Greek languages, natural science and mathe-
matics, and it will be very desirable if he could teach music
Money is plentiful^0 in this country and education is held in
popular favor. Our plan will be to find some Baptist friends
who will buy and hold a claim of 640 acres and donate a por-
tion of it for a site now while land is cheap. Will you find
us a teacher and send him to our assistance as soon as a
properly qualified one can be obtained? My removal from
the mouth of the Columbia renders it important that your
Board find a young man of talent and appoint him to labor
at Astoria and Clatsop Plains. A man is also much needed
in the church in Tualatin Plains. The church in that place
will supply a minister's table from the first and the place is
important in location. I shall report at the expiration of
this quarter for all the time I have served as missionary
since I returned from California, but I shall forward you a
portion of my journal the next mail.

I am much interested in the private letter. Almost all ar-
ticles of drygoods sell at from 100 to 300 or 400 per cent ad-

190 The increase in the supply of money in Oregon was, of course, the result
of the California mines. Some gold was coined in Oregon City, and Mexican and
Peruvian silver dollars had come in large quantities. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore.

CORRESPONDENCE 295

vance on the market prices in New York. Farming uten-
sils, castings, especially stoves, tinware, nails, crockery, pat-
ent pails, washtubs, brass kettles and household furniture of
kinds sell very high, and all kinds of fabrics made of
leather (shoes, boots, saddles, bridles, etc.), ready-made
clothing, calicoes and all kind of cotton goods, flannels, silks
and fashionable woolen goods for ladies' clothing, woolen
hose and half hose, etc. I hope your friend still continues of
the same mind. I think I can find a faithful, experienced
Baptist brother who will like to embark in the business. He
is now in California for his stock of goods. His name is
Levi A. Rice, formerly from Ohio, whose moral character
stands high. Should your friend wish farther information
and still wish to do something through the medium of
trade for the moral and religious conditions of Oregon, I hope
God will open the door for him. We have also another
brother of good standing and also an attornev-at-law who is
about entering into trade in this place, who no doubt might
be induced to enter into this kind of business. Freight from
San Francisco to this place costs as much as freight from N.
Y. to this place. Your friend will readily see the advantage
of shipping directly to the Columbia. Our merchants all
trade through California. Consequently it is their policy to
discourage all capitalists in eastern cities from embarking
directly in the Oregon trade. Oregon has suffered long
from this selfish policy.

Yours with Christian esteem,

EZRA FISHER.

Received Feb. 9, 1850.

Oregon City, Jan Stb, 1850.
Dear Br. Hill:

'; ,v . . You have probably learned before this that I am
at this place engaged in teaching and preaching. A convic-
tion of duty rather than a desire to change has brought me
to this place and this employment. At this period in my life
I have not the most distant desire to engage in teaching and

296 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

thus abate my ministerial labors. But the time has evidently
come when we, as a denomination, must act in reference to
securing a site and putting into operation a school or we lose
an important kind of influence with the rising generation, and
even with the present acting community.

The public are asking for schools and will have them. If
then we select our site and leave the schools to spring up
hereafter, the public will repose no confidence in our enter-
prise and other denominations will educate not only the chil-
dren generally, but even those of our Baptist families. And
then we need, very much need, some benevolent object
around which we may rally the denomination, and I know
of no one benevolent object in which they will so readily be
brought to harmonize and which will serve as a precursor
to all the benevolent enterprises of the gospel as an institu-
tion of learning under the control and instruction of Baptist
men and dependent on the denomination for support. If we
undertook the work, I felt fully assured that I must give a
portion of my time at least to the work till such time as
we could secure the labors of a professional teacher from the
States. Again, should the Lord of all hearts convert our
children and they look to the work of the ministry, they
must either enter upon that work uneducated, or we must
provide the means of education for them in Oregon. We
cannot expect to send our sons back across the Rocky Moun-
tains or by way of the ocean to the States to be educated,
and they are fast growing up around us. With these and
many other considerations rushing upon my mind, I was
led to the conviction that it was my duty for the time being
to enter upon the work of teacher as well as preacher till
we can be supplied from other sources. Perhaps Br. John-
son and myself will be enabled to perform nearly as much
ministerial labor and sustain the school, if it is continued in
this place, as we should if I had continued at Clatsop, al-
though I left that place at last with great reluctance. We
shall probably finally fix upon a site for our institution im-
mediately adjoining this city plat, about half a mile from the

CORRESPONDENCE 297

river on a point which will have a commanding view of the
river below and a portion of the city as soon as the timber
is removed. We have provided for forty acres of land.1*1 I
suppose Br. Johnson has given you the particulars. I there-
fore will leave this subject for the present.

I have rather a promising school.*93 How long it may re-
main so is with the All Wise to disclose. We shall much
need classical books, such as are in use in our best schools in
the States, among which we must have a few Latin and
Greek grammars, lexicons and such preparatory books as
are required in fitting for college in the old States. Also
Roman and Greek antiquities and classical dictionaries. We
hope to make arrangements as soon as we can to order such
books as we shall need. But should you find any liberal
friend of education in Oregon, I hope you will do something
for us by way of securing a few books of the above descrip-
tion.

We intend to make vigorous efforts the coming summer to
erect a good wooden school house, perhaps with two apart-
ments and a boarding house, notwithstanding the enormous
price of lumber and all building materials and labor. Lum-
ber is now worth $100 per thousand feet; carpenter's labor
is worth from $8 to $12 per day. Flour is worth $25 per
barrel, potatoes $4 per bushel and all other provisions pro-
portionately high. You will readily see that all our expenses
must be very high, and there is no immediate prospect of
their becoming lower. All kinds of labor are richly reward-
ed except that of preachers and teachers.

191 This was on the Ezra Fisher Donation Land Cliim, which adjoins on the
east the town site of Oregon City. The author, Rev. H. Johnson and J. Jeffers
bought the right to this tract of over 600 acres, and the author obtained a patent
to it from the government. See his letters of March 20, 1850, and Nov. 12, 1850.
The purchasers agreed to give the college a tract, and fifty-one acres were later
deeded to the trustees of Oregon City University, under which name the institu-
tion was chartered. Some of the timber on the claim was very large. One red fir
measured 300 feet in height.

The view mentioned included the Willamette River and three snow-capped
peaks — St. Helens, Adams and Hood.

192 A niece of Hezekiah Johnson had taught a private school in the church
building for several months, sometime previous to this. Besides the author s school
there were at this time only three other schools in the town— two under Roman
Catholic auspices, and a private school for girls under Mr». N. M. Thornton. St«
letur of F«b. 8th of this year.

298 . REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Our Board of Trustees have requested me to ask that your
Board of the H. M. Soc. continue to appoint me with a salary
of $200, in addition to what I shall receive for teaching, as
they expect I shall preach nearly every Sabbath and spend
some time in visiting the churches and attending public
meetings. Your Board should not neglect a single month to
secure a suitable man for the mouth of the Columbia River
and to have him on the way immediately. The place is too
important to be neglected.

Accept, dear brother, my grateful acknowledgement of the
clothes you sent me. They fit well and are the best I have
to appear in public in. The Lord grant you your reward.
The clothing we have received from the States has been of
essential service to my family, and I know not how I should
have been able to have sustained my family without them.
Let our friends know that partially worn woolen clothes
aid us in publishing the gospel in this new and neglected
territory.

I wrote you last about the 8th and 9th of Nov. and then
thought I should have forwarded these sheets in a few weeks,
but the labors of my school and other duties have prevented
till the present. You will soon hear from me again on the
subject of your friend's commercial enterprise and by way
of my report, etc.

Yours affectionately,

EZRA FISHER.
Received, April 6, 1850.

Oregon City, Jan. 26, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother :

Your letter of June, blank day, 1849, and June 28th, were
received on the 18th inst., acknowledging the receipt of sun-
dry letters from me, one of which contained an order for
goods. I trust you have filled the bill and forwarded the
goods, with the replacing of those lost on the Undine. I
think rather unfavorably of the Undine wreck, falsely so

CORRESPONDENCE 299

called, and I have not unbounded confidence in Capt. Gelston.
He presented a friend of mine with an order on me for
freight on the goods you shipped by him for me to Cali-
fornia, after giving you a receipt on the bill of lading. The
order was not paid and I presume he will not present me
with his bill as I retain his receipt in the bill of lading. I
wish to give you a statement of facts relative to our mis-
sionary affairs in Oregon. When we came to Oregon, Ore-
gon City was the only place worthy the name of a town in
the whole Territory. Br. Johnson seemed providentially
thrown into this city. I was providentially thrown into Tu-
alatin Plains. I explored the settled part of the country
generally, and in view of the fact that Br. Snelling being placed
at YamHill, a place somewhat central in the Willamette Val-
ley, and in view of the prospect that a place of importance
would soon rise at the mouth of the Columbia, Br. Johnson
complied with my suggestion that it was important to fill
that opening. I removed to Astoria, but finding little could
be done there till commerce increased, yet being conscious of
the importance of the point prospectively, I removed eight
miles to Clatsop Plains, where we have a few good members,
thinking to labor there till circumstances should favor an at-
tempt to build up an interest at Astoria. Things were new,
everything was to be done, both in the way of providing for
my family, for common schools and for the cause of Christ.
The means of subsistence, except clothing and mechanics'
labor, were cheap. We knew the policy of your Board in
relation to the amount they give to aid the churches in sus-
taining each missionary and, in the main, we approved of it.
We could not expect any very rapid changes in the settle-
ment of our territory, so far removed from all other settle-
ments. Yet we were confident that our position was of great
importance. Our brethren were generally men who had re-
ceived their religious training in the West and knew but
little of system in the support of the ministry and indeed
had not yet generally learned the importance of ministerial

300 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

support. Were we to ask the Board for $600 salary, that
would appear like an enormous expenditure in comparison to
the relative results and importance of the field. We, there-
fore, concluded that to abandon the field would be disastrous
and our only alternative, in view of all circumstances, would
be to practice economy, even to parsimony, and, while the
country was new, to meet the necessities of our families,
which remained unprovided for by the Board and our breth-
ren and friends, by our own industry and that of our families
till we could have time to correct false views in our brethren
here and the age of the country would insure us entire sup-
port. I know not how it has been with Br. Johnson, but I
have never attempted to conceal from your Board the fact
that sheer necessity impelled me to labor, working with my
hands to supply my immediate wants. Had you forwarded
to me the $200 in cash, that sum would not have bought $65
worth of clothing and groceries in N. Y. My only alterna-
tive seemed to be to order goods for my family supplies.
This process has taken from one to two or three years to
get our returns. With this state of things I have been in-
clined to wait with patience. Could we have received our
pay from N. Y. at your prices at the end of each year, we
might have been able to give ourselves mostly to the gospel
ministry up to the time of the commencement of the gold
excitement. Since that time changes have gone on with un-
paralleled rapidity, till the time has now come when, instead
of $200, it would require $1800 to $2000 to give my family a
comfortable support at Oregon prices. Gold is found so
abundant that our men will go and get it in preference to
farming their rich lands, till potatoes are worth $5 per bushel
and flour is from $25 to $30 per barrel, and all kinds of living
extravagantly high. Gold is found on the Umpqua and
Rogue rivers in Oregon, so that our men will probably mine
near home next summer.193 We therefore expect a great in-

193 Mining was just beginning in these valleys. The summer of 1850 saw two
hundred miners at work in the Umpqua Valley, but the real boom came some time
later. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:184-186.

CORRESPONDENCE 301

flux of population into our Territory the coming- year.1**
Farming will revive and sawmills will be multiplied through
the country bordering on our navigable waters. We confi-
dently hope for a more settled state of things and expect our
pel. I could now settle myself in Tuallity Plains and have
my family table supplied, excepting groceries. Then $200
brethren will soon become liberal in the support of the gos-
or $300 would meet all my expenses, by ordering my cloth-
ing and groceries from N. Y. But we must have a school,
and our brethren think my duty calls me to take charge of it
till you can send us suitable teachers. I may realize about
$1000 per year for teaching, if we continue the school in this
place, and be able to preach every Sabbath. Next week the
friends of education meet at this place and no doubt they
will agree in opinion with Br. Johnson and myself on the
place of location. We have forty acres of land cleared from
all incumbrances immediately adjoining the city plat for the
site, and can build within half a mile from the Willamette
River on a commanding eminence. In the event of my teach-
ing, Br. Johnson will travel through the Willamette Valley
the coming season and I shall spend my Sabbaths with this
church and at Milwaukee, I95 a business place springing up six
miles below this place on the river. My first quarter of the
school will close next week. School has been large and I
have been compelled to call in the aid of my eldest daughter
part of the time. We shall continue the school in the Bap-
tist meeting house196 till next fall or the spring following
and, in the meantime, we shall make an effort to build a good

194 See note 154.

lot Milwaukie, only recently laid out, had a population of 500 in the fall of
1850. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:251, quoted from Oregon Spectator, Nov. 28, 1850.

mfi Amonc- the cuoils who attended the school while it was still held in the
meet n* house were Theodore Matlock, Almond B. Holcomb, William G. Welch,
Safe Hotean John Welch, F. Dillard Holman, E. M. White, W. L. White, Lucy
line G FTsh"'r E T T. Fisher, Ann Eliza Fisher, Franklin Johnson, W. C. John-
son, Annie Abernethy, Abner P. Gaines, Noble W. Matlock, Jane Matlock, Ellen
Matlock William Bullack, William Cason, Adomram Cason, James Cason, Maria
Morfitt 'William. Morfitt, Julia A. Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, Amy Johnson, Sarah
Josephine Fisher, Lucy Moore, Rebecca Parrish, Pauline Tompkms, Helen Tomp-
t°ns, Josephine Hunsaker, Horton Hunsaker Jacob Hunsaker and Medorem
Crawford.— Recollections of W. C. Johnson and W. G. Welch.

302 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

school house, with two apartments, on the contemplated
site, although lumber is from $100 to $150 per thousand feet
and carpenter's and joiners' labor is from $8 to $12 per day.
Cannot some friends furnish us with a bell weighing from
100 to 400 pounds ? You may learn by the bearer of this that
a large company is forming, or rather is formed, to build up
a town immediately adjoining Cape Disappointment with
steam mill, steam boat,19? etc. This is adjoining the point
which the government will first fortify on the north side of
the Columbia at the entrance from the ocean. The enterprise
will probably succeed, not however to the prejudice of As-
toria. I am pained in spirit every moment I think of that
point (at the mouth of the Columbia) being left destitute of
a Baptist minister. Your Board cannot be too forcibly re-
minded of the importance of early occupying that part of
the field. The N. Y. of Oregon must spring up in that vi-
cinity very soon. The first steamer which comes into the
Columbia to run between this city and the mouth of the Co-
lumbia will stop the shipping at Astoria. We have a
small church at Clatsop Plains, not quite extinct, which
would receive a minister and do what they can for his sup-
port. If we had a man at the mouth of the river now, a
block 200 feet square and located in the most favorable part
of this new town, called Lancaster, would be donated for
church purposes. Elder Snelling is in California and I
learn that he has made arrangements to move his family to
that territory.198 He has not labored under the commission
you sent me. We feel that we must have a missionary or
two more for the Willamette Valley. One is needed at
Salem on the east side of the river and one on the opposite
side of the river with the Rickreal Church or the YamHill
Church.

Yours affectionately,

EZRA FISHER.
Received May 8, 1850.

197 This was later known as Pacific City, then Unity, and then Ilwaco. — G. H.
Himes.

198 Snelling died in California in 1855. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:44.

CORRESPONDENCE 303

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., Feb. 8th, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Br. : '

I take my pen in hand to give you the Constitution of the
Oregon Bapt. Educational Soc., together with a few of the
resolutions passed at the late meeting of its Board held in
this city Feb. 2nd. As we have as yet no means of publishing
the proceedings of our meetings, we must transcribe and send
all our proceedings in letter form : —

Constitution of the Oregon Baptist Education Society as
adopted by convention, Sept. 22, 1849.

Art. 1st. — This Society shall be called the Oregon Bapt.
Education Society.

Art. 2nd. — The objects of this society shall be to promote
the cause of education generally; to locate one literary in-
stitution, or more, for the benefit of the Baptist denomi-
nation in Oregon Territory; to appoint a board of trus-
tees for each of the same; to hold such board or boards
responsible for the faithful execution of the trust commit-
ted to them; to aid in the education of indigent pious youth
of promising gifts in our churches and to raise funds to carry
into effect the above named objects.

Art. 3rd. — The officers of the Society shall be a President,
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and five Directors who
shall constitute a board for the transaction of business, all
of whom shall be members of regular Baptist churches, and
three of whom shall form a quorum whose respective duties
shall be the same as those usually exercised by officers of
the same name in similar societies, who shall be chosen an-
nually, but shall hold their offices until their successors are
chosen.

Art. 4th. — Any person may become a member of this So-
ciety by subscribing to this Constitution.

304 REVEREND EZRA FISHE*

Art. 5th. — This Society shall hold its annual meetings at
the time and place of the annual meetings of the Willam-
ette Baptist Association.

Art. 6th.— It shall be the duty of the President to call
special meetings of this Society at the request of any two
members of the Board.

Art. 7th. — The officers of this Society shall be empowered
to regulate their own meetings and to make their own by-
laws, not inconsistent with this Constitution.

Art. 8th. — This Constitution may be altered or amended
at any annual meeting of the Society by a vote of two-
thirds the members present.

In view of the improbability of securing the property
where the locating committee had fixed for the site of an
institution and in view of the manifest providences of God,
the Education Society convened Feb. 3d. Elder H. Johnson
called to the chair. Moderator prayed. On motion it was
voted to reconsider so much of the proceedings of the So-
ciety as it related to the location of an institution of learning
in the center of the Willamette Valley.

After hearing proposals from the brethren who had pur-
chased the Barlow claim in reference to this object, it was
unanimously voted to locate the Baptist institution on the
forty acres of the above named claim immediately adjoining
the city plat of Oregon City.1" The site will command an
excellent view of the river below the town and the lower
part of the city. Providence has seemed to close up almost

199 The tract is now known on official maps as the Ezra Fisher Donation Land
Claim, and adjoins the Oregon City Claim on the east. No college buildings were
ever erected there. The building,* as recorded later in these letters, was put up in
Oregon City.

This Baptist institution was only one of a number of Christian denominational
institutions which were projected in these days when the state had as yet failed to
provide adequately for public instruction. Some of these institutions died early;
others, as at Monmouth and Corvallis, were merged into state institutions. A few
survive as Christian academies and colleges.

Among those which perished were the Clackamas "female seminary" at Oregon
City, a college at Eugene, and academies at Sheridan and Santiam. Among the
surviving schools are Willamette University, Pacific University, Albany College, and
McMinnville College. To this last was turned over the remnant of the property
of that Oregon City college, whose early history is given in these letters.

CORRESPONDENCE 305

every other favorable point and open up this point unan-
ticipated by all and unsought, and by this means throw us
as a denomination in juxtaposition with the Romans, and
in the only position where they may be successfully met.
Here they are making great efforts to secure the work of
educating the children and youths of our city and surround-
ing country. They have erected a nunnery about 70 feet
by 30, two and one half stories, with a school in operation
under a lady superior and five assistant sisters of charity
and have about sixteen or twenty female children from fam-
ilies in our city. One of the priests teaches all the male
scholars he can draw under his instruction, which, by the
way, have been very few (not more than 8 or 10) since I
opened my school. My school the last quarter numbered
more than fifty.

We have also a female school in this place taught by a
Presbyterian lady.200

On motion it was unanimously voted to request Elder
Ezra Fisher to continue the charge of the school in Ore-
gon City and that the Board of the A. B. H. M. Soc.
be requested to continue him as a missionary in this
place and vicinity at a salary of two hundred dollars a
year. The Society voted to make an effort to raise four
thousand dollars the ensuing year to erect a suitable
school house and to meet the incidental expenses of the
Society. The Society voted: to appoint Elder Richmond
Cheadle its agent for two months, with a salary of one hun-
dred dollars per month, to carry the above resolution into
effect.

Voted to request the Board of the A. B. H. M. Soc.
to use their influence to procure us a bell, weighing
from 200 to 500 pounds, and classical books such as are
in use in literary schools in New England and New York.

Since the last named meeting the proprietors of the
claim have agreed to give to the institution about ten or

200 This was Mrs. N. M. Thornton. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:35-

306 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

twelve acres more of land lying immediately adjoining
the site and we hope for a small donation from the ad-
joining claim.201 I must renew my private request that
you find us a well qualified, literary young man and send
him out to our relief as soon as practicable. I cannot
think of being long confined five days in seven within
the walls of a schoolhouse while so much is to be done
in the ministry and there are so few laborers. But at
present our brethren have so willed it and I comply from
a conviction of duty rather than from a desire for the
office. I wish to leave this matter with God. I trust I
shall be able to make out my report up to this time next
week.

I am as ever your unworthy brother and fellow-laborer in
Christ's vineyard, EZRA FISHER,

Missionary in Oregon.
Received May 27, 1850.

Oregon City, Feb. 19, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

Herein I send you my report of labor under the ap-
pointment of the Home Mission Society from the 22nd of
August, 1849, up to the first of Oct. for the term of ten
weeks, it being the first report which I have made for
the year commencing the first day of April, 1849. I
have labored ten weeks in the quarter, preached fourteen
sermons, delivered six lectures on the subject of Sunday
schools and religious education, visited religiously fifty
families and one common school, baptized one, traveled
to and from appointments 535 miles. The remaining
items of the report I have been unable to do anything for,
except that the Sunday school in Clatsop Plains is con-
tinued with three Baptist teachers and about twenty
scholars; about 135 volumes in the library. For a more

201 This donation from the adjoining claim was never made.

CORRESPONDENCE 307

detailed account of my labors this quarter I refer you
to my journal, which I forwarded you in December last,
if I mistake not.

Respectfully submitted,

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary in Oregon.

Oregon City, Feb. 20, 1850.

Herein I send you my report of labor for the third
quarter of the year commencing April 1st, the quarter
commencing October first, 1849. Labored thirteen weeks,
preached fourteen times, delivered thirteen Sunday
school lectures and twenty lectures to my day school,
attended three church meetings and visited eighteen fam-
ilies religiously. But have done nothing on the other
various subjects required in the form of reports in the
commission. The reason I assign is the circumstance of
my being called to remove to Oregon City and the new and
somewhat peculiar relation I have consented to sustain for
the time being as a teacher in our newly organized school
for Oregon.

The time has come when all these benevolent enter-
prises should have a home in the hearts of all the Bap-
tists in Oregon and should be responded to by benevolent
action; and I think something will soon be done on the
subjects of home missions, foreign missions and the
Bible cause, as well as for our institution of learning.
My school has been flourishing the past quarter and num-
bered between sixty and seventy different scholars. I
had about ten young men and lads who declaimed each
two weeks and about 20, male and female, who wrote
and read their compositions each alternate two weeks.
Two boys in algebra, one young lady in natural philos-
ophy, about a dozen in geography and about the same
number in English grammar, about twenty in arithme-
tic and two in history. The present term is an unfav-
orable season of the year. I have taught but one week,

308 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

have 24 and the prospects fair for about 40 scholars.
At a meeting of the board of the institution, held in this
place on the 15th instant, it was resolved to name the in-
stitution the Oregon City College.

I will now proceed to give you a report as near as I can
calculate for the quarter ending April 1st, 1850. My field
of labor comprises Oregon City, Milwaukie and vicinity.
I have labored thirteen weeks in the quarter, preached
sixteen sermons, attended three church meetings. Addressed
Sabbath schools twelve times, my day school fifteen times
on religious subjects. Delivered one temperance lecture.
Visited religiously thirty-five families and individuals. I have
assisted in the celebration of the Lord's Supper twice ; attended
one meeting of the Oregon Baptists' Education Society. Have
the charge of the Sabbath school in Oregon City, with 20
scholars and four teachers and 200 volumes in the library.
The remaining requisitions in the instructions I have omitted,
as nothing is yet done for them. Our congregations in this
place and Milwaukie are increasing and it seems obvious to
all our friends at least that the hand of God is in our attempts
to establish our institution in this place. Marked attention is
generally paid to the preached word and we fondly hope that
God will visit us with His spirit, notwithstanding all the rage
for gold and speculation with which we are surrounded. All
of which is respectfully submitted.

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary in Oregon.
Received May 27, 1850.

CORRESPONDENCE 309

Oregon City, Oregon Ten, March 29, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

Yours of July 14, 1849, addressed to me in California, con-
taining a copy of the one you forwarded in June, yours under
date October 15th, 1849, accompanying my commission bear-
ing date Apr. 1, 1849, and yours of Dec. 10, 1849, have
all been received within a few days, the last of which I
hasten to answer as briefly and as directly as the complicated
circumstances will admit. You may rest assured that it affords
us great pleasure in Oregon to have so strong assurances that
our brethren on the other side of the mountains cherish so
correct and liberal views in relation to the future importance
of Oregon and we are still more cheered to discover the
almost impatient anxiety you manifest in our prompt action
on the subject of locating and bringing into existence a school
for the benefit of the Baptists in Oregon.

I have only to say that when I wrote you in Feb. and July
the denomination as such in Oregon had not been consulted on
the subject in any of its peculiar relations and my object in
writing you from San Francisco was rather to apprise you
of the course marked out in my own mind for my immediate
actions than to ask our eastern brethren to aid us immediately.
But God in His providence has seemed to mark out for us a
course in an unexpected manner and in a relation which we
had little anticipated and now we are compelled to yield to
the manifest providential indications or sacrifice the most
important local position in the Territory and with it the little
public confidence we are beginning to secure. This is the only
point in Oregon where Romanism and Protestantism can be
brought to bear directly upon each other. The nuns have
here a school and we understand the Jesuits contemplate
establishing a college in the immediate vicinity. We have
good reason to suppose that other denominations would have
soon fixed upon this place if we had not secured our site
first. I have already informed you that we have secured a
land claim immediately adjoining the claim on which Oregon

310 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

City stands at an expense of $5000. Br. Johnson assumed
one half of the debt and I paid $1250, which consumed all
my available means, and we found a friend of mine who
paid $1250. This was the only method we could hit upon by
which we could secure anything like a suitable amount of
land for college purposes near this place without paying
from $8000 to $15000. We have appropriated about fifty
acres of the claim, in the most eligible situation and within
about half a mile of the most populous part of the town, to
college purposes and the Trustees accepted the same. Since
I last wrote you we have secured a town lot, 66 feet by 100,
in a central part of the city as a donation.202 This lot is now
valued at $300. We wish to put on this lot a building, 66 by
30, two stories, the present season, if possible, to be occupied
by the school till such time as we can sustain a school on the
college premises. The building and lot will then sell for more
than the first cost or, what is rather probable, may be ap-
propriated to a preparatory department. By this plan we shall
be able to keep a full school from this time forward, with
suitable teachers. Should the price of lumber fall, as is prob-
able it will, we shall labor hard to raise the requisite means
and build this summer and fall. Yet we have few men in
Oregon to whom we may look to give us the requisite means.
Br. Johnson, one other brother and myself have subscribed
$650 toward that object. Our school now occupies the Baptist
meeting house and must still occupy it till we can build. We
also need a boarding house erected so that we can be pre-
pared to board as cheap as board can be had in the country.
This must be done or we shall fail of benefiting children of
Baptist families in the country. Unless funds can be raised
in the States to the amount of five or six thousand dollars,
this part of the work must be delayed. Now we think that
the school itself will afford a good teacher from six hundred
to a thousand dollars salary. We think we can manage to
furnish him a garden and other perquisites to the amount

202 This was lot 8, block 97, of the Oregon City townsite, and was southwest
of the present Barclay School building. — Clackamas County Deed Records.

CORRESPONDENCE 311

of from one to two hundred dollars. We think by these
means, if the friends in the States could raise $200, so that
he could provide his family clothing at N. York, we can
sustain a good teacher. We would suggest that he leave
his measure for all his clothes with you, as it costs 30 dollars
in California gold to get a coat made at a tailor's shop in
Oregon and all other sewing is proportionately high. $200
in New York is worth $1000 here in the line of clothing, etc.
We must have a teacher well qualified to be a popular
teacher in a New England Academy and one who wishes to
make teaching his business for life. It would be desirable
that he have a wife qualified to teach in the primary depart-
ment, or to teach a ladies' school. It will be of little use to
send us a stupid, half-educated man, with little common sense
and ignorant of human nature. Should he be a good singer,
and preacher too, it will be all the better. We can find him
work. We want and must have, if possible, almost every-
thing necessary to afford facilities for students to prosecute
their studies without serious inconvenience. We need a
system of common school books so that we can furnish our
scholars with the best approved books at moderate prices,
when they enter the school. Our school will soon have scholars
commencing a preparatory course and we must therefore have
text books. We then want common school books, from the
spelling book to the rhetorical reader. Perhaps Saunders'
series is as good as you can furnish us. We are now using
these as reading books, but there are no more to be obtained
in the country. We are using Thompson's Arithmetic; per-
haps that is as good as you can send us.2°3 We use Brown's
and Wells' English grammar. We have a few in natural phil-
osophy; we use Olmsted's. We have some in algebra and

203 James B. Thomson had a number of works on arithmetic published by
Clark and Maynard, New York.

Denison Olmsted, of Yale, had a number of works on natural philosophy by
the same publishers; and by R. B. Collins and E. D. Truemin of Cincinnati. — Amer-
ican Catalogue for 1876, and O. A. Roorbach, Bibliotheca Americana. W. H.
Wells' Grammar was published in Boston, and Goold Brown's Grammar was pub-
lished in New York. Ibid,

312 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

shall soon need a few Latin and Greek grammars, readers,
and lexicons. Now it seems almost indispensable to our suc-
cess that we have the most approved works always at hand.
Can you not find some friends who will send out by our teacher
on commission a small book store of school books and religious
and literary works and afford them here for forty or fifty per
cent profits? They will meet with a ready sale and we can
find some friend here who will sell them for a small per cent
for the benefit of the school and Oregon generally, without
taxing the teacher with this matter farther than receiving
the funds and forwarding them and conducting the correspond-
ence. More than a thousand dollars' worth of school books
were brought to this place about two months since 2°4 and they
are almost entirely sold, so that the country will be out of
school books in a few weeks. In addition to this we want a
small, well selected library, comprising histories, voyages,
travels, literary and scientific works, especially works on the
natural sciences, mental and moral philosophy, political econ-
omy, lives, theological standard works, etc. ; also a set of
globes, a small portable telescope and a case of instruments
to facilitate the study of natural philosophy, surveying, trig-
onometry, etc. We have already asked you for a bell. We
repeat that request; if you can find some benevolent friends
who can send us one of from 200 to 600 pounds weight. The
Romans regulate the time of our city by their bells. Not a
Protestant bell in the place. We need: nails, hinges, door
latches and glass sufficient for building a house of the size
before named and furnishing two school rooms thirty feet
square. Sash also can be bought and shipped much cheaper
than they can be bought here. We think you could render us
essential service, if your Board would take this matter into
advisement and, when you find the man, commission him to
travel a few months through some of the most important cities
and large towns in the free states and solicit funds for the

304 These were brought out by G. H. Atkinson. — George H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 313

above named object. We want no old, useless books shipped.
Send us standard works of the most approved authors, if
you would aid us in giving a sound political, moral and re-
ligious character to Oregon. 23000 miles is too far to ship
trash for a literary institution and, I trust, theological school
for the Baptists in Oregon.

We intend to raise $5000 or more for this work in Ore-
gon the present season. We have an agent appointed for
two months and he will work in the best part of the season.
I this day introduced the subject to a friend of mine. He
assured me that he would give us $500 when we got ready
to circulate our subscription and would also deed us a lot
in Lancaster, a town just springing into existence on Baker's
bay on the north side of the mouth of the Columbia, which
he said was worth $500 more. Surely, thought I, the Lord
intends to bless our feeble efforts. We feel that we are placed
by providence now where we cannot leave the work and we
see no other way but that I must stand in this moral Ther-
mopylae until you can send us aid. We have reason to expect
my health must gradually decline under the labor of teaching,
and preaching every Sabbath. Yet such is the great destitu-
tion in our whole territory that we feel that it is sinful for me
to think of leaving the appropriate duties of the ministry.
There are times in the history of men's lives in which all the
energies of the man are called for. This at present is our
condition in Oregon. This is the time when the demand for
preparatory work is great, very great. There is scarcely a
rising town in Oregon where church property and educa-
tional property would not be donated to the denomination, if
we had a few more men in the ministry, or, what would be
still better, a few more wise, active laymen to secure such
valuable property.

We hope the brother you appointed for Oregon last Nov. is
on his way with one or two more fellow laborers. We would
name Fort Vancouver as a commanding point which should

314 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

be occupied very soon. Soon immigration will be pouring in
upon us from over the mountains and by water. Your Board
must be apprised of this. We have the best evidence that
gold is abundant in the south part of Oregon, and probably
our Oregon men will dig near home this season.

We see that Br. Geo. C. Chandler is about leaving the pres-
idency of Franklin College.20^ He is favorably known by us.
Would it not be right to draw him away from Indiana to the
charge of our school? Means must not be wanting to in-
sure us a teacher such as will secure public respect and confi-
dence? My school numbers about 45 this quarter and will
be larger from this time forward. Last quarter it was larger.

We subscribe ourselves, Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER, W. T. MATLOCK,

Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Clerk of the Board.

Done by order of the Trustees of Oregon City College.
Received July 9, 1850.

Oregon City, Oregon Ten, July 1, 1850.
To Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. Am. Bapt. Home Mission Soc. :

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the first quarter end-
ing June 30, 1850. My field comprises Oregon City and Mil-
waukie, six miles below Oregon City on the east bank of the
Willamette, Clackamas County, and Linn County,306 Washing-
ton County (formerly Tualatin) immediately across the Wil-
lamette from Oregon City. I statedly supply the station at
Oregon City half the time and superintend the Sabbath
school and teach the Bible class. Supply the station at Mil-
waukie once each four weeks and supply the station at Linn
City once each Sabbath three-fourths of the time. I have la-
bored thirteen weeks the last quarter, preached twenty-five

205 Rev. George C. Chandler (1807-1881) was licensed by the church in Spring-
field, Vermont, while the author was pastor there. He went to Indiana in 1838 and
was president of Franklin College from 1843 to 1850. He came to Oregon in 1851.
Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:73-82.

206 Linn City was laid off by Robert Moore in 1843. Hist, of Portland, ed.
by H. W. Scott, p. 78.

CORRESPONDENCE 315

(25) sermons, delivered one annual address before the Oregon
Tract Society,20? auxiliary to the A. T. Soc., twelve lectures
to the Sabbath school and Bible class, attended three prayer
meetings and one three-days' meeting in connection with the
communion season of the church in this place on the first
Sab. in May. Visited religiously twenty-three families and
individuals, visited no common schools, addressed my own
on moral and religious subjects twenty-seven times. Bap-
tized none, obtained no signatures to the temperance pledge,
organized no church, aided in no ordination, traveled to and
from my appointments one hundred and fifty miles, received
none by letter or experience, no conversions known, none pre-
paring for the ministry, except one anti-missionary brother
who is studying and reciting to me. No monthly concert of
prayer (I trust this thing will not long be so).

The people where I labor have done nothing for any of the
missionary societies. Connected with the places where I
preach are three Sabbath schools in which the Baptists partic-
ipate, but only one under Baptist direction. The one at Ore-
gon City has four teachers, 20 scholars, and 200 volumes in
the library. I have a Bible class of six scholars.

Respectfully submitted,

EZRA FISHER,

Missionary at Oregon City and vicinity.

Our association has just closed an interesting session.308 All
was harmony ; all the delegates were deeply impressed with a
sense of the importance of ministerial support and passed
some spirited resolutions on the subject. One small church
sent up a pledge that they would pay one hundred dollars for
one fourth of the time for a year, if they could be supplied
with monthly preaching. Other churches will do as well and
we now have the hope that before the rainy season sets in al-
most every church of nominally missionary Baptists in the

207 This was organized in the autumn of 1848 and did some colporteurage
work.— George H. Himes.

208 The Association met with the La Creole Church, June 28-30. — Minute* of
Willamette Baptist Assn. of Ore. ,

316 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Territory will have entered into a systematic arrangement of
their own to sustain preaching part of the time. Yet we have
serious drawbacks upon our spiritual prospects by means of
the gold excitement. Some of our leading members and
many of the men, especially our young men, are off in the
mines much of the time, and the mind dwells on the thought
of golden treasures at the expense of all the great moral and
religious subjects which are indispensable to a happy and re-
ligious influence. Our citizens are now mining successfully
in Oregon on the Umpqua and Rogue rivers and gold is
found above the Cascade Mountains on both sides of the Co-
lumbia River209 and it is the opinion of those who have
visited that region as prospectors that it will also become a
mining region this fall.

Our school is quite as flourishing as could be expected in
the midst of all these exciting causes. Several of the young
men have gone to the gold regions and one or more will leave
soon. Yet my average number of scholars, large and small,
is about 56 the present quarter. I have had 75 different
scholars since the term commenced, which was on the 27th
of May. The school calls for all my energies during the
week. My oldest daughter is almost constantly employed in
teaching with me. In addition to teaching, for the last eight
weeks I have spent about one hour each day soliciting sub-
scriptions for our school building. We shall build the first
building in the city, on account of obtaining scholars, but
think we shall be able in two or three years (perhaps sooner)
to take the department for young men to the college prem-
ises. We have resolved as a Board to build a house 22 feet
by 42, two stories, so as to accommodate the school with two
good school rooms in one story and appropriate the other
story to a lecture room, 22 by 32, and a room of 10 feet by
22 for a library, philosophical apparatus or reading room, as
the case may demand. We have now subscribed $3332 in
cash and what is called $6500 in Pacific City property. The

209 This gold was found on bars just above the Cascades of the Columbia. —
George H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 317

town property is not available at present and probably is not
now worth more than twenty cents on the dollar. This sub-
scription I have obtained, except a few hundred dollars. We
have an agent, Eld. Richmond Cheadle, in the field for two
months, so as not to materially interfere with his ministerial
duties. He has just entered upon the work. We hope he will
raise for us $2000 or $3000. We think we shall be able to
raise 500 or 1000 dollars more in this vicinity for this object.
The hand of the Lord seems to be with us in this work. Yet
it is extremely expensive building. Lumber is worth at this
time $55 per thousand feet, delivered, and we have no hope
of its being lower, and mechanics' work is worth from $10 to
$12 per day. We are waiting with great anxiety for our teach-
er and hope his wife may be well qualified to teach a ladies'
school. The building for our country female seminary is going
up and teachers will be needed in that and we ought to fur-
nish our proportion of teachers.210 The building is to be 60
by 30, two stories. You will no doubt do what you can for
us by way of securing a library suited to our present wants
and, if possible, make arrangements so that we can have a
small book store kept here so that at all times we can supply
our own scholars, and all others who may want them, with
the best approved school books and other popular and stand-
ard works. Our whole territory is materially suffering for
want of school books now and the scarcity will be daily in-
creasing. Our teachers, or one of them, might keep the books
and sell them without entirely deranging the school. I say
one of them, for with present appearances, we cannot expect
to do with less than two teachers from this time forward.
Beside this, we must have teachers, both male and female,
through the Territory. Immigration will soon pour in upon
us from all parts of the world by thousands and we must be
prepared to meet this extraordinary state of things or ignor-

210 The Clackamas County Female Seminary was the successor of a school
opened by Mrs. N. M. Thornton, February i, 1847. — Oregon Spectator.

It was later enlarged, chiefly through the efforts of Dr. G. H. Atkinson, and
two teachers sent out through Governor Slade of Vermont taught there for a
time. It became a public school some years later. The site is occupied by the
present Barclay School. — George H. Himes.

318 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

ance with vice and luxury will soon work the ruin of this fair
portion of our great nation. We are looking for some half
dozen female teachers sent out by the Board of National
Popular Educational Society.211 We hope that the Society
will not be made a tool to sustain Congregationalism through
all our new states and territories. From the nature of the case
it must be a mighty engine and, unless well guarded, will be
employed to serve the interests of those sects who manage
its affairs. A fair proportion of the teachers sent out to the
West by that Society should be Baptists, or the deficiency
should be met by direct denominational action on our part, or
the molding of the minds of the next generation in the mighty
West is given over into Pedo-baptist hands, or, what is far
worse, into the hands of the Romans.

We have not yet contracted the printing of the minutes of
our Association, but voted to print 300 copies, together with
an abstract of the minutes of 1848, all of which will about fill
eight octavo pages. Our printer here will charge us $75 for
150 copies. I have prepared them for the press and I do not
know but we shall send to you for printing. We presume the
work can be done for $12 at most in New Y. The Associa-
tion voted unanimously to request the Board of the American
Baptist Home Mission Society to appoint Elder Vincent
Snelling as their missionary to labor one year within the
bounds of the Willamette Baptist Association at a salary of
$200.2" Done by order of the Association. Ezra Fisher,
Clerk. Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.

Oregon City, Oregon, July 10, 1850.
Dear Br. Hill:

The steamer Carolina is in with the mail at Portland. I do
not know how soon she will go out, but probably in two or three

211 This refers doubtless to the five young women who came out to teach in
1851. They were escorted by Thurston, the Oregon delegate to Congress, who died
on the way out. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. II: 136. (They were sent by the National
Board of Education. Gov. William Slade. president, at the solicitation of Dr.
G. H. Atkinson. — George H. Himes.)

212 Rev. Vincent Snelling was appointed Aug. i, 1850, by the Home Mission
Society, for the term of one year. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Or*. 1:44.

CORRESPONDENCE 319

days.*13 I mail this in haste, hoping to be able to write again
before the mail is made up a this place. We had a S. school
celebration in this place on the Fourth. I was called upon to
deliver the address. The whole business of the day passed
off in order and on the whole a new import to the S. S. cause
was given. All our schools have increased since that day —
ours has almost doubled. My school large. Gold on the
Umpqua and Rogue rivers not found sufficiently plentiful to
justify digging while the mines are more rich elsewhere.
Nothing certain as to the quantity of gold up the Columbia.
I shall send an order for clothing and groceries this mail if
possible. Yours truly,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Sept. 6, 1850.

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., June 17, 1850.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Herein I send you a bill for goods which I wish you to fill
and forward to me by the first good opportunity you have to
ship direct to Oregon. I hope you will not ship to California,
as it costs as much to ship from California to Oregon as it
does from N. Y. to Oregon. 1 book case and table for writing
made so that the book case can stand on the table, cherry, 1
barrel of best brown sugar, 1 ten pound box of green tea, 30
or 35 yds. of carpeting, not exceeding $1.25 per yd., 1 box
sperm candles, 1 pair heavy calfskin boots, No. 11s, 4 pairs of
men's good calfskin shoes, No. 10, 4 do. half No. 8's and half
No. 9's ; 2 pairs thick shoes, 8's and 9's ; 4 pairs ladies' gaiters,
Nos. 4 and 4^ each; 1 pair do., No. 3; 4 pairs of ladies'
shoes, calf, 4 and 4^; 2 do. Morocco, 4 and 4^; 2 pairs
ladies' shoes, calf, No. 3 ; 2 pairs do. girls' Nos. 12 and 13 ;

213 In June, 1850, the steamer Carolina (Captain R. L. Whiting) made her
first run to Portland from San Francisco with mails and passengers. In August
she was withdrawn and put on the run between San Francisco and Panama. Ban-
croft. Hist, of Ore. II: 188.

320 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

1 pair girls' gaiters, No. 12 ; 4 pairs child's shoes, calf, Nos. 8
and 9; 1 dress coat; 1 good summer vest and 2 pairs cloth
pantaloons for me, made to your measure, rather large; 4
pairs of suspenders for pantaloons; 12 or 15 pairs colored
lamb's-wool half hose for men; 6 pairs ladies' cotton hose,
colored; 2 do. alpaca; 3 do. lamb's-wool; 4 do. lamb's-wool
small, for girl about twelve years old; 4 do. lamb's-wool hose
for girls eight or nine years of age; four pairs lamb's-wool
half hose for children, four or five years old. Let all the
hose and half hose be colored. 1 bolt of good gingham ; 1
bolt of good worsted, or alpaca, fashionable for ladies'
dresses, not very light colored ; 20 yds. of lawn, light colored ;
1 cheap settee, if it will not cost too much for freight; 10
yds. of Irish linen, fine, for bosoms and collars; 1 bolt cot-
ton sheeting, bleached, fine; 1 do. unbleached, fine; 2 ladies'
summer bonnets, trimmed; 2 do. misses' trimmed, age 8 and
12 years; 1 web of linen edging, half-inch wide; 1 do. 1J4-
inch wide, a good article ; 3 pairs brown linen gloves for
gentlemen, rather large; 1 pair black kid gloves, gentle-
men's, rather large; 4 do. ladies' gloves; 2 pairs ladies'
mitts for summer; 4 do. misses' mitts for girls 8 and 12
years old; 6 large bottomed chairs and one large and one
small rocking chair, strong, boxed, ready to set up here; 2
pairs of silver set spectacles, suitable for my age; 1 hat for
me, 23^2 inches in circumference on the outside around the
band; 1 copy of the Comprehensive Commentary, if you
have not forwarded it to me before this ; 1 pair of brass can-
dlesticks; 1 do. iron; 1 pair of snuffers and snuffer tray; 6
German silver dessert spoons, large; 2 boxes of vegetable
shaving soap, put up in small white earthen boxes; 6 fine
ivory combs ; 1 ladies' parasol ; 6 white linen pocket hand-
kerchiefs ; 4 silk pocket handkerchiefs, 4 black silk cravats
for gentlemen, or 4 yards of good black silk for cravats; 8
yds. of figured white lace for ladies' caps; 1 bolt of good,
fine, firm, red flannel; 20 yds. of drab colored cambric for
facings of dresses; 1 boy's cap for winter, not fur, for boy
four years old; 12 yds. brown holland, fine article; 15

CORRESPONDENCE 321

yds. brown toweling; half pound good black sewing silk; 1
silk and 2 cotton umbrellas; 1 dozen spools of white sew-
ing thread; \l/2 dozen spools of colored thread; half pound
of black linen sewing thread; 15 yds. good black cassimere
for men's pantaloons; half ream good letter paper; 1 Ib.
alum; 1 good overcoat for me, rather large for yourself; 1
dress shawl, worsted, a good article; 4 pounds of Thomp-
sonian composition,2^ and a quart of No. Six. We wish
you to study economy in the purchase of these articles, yet
we are quite sure that cheap sale articles, for instance shoes
and boots, ready-made clothes, etc., are very unprofitable;
they fall to pieces so soon, $ale shoes, for instance, in this
dry climate often last but a few weeks and sometimes but
a few days. The taste of people is fast changing and people
are becoming extravagant in dress and we must be able to
appear in all circles. You need no further explanations. I
received no bill of the goods you sent us last and know noth-
ing how your account stands with me. We want you to fill
this bill and let us know how we stand. We feel that we
cannot get along with anything short of what I have ordered,
in our present condition, and, if this more than covers my
salary, I must try and raise the funds here some way to
meet it. Our necessary expenses and sacrifices to keep the
institution in operation must keep us exhausted in means un-
less God by His gracious providence opens doors beyond our
present knowledge. But we have commenced the work in
faith and we trust we shall be sustained. We cannot go
back. The work to us appears more and more important
every month. We expect the labor of elevating its character
will be great and the work will advance slowly and with great
expense, but waiting will be disastrous to our reputation as
a denomination of Christians in Oregon. We must have help
in Oregon for this work !

Not a word from you in this mail, either to Br. Johnson

214 This was a famous remedy of that time.

The formula seems to have been bayberry 2 Ibs., ginger i Ib., cayenne pepper
a oz., cloves 2 oz. Horton Howard, An Improved System of Botanic Medicine,
Columbus, 1832, p. 370-

322 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

or myself. Give us at least a male and female teacher be-
fore next spring, and a good, young minister for Astoria and
vicinity; a man adapted to rise with the people and mold the
mind of the people, both morally and religiously. This seems
to me indispensable, if you will have the Baptist interest
take deep root at the great commercial point in Oregon.21*
Yours with great respect.

EZRA FISHER.
Received Sept. 6, 1850.

Oregon City, Oregon Ten, Sept. 20, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother:

After a long delay I take my pen to write you a kind
of a general epistle, a part of which must be virtually a re-
capitulation of some of my former letters. By Divine bless-
ing my family and Brother Johnson's are all in tolerable
health. I commenced the fall quarter of our school last
Monday. We have now fifty suholars; probably we shall
have an increase next week. My daughter still assists and
we are yet compelled to have all the school in one room.
The work on our school building progresses as fast as we
could expect, in view of the present state of things in our
country. We have the frame now erected, forty-two feet by
twenty-two; two stories of ten and eleven feet, and a base-
ment of wood eight feet in the clear. We shall be able in a
few days to pay for the timber and work as far as we have
gone, which will be about $2000. Our financial affairs will
then stand somewhat as follows: $3000 on subscriptions in
cash and building materials, town property as subscribed
$6700, which we estimate worth about $2000 or $2500.216 It
would seem by a glance at our subscription list that there

215 The reason why the commercial metropolis of Oregon rose at Portland
instead of Astoria is probably because of the long haul from Astoria to the more
thickly settled parts of Oregon. It was cheaper to bring ocean ships to the head of
navigation, Portland, than to make the longer haul overland to Astoria.

216 The school building completed at so much sacrifice was not used as such
for more than a few years after the period covered by these letters. It was finally
torn down in the seventies. The proceeds of such property of the school as could b«
sold were given to McMinnville College. Mattoon. Bap. An. of Ore. 1:37.

CORRESPONDENCE 323

are no serious embarrassments to our moving forward and
completing so much of the house as will be imperiously
called for the coming winter and painting the outside. But
money is daily becoming more scarce with us and we see
no reason to suppose it will become more plenty. Those who
went to the mines last year and found gold so plentiful have
spent their surplus funds and little improvements in agri-
culture or buildings have been made. Lumber has been in
little demand in California, the markets there having been
filled with eastern lumber. Collections must, therefore, go
on slowly, yet labor and lumber and all kinds of building
materials are higher here than they are even in California.
We, however, hope to be able to enclose the house and fin-
ish two school rooms before the first of January. The super-
intending of the work must necessarily make some drafts
upon both Br. Johnson's and my time. He has the superin-
tending of the building and I have secured about three-
fourths of the subscription. But a failure in this work would
prove ruinous to the Baptist cause in the public estimation,
so far as present appearances indicate. When we have pro-
ceeded so far as to have finished two school rooms, our en-
treaties for a teacher qualified to sustain the reputation of
the first literary school in Oregon will know no denial. To
me it seems that we shall be brought to a Thermopylae. We
have taken strong encouragement from your letters and re-
ports that we shall not be disappointed and we have given
publicity to our sanguine expectations. Our school also is
increasing in numbers and improvements and will very soon
call for the labors of two men in the higher department and
a teacher in the primary department. This would be the
case at this time, if we had a boarding-house connected with
the school where students could board for four or five dol-
lars per week; but at present board is from $10 to $12 per
week, washings not included. We need to build a boarding-
house and find some good eastern family to come and take
charge of it, who would be satisfied with a steady increase

324 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

of property and a conviction of being instrumental of great
good to Oregon and the world. Would to God that such
a man could be found in some of our older churches who
would be able and willing to enter into such an enterprise.
Such a department, well rilled, would, no doubt, open the
way for scores every year to commence an education under
the influence of the gospel. We ardently hope you will
spare no ordinary efforts to secure us one teacher at least
who will stand high in moral and literary attainments.

We have another subject nearly allied to this, to which
I wish to call the attention of your Board, because I suppose
it can be done better through that channel than any other
now open. It is this : We now have several rising towns
just beginning to spring up at points which will not fail to
become important business places. The proprietors of these
townsites and the citizens will spare no pains, and I had
almost said means, to build a good school house and sustain
a good teacher who will give promise of some permanency.
Now, had we at this time, and from this time forward for
four or five years at least, a few good Baptist teachers of
leading minds, they might enter into a profitable business to
themselves and be exceedingly useful to the cause of Christ
and general education. Such an enterprise would no doubt
lay the foundation for the establishment of Baptist churches
in these towns at a very early period in the history of the
towns. I know now of a place where a preacher who would
consent to take a school might grow up with the people,
and his family, if not large, would be easily sustained from
the first. The people — men of enterprise — are solicitous on
the subject. I could now name several such places on the
Columbia and the Willamette below the head of tide water
Our Methodist brethren, ever awake to secure vantage
ground, are now negotiating with the proprietors of Port-
land, twelve miles below this place, and will no doubt soon
have there a school in operation belonging to the Methodist
Church and built and sustained, so far as funds are concerned,

CORRESPONDENCE 325

by the proprietors and citizens of Portland.21? We can
find employment at this time for more than a dozen good
teachers in our territory, where they would be well paid and
at the same time opening the way for fourfold that number
more. As it respects our want of ministers, allow me to re-
peat the request with earnestness that your Board make an
appointment for a minister to labor at Astoria, Pacific City
and Clatsop Plains as soon as you can find a man who is
suited to the place. The great commercial city for Oregon
must rise at the mouth of the Columbia. This must be the
key to the whole country. We have a fair proportion of Bap-
tist members and adherents there, and I shall never rest
when I think of this place till it is occupied. A Brother
Newell,218 formerly a teacher of music in N. Y. and Au-
burn, is in Pacific City and will probably take his family to
that place. The Baptist interest is rising in Salem, the seat
of the Methodist Institute, and a church will be constituted
in a few weeks at that place.219 I have referred your Board
to this place on a former occasion. An efficient minister
would soon find his support there, by your aid, in a few
years. This is the best point in all the upper country from
which to reach all points in the Willamette Valley, Another
minister is wanted about as much on the west side of the
river five miles above at a new town called Cincinnati.320
This place is in the bounds of the La Creole Church, form-
erly called Rick-re-All. Two ministers thus located would
always be near each other to counsel and give aid and at
the same time would each have a wide and rich field on each
side of the river. Another minister is much needed on Tual-
atin Plains. This is the strongest church in the Ter. and
would do their duty as they learned it. The immigrants to

217 This was Portland Academy and Female Seminary. The building was com-
pleted in November, 1851, largely through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Wilbur. Wm.
D Fenton, Father Wilbur and His Work, Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar. X:2i.

218 George P. Newell (1819-1886) was a native of England, but had lived in
America some years before coming to Oregon in 1850. He was Government Sur-
veyor and Inspector of Customs at Pacific City for three years, and was for fifteen
years a deacon in the Oregon City Church. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:?*.

210 See note 185.

220 The town wa« laid out by A. C. R. Shaw. Th« name is now Eola.—
George H. Himei.

326 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

California are, many of them, turning their course to the
Willamette Valley and others to the Puget Sound.221 Im-
migrants are now daily arriving, and every vessel and steam-
er from California is bringing the disappointed miners ; it is
confidently expected that we shall have our population more
than doubled before next April. Your Board will soon see
the necessity of making special effort for Oregon, as well
as California. I often feel almost worn out in the multiplici-
ty of my labors, yet I have never felt more the importance
of working while the lamp burns and throwing all over into
the hands of the Lord than I have the past summer. God
has wonderfully blessed my poor frail body with strength
We are now out of school books. Will you not induce some
friend of youthful education in Oregon to raise some school
books — Saunders' series, or Angel's, if better; Thompson's
arithmetic; a few grammars and books of philosophy, his-
tory and astronomy, adapted to academies — and have them
shipped? Could not a society of young men be formed in
your city who will furnish us with books as we may order
them, so that we might have time to sell them and refund
the money, with profit enough to pay them for the labor?
There are now no school books or singing books suited to
teach church music in Oregon. Do think of us.
Respectfully and affectionately yours,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Nov. 14, 1850.

Oregon City, Oregon Ten, Oct. 1, 1850.
The Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. Am. Bap. Home Miss. Soc. :

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the second quarter
(under the commission bearing date April 1, 1850) ending Oc-
tober 1st, 1850. I statedly supplied the station in this place

221 The first American settlement in the Puget Sound country was in 1845.
By 1850 there were possibly one hundred American citizens in that region; and
trade had just begun in American bottoms. The Hudson Bay Company had, of
course, some in some years before the Americans. — Bancroft, Hist, of Washington,
Idaho and Montana, pp. 2-17.

CORRESPONDENCE 327

half of my time and the station at Milwaukie one Sabbath a
month. Milwaukie is a rising village on the east bank of the
Willamette near the head of ship navigation and six miles be-
low this place.222 I preached the remainder of the time in this
place and vicinity. I have labored thirteen weeks in this quar-
ter, preached 21 sermons, delivered no lectures except to my
school and Sabbath school. Baptized none, obtained no signa-
tures to the temperance pledge, have not organized any
church, aided in no ordination. We established a weekly
prayer meeting in this place about five weeks since; have at-
tended all its meetings. Visited religiously twenty families
and individuals, visited no common schools, traveled to and
from my appointments 40 miles. No persons have been re-
ceived by letter or by experience and I know of no person who
has experienced a hope in Christ. No young men in our
churches to whom I preach preparing for the ministry. Our
sisters in this place have established a monthly concert of
prayer for the cause of missions. My people have paid me
during the quarter $25 for my salary, but nothing for any
missionary society. I have the superintendence of the Sab-
bath school in this church and conduct the Bible class ex-
cept when absent. We have four teachers and about 25
children; library, about 150 volumes. My Bible class varies
from four to eight or ten, mostly members of my day school.
My day school embraces about fifty in an average attend-
ance, but I have had 70 different scholars since the present
quarter commenced, which has now been in progress three
weeks. My daughter devotes most of her time as an assist-
ant. Our prospects as a whole are far better for building up
a permanent interest in this place and the whole Territory
than at any period since we have been in Oregon.

Churches are beginning to feel the importance of liberat-
ing the ministry from secular labor and care.

I have secured a deed for four town lots in Portland for a

222 Ocean-going ships stopped coming to Milwaukie about 1852.— George H.
Himes.

328 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Baptist church property.2^ Since the first of January I
have paid by way of establishing our school not far from
$300 in securing the site, $50 to the erecting of a building
on land, $50 towards ceiling our meeting house and have $100
more to meet on my subscription for our school building be-
fore next summer and have given no less than $100 of time
in soliciting subscriptions and collecting funds for our school
building. I do not name this to boast of my liberality. But
we have entered upon the work and there seems to be an im-
perious necessity laid on the few friends who have taken
hold of it. The rainy season has commenced and our school
building is not enclosed. We have therefore to fit up our
meeting house for the winter. I wish you to send Mrs. Fisher
the Mothers' Journal and pay for it from my salary. We
are in great want of religious periodicals to circulate among
the churches and our members. Numbers of them would
gladly pay for them, if the proprietors would run the risk
of conveyance of the money. But they seem unwilling to pay
their money and forward it and not receive the papers. We
could obviate this difficulty by ordering you to pay for the
periodicals from our salaries, but our salaries in N. Y. are
worth from 75 to 400 per cent more to us than the money is
here, and, with the great expense of living here and the respon-
sibilities in carrying on the work before us, we cannot make
that sacrifice. We will get the subscribers, collect the mon-
ey and forward it faithfully free of charge for our services,
if the proprietors of the papers will allow us to forward it
at their risk. We will also pay the per cent for transporta-
tion. We feel that after the preaching of the Word, our
brethren cannot be profited so much in any other way by
being led into the duties of the consistent Christian as through
the medium of the Christian press.

Br. Mahlom Brock has subscribed and paid for the Moth-

223 The First Baptist Church of Portland was not organized until 1855. Mat-
toon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1 114. Mattopn says that Rev. H. Johnson obtained tht
property for the church in 1850, and give* it as a half-block on the corner of Fourth
and Alder Streets. Ibid. p. 140.

CORRESPONDENCE 329

ers' Journal and the Home Mission Record22-* and I could
have numbers of other similar subscriptions, if I could in-
sure the papers. If you think best to accede to the proposals
made in this, write me at your earliest convenience. We
wish to know if the proprietors of the New York Recorder
and the Mothers' Journal will do the same. We wish you
to be reminded anew that we are almost discouraged in re-
lation to the hope of your furnishing us a suitable teacher
by the opening of spring. God being my helper, I will try
and sustain the school till you send us a suitable man to
sustain at least a part of the responsibilities of our school.
Then again we are entirely out of school books and there
are none to be had in the country. Cannot you send us
some? We will sell them so that we can refund the money
with ten or 20 per cent, perhaps more.

Then we very much need preachers for the places I men-
tioned to you in the letter I forwarded to you by the last
mail. -. .

I have received no letter from you since the one you sent
accompanying the commission of the first of April last.

All which is respectfully submitted in great haste.

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary at Oregon City.
Received Dec. 9, 1850.

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., Nov. 12, 1850.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill.
Dear Brother :

Yours under date of Sept. 4th, 7th, 9th, together with a
letter from Rev. Geo. C. Chandler of Aug. 19, were received
last mail and I now hasten to answer them in brief so as to
have them leave by fthe next steamer. By Divine favor my
health and that of 'my family have been unusually good
through the season, notwithstanding the unusual amount of

224 "The Home Mission Record" was the official publication of the Baptist
Home Mission Society and was first published m :84g. Bap. Home Missions tn N.
Am. 183*188*, p. 54»-

330 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

labor on my hands. We were much rejoiced to learn that
you had succeeded in securing the services of our esteemed
Br. Chandler for Oregon, but regret that he must be so long
detained from the field so much needing his labors. We
hoped confidently that I should have been relieved from at
least a part of the responsibilities of the school before another
summer opened upon us. But now, should our school pros-
per as the present signs seem to indicate and we should be
able to complete our building and open a boarding house at
moderate charge, we shall have more scholars than two men
can faithfully teach, unless the common school system should
go into effect in our city.225 Should this take effect, our
school will be reduced in numbers, but not injured in char-
acter. We must aim at elevating the character of the school
as fast as the demands of the people require it. We know
nothing of Mr. Thurston's arrangements with teachers for Or-
egon City.226 We as a Board of Trustees for the Oregon
City College have never thought of corresponding with any
man or body of men to meet our demands but your Board.
And we see no good reason at this time for changing our pol-
icy. We ardently trust that your Board will not let the ap-
pointment of Br. Chandler fail through any rumor you may
hear from Boston or Washington. Should a good Baptist
teacher reach Oregon and find himself disappointed in pros-
pects, we should of course do what we could to introduce
him to useful employment, but we have no thought of filling
this vacancy with any other than the man of your appoint-
ment. The average number of our school this quarter is be-
tween 50 and 60 and we have had more than 80 different
scholars since the quarter commenced. You will see by this
that I have work enough for one man aside from my min-
isterial duties. We are obliged to suspend the work of our
house for a few weeks in consequence of the sickness of Sis-

225 This refers to the efforts made in 1849 to establish a public school system
in Oregon City. Rev. G. H. Atkinson was appointed school commissioner, but the
system of free graded schools was deemed too expensive, and the "female semi-
nary" was opened instead. Mrs. E. E. Dye, in Joseph Gaston, Portland, Its History
and Builders, Portland, 1911; 1:665.

226 See note 211.

CORRESPONDENCE 331

ter Johnson, which has necessarily engrossed Br. Johnson's
time and care for the last four weeks, but hope the work will
soon be progressing. But the rainy season will not allow us
to hope to be able to occupy the building till the opening of
another spring. Our lumber is all green and it is becoming
difficult to collect subscriptions fast.

The peculiar features of the Oregon land bill make it un-
safe for us to leave the college claim unoccupied after the
first day of next month.227 It therefore devolves upon me
to move onto the claim. The erecting a temporary house
claims some of my time, when it is much needed to forward
the work of our school house, but we trust God will give us
patience and strength to go through this part of the work.
I trust you will make good use of Br. Chandler's time while
in the old states in making him acquainted with the most
efficient patrons of education and securing so much of public
favor as will insure to our institution that kind of aid which
must be derived from abroad.228 I mean books and necessary
apparatus. School books at this time cannot be had in Oregon.
This day four scholars were taken out of my school purely
because no school books could be obtained in the country.
And, unless we get books soon, similar cases will be no un-
common occurrence with us.

November 16. — Arrangements should be entered into im-
mediately to keep our school supplied with school books, at
least, without fail. I wrote you on this subject in my last.
We should be kept constantly advised of the best systems of
common school books and classical text books. I hope Br.
Chandler will make the necessary arrangements with some
book store or young men's association to meet our wants. I
have written the Cor. Sec. A. B. Publication Society on the
importance of supplying Oregon in part with religious read-

227 The organic act organizing Oregon Territory had made void all titles ob-
tained under the laws of the provisional government. By the donation land law of
1850 a four-years' residence was required before title could be obtained to the lands
granted under it. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:260-261.

228 Mr. Chandler originally came to Oregon to take" charge of the school in
Oregon City. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:76. See also note 205.

332 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

ing. That Society has had a missionary agent in Oregon
more22^ tjian a year wjien money has been plenty and books
scarce and almost everybody asking for religious books and
the agent not a book to sell. And that too, when the agent
could probably do ten times the amount of work for the
country with his buggy of books by visiting and preaching
and selling truth from house to house that he will unaided by
this valuable auxiliary. I venture the opinion that no part of
the union has opened a more inviting field for this work than
this territory. In addition to this, we have not a church of our
order in the country with half a supply of hymn books, and
no note books.230 All this with a people who are every day be-
coming more and more conscious that their children must be
put on an equality with the rising generation on the Atlantic
coast. Our gold is fast going to build up eastern cities and en-
rich the old states and we shall be less able to patronize this
cause than at this time and there will be greater difficulties in
training the people to a spirit of enlarged benevolence. Could
our colporter be furnished with such works as he might order
it would be a source of great influence to every Baptist min-
ister in Oregon, of incalculable benefit to fortify the public
mind against error and afford a good profit to the Society.
Please urge this matter upon the consideration of that Soc.'s
Board. Immigration is rapidly coming in by land and by wa-
ter.231 jj. js now time for Christians to work. I hope your
Board will appoint Br. Snelling as your missionary ; it will do
good, more so than a man of the same ability from the States.
For explanation on this subject I refer you to Br. Johnson's
letter. I should write to Br. Chandler, but I know not where
to direct a letter at this time. If he comes with an ox team,
let him have good, substantial oxen of 4, 5 and 6 years of
age.233 Horses will do if he gets good ones and comes in

229 This was Rev. Richmond Cheadle. See note 188.

230 The "note books" refer to books giving the music for the hymns.

231 The immigration of 1850 amounted, so Bancroft says, to about eight thou-
sand, Hist, of Ore. II: 174.

This is four times the estimate of F. G. Young. See note 305. Young'*
estimate, however, probably refers only to those who came overland.

232 Mr. Chandler finally came overland, but some of his goods cam* by »*».
Sec letters of Sept. 3, and August 8, 1851.

CORRESPONDENCE

333

the first train, which he should do by all means, and start
as early as he can travel, and take along with him oats and
corn to feed his team principally for the first month, before
the grass starts much. Drive moderately at first, have plenty
of teams so that two horses may travel behind the wagon,
and exchange horses each alternate day, and work each pair
of horses two days in succession. Let provisions be selected
in proportion to the amount of nutrition they contain to the
pound. Let him take dried fruit, dried beef and the fattest
pork he can find without bone, well cured. Let him take
nothing heavy, except clothing, and send his books by water,
put up so that they will not get wet. Let him have good In-
dia rubber cloths to sleep on and under. Tell him to take
special care of his team and, if he comes with horses, never
let them go to hunt stray cattle, if he can avoid it and keep
peace with the caravan. Tell him to be sure to cross at or
near Council Bluffs and keep the north side of the Platte all
the way and never touch the old road till he reaches the
Sweet Water and he will save several days' travel and avoid
all the bad water courses. I speak advisedly on this subject.
If he comes with a horse team, he should have mares. He
will need much grace, but if he does not take too much care
and labor on himself the journey will be pleasant and healthy
to himself and family. May God bless him and his and make
them a lasting blessing to Oregon.

Yours affectionately,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Jan. 25, 1851.

Oregon City, Ore., Jan. 17, 1851.
To Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. of Am. Bap. Home Mis. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the quarter ending
January 1st, 1851.

I have labored thirteen weeks in the quarter in the work

334 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

of the ministry, so far as I could in connection with my varied
and urgent duties with our school, preached 20 sermons, de-
livered twelve lectures to our Sabbath school and Bible
classes, attended 14 prayer and church meetings, visited
religiously 15 families and other persons, weekly recommend
the cause of Christ to my school, visited no common school,
baptized none, obtained no signatures to the temperance
pledge direct; no church organized, attended no ordination;
traveled to and from my appointments 20 miles; no persons
have been received by letter or experience; no hopeful con-
versions; no young men preparing for the ministry; monthly
concert not observed as yet. My people have paid during
the quarter nothing for any missionary or benevolent society;
I have received ten dollars for my salary; our people have
paid $150 to ceil our meeting house, which is still our school
room. Connected with the churches to which I preach are
two Sabbath schools, one in this place under my charge
having five teachers and 25 scholars, with a library of about
150 volumes; the other is a mixed school, about ten of the
children from Baptist families and one or two of the teachers.

N. B. — I have not reported the number of the members
received to the church in this place as Br. Johnson acts as
moderator, is present at all our church meetings and has
undoubtedly reported them. They shouldn't be reported
twice. I have reported the state of our Sabbath school be-
cause this work rests on me. While I am necessarily em-
ployed as teacher and have the care of the school on my
hands, I must confine my labors to this place and vicinity.
I preach one Sabbath in four at Milwaukie where our pros-
pects are flattering for building up a good church in the
course of the coming year. We contemplate commencing
our labors in Portland, a commercial town of 800 or 1000
souls, twelve miles below this, in a few months. Till Brother
Chandler arrives it seems indispensable that Brother Johnson
and myself make this place our residence. The cause of
temperance is at this time on the ascendant in our city. We

CORRESPONDENCE 335

are holding weekly meetings, with encouraging prospects.
One of my scholars succeeded last week in obtaining about
fifteen names of his fellow students to the pledge. Our sisters
sustain a monthly prayer meeting.

The passage of the Oregon Land bill is operating tempor-
arily against our school by calling some of our supporters
with their families to leave town and settle on their land.
Yet our school this quarter numbers about fifty and is in-
creasing. We think we shall feel the effect of the bill still
more through the coming summer, probably not longer. Our
school building moves forward slowly. Money is constantly
becoming more scarce and we find it hard collecting sub-
scriptions, yet our motto is Onward. As soon as the days
become a little longer and the traveling improved I intend,
God granting, to take the subscription paper mornings and
evenings and try what can be done by way of collecting and
enlarging the subscriptions.

Perhaps we shall have to secure the labors of some person
for two months in this work during the season. We have
contracted for enclosing the house and that work is on the
way and the house will be ready for painting as soon as the
rainy season passes. We shall not be ready to occupy the
house before June, perhaps Aug. or Sept. We trust we shall
not fail of receiving a reinforcement in Br. Chandler, and we
hope others. It is ruinous to abandon this work or even to
suspend operations at this time. We could better do it after
the house is completed. Should we suspend at this time, the
public would say this people attempted to build and were
not able, we should lose public confidence, consequently
pecuniary aid, and our unfinished work would mock us. At
present we are assured that we are securing public approba-
tion. Our community is weekly increasing with an energetic,
enterprising people, and the demand for ministerial labor
this year will be triple that of last summer. I am in a strait
betwixt the two, but I see no other way than to hold to the

336 REVEREND EZRA FISHEI

school till relief comes, preach as much as I can and leave
all with God. I moved to our College claim the 29th of Nov.
Yours in gospel bonds,

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary at Oregon City.
Received March 10, 1851.
On Margin:

N. B. — I have received no letter from you since the one
under date of Sept. 4th and 7th informing me of Br. Chand-
ler's appointment. I have answered them.

Oregon City, Feb. 17, 1851.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Yours under date Oct. 19th, Nov. llth and Dec. 9th have
all come to hand, together with duplicates of the invoice of
goods and bills of lading of the same on board the bark
Francis and Louisa. We hope they may arrive safe in the
month of April, but I have taken my pen in haste, worn out
with fatigue, to make another application to your Board for
a re-appointment for one year. I will here insert a copy of
the requests from the church in this place and from the
Board of Trustees of the Oregon City College.

At the regular church meeting Feb. 1, 1851, voted to
recommend Elder Ezra Fisher to the Board of the A. B. H.
Mission Socy. for re-appointment to labor in this place and
vicinity for the term of one year.

F. A. COLLARD,233 HEZEKIAH JOHNSON,

Clerk. Mod.

Oregon City, Feb. 6th, 1851.

This is to certify that at a meeting of the Trustees of the
Oregon City College held at the Baptist" meeting house in
said city on the day and year first aforesaid, it was agreed to
recommend to the Board of the A. B. H. Mission Soc. Elder

233 F. A. Collard came to Oregon in 1847. He later served three terms in
the legislature. Hist, of Willamette Valley, p. 669.

CORRESPONDENCE 337

Ezra Fisher as their missionary in Oregon for the term of
one year from the first day of April next.
W. T. MATLOCK,'34 E. FISHER,

Secretary. Chairman.

My labors will be one fourth of the time in this city,
probably one fourth of the time at Linn City on the opposite
side of the river from this city, one fourth of the time at
Milwaukie, at the request of brethren there, and part of the
time at Portland. It seemed to me desirable that Br.
Johnson should continue his labors in this place the coming
year. I therefore moved his call to the pastoral care of our
little church. I shall find all the labor I can possibly per-
form with my school on my hands. We are advancing slowly
with our school house. It is a hard time to collect, and
almost all our men are going to the mines this spring. Very
extravagant reports come from the Klamath mines, pretty
well authenticated, of very rich mines of gold on the waters of
that stream.^* Probably two thirds of the men in the terri-
tory will go for gold during the spring, if we receive no coun-
ter reports. At present the whole community is in a high
state of excitement. We think things will become settled
within a few months and hope the farming community will
return permanently to their farms. We shall do all we can,
in connection with all our other cares, this spring and the
ensuing summer to carry the work (of building) forward and
hope to have two rooms ready for occupancy before the ar-
rival of Brs. Chandler and Read. Our school has already
suffered the loss of several of the young men from the gold
excitement, and more will go to the mines. Yet they will
probably return in the fall, at least a part of them. Labor
will be extravagantly high the coming season and lumber
will be scarce. We dare not oppose the providences of God

234 VV. T. Matlock was several times a member of the territorial legislature.
H« was a delegate to the first Republican state convention, and was at one time
receiver of the U. S. Land Office. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:72, 143, 158, 296, 418.

45 235 Gold was first found in the tributaries of the Klamath in the spring of
1850 In July discoveries were made on the main Klamath. Bancroft, Hist, of Ort.

338 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

in this new excitement and we think we can better calculate
on results than when the mines were first discov-
ered in California. Our men will not leave our Territory,
immigration is constantly pouring in upon us. The mining is
to be done in our own territory and in six or eight months
our valley will be thronged with immortal beings. Gold will
either be plentiful or labor will be comparatively cheap. The
world's wickedness will be thrown upon us. How much
we need strong faith and warm hearts to meet and conquer
the enemy by love!

Our school numbers about fifty this term. When our re-
inforcement arrives we hope to make such a disposition of
the labor as will most glorify God. Brother Johnson and
myself have concluded to order the Home Mission Record
as fast as we obtain subscribers and pay for the paper out
of our salary at N Y. till it amounts to five dollars each,
and that will be as much as will meet the wants of our
brethren in Oregon the present season probably. We would
gladly do ten fold that amount, if we were able, but our
family expenses are great and we are economizing to the
extent of our abilities to meet the claims of our schools and
secure public confidence. I trust God will carry us through
and bless the efforts.

I herein send you the names of Mahlom Brock. Oregon
City Post Office, and J. D. Garrett and Hector Campbell,
Milwaukie Post Office, as subscribers for the Home Mission
Record1. Please forward them to said offices.

Give my sincere thanks to Dr. Williams2^ for consti-
tuting me a life member of your Society. I am altogether
unworthy the honor of that distinguished servant of Christ.
The Lord multiply his means and enlarge his liberality to
this great Christian enterprise. My personal thanks to Dr.

236 This was probably Rev. William R. Williams, at that time pastor of the
Amity Street Baptist Church of New York City. An. Encyc. XVI 1641 .

A person could be made a life member of the Home Mission Society by the
payment of $30.00. — Bap. Home Missions in N. Ant. 1832-1882, p. 350.

CORRESPONDENCE 339

Conea37 for the donation to our College library. When the
books arrive, the Board will take action on the subject.
Yours with esteem,

EZRA FISHER.
Received April 21, 1851.

237 This was Rev. Spencer Houfhton Cone, D. D. (1785-1855). He was ft
leading member of the Baptist denomination at this time, and pastor of th« First
Baptist Church of N«w York City. — Am. Encyc., V. »ao.

•'

THE QUARTERLY

of the

Oregon Historical Society

VOLUME XVII . DECEMBER, 1916 NUMBER 4

Copyright, 1916, by the Oregon Historical Society
The Quarterly disavows responsibility for the positions taken by contributors to its pag«s.

THE KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION, 1850

SETTLEMENT OF THE UMPQUA VALLEY — ITS OUTCOME.

By SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD.

Upon the discovery of gold in the beds of the streams and in
the mountains of California, it was reasonably expected that
rich deposits would also be found in the beds of some of the
many unexplored streams and in the mountains of the con-
tiguous Territory of Oregon. And acting upon such sugges-
tion of probability, Messrs. Herman Winchester, Caspar
Thomas Hopkins, Horace J. Paine, Galen Burdett and
Eldridge G. Hall, citizens of San Francisco, originated a joint
stock company, the stock of which consisted of one hundred
shares of one hundred dollars each, which was soon taken up.
The objects of the company were to explore and make settle-
ments on what was supposed to be the Klamath river, but
which being wrongly laid down on the map was in reality
Rogue river, the location of the mouth of the Klamath river
being then unknown.

In pursuance of their object they designed to ascertain the
agricultural, commercial and mineral resources of the country ;
to survey the harbor at the mouth of the river, and to lay out
a town site, to ascertain how far the river was navigable; to
survey and lay out a town at the head of navigation if a suitable
location was found and the resources of the river and valley

342 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

were deemed favorable; to explore the upper waters and the
tributaries, and prospect for gold. With these objects in view,
the schooner William Roberts, Captain Lyman, was chartered
by the company, and manned by a crew of twelve seamen, and
accompanied by twenty-two adventurers, members of the com-
pany. They sailed from San Francisco on Saturday, the 5th
day of July, 1850, and after getting out of the harbor it was
discovered that the vessel leaked badly, so much so that it
was deemed necessary to put back and repair. The schooner
was therefore taken back into the harbor and to Sausalito,
which was about six miles below San Francisco, on the op-
posite shore, where after examination the leak was discovered
and stopped, and the sand ballast was exchanged for stone,
which detained the vessel until Monday, the 7th, when they
again put to sea. In consequence of head winds which are
constantly from the northwest at this season of the year, their
passage up the coast was very slow, requiring fourteen days
to make the mouth of Rogue river, which they supposed to be
the mouth of the Klamath. During the passage a meeting
was held by the company, and it was decided that in conse-
quence of the known hostile character of the Indians their
operations should proceed on military principles, being fully
persuaded that it would require the most efficient organization
and vigilance to enable them to pass through the country with
safety ; this region having heretofore been a neglected portion
of the Territory, and one where little or no effort had been
made toward modifying the war-like characteristics of the
Indians. For the purpose of exploration it was proposed that
the schooner should be taken as far up the river as it could
be navigated with safety, and that the party should proceed
thence in whaleboats, three of which were provided for that
purpose. Mr. Herman Winchester was chosen captain with
the power to appoint subordinates. He appointed three lieu-
tenants, one for each boat, viz. : C. T. Hopkins, first lieutenant ;
Dr. H. J. Paine, second lieutenant; and Rufus Coffin, third
lieutenant. An engineer was also appointed for each boat,

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 343

viz. : Nathan Scholfield, R. W. Larrett, and E. Fletcher. The
boats were then to be manned as follows: For boat No. 1,
H. Winchester, captain; R. Coffin, lieutenant; N. Scholfield,
engineer ; and C. S. Eigenbrodt, A. A. Brinsmade, P. Flanagan
and W. E. Evans. For boat No. 2, C. T. Hopkins, 1st lieutenant
commandant ; R. W. Larrett, engineer ; Dr. H. H. Beals, A.
Davies, I. T. Turney, W. E. Broadbent, R. S. Philpot, Dr. J.
W. Drew and Charles McDowell. For boat No. 3, Dr. H. J.
Payne, second lieutenant commandant; E. Fletcher, engineer,
S. E. Smith, Dr. E. R. Fiske, Welbert W. Stevens, C. Lein-
f elder, I. Magrannary, and C. T. Ward. It was also arranged
that Capt. Lyman with part of his crew, consisting of Mr.
Peter Mackie, 1st mate; Charles Moore, 2nd mate; Charles
Brown, J. Anderson, I. M. Dodge and James Cook, should
remain on board of the schooner at all times to protect her
during the absence of the party. They first made the Oregon
coast at Cape Orford on the morning of Sunday, July 21st, and
by a free northwest wind they sailed down the coast, when at
about six miles from the cape several fires were lighted
simultaneously on the approach of the schooner in the vicinity.
These fires were supposed to be signals from the Indians on
shore to other distant members of their tribe as a notification
of the approach of a vessel. A boat was lowered here with a
crew to examine the shore for locating the entrance of the river.
They soon returned, however, reporting no river, but a village
of several Indian houses on the shore. Capt. Rufus Coffin,
the only person on board who had ever seen the mouth of
the river and who acted as pilot, did not distinctly recollect
its locality. Upon sailing further down the coast he was soon
able to identify it, but being impressed with the conviction
that it was very difficult and even dangerous to attempt its
entrance except at the most favorable time of tide, especially
with the strong wind which prevailed, a whaleboat was dis-
patched in charge of Mr. Mackie, the first mate and four
sailors, in order to examine the entrance and determine the
state of the tide, while the schooner was lying off and on. In

344 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

passing the bar the ebb tide meeting the swell of the sea, caused
a heavy breaker which capsized the boat, and for a moment
the boat and men seemed swallowed up by the waves; but
after a time by means of spy-glasses three of the men were
seen on the beach with the Indians. They were only recognized
by their dress, the Indians being entirely naked. Another boat
with a crew duly armed with weapons was immediately sent
off to render them assistance, if possible, but on arriving in
the vicinity of the bar they considered it too hazardous to at-
tempt crossing. They saw two of the crew of the other boat
standing with the Indians — apparently having their hands
tied — and considering that there was no safety in attempting
to render assistance, they with some difficulty in consequence
of the high wind returned to the schooner. After they had
made their report it was at once decided to put the schooner
over the bar and enter the river at all hazards in order to rescue
the men who were in the hands of the Indians. And as the
evening was approaching, everything required haste, every man
armed himself with his weapons and the vessel was put to the
wind, and during the most intense excitement and apprehension
of all on board, she soon approached and plunged into the
breakers as they broke on the bar, and in a few moments was
safely through and in smooth water within the harbor, when
an exultant shout went up from all on board, although their
rejoicing was repressed by their apprehensions for the fate of
those on shore. After getting fairly within the harbor and at
anchor, a numerous party of Indians was observed on shore,
mostly naked, and three of the five men who were wrecked
were seen among them. The boats were immediately lowered
and were being manned by a sufficient number of armed men
to rescue their companions, when the Indians, seeing this prep-
aration, brought their captives off to the vessel in canoes,
and gave them up, having previously robbed them of all the
articles they had about their persons, and taken all their
clothing excepting their shirts and pantaloons. From these
returned men it was learned that the other two of the boat's

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 345

crew had been drowned. About twenty of the Indians came
off to the schooner and were kindly received, and well treated
by the crew, but were not allowed to come on board, but only
to remain in their canoes alongside. Several persons went
on shore from the vessel and explored the beach in order to
discover the bodies of those who were lost, but they could not
be found, although fragments of the boat were seen strewn
along the beach. Mr. Peter Mackie, the first mate, one of the
persons saved, was seriously injured by bruises received while
in the surf, from which he was taken by the Indians in an
exhausted condition. He was then stripped by them to a
cotton shirt and trousers, and his watch and other articles
taken from him. After coming on board the vessel, he was
immediately removed to his berth and properly attended to,
and in four or five days was so far recovered as to be able
to attend to his duties on the vessel. On the next day, Mon-
day, a party of nine were dispatched with a whaleboat to
take soundings and make a partial survey and exploration of
the river, preparatory to sending up the vessel. The party
consisted of Captain Winchester, Lieutenant Hopkins, Mr. N.
Scholfield, engineer, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Eigenbrodt, Dr. Fiske,
Mr. Brinsmade, Mr. McDowell and one other person, while
the other members of the party remained to take care of the
vessel and survey the harbor. After proceeding up the river
about three or four miles, they encountered rapids and shoals,
which would effectually prevent the vessel from ascending
beyond that point. An Indian house was seen just below the
rapids, and four Indians with their canoes, and on passing up
the river for about a half a mile further they came to a village
of some half a dozen houses, near which the party landed.
Several Indians appeared on the bank above, armed with their
bows and arrows and knives. The Indians from below had
accompanied the party to this place and were very troublesome
on account of their thieving propensities, as they would take
anything they could lay their hands on and secrete.

Continuing up the river, they came to a high mountain

346 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

mostly destitute of trees, about eight miles from the mouth of
the river; this they named Mount Winchester, and a little
further on was another mountain peak in a continuation of
the same ridge. This latter peak the party ascended and
named Eigenbrodt's Peak. From this peak a fine view of the
river below and of the ocean was obtained, and the course of
the river above through the coast range was approximately
determined. After descending the mountain the party took
to the boat and returned to the vessel, arriving just after sun-
set, and in time to assist in the ceremony of burying one of
the drowned sailors, whose body had been found by the
Indians and brought in, having been washed ashore some
miles below the mouth of the river.

On the following day two whaleboats^ were manned by
nine persons each, to ascend the river and continue the explora-
tion. They started about seven o'clock in the morning with
provisions sufficient for one week, and were followed by
twelve or fourteen Indians in canoes. Just below the first
rapids there was an island of two or three acres in extent,
covered with water in times of freshets, with the exception of
a high rocky bluff at the upper end. On this bluff, which
was about 60 feet high, and consisted of basaltic rock, they cut
with a chisel the date, 1850. The tide water sets up to this
place, and to the rapids above. The Indians assisted the par-
ties in getting their boats up the rapids, which occurred
very frequently, and some of which were very difficult to pass.
Recompense was made to the Indians for their assistance by
presents of beads or other trinkets, and whenever the boats
stopped in their passage up the river, the Indians would press
around and steal everything they could lay their hands on,
even taking articles out of the pockets of the members of the
party with an adroitness that would do credit to and even
leave professional pickpockets of civilization in the shade.
Almost every one had something taken from him in this way.
The party took the chief and two other Indians on board
the boats to accompany them and act as guides. As they

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 347

proceeded up the river they passed a village consisting of
eight houses, and here the Indians they had employed as guides
left them, but joined them again about three miles above,
with the addition of about a dozen more to the party. As they
proceeded up the river the rapids increased in difficulty and
frequency, and after progressing to a point about fifteen miles
from the mouth of the river, the further prosecution of the
exploration was abandoned. The members of the party were
well fagged out and most of them wet to the skin, as they
had frequently to leave the boats and take to wading; the
river banks being in many places too steep and precipitous
to afford a passage on shore, and the Indians had already
greatly increased in numbers, and were likely to still further
increase, so that in the judgment of some of the party it
would be dangerous for them to encamp. The exploring party
in their progress up the river had occasionally prospected on
the bars for indications of gold ; but none was found.

When the Indians found that the party was about to return
they tried to persuade them to go on; they informed them by
signs that there were plenty of deer up the river ; this they did
by placing their hands in place of horns at the side of their
heads and pointing up the river. They appeared very much
disappointed when they found that the party persisted in
returning. The start down the river was made about three
o'clock in the afternoon, the Indians soon following. When the
party came to the first village below, they stopped to trade
with the Indians, but found that nearly all of them were
absent. The party found here an iron chain of about one
hundred pounds weight, the bobstay of some vessel. This was
supposed to have been taken from the schooner Hackstaff.
which was wrecked at or near the mouth of the river some
time before. This chain was purchased for a handkerchief
and a small piece of calico, but while the trade was being
made with one Indian, another Indian had the adroitness to
pick the pocket of the purchaser of another handkerchief and
a memorandum book. One of the party had a hole torn

348

SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

through his flannel shirt by an Indian to get at articles car-
ried at his breast inside of the shirt. To one of the Indians
who had accompanied the party and appeared to be more reli-
able and friendly than the others, many presents had been
given. He was presented with a good suit of clothes, with
which he was much pleased, and on the return to the vessel
the same evening he was allowed to stay on board, and in the
morning while the party were at breakfast, the Indian being
in the cabin, was observed to take a bowie knife from one of
the berths and secrete it in his clothes. He was in consequence
immediately hustled out and sent on shore. It was thus proved
to those most charitably disposed to the Indians that no confi-
dence whatever could be placed in any of them, and after this
the Indians were only allowed to come to the vessel at even-
ing for the purpose of trade. On the following day the party
were employed in taking soundings in the harbor and survey-
ing locations for a townsite consisting of half a square mile
located on each side of the river.

The explorations thus far had proved unsatisfactory in
relation to the river, and in regard to the development of the
country in the interior, the river having proved to be smaller
and more difficult of access than the explorers had a right to
anticipate from its representation on the maps, and by travelers
who had crossed the Klamath and Rogue rivers in the interior,
and had represented each of these streams some sixty or one
hundred miles in the interior as being as large or larger than
this river proved to be near its mouth ; and moreover this
river was found by the surveyed courses taken to run from
a direction averaging northeast by east, as far as the explora-
tion extended, instead of from a southeasterly direction, as
universally represented on the maps ; it was therefore con-
cluded that their explorations should be extended up and
down the coast, hoping to find some larger river in the vicin-
ity. For this purpose Lieutenants Hopkins and Payne, Mr.
Fletcher, Mr. Eigenbrodt, Dr. Fiske, Dr. Drew and three
others were dispatched down the coast. They started on

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 349

Friday, the 26th, designing- to be absent two days. They pro-
ceeded down the coast, frequently toiling over high hills and
mountains, crossing deep ravines, and encamped at an esti-
mated distance of about 20 miles from the place of starting.
On their way down they passed a creek beyond which, farther
south, the country was mountainous with projecting cliffs on
the shore and difficult to traverse. They therefore returned
on the second day much fatigued with their journey.

At this same time another party was dispatched to survey
and explore the coast north of the river. This party consisted
of Mr. N. Scholfield, Mr. Larrett, Mr. Helbert, Mr. Smith,
Mr. Dodge, Mr. Flanagan, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Pierce,
Mr. N. Scholfield having been appointed to take charge of the
expedition. They took two days' provisions and a full com-
plement of weapons, having, as they were fully aware, to pass
through the very stronghold of the Indians, if they should
travel up to and around Cape Blanco, as they proposed. They
started on their journey on the morning of Saturday, and after
getting under way it was found that fifteen or twenty Indians
were following and going in company with them. It was sug-
gested by some of the party that the Indians should be sent
back or driven off; but it was finally considered that if this
course should be taken, they would still go on in some other
direction, and arrive at the Indian settlements above as soon
as the party, and perhaps be more troublesome by exciting
the other Indians against them than if allowed to go on.

The path to be pursued by the party as pointed out by the
Indians (two of whom were selected as guides), was generally
on the beach, but occasionally rising on the table land above
at an elevation of from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet,
which necessitated climbing up some steep ascents at places
where the passage on the beach was obstructed by rock.
After traveling in this way about four miles, a portion of the
party, thinking to take a shorter and more direct route than
that of the tortuous travel of the Indians along the beach,
and disregarding the directions of the Indian guides and the

350 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

earnest protestations of Mr. Scholfield, struck off from the
path, leaving Mr. Scholfield and Mr. Helbert, accompanied
by most of the Indians, to pursue the trail along the beach.
It was supposed, however, that the parties would come together
again before they had gone very far, but it so turned out that
in consequence of the separation Mr. Scholfield and Mr. Hel-
bert arrived at the Indian villages in advance of the other
party. In their passage up the beach the accompanying Indians
received straggling accessions to their number, and at a dis-
tance of about eight miles from the vessel they came to two
or three Indian houses, from which the Indians came with
their weapons and joined the others. Mr. Scholfield in deal-
ing with the Indians made a practice of shaking hands with
them as they approached, and treated them very politely. Soon
after passing these houses they came in view of another village,
and on their approach the Indians came out armed with their
bows and arrows, hatchets and rifles, and seated themselves
in a row waiting for the approach of the party. Mr. Scholfield
advised Mr. Helbert, his companion, who wished to return
without going farther, to show no fear but to go boldly on.
And as they came up to the Indians Mr. Scholfield saluted
their chiefs, and shaking by the hand such of the Indians as
seemed of sufficient importance to require such civility,
passed on, but was strongly pressed by the Indians to stop and
sit with them. One of these Indians tried to get possession
of the spyglass held in the hand of Mr. Scholfield, but did not
succeed, and after going a little distance further they stopped
by the side of a large log which was lying on the beach, being
somewhat fatigued and hungry. The Indians pressed hard
around them, so that it was very difficult to keep them off.
They had now increased in numbers to near one hundred.
One of them stole the hatchet that Mr. Scholfield carried in
his boot leg, but was discovered by Mr. Scholfield in season
to recover it. Being importuned by the Indians, Mr. Schol-
field gave them some of his provisions, consisting of cold ham,
hard bread and soft biscuit. The ham and hard bread they

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 351

would not eat, but the soft biscuit they appeared to relish.
Before Mr. Scholfield and his companion got ready to move
on, Mr. Scholfield discovered that the Indians had stolen his
hatchet the second time, and that they had also stolen the
knife of his companion from its sheath, and just before this
he had detected one of the Indians coming up behind him with
his knife to cut the strap which bound his blankets to his
back, the Indian in his attempt having nearly severed it. See-
ing that matters had come to such a pass, Mr. Scholfield
demanded that his hatchet be given up. This he did by signs
which the Indians readily understood, but the hatchet was not
forthcoming. He then drew his revolver and instituted a
search for the hatchet, demanding that all who had any skins
or dress of any kind, by means of which it could be secreted,
to take them off and exhibit them. This the Indians, although
armed with bows and arrows, knives, rifles, etc., submitted
to, although in some cases reluctantly; but the hatchet could
not be found. It had probably been buried in the sand, or
the thief had run off with his booty. Mr. Helbert was filled
with fear and consternation during this procedure. He had
a long beard, and the Indians further down the coast had told
him that if he came up here he would have his beard pulled
out. He was therefore fearful that when Mr. Scholfield
demanded an expose of the garments of the Indians, that he
was going much too far, but he was satisfied afterwards that
it was the only thing that saved them both from probable
plunder and massacre, as the Indians after this experience kept
at a more respectful distance. Mr. Helbert urged Mr. Schol-
field strongly to return from this point, but Mr. Scholfield,
wishing to go as near to the cape as possible to ascertain
whether a river entered the ocean at or near that locality, was
determined to press forward to accomplish that object. They
therefore went on, and soon came to another village of six
or eight houses, the inmates of which came out as before with
their weapons, and seated themselves in a row on the ground.
Mr. Scholfield and his companion walked up to the Indians,
saluting them in a friendly manner and shaking hands with

352 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

the most conspicuous of their number. They were pressed
by the Indians to stop and sit down with them, but the Indians
looked to them as too savage for pleasant society. One of
them was armed with a hand saw, and one of the most savage-
looking Indians they had seen was armed with a stone hammer
that had done hard service. Mr. Scholfield and his companion
concluded that under present circumstances it was not best to
go much farther, especially as they could see another Indian
village near the cape, and many Indians upon the hills above ;
they therefore, being much fatigued, concluded to go a little
distance to a log on the beach, and sit down to rest, prepara-
tory to their return to the vessel, they having gone far enough
to satisfy themselves that no river of any considerable size
emptied into the ocean south of the cape, which was only
about a mile farther on. The Indians who had followed them
thus far now left, stopping, however, at the village last passed,
apparently holding a consultation. Mr. Scholfield and Mr.
Helbert had not been seated long before two Indians from up
the coast came along, one of whom brandished his knife of
about eighteen inches in length before them, and motioned
them to go back. Mr. Scholfield showed him his revolver,
and motioned him to be easy and sit down with them, as
after first resting themselves they were intending to go back.
The Indian then sat down at one end of the log and watched
their movements. After a short time they buckled on their
knapsacks and started to return, not, however, without greet-
ing their last Indian comrade with a parting shake of the
hand.

On returning Mr. Helbert wished to go close by the shore
on the beach in passing the place where the Indians were
assembled, and so give them a wide berth, but he was told
by Mr. Scholfield that their safety depended on showing a
bold front and going boldly up to them without showing any
signs of fear. They therefore passed in the immediate vicin-
ity of the Indians, deviating considerably from their proper
course to do so, and as they went on Mr. Scholfield touched

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 353

his cap in the most polite manner he was capable of to the
chiefs, and as they went on they were soon joined by some
twenty of the Indians, among whom was the interesting
looking Indian with the stone hammer, and this hammer gave
Mr. Scholfield and his companion more uneasiness than any
weapon they had seen in the hands of the Indians, and they
watched its possessor with more than ordinary care. After pro-
ceeding about a mile on their return they were much relieved
by seeing the other six of the party coming up the beach, and
on their approach most of the Indians left and returned to the
village. After consultation it was decided to be unsafe to
proceed on the contemplated tour, inasmuch as it would be
dangerous for them to encamp over night, as it was probable
that from one to two hundred Indians would follow them, or
lie in ambush at some difficult pass. They therefore con-
cluded to give up further exploration and return to the vessel,
but in order to do this it was considered more safe to travel
back on the table land, rather than on the beach, as the Indians
by following in the heights could send their arrows down upon
them without being detected. They therefore concluded to go
past the village where the Indians were congregated as though
they were going up the coast, and after mounting the hill to the
table land above, then change their direction toward the vessel.
As they passed the village, the Indians came out and arranged
themselves in a row, or rather in the segment of a circle on
their knees, with their bows and arrows and other weapons
ready for use. The party saluted the Indians in a friendly
manner, and went on a short distance to a trail of steep
ascent leading to the heights above, to which they clambered
with some difficulty, and while going up the trail one of the
party, Mr. Pierce, in looking back, saw the chief with his
bow drawn and his arrow directed at Mr. Scholfield, and
apparently on the point of letting it go, but being thus dis-
covered in the act, he lowered his bow. A moment afterward
on looking back again, Mr. Pierce observed the same Indian
with his bow drawn as before, but being detected he desisted

354 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

from his attempt, and as he was thereafter closely watched, the
attempt was not renewed, and the party arrived safely at the
top of the bluff. As they passed the village about .a dozen
Indians ran up the beach toward the upper villages, probably
to inform the other Indians of the approach of the party, and
when the party commenced rising the hill about the same num-
ber ran up the hill some fifty rods ahead, apparently with the
view to head them off or notify other Indians on the hills
above. After the party had arrived at the top of the bluff,
and commenced their homeward march, they were joined by
some of the Indians who had previously accompanied them
up the beach. These Indians, with the exception of two, who
were retained as guides, were sent away. These guides were
armed, one with a rifle and the other with a sheath knife.
The party was careful to keep the guides in front, where they
could be watched, and kept a good lookout at the rear and on
their flanks expecting an attack. They, however, arrived safely
at the vessel without molestation.

After having spent a week in exploration without obtaining
satisfactory results, it was decided to proceed further up the
coast to the Umpqua river, and see what discoveries could be
made at that locality, but in consequence of head winds, which
occurred at time of high water, which was the only time the
vessel could leave the harbor, they remained two days longer,
or until Thursday, the 30th of July, when they left the harbor
with a favorable but light wind, and passing up the coast, they
arrived opposite the entrance of the Umpqua river on Thurs-
day, the 1st of August, and stood off and on, waiting for a
favorable time to send out one of the boats to examine the
bar and entrance to river previous to taking in the vessel.
On the 2nd, seven Indians came off in a canoe, to whom the
party distributed some presents and employed two of the
Indians to act as pilots in taking one of the boats over the
bar, for the purpose of taking soundings and examining the
harbor. The crew of the boat consisted of eight persons, six
of whom, after landing, remained on shore, while the other

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 355

two came back in a canoe with the Indians and reported a
favorable entrance with three fathoms of water on the bar,
and five or six fathoms within, and good anchorage, and that
three Oregonians from the Elk river settlement — Capt. Scott,
Mr. Butler and Mr. Sloane — had just come down the river in
canoes to ascertain whether the river could be rendered avail-
able as a channel of communication to the ocean from the
interior, and whether a suitable harbor existed at its mouth
for commercial purposes. The Indians who came out to the
vessel in their canoes were a much better-looking race than
those living on the river and the coast they had just left. They
were all dressed and appeared to have a more respectable bear-
ing, and as they did not display a propensity to steal they
were suffered to come on board the vessel freely, and did not
at any time betray the confidence reposed in them.

A calm occurring at this time, the vessel remained outside
the bar until Sunday morning, the 4th of August, when the
wind and tide being favorable, the vessel entered the harbor
and came to anchor in five fathoms of water. The three Ore-
gonians who were on shore imparted to the party much valu-
able information ; and the following day was spent in surveying
the harbor. And, finding its aspects in all respects favorable,
the party proceeded to survey town locations on both sides of
the bay, naming the town on the east side Umpqua City
(down stream from the present townsite of Reedsport), and
that on the west side West Umpqua. On Tuesday, the 6th,
they took the vessel up the river, preceded by a whaleboat
employed for taking soundings and to lead the way, and after
sailing up the river about fifteen miles, the tide having fallen,
the vessel grounded on a bar near a small island, which they
called Echo island; and here they remained until the next
morning. During the night some of the party having indulged
rather freely in brandy, the quantity which remained was
thrown overboard by the owner. This shoal was called Brandy
Bar. On the following day the vessel was taken to the head
of navigation, about twenty miles from the entrance to the

356 SOCRATES SCHOLFIELD

river. At this place Capt. Scott and Mr. Sloane had each
taken up donation claims, on the only available land for a town-
site, but arrangements were entered into by which the com-
pany obtained a location extending nearly one mile on the
river, which in honor of Capt. Scott, who had done much
toward exploring the Umpqua valley and developing its re-
sources, they named Scottsburg. Here they obtained a sup-
ply of salmon from the Indians, and proceeded the next day
on foot to Fort Umpqua, situated on the south bank of the
Umpqua near the junction of Elk river, and about fifteen
miles from Scottsburg. At Fort Umpqua they were kindly
received by Mr. Gagnier, agent for the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany, who, with his Indian wife and family, lived in the fort.
Mr. Gagnier was a French-Canadian, and had been in the
employ of the company at this fort more than twenty years.
At this place they surveyed a townsite located on both sides
of Elk river at its junction with the Umpqua, which they called
Elkton.

From Elkton the company proceeded in two parties to the
ferry kept up by Mr. Aiken on the north fork of the Umpqua
at the crossing of the Oregon and California road. One of
the parties proceeded up the Elk river to the settlement in the
upper valley, consisting of about ten families that were emi-
grants from the Willamette valley the year before, and then
taking the Oregon and California road, reached the ferry in
that way. The other party proceeded directly up the Umpqua
and arrived at the ferry on the evening of the llth of August.

The party that had traveled by the way of the Elk river
settlements arrived the following day, and then traveled on
to the reported gold diggings on the South fork of the
Umpqua, about thirty miles from the ferry. They returned
in three days with about an ounce of gold of their own dig-
ging. In the meantime, the company had purchased the ferry,
and the land claims of Mr. Aiken and Mr. Smith, located on
each side of the river, and laid out a townsite which they
named Winchester. From this place the party returned to

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION 357

the mouth of the river and then sailed for San Francisco,
where they arrived on the morning of the 4th of September.
And at a meeting of the company, held on the evening of the
same day, it was unanimously voted to charter a vessel to
proceed at once to the Umpqua river and effect a settlement.
And with this object in view, the brig Kate Heath was duly
chartered, and on the 26th of September she sailed with about
one hundred passengers on board, who were desirous of locat-
ing on the river.

Most of the company who had previously sailed on the Wil-
liam Roberts returned on this vessel, and thus the practical
settlement of the Umpqua valley was effected.

REMINISCENCES OF MRS. FRANK COLLINS,
NEE MARTHA ELIZABETH GILLIAM.

By FRED LOCKLEY.

"My maiden name was Martha Elizabeth Gilliam," said
Mrs. Frank Collins, when I visited her recently at her home
in Dallas. "My father was General Cornelius Gilliam, tho'
they generally called him 'Uncle Neal.' Father was born at
Mt. Pisgah, in Florida. My mother's maiden name was Mary
Crawford. She was born in Tennessee. I was born in Andrew
county, Missouri, the day before the Fourth of July in the
year 1839. Father and mother were married in Missouri. I
don't know the day nor the year. Missouri was the jumping-
off place back in those days and they didn't have courts and
court records and licenses like they do now-a-days. Any circuit
rider or justice of the peace could marry a couple and no rec-
ords were kept except in the memory of the bride. Father met
mother in Tennessee when she was a girl; fact is she would
be considered only a girl when father married her, by people
of today, but in those days she was considered a woman grown.

"The women worked hard when mother was a girl back in
Tennessee and they had a lot of danger and excitement thrown
in with their hard work. My mother lived with her aunt.
When I was a little thing I used to get mother to tell me
about when she was a girl. When she was betwixt and between
a girl and a woman she and her aunt were busy with the
house work one forenoon when some Indians came to the
house. My mother's aunt shut and barred the door. The
Indians began hacking at the door with their tomahawks.
They cut thro' one board and had splintered another when
my mother's aunt fired thro' the broken panel of the door
and shot one of the Indians thro' the chest. While mother's
aunt was busy loading the gun my mother boosted one of the

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 359

children thro' the back window and told him to run to the
woods where the men were getting out timbers for a cabin
and give the alarm. After quite a spell of hacking the Indians
finally cut thro' the door and crowded into the cabin. My
mother and her aunt had crawled under the four-poster bed
and before the Indians could pull them out the men came on
the run. The Indians heard them coming and ran away, all
but the one mother's aunt had wounded. Just as he was
going out of the door the men shot him and he laid down and
died on the door step.

"Nowadays a man most generally has only one job, like
being a lawyer, or a preacher, or a politician, or a farmer, but
when my father was a young man the men folks had to what-
ever came to hand. When my father was in his 'teens he
was a man grown and a good shot and was good at tracking
game, so he naturally took up tracking runaway slaves. They
used to send for him all 'round the country, for a heap of
slaves used to take to the swamps. He made good money at
the business. He was so good at tracking them and bringing
them back to their owners that when he ran for sheriff the
people said, 'He is so successful catching runaway niggers,
he will be good at catching criminals,' so he was voted in as
sheriff.

"When the Black Hawk war came on father enlisted and
served thro' it, and when the Seminole war broke out in Florida
where he was born they made him a captain and he fought
thro' that war. When he had finished fighting he went back
to the frontier in Missouri, for everything west of Missouri in
those days was Indian country. He was a great man to make
friends and so they elected him to the legislature in Missouri.
He got interested in religion and was ordained a preacher.
He was one of the Old Testament style of preachers. He
wasn't very strong on turning the other cheek. If a man hit
him on one cheek he would think he was struck by an earth-
quake or a cyclone before he got time to hit father on the
other cheek. Father believed the Bible, particularly where it

360 FRED LOCKLEY

said smite the Philistines, and he figured the Philistines was
a misprint for the Mormons and he believed it was his religious
duty to smite them. He believed they should be exterminated
root and branch. He was a great hand to practice what he
preached so he helped exterminate quite a considerable few
of them. The Mormons had burned the houses and barns of
some of father's folks. One of father's relatives was alone
with her little baby when the Mormons came and she crept
out of the window in her nightgown and had to walk thro'
the snow four miles to a neighbor's while the Mormons burned
her house and barn. That didn't make father feel any too
friendly to the Mormons, so they run them out of Missouri and
it wasn't long till they moved on and settled on the shores of
the Great Salt Lake a thousand miles from anybody.

"In the spring of 1843 the first party of emigrants started
from Missouri for the Willamette Valley in the Oregon coun-
try. Next spring a lot more met at Capless Landing, near
Weston, Missouri, and organized to cross the plains. Because
father had been a captain in the Florida Indian war and
because he had been a sheriff and had been in the legislature,
and was a preacher, and because he was used to having people
do what he wanted, they elected him the head officer.

'They organized like a regular military expedition. Father
was made general and Michael T. Simmons was made colonel
and four captains were elected — R. W. Morrison, Elijah Bun-
ton, Wm. Shaw and Richard Woodcock. Ben Nichols was
chosen to act as judge and Joseph Gage and Theophilus Ma-
gruder were to serve as judges with him. Charley Saxton
was the secretary. Sublette, a trader among the Indians, and
Black Harris, a mountain man, acted as guides as far as Fort
Laramie. From Fort Laramie to Fort Bridger the train was
guided by Jo Walker. I was five years old and I remember
lots of incidents of the trip.

"There were two other emigrant trains came across the
plains that same season, one commanded by Nathaniel Ford
and the other by John Thorpe. From the Blue Mountains on

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 361

to the Willamette Valley we had a pretty hard time as we
had been delayed till the fall storms overtook us. At Burnt
River we were met by an old-time friend of father's, James
Waters. They generally called him General Waters. He took
us to his cabin on Tualatin Plains where we stayed while
father traveled over the valley looking for a land claim. Father
found a place that suited him near what is now the city of
Dallas, in fact the western part of Dallas is built on our
donation land claim. I guess there is no doubt of my being
the oldest living settler in Dallas for I settled here more than
70 years ago.

"After we had moved to our place in Polk county, Colonel
Waters came and stopped with us for a while. I remember his
visit because while he was staying with us he hunted up a
broad smooth-grained shake, as we used to call the hand-made
shingles, and whittling it perfectly smooth with his jack knife
he printed the letters of the alphabet on it and taught me my
letters. As we had no pencils in those days they generally
melted some bar lead or a bullet and ran it in a crack and used
that for a pencil, but he had a better scheme than that.

"In the creek near our house there were chunks of soft
red rock called keel. He found a long splinter of keel and
printed the letters on the shake and I had a mighty good sub-
stitute for a hornbook and in no time I could read my letters,
and he didn't stop 'till he had' taught me to make them for
myself and name every one of them.

"Eugene Skinner stopped with us for a while. He took up
a place at what is now Eugene. Skinner's Butte at Eugene
is named for him and because he was the first settler there
they named the town after his first name — Eugene. He had the
first house there. He hired father to build it for him. You
see he went back in the spring of 1845 to get his family. They
came out the following year and Mrs. Skinner stayed at our
house. Mrs. Skinner gave me the only school book I ever
owned. It was an A, B, C book. She called it a primer. I
went to school altogether three months. I went for a month

362 FRED LOCKLEY

to Mr. Green's school. His school house was on our place
and for two months I went to Alex. McCarty's log school on
Rickreall creek. I learned my reading from a page torn from
the Bible. He didn't have any sure enough readers, so he
tore up a Bible and gave each scholar a page or so. Mrs.
Skinner helped me to learn to read, for I took my pages home
with me every night so I would have my lesson next day.

"There were six girls and two boys in our family. I was
the next to youngest child and I am the only one of the
family now alive.

"When we settled here our neighbors were Solomon Shel-
ton, Uncle Mitchell Gilliam, Ben. F. Nichols and Uncle John
Nichols.

In 1846 the Provisional Legislature authorized Tom McKay*
to build a road for the emigrants across the Cascade moun-
tains from what is now Albany, clear across the mountains
to Fort Boise. He was to have it ready for travel by August,
1846, so the emigrants that year could use it. The day before
the Fourth of July, it was on my seventh birthday, my father
took out a party of men to pick out the route for the new
road. My father's old friend, James Waters, was along, and
so was T. C. Shaw, Joseph Gervais, Xavier Gervais, Antonio
Delore, George Montour, J. B. Gardipie, S. P. Thornton, and
Mr. McDonald and Mr. Thomas McKay. They couldn't find a
good route over the mountains so a road was built over the
Barlow trail instead, but they didn't have anything to do with
that road.

"Next summer father headed a party to explore the Rogue
River and Klamath River Valleys so emigrants could come in
by that route.

Congress raised a regiment of riflemen for the Oregon
country but the Mexican troubles caused them to send them
down there so Oregon never saw a hide or hair of them.* At

* December 16, 1845, instead of 1846. — Oregon Archives, p. 145. — Geo. H.
Himes.

The Mounted Rifles came to Oregon in 1849, arriving at Fort Vancouver on
October 4, 1849. See page 227, Report of Secretary of War, Nov. 30, 1850. —
George H. Himes.

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 363

the same time the Postmaster-GeneralJ was authorized to con-
tract for a mail route to run from Charleston, South Carolina,
to the mouth of the Columbia River. The boats were to come
six times a year via the Isthmus of Panama. For bringing
the mail to Oregon once every two months the contractor was
to be paid $100,000 a year. So as to make the service as near
self-sustaining as possible Congress fixed the rate of postage
on letters at forty cents an ounce. Father was appointed
superintendent of postal matters for Oregon. Two postoffices
were allowed for Oregon, one at Oregon City and one at
Astoria. David Hill was appointed postmaster at Oregon City
and John M. Shively at Astoria. Post routes were established
from Oregon City by way of Fort Vancouver and Fort Nis-
qually to the mouth of Admiralty Inlet, and the other route
ran from Oregon City up the Willamette Valley and thro' the
Umpqua valley and on to Klamath river. The routes were to
be in operation by July 1st, 1847. The mail bags came by
ship around the Horn and were delivered at our house. The
postal keys were sent in care of some people coming across
the plains and they were delivered at our house also, as well
as father's commission as Oregon's first postal agent. I still
have his commission. I am a great hand to save things of that
kind.

"Right after the Indians killed Doctor and Mrs. Whitman
and the rest at Wai-il-at-pu the provisional legislature told
Jesse Applegate, A. L. Lovejoy and George L. Curry to raise
the money to buy arms and equipment for the settlers so they
could go and punish the Indians for the massacre. The set-
tlers enlisted as soldiers, but the committee couldn't raise the
money to buy the guns and powder and lead and other things.
Governor James Douglas, the Chief Factor at Fort Vancouver,
who had recently succeeded Dr. John McLoughlin, who had
moved to Oregon City, told Jesse Applegate that he would
furnish all needed equipment and take the signatures of Gov-

t Cave Johnson.

364 FRED LOCKLEY

ernor Abernethy, Jesse Applegate and A. L. Love joy as se-
curity, so that fixed that up.

"The legislature elected my father to be colonel of the regi-
ment and his friend, James Waters, to be lieutenant colonel.
H. A. G. Lee was made major and Joel Palmer was elected
commissary general. They appointed Joe Meek to act as
messenger to go back to Washington and ask for help to sup-
press the Indians. They issued an appeal to all the citizens
to help equip additional troops to be raised.

"The day that Peter Skene Ogden reached Portland with
the survivors of the Whitman massacre, whom he had bought
for blankets and other trade goods from the Indians who held
them captive, was the day that my father started with 50 men
for eastern Oregon. The rest of the troops were to come
as soon as they could get ready. At Cascade portage they
established a fort which was named after father — Fort Gilliam.
The stockade at The Dalles was named after Major H. A. G.
Lee — Fort Lee.

"Right after father got to The Dalles he took what men he
had and went up on the Deschutes and had a fight with the
Indians. He killed some and captured a lot of their horses
and some cattle. The rest of the troops soon reached The
Dalles and they went out and had a fight with the Cayuse
Indians and drove them before them. The troops went up
into the Walla Walla country. Father with two companies
visited Wai-il-at-pu Mission, where the Whitmans were killed.
The wolves had dug up the bodies so the soldiers reburied
them. The soldiers met the Indians, mostly Palouses and
Cayuses, on the Tucannon and defeated them, after which
the soldiers returned to Fort Waters. f The troops were short
of ammunition and they were getting tired of eating horse
meat, so the officers held a council and decided to send a strong
escort to The Dalles to secure powder and lead and food.

"On March 20th, ^Captain McKay's company with Captain

t This was at the site of the Whitman Mission, all buildings there having been
destroyed.

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 365

Maxon's company started for The Dalles. My father was
with them, as he was going to the Willamette Valley to confer
with Governor Abernethy. While they were camped at Wells
Springs near the Umatilla river, my father went to the wagon
to get his picket rope to stake out his horse. My father had
given strict orders to the men not to put their loaded guns in
the wagon on account of the danger of accidents, but one of
the men had disobeyed the orders. When father pulled his
picket rope out it caught on the hammer of the gun drawing
the hammer back and then releasing it, discharging the gun.
The bullet struck father in the center of the forehead and
killed him instantly.

"Captain McKay brought father's body to our home here
on the Rickreall and the whole country turned out to his
funeral. The following June special services were held for
him by the Masonic order. Masons came from all over the
Oregon country to do honor to him.

"Father had come to Oregon not only to make a home but to
help hold Oregon for the United States. Each family that
came were promised a section of land. The husband was given
a right to take up 320 acres and the wife had a right to take
up 320 acres. Father and mother took up a section, but because
father went out in the defense of Oregon's settlers and was
killed while in command of the troops fighting the Indians, he
was not allowed to hold his 320 acres. When mother came
to prove up she was only allowed to hold her half of our
place. Father was not there in person to prove up on his
half, so we lost it. She told them why he couldn't be there
because he was killed, but they would only let her have her
half of our farm. Mother always felt that father was not
treated right, as he was punished for his patriotism by having
his half section of land taken away and then he was killed
before the money was available to pay the troops and he never
received a cent for his services either from the Provisional
received a cent for his services from the government at Wrash-
ington.

366 FRED LOCKLEY

"I have always saved father's commission as Special Postal
Agent of Oregon, and I also have the glasses President Monroe
gave him. Mr. Monroe and father had been good friends long
before Monroe ever thought of being president. When father
told President Monroe he was coming out to Oregon, Mr.
Monroe gave him a pair of spectacles and said 'Take these
glasses with you, Neal. You don't need them now, but if the
time comes when you do need them and you can't get any out
there in Oregon they will come in handy.' Father and Presi-
dent Polk had worked together in politics and Polk was very
friendly toward father.

"Father was killed in the spring of 1848 and we had a pretty
hard time to make out for a while, but mother was a hard
worker and a good planner and we managed to get along.
My oldest brother, Smith Gilliam, thought he could help most
by going to the California gold mines, so as pretty near every
man in the whole country was either there or on the way, he
pulled out for the gold diggings in the spring of '49. My
brother Marcus and I had to do the farming. I was going on
ten years old so I was plenty old enough to do my share of sup-
porting the family. I drove the oxen and Mark held the plow.
When the wheat was harvested we put the shocks in the corral
and turned the calves and young stock in to tramp it out. We
had to keep them moving or they would eat it instead of tramp-
ing out the grain. I enjoyed threshing the wheat out. I would
go into the corral, catch a young heifer by the tail and while
she would bawl and try to get away I would hold on like grim
death and as she sailed around the corral trying to escape I
would be taking steps ten feet long. This would start all the
rest of the stock going full tilt so the grain got well trampled.

"We cut the wheat with a reap hook, tramped it out with
the cattle and cleaned it by throwing it up in the air and let-
ting the afternoon sea-breeze blow away the chaff. We had a
big coffee mill fastened to a tree and it was my job to grind all
the wheat for the bread mother baked. It took a lot of grinding
to keep us in whole wheat flour.

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 367

"The summer I was fourteen we were milking 24 cows.
We didn't have the money to buy American cows, so we broke
the half-wild Spanish cows to milk. Many and many is the
time they would tree me while I was trying to break them to
be milked. They were thin-flanked, long-legged and long-
horned and wild as deer, but night and morning I milked my
string of twelve of them. We sold the butter for 50 cents a
pound and it was sent to the California mines. We got 50
cents a pound for all the bacon we cured. We saved from
our butter and bacon that summer better than $800.

"My brother Marcus and I were chums. I thought any-
thing he did was just right. We fought each other's battles
and were very devoted to each other. When the Yakima
Indian war came on they wanted recruits, so he volunteered.
I didn't want him to go for father had been killed in the Cayuse
war, and I thought our family had shown patriotism enough,
but Mark felt that he should go, so I did all I could to help
get him ready. The young folks came in to bid him good bye.
I was feeling pretty bad about it, so he said 'Don't you feel
bad, Lizzie, I'll bring you home an Indian's scalp.' Mark
went and his company got into a pretty bad fight. A Klickitat
warrior raised up from behind a rock and shot at Mark but
missed him. The next time the Indian raised his head Mark
put a bullet thro' it and then ran down to get his scalp. The
other Indians tried to keep him from scalping the Indian he
had killed and they all fired at Mark. My brother-in-law,
Judge Collins, was there, and he said the gravel and dust was
just fairly boiling around Mark as he stooped over and scalped
the Indian. The bullets hit all 'round him, but nary a one hit
him, and he brought the scalp back to me when he came back
from the war. I kept it for years, but the moths got in it and
the hair began shedding, so I burned it up.

"I have always liked Indians. One of the prettiest Indian
girls I ever saw was Frances, the Indian girl Lieutenant Philip
H. Sheridan lived with. She was a Rogue River Indian girl.
She was as graceful as a deer and as slender as a fawn. She

368 FRED LOCKLEY

loved Sheridan devotedly. Her brother was a fine looking
Indian, too. He was named Harney, after an army officer.
He was a teamster for the troops. When the Civil War broke
out and Sheridan was called east, Frances was almost broken
hearted.

"After the war General Sheridan fixed it up for four of the
Indians to come back at government expense and visit the
'Great White Father,' as they call the president. Frances, her
brother Harney, and two other Indians went. Frances came
and showed me all her clothes. She had a fine outfit for the
trip. Years later she lived at Corvallis and did washing. Any
of the old-timers at Corvallis can tell you all about her.

"When the soldiers would leave Fort Hoskins or Fort Yam-
hill their Indian wives would follow them to where they em-
barked for the east. Frequently they would have to say good-
bye at Corvallis. The Indian women would feel awfully bad
to have their soldier lovers leave, as they knew they would
never see them again.

"When we came here in 1844 our claim was a great camping
place for the Indians. There would be scores of tepees along
the creek. It was like a big camp meeting, only they were
Indians in place of white people and instead1 of meeting to
sing and pray they had met to race horses and to gamble. We
children used to love to go to their camp and watch them
gamble. They would spread out a blanket and put the stakes
on the blanket. They would stake everything they had on the
game, staking their beads and blankets and stripping down to
their breech clout. The most exciting time, tho', was when
they were running their horses. First they would bet all the
horses they had, then their guns and: beads and blankets, and
often an Indian would be stripped almost naked as the result
of a close race.

"One Indian family had their tepee near our house. They
stayed all summer. There was a little girl just my age, eight
years old. We loved each other like sisters. Sid-na-yah used
to come at milking time and I would give her a cup of warm

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 369

milk. We would drink from the same cup. She was my only
playmate. She was near kin to the head chief. She was taken
sick and they called1 in an Indian medicine man. They let my
sister Henrietta and me in the tepee where he was beating
sticks and hollering and trying to drive out the evil spirit. She
died. The chief came and asked mother if my sister Rettie
and I could go to her funeral. Mother let us go. The Indians
took a milk pan full of beads and broke them up and scattered
all over her. After their ceremonies were over they buried
her on the hillside near our house. They shot her horse and
placed it near the head of her grave and her favorite dog they
killed and put at the foot of her grave. They put poles around
her grave on which they fastened all of her buckskin dresses
and other treasures. Next year when her mother came back
and saw Rettie and me, she cried as if her heart would break.
She went out often to Sid-na-yah's grave. People think Indians
don't love or have any feelings because they do not wear their
hearts on their sleeves; but I believe Indians feel as deeply
and love as truly as white folks.

"The emigrants brought the measles to Oregon. The In-
dians didn't know how to doctor them. They would go in
one of their sweat houses and then jump in a cold stream and
it usually killed them. One season we heard frequent wailing
from the Indian camp near us. Quatley, the chief, told my
mother all their children were dying of the white man's disease.
We children got the measles, but mother doctored us suc-
cessfully. An Indian medicine man came to our house for
protection. He said his patients all died so the Indians were
going to kill him for claiming he could cure them and not
doing so. When he thought the coast was clear he started off,
but just then Quatley rode up. The Indian whipped his horse
and started off at a keen run. Quatley took good aim and shot
and the medicine man went over his horse headfirst and only
lived a little while. When Quatley saw that we children all
got well of the measles he came to mother and said. 'Your
children get well, all our children die. Your medicine is

370 FRED LOCKLEY

stronger than ours. My little girl is sick. I want you to cure
her.' Mother said, 'No, I won't try. If she dies you will kill
me like you killed your medicine man the other day.' Quatley
said, 'If you don't treat her she will die, so I will let you do
what you will. If she dies I will not blame you.' Mother had
the chief's daughter come to our house. She kept her out of
the draft and gave her herbs and teas and she soon was well.
Quatley drove up his herd of horses and said, 'You have saved
my little girl for me. Take all the horses you want/ Mother
told him she didn't want any. He kept us supplied with game
as long as he camped in that neighborhood. Anything he had
he shared with us. He kept our loft full of hazel nuts and he
had the squaws bring us all the huckleberries we could use.
As long as Quatley was in the country we never lacked for
deer meat.

"In 1848 Dave Lewis was elected sheriff of Polk county.
In the fall of that same year, 1848, he resigned to go to the
California gold mines. My brother, W. S. Gilliam, or Smith
Gilliam, as he was usually called, was appointed in his place.

"In February, 1852, William Everman killed Seranas C.
Hooker, a Polk county farmer. Hooker accused Everman of
stealing his watch. My brother had the unpleasant duty of
hanging Everman. His brother Hiram was tried for being an
accomplice. He had helped his brother get away. Hiram was
generally considered a good man. I believe that William Ever-
man, who killed Hooker, was mentally unbalanced. Enoch
Smith was sentenced to be hung for being an accessory to the
crime, but was pardoned and David Coe, who was also tried
for being an accomplice, secured a change of venue and was
acquitted. Hiram Everman, the brother of the murderer, was
sentenced to three years in the penitentiary ; but as there was no
penitentiary and they didn't want to build one for the exclusive
benefit of Hiram Everman, they decided to sell him at auction.
Dave Grant, who was a brother-in-law of Sheriff Smith
Gilliam, was the auctioneer. They put him up for sale here
in Dallas. Hiram was sold the day his brother was hung.

REMINISCENCES OF MARTHA E. GILLIAM COLLINS 371

Theodore Prather bought him. When he had worked out his
three years Prather gave him a horse and saddle and twenty
dollars. He went to Douglas county and raised a family and
was a good citizen.

"Frank Nichols, who married my sister Sarah, was the next
sheriff. One of his first jobs was hanging Adam E. Wimple.
Wimple had stayed for a while at our house in 1845. He
married a 13-year-old girl in 1850 and within a year killed her.
They lived in Cooper Hollow, four or five miles from Dallas.
My brother-in-law, Alec Gage, and his wife stopped at Wim-
ple's house the morning he killed her. Mrs. Wimple's face
was all swollen and her eyes were red from crying. Wimple
saw they noticed it, so he said 'Mary isn't feeling very well
this morning.' My brother-in-law and his wife had not gone
over a mile and a half when they saw smoke rising from where
the Wimple house was. They hurried back and found the
house in flames. It was too late to save anything in the house.
When the fire had burned out they found Mrs. Wimple unde.
the floor partially burned. Wimple had disappeared. He was-
more than double her age. She was 14 and he was about 35.
A posse captured him and brought him to Dallas. I knew
Wimple well, so I asked him why he had killed Mary ? He said,
'Well, I killed her. I don't really know why/

"There was no jail so Frank Nichols took Wimple to his
house to stay. Frank swore in four guards, but Wimple got
away and was gone four days before they found him and
brought him back. They tracked him to the house where he
had killed his wife. I went over to stay with my sister, Mrs.
Nichols, while he was boarding there waiting to be hung and
I helped her cook for him. Frank hung him early in October,
1852. Wimple sat on his coffin in the wagon when they drove
to the gallows where he was to be hung. They passed the
sheriff's father, Uncle Ben Nichols, while they were on their
way to the gallows. Wimple was afraid Uncle Ben would be
late and miss the hanging, so he called out 'Uncle Ben, ain't
you going to the hanging ? Ain't you coming down to see me

372 FRED LOCKLEY

hung?' Uncle Ben said, 'I have seen enough of you, Adam.
No, I ain't going.' Uncle Ben was the only man in Polk
county to receive a personal invitation and he was about the
only one who didn't take a day off to see the hanging.

"Churches are plenty nowadays and folks don't seem to set
much store by them ; but when I was a girl we drove 25 miles
to church and were mighty glad to get to go. The church I
attended was held in a school house and the preacher was old
Doctor R. C. Hill, a Baptist minister. I met my future husband
there. I was fourteen and Frank was nineteen when we first
met. The name he was christened by is Francis Marion Col-
lins, but I always call him Frank. He went to the California
mines in the fall of '54. He mined near Yreka. In 1858 he
took a drove of cattle down to the mines and the following year
we were married. We were married on August 29, 1859, by
Justice of the Peace Isaac Staats.

"There is one thing I have always been glad about and that
is that Gilliam county was named after father.

"Gilliam county was set off in 1885 with Alkali, now called
Arlington, for its county seat. Two of my cousins, William
Lewis and J. C. Nelson, were in the legislature that session.
They were taking dinner with me one day and they began
talking about cutting off a new county from Wasco county.
W. W. Steiwer and Thomas Cartwright were lobbying to have
the new county created. "Cy" said the new county was to be
named after the man who had surveyed it. I spoke up and
said, 'Why not call it after my father ; he was killed up in that
country while fighting for Oregon.' Lewis said, 'Your father
was killed at Wells Springs, which is in Umatilla county ; but
I think it would be a good plan to name the new county after
him.' Cy Nelson said, Til introduce a motion to have the
new county named Gilliam county.' He did so and so the new
county was called after father."

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOHN DAY

Editorial Notes by T. C. ELLIOTT.

John Day was a member of the Wilson Price Hunt or Over-
land party of the Pacific Fur Company (Astorians) which as-
sembled at the mouth of the "Nadowa" (near where the city
of Saint Joseph, Mo., now stands) in the fall of 1810, crossed
the plains and Rocky Mountains during 1811 and arrived at
Astoria during the winter and spring of 1812. The itinerary
and experiences of those "Earliest Travelers on the Oregon
Trail" have been clearly told on pages 227-239 of Vol. 13 of
this Quarterly. John Day was a "Kentucky hunter" engaged
to act as one of the hunters of the party, and is thus described
by Washington Irving at page 146 of Vol. 1 of his "Astoria" :

"John Day, a hunter from the backwoods of Virginia, but
who had been several years on the Missouri in the service of
Mr. Crooks, and of other traders. He was about forty years
of age, six feet two inches high, straight as an Indian; with
an elastic step as if he trod on springs, and a handsome, open,
manly countenance. It was his boast that, in his younger days,
nothing could hurt or daunt him; but he had 'lived too fast*
and injured his constitution by his excesses. Still he was
strong of hand, bold of heart, a prime woodman, and an almost
unerring shot."

John Day's early excesses evidently incapacitated him for
extreme hardship, for in the final crisis of that journey, in
December, 1811, along the banks of Snake river, he gave out
and his life was saved only by the fact that Ramsay Crooks
remained behind with him at some Indian camp near Weiser,
Idaho. The following spring these two made their way across
the Blue Mountains to the Columbia river, only to be at-
tacked, robbed and left practically naked near the mouth of
what has ever since been called the John Day river about thirty
miles east of The Dalles. They were found by others of the
fur traders and reached Astoria early in May.

374 T. C. ELLIOTT

John Day was soon assigned to accompany Robert Stuart
back across the plains to St. Louis with dispatches for Mr.
Astor, and the party set off on the 29th of June; but during
the night of July 2nd while encamped on or near Wapato
Island he suddenly became deranged and the following morn-
ing attempted to commit suicide and was sent back to Astoria
in the care of some friendly Indians. This is all told by Mr.
Irving on pages 111-12 of Vol. 2 of "Astoria/' with the final
statement that "his constitution was completely broken by the
hardships he had undergone and he died within a year."

With this reference John Day's name disappears from the
writings of the annalists of the Pacific Fur Company's and
North- West Company's careers upon the Columbia river, that
is, until 1824. Tradition only (as far as known to the writer)
is responsible for the infrequent statement that he retired from
his associates and died in a small hunter's cabin on the banks
of the large creek which empties into the Columbia a few miles
above Tongue Point, which has for years been mapped and
known as John Day creek.

But Mr. Irving was either inspired or mistaken, for John
Day did not die within a year, although he is not again men-
tioned until 1824 by any of the fur traders of the Columbia
river. When the North-West Company's bargain with the
Pacific Fur Company was completed it provided that those
of the Astorians who did not then and there join the North-
West Company be conveyed back to Montreal, or elsewhere
east of the Rocky Mountains; and a "brigade" of ten canoes
containing nearly eighty men left Astoria on April 4th, 1814,
bound for the Athabasca Pass. The names of the party are
all listed by Alex. Henry in his Journal, and Canoe No. 7
carried as "passengers, Mr. David Stuart and Mr. Joshua
Day." Now there is nowhere any mention of such a person
as Joshua Day among the gentlemen of either company, and
Alex. Henry having been at Astoria only since the 15th of
November, 1813, probably was not intimate with the names of
all the Pacific Fur Company's men; so there is good reason

WILL OF JOHN DAY 375

to conclude that Joshua Day and John Day are one and the
same person notwithstanding the discrepancy in names, and
that our Mr. John Day then ascended the Columbia at least
as far as one of the other North- West Company trading posts
and eventually joined the North-West Company in some form
of service. The document herewith is partial proof of such
service and his weakness of body probably accounts for the
lack of mention of him.

Our next record of John Day is contained in the Journal of
Alex. Ross, who was in charge of the Hudson's Bay Company
trapping party in the Snake country in 1823-24. The entry
of May 12th, 1824, reads: "Went up to headwaters of the
river. This is the defile where in 1819 died John Day." (Or.
Hist. Quar. Vol. 14, p. 380.) Day's Defile is a mountain valley
which heads in the Salmon River mountains of central Idaho
and opens upon the lava beds to the north of the Three Buttes.
John Work's Journal of November 2nd, 1830, reads : "Camped
near the head of Day's River" (Or. Hist. Quar., Vol. 13, p.
369). Capt. Bonneville was on the same stream in December,
1832, as related by Mr. Irving, and the Arrowsmith maps of
1835-45 designate it as Day's or MacKenzie's river. It has,
however, lost the original name and is now mapped as Little
Lost River, from the fact that its flow sinks and follows under-
ground channels to the Snake river.

Turning now to the document itself we find that the testator
and witnesses recite its execution Feb. 15th, 1820, "on the
dependencies of the River Columbia," and that Donald Mac-
Kenzie proves it by swearing that John Day died Feb. 16th,
1820, "on the south side of the River Columbia in the Ter-
ritory of Oregon." Had it been executed at Fort George or
Spokane or Nez Perce the recital would have been different.
This document was therefore written and executed in the camp
of Donald MacKenzie on one of the mountain streams of
Idaho, and may be the first proven will ever executed in Old
Oregon — certainly in the State of Idaho.

Donald MacKenzie was a passenger in Canoe No. 1 of the

376 T. C. ELLIOTT

brigade which left Astoria on April 4th, 1814, and carried to
Mr. Astor the papers of final settlement with the North- West
Company and the draft in payment. He then joined the North-
Westers again and returned to the Columbia in 1816 to take
full charge of the fur trade of the interior or upper river.
Alex. Ross, in "Fur Hunters of the Far West," is our authority
for his presence in the Snake country in the winter of 1820
in charge of a large trapping party there. Evidently he kept
this document in his own possession until able as an American
citizen to present it for probate at Mayville, New York, where
he resided from 1833 until 1851, the date of his death.

The suggestion has been made that Washington Irving was
inspired when he stated that John Day died within a year. This
suggestion may be enlarged upon at some future date when it
may be possible to relate the story of Donald MacKenzie's
collection of the bequest to his daughter Rachel, being the
moneys due from John Jacob Astor to John Day for services
rendered the Pacific Fur Company. The document follows :

Before God and the subscribing witnesses, I, John Day the
son of Ambrose Day in the County of Culpepper, State of
Virginia, being sound in mind but infirm of body, do hereby
make and constitute this my lawful Will and Testament, and
I appoint Mr. Donald MacKenzie as the sole Executor of the
same as follows :

First. I hereby give and bequeath to the said Donald Mac-
Kenzie two hundred and forty acres of landed property given
to me by the Spanish Government formerly at St. Louis in
Louisiana. The said property of two hundred and forty acres
of land is situated about a mile from the banks of the Mossouri,
on the south side and lying upon the creek Lavudze right hand
side of that creek adjoining the lands of Mons'r Cheauteau.
All papers concerning the said landed property I have placed
in the hands of Mr. James McKay, residing about nine
miles below the town of St. Louis. I therefore request and
desire of the said James McKay, his heirs administrators or
Executors that he or they will give and deliver up or see given

WILL OF JOHN DAY 377

or delivered up into the hands of the said Donald MacKenzie
or into his order all and every of the papers, the deeds or
rights whatsoever appertaining to or concerning the said two
hundred and forty acres of landed property situated as above
mentioned.

I further give and bequeath to said Donald MacKenzie all
and every my right and pretensions to the Salt Peter lands
discovered by me about Boons Licks at the River Missouri.

I also bequeath to him the said Donald MacKenzie my one-
third proportion of profits therefrom arising since first I found
them, and I request and desire of my worthy friend Mr. Benja-
min Cooper and of Mr. John Fairal who have been hitherto
partners with me in the proceeds of the said Salt Peter lands,
that they deliver up or see delivered1 up into the hands of the
said Donald MacKenzie or into his order all the share of profits
belonging to me as arising from the said Salt Peter lands since
the commencement of my partnership with them, which I
believe took place in the year eighteen hundred and nine.

I give and bequeath to Miss Rachel MacKenzie of Columbia
River all and every my ready cash with the lawful interest
arising therefrom, and lying in the hands of my former master,
Mr. John Jacob Astor, Merchant of New York. I therefore
desire the said John Jacob Astor to deliver into the hands of
my aforesaid Executor or order, all the ready cash with lawful
interest belonging to me in his possession.

Signed and sealed this fifteenth day of February on the de-
pendencies of the River Columbia in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty.

I wish this writing to be considered by all men as my lawful
will and testament.

JOHN DAY. L. S.
Witness

WILLIAM RETTSON.

JAMES BIRNIE.

378 T. C. ELLIOTT

State of New York, )

)ss.
Chatitauqua County. )

Be it remembered that at a Surrogate's Court held at the
Village of Mayville in the County of Chautauqua, on the twenty
eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty six, the last Will and Testament of
John Day late of the Territory of Oregon in the United States
of America, deceased (a copy whereof is hereunto annexed)
was admitted to probate after a citation to the next of kin (there
being no widow of said deceased) to the said deceased issued,
served, returned and filed according to law.

Whereupon at the place and on the day aforesaid the fol-
lowing witnesses after having been duly sworn by the said
Surrogate, testified as follows, to-wit : after proof of legal
service of the said citation on the next of kin to the said de-
ceased Donald MacKenzie after having been duly sworn by the
said Surrogate, testified as follows : that there was a promissory
note of the said deceased came into the County of Chautauqua
since the death of the said deceased, and that John Day the
said deceased died on the sixteenth day of February in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty,
on the south side of the River Columbia in the Territory of
Oregon, in the United States, which was the place of his resi-
dence at the time of his death ; and this deponent further says
that William Rettson and James Birnie the two subscribing
witnesses to the last Will and Testament of the said John Day
deceased, now reside out of the State of New York, accord-
ing to the belief and knowledge of this deponent, and that he
is well acquainted with the hand writing of the said William
Rettson and James Birnie, and that the signatures of the said
witnesses to the said Will are the proper signatures of the said
William Rettson and James Birnie who signed their names to
the said will of said deceased, at the request of said decedent,
and in the presence of the said deceased, and in the presence
of each other, and this deponent further says that he is well

WILL OF JOHN DAY 379

acquainted with the handwriting of John Day the said de-
ceased, and that the signature of John Day to the will of
said deceased here produced in Court is the signature of said
deceased, the proper handwriting of John Day the said de-
ceased, and further that at the time the said deceased executed
said will he was of sound disposing mind and memory and
not under restraint, and the said William Rettson and James
Birnie the said witnesses to the said will, took the said will
after it was executed and immediately handed the said will to
this deponent, and this deponent says that the said will now
presented in Court is the same will of said deceased without
any alteration whatever.

DONALD MACKENZIE.

Whereupon, I, the said Surrogate, upon the proof afore-
said, being satisfied of the genuineness and validity of the said
will, order that the said will be admitted to probate, and that
Letters Testamentary thereon be granted to Donald Mac-
Kenzie Executor in the said will named, after the expiration
of thirty days from the time of taking the proof aforesaid, on
his taking and subscribing the oath of office prescribed by law.

In Testimony Whereof, we have caused the
seal of office of our Surrogate to b6 hereunto
affixed.
L.S.

Witness William Smith, Surrogate of the
County of Chautauqua aforesaid, at Mayville
in said County on the second day of December
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty six.

WILLIAM SMITH,

Surrogate.

DOCUMENTARY.

Letters of Elihu Wright to his brother, Samuel Wright.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

By GEO. H. HIMES.

(Elihu Wright, the son of Elihu and Sally (Lewis) Wright,
was born on a farm near Saybrook, Conn., April 12, 1801.
Like nearly all the recruits that manned the big fleet of whalers
that fared forth from New England on three-, four- and five-
year cruises, young Wright had found the limited area of the
Connecticut farm too small for the large family it sheltered.
On his second cruise he was injured so badly in a tussle with
a whale that he was a cripple for the rest of his life. He died
Sept. 30, 1840.

Students of hereditary traits will find something of interest
in the fact that four of the Wright brothers, grandsons of Elihu
Wright the whaler, are residing in Portland, and are directly
and indirectly interested in shipping and maritime business.
E. W. Wright, at present manager for the Port of Portland,
was a sailor and a steamboat man before he broke into the
newspaper game. Capt. Walter H. is in command of a Can-
adian Pacific steamer on Arrow lakes. Fred B. was purser
on the lakes for a long time, and for the past ten years has
been chief clerk for the San Francisco and Portland Steamship
Company. C. L. Wright for the past fifteen years has been
dispatching grain cargoes for a large exporting house in this
city.)

I.

Bunavista, Oct. 3d, 1822.
Dear Brother:

With pleasure I snatch my pen in haste to inform you how
and where I am. My health is almost perfectly recovered. I
hope these few lines will find you with your little family well,

DOCUMENTARY 381

likewise parents and brothers, with all inquiring friends en-
joying the same invaluable blessing. I don't think that I was
ever more fleshy than I now am. Of a truth, I am growing
too big for my clothes and I feel as if I could do a thing or two.
We left Nantucket the 3d of Sept. and made the Isle of Saul the
3d of Oct., being 30 days out of sight of land. We had a very
rough passage the most of the way. For two or three weeks
we had very squally weather with thunder and rain a plenty.
Some nights when it did not rain hard enough Old Boreaus
would scrape up handfuls of salt water in our faces. We lost
the head boards off our gallant ship's head that bore her noble
name, one on the 5th day out and the other the 20th, when we
had a hard gale of wind in the which we lay too for a few
hours under close reeft maintopsail and foretopmast staysail
and mizzenstaysail. The 9th day out we had a bit of a

sailed in co with the Independence. About three

o'clock P. M. we discovered some whale to the leeward. We
soon discovered them and run down for them, lowered the first
and 2nd Mates' boats. I was in the first Mate's boat at the
midship oar. There was a bad sea running but we pulled away
over ditch and dam after some single whale but they went off
faster than we could row our boat so both boats come to a
stand and lay at our oars. Mr. Chase discovered a school of
small whale and pulled for them and in a few minutes was fast
to one. We were rowing the other way but tacked and stood
for them and found they were cows and calves and to be sure
they were more thicker than the cows and calves in father's
barnyard. Mr. Hussey thought best to both tackle one whale
so we ran our boat hard on and threw in two Irons when he
came at us nose first, apparently very angry, puffing and spout-
ing. Then it was back water all back water, or in other words
stern haul. When we got out of his way he swam away fast
arid had we had bells and brandy we would have had quite a
romantick slayride. When he grew dull we would haul up
to him and spur him with a lance till he was bloody as a
butcher. Once while hauling up to him he raised his unman-

382 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

nerly flukes within a handsbreadth of our boat to the height
of 16 or 18 feet in the air and it rained a noble shower, but
we thought salt water would not hurt us so we kept spurring
him up until about dusk he died. Had it been in the early part
of the day our officers think we should have taken six or eight
of them for they kept squirming about like a basket of eels.
There was one alongside of that we took for more than an
hour or so that we thought we had made a mistake and struck
two instead of one. Mr. Chase bent his lance the first or
second dart as crooked as an Ivy rainbow. We got alongside
of the ship about eight in the evening. We had a bitter squall
in the night. When my watch was called at 12 I went up to
close reef the maintopsail, my hat got blew into old Davy's
locker. We were so much unprepared that we worked all
night to be ready for cutting in the whale. We hauled the
blubber on board in the morning and the succeeding day tried
it out which made 32 barrels. If you want to know anything
more about this whaling affair come here and I'll tell you all
about the pig.

I am very sorry that Mr. 70 v was not able to come with us

as Mr. Dr. Hussey proves to be a , but I make better

weather of it than any of the crew. He chose me to row his
boat since we took the whale. Chauncey rows Mr. Chase and
Mr. Foldien, the Capt. We anchored yesterday at 2 o'clock
off the Isle of Bunavista in order to send home our oil by the
Brig Unhan here after salt. If you can get time you will do
well to come and get your salt before killing time. There is
more in this island than you will want. All you will want is
your 9 cents and bushel basket. There is plenty of fish alongside
of various kinds. I had some bread and milk for my dinner.
The crew are generally pretty hearty some are afflicted with
boils. I have not seen one sick hour till last night after row-
ing ashore for 6 or 8 miles and back then getting out our
cables and bending and anchoring and furlins" sails, being very
hot, I had a severe sick headache which lasted through the
night but feel better today. We shall proceed in two or three

DOCUMENTARY 383

days. We are in Lat. 18-6 min. South and 22-53 min. West.

As time and paper have failed me quite I must now close my
letter and wish you all goodbye. I shall write every oppor-
tunity and I will give you time to read one before you get
another. I want to see Erasmus very much. You must make
him some jacket and trowsers and send him to school so that
he can go around Cape Horn when I get to be the Capt. of
a whale ship. So fare you well. This from Borther E. Wright.
Give my best compliments to all enquiring friends.
Addressed,

To Mr. Samuel Wright,
Saybrook

in Connecticut.
Written on back,

II.

Rec'd 10th Dec., 1822.

South Pacific, Feb. 10th, 1823.

On board Ship Enterprise in Lat. 01-40 South, Longitude
120 West.
Dear Brother:

Being now among the number who survive the pale nations
of the dead and in good health, I take this opportunity,
although very unexpected, of writing a few lines to acquaint
you how and where I am, hoping at the same time that this
may find you in health and prosperity.

Last night at 8 spoke the Ship Equator, Capt. B., of Nan-
tucket, with 1500 bis. & wanting 30 more to fill up. She spoke
a few days since the Ship Henry, of N Haven ; all well, 1800
bis., and Ship Planter of N. F., 1700 bis. Some scurvey on
board. Wm. Griffis, of Killings worth, is dead. After cruising
one season on the coast of Japan they returned to the coast of
California and went into Francisco Bay to wood and water,
where he was killed. The circumstance, as near as I could
learn, was this : GrifHs, with some others, had the scurvey and
lived ashore in a tent. They set him on shore just at night

384 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

and returned to the ship with water. Griffis had a small bag
of bread and had to walk across a considerable of a flat of
land to reach the tent but did not reach there and they thought
him to be on board the ship and those wooding and watering
thought he was at the tent. They did not miss him till one
or two days after they inquired of the inhabitants (who are
generally savage) and were informed of a dead body lying
near when they passed. They went to look and found his
body. He appeared to have his scull broken and plundered
of his clothes. The Equator lost one man, drowned by turning
over the boat in the breakers on a bar when they were boating
off wood. We spoke Ship Marcus of Sagharbor the 3rd of
Feb. 6 mo. out; 200 bis. Boat had one man killed the first
whale. The whale struck the boat and threw a turn of the line
over his head and dragged him forward to the chocks of the
boat. He lived just six hours. Ship Alexander has lost two
boys. The Plowboy, all well; 500 bis. last news. We had
pretty contrary wind from Bunavista around the Cape, very
hot and calm on the line (at Nov. 1st). The weather off Cape
Horn was very rugged and the sea boisterous. We made
Statten land off C. Horn the 8th Dec. Its tops well covered
with snow. We were about 40 days off Cape Horn, 20 of
which we were from 56 to 60 South, the days 18^2 hours long.
There was not more than two hours darkness. It was so light
through the night as to be able to read on deck, although
cloudy. WTe had a very severe gale off the Cape the 19th
Capt. Weeks said he never knew the blow harder. We lay too
under staysails & close reeft maintopsails. We were obliged
to take in the S. S. Our boats were all taken in but one. The
ship was rolling her boat davies under every swell while we
were on the yard. She washt every coil of riging off the
pins to the leeward, but it lasted but about 30 hours. We had
another after we doubled the Cape in Lat. 41 South, more
severe, if possible, than the other, but not so sharp sea, but
since we have got up on the tropic the weather is as pleas
ant as man ever enjoyed. S. E. winds.

DOCUMENTARY 385

As to the oily part of my story, I have not come to that
yet no further than to tell you we are as free from oil as the
sky is of cobwebs. We have not lowered since the 7th day out

Our ship sails remarkably well. We have run by all that we
have fell in with. She is likewise light. We have been out
160 days and she has not leaked more than we could pump in
four hours. The ship has met with no material accident.

I am sorry I cannot write you better news but we live in
high hopes of having a sley ride. We are altering our course
to the south some in hopes, of finding whale. They are very
plenty in Japan where likely we shall be in four months. I
shall write again from the Sandwich Islands if I have oppor-
tunity. I shall be glad to hear from you. Please to write me
the news. Write and tell of everything. Write if the turn-
pike has lived over the winter, the price of corn arid the fare
of ducks, and above all things, how your swamp hay holds
out. If pigs should be scarce this spring among you, you can
have some for coming here for them. We shall in a few days
have an assortment, some of the Connecticut breed and some
of the Portugue. It is but about 15 or 16 thousand miles we
shall not want them all as we have no milk you know.

The Capt. of the Equator is now aboard of us. I momently
expect him to leave and must therefore leave writing. So
goodbye. I do not expect to return short of three years. Give
my love to all enquiring friends, as I remain,
Affectionate brother,

E. Wright.
Addressed,

Samuel Wright,

Saybrook,

In Connecticut.

III.

Rec'd 27th July.
Beloved Brother :

I shall now improve time by writing a few lines to give you
the news if you will take the trouble to peruse ( )

386 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

which may inform you that I am well and1 have enjoyed my
health two months past much better than I did the first part of
the voyage. We are now lying at Worahoo, one of the Sand-
wich Islands, where we anchored the 12th of March. We
fell in with the ship Eagle on the 16th of Feb., six days after
I wrote you last by the ship Equator, Capt. Barnet, in Lat.
1-40 South 120 W. Long. Found all well on board— 900 bis.—
Job has been frequently on board and on the 17th we were
in a shoal of whale with the Eagle's crew. Stannard looks as
tough as a whiteoak. As for my part, I got dry jokes and
wet jacket. Jno and myself were in the chief mate's boat. We
rowed to leeward and struck a large whale. She up flukes
and let have & we found the boat traveling upwards. She
then reacht her flukes over the gunwale of the boat and struck
me across the back and landed me aft acrost the thwarts, bruis-
ing my shins to no small rate. Our boat was filled with water
but the fish slatted out the Irons and left us to bail our boat
at leisure — though something difficult as it was very rugged
as every sea breaking acrost the boat we could not see our
ship's loftiest spars except when on the top of a swell, although
no more than a mile distant. This is the second time but I
calculate for better luck in Japan. As for oil, we have suffi-
cient to use in the binnicle. We have taken but two whale
this side of the Cape which made us 30 bis. We saw planty
of whale in 185 West Lat. 8 North, but the weather was so
very rugged that we could not save whale, so directed our
course for this place, which I hope soon to leave as we have
been here almost a month. Been ashore almost every day.
We have got plenty of sweet potatoes which cost 2$ per
barrel. Plenty of cabbage and some other kinds of garden
sauce.

Benjamin Prosseter, of Killingsworth, is in here in the
Phoenix — 1,000 bis. Roderic Strong is here in the Alexander
— 1700. Alfred and Hillias Pratt are in here in the Plowboy —
1200. As for our crew, there has four left us since we have
been here. Two they have brought on board in Irons, the

DOCUMENTARY 387

other two they will not trouble. The cook is now on shore in
the Staunton and we are waiting for the Chanachens to bring
him down. The one that stops here is from Haddam, by the
name of Hubbard.

Jno and Chauncey will not write because we have so little
oil, but we have the more slayrides to have, that's all.

Them pigs that I wrote you about, if you don't come for
them soon will be roasted.

I think it is time your cattle were turned out to grass. If
you go fishing for shad I hope you'll not forget your errand,
but taking a few shad by the neck will not compare to killing
the monstrous whale, notwithstanding she often cuts dirt with
our feeble boats, knocking us sky high with her ponderous
flukes.

Tell Alanson it is time to stop sawing, if he goes afishing
to plow and get his business so as to leave his family.

I have received no news from you since I left. If I don't
receive a line from you by the Globe or Maria you'll not ex-
pect to hear any more of my slack till I come with my bodily
presence.

Be so good as to write me a little of everything. Should
any of my acquaintances think of writing don't discourage
them. I should have wrote several letters had I time but the
ship is not full and the chance of passage uncertain and but a
few moments since I thought of writing.

I must now leave writing, wishing you to give my due re-
spects to my parents and brother, with other respective friends.

N. B. — This I put on board of Ship Iris of Newbedford,
which will be as speedy as any opportunity I know of now.

Worahoo, one of the Sandwich Islands.

Dated April llth, A. D. 1823. E. Wright.

Addressed,

Samuel Wright,

Saybrook,

in Connecticut.
Written on back,
Rec'd 17th April, 1824.

388 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

IV.
North Pacific Ocean, Ship Enterprise,

May, 1823.
Dear Brother :

With a kind of indifference I take pen and ink to write a
line which will serve rather as history than a letter as the
passage at best will be long as the ship is not full by which I
send — but may inform you when it comes to hand that I am
well. As for success in our line of business we rank among
the middling. We were nine months out with but about 30
bbls. of oil. On leaving the Sandwich Islands we were mated
with the ship Phoenix of Nantucket and we have taken 31
sperm whale and 17 of them to our ship and ten of them to
the boat that I and Jno. belonged to, though the largest of the
ten made 250 bbls. the whole amount to both ships is 1700 bbls.
We have been as far west as the 149th degree of E. Long.,
found the most of our fish in 153 or 4 E. and 323 N. lat. The
11 of June we discovered a reef of rocks which have not been
heard of before, not being laid down in any map or chart. They
were discovered just at night. It was perfectly calm and we
had whale on board so that we did not go to them that night
and before morning we drifted out of sight of them. We
heard by the Lydia that the ship Ganges of New York saw
the same one. This coast is entirely unexplored except by
whale men and well it may be as it is the most out of the way
place there is in God's creation.

Now we are returning to the Sandwich Isl. to recruit, being
in latitude 33 N. Long. 160 West. We are calculating to part
from the Phoenix in a few days, as she is bound into the
Spanish coast for provisions,

I have received no particular news from you since I left
Scrap Island more than 12 months since. We spoke the ship
Globe the 31st of Aug. — all well — 450 bbl. Jno. received a
letter by Wm. Lay who I was much disappointed to see. He

DOCUMENTARY 389

told me that David Wright was around the Horn in the Atavia
of Scrap I.

As to the business of whaling I should like it well could we
find them plenty enough — the voyages are generally healthy —
our crew has been highly favored, although we have lost one
man by accident by the name of Daniel C. Reeve of Chatham,
son of Enoch Reeve. The circumstance as follows : On the
14th of July we had whale on board and were boiling in the
morning just before daylight as he was turning some raw oil
into the try pots he made a misstep and fell backwards into the
deck pot which then contained about three or four barrels of
oil hot enough to melt lead. He was instantly taken out and
everything applied that the ship afforded for his benefit. His
body was almost one solid blister. He soon became delirious
and on the 19th came slyly on deck just after dusk and jumped
overboard, the ship going six knots an hour, but we saw him
and reached him closely. The sudden change seemed to have
a bad effect upon him and made him worse and on the 22d of
July he died, aged about 25 years. So we daily have evi-
dence of the mortality of man.

I have heard the melancholy news of Aunt Hannah's death
and likewise Mrs. Burdett and others.

What news I have received I had by John's and Chauncey's
letters. I was much disappointed that I had none from you.
I received but little information by Lay and Ingham. They
said nothing but that you were well. I shall anxiously look
for letters by every late sail ship, but if you are disposed not
to write me at all please to be so good as to come and tell me
and so not expect any more waste paper for shoe patterns
from me.

This ocean, the Pacific, which you have heard so much praise
for its mildness and gentle manners I have seen often scoul'd
by sweeping tempests, yet the middle part of the season was
pleasant, but the last was bad. Many ships suffered consider-
ably, the Indispensable, an English ship, had two main top-
sails blown away, just under our lee, in a gale, and had her

390 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

try works washd overboard and some of her boats stove. The
Alliance of New Bedford was upon her beam ends with her
lower yards in the water for three-quarters of an hour. The
Maro had five boats stove in in one gale and all her sails blown
away. She had sprung her bowsprit and jib boom, fore top-
mast, etc. The Globe likewise had a short spat with a jimmy —
lost double reeft main topsail and mizzen stay sail. Many
others have been kicked about roughly.

We have reached no material injury in our spars or rigging,
yet we have seen many hard squalls and gales.

We have spoke the Eagle several times on the coast, so that
I have seen Job often. Their ship has been considerably leaky
through the voyage. Some time in July she gained leaking to
six or eight hard strokes an hour, so that she took no whale.
The last we spoke her was the 6th of August, her leak rather
gaining she was making the best of her way to port with the

golden to assist her in case of distress. The crew

were in good spirits and I do not doubt but they will reach
some port where they can repair unless they should meet heavy
weather.

We have had news that oil is very low. We heard that that
which we sent home from Capedeverd's (Cape Deverd Islands)
was sold at 53 cts. per gal., but then we have the consolation
to think our voyage will not be so speedy but will have time
to rise, so you see as "poor Richard" says : "Ever bitter has its
honey" — I mean sweet. I humbly hope and trust that you
have finished your bog hay harvest and are nearly ready to
begin sowing. After you have done that I would thank you
to eat a few pears and peaches on my account and ask no
questions.

P. S. — I heard that some of the young blades made a short
trip into the country and came back feet foremost. Tell them
that if they were dismayed at sight of hemlock that they will
never do for Cape Horn and had better not enter into Scrap
Island service.

DOCUMENTARY 391

I will now leave writing anxiously wishing you health and
prosperity. If my parents ask after me tell them I am well
and not fail to tender them my best respects ; likewise remem-
ber me to Alanson & Wm. and all who inquire after

E. Wright.

To Samuel Wright.

V.

Dear Brother :

It is with pleasure that I write a short line to inform you
that I received your letter the 7th of Nov., 12^ months after
date. I perused it with the most heartfelt pleasure as it is the
first line I have received since I left the American shores.

By your letter you seem to be very inquisitive about many
things which I suppose was caused by false reports which are
very common to be circulated about ships that go out of sight
of land. I must satisfy your curiosity in short as I have not
time to write. In the first place, I enjoy the best of health
which is truly a great blessing. In short, I have got to be
quite black, saucy and able. As to our living, we have plenty
of provision of decent quality. When we go out of port we
carry out as much vegetation as we can preserve. As to our
officers, I think we have better than they average. There has
been but little flogging done, of which I have had no share.

We have a good Quadrant belonging to four of us. We do
not pretend to keep no regular run of the ship. We sometimes
take an altitude and work an observation, yet we do not under-
stand Luna's refraction of the heavenly bodies, corrections,
etc., etc. Our officers are good navigators and always ready to
inform us when we ask but when the ship is full we shall have
a better opportunity. We have had a watch below ever since
we passed the Brasill Banks except when we have whale or
other business which makes it necessary for all hands upon
deck.

The Maria arrived here the sixth of Nov. All well, 1250
bbls. of sperm oil. The Globe arrived the 7th with 500. There

392 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

was an English ship in here a few days since, 13 months from
London, with 2,000 bbls. of oil.

We are now ready for sea again as soon as we find men
enough to make up our crew. The natives which we carried
out have left us and one man left us which we shipt at the
Islands and there has two deserted which came from Conn.
with us. The same two left when were in here in the spring
but Capt. Weeks brought them on board again and I expect he
will do it again unless he gets his complement of men beside.
It has got to be quite fashionable to leave ships here but I
shall not leave the ship so long as there is a timber-head left.
The ship Connecticut went out four or five days past. The
first Mate was on board of us after breakfast. Said his d — nd
Indians would jump overboard and swim on shore faster than
he could bring them off in a boat. The reason was this : they
were green and the hands did not like to have them, so while
they were at breakfast in the cabin they threw them over-
board and told them to swim ashore. These Chanachers are
as much at home when they get in the water as Alanson is
when he gets in the sawmill. They make fishing a considerable
branch of business. Their twine for their seins they manu-
facture by their fingers. They are extremely fond of fish which
they often devour right from the hook without favour or af-
fection, no time to talk about blood and bones then. The
most of them live in a very filthy situation ; very few of them
wear any clothing but a narrow list around the middle. But
I will say no more about this filthy race as I hope to leave
them soon and go to sea. The Alexander is to go to sea
tomorrow, wind and weather favourable. I expect to send
this letter by her. I put two letters into the Sea Lion which
sailed the first of Nov.

The last cruise out we went within eight or ten days' sail
of China. I expect we shall have to take another look that
way and I am in hopes to fill up there. I do not know but I
shall see you and Alanson around here before I get back. If
so, I advise you to bring many clothes with you and bring

DOCUMENTARY 393

your wives to mend them. However, I believe I have plenty.
Had I taken ten $ worth of knives they would have answered
50. As for hats, I have lost several. If you hear of anybody
that is going to Tarpolin Cove tell them to ask for my hats
as they have no doubt gone there.

P. S. — I hope you have more letters on the way. This will
be at Saybrook about June or July. It will not be of use for
you to write around the Cape. I hope not after you receive
this for I shall make no promises to come another voyage to
get the letters that you wrote this. Should we fill up on Jappan
perhaps we might return round the East Cape. It would make
our passage three months shorter but I expect it is more dan-
gerous passing that way without arms and we have none.
We were obliged to fire a rope-yarn gun at the celebration of
Independence.

When you have done reading this letter you will see where
there is no blackguard there is blots. 12 o'clock at night. So
I remain E. Wright.

Addressed to

Mr. Samuel Wright, of
Saybrook in

Connecticut.
Rec'd 23d May, 1824.

VI.

Off Nantucket Bar, Wednesday, Aug. 28, A. D. 1822.
Dear Brother:

After a short absence from you I take this opportunity to
write a few lines to you which will inform you that J am well
and hope this will find you and yours enjoying the same great
and good blessing.

Since I have been on salt water I have been very hearty
the most of the time. We had a good run from Saybrook.
We came over the bar Saturday at five o'clock P. M. and
anchored off Nantucket bar Sunday morn, being 16 hours run.
We lie about four miles off. A boat's crew go on shore almost

394 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

every night and return the next day. Capt. Weeks has been on
shore the most of the time since we arrived. Capt. Barnet took
charge of the ship for two weeks. But now our first mate,
Franklin Hussey, is on board as Mr. Jay is not able to go the
voyage. Mr. Foldien & Previe & Hillman are better. Job
Turner is very feeble yet. It is not much likely that he will be
able to go with us. James Gardner has given up the voyage
since we arrived here. We have our cargoe mostly on board.
There is one liter more to come. We expect to sail the first
of next week if not before. Three ships have sailed since we
have arrived here, viz : the Frances, the Queen, the Lydia.
The last news received from the ships at sea was very dull
from all quarters. There was scerce any full. Some that
had been out for four years had but four hundred & fifty bar-
rels. Oil is now worth about one dollar per gal, there being
but little in at this time.

We are now ready for plowing. I think you must have done
mowing and now should be ready for sowing after making a
little new cider.

There has been no vessel in from Saybrook or Killingsworth
as I could learn so I have had no news from home, or at least
from Saybrook and consequently have had no opportunity of
writing unless by the mail and so delayed untill now, daily
expecting vessels in from that quarter. Should your letter
not be forwarded so that I receive it before we sail you must
write to me next spring as there will be ships going out. I
should be very glad to see you, with many others, but as that
is not to be expected I should be glad to receive a letter from
you and you will be so good as to write me respecting friends
and relatives.

Perhaps you would like to know my mind about returning.
I still think I shall abide in the ship for home is a fool to this
place. I am as contented and happy as a toad under the har-
row. I have regained my health and flesh far beyond my
expectations.

If Dr. Crane has absconded from Saybrook information may

DOCUMENTARY 395

be had of him (or a man answering his appearance according
to the best of my memory) on board the ship Enterprise. On
Friday, the 25th of Aug., a man came on board styling him-
self F. H. but imitates the said Dr. in every particular except
his great memory and a small depreciation of stature.

As for Clothing I shall take about 100 or 50$ here which I
think will be sufficient for the voyage should life be spared to
prosecute the same. But if my all-wise Creator otherwise
thinks best that my unhappy life should end upon the raging
sea, weep not for me. Death is the fate of Mortal man. Then
your Brother's sorrows cease to flow. Then shall the storm
of wo be husht to silence and I at rest, wrapt in the seaman's
common Tomb.

John is very hearty and appears to be quite contented with
his new way of living, grows fatter every day, and Spencer
is likewise tolerable well. He has pain in his breast but

is better. The rest of the crew are all well except those be-
fore mentioned. And all think there is no business to be
compared with whaling. All hands anxious to be ravaging
the Pacific with oars and Irons and drag the whale to Justice,
I mean to our Ship.

But as time and paper fail and I apprehend Patience will do
the same while reading, I shall close the unentelligible scrall
and bid you farewell.

P S — As opportunities will not be very frequent of com-
munciation I wish you to write as often as twice a year, if not
oftener. Some of the letters will probably reach me. I shall
not be able to write to as many friends as I should be glad, so
I shall write you every opportunity, so give my love to Honored
parents and brothers and all enquiring friends, and I shall ever
subscribe myself,

Your most affectionate Brother and friend.

E. W.

to Samuel Wright.

Sunday, the 31st. This letter is wrote but not sealed. If I

396

LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT

had received your letter before I should have written different.
I don't expect to have time to write another, as we go to sea
tomorrow and our decks are half mast high with casks.

E.

(Addressed to Mr. Samuel Wright
of Westbrook

In Connectticut.
(Rec'd llth Sept)

DIARY OF REVEREND JASON LEE— III.

Friday Sep. 19, 1834. Daniel and Myself are now on the
bank of the Willamette River a little distance from Mr. Mc-
Kay's* place.

Wednesday expected that the Brig would come up to Van-
couver and we should receive our goods there but the want
of wind prevented her coming up. Went on board just at
night and ascertained that we could not get them until the
cargo was taken out. Slept on board and walked to the Fort
3 mi. in the morning and commenced preparations for a trip
up the Willamette. Dr. Me made all the necessary prepara-
tions of men boat food &c. and we were off about 4. O'clock.
Camped upon the sand. Started early this morning and came
to the mouth of the W. and found the Brig there. Took
breakfast on board. Waited while Capts Lambert, Wyeth &
Thing explored the vicinity in search of a place to suit their
business, but the[y] could find none to please them. Left them
with the expectation that they will unload some of their goods
and ours at or near the place where they now are. Arrived
% past 1— O'Clock.

Sat. Sep. 20, 1834. Yesterday rode over Mr. McKay's place.
The soil is sandy, light, and poor. The corn killed by frost
potatoes light crop, wheat and peas tolerably good. Do not
think such land will answer our purpose. This morning ex-
amined piece of ground on the opposite side of the creek
[Scappoose] good soil timber in the vicinity and would make a
tolerable farm but it is but a few feet above high water mark &
in the spring is surrounded by water and I fear subject to frost,
and Fever & ague. There is plenty of grass for cattle in all
directions and the horses and horned cattle on the farm look
exceedingly well. The superintendent a Canadian showed us
the utmost attention and kindness. Started 9 h. 30 m. to

* In the vicinity of Scappoose, Columbia county, of the present day.

398 DIARY OF JASON LEE

proceed up the River. Nearly all the land for some mi. is over-
flowed in high water. Passed over a ridge covered mostly with
a large species of fir, some white maple hemlock ash black
cherry & cedar.

Sunday, Sep. 21. Daniel being unwell I was anxious to
reach the settlement and we reached the river and camped.
Some of the settlers came over to see us.

Mon. Sep. 22, 1834. Came along the river or a little
distance from it about 12 mi. to Mr. Irannie's,* called at the
houses of the inhabitants who were very glad to see us. Most
of the men are Canadians with native wives. The land seems
good but the season has been too dry; the crops in this plain
have been better than those lower down the river. Here we
found Mr. Smith (Solomon Howard) teaching half breeds.
He is an American who came from Boston with Capt. Wyeth.
At supper we were treated to a fine dish of Canadian soup,
exc[e]lent pork and beaver and bread made of flour without
bolting and as fine mus[k]mellons as I ever tasted. Our tent
was pitched in the mellon bed and we slept there and found
it very convenient in the morning.

Tues. Sep. 23, 1834. — Started early this morning and
rode some 3 or 4 mi. up the river to examine the land ; found
an excellent place for a farm above all the settlers. Returned
to the lower farms and went on foot 3 mi. to see a plain where
Capt. W. has chosen a farm.

Wednes. Sep. 24, 1834. Prairie Du Sable on the bank
of the Willamette. Fog dense ; cannot see a man two rods.
Good health, plenty food &c., but my mind is greatly exercised
with regard to the place of location. Could I but know the
identicle place that the Lord designs for us be it where it may
even a thousand mi. in the interior it would be a matter of
great rejoicing. Only God direct us to the right spot where
we can best glorify Thee and be most useful to these degraded
red men. P. M. did not find the horses till nearly noon. Came
about 11 or 12 mi. and are on a beautiful prairie but know not
the distance to the River W. This plain would I think make

DOCUMENTARY 399

a fine farm but it is probibly too far from the river. There
are 30 Indians old and young a few rods from us and some
of the men even are as naked as they were born, a filthy, mis-
erable looking company and yet they seem quite contented.
They subsist mostly on cammas. Probably more than in this
vicinity have fallen a sacrifice to the fever and ague within 4
years.

Thurs. Sep. 25, 1834. Started 8 h. and came over bad
road very slow to the fall of the Willamette and thence to the
Clackamass River, forded it and crossed the prairie which
we wished to see but think it will not answer our purpose.

Left the prairie and forced our way a mile to the Willamette
through a swamp thickly timbered and covered with under-
brush. Saw some Indians a little above us, came up and are
camped upon the sand near them. My mind is yet much
exercised in respect to our location. I know not what to do.

Friday, 26. — Sent the horses to Mr. McKay's place and hired
two Indians to take us to Vancouver in a cannoe, expected to
reach there tonight but the wind and tide being against us
we were forced to camp.

Satur., 27. — Arrived at the Fort 9 h., found our brethren
well. After mature deliberation on the subject of our location
and earnest prayer for divine direction I have nearly concluded
to go to the W.

Sun. 28 Sep., 1834.— A. M. assayed to preach to a
mixed congregation — English, French, Scotch, Irish, Indians,
Americans, half breeds, Japanese, &c., some of whom did not
understand 5 words of English. Found it extremely difficult
to collect my thoughts or find language to express them but
am thankful that I have been permitted to plead the cause of
God on this side of the Rocky Mountains where the banners
of Christ were never before unfurled. Great God grant that
it may not be in vain but may some fruit appear even from
this feeble attemp to labour for Thee.

Evning. — Preached again but with as little liberty as in
the morning but still I find it is good to worship God in the

400 DIARY OF JASON LEE

public congregation. My Father in heaven, I give myself to
thee ; may I ever be thine and wholly thine, always directed by
thine unerring council and ever so directed as to be most bene-
ficial in the world and bring most glory to the most high that
I may at last be presented without spot and blameless before
the Throne.

Mon., Sep. 29, 1834. — This morning began to make prep-
erations in good earnest for our departure to the W. and after
dinner embarked in one of the company's boats kindly maned
[manned] for us by Dr. McLoughlin who has treated us with
the utmost politeness, attention and liberality. The gentle-
men of the fort accompanied us to the boat and most heartily
wished us great success in our enterprise. Arrived at the
lower mouth of the W. where Capt. Wyeth's brig is, late in
the evening.

Tues. 30. — Received a load of our goods from Capt.
Lambert and left the rest in his charge to be sent to the fort.
Breakfasted and dined with Capt's Lambert and Thing. Left
late in the day and camped a few mi. up the river on the point
of a small island, the only place we could find for some miles
where we could get the boat ashore. To the W. we have con-
cluded to go. O, my God go with us for unless thy presence
go with us we will not go up, for it will be in vain.

Wednes. Oct. 1, 1834. — This morning put Bros. D. Lee
and Edwards on shore to go to Mr. McKay's place to get
horses and we pursued our course up the river. Met Capt.
Wyeth on his return from his farm and shall not see him again
til summer. Camped on a small prairie about 9 mi. from the
falls and found here the men which the Dr. had sent with the
cattle. He has lent us 8 oxen, 8 cows and 8 calves. Find
my mind more calm than when in a state of suspense about
our location.

Thirs., Oct. 2. — Did not take breakfast til very late, being
desirous if possible to ascend a little to the Indian village that
I might engage them to assist us in carrying our load and
boat which we were unable to carry by the fall. The old chief

DOCUMENTARY 401

came but not with' men enough to carry the boat. We carried
some of the goods by and part remain at the landing. Find
myself very weary.

Fri. 3. — Slept verry well upon the bags of flour. The
Indians came to receive payment for their labour and it was
indeed a perplexing business to know how to pay them accord-
ing to their work. Despairing of geting the boat past the
falls we engaged two Indians with cannoes to go up with us
and by means of an old can[n]oe we were enabled to take
all and proceed a few mi. and are camped where it is difficult
to find a place to sleep except on small stones.

Sat., 4 Oct. — Arrived at Mr. McKay's landing 1 o'clock,
found Br's D. Lee & Edwards there with the horses ; put them
into the cannoes and came on horseback to Mr. Jerrais [Ger-
vais]. He is not yet returned from the fort but is expected
tonight.

Mon., 6 Oct. — Yesterday remained at Mr. Jerrais', did
little except read my Bible a little, my mind barren and un-
fruitful. Early this morn in company with Mr. Jerrais went
to examine land farther up than I had before been but con-
cluded to land a short distance above the upper house on the W.
Landed safe a little before night.

Sat., 11 Oct., 1834. — We have been engaged preparing
tools, fencing a pasture for calves, drying goods, &c., which
were wet coming up the river. Some things sustained a little
damage but nothing of consequence. Have for the first time
been employed in making an ox yoke and succeeded beyond
my expectation having no pattern.

Sun., 12 Oct. — Many of the inhabitants came to see us
and remained for hoiirs conversing about various things in the
Canadian tongue.

I understand some of their conversation but not enough to
converse on religious subjects, hence I found their visit long.
Have concluded to preach the ensuing Sabbath at Mr. Jerrais',
though the congregation will consist mostly of persons who
will not understand the discourse.

402 DIARY OF JASON LEE

Sun., 19 Oct. — Made a few remarks from these words:
"Turn ye from your evil ways," to a mixed assembly, few of
whom understood what I said but God is able to speak to the
heart.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 1834. — Five weeks tomorrow since we
landed here and our house not yet completed. Four weeks
our goods were sheltered by our tent the last of which it rained
most of the time, and ourselves by a borrowed one very small
and inconvenient. We have been constantly employed and fre-
quently obliged to retire early in the evening with our clothes
wet to prevent being drenched in rain and yet we have en-
joyed uninterrupted good health during the whole time, though
we were far from being comfortable in many respects.

We have laboured hard during the week and walked two
miles on Sabbath and laboured hard to instruct the few who
understand us, in the things that pertain to their spiritual
peace. I thank God for the mercies shown us collectedly and
for the blessings I have enjoyed while labouring with my
hands for him.

* * * *

August 18, 1837. — It is now nearly three years since I have
kept any record of the dealings of God with me, or of the
events that have transpired around me. Indeed I have written
exceedingly little during my life, except what I have been
impelled to write by the imperious hand of duty. Hence I
have kept no journal except while crossing the Rocky Moun-
tains. And, indeed, such is my aversion to writing that when
my time is chiefly occupied in worldly business, and in manual
labour (as has been the case the three past years) it is even
a burden to sit down to write a letter on business, or answer
one of a friend. But when I have become a little familiarized
to it by practice it is comparatively easy. Had I kept a reg-
ular memorandum the three years past, I could have recorded
little in reference to my own conduct, that would have af-
forded pleasure and satisfaction, to myself, in the review; or
that I should be willing to exhibit to others, for their imita-

DOCUMENTARY 403

tion. Yet many things might have been recorded that would
most strikingly have illustrated the goodness of God to me.
I think I may safely say concerning my own conduct, that the
more prominent features, or rather the general outlines of the
picture, have been such as be ; would be ; in the main, approved
of by even the judicious.

But, the filling up, the FILLING UP, there is the difficulty. I
know full well, that the main object I have kept in view has
been the glory of God in the salvation of souls, and having
judged it expedient under existing circumstances to employ
much of my time in manual labour, I pursued it with that dili-
gence and energy for the first twelve months which I have
reason to believe superinduced the intermittent fever.

* * * *

North Fork Platte River, July 28, 1838.— The above para-
graph was written in the wilderness, between the Willamette
and the Pacific, when on a journey to the latter, with Bro.
Shepard for the benefit of our health, accompanied by our
companions, and a neighbor. I wrote the above with the in-
tention of taking notes for the rest of the journey. Was
obliged to break off suddenly to move on, and being rather
feeble, I did not resume my pen. I have since kept no journal
except for a few days when on a trip to Umpqua. The trip
to the Pacific had a beneficial effect upon my debilitated sys-
tem, which had then been suffering more than a year and a
half from the effects of the intermittent fever. I still, how-
ever, continued feeble during the fall and winter; unable to
take any violent exercise without sensible injury. During
the winter I nearly despaired regaining my wonted health if
I remained in that climate.

The 16th Feb. I set out for Umpqua and after 23 days of
toil and hardship reached home in safety, and after a few days
rest found myself rather better for the trip. This was en-
couraging, considering the difficulties encountered such as
being drenched in rain many times, fording creeks high enough

404 DIARY OF JASON LEE

to wet our feet, sleeping in wet clothes and blankets, very
bad roads and sometimes hard marching-, &c.

The subject of the necessity of some one of the Mission
Family visiting the U. S. had been agitated during the winter
and it was at length decided by a majority that it was expedient
for me to go. Previous to leaving for Umpqua, I had written
Dr. McLoughlin, requesting a passage in the Company's boats,
with himself, by the Hudson Bay route. This I greatly pre-
fered to the route I came, as less fatiguing, less dangerous,
better calculated to restore my debilitated system, and much
more likely to afford new, interesting and useful information.
The answer was near when I left and was to be brought me
by a man who was to overtake us the second day, but by
mistake he sent it to my house, hence I did not get it till my
return. The Dr. could not grant my request, and expressed
himself "doubly mortified" ; because he could not do me the
favour, and should also be deprived of my company. Such was
my aversion to this route and so great were my fears that the
fatigue would be too much for my strength that I inclined
to stay at home, if the Dr. gave a negative answer, and had
determined if that was the case, to abandon the trip to Umpqua,
for the present, and return and prepare communications, and
not go to the U. S. myself. Hence I was greatly disappointed
at being kept in suspense so long, but it was no doubt Provi-
dential. On my return finding I could not go with the Dr. and
feeling very much fatigued from the immediate effects of my
journey and rather leaning to the opinion that it was hardly
justifiable, for me to leave my post without permission from the
Board, unless there was a prospect of benefiting my health (the
opinion of most of the Brethren to the contrary notwithstand-
ing). I endeavored to persuade myself that it was not duty
to go, under existing circumstances, and tried to compose my-
self to represent the circumstances and wants of the Mission
as well as I could by writing. The time previous to the depart-
ure of the express was too limited to do anything like justice
to the subject and indeed, there seemed to be several things

DOCUMENTARY 405

which I despaired of ever being able to represent with that
clearness, and force, which their importance demanded, except
in person. In the meantime Messrs. Ewing & Edwards re-
solved to try this route, though there was no certainty of a
party, going from Fort Hall to the American Rendezvous, and
no certainty where it would be. The society of these gents, I
saw at once, would obviate a good deal of the anticipated lone-
liness and make the journey much more pleasant and agreeable,
and hence a much greater prospect of benefiting my health, was
opened up. These things, together with the firm conviction of
many of the brethren, that it was my duty to go; and many
other weighty considerations; if they did not remove all
my objections, finally counterbalanced them, and I became
satisfied that my Master called, and that duty required me to
leave home and wife and friends and retrace my steps to the
land of civilization.

I had but two or three days to make preparations and of
course everything was done with the utmost dispatch. I had
witnessed some trying scenes before, had passed through some
that were considered by myself and others to be most trying;
but still there remained one to be experienced of which few
are calculated to be adequate judges; for few, very few indeed,
have ever been called to part with friends under such unusual
and almost inconceivably delicate circumstances. For me to
attempt to portray it upon paper, would be vain, but suffice
it to say : that the impression is indelibly fixed upon my mind
and will doubtless remain vivid while fond memory retains
her seat.

July 30. — On a small creek 35 from Ft. Wm. We do not
move camp today, and I purpose to employ a part of the day in
noting a few reminiscences of self and days gone by (if rheu-
matism in my right elbow does not prevent) the perusal of
which may be gratifying at some future day if life should be
spared.

Like most others in my early youth I looked forward with
glowing interest to that hour when ripening manhood should

406 DIARY OF JASON LEE

qualify me to woo a beautiful, wise and lovely daughter of
Eve, and ultimately call her my own. In early life, I admitted
the full force of the assertions of holy writ, that "it is not
good for man to be alone/' and was fully satisfied that the man
who was destitute of a helpmate, to whom he could give, heart
and hand, and who would, without reserve, reciprocate his
affections, was wanting what was better calculated to smooth
the ragged path of life, lessen its ills and increase its pleas-
ures, than anything els[e] of an earthly nature, that this
world, with all its pomp and show, can possibly afford; and
for which, man with all his diligence and assiduity can never
find a substitute. With these truths deeply engraven on my
heart, I grew up from youth to manhood ; my imagination often
adverting to the conjugal felicity that I fondly anticipated
would at no very distant period be all my own. I always de-
spised domestic brawling, and felt especially indignant at that
man who could tyranize over an innocent, lovely and defence-
less female, and could scarcely avoid looking with detestation
upon that woman who was ever grasping after the authority
of the husband, and then always seeking to exhibit her prowess,
in browbeating him on all occasions. I have generally been
disposed to fix the heaviest censure upon the man, for all the
domestic broils and disorder that occur in ordinary cases,
believing it to be in his power to introduce and maintain a
system that will in most cases secure harmony, order and peace
in the family circle. But I am now fully convinced that it is
a rare thing under the sun to see peace and harmony existing
under that roof, where the all-transforming influences of the
gospel of peace do not prevail. Such is the ignorance of human
kind, that the wisest are liable to err at every turn ; hence many
will most honestly differ in opinion, with their best friends, and
each, it may be, with equal sincerity, maintain opposite sides
of the same question, utterly astonished that the other does not
yield the point, and not being able to comprehend how another
can see things so differently from himself ; and being actuated
by the principle of pride, which is always prompting us to

DOCUMENTARY 407

justify self and attribute dishonest motives to those who differ
from us, he is not unfrequently led to the conclusion that it is
wilful stubbornness that induces his opponent to maintain so
zealously what appears to him so manifestly absurd. Hence
hard feelings are engendered, a quarrel frequently ensues, and
alienation of affections is the consequence. If in the absence
of the religion of Jesus Christ, such things are unavoidable,
even among those who wish to be honest, what shall we say
of those haughty, domineering spirits who are determined to
carry their own point, right or wrong? But where the re-
ligion of the Bible is mutually enjoyed, there is such a spirit of
unbounded charity, and constant forbearance, that no difficulty
can arise but what may be amicably adjusted and even diffi-
culties shall tend to unite more closely those hearts which beat
in unison and whose interests are one.

But to return from this digression. It was my intention to
choose one from the same condition of life with myself, and
though I did not intend to yield that authority which the God
of nature has given to man to love the woman, yet I was
determined to make my wife my companion, and to spare no
pains to make her comfortable and happy ; and never give her
reason to regret that she had united her interests with mine,
placed her person and her all under my controwl, and confided
in me for protection and support. I did not therefore think
myself justified in marrying until I had a fair prospect of
maintaining a wife comfortably at least by industry and
economy.

But being thrown upon the world at the age of 13, without
money, to provide for all my wants, by my own industry, I
found as years rolled on it was not the work of a day to place
myself in those circumstances, which I thought desirable, pre-
vious to taking what I viewed as the most important step of
life. At the age of 23, however, I began seriously to think of
settling upon some spot of earth which I could call my own,
and of looking about for her who was to be the solace of future
years.

408 DIARY OF JASON LEE

But he who seeth, not as man seeth had otherwise deter-
mined. Thus far I had lived without hope and without God
in the world, but now, the spirit, which I had so often grieved,
again spoke to my conscience, and in language not to be mis-
taken, warned me of my danger. I saw, I believed, I re-
pented, I resolved to break of [f] all my sins by righteousness
and my iniquities by turning unto the Lord ; and if I perished,
I would perish at the feet of Jesus, pleading for mercy. I saw
the fullness of the plan of salvation, cast away my unbelieving
fears — believed in, and gave myself to Christ — and was ushered
into the liberty of the Children of God. I was now, by my own
consent, the property of another, and his glory and not my
own gratification, must be the object of my pursuit. Years
after years passed away ; which I spent successively in business,
in study and in preaching, until I reached the age of 30, still
retaining the same views in reference to marriage, and still,
for conscience sake, remaining single, being fully persuaded
that it was my duty so to do. Previous to this I had con-
sented to cross the R. Mountains, to labour among the Indians
of Oregon. This was considered an experiment, and by many,
many, an extremely hazardous one, and it was rightly deemed
impracticable for females to accompany pioneers on an expedi-
tion shrouded in so much darkness and fraught with so many
difficulties. I was fully aware, even if we succeeded in our
enterprise that years must elapse before we could be reinforced
by females, and therefore, resolved to make no engagemnts
with any, previous to leaving the civilized world, which resolu-
tion was most sacredly kept. After establishing upon the
Willamete, I made the best shift I could without female assist-
ance, and though I felt more sensibly than it is possible for a
man to feel, in the enjoyment of civil society, that it is not
good for a man to be alone, yet I did not murmur, or perplex
myself about it ; believing that if God saw that it was for my
good, and his glory, he would prepare the way for me to change
my condition. In our first reinforcement in the summer of
1837 there were three single ladies, one of which was not en-

DOCUMENTARY 409

gaged. I had seen her before in N. Y. City, but was not at
all favourably impressed with her personal appearance, and
least of all, did I think she would ever become my wife ; even
when I was informed by letter that she was coming to Oregon,
and on my first interview with her there, my prejudices re-
mained the same. I was told that she was sent out on purpose
for me, and that she had come with the expectation that I
would marry her (this however was a gratuitous assertion),
arid was asked if I intended to do it. I stated my principles
in refference [to] marriage and then replied, that though a
lady should travel the world over in order to become my wife,
yet I could never consent to marry her, unless, upon acquaint-
ance I should become satisfied, that, that step would be con-
ducive to our mutual happiness and the glory of God. Upon
reflection, I was convinced that she was not a lady that I should
have fancied for a wife (there is no accounting for people's
fancies) though I esteemed her as a lady of deep piety and
good sense ; but thought I, perhaps, he who looketh not upon
the outward appearance but upon the heart, has chosen her as
far better calculated to increase the joys and lessen the sorrows
of life, than one that my fancy would have prompted me to
choose; and indeed I was convinced that fancy should have
little to do with the matter but that judgment, alone, under the
influence of an enlightened conscience should examine and
decide the question ; and here I rested the subject, until personal
acquaintance should enable me to make a judicious decision,
whether it was proper to make proposals to her or not. After
having formed a pleasing acquaintance and mutually exchanged
feeling on the subject, I at length became convinced that she
was eminently qualified to do all the duties and kind offices of
an affectionate companion, and was worthy of my highest re-
gards, esteem and love, and that it was the will and design of
our Father in heaven that we twain should become one flesh,
as a step, conducive to our mutual happiness and his glory.
With these views I made proposals of marriage and received
for answer the following:

I

410 DIARY OF JASON LEE

"Yes, where thou goest I will go,

With thine my earthly lot be cast ;
In pain or pleasure, joy or woe,
Will I attend thee to the last.

That hour shall find me by thy side,
And where thy grave is, mine shall be ;

Death can but for a time divide,

My firm and faithful heart from thee.

Thy people and thy charge be mine,

Thy God, my God shall ever be ;
All that I have receive as thine,

My heart and hand I give to thee.

And as through life we glide along,
Through tribulation's troubled sea ;

Still let our faith in God be strong,
And confidence unshaken be.

(Signed) ANNA MARIA.
Ruth 1, 16, 17.

The following Sabbath which was the 16th of July, had been
previously appointed for our first public communion in Oregon,
and Brother Shepard had determined to be married on the
morning of that day in the public congregation, believing it
would have a beneficial influence upon those who were living
with native women, without the ceremony of marriage.

Miss Pitman and I concluded that we would lead the way ;
but this we kept a profound secret from all except my nephew,
who was to do the business.

We were fully aware that this was a step that every member
of the Mission Family was very anxious we should take, yet
they had no idea that it would be so soon, and no evidence
that it would ever be.

Miss P. aided in preparing the supper, and all went to Mr.
Shepard's credit. The morning of the 16th came, it was a

DOCUMENTARY 411

lovely morn; arid at the hour appointed for public worship
the whole Mission Family consisting of seven males and five
females, Missionaries, and assistants, and between 20 & 30
children, Indians and half breeds, repaired to a beautiful grove
of firs 40 rods in front of the Mission House where were as-
sembled nearly every white man in the settlement with theii
native wives and children all neatly clad in European manu-
facture besides a goodly number of Indians. There sheltered
from the scorching rays of the sun, under the umbrage of these
firs and faned by the gentle zephyrs that seemed at once to
calm and sooth and exhilerate the spirit; and dispose it to a
devotional frame; we commenced the solemn exercises of the
day by reading and singing a hymn of praise, and fervently
addressing the throne of grace, while every knee bent in the
attitude of supplication, and we trust many prayers came up
as memorials before God.

I then arose and addressed them in substance as follows : My
beloved Friends and Neighbors, More than two years have
rolled into eternity and bourne their report of the manner in
which we have spent them; since God in his providence cast
my lot among you. During this period I have addressed you
many times and on various subjects, and I trust that you bear
me witness this day, that I never have, in any one instance,
advised you to [do] that which is wrong; but, that I have,
on all occasions, urged you to cease to do evil, and learn to
do well. And I have frequently addressed you in no measured
terms upon the subject of the holy institution of marriage and
endeavored to impress you, with the importance of that duty.
It is an old saying, and a true one, that example speaks louder
than precept and I have long been convinced that if we would
have others practice what we recommend, circumstances being
equal, we must set them the example. And now, my friends, I
intend to give you unequivocal proof that I am willing, in this
respect, at least, to practice what I have so often recommended
to you.

I then steped forward and led Miss P. to the altar. Surprise,

412 DIARY OF JASON LES

seemed to be depicted upon almost every countenance. The
ceremony over, I seated the bride and then united Mr. & Mrs.
Shepard, also a white man to a native woman. After which
I preached a long discourse from, "Come with us and we will
do you good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel,"
with more than usual liberty. The subject thrilled and many
tears, bore ample testimony that the hearers were not past
feeling; and even the furrowed cheeks of some who did not
understand the language spoken were not destitute of moisture
on that occasion. The sermon ended, I read and explained
the rules of our society, and then Baptised the young man just
married and received him into the church.

Rev. D. Lee then read the lessons appointed for the ad-
ministration of the Lord's supper, said the consecrating prayer
and invited all who truly loved our Lord Jesus Christ to come
forward and partake of the consecrated elements to their com-
fort ; and I have seldom known the presence of the Lord more
sensibly and powerfully manifested than on that occasion.

A young man* from New York who was brought up a
Quaker, and who had for some months given good evidence
that he was converted and had been for some time earnestly
praying that his duty, in reference to Baptism, might be made
plain to him, came forward and beged to be Baptised, and re-
ceived into the Church, that he might have the privilege of par-
taking of the Lord's Supper. This done, a love feast, or rather
a feast of love followed. Every member of the Church brought
in, testimony for the Lord, and bore witness to the truth,
excelency and importance of the religion of Jesus Christ.

Several of the neighbours, mostly Roman Catholicks, spoke
of their past wickedness and of their desire to lead better lives
and save their souls. The exercises closed by singing and
prayer. My health being extremely delicate, as was to be
expected, I found myself greatly fatigued, by the excessive
labours of the day, but felt thankful and happy that my strength
had been exhausted in the service of God.

* Webley Hauxhurst.

DOCUMENTARY 413

Thus commenced a new era in my life and I began an experi-
mental acquaintance with that state, of the happiness of which
I had long been favourably impressed. Eight months elapsed
previous to my leaving for this trip, and our affections for each
other had been increasing, and our souls always beat in unison ;
insomuch, that there was seldom the slitest diference, even in
opinion, in reference to any subject that we had occasion to
discuss. Not a cross look ever ruffled our countenances, not
an unkind word ever escaped our lips, and not a hard feeling
ever disturbed the tranquility of our souls, during that period.
The most perfect harmony and unanimity subsisted between us,
and we were always happy in the enjoyment of each other's
society. At length, however, imperative duty seemed to de-
mand a separation. Painful in the extreme, was the thought
of leaving such a companion, and especially, of leaving her
in the most delicate circumstances possible ; she having already
six months of her pregnancy.

And if the thought of it was so painful to me, what must
it be to her? Who would not have expected to see womanish
weakness exhibited to its full extent under such circumstances ?
And doubtless she felt, and felt most sensibly upon the subject;
for I can not conceive it possible for one so circumstanced not
to feel ; yet she had learned in the school of Christ : that per-
sonal inclinations and interests must always give place to duty ;
hence she confided in the arm of the Almighty for protection
and support, and did not so much as attempt to dissuade me
from leaving her. And where is the husband, similarly sit-
uated but must admire the noble heroism and moral dignity
exhibited in the following declaration : "I will not take it upon
me to advise either way ; and I will not put myself in the way
of the performance of your duty ; but if you think it duty to go,
go, for I did not marry you to hinder, but rather to aid you in
the performance of your duty."

The circumstances of the parting scene I need not mark
down with ink and paper in order to assist my memory, for

414 DIARY OF JASON LEE

it is too deeply engraven on the tablet of my heart to be easily
erased.

A short time before I left she presented me the following:

Must my dear companion leave me,

Sad and lonely here to dwell ?
If 'tis duty thus that calls thee,

Shall I keep thee? No, farewell;
Though my heart aches

While I bid thee thus farewell.

Go thou loved one, God go with thee

To protect and save from harm ;
Though thou dost remove far from me
Thou art safe beneath that arm;
Go in peace then,
Let thy soul feel no alarm.

Go, thy Saviour will go with thee.

All thy footsteps to attend;
Though you may feel anxious for me,

Thine and mine he will defend ;
Fear not, husband,

God thy Father is, and friend.

Rocks and mountains may divide us,

Streams of water too will flow ;
Time to me will seem most tedious,

And the hours will move too slow,
Thus divided,

Oh, what cares my breast will know.

Go and seek for fellow labourers,

Tell them that the field is white :
God will show them many favours,

While they teach the sons of night ;
Bid them hasten,

Here to bring the Gospel light.

DOCUMENTARY 415

Though thy journey may seem dreary,

While removed from her you love;
Though you often may feel weary,

Look for comfort from above:
God will bless you

And thy — journey prosperous prove.

Farewell, husband, while you leave me,

Tears of sorrow oft will flow;
Day and night will I pray for thee,

While through dangers you may go :
Oh, remember,

Her who loves you much : Adieu.

Jason Lee Anna Maria Lee.

Some might imagine that there is, in the above, a tinge
of melancholy and feminine softness, or weakness that ill
comports with the firmness of the Christian, but I am inclined
to think, that neither the spirit of religion, or true philosophy
would exclude feeling, even delicate and intense emotions, on
such occasion. Stupidity or stoicism alone would dictate it.
There may be much feeling where there is perfect submission,
and a firm trust in the promises of God.

On the morning of the 25th of March we parted, to see
each other no more, for, at least a year and a half; and the
fact, that there was no prospect of my hearing from her during
the whole time, and she from me only for three months, added
poignancy to our grief, and made the pain of parting much
more acute, than it otherwise would have been. If I know
myself, nothing but a sense of duty would have induced me
to leave under such circumstances ; but it becometh the Chris-
tian, ever to say, not my will, but thine O God be done. There
is one reflection which gives me exquisite pleasure in the retro-
spect; that is, that there was not the least thing transpired,
during our intercourse with each other, that causes a blush to
tinge our cheek, or gives the least pain; or that we would

416

DIARY OF JASON LEE

hardly wish to alter, if we had it in our power to make a new
edition. Would to God that I could speak thus, in reference
to all the actions of life.

Horse Creek, on the Platte, Aug. 7, 1838. I purpose as time
may serve, to put down a synopsis of our journey.

March 26, 1838. Left the Mission House on the Willam-
ette, for the U. S. in company with P. L. Edwards, and two
Indian boys, Wm. Brooks (a Chinook) and Thomas Adams.

28. Arrived at Vancouver, and found there was a mistake
about the time of the party starting for the R. Mountains. We
could have left two weeks later and yet have been in time.

April 4. Left Vancouver, Mr. Ewing of Mo. having joined
us, in a canoe, but soon found we were too heavily laden ; put
ashore and hired a larger canoe of the Chinook chief. Called
at the Companies Saw Mill, camped 10 mi. above it, with some
Indians from the Cascades, who were on their way home.

5th. Reached the Cascades in safety though the canoe
came near filling while towing it up a rapid. Rained hard,
as is most always the case there. Carried our goods past and
slept upon the gravel stones, rather uncomfortably; nearly
everything being wet and very little wood.

6th. Arose early and with a good deal of difficulty engaged
Indians enough with my help to carry the canoe across the
portage. Slept above the Bluff Rocks.

7th. Procured a horse and guide from the Indians and ar-
rived at Wascopum before noon ; the canoe about an hour or
two after. Found Bros. D. Lee and Perkins, well and hard at
work preparing the timber for a house.

Sun. 8th. Preached to more than a hundred Indians in the
Chinook jargon which was interpreted into the language of
Wascopum, and then into Nez Perce. There was good at-
tention, perhaps some good effected.

9th. After a long parley and a great deal of trouble, we
engaged horses of the Is. to take us to Wallawalla, and crossed
over to the north side. Was engaged writing till a late hour
at night.

DOCUMENTARY 417

10th. Commenced early and finished my letters to wife and
others. Broths Lee and Perkins came over and took break-
fast with us ; we then commended each other to God, in prayer,
took the parting- hand, while the former returned to take
care of their Mission, the latter bent his course to the W. for
his wife, and we pursued our way up the Columbia.

13th. Reached Wallawalla, with less fatigue, and better
health than I expected.

14th. Went to Dr. Whitman's. The water was high in the
streams. Overtook Mrs. Pamburn and daughters, and a very
old woman, who crossed the mountains with Mr. Hunt,* and a
grown daughter. We were obliged to cross on small trees,
which bent and trembled with us so as to make it difficult to
keep the center of gravity.

I thought a man who was with us and I should have enough
to do to cross all stuff. I took a little girl in my arms and
started across, and to my astonishment was followed by the
females with larger loads than I should probably have ven-
tured with, consisting of children, saddles, bridles, blankets,
saddle bags, dogs &c., and all came safe over. The Dr. came
and conducted us to the house.

Mrs. W. met us at the door, and I soon found myself seated
and engaged in earnest and familiar conversation, as if we
were old acquaintances.

15, Sab. — Had a very interesting time preaching to the In.
while the Dr. interpreted.

16th. — Visited the In's [Indians'] Farms and was surprised
that they had done so much in the absence of almost every tool
necessary to do with. Some had two or three acres, wheat, peas,
corn & potatoes.

17. — Started J/£ past 8 o'clock A. M. on horse back, with
two In. for Mr. Spalding's, a distance of a 100 mi. and ar-
rived at y2 past 3 P. M. on the 18th.

* Wilson Price Hunt in 1811.

418 DIARY OF JASON LEE

22, Sun. — Preached to the In. Mr. S. interpreted. Mr.
and Mrs. S. were very much pleased at receiving- a visit from
me, and I was very much gratified with the visit, and trust
it was a profitable one.

23. — Took leave of these warm friends, came about 10 mi.
to the river and were hindered a long time, before we could
get a canoe ; and it was 2 o'clock before we were across, and
ready to move on. Encountered a shower of rain, which was
disagreeably cold. Encamped just before dark.

24. — Started after breakfast and had a strong headwind all
the forenoon, but pushed on hard and before dark found my-
self at Wallawalla. Distance this day at least 75 mi. Mr.
Pambrun estimated it considerable more. Found myself rather
weary, but slept sweetly and arose quite refreshed.

27th. — The boat from Vancouver and one from Colville ar-
rived, and I was greatly disappointed at receiving only one
note from the Willamette. Was expecting letters from all the
M. Family and was very fearful, that, as they had let this
opportunity pass, I should not get them at all. "Hope de-
ferred maketh the heart sick."

29. — Preached in English to nearly all the inmates of the
Fort, but half perhaps understood little. I was careful, not
to shun to declare the whole counsel of God, and an influence
was felt, but I fear it was of short duration, for the gentlemen
continued their business after services. I think without paying
any attention to its being Sabbath.

May 2. — Having provisions, pack saddles, &c, nearly all in
readiness, I went again to see the Dr. and Mrs. W.

Fri. 4. — Thinking my letters had probably arrived I started
for W. and met Bro. Edwards coming with them ; returned to
read them. Was greatly rejoiced, and refreshed, to hear from
all my friends and especially from my dear wife. How differ-
ent this world, from that which is to come : Here we are often
separated from the dearest objects of our affections, there, we
shall have no desire unsatisfied if we are with Jesus.

DOCUMENTARY 419

5. — Read and answered letters.

6. — Preached to the Indians.

7. — Rode to Wallawalla, fixed all for the journey.

Tuesday, 8. — Received 25 horses from Mr. P., of which I
had 13, Messrs. E. & E. 6 each. Packed and came about 2 mi.

9. — Crossed goods in boat and canoe, over the Wallawalla
river. Horses swam.

10.— Came 10 mi. Camped on the Wallawalla R.

11. — Left camp and came to Dr. W. and met Mr. Spalding
there. Had a good visit.

12. — Came to camp accompanied by Mrs. S. and Mrs. W. ; it
was in motion, and we passed on to the front of camp. I there
remained with them till all were past, and we kneeled upon
the bank of a small stream, and Mr. S. commended us to the
throne of grace, we then took the parting hand, and they re-
turned to their arduous labours ; and I pensively pursued camp,
thankful for the pleasing acquaintance thus formed.

13, Sun. — Should have remained over Sabbath with Dr. W.
but was not willing to lose the opportunity of preaching to
camp, being informed that it would not move on that day ; but
was greatly disappointed; the rain falling all day in such tor-
rents, that it was not practicable.

14. Rain continued with unabated force and we did not
move. Rather uncomfortable.

15. — Came to river Moreau, fell a tree and carried the
baggage.

16. — Reached the Utilla. Many Kioos [Indians] came
to us.

17. — Remained, water too high to ford.

18. Crossed and camped.

Mr. Edwards' horse reared up in the river, fell back, and
he fell under him, and with some difficulty extricated himself
without injury. Mr. Ermatinger arrived from Vancouver.
Though this is the llth day since we left, yet a man could
easily ride to Wallawalla in one day.

420 DIARY OF JASON LEE

19. — Came a good march to the middle of the Blue Moun-
tains, small plain, grass rather poor.

Mr. E. informed me he intended to march on Sun. His
excuse was the grass was poor, and the horses would get lost
in the woods.

20, Sunday. — Crossed the remainder of the B. M. and
camped on Grand Round River.

21. — Crossed the G. R. plain and slept at the hills.

22. — Wet some things crossing a branch of Powder R. and
camped. Short march.

23. — On a branch of the same. The main river is too high
to ford and we are forced to go around to cross the different
branches, loosing at least one day.

24. — In the hills. Arose early to finish some letters to send
by a free trapper who came to us two days ago; but he con-
cluded to remain another year.

25. — On the waters of Brule.

26. — On Brule. Some trouble with a wild horse throwing
his pack, &c.

27, Sun. — Did not move camp. Very hot sun succeeded by
a heavy shower ; was fearful it would continue all day ; but at
length it cleared away, and I collected the people and gave
them a sermon.

28. — Camped on the river De Bullo.

29.— On Malheur.

30. — Arrived at Boise.

31. — Was engaged writing letters. Evening, crossed over
to the Fort, and wrote till a late hour. Musketoes troublesome.
Slept in the Fort.

June 1. — Left Fort Boise, came a few mi. to Owhyhee
River ; waited till the canoe arrived from the fort, crossed, and
camped. Careless men upset one load.

2. — Made a good march. Camped on Snake R.

DOCUMENTARY 421

3, Sun. — Preached 1st in English, and Baptised Mr. McKay's
son, Donald M. Lane! 2nd in French, talked a little, rather
broken; 3rd in English.

4. — Camped on Snake R. near where we camped after mak-
ing the long march when we went down. It is extremely hot,
dry and dusty ; be we find some excellent currents, which are
a great luxury and what I little expected to find here.

5. — On a brook. Grass good.
6. — On River Bruno.

7.— On Snake, a little above where we left Mr. McKay
when we went down.

8. — The same place where Mr. McK. took wife. One of
our horses, which had been bled a fortnight previous, came
into camp, bleeding from the wound which had not yet healed.
He was poor and had been used but one day after he was
bled. He seemed very weak from the loss of blood. Mr. M. K.
sewed up the incision, as I thought well, but in morning of the
9th we found that he had been bleeding during the night.
He was so weak that he could not go without staggering, still
I resolved to try to take him on, thinking it possible for him
to recover if the blood could be effectually staunched. Our
road for 12 mi. lay across a plain without water, and lest he
should faint by the way I took a pail of water to refresh him
by the way. Tarried behind with a boy and walked him gently
the whole distance then left him at Snake Falls, and went on
4 mi. to camp. Never did I feel more compassion for any poor
brute, or labour so hard to save one.

10, Sun. — Wm. went early and drove in the horse. Was
surprised to see the tents coming down, preparations making
for a move. The excuse was that provision was short. I
soon learned that they intended to only [march] three hours.
I was exceedingly grieved, and was at a loss to know whether
it was duty to interfere or not; but at length determined to
expostulate. I said we had had sufficient proof that we could
make as much headway in six days by resting the seventh, as

422 DIARY OF JASON LEE

we could to travel the whole seven ; and to make the want of
provision an excuse for disturbing- the quiet of the holy Sab-
bath, and wounding the feelings of their friends, and only for
three hours march, was out of the question; better say, I go,
because I have a mind to go. That it was a paltry excuse
and would not satisfy judicious men, much less answer at the
bar of God, &c., &c., and then went away without waiting a
reply, after saying, I had done what I conceived it my duty
to do. I retired to my tent, and while pouring out my com-
plaint before the Lord I heard the order given not to move
camp.

The hunters, however, were sent out. Preached with little
liberty to a small, sleepy and apparently indiferent congrega-
tion. Felt thankful for the privilege of declaring God's word
whether men hear or whether they forbid.

11. — Messrs. Ermatinger, Edwards & M. Lane left for Fort
Hall. Was convinced that our horse could not live, requested
an Indian to shoot him after I should leave. I heard the re-
port and was glad his misery was over. Made a long march
and camped in same place where we camped going down,
having- made two of our encampments, then no running water,
now a large stream.

12. — Slept on the same stream that we did the first night
we reached the plain, after the sheep excursion.

13. — On Goose Creek. Bad crossing. Antelope for supper.

14. — Found the hunters at the Fountain, killed 8 antelope,
a reasonable supply. Several men met us from Ft. Hall. Bad
news from Mr. Grey [Gray]*, all his Indians killed and him-
self wounded. For the first time eat a piece of Mountain sheep,
and found it good, it resembles mutton very much.

Camped on Raft River, a few rods from where Mr. Abbot,
our former companion in cattle driving and another man were
killed by the Indians — Snakes. They were friendly In. and
probably they murdered them without their having the least
previous suspicions of their intentions.

DOCUMENTARY 423

15. — Forded Rock Creek and halted for breakfast a few mi.
above. Generally breakfast about 11 o'clock and take no din-
ner. Had a violent storm of rain and hail. Put my baggage
under a shelving rock for safety and got under another myself.
The water run in brooks in a few minutes. When it slacked
a little I examined the baggage and found it nearly swimming
in water. Our sugar was mostly wet, of course some wasted.
Camp did not move, but we came on and slept a little above
the American Fall.

16. — Started early, went several mi, up in order to ford
Portneuf and came to F. Hall, a little post now.

17, Sun. — The camp arrived and it was a day of business;
but I think no grog given. The musketoes were indeed dread-
ful. It was almost impossible to read at all, or even sit to eat.
I expected an invitation to preach in the Fort, but no intima-
tions of the kind being given, I requested one of the men to
inform the people that if they would assemble upon the bank
of the river I would preach to them; and I believe nearly all
about the fort assembled in a few minutes, except, the gentle-
men, so called, belonging to the company. Had a good deal of
liberty in speaking, but was obliged to fight musketoes the
whole time; and they were so thick that I could not see the
countenances of the congregation distinctly ; and it aston[ished]
me to see the attention given while they must have suffered
so much torment. Was thankful, for the privilege, of giving
one faithful warning to these people, many of whom, perhaps,
have not heard a sermon for many years, and some doubtless
will never hear another. God alone can give the increase.
The manner of life is such in these mountains that to hope to
do them good is to hope against hope; all things are possible
with God.

18, 19 & 20th. — The liquor rolled freely and I need say
nothing of the scene that followed, for there is no danger of
forgetting it. I will however say, that it was no worse, and
hardly so bad as I expected. Was able to write a little by

424 DIARY OF JASON LEE

driving the musketoes from the tent, and making- it as tight
as possible, and then stopping occasionally to kill them off.

21. — Finished my letters and made preparations to start after
dinner. One of our horses was missing and I sent the boys
to look for it, and told Messrs. E. & E. they had better go
on to camp, which was to be only 3 or 4 mi. In the meantime
Thomas' horse threw him and trod upon his knee, which
swelled a good deal and the pain was extreme. By this time
the camp was in motion and our horses became extremely
uneasy.

I washed the knee in strong vinegar and commenced pack-
ing the horses, one ran away with the saddle on, but we man-
aged to get all the things on, and I told Wm. to drive them to
camp but when we let them loose, each took his own course
and away they galloped. Thomas was in great pain, and
lying outside of the Fort, no invitation having been given to
take him in. I asked a Kanaka to take him in, and went in
quest of the horses.

After we had collected them and got them well under way,
sent Wm. with them and returned. What to do with Thomas,
was now a perplexing question. I at length determined to
put him upon a horse, and if possible take him to camp.

The slow motion of the horse seemed to alleviate the pain
a little, and we reached camp just before dark. The lost
horse still behind. This afternoon brought with more per-
plexity perhaps, than any previous month of the journey, but
I got through with it very well, and felt very thankful that
it was no worse.

22. — Started at daylight in search of the lost horse, and
found him alone, in the prairie 6 mi. below the fort smd with
a great deal of difficulty caught him. He led badly, and as
I was trying to put the cord in his mouth, he struck me, one
foot hit on the upper lip and the other on my arm. The blow
on the lip produced a contusion, and a good deal of pain, but it
soon subsided. Went to the fort and took breakfast. Mr.

DOCUMENTARY 425

Ermatinger was to leave the following Tues. and the com-
pany was to await him there. I overtook camp a little after
they halted for the night, and thankful to find Thomas' leg
better.

23, Sat. — Very little provision in camp, but fortunately, a
short distance from where we wished to camp, saw a band of
buffaloe, three were killed, two fell in camp. This supply
prevented our moving on Sunday.

24, Sun. — Preached twice, but some did not attend.

25. — Did not raise camp. Mr. Walker's "squaw", as he
calls her, brought forth a son about 8 o'clock A. M. Was in
labour four and twenty hours, I think.

26. — Made a long march to the little lake and Mr. Walker
and squaw arrived about an hour after. How different from
civilization. Several went out hunting. About 5 o'clock a
band of buffaloe was seen 3 or 4 mi. from camp, 10 or 12
men were soon mounted and off. Wm. and I went to see how
our horses would perform. When we were a mi. distant at
least, I dismounted, to tighten the girth of my saddle. No
sooner was I off than they raised the yell and rushed forward
as fast as they could. A half breed started first and the others
were obliged to follow if they wished to kill. By the time I
was mounted, they were a good distance ahead, and my horse,
not pleased at being behind, rushed on so fast, that by the
time I came up he was rather out of breath; however, seeing
the foremost one start off alone and no one following him,
I gave him chase. It was a very bad place to run ; many
ravines and rocks, but I at length succeeded in coming up to
him, and brought him down the third shot. Wm. also killed
one. We thought we did very well, as there were but seven
buffaloe, and so many old hunters, considering this was our
first trial.

27. — Mended clothes, made arrangements for the journey &c.

28. — Heard Mr. E. had arrived at Bear River, and packed
immediately to go to him, but he came just as we [were]
about to start ; concluded to remain all night.

426 DIARY OF JASON LEE

This day, I was 35 years of age. I could not but reflect, that
I had now arrived at what is called the meridian of life, and
that my sun was beginning- to decline towards the western
horizon. 35 years, and how little have I done to benefit man-
kind. How long shall I yet be permitted to labour? Can
I expect to see as many more years ? No. How many have I
known, whose sun has suddenly set at noon! Mine too may
soon go down. There are many things to induce the belief,
that I shall never arrive at old age. My sun is, in all prob-
ability, several degrees past the meridian already, and a few
more years, perhaps, weeks, or days, may find me numbered
with the silent clods of the valley. Well, be it so: but let
me have grace to improve my remaining days, more, or less, to
the glory of God, and I need have no uneasiness about it. The
Judge of all the earth will do rightly.

29. — Mr. McKay accompanied us to Bear R., dined with
us, and took his leave of us, and this three sons, who are going,
under my care, to the U. S. to study for some years. The
parting scene was most affecting. We were now, in company
with Mr. Ermatinger, three men, and two Indians started, in
good earnest, for Rendezvous. Made a long march and
camped on a small creek.

30. — Overtook Mr. St. Clair, a trader, who left us
the day before we left the little lake. Went out to run
buffaloe ; just as I was getting near, a man shot one, which
did not fall immediately, but as I was taking aim, he fell and
frightened my horse. It was upon a side hill, and my horse
leaped so suddenly that I discharged my gun into the air,
and as he continued [to] leap, in saving myself my gun fell
to the ground.

Thankful that I had shot no one (for there were several
close by), but not at all discouraged, I picked up my rifle,
continued the chase, and killed my animal. Camped on B.
River.

July 1, Sun. — Left B. R. on the right, crossed Smith's Fork,
came along the hills several miles, and crossed the dividing

DOCUMENTARY 427

ridge, between the waters of B. R. and those of Green River.
Camped on a small stream. Our guide, in attempting to take
us a near-cut, took us over some dreadful hills, through thick
woods, and over some snow banks, where, I think man never
before past, and seldom beast. This was more than a Jewish
Sabbath day's journey, but I did not know how to avoid it.
Mr. E. had before told me, if he went to Rendezvous with us,
he would travel Sunday, for he would not give the Black-Feet
two chances for one.

2. — Camped on New River, had missed our way, and gone
a few miles too high up.

3. — Some cows were killed. Camped a few mi. from Horse
Creek, where we expected to find Rendezvous, but seeing the
plains covered with Buffaloe, and seeing no signs of it, such as
horse tracks, &c., I had given up almost all hope of its being
there. And what might be the consequences to us was more
than I could divine.

July 4. — Started early, and in a few hours, reached Horse
Creek, but instead of finding the noise, tumult, hustle and
drunkenness, which one might expect on Independence day,
at an American Rendezvous ; all was gloomy-solitude, and still
as the house of Death. We soon learned, from a note left
upon an old house that, Ren. was upon Pawpawazha at its con-
fluence with Green River. One of our party had passed that
way 9 years ago, and thought it was 150 or 200 mi. Mr. E.'s
horses were poor and he did not wish to go farther, and the
guide must return with him. Perplexing suspense, seemed to
give a gloomy tinge to every countenance; and though we
talked of Independence, yet, perhaps we seldom felt more our
dependence upon others. At dinner, however, I told them
my mind was made up, whatever others might do to go ahead.
After dinner I went and examined the notes, and the writing
upon the logs of the house, and we were satisfied, that, Mr.
Grey had arrived! at Ren's and Mr. E. determined to go with
us, we finding him and men horses to ride. This settled all
became cheerful, and the boys prepared a splendid Independ-
ence supper.

428 DIARY OF JASON LEE

5. — Crossed Green River, made a long march, between 40
& 50 mi. camped on a small stream, good grass.

6. — Saw four Indians ; being apprehensive that they were
Black Feet, three men started immediately to ascertain, and
in the meantime the In. found some buffaloe and run them
close to us, without showing the least fear. We were then
satisfied that they were Snakes. They soon came to us, and a
short time after, we came in sight of their village. It was a
mile or two from our route, and perhaps 30 came to us on
horseback and held a parley.

They confirmed the news about Ren., and told how many
waggons there were. We remarked that several of our horses
were a good deal swollen, and before noon one of the In.'s
horses was dead.

Crossed Big and Little Sandy R. and passed the dividing
ridge between the waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic. Sev-
eral horses very sick when we encamped. Perhaps half of
them were more or less affected. They must have eaten some
poisonous plant. Now all hands commenced giving medicine,
while I made preparations for giving clysters. They were so
swollen that some were in agony, but the clyster relieved them
and all seemed pretty well in the morning.

7. — Got out of the mountains, and camped on Pawpawazha.
Was extremely weary.

8, Sun. — Started early, and in a few hours saw several men
upon the opposite side. Hailed them and learned that they left
Ren's that morning. Moved on rapidly and came in sight of
Ren's about noon. It was upon an island, and the [water]
being too high to ford with loads we camped and soon Mr.
Grey came to us.

After dinner I cross [ed] over and was introduced to Mrs.
Grey and his associates. I received one letter from Dr. Bangs,
and that was the only one. Was greatly rejoiced to see five
males and four females, going to join, the solitary Missionaries
on the Columbia. United with them in prayer meeting. Yes

DOCUMENTARY 429

strange to tell, Christians have met upon the R. Mountains to
pray for the poor Indians. May Heaven hear and be propitious
to their prayers. Tarried with them all night.

9. — Went to our camp, and by raising the packs high were
able to bring them over dry. The Missionaries and their
Ladies, all seem cheerful and very anxious to get into their
field of labour. May Heaven speed them on.

10. — Writing all day, except when hindered by visitors, or
visiting, and nearly all night.

12. — In the morning finished my letters. This being the last
opportunity of writing my dear wife, perhaps till my return,
it seemed almost like a fresh parting; and the thought that
this privilege must be denied me, and that I could do nothing
to alleviate her sorrows, or add to her joys, for so long a time,
brought tears to my eyes. But how consoling is the doctrine
brought to light in the Bible. I wish to add to her comfort;
well, if we are both actuated by the love of God, I am taking
the most effectual method of of doing it.

"All things work together for good, to those that love God."
And "these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Took leave of the brethren and sisters, while they started,
in company with Mr. Ermatinger. Thank God, they have every
prospect of reaching the field of their future labours in safety.
How happy would I have been, if my work in the U. S. had
been done, and I ready to descend with them, but God's ways
are not as our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts. A. M.
Forded the river and camped with the company which is going
to Missouri.

The grove at the Rendezvous, where was the store, lodges,
&c., took fire, and they were forced to move all their goods
from their store, but with difficulty saved the building.

13. — Mended my trunk, which was shatered very much, by
my horse running away and throwing it off. Wished much to
be on our way.

430

DIARY OF JASON LEE

14. — Much talk of starting, but finally (as I had anticipated)
defered to Sunday.

15, Sun. — Left and made one march. Like sailors, they prefer
starting on Sunday. The better day, the better luck. How
undesirable a situation for a Christian, to be obliged to follow
a company that has no respect to the Sabbath.

16. — Eat a piece of gray bear, very fat and better than any
of the kind that have tasted before.

Camped on a small stream, was obliged to guard for the
first time on the journey. Must take my turns or hire some
one to do it, for no one is excused in this camp. Intend to
stand my own guard, for I will not pay Mission money, and /
have hut little.

17.- -Crossed the dividing ridge between the waters of the
Yellowstone and the Platte. Dined, and slept, on Sweet Water
River.

Correspondence of the
Reverend Ezra Fisher

Pioneer Missionary of the American Baptist

Home Mission Society in Indiana,

Illinois, Iowa and Oregon

Edited by

SARAH FISHER HENDERSON

NELLIE EDITH LATOURETTE

KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE

432 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

(Continued from page 339, September Quarterly)

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., Apr. 7th, 1851.
To Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. Am. Bap. Home Mis. Soc. :

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the fourth quarter
of the year ending April 1, 1851. I have labored (13) thir-
teen weeks in the quarter; preached eighteen (18) sermons;
delivered six (6) lectures on moral and benevolent sub-
jects; attended ten (10) prayer and other religious meet-
ings; visited religiously twelve (12) families and individuals;
baptized none ; obtained no signatures to the temperance
pledge ; have not assisted in the organization of any church
or the ordination of any minister; have traveled (50) fifty
miles to and from my appointments ; received none by letter,
none by experience; we know of none hopefully converted,
no young men preparing for the ministry, monthly concert
not observed.

The people to whom I preach have paid nothing during
the quarter for any of the missionary societies or Bible so-
ciety ; nothing toward my salary ; the church has done noth-
ing by way of building meeting house. Sabbath school is in
operation in this place with 4 teachers and about 16 scholars
and about 150 volumes in the library. The Bible class is
connected with the school and numbers but four.

My school occupies most of my time through the week.
We read the Scriptures twice each day and I frequently ac-
company this exercise with a few remarks and, as often as I
judge it is useful, address the school on the great subject of
their relations and obligations to God, to man and to them-
selves. I open and close the school each day by prayer. I
preach at two other points besides this place, one on the op-
posite side of the river238 and the other at Milwaukie, six

238 This was Linn City.

CORRESPONDENCE 433

miles below this place. I contemplate commencing- monthly
preaching at Portland in a few weeks, if my health will al-
low me to perform the labor.239 Many of the men of the
territory are in the mines. Brother Snelling is among the
number, so that we have but little preaching in the country.
This spring I hardly dare contemplate our condition of feeble
churches left without pastors while I am confined within the
walls of a school house. I am sometimes half resolved to
leave the school in the hands of such a teacher as we can se-
cure, and travel through the valley, visit, preach and collect
funds for the school building. But we fear the consequences
of a change in teachers before our expected teachers arrive.
We commenced our spring quarter today with 40 scholars,
notwithstanding the gold excitement and the removal for a
time of nearly all the remnant of our large boys for farm-
ing purposes during the summer. The number will increase
for the ensuing two weeks. Our money has been drained off
to build up eastern cities and farming is greatly neglected
for the mines. Consequently it is difficult to collect for car-
rying forward our building and labor is extravagantly high.
That work must progress slowly this summer. We hope to
make a special effort in the fall for this work ; I fear not be-
fore, unless I leave the school next quarter. We more need
an efficient preacher as colporter for the A. B. Publication
Soc., who would do some work for the Bible Society, than
an agent for the Bible Society to the neglect of the Publica-
tion Society. But if the Publication Society do not do this
work through their agent, we will be glad to see your pro-
posed enterprise take effect. Should the Bible Soc. send us
an agent, or Bibles, they will do well to send a large pro-
portion of large Bibles suitable for family Bibles. There has
been an inquiry for them for a long time, when small Bibles
cannot be sold for cost. Every evangelical society has Bibles
in the country and the people have generally obtained Bibles

210 The author apparently soon began holding occasional services in Portland
in the Congregational meeting-house. They were continued until Octob*l> 1854,
when a Baptist minister settled in Portland.— Mattoon, Bap. An. of Or*. II: 14.

434 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

and Testaments gratuitously, or at very low price, till the
country has become tolerably supplied. But our coming pop-
ulation will create a large demand for more next year.

We are truly gratified to learn that interests in Oregon
are beginning to receive a share in the sympathies of our
trans-mountain brethren. My personal thanks to Dr. Pike for
the part of the philosophical apparatus which he so gener-
ously donated for the institution. In due time, on the recep-
tion of the gift, he will receive an expression from the Board.

I received the boxes you shipped on board the Grecian. I
have received the bill of lading for the goods you shipped me
on board the bark Francis and Louisa; also the bills of lad-
ing of the goods shipped for Br. Chandler on board the Gold-
en Age.

Affectionately yours,

EZRA FISHER.
Received June 3, 1851.

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., July 1, 1851.
To Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. of Am. Bap. Home Mission Soc. :

Herein I send my report of labor under the appointment of
the Home Mission Society for the first quarter ending July 1,
1851. My field comprises the church at Oregon City, the
community at Linn City, Milwaukie and vicinity and Port-
land. At the last three named places we have as yet no
church.

I have labored 13 weeks in the quarter, preached 21 ser-
mons, delivered no lectures on moral and benevolent subjects,
attended three church meetings and two prayer meetings, vis-
ited religiously twenty families and individuals, no common
schools, baptized none, obtained no signatures to the temper-
ance pledge, have assisted at the organization of no church,
no ordination, have traveled to and from my appointments
126 miles, received none by letter, none by experience and
none to my knowledge has been hopefully converted. No

CORRESPONDENCE 435

young men in the church preparing for the ministry. Monthly
concert of prayer is not observed. My people have paid during
the quarter for the Home Mission Society nothing and noth-
ing for any other benevolent society. Church has done noth-
ing by way of building meeting houses. I have received from
individuals for my support as a minister $10.00. Connected
with the congregations to which I preach are two Sabbath
schools, one with the church in this place, having three teach-
ers, 18 scholars and about 150 volumes; the other at Mil-
waukie, a promiscuous school, with one Baptist teacher and
seven scholars of Baptist family. There is also a Bible class
with five pupils connected with the Sabbath school in Oregon
City which I teach one-fourth of the time. Our school is
about as numerous as at any preceding period. My confine-
ment in school and the necessary labor and care prevent my
laboring so much in the ministry direct as I should otherwise
do, yet I trust we are laying the foundation for more efficient
work hereafter. Our school building is now being enclosed
and we hope to have two rooms finished by the time of the
arrival of Brs. Chandler and Read. I have most of the labor
of raising subscriptions for the work. More than one-third
of the old subscriptions cannot be made available at present,
mostly by means of a change in the moneyed matters of the
subscribers. We have now most of the lumber engaged and
paid for to carry the work on as far as above specified and as
yet have no debts hanging over us; but I fear my confine-
ment in the school and Br. Johnson's necessary callings will
leave the building one or two thousand dollars in debt, when
fit for use, which must be met by an appeal to the public, as
soon as Br. Chandler arrives, which our brethren tell me I
will have to do.

You see, dear brother, that I have upon me the labor of
two men now and when it will be less is known only by Him
whom we serve. I have just returned from our Association
held in Tualatin Plains. Our business was transacted with
great unanimity. Resolutions were passed in favor of the

436 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

cause of Home Missions, American and Foreign Bible Society,
American Bap. Pub. Soc., American Tract Society, the Sunday
school cause and religious periodicals. Our congregations were
unusually large and solemn. We must leave the results with
God, but confidently hope the cause which we represent in
Oregon is advancing. Three churches were added to our Asso-
ciation during the anniversary. I am appointed to correspond
with you on the subject of an exploring agent and the appoint-
ment of a missionary for Salem, which I must defer till after
the next mail. I received my commission, under date of May
2d, and: accompanying letter. I will attend to the deficiency on
the part of the church and forward the concurrent certificates
in my next. When Br. Chandler arrives, we must have an en-
tire change in our fields of labor and we have a committee
appointed by our Association to call a convention of the breth-
ren to consult on the best method of promoting the cause of
Christianity and education in Oregon, immediately on the
arrival of Br. Chandler. Would it not be well for your Board
to authorize your missionaries in this territory to make such
changes at that time as the said convention may deem neces-
sary for the furtherance of the cause of Christ? Please write
me immediately on this subject.

I will here insert the following names as subscribers for the
Home Mission Record: Rev. Richmond Cheadle, Santiam
Post Office, Elmer Keyes, do, Edward T. Lenox, Hillsboro P.
O., James S. Holman, Luckiamute.

Yours in gospel fellowship,

EZRA FISHER,
Missionary at Oregon City and vicinity.

N. B. — I am waiting with prayerful solicitude for the time
to arrive when I may do my duty as a servant of God and
leave the walls of the school and meet the suffering wants
of some of the feeble, famishing churches in the valley. Br.
Newell240 was here today, broken in spirit at the loss of his
dear wife and child. Br. Coe has spent one night with us ; am

240 See note 218.

CORRESPONDENCE 437

much pleased with him. Dea. Failing241 and sons spent two
nights with us; were well. Will stop at present at Portland.
I hope we shall be able during the present season to consti-
tute a church at Portland.

Yours,
Received Aug. 22, 1851. E.F.

Aug. 8, 1851.

I received all the goods shipped on board the bark Ellen
and Louisa which the bill of lading calls for. I learn too
that the Golden Age is at Portland and I have made arrange-
ments to have Br. Chandler's goods stored free of charge till
he arrives. I suppose we have now for the first time a tol-
erable supply of books of the A. Bap. Publication Soc's pub-
lications and I trust Elder Cheadle, their Colporter, will ex-
ert a good influence with these works in his hands. The im-
migration from California will probably be large the coming
winter and even for a longer time. I am informed that the
Spanish titles to the land are generally good and the result
will be many American citizens who would like lands in
California will avail themselves of the benefits of the Oregon
land bill. I think Pacific City* will not greatly suffer for the
want of an efficient minister before another summer. Br.
Newell has been seriously afflicted by the loss of his wife
and child on the passage and he is as yet somewhat unsettled,
yet I think we must soon have a good man located at that
place or Astoria or Clatsop Plains to meet the wants tempo-
rarily of all that region. He should be a prudent, business-
like, devoted minister who loves Zion and can resist worldly
temptations. From this time forward changes must be great
on the Pacific coast and every improvement must go forward
with a rapidity unequaled in any new portion of our coun-
try. Our churches must be supplied with a devoted, thor-
ough ministry and that ministry must and will, with a love

241 Josiah Failing (1806-1877) came to Oregon in 1851 and was prominent in
business, church and politics. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:6g. The two sons were
John W. and Henry.

* Ilwaco, Pacific county, Washington, of the present day.

438 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

approaching to a passion for the work, train the churches
right. I feel a strong assurance on this subject.

I am not tired of doing my duty, but I think I shall appre-
ciate in some measure the responsibilities of the ministry
more than I have done in past years, should the Lord! gra-
ciously spare my life till I can give over this school into other
hands. When I look over the moral waste of the Willamette
Valley and hear the appeals as often as I see the brethren,
"When will you come and preach to us?" it is almost more
than I can endure. The interests of our school must not be
neglected, but, unless we are visited with the outpourings
of the spirit from on high, we are a ruined people in Oregon.
Pray for us.

Yours,

E. FISHER.
Received Oct. 6, 1851.

Oregon City, Sept. 3d, 1851.
Rev. Benj. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

I received by the last mail two copies of the annual^ report
of the A. B. H. M. Soc. for 1851, and Br. Johnson received
a letter from you. Religious matters in the Territory remain
much as they were when I last wrote. Our school numbers
about forty scholars since we dismissed the female depart-
ment and will be considerably enlarged the next two quarters,
should our teachers prove to be popular with this people, as
we trust they will. I have but three weeks after the
present one in this quarter. Then I hope to be able under
God to visit the churches through the valley and preach to
them Saturdays and Sabbaths and, at the same time, raise
some funds for our building, which lies heavy on our hands
and heavier on my heart. The work has moved on slowly
this summer, it being only enclosed, without doors or win-
dows. We, however, have part of the glass, and the oil and
lead for painting. The house is between three and four hun-

CORRESPONDENCE

439

dred dollars in debt. We have about $1000 uncollected on
our subscription paper and we can probably rely on about
$200 this fall from that source. We have flooring enough on
hand to lay the floor for two rooms and a few hundred feet of
ceiling and may probably get some more lumber on the old
subscription and more subscribed.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Br. Chandler to this
place yesterday, but his family were left sixteen miles back in
the first settlements this side of the Cascade Mountains. He
was in health and in good spirits, as were his family and Br.
Read,242 all of whom will be in town this week. We trust
that from this time we shall be able to do more for our feeble
churches than formerly and hope we may enjoy an enlarged
measure of the spirit of our Divine Master. We shall call
the convention, of which I made mention in my last, about
the time of the close of my quarter. I rejoice to find that
you have anticipated the same thing in your letter to Br.
Johnson. I have discontinued my appointments at Linn City
on account of the small number of families in that place this
summer, and commenced preaching once a month at Cane-
ma,243 a village springing up at the head of the falls on this
side of the Willamette, one mile above this place. We may con-
tinue a monthly appointment there after the meeting of the
convention, but we must not longer neglect the churches in the
valley above. I should have sent you the concurrent certificate
of the church244 by the last mail but for the fact that our
church clerk lives three miles from this place on the other side
of the Willamette245 and I have had no opportunity of seeing

242 This was Rev. J. S. Read. He had just graduated from Franklin College.
He taught in the Oregon City School for one school year and then went to South-
ern Oregon. He returned to Indiana in 1854. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:13.

243 Canemah began in the later forties. It took its name either from an In-
ian chief, or from a word meaning a canoe landing; probably the former. — George

dian

II. Himes.

244 These certificates were required by the Home Mission Society to be sent
in by churches which were asking for the service of its missionaries.

245 The clerk of the Oregon City Church at this time was F. A. Collard, who
was then living on his land claim just south of what is now Oswego. — Records of
First Baptist Church of Ore. City (MS. and records in Clackamas County Court
House).

440 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

him for four weeks. At the first meeting I had with the breth-
ren in Portland they appointed] a committee to sign a similar
certificate, but on my last visit to that place the two most ef-
ficient brethren were gone to San Francisco on business, and
thus the matter is' delayed. I will now record the vote of the
church on the subject of application for my appointment and,
should I not see our clerk before the next mail leaves, I shall
hand the letter to Br. Johnson for signature.

Yours,

E. FISHER.

Voted to recommend Elder Ezra Fisher to the favorable con-
sideration of the Home Missionary Society for re-appointment
for the term of one year. Also voted to invite Elder Ezra
Fisher to supply the church one-fourth of the time. Done at
the church meeting on the first Saturday in Feb., 1851.

The 1st Bap. Church at Oregon City concur in all the terms
of the application made by Elder Fisher in a letter addressed
to the Corresponding Secretary in Feb. last.

September 6th, 1851.

W. T. MATLOCK,

Clerk pro tern.

N. B. We have this day had Brs. Chandler and Read in
attendance and agreed to call the convention of which I made
mention in my last on Friday the 17th instant.

Yours,

Received Nov. 3, 1851. E. F.

Oct. 1st, 1851.
To Rev. B. M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. of Am. Bap. Home Mission Soc. :

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the second quarter
ending Oct. 1, 1851.

Up to this time my field has comprised Oregon City, Port-
land, Milwaukie and an out-station at Canema, a rising vil-
lage half a mile above Oregon City, at the head of the Wil-

CORRESPONDENCE 441

lamette Falls, which I statedly supply. I have labored 13
weeks in the quarter, preached 19 sermons, delivered three
lectures to the Sabbath school in this place, attended three
ministers' prayer meetings in this place (which are weekly),
visited religiously 25 families and individuals, visited no com-
mon schools, but addressed my own weekly, baptized none,
no signatures to the temperance pledge, organized no church,
no ordination, traveled to and from my appointments 130
miles, none received by letter, none by experience, have had
no hopeful conversions, no young men preparing for the min-
istry. The monthly concert of prayer is not observed at any
of my stations. My people have paid nothing during the
quarter for any missionary or benevolent society. I have re-
ceived nothing for my salary; no meeting houses being
erected. Connected with the church in Oregon City is a Sab-
bath school of 18 scholars and three teachers and about 150
volumes in the library. There is also a Bible class with 3
pupils.

EZRA FISHER,

Missionary.

N. B. — At the meeting of the convention held at this place
on the 19th and 20th of Sept. last you will see, by referring
to the minutes which will probably leave in the next mail,
that the Trustees of the Oregon City College appointed me
temporarily as agent for that school to collect funds to carry
on the building now up and enclosed, but between four and
five hundred dollars in debt. It was thought to be the best
that could be done. It was hoped that this work might be
performed without materially diverting me from my minis-
terial labors. I shall be expected to meet my regular appoint-
ments twice each month at Portland, or supply them with a
substitute. You will also see a request from this conven-
tion that your Board appoint me as a corresponding evan-
gelist for Oregon (I am not certain that I have the right
name as I have not the minutes of that convention and quote
from memory). The name of exploring agent was urgently

442 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

objected to by one and only one of the members of the con-
vention, but he is a man of influence and with his objections
against eastern influence. It is understood, however, that
this evangelist is to perform the duties of an exploring agent.
It seems necessary that the Willamette and Umpqua valleys246
be explored or visited by a faithful missionary who will be
able to make a fair representation of the wants of the de-
nomination, both to your Board and to the Willamette Asso-
ciation. The people at the mouth of the Columbia should
also be visited, and perhaps the settlement at Puget Sound247
during the next season. Little, if anything, can be expected
the present year in aid for the support of such an agent above
what I shall receive from Portland, unless I should supply
some destitute church a stated portion of the time. Yet the
scattered members would be encouraged to early organizations
and be led to appreciate the great utility of the missionary
organization. Should the winter rains hold off, I hope to visit
several destitute churches in the upper part of the valley.
Baptist sentiments seem to be well received, and it is very ob-
vious that our efforts in the cause of education seem to in-
spire public confidence in the efficiency of the denomination.
I will give one instance: A Br. Hill248 from Missouri came
to Albany, a county seat on the Willamette about 70 miles
above this place, and commenced teaching and preaching
some time last winter. His labors resulted in organizing a
small church ; the proprietors of the lower part of the town
have built a school house and at our late convention requested
us to send them a teacher and a preacher, with the assurance
that the people would help to support him as a minister and
donate one-fourth of the lots of their town for church pur-

246 The Hudson's Bay Company had established a post in the Umpqua Valley
as early as 1832. — Bancroft, Hist, of N. W. Coast, II 1521. The valley was first
carefully explored and extensively settled in 1850, largely through the efforts of the
"Umpqua Town-Site and Colonization Land Company," which was largely financed
from California. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore. 11:175-183.

247 See note 390. There were a number of Americans of the immigration of
1851 who settled on Puget Sound. — Bancroft, Hist, of Wash., Idaho and Montana,
p. 21.

248 This was Rev. Reuben Coleman Hill, M. D., (1808-1890). He was born
in Kentucky and moved to Missouri in 1846, to California in 1850, and to Oregon
in 1851. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., 11:82.

CORRESPONDENCE 443

poses. It is said that they have from forty to sixty acres laid
out in town lots. We have similar proposals for taking
schools under our care upon town sites upon the banks of the
Willamette. If we had a few young men of prudence and en-
ergy, with a sacrificing spirit, to throw into our county seats
in the valley above us, no doubt, with the blessings of the
Great Teacher, an incalculable amount of good might be ac-
complished.

The overland immigration is large and mostly in the valley
and in the Cascade Mountains and will be in in eight or ten
days.249 Its number is estimated at from four to five thou-
sand souls. We are constantly receiving accessions by wa-
ter, so that it is thought that our white population by the
first of March will be at least 30,000.

Brs. Chandler and Read will enter upon their duties as
teachers week after next. We expect they will supply this
church and one or two out stations in the vicinity. Money
is scarce and crops of wheat and vegetables abundant. I have
not yet learned whether my appointment as missionary is con-
firmed, but I have been acting with that expectation and shall
venture to order you to put me up some family clothing and
books, in a few days. I am receiving the Christian Chronicle
regularly and, if it is charged to me, I wish you to arrange
the matter with the editors and charge that amount to me.

We fear that Br. Failing will become discouraged in busi-
ness and leave for N. Y., but still hope God will otherwise
direct. He is much needed in Oregon.

Yours in gospel fellowship,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Nov. 19, 1851.

249 See note 154.

444 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., Jan. 30, 1852.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Yours, bearing date Nov. 29 and mail mark Dec. 9th, con-
taining a commission for me to act as exploring agent for Or-
egon for the term of three months, was received by the last
mail. I now hasten to answer the same and make a few gen-
eral statements of facts as nearly as I can explain matters
now in Oregon. Since the arrival of Brs. Chandler and Read
I have visited YamHill county and church ; spent ten days in
that county, principally to look over their spiritual wants in
the absence of Elder Snelling,250 the former pastor of Yam-
Hill church. Found the members scattered over half a large
county and almost disheartened, but they seemed cheered by
the visit and manifested a desire to enjoy the preached word.
In this visit, as in all my public labors the past fall and win-
ter, I have endeavored to make my agency for the school sub-
serve the interests of the churches rather than make it the
all engrossing subject. I have preached half my Sabbaths at
Portland and Milwaukie; in the morning at the latter place,
and in the evening at the former. The remaining part of my
time I have performed labors in the south and southeast part
of Marion County, on the east side of the Willamette River
from 20 to 40 miles south from Oregon City and one of the
most promising agricultural parts of the Willamette Valley,
in which are located two feeble churches,251 one of which had
lost its visibility for the want of the occasional preaching
of the word. All the former members of the church have
changed their location and in so doing have thrown them-
selves into a more commanding position in the same vicin-
ity. Their position is such that at no distant day two small

250 Snelling was then in California.

251 The two churches were the one at French Prairie, organized in 1850, near
or in the present town of Gervais; and the Shiloh Church, organized in 1850, at the
present town of Turner. — Matton, Bap. An. of Ore. l:g.

It was probably the French Prairie Church which was so weak.

CORRESPONDENCE 445

business towns must rise up in their vicinity, one on the Wil-
lamette about 15 miles below Salem, the other on Pudding
River, eight miles east of the landing on the Willamette.

In looking over the field1 which God in his providence has
seen fit to assign us, we are constrained to say, "Ours is a
goodly heritage," and we feel no inclination to abandon it
for others, yet we think your Board do not fully appreciate
all the embarrassments under which we, as missionaries and
churches, labor. Our field is as truly a missionary field as
any portion of the great field which was contemplated in the
first organization of the A. B. H. M. Soc. Imagine for a mo-
ment 200 or 300 American citizens who have been gathering
upon the waters of Puget Sound252 (the future naval depot
for Oregon) for the last seven years, and for all this time
have never been visited by a Protestant minister. Now sup-
pose you were to meet one of these citizens and hear him re-
late to you the fact that they trade with foreigners and go
to the Roman church253 for Sabbath instruction and then
ask, "Why can you not come over and preach to us, for I
verily think ours is missionary ground?" What would be
the feelings of your heart when you are compelled to turn
them away with an indefinite reply? This is but one case.
The people settled upon the banks of the Columbia River
(the great thoroughfare of trade for the valley of Willam-
ette and the Northern gold mines of Rogue River) from Van-
couver to Astoria, a distance of 90 miles,254 have never had
preaching of any order save in a very few instances. But a
few days since an acquaintance of mine residing near a rising
town which, at no very distant period, will not fail to be a
place of some importance, asked me if I could not sometime
come and preach to them, saying he was a wicked man, but
he had children and had raised them to respect the gospel

252 See note 247. The trade on the Sound increased largely in 1852-3, and
several small towns were springing up. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., 11:250.

253 This church was near Olympia at a place now called Priest's Point Park. —
George H. Himes.

254 The towns of St. Helens, Milton, Westport and Rainier, were all spring-
ing up about this time. — Bancroft, Hist, of Oregon, 11:251, 252.

446 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

and they and his neighbors, wanted to hear preaching and he
would make his house a comfortable home for any respectable
minister who would come and preach one sermon and give
him ten dollars for his part.

Then, with me, take a bird's eye view of the Willamette,
whose settlements spread over a territory 180 miles in length
and from 20 to sixty miles in width, in almost every settle-
ment of which are found one or more members of our order
surrounded with men of all religious sects and of no relig-
ious creed, and exposed to all the disorganizing influences
peculiar to a country where preaching is but occasional and
Sabbath day visiting and hunting of loose cattle and wild
game are common, and at the same time large portions of
the men are going to and coming from the mines. Can this
be regarded as any other than a missionary field in the most
unqualified sense of the term? Then turn your attention to
the Umpqua Valley, in which are now two organized coun-
ties,255 and it is said that it is now as thickly peopled as the
Willamette, with no evangelical minister to break the bread
of life,256 where character is formed with unexampled rapid-
ity, and no means are wanting to draw the youth into the
most abandoned habits which the temptations of gold can in-
spire in the absence of the moral influence of the Bible (for
men will soon neglect their Bibles if the gospel is not preach-
ed), and here we must say is a missionary field. Immediately
south of the Umpqua River, gold diggings begin and that
portion of the mines between this and! the Chasty (Shasta)257
Mountains, a distance of 140 to 150 miles from north to
south, is included in the Oregon field. Here thousands of
our countrymen are constantly engaged in digging gold,
with no one to minister to them the excellencies of that gos-
pel which is incomparably more valuable than gold. With

255 Douglas and Umpqua Counties, the former of which had just been or-
ganized, and Jackson County, which was also organized in January, 1852, comprised
the Rogue River Valley. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II:7io, 712.

256 This statement is probably correct.

257 Shasta, a corruption of the French "chaste," was first applied to the moun-
tain by early American travelers. — Bancroft, Hist, of Calif., VII 1440.

CORRESPONDENCE 447

a few exceptions, the entire population of the Umpqua and
and the gold regions of Oregon have congregated on our
southern border within the term of the last eighteen months.
Is not Oregon then a missionary field? We desire your
Board to take another view of our condition. By referring to
the minutes of our Association you will see that we report
eleven small churches.258 Two others are constituted and
probably some four or five more will spring into existence
the coming summer. In all these churches we number about
160 members. Forty or fifty more may include all the mem-
bers of the territory; and these members come to us from al-
most every state in the union, and some from Australia. It
would be almost a miracle, in bringing together such a com-
munity, if all would at once co-operate, in ways and means to
carry out the great objects of the gospel, with all the harmony
of the spheres. Yet be it said to the praise of these brethren
and to the honor of the gospel of Christ that, according
to the means of grace they enjoy, they will not suffer in com-
parison with most of the country churches in the States, both
as it regards the order of the members or the willingness to
support the gospel. Now when we remember that nine years
ago the first of these brethren arrived in Oregon and from
that time to the present they arrived in this valley poor,
many without bed or bedding, save a few blankets, with
their teams either lost in the mountains or reduced to skel-
etons, and every necessary of life to provide anew, with
clothing, groceries, cooking and farming utensils at a price
fourfold that of the cost in the States, that in churches of
from six to twenty-seven members no two families lived
nearer than a mile of each other, and these interspersed with
every variety of religionist found in the States, till it is not
common for more than two Baptist churches to be found in

258 The minutes for June, 1851, show only nine churches; the West Union,
Yamhill, Rickreal, Oregon City, Sandam, Lebanon, Shiloh, Molalla, and Clatsop
Churches. The French Prairie and Marysville Churches were organized, but not
admitted. — Minutes of Willamette Baptist Association for 1851. Mattpon, Bap. An.
of Ore., 1:1-17. The author must have been mistaken, for the Association of 1852
did not meet until the June after this letter was written.

448 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

a large county, is it reasonable to expect that everything will
be done with the promptness and precision with which busi-
ness is transacted in well organized churches in the midst of
compact cities?

And then your missionaries, unlike our missionaries in the
foreign field's, have been compelled to divide their energies
between the interests of the churches and the recurring ur-
gent wants of rising families. During the last three years
the extravagant prices of all the articles of family consump-
tion, together with the rage for gold which pervaded1 almost
the entire community, precluded all reasonable hope that the
Missionary Society and the scattered churches would give
the families of your missionaries a bare sustenance. With
this state of things we are fully convinced that your Board
have been disposed to exercise a laudable (I might perhaps
say unwarrantable) forbearance. But this policy has been
fruitful in evil consequences. Our necessities have diverted
our time and care to a lamentable extent from our appropri-
ate work. While we have been fast wearing out our lives in
hard labor directed to the best of our wisdom, we feel a la-
mentable conviction that the feeble cause of Christ has been
neglected and our Christian graces have been gradually de-
clining. In the midst of these embarrassing circumstances
we have labored and under the blessing of God we have
brought a school into existence. In the assumption of the
necessary responsibilities, Brother Johnson has involved
himself in pecuniary liabilities from which it is doubtful
whether he will ever be able to recover. The school fur-
nished me a living while at the same time it consumed all my
available means and confines me for years to the place in or-
der to secure a permanent site for a literary institution for
the denomination in Oregon. But times and prospects have
greatly changed in a few months. The prices of most of the
ordinary articles of family consumption are materially re-
duced. Still the labor of man and beast is high. Butter is
still 75 cents a pound, so we use none of that article; fresh

CORRESPONDENCE 449

beef from 8 to 12 cents per pound, pork from 14 to 18 and
eggs 75 cents per dozen. The prospect of usefulness is also
materially increased, especially in the country churches. Fee-
ble and scattered as our churches are, I think they will pay
from $50 to $150 this year for preaching, if they can secure
it one Sabbath each month. These churches are all located in
the midst of most important agricultural districts in the Wil-
lamette Valley, some of them in the immediate vicinity of
county seats, and must not be neglected. The population
in all our towns is greatly reduced by means of that pecu-
liar feature in the land! bill which requires four years' actual
residence on a claim to obtain a patent from government.
Numbers of the remaining citizens are adventurers who have
left their families in the States and intend to return to their
families as soon as they shall have sheared the golden fleece.
Others are uncertain whether their business will justify the
removal of their families to our shores. These and other cir-
cumstances too numerous to be named render the success-
ful occupancy of our towns more than doubly difficult than that
of the towns in the Western states, technically so called. But
with all these difficulties to encounter, Pedo-baptist churches,
both Roman and Protestant, are sustaining their ministers in
the most import^ of these towns by very little aid from
the members in tK place. Should we entirely neglect these
towns, they will soon become very difficult of access to Bap-
tists. Your missionaries are of opinion that a missionary
should be stationed at Portland and principally supported by
the Board at home, if a suitable man can be found. A small
family at this place would require $600 a year to enable a man
to devote himself to the work of the ministry, $100 of which is
as much as could reasonably be expected from the people of
the place, unless favorable changes could be made. Portland,
as I have informed you in a former letter, is the principal
port in Oregon. The present population is estimated at 700
souls. It contains 35 wholesale and retail stores, two tin shops,
four public taverns, two steam sawmills, one steam flouring

450 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

mill, with two run of stones, six or eight drinking shops and
billiard tables, one wine and spirit manufactory, a variety of
mechanic shops and from 8 to 15 merchant vessels are always
seen lying at anchor in the river or at the wharves. The Meth-
odists, Presbyterians and Romans have each built them neat
places for public worship.259 The Episcopalians have service
two Sabbaths each month. The Methodist Church have a
high school in progress and a neat edifice of wood, two
stories, 60 by 40 feet. A few months ago we had ten Baptist
members in this place; now we can find but six. But about
half of them can be regarded as permanent. This is the
place where nearly all the immigrants by water land and
from which they will go to their various points of destination.
You will see then the importance of early planting a church
in this place.

What I have said of Portland in respect to support is true
of Oregon City. Yet it will not do to abandon that post.
Our school must be sustained and much of that must be done
at the sacrifice of your missionaries. To human appearance
the abandonment of this enterprise would be ruinous. To
tax one man with the labor of the school and the care of the
church and then require him to be put in competition with
ministers of other denominations who are sustained in their
own appropriate work seems much like double working a
man and at the same time taking from him the use of his
tools. In this condition a brother may greatly desire to
show himself "approved unto God, a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," but
it is certain he cannot study much to do these things. After
Brother Chandler's year closes, we shall be compelled to
make some change in his labors so that he may either devote
the most of his energies to the school or to the church. Br.

259 In 1852 there seems to have been only the following church buildings in
Portland: Methodist, built in 1850; Catholic, 1851; Congregational, 1851. There
was in addition a parish of the Episcopal Church, organized in 1851. A Presby-
terian Church was not organized until 1854. The author evidently confuses the
Presbyterians with the Congregitionalists. — Hist, of Portland, ed. by H. W. Scott,
PP- 344-356.

CORRESPONDENCE 451

Johnson's health is slowly improving. I hope he will be able
to enter the field of labor by the first of April. The Molalla
and West Union churches are waiting for his services and
when they learn that he can serve them I have no doubt but
they will make the requisite application and will probably
raise for his support from $150 to $200. Beyond this, he
wishes to itinerate and visit and preach to destitute churches
and settlements, as Providence may direct, half the time.
In view of the scattered condition of our numbers and the
influence he would exert upon the churches and ministers, I
think this will contribute more to organize and strengthen
the churches than any course he could pursue. We feel
that your Board, if possible, ought to increase his salary at
least to $300. It has been thought advisable by all with
whom. I have consulted that I should devote my time to the
business of an exploring agent according to the instructions
contained in the late commission, if I can be sustained. But
I think no reasonable man in Oregon would say this can be
done for less than $500 per year. Something might be done
by the churches and individuals, should the Lord give me
favor with the people. Should your Board make me the
appointment of exploring agent and leave it discretionary
with your missionaries here whether I should attend one or
two churches monthly, I think the object you contemplate
will be accomplished and I can receive about $150 of the
$500 from the churches and reach all the important points in
the territory except Puget Sound, and perhaps that. Through
this arrangement Br. Johnson and myself would be able
occasionally to spend a Sabbath together in a meeting, if
Providence should indicate. I make this last suggestion
partly to save your Board funds and partly from a conviction
of its practical results on the cause in Oregon. In this event
I would engage to labor one year, should you appoint me
with a salary of $350 from your Board.

Our school building is about $200 in debt, and1 we must
have $300 or $400 more expended before it will be suitable

452 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

to occupy. The latter sum can hardly be raised from the
old subscriptions, although we have some $1200 on the sub-
scription unpaid which was subscribed in good faith. But
what in Oregon is called hard times renders most of it very
doubtful. Somebody must do this work, that somebody
must be one of your missionaries, and I know not but that
missionary must be myself. Our Congregational friends are
about to send one of their ministers to the States to raise
funds to liquidate the debts of the female seminary in this
place.260 We shall try to do this first work in Oregon if
possible. I have no more available means to apply to this
work, not enough to purchase a horse for the coming year's
labors, yet I trust my friends will in some way provide me
at least the use of an animal. As it respects the present
appointment for three months, it will be impossible for me
to devote my entire time to the agency. The next five or
six weeks are among the most unfavorable in the year to
travel, except as we do it by steam; and then I have engage-
ments twice each month which I cannot at once dispense
with, if I can reach them. I have concluded to do what I
can in the agency in connection with my other engagements
and report accordingly. I shall not make a monthly report
till next mail as this general communication is so extended.
We trust with more than usual confidence that the coming
season will be one of some ingathering into the churches.
The future is with the Lord. The present becomes us to
devote to him. Late indications at least appear rather flat-
tering. May we be enabled to wait on the Lord in His
appointed ways and His providential indications. As ever,

Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.
Received March 16, 1852.

260 This was Rev. George H. Atkinson. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II:68o.

CORRESPONDENCE 453

Oregon City, O. Ter., April 1, 1852.

Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Society.
Dear Bro. :

Herein I send you my report of labor under the appoint-
ment of the Home Mission Society for the fourth quarter
appointment under the commission forwarded under date of
ending the last day of March, 1852 (or for the three months'
Nov. 29, 1850). The condition of our churches and my en-
gagements rendered! it necessary that I should supply .three
destitute churches up to this time. I have visited Portland
at my regular appointments four times. Have visited the
church in the French Prairie three times, the Lebanon
church (Marion Co.) 12 miles east from Salem, three times;
the Shilo church, 12 miles south of Salem on the north fork
of the Santiam once, Albany church at Albany (county seat
of Linn) once; and the La Creole church, Polk Co., 8 miles S.
W. of Salem (members dispersed through the county). Have
labored 13 weeks, travelled 655 miles, paid $2.25 travelling
expenses. Received $30 for my support, preached 42 ser-
mons, visited religiously 56 families and individuals. My
visit to the La Creole was to meet a public meeting called for
the purpose of taking into consideration ways and means
of meeting the destitution of the feeble churches and new
portions of the territory, if practicable. But four ministers
were present, one of whom is on the eve of leaving for the
States. But four churches were represented and incipient
measures were taken to supply them. It was thought desir-
able that I should attend two of those churches, each one
Sabbath in two months, and that Br. V. Snelling attend them
the alternate Sabbath one each two months. As soon as I
shall have visited them I shall report their state and what
they will do for the support, if that can be learned. It is
slow bringing churches into an organized state for efficient
action, but we will labor toward that as fast as we can.

454 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

The meeting was conducted with great unanimity of senti-
ment and, although the weather was very unfavorable, trav-
eling bad! and the waters high, the congregations were large
for the place and, after preaching, five were received for bap-
tism and four followed the footsteps of their Redeemer
through the liquid grave, one the teacher of the school in
the place. The deferred member will be baptized next Sab-
bath. He also is one of the leading men in the county. This
church has received four or five others by baptism the past
winter under the labors of Rev. R. C. Hill from Missouri.

Yours in the gospel,
Received May 17, 1852. EZRA FISHER.

Oregon City, O. Ten, Apr. 1, 1852.
To the Executive Board of the

Am. Bapt. Home Mission Society :

The subscriber desires reappointment as a missionary of the
American Baptist Home Mission Society, for the term of one
year from this date, to labor one-quarter of the time with the
Baptist church at Lebanon, Marion County, one-quarter of
the time with the Shilo church, Marion County, and the
Marysville261 church, Benton County, and to spend the re-
maining time as an itinerant preacher, in which time it is
proposed by the friends in Oregon that I shall visit the Ump-
qua Valley and other portions in Oregon as often as circum-
stances may seem to demand. The Lebanon262 church is in
an important farming country 12 miles east of Salem ; church
numbers but 8 members. Average attendance on Lord's day
about 50. The missionary Baptists have no church within 12
miles of the place. The church agree to pay for my support
$50 and hope to raise it to $100. The Shilo church has 10
members; congregation the Sabbath I preached to them
about 55. The position is important, both for farming and

261 This was the nresent Corvallis. The name was changed in 1854. The
church was organized in December, 1851. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., I:io.

262 The Lebanon Church was organized May 17, 1851. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of
Ore., I:i6.

CORRESPONDENCE 455

for manufacturing purposes. I cannot tell what they will do
until after the next church meeting. Probably about $50 for
one-eighth of the time. I have not visited Marysville
church. It is just constituted by the labors of Elder R. C.
Hill and consists of about 16 members. The Lord has vis-
ited that region with a pleasing revival the past winter and
Elder Hill, in behalf of that church, solicits my labors part
of the time, with the assurance that they will aid in my sup-
port. The point is at the head of navigation and the seat of
justice for Benton County,263 and probably it will become
the most important place above Salem, if not above Oregon
City. Providence has signally opened the door to the Bap-
tists in this place and it seems to me that it should be oc-
cupied immediately. I will append the concurrent certificate.

EZRA FISHER.

The Lebanon Baptist church concur in all the terms of
the foregoing application. By order of the church.

JOHN HUNT,

Church Clerk.

This is to certify that I approve of the above application.

GEO. C. CHANDLER.

N. B. — Elder Johnson is absent, but he assured me he would
recommend this course of labor to me.

N. B. — I cannot visit Marysville church till the first Sab.
in May. I have asked for an appointment of the above kind
from the conviction of all with whom I have conversed that
the churches already gathered should be attended at least
once a month, in preference to exploring ground, no more
important, which we cannot occupy. Should you be disposed
to appoint me exploring agent, with the above named lib-
erty, I will serve you under that name and in that capacity
as far as practicable. As to the salary, your wisdom will de-
cide what is necessary when I say that common laborers

263 Benton County was organized in 1847, and was named after Thomas H.
Benton, of Missouri. — Bancroft, Hist. Of Ore., II 1706.

456 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

cannot be hired short of from $2 to $3 per day and mechan-
ics from $5 to $6. All articles of living are from 50 to 100
per cent above your city prices.

Respectfully yours,

EZRA FISHER.
Received May 17, 1852.

Oregon City, Ore. Ten, May 25, 1852.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Br. :

A desire to be able to communicate the state of the Bap-
tist cause in Benton county when I next wrote you and my
being unable to visit that county till the first Sabbath in
this month forms my excuse for not forwarding the concur-
rent certificate of the Shilo church in Marion Co. to the ap-
plication wrhich I made in the month of Mar. for a reappoint-
ment as your missionary in Oregon.

At the regular church meeting the Shilo church invited
Elder Ezra Fisher to take charge of the church and agreed
to raise one hundred dollars for his services one-fourth of
the time; also resolved to ask the Board of the Am. Baptist
Home Missionary Society to appoint Elder Ezra Fisher as a
missionary in the bounds of this church and to itinerate in
the territory so as to promote the interests of the destitute
churches and villages. The church heard the statements of
Elder Fisher relating to the application which he had made
for reappointment as a missionary in Oregon and concur in
all the terms of the application as stated by him. Post Of-
fice address is Salem, Marion Co., O. T.

Shilo Church, Apr. 3d, 1852.

AARON CORNELIUS,

Church Clerk.

N. B. — By means of my being called away from the church
before the clerk could attend to this application, Br. Come-

CORRESPONDENCE 457

lius requested me to make the statement of the facts and
use his name in reference to this matter.

Respectfully submitted,

EZRA FISHER.

Now as I have a little spare paper I wish to state a few
facts. I visited the Marysville church, Benton Co., eighty
miles above Oregon City by land and 160 by water, Satur-
day and Sabbath, the first and] second days in May. Preach-
ed both days and visited four days in their bounds. The
weather was unusually rainy, having been preceded by heavy
rains for ten days so that all the streams were high, and
most of the members living at a distance could not attend.
The church had no meeting for business; on Saturday I
preached to eight persons; Sabbath to about sixty-five. The
facts touching the history of this church are interesting.
Brother Hill from Missouri, having sustained himself by
teaching and! practicing medicine in Albany, about 15 miles
below, on the east side of the river, while he preached on
Sabbaths, was invited by a brother to visit and preach to the
people in Marysville on Sabbath. Br. Hill complied with the
request and discovered such indications of Divine favor as
induced him to repeat his appointments, till he soon found
that Providence manifestly called him to visit from house
to house through the day and to preach each evening in some
of the sparse settlements. He continued his labors about
two months, during which time he baptized fourteen con-
verts, numbers of old1 professors were revived and a church
was constituted in Marysville, the county seat of Benton
County, one of the most commanding points on the Wil-
lamette River. The church has since increased till it now
numbers 30 members; others will unite by baptism and pro-
fession during the summer. The church have voted to build
a neat house of worship, 30 feet by 40, paint the outside and
finish the inside, and have contracted the work at $2500, to
be finished next Sept. By these providential interpositions
the interests of the Baptist denomination in the county are

458 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

more promising than those of any other sect. Marysville is
the head of steamboat navigation at present and must be-
come one of the best points on the river for trade, with a
surrounding country unrivalled in point of fertility of soil
and beauty of scenery. At the solicitude of some of the
members and friends I consented to spend the fifth Sabbath
in this month with them. The church will make arrange-
ments during the month of June to supply themselves once
or twice each month. Should they invite me to preach monthly
with them, I shall regard it my duty to comply with the re-
quest till they can get a man to devote his entire labors in
Bent on County.

Marysville is about two years old, contains about eight
or ten families, five dry goods stores and about twenty frame
buildings. A brisk trade is carried on between the place and
the gold mines.264 The church paid Br. Hill something more
than $200 for his services and I think would raise some $200
to $400 salary for a suitable minister to preach all the time in
the county.

You will hear more from this place in two or three months.
My time is all taken up in travelling and preaching and per-
forming the duties of a minister in Oregon. My lungs have
been troublesome through the winter and are not entirely
healed. Br. Johnson is still unable to preach.

Yours truly,
Received July 17, 1852. EZRA FISHER.

N. B. — I received the bills of lading for the goods shipped
on the M. Howes Jan. 13 and 20.

Oregon City, O. T., July 28, 1852.
To Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc., N. York.
Dear Brother:

Yours under date June 3rd came to hand by the last mail.
You will learn before the receipt of this that I am making ar-

264 The Hudson's Bay Company's trail leading from Fort Vancouver to the
Sacramento Valley was a few miles west of Corvallis. — George H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 459

rangements to devote all my time to the agency. Br. Read
is now disengaged from the school and I hope soon to see
him situated where he can take care of one or more churches.
I hope he will meet the wishes of the brethren at Marysville.
I look upon this place as the most surely available point
of importance for the Baptists above Oregon City. I gave
you a brief description of the place and its position in point
of trade. Although it is difficult at this period in the history
of our country to decide with certainty what may be the de-
velopments of a country rich with agricultural resources on
one hand, while on the other new and rich discoveries of gold
mines are being made almost monthly, yet such are its rela-
tions to the whole of these resources that it seems hardly pos-
sible that it should fail of becoming the first town of import-
ance in the Willamette Valley. I spent the Sabbath with this
young church on the llth of this month, at which time three
valuable members were received by letter and one related
her experience and was received as a candidate for baptism.
On the second Sabbath in next month on my way to Ump-
qua and Rogue rivers I shall probably baptize two and re-
ceive one more by experience. On the third Sabbath of this
month and the two preceding days I attended the yearly
meeting of the Lebanon church. This was a scene mingled
with joy and: grief. Here I found a young married lady,
whom the church had expected soon to receive by baptism,
lying at the point of death and she expired on Saturday, en-
joying a comfortable hope of a blissful immortality beyond
the grave. On Sabbath I baptized one young man into the
fellowship of the church who found the Saviour precious
last month. One young brother was received by letter. In
the afternoon the church for the first time received the ordi-
nance of the Lord's Supper. Elder Sperry,265 our itiner-
ant, was with me through the meetings. This church is
small, as you will see by referring to the minutes, and in the

265 This was Rev. William Sperry (1811-1857). He was born in Kentucky,
moved to Ohio and to Iowa and came to Oregon in 1851. He was at this time the
missionary of the Willamette Association (Baptist). In 1854 he was pastor of the
Pleasant Butte Church in Lane County. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., 1:86, 19.

460 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

country, but its position is good, being twelve miles east
from Salem, the present seat of government, and in the
heart of an extensively rich farming country. The commu-
nity are mostly farmers. The members are intelligent and in-
fluential. This church have sustained a Sunday school the
last year and will probably soon resume it.
Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER,
Exploring Agenf.

The Oregon City church at the regular meeting on the 3d of
July invited Rev. George C. Chandler to continue to labor with
them another year; resolved that they would raise $100 to-
ward his support and appointed a committee to confer with
Br. Chandler, learn the sum necessary to support his fami-
ly and, should Br. Chandler comply with the request, make
application to the Home Missionary Society for aid suffi-
cient to enable him to devote himself exclusively to the min-
istry. . . .

The church committee were informed that a committee
appointed by the Methodist church to inquire into the nec-
essary expenses of their minister stationed at Oregon City,
with a family of the minister, his wife and one little child, a
babe, exclusive of the parsonage, which would probably rent
for $300 or $400, reported to the church $850. . . .

To the Executive Board of the Am. Bap. Home Missionary
Society: The church at Oregon City desires the reappoint-
ment of Elder George C. Chandler as a missionary of the
American Baptist Home Missionary Society to labor all the
time within its bounds for twelve months from the first day
of Sept. 1852, at a salary of $1250, one hundred dollars of
which the church pledges herself she will pay: By order of
the church, George P. Newell, Lyman D. C. Latourette,266
Ezra Fisher, Committee of the Church..
Received Sept. 13, 1852.

266 For G. ?. Newell, see note 240.

L. D. C. Latourette (1825-1886), was born in New York, came to Oregon in
1848, and after a short stay in the California mines in 1849, returned to Oregon
City. In and near this town he spent the remainder of his life. His first wife,
Lucy Jane Gray, was the eldest daughter of the author. She died in 1864, and Mr.
Latourette later married her younger sister, Ann Eliza.

CORRESPONDENCE 461

Oregon City, July 28, '52.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Will you do me the favor to order me a copy of the New
York Recorder to Mr. John Robinson to Marysville postoffice,
Benton Co., O. T.? and pay for the same and charge the same
to my account ?

EZRA FISHER.

N. B. — I shall write you no more until after my return
from Umpqua and Rogue River valleys. The distance is
about 350 miles out, and my return the same, which will re-
quire about six weeks to perform and reach all the points I
wish. I leave home tomorrow morning. We greatly need
the prayers of God's people in Oregon that Heaven's richest
blessings may rest upon us in laying the foundation for ef-
ficient Christian enterprise for after ages. I have collected
over $1000 since last fall for our school building. The work
has advanced so far that the school is now in it; but we
must immediately look for other teachers, or rather teacher.
It seems to me desirable that we should have an efficient
young man qualified to teach an academy in N. Y. who wishes
to make teaching a profession and could at the same time
exert an influence in the Baptist cause. We have had no
meeting of the Board for eight weeks and they are now scat-
tered so that it has been impracticable to call a meeting
since my return last week. I feel safe however in request-
ing you to find such a man. The school will number about
30 next year, perhaps more. We need very much the port-
able maps, on rollers, of the world, the United States, North
America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and a map of
the Ancient Roman Empire and one of Palestine. Could
not some friends secure them for us so that you could send
them out next winter?

Yours in the bonds of the gospel,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Sep. 13, 1852,

462 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Oregon City, O. T., Sep. 6, 1852.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. Bap. H. M. Soc., N. Y.
Dear Brother:

Having just returned from a tour of the Umpqua I hasten
to give you a brief account of my tour. Leaving home on
the 29th of Aug., I took a small steamer267 for Champoeg,268
a small village of some eight or ten houses, principally log
built in French style, with two small stores. This town is
situated on the east bank of the Willamette near the north
extremity of French Prairie, 30 miles from Oregon City by
water. I landed at 1 P. M. Being without a horse, I walked
18 miles. My way lay through the French Prairie in a
south and southeast course, skirted first on the right and
then on the left by beautiful glades of fir and branched oak,
while the prairie is studded with fields of wheat standing in
the shock, indicating a generous return to the labors of the
husbandman. Spent the night with Br. Smith and was
happy to learn from him that the church at French Prairie
had secured the labors of Rev. John Rexford269 one Sabbath
each month. From this church my way lay through the up-
per end of French Prairie six miles south across what is
falsely called Lake La Bish,270 a tract of rich marsh land
about 200 or 300 yards in width and some 3 or 4 miles in
length, forming the summit level between the Willamette
and Pudding rivers, thence six miles through timber and

267 The first steamship traffic on the lower Willamette was in 1850, and from
the summer of 1851 steamers became numerous. In 1852 a number were running
on the upper river. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., 11:256.

The first steam vessel entering the Columbia river was the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany's steamer Beaver, in August, 1836; the U. S. steam transport Massachusetts
arrived at Fort Vancouver May 13, 1849, for the purpose of landing United States
troops — the first in Oregon — a company of artillery.

268 Champoeg was the oldest settlement in French Prairie, which was, in 'turn,
the oldest settlement in the Willamette Valley. The derivation of the word is not
certain, but is possibly "Sandy Encampment." — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., 1:72. F. V.
Holman, Hist, of the Counties of Ore. in Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar. XIrai.

269 Rev. John Rexford was born in Canada, came from Illinois to Oregon in
1851, and died in Detroit, Mich., in 1880. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. I:i6.

270 Lake La Bische has since been drained.

CORRESPONDENCE 463

prairie to Salem, the present capital of our Territory.271
Found three or four Baptist members near this place, but
hastened to the place of my appointment twelve miles up
Mill creek through one of the most delightful prairies and
surrounded by one of the most picturesque sceneries in
North America, if not in the world. In this valley, about
two and a half miles from the north fork of the Santiam
and six miles east from the Willamette, is a log school house,
about 20 by 22 feet, where the Shilo church meet to worship
the God of Heaven. Here I spent the Saturday and Sab-
bath and preached each day, on Sabbath to a full house. The
church consists of 12 members, and pays $100 for the preach-
ed word one Sab. each month. Their position is good. The
members of the church, although a few, are among the most
substantial citizens and sustain a Sabbath school, yet are
surrounded by Methodists, Campbellites, Anti-missionary
Baptists and unbelievers. A good minister would find this
one of the most important country locations in any new
country. On the twelfth I passed through the fork of the
Santiam, a fine prairie country, eighteen miles, stopping and
preaching at three P. M. Spent three days with the Santiam
church visiting, and preached once. This is a small and af-
flicted church on the south side of the south fork of the
Santiam, under the pastoral care of Rev. Richmond Cheadle,
and situated in a rich, level, prairie country near the only
soda springs in the Willamette Valley, which are acquiring
some celebrity for their medicinal properties. This church
is thirty miles south of Salem and 15 east of Albany, Lynn
County seat.

Sept. 12, at Lebanon, Marion County. Passing through
an open prairie country, 24 miles, I came to Marysville, the
county seat of Benton County, standing on the west bank of
the Willamette River 70 miles by land above this place.

271 The capital was ordered transferred to Salem in 1851 and has remained
there until the present time with the exception of a few months in 1855, when it
was at Corvallis.— Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II 1146, 147. See also W. C. Winslow,
Contest Over the Capital of Oregon, in Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar., VIII: 173- 178.

464 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

Preached on the 17th and 18th, baptized two candidates and
received one more for baptism. The house, 30 by 40 feet,
is nearly completed. Here a minister is more immediately
needed than in any other point in the territory — a ready,
business-like, devoted preacher, who could give direction and
exercise a general supervision in bringing into existence and
sustaining an academical school for the denomination. Such
a man would receive $200 or $250 from the church the first
year. The church is young and inexperienced, but is by far
the most wealthy church in the territory. From Marysville
I followed up the valley of the most western fork of the Wil-
lamette 70 miles through a level prairie country studded
with small groves of ash and soft maple, while the hills were
crowned with oak groves, but on the Willamette bottoms the
balm of Gilead, white fir and soft maple constitute the prin-
cipal growth of timber. Crossing the Calapooia Mountains,
a distance of 8 miles by good wagon road, one enters what
is called the Umpqua Valley,272 which consists of a series of
narrow valleys varying from a few yards to three or four
miles in width. In the midst of these valleys and on every
hand rise hills varying in form and elevation from the gentle
sloping mound fifty feet in elevation to low mountais rais-
ing their imposing summits 2000 or 3000 feet above the level
of the valleys below, whose sloping sides are covered with a
luxuriant growth of the most nutritious grasses, everywhere
interspersed with open groves of red and white oak. Fenc-
ing and building timber is rather scarce till you approach
the Coast, Cascade and transverse ranges of mountains.
Springs of pure water are abundant near the base of these
hill slopes. After crossing the Calapooia Mountains, I trav-
eled about 50 miles through these valleys on the great road
from the Willamette Valley to the gold mines.273 This road
has already become a great thoroughfare where loaded wag-
ons, pack trains of mules and horses and droves of beef cattle

272 For the early history of the Umpqua Valley, see note 246.

273 This road followed in most places the old Hudson Bay Company's trail to
California. — George H. Himes.

CORRESPONDENCE 465

are daily passing. These valleys are fast filling up with set-
tlers and it is confidently believed that the largest portion
of the arable land will be taken up before the first of next
January. The population of the Umpqua Valley may now
be estimated at 1500 or 2000 souls, among which I found six
Baptist members. On the 25th I preached at Winchester,274
the only village in the main valley, to about 60 attentive
hearers. Winchester is situated about the center of the val-
ley, or rather assemblage of valleys, on the south bank of
the north fork of the Umpqua on the great road. It contains
four families and one store, a saw and grist mill and two or
three mechanic shops. The seat of justice for the county will
probably be located about six miles south of this on the south
fork. The valley contains nearly two counties, and, as yet, not
a single preacher of any denomination. This district of coun-
try lies contiguous to the gold mines, is extremely rich in agri-
cultural resources, and of water power there is no end. Great
anxiety was expressed by the citizens of every description for
the settlement of ministers and school teachers among them.
It is about two years since the first white family settled in the
valley and probably not more than five or six evangelical ser-
mons have been preached in that whole district. Mr. Jesse Ap-
plegate,275 the leading man in the valley, assured me, if the
Baptists would locate a school in his neighborhood with a
view of raising it to an academical school, he would donate 40
acres of choice land and he and his brother278 would each
give $1000 toward erecting a suitable building and he thought
another brother would give $1000 for the same object. In

274 Winchester was laid out in 1850. It was on a trail to the coast and to the
mines. The county seat of Douglas County was there until 1853, when it was trans-
ferred to Roseburg, as the author prophesies. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II 1183, 711.

275 Jesse Applegate was a well-known figure in early Oregon history. He was a
leader in the immigration of 1843. He was a prominent member of the provisional
legislature in 1845 and 1849. In 1846 he helped open a southern route to the Will-
amette Valley. In 1849 he settled near Yoncalla, in the Umpqua Valley. He was'
Indian agent in 1870, candidate for U. S. Senator in 1876, and died in 1888. — Ban-
croft, Hist, of Ore., 1:393, 473, 544, 568; 11:178, 564, 673, 763.

276 Charles Applegate came to Oregon in 1843 and settled in the Umpqua Val-
ley in 1849 near his brother. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., 1:393, 569.

The other brother was Lindsey, who also came to Oregon in 1843 and who had
settled where Ashland now stands. — Ibid. 1:569, 393.

466 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

the absence of a common school system, and in view of the re-
ligious and literary destitution of that country and the pros-
pects of its rapid development both in population and re-
sources and in view of the untiring efforts of other religious
sects, upon consultation with our brethren here, we have
thought it best for Br. Read to proceed immediately to the
Umpqua and commence preaching to the destitute, and at
the same time look after the interests of education and at-
tempt, if practicable, to lay the foundation for a Baptist acad-
emy in as favored a location as can be secured, as his labors
have closed with the Oregon City College.

I did not visit Scottsburg,277 the commercial point for the
Umpqua, but learned that it consists of six dry goods stores,
is near the head of tide water on the Umpqua, some four or
five families residing in the vicinity, and that the entire com-
munity consists of about 70 or 75 souls. Fifteen vessels have
entered the mouth of the river within the last 15 months.
Next month I expect to visit Rogue River. On my return
I visited the church just constituted in the forks of the Wil-
lamette278 and spent the Sabbath. At present I shall defer
giving you a description of this church, except to mention
that our itinerant, Rev. Mr. Sperry, preaches to them month-
ly and they are sustaining a Sunday school. Circumstances
over which I have no control prevented my proceeding to
Rogue River as I intended when I left home, but, by Divine
permission, I shall visit that part of the country next month
Indications seem very favorable that an immediate and ur-
gent demand will be made for the appointment of an effi-
cient, enterprising, devoted missionary to labor at the Indian
Agency, where we have two valuable Baptist families, and

277 Scottsburg was at the head of tidewater on the Umpqua and was named
after Levi Scott. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II: 178.

The first newspaper in Oregon, south of Salem, the Umpqua Gazette, was pub-
lished at this place April, 1854. — George H. Himes.

It was the point from which settlers in Southern Oregon got many of their
supplies. There had been a Htidson's Bay Company's post there, and mule trails to
the interior of Oregon.— Mrs. Sallie Applegate Long, Mrs. Jesse Applegate, in
Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar., VIII .-182.

278 This church was organized May i, 1852, by Revs. Vincent Snelling and
William Sperry. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., l:ig.

CORRESPONDENCE 467

Jacksonville, the trading town for the rich mining district
now attracting many miners on the Rogue River, and but
seven miles from the Agency. I trust you will be casting
about you with prayerful anxiety to find the very man to
meet vice in all its forms and succeed in that place. . . ,

Numbers of appointments must be made, which will re-
quire from $300 to $400 each from your Board, or the cause
must be given over into other hands for the want of effi-
cient ministers. The Old School Presbyterian Church has three
missionaries here, with but one church, very small.279 Con-
gregationalists have seven or eight ministers, the Methodists
about a score, Seceders four to five, Cumberland Presbyter-
ians four or five, Campbellites six or seven and Anti-mis-
sionary Baptists six or eight. It strikes me that four mis-
sionaries should be immediately appointed for Oregon who
should be subject to the advice of the ministers here in the
selection of their location. Marysville, Salem and Portland
are all suffering for want of efficient Baptist ministers, yet
the distance is so far from New York and the time is so
long before you can secure the labors of the right man that
we are obliged to throw such laborers into the field as we
have and, by the time of the arrival of a man just adapted for
the field, we have a man in the way who cannot be removed
without temporary injury to the cause.

Our school at Oregon City is doing well as yet. Br. Chan-
dler's labors close in about two weeks and we have found no
teacher to succeed him. We expect we shall be compelled
to take up a temporary teacher. The Trustees, at a late
meeting, instructed me to correspond with you and request
you to secure for us a teacher, if possible, from one of the
New England or New York colleges, who wishes to identify
himself with a rising institution and grow up with it, with
hopes of permanency in the profession of teaching. We think

279 The three old-school Presbyterian missionaries were Revs. Lewis Thompson,
Robert Robe and E. R. Geary. J. A. Hanna had also probably arrived by this time.
The church was probably the one at Corvallis. — Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II:68o, 681.

Among the Congregational ministers were Revs. Gushing Eells, Elkanah
Walker, J. S. Griffin, Harvey Clark, George H. Atkinson, Horace Lyman.

468 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

the school will give such a man a reasonable support. He
should by all means bring along with him an amiable, in-
telligent wife.

The goods that were shipped on the M. Howes arrived safe
and in good order except a few pairs of ladies' shoes and
gaiters; the numbers of pairs I cannot now state, as I am
from home and have not the invoice of goods along, but will
state particulars in my next.

The importance of our mission to Oregon is every day be-
coming more manifest and we daily need more grace and
wisdom and energy to meet the openings of providence in
laying broad and deep the foundations of institutions for en-
larged Christian philanthropy. As a denomination we are
suffering for the want of an efficient colporteur of the Amer-
ican Baptist Publication Society. A colporteur who could
be kept constantly supplied with books to meet the demands
of the people, and so sustained that he could go everywhere
carrying and selling his books and preaching the Word,
would, by harmonizing discordant elements and scattering
broadcast the seed of evangelical truth in a luxuriant soil, ac-
complish a work for Oregon which no other man can do.
When I think on this subject all my bones are pained. We
are now out of books and the Society's agent280 is at home
providing for his family, teaching school for a support,
while every Methodist circuit rider is selling books of the
Arminian stamp through the country and the Campbellites
have their books on the way to proselyte to their faith. It
strikes me that a colporteur missionary must be sustained
by the Publication Soc. and that the results will soon justify
the outlay. Pray for us that our faith and labors fail not.

Respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.

289 This was Rev. Richmond Cheadle.

CORRESPONDENCE 469

Oregon City, O. T., Sept. 22, '52.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc., N. York.
Dear Br.:

I learn by a letter which Br. Chandler has just received
from you that you are in correspondence with a brother who
is willing to come to Oregon as a professional teacher, and
who is a licentiate.281 If he can preach, and your Board
cannot send him as a teacher, could you not give him an ap-
pointment as you did Brs. Chandler and Read? If so, and
he can preach to the edification of the people, we can find
profitable use for him as a teacher and preacher in this place
and vicinity. This would operate to liberate the pastor here
and enable him to exert a more general personal influence in
the surrounding villages and the churches in the Willamette
Valley. We feel that we must have an efficient, professional
teacher, and we must look to you for the man. . . .

Please send the Home Mission Record to the following
brethren: William S. Wilmot,282 eight copies, Salem Post-
office, Russel T. Hill, eight copies, Santiam Post-office, and
John Trapp, eight copies, Marysville Post-office, and charge
the same to my account. I have received pay. Will you
order to Talbert Carter,283 Albany Post-office, one copy of the
New York Recorder, and pay for the same and charge me
with the amount. I wish not to be responsible for any paper
I order more than a year at a time. Should they not order
them renewed, you will have them discontinued at the end
of the year.

281 This was probably J. D. Post, who came to Oregon in 1852. — 'Mattoon,
Bap. An. of Ore., 1:37.

282 Rev. William S. Wilmot, M. D., was born in Kentucky in. 1808, moved to
Missouri in 1841, and to Oregon in 1850. He settled in Marion County and was
connected with the Shiloh Church for about twenty years. He was ordained in
1859, and later lived in Washington and Idaho. He died at Beaverton, Ore. — Mat-
toon, Bap. An>. of Ore., 1:71.

283 Tolbert Carter (1825-1899) was born in Illinois, moved to Missouri in
1841, and to Oregon in 1846. He settled in Benton County and served several
terms in the state legislature. He was prominent in church life as a licensed
preacher and deacon. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., 1:57.

470 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

The ladies' shoes and gaiters not received in the bill of
goods referred to in another sheet are one pair women's
Brogans, 90 cents; two pairs morocco, marked $1.00 each;
one pair calf marked 70 cents; one pair kid marked $1.00,
and one pair colored gaiters $1.38. Total $5.98. I presume
they were overlooked and not put up. It is possible the
box might have been opened on the way, but not probable
During my absence the past three weeks, my family have
been occupied with the family of Rev. Mr. Stevens284 from
northern Ohio. His wife and three of the children have had
a severe attack of the camp fever. The affliction was deep-
ened by the death of his eldest daughter of seventeen years.
Br. Stevens goes to Marysville. I hope he will succeed
there. His family left my house this morning in an en-
feebled state. The immigrants are every day reaching our
valley in large numbers. The number of immigrants for
Oregon are variously estimated from five to twenty thou-
sand souls.285 There has been an unusual amount of suffer-
ing on the way by cholera, in a mitigated form, and camp
fever. Those who come by the overland route should in-
variably start early, take the most wholesome kinds of food,
drive regularly and make no forced marches, except in the
absence of grass or water, and rest Sabbaths, except where
water and grass is not to be found. I write this that fol-
lowing immigrations may profit by the advice. No doubt
many on the route have lost their lives through neglect
either in providing a suitable outfit, or through too much
haste and irregular habits on the way. It should be pro-
claimed through the length and breadth of the States that
food made up principally of rancid bacon-sides, shoulders
and hams, hot biscuits mixed with the fats fried therefrom
and water, hot coffee, as strong as it can be made, mornings,
noon and night, with no vegetables and little dried fruit

284 Rev. Thomas Stephens (1803-1888) was born in Wales, where he was or-
dained, lived later in New York and Ohio, and came to Oregon in 1852. He
preached for the Shiloh and Corvallis churches for a time and later settled near
Roseburg. — Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore., 1:14. See also the letter of Aug. 22, 1853.

285 See note 154.

CORRESPONDENCE 471

for four or five months in succession, is enough to generate
fatal diseases in any climate, but especially where all, both
male and female, are exposed to extreme fatigue and con-
stant anxiety of mind. I shall leave in about two weeks for
the Rogue River, if the rains do not become too severe. In
the meantime I shall attend a yearly meeting in Polk Co.
with the LaCreole church.

Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Sept. 30, 1852.

Oregon City, O. T., Oct. 16, 1852.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Herein I send you a bill of goods which I wish you to
purchase for me and forward as soon as you can ship direct
to Portland, Oregon, as follows :

1 large cooking stove, furniture and ten pieces of pipe.
Let the pipe be bent for locking and be left open so that it
can be packed close; it can be put together here. 1 good
patent lever watch, full jeweled, chain and key. I want a
good time keeper. 1 small timepiece. Let it not cost more
than $10 or $12. 1 good hat for riding, rather wide-brim-
med, 23^2 inches around the outside of the hat at the head.
I travelling overcoat, suitable for my business in a wet
Oregon winter, thick and firm, not coarse. 1 pair stout
cassimere pantaloons, lined throughout. 1 stout cassimere
frock coat; coats rather large for you will fit me. 1 good
double-breasted cassimere vest for winter traveling. 1 sub-
stantial black summer vest. One vest for a young man, mid-
dling size. 25 or 30 yds. of woolen plaid ; if not in the market,
linsey, green and black or green and red. One web of
bleached sheeting, fine and firm. 2 bolts of unbleached cot-
ton sheeting, not coarse. 1 bolt good, dark calico. 25 yds.
of worsted delaine, figured, not light colored; if no worsted

472 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

delaine in market, get the amount in worsted goods for
women's dresses. 8 yards of white muslin for young ladies'
dresses. 1 bolt of good gingham, not very light colored.

1 parasol, suitable for a young lady, not very light.
16 yards cambric for lining. 6 yards brown holland.

2 good brown linen tablecloths, 6 feet square.
10 yards good brown linen toweling, all linen.
Half-pound black Italian sewing silk, good.

18 yards good, fine twilled red flannel. 6 papers of pins,
different sizes.

1 pound black linen thread.

6 cards good hooks and eyes. 12 fine ivory combs, large.
6 tucking combs. 1 roll of black ribbon, 1^ inches wide. 1
box adamantine candles. 1 good glass lantern. Fourth gross
matches. 1 barrel New Orleans sugar, good. 200 letter en-
velopes. Half-ream letter paper, best article.

One dozen cut glass tumblers. 2 ladies' bonnets, one of
which is for a girl of 11 years, each trimmed. 2 copies
Downing's work on Horticulture.286 1 copy Preacher's Man-
ual by Rev. S. T. Sturtevant.287 1 copy of Williams' Miscel-
laneous.288 1 pair fine calf boots, number 10's. 1 do. No.
11 's, high in the instep. 1 pair water-proof calf boots, dou-
ble sole and feet, lined with good calf, not very heavy. 1
pair calf shoes, fine, No. 9. 1 do. No. 10, good article. 2
pair little boys' calfskin shoes, No. 9. 1 pair ladies' gaiters,
drab or slate colored, No. 4's. 1 do. black, No. 4^. 2 pairs
morocco boots. No. 4^. 2 do., one morocco and one enameled,
No. 4. 1 pair ladies' calfskin boots, No. 4. 1 pair misses'
enameled boots, No. 12. 1 pair morocco do. No. 12. 1 pair
calfskin do. No. 12. 2 pair ladies' India rubber boots, Nos.
6 and 7, rough bottoms. 10 pairs good, long-legged men's
half hose. 6 pairs lamb's wool ladies' hose. 2 pairs colored

286 Andrew Jackson Downing's "Fruit and Fruit Trees of America" was first
published in 1845, and passed through many editions.

287 S. F. Sturtevant, Preacher's Manual, publisher by John C. Riker, New
York, 8vo., $2.50. O. A. Roorbach, Bibliotheca Americana, p. 525.

288 William R. Williams, Miscellanies. New York, 1850. See also note 237.

CORRESPONDENCE 473

cotton do. and 2 pairs white cotton do. 3 pairs boys' half
hose, boy 6 yrs. old. 2 bandana silk handkerchiefs. 2 ladies'
dress collars. 1 pair large ladies' silk gloves, drab or snuff
color. 2 dozen nutmegs, lt pound cinnamon, be sure it is
good; 1 glass jar, about 1 gallon; 8 Ibs. salsoda; 6 pounds
saleratus, 1 good razor, 2 washing tubs, one to fit inside
other; 1 waiter for tea table, medium size; 1 flatiron, large;
3 good cotton umbrellas; 1 good steel blade shovel, round
pointed; 12 sheets perforated cardboard for ladies' marking,
white, pink, blue, green. Worsted for working different col-
ors. 15 skeins silk of different colors for marking. 1 pair
saddle bags for riding, rather large size; 1 large travelling
trunk; pack it full before boxing it. 65 pounds of nails, 15
Ibs. 4's, 25 Ibs. 6's, 15 Ibs. 8's and 10 Ibs. of 10 pennys. 1
good walking cane, good length. 1 good ladies' winter
shawl. 1 silk scarf for young lady, changeable blue and pink
or blue and white. 1 pair good spectacles set in silver for a
man 53 years old. 3 boxes water-proof boot blacking.
Received Nov. 29, 1852.

Oregon City, Oct. 18, 1852.
Dear Br. Hill:

In my last quarterly report I omitted! to state the amount
I received for my support, which was twenty-five dollars
($25.00). This was occasioned by my haste to get my report
to the office before the mail closed. I have made out a bill
rather large, but it falls short of the wants of the family.
I have thought that, in the event it exceeds the amount due
me for the time I have reported, you might perhaps accom-
modate me with the amount and forward the goods by the
first vessel up for Oregon and wait for the balance till I
report again, as it is inconvenient for me to order my family
supplies oftener than once a year.

I wish you also to order on my account one copy of the
New York Recorder, or the Christian Chronicle, as it may
suit your convenience, and pay for the same in advance, for
J. M. Barnes, to be directed to Cincinnati Post-office,
Oregon Ter.

474 REVFREND EZRA FISHER

I believe I acknowledged receipt of yours under date of
June 25, 1852. I shall leave today for a yearly meeting on
the French Prairie and shall not return till I have visited
Rogue River settlements, unless the rains should swell the
streams so as to make travelling dangerous.
As ever yours in Christ,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Nov. 29, 1852.

Lebanon, twelve miles east of Salem, Marion Co., Oregon
Ter., Nov. 22, 1852.

Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Owing to the winter rains coming down with so much
frequency just at the time I got in readiness to make a tour
to Rogue River, the fact that the immigration was moving
on in that direction in such numbers and the great scarcity
of provisions in that country, all of which would contribute
to throw the community in an unsettled condition, I con-
cluded to spend the rainy season in the older and more
settled parts of Oregon and defer my visit to Rogue River
and Puget Sound till the opening of the spring. At that
time the immigrants will find their homes and begin to look
around them with desire to secure the necessary appendages
of civilization and a means of grace. From all the facts that
have fallen under my observation I have not the least doubt
there is an important opening for the constitution of a
Baptist church at the Indian agency only seven miles from
Jacksonville, a rising mining town near Rogue River.289
Judge Rice290 and wife and some two or more members
besides are located near the agency and will do what they
can to sustain Baptist preaching. Br. James S. Read is in

289 In January, 1851, gold was discovered near the present Jacksonville, the
beginning of successful mining in the Rogue River. Other discoveries soon fol-
lowed, and there was a large influx of miners. — George H. Himes.

290 This was L. A. Rice. He was County Judge for two years. — Mattoon, Bap.
An. of Ore., 1:137.

CORRESPONDENCE 475

the Umpqua at Winchester, and I learn by a letter that he
will soon constitute a church at that place. He should be
reappointed to labor at Winchester and other parts of the
Umpqua Valley. I am unable to say what will be necessary
to enable him to give himself to the ministry. He will be
able to give you the necessary information. I think he will
not be able to sustain himself on less than $500 or $600.
Br. Read is a devoted, studious, thinking, exemplary man
and wishes ardently to give himself wholly to the ministry.
Br. Chandler has moved onto a claim twelve miles south
from Oregon City.291 This he did with a view of securing
his family the means of sustenance. We do not blame him
for making the move, but regret that our best men must
take their families on to farms because they cannot be sus-
tained in the towns. We expect he will preach to the church
at Oregon City this year. We have at this time not a single
minister located in a town as pastor, unless Winchester may
be called a town. It seems that we must have a minister
sustained at Oregon City, Portland and Salem, each, if it is
possible. We need to have the example given to our
churches of an efficient, devoted ministry, and this influence
should go out from our towns. Yet in our towns we have
few members, and they are not able like our landholders.
We can find no self-denying man who will leave a flourishing
church in N. York or N. England and move to our new
towns in Oregon without seeing a prospect of having his
family sustained. Till some provisions are made adequate to
the support of the ministry, if they are induced1 to move to
Oregon with a prospect of sustaining the cause in a rising
town, they will not long stay where want stares them in
the face while they see that their wants may be easily met
by laboring three or four days in a week with their hands
in the country. At this time wheat is worth from $3.00 to
$4.00 per bushel, flour $14.00 to $15.00 per hundred pounds;

291 This claim, known on government maps as the G. C. Chandler Donation
Land Claim, is in Township 4 South, Range 2 East, of the Willamette Meridian,
and is on Milk Creek, about three miles southeast of Mulino, Clackamas County.

476 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

fresh beef 14 to 16 cents per pound, rice 25, sugar about 20,
eggs from 50 cents to a dollar per dozen. A good cow and
calf $100. Wood from $7.00 to $9.00 per cord. With these
prices, no minister in Oregon with a small family can support
his family and give himself entirely to the ministry of the
word short of $1000 per year. In Umpqua and Rogue rivers
we must add from 25 to 100 per cent to these prices. With
all these embarrassments staring the ministry in the face
and with all these temptations to leave the ministry to serve
tables we need tried and devoted men. And it does seem
to me that such men should not be forsaken. Yet we have
the promise of the Good Shepherd, "Lo, I am with you,"
and we still pray and trust Him and work on, if we have to
do as Paul did for the Corinthian Church. Our country
churches are advancing in pecuniary ability and I think I
can say, too, in willingness to sustain the ministry. If our
churches are rightly trained, they will soon give liberally
for the support of the gospel, both at home and abroad. I
spent Saturday and Sabbath with this church. Sabbath was
unusually rainy; few persons were out, not more than fifteen,
yet it was thought best to take up a collection in favor of
the Home Mission Society. Accordingly the hat was passed.
It was rather a family circle than a church. The collection
amounted to ($3.50) three dollars and fifty cents. I shall
be unable to take up collections this winter, but hope the
churches will begin to sympathize deeply with your Society's
operations by contributing liberally to its support. I shall
spend most of my time with the churches and destitute settle-
ments in the Willamette Valley and the valley of the
Columbia the coming winter. Probably shall spend a Sab-
bath at Salem during the coming session of the legislature.
Should you appoint a man to preach one year at Oregon
City and vicinity who will teach the school, probably he
would render effectual service to the church and meet press-
ing wants in the school with a commission of $200 or $300
salary and we would be supplied with a man who could in

CORRESPONDENCE 477

a great measure superintend the cause of education. Elder
Johnson is yet feeble, but able to preach part of the time.
We have an accession to the ministry by the last immigra-
tion of five or six men, but most of them are far advanced
in life and manifestly came to Oregon to settle their families
and to find a quiet repose for their declining years.
Yours respectfully,

EZRA FISHER.
Received Jan. 14, 1853.

Oregon City, Oregon Ter., Dec. 29, '52.
Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,

Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.
Dear Brother:

Your letters under date Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 and 3 were
received by the last two mails. Having just returned from
a tour up the Willamette Valley after a detention at Salem
and vicinity of two weeks by rains, high water and snow, I
take the earliest opportunity to answer your inquiries touch-
ing the cause of Br. Chandler's leaving the school. While he
continued connected with the school he gave as general
satisfaction, both to the Trustees and supporters, as we
could reasonably expect of any man in that station. As far
as my knowledge extends, all were desirous that he should
continue in that station. Sometime during the summer
term (I think) he expressed his doubt whether it could be
his duty to confine his labors to a school of boys but little
in advance of a common school in the States. The Trustees
could not say to a man evidently called to preach the gospel,
"You must continue to teach." We, however, expressed our
wishes that he would continue to sustain the relation he had
to the school. Near the close of the summer or early in
the fall term Br. C. informed us positively that he must
leave the school at the close of the year and wished us to
look out for another man. At that time the church in the
place felt a strong conviction that they needed more pastoral

478 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

labors performed than Brother C. could do in connection
with the school and that it was very desirable that we should
have the undivided labors of a minister in this place and
vicinity, if we hoped to secure our proportion of influence
as a denomination in the place where our school was located.
How much this consideration influenced Br. Chandler to
leave the work of teaching, I cannot say. Probably some-
what. It was Br. Chandler's decision that it was his duty
to leave the department of teaching, and not that of the
Trustees. If he erred, it was an error of judgment, not of
design.

Br. Read was appointed by your Board, I understand, at
Br. Chandler's request, to be associated with him in tiK
school; I am quite sure it was not at the request of the
Trustees of the College. But as you had appointed him
and made the outfit, we regarded it our duty to remove all
the obstacles we could and render every facility to their use-
fulness as teachers and preachers we could. But I never ad-
mired the economy or utility of that part of the arrange-
ment. However, before the close of the second quarter,
Brother Read signified to the Trustees his determination to
leave the school at the expiration of the year, or as soon as
he could be spared from the school, with a strong conviction
that it was his duty to devote his labors exclusively to the
ministry of the Word. I have no doubt the Trustees would
have given him the school when they found Br. Chandler
must leave, but he could not for a moment entertain the
thought of teaching and we had no control of his convic-
tions of duty. He left the school by mutual consent at the
close of the third quarter.

It is true the school did not give an entire support for two
men, yet I think, if Br. Chandler's health would have al-
lowed him to teach five days in the week and preach occa-
sionally on Saturday and regularly on Sabbath, that the in-
come of the school, $200 from your Board and $100 from
the church would have given him a comfortable living. You
ask what the school is worth per year. The school last

CORRESPONDENCE 479

year must have been worth something like $600 or $700. It
must have averaged about 25 scholars at $6.00, $8.00 and
$10.00 per quarter. The average price was a fraction short
of $8 per quarter. I think we may safely calculate that, by the
time our teacher will be ready to enter the school, the school
will be worth as much the first year as it was last, and
from that time forward we hope for a gradual increase.

All practical business men in Oregon give their opinion
that Oregon City must become one of the few important
places in Oregon. I have no doubt but a good professional
teacher, with a small family, would be able to sustain his
family from the school, with a prospect of a gradual increase
of salary, and find himself admirably situated to exert a
general influence on the formation of the civil and religious
character of one of the most important future states in the
whole union. If we could pay the passage of Br. Post's fam-
ily out and give him the school when he arrives in the place,
we would gladly do it. But it strikes me that this is beyond
our power. We have but eleven or twelve feeble churches
in the territory and they together number less than 200 mem-
bers— men, women and children — gathered from all parts of
the western states, a few from the old states, but mostly
from Missouri. It is no strange thing to me that many of
them cannot see clearly what relation our school bears to
the future destinies of the cause of Christ in Oregon, in
the world. Besides, we must raise $300 or $400 the coming
summer to glaze our house and thus secure it from the
weather, and finish another room or two (and I know of
no man who will do this work but myself, and this must
be done so as not to interfere with my appropriate duties
as your agent and missionary) and most of this must come
from men not connected with our denomination, as I inci-
dentally fall in with them to spend an hour or a night. If
the country was a little older or the churches had a few
more efficient pastors, this money might be raised. Since
Brother Chandler left the school, we have made temporary
arrangements for teaching and intend the school shall be

480 REVEREND EZRA FISHES

kept up from quarter to quarter till we learn the result of
your correspondence with Br. Post. We cannot tell Br.
Post how much he ought to sacrifice for the cause of Christ
and humanity in Oregon. But this I will suggest, that, if he
will give his whole soul to God for this work, I think the
day will come before he is fifty years old, if his life is
spared, that he will find himself connected with relations
which should satisfy the most aspiring mind and afford the
richest consolation in the decline of life. It is true our
beginnings are small, but the destinies of Oregon for the
next fifty years, who can calculate ?

Very respectfully yours,

EZRA FISHER.
N. B.— Dear Brother :

Will you give me an interest in your fervent prayers that

I may do my whole duty to Him who died and intercedes
for me with the Father of us all.

Received March 19, 1853.

Oregon City, Ore. Ter., Jan. 1st, 1853.
To the Rev. Benjamin M. Hill,
Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc.

Herein I send you my report of labor as exploring agent
for Oregon for the 3rd quarter ending December 31st, 1852.

I have visited during the quarter, Salem, the seat of gov-
ernment, and Lebanon church, attended the yearly meeting
of the French Prairie church; visited Shiloh church, Oregon
City church, and Molalla church, and spent a Sabbath with
brethren on Butte Creek, 22 miles south of Oregon City.

Traveled 435 miles to and from my appointments, labored

II weeks during the quarter, collected $3.50 by collections from
Lebanon church, paid for traveling expenses $2.50, for postage
\2y2 cents. Total, $2.62>^. Delivered 18 sermons.

Respectfully submitted,

EZRA FISHER,
Received March 19, 1853. Exploring Agent,

INDEX

INDEX TO VOLUME XVII

American settlers have meeting to or-
ganize a government. Canadians re-
fuse to take part, 234.

Applegate, Jesse, offer of, to endow a
Baptist school of "academical grade,"
465-6.

Astoria, prediction for future of, by
Rev. Ezra Fisher, 1847, 56-7.

Astorians, returning party of, in 1812,
pass through or near South Pass,

B

Black, Captain W., report of his taking
charge of Astoria and rechristening it
Fort George, Dec. 13, 1813, 147-8;
crestfallen at losing a valuable prize
and disgusted at insignificance of
post, 147.

Bush, George Washington, sketch of his
coming to Oregon and settling on
Bush Prairie, 111-2.

Corvallis, referred to as Marysville and

described, 1852, 457-8.
Coues, Elliott, on discovery of South

Pass, 48-9.
Crate, W. H., millwright in charge of

sawmill above Fort Vancouver, 215,

219.
Crooks, Ramsay, letter of, 50-1; saves

life of John Day, 373.

DAY, JOHN, LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

OF, 373-9-
Day, John, Irving's characterization
of, 3-73; starts with Robert Stuart to
recross plains, 1812, becomes deranged
on Wapato Island and is returned to
Astoria, 374; not mentioned again un-
til 1824, 374; later references to and
mystery connected with Irving's un-
founded report of his dying within a
year after his return to Astoria, 1812,
375-6.

F

Fremont, Lieutenant John C., leaves
Oregon, Nov. 13, 1842, 234.

FISHER, REVEREND EZRA, CORRESPOND-
ENCE, 55-76; 147-176; 267-339; 43.1-
480; reasons for moving from Astoria
to Clatsop Plains, 56; predictions for
mouth of Columbia as site of port,
56-7, 65, 154-5; regrets necessity of
engaging in secular pursuits, 57-8;

Roman Catholic missionary re-enforce-
ments expected, 58; activity for tem-
perance pledges, 59; an itemized re-
quisition for fitting out an Oregon
family, 1847, 61-2; denominational ac-
tivities in the Willamette Valley, 63-*;
report of activities for the quarter,
64-5 ; description of physical condi-
tions in Oregon, 68-9; arrival of im-
migrants, 1847, 71; salary of himself
and colleague increased to $200 each,
72; quarterly report of labors, 73-4;
the Whitman tragedy and war with
the Cayuse tribe, 75-6; the tardiness
of the national government in afford-
ing protection and needed laws and
administration to the Oregon com-
munity deplored, 150-1; lack of com-
petition in the mercantile trade, 154;
the harbor within the mouth of tne
Columbia one of "easiest of access
and safest in all North America,"
154; the formative period of Oregon
now and in "a few coming years,"
155; a consignment of family supplies
ordered, 157-8; the Willamette Bap-
tist Association organized, consisting
of five churches, June 23 and 24,
1848, 159; reported discovery of gold
in California and exodus of more than
half of the men of Oregon, 160-1; re-
ports of labors in the Clatsop field,
162-5; suggests change of field of
labor from stationary Oregon to Cal-
ifornia that swarms with people and
where the opportunities are giyen over
into the hands of the "prince of
devils," 168-70; urges the founding of
a denominational school, 173-6; visited
"Oregon University," 272; visits the
"Oregon Orphan Asylum, the fore-
runner of Pacific University," 274;
effects on Oregon of mining excite-
ment in California, 276-7; writes from
California mines, 279-80; conditions
in San Francisco, and California gen-
erally, described, 281-4; Baptist edu-
. cational institution located on the east
bank of the Willamette, eight miles
above the mouth of the Calapooia,
289; engages in teaching at Oregon
City, 295-7; high cost of living in
Oregon, 297, 300; different schools
at Oregon City, 309-10; list of bill of
goods, 319-20; advice to those who
would cross the plains, 332-3; contem-
plates preaching in Portland, 433 ; Ore-
gon conditions with the labor force
largely in California mines, 433; ar-
rival of immigration of 1851, 443;
''bird's eye view" of the Willamette

[483]

INDEX.

and the Umpqua Valleys with refer-
ence to their needs of missionary la-
borers, 446-9; Portland described,

1851, 449-50; Baptist churches in the
upper Willamette Valley, 1852, 454-5;
a trip from Champoeg to Sodaville,

1852, 462-3; conditions in the Umpqua
Valley, 1852, 464-5; receives Jesse
Applegate's offer to endow a Baptist
school of "academical grade," 465;
high cost of living in Oregon in 1852,
475-6.

GILLIAM, REMINISCENCES OF MRS.
FRANK COLLINS, NEE MARTHA ELIZA-
BETH GILLIAM, 358-72, experiences of
her mother attacked by Indians in
Tennessee, 358-9; her father serves in
Black Hawk war and a captain in
Seminole war, 359; Cornelius Gilliam
as a preacher, 359-60; made the gen-
eral of the organized migration of
1844, 360; learning to read under the
conditions of early Oregon, 361-2;
opening roads in early Oregon, 362-3;
mail service, 362-3; the financing of
the Cayuse war, 363-4; military opera-
tions and the accidental shooting of
Colonel Gilliam, 364-5; his heirs lose
his land claim, 365-6; farming in Ore-
gon by the folks left at home during
the California gold mining excitement,
366-7; the soldier lovers of the In-
dian girls, 367-8; tender relations be-
tween Indian and white children, 368;
Indim medical practices, 368-9; real-
istic picture of the administration of
justice in early Oregon, 370-2.

Grant, returns of, in charge of the H. B.
Co. post, 223.

Greeley, Horace, in the Republican Na-
tional convention, 1860, as a delegate
from Oregon, 201-14.

H

HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY CONTRACT, A,
52'3-

Hudson's Bay Company profits in Ore-
gon, 215.

Immigrants of 1843, location of, in Ore-
gon, 234-

Indian trouble at Oregon City, George
W. Le Breton killed, 237.

INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST AS RE-
VEALED BY THE EARLIEST JOURNALS,
1-43; misleading concepts of, 2; his-
torical records that give true view of
at first contact with whites, 2-4; cere-
mony of, receiving a stranger, 4-6;
attitude of Indians toward whites at
first that of admiration, 6-8; their
generosity and great civility, 8-n;
misunderstanding plays large part in
inimical cases, 11-13; the five cases
of first contact resulting in fatalities,
13-18; ideas of religion and future
life and their exnressinn thrnncrli

music, 19-23; their honesty and faith-
fulness, 25-8; disposition to steal, 28;
governmental authority among them,
28-31; held slaves, 31-2; their tools and
implements, 32-3; family life among
them, 33-5 ; strong on bathing, 35-6;
few vices among, 36; white man in-
troduces drunkenness, 37; the vicious
along the Columbia from The Dalles
to the Cascades, 37-8.

K

KINCAID, H. R., EXTRACTS FROM THE
UNPUBLISHED REMINISCENCES or. 77-
1 06; recollections of the Presidential
election campaigns of 1840 and 1844,
77-8; early imbued with faith in uni-
versal salvation, 78; early experiences
as a wage earner in Lafayette, Indi-
ana, 1851-2, 78-9; migrates to Oregon,
1853, 79! starts for mines in Southern
Oregon and California, 79; visit to
Crescent City, San Francisco and Sac-
ramento City, 79-80; returns to family
home southeast of Eugene. 80; starts
for World's Fair, Paris, 1866, 80;
proceeds to Washington via Panama,
80; sightseeing in New York and
Washington, 81 ; acquaintance with C.
P. Huntington, 81; sightseeing in
Boston, 82; distributes and preserves
files of the Oregon State Journal, 82;
experiences in steamboat ride on the
Hudson, 82-3; recollecti9ns as dele-
gate to National Republican conven-
tions of 1868 and 1872, 83-4; com-
ment on Wendell Phillins' lecture on
the "Lost Arts," 84-5; scenes at pro-
ceedings for impeachment of Presi-
dent Andrew Johnson, 85-6; trial of
Johnson and estimate of him, 87-8;
characterizations of the leading U. S.
Senators of that day, 88-90; as a
worker for the election of John H.
Mitchell as Senator from Oregon,
1872, 90-1; part in securing the loca-
tion of the State University at
Eugene, 91-2; the Hayes-Tilden con-
test and decision of it by the elec-
toral commission, 92-4; an account of
the Webster-Haynes debate, 95-6; fa-
naticism of Charles Sumner, 96; Ros-
coe Conkling referred to, 97; recol-
lections of Russell Sage, 97-8; Mrs.
Lord's pioneering for the flax indus-
try in Oregon, 98-9; political troubles
as champion of the free coinage of
silver, 99-104; kept from being made
regent of the University of Oregon,
104-6.

KLAMATH EXPLORING EXPEDITION, 1850,
THE, 341-57; mouth of Rogue River
mistaken for the Klamath, 341; disas-
ter suffered in examining the entrance
to mouth of Rogue river, 343-5; the
river disappoints the explorers, 346-8;
coast to the south and to the north
explored for larger river and Indians
found treacherous, 348-54; proceed by
vessel to the mouth of the Umpqua,

[484]

INDEX.

354-5; meet Messrs. Scott, Butler and
Sloane of Elk river settlement, 355;
explore the Umpqua to Fort Umpqua
and to the ferry at the crossing of the
Oregon and California road, 356-7.

Laframboise, Michael, insubordination in
his party on California expedition,
223.

Laramie's Fork, source of name of, 129.

Lee, Anna Maria Pitmann, Jason Lee's
first and succeeding impressions of,
408-9; the wedding day events, 410-2;
her poetic responses recorded, 410,
4I4-5-

LEE, JASON, DIARY OF, 116-146; 240-
266; 397-430; incidents while at Lib-
erty and Independence, Mo., prelim-
inary to starting across the plains
with the second Wyeth expedition,
116-7; crossing the south fork of the
Platte, 126; pass Chimney Rock and
Scott's Bluff, comments on how the
latter received its name, 128-129;
crosses Laramie's Fork and statement
of reputed source of its name, 129;
camps at Independence Rock, 132;
crosses the divide at South Pass with-
out comment, 134-5; treated with un-
expected civility by Captain Wm. Sub-
lette at the Rendezvous, 138; much
encouraged through the welcome re-
ceived from the Nez Perces and Flat
Head Indians at the Rendezvous, 138-
40; finds some praying and singing,
140; the white trappers celebrate the
fourth of July, 142-3; the Soda
Springs described, 144-5; is presented
with two "beautiful white horses" by
Indians when about ready to leave
Fort Hall, 242; passes American Falls,
243; witnesses a betrothal between an
Indian girl and Captain McKay, 249;
comments on exceedingly generous
treatment from Captain McKay, 250-
i ; Daniel Lee and he each receives
as presents an "elegant horse" in re-
turn for writing name, date and work
on scrap of paper, 255; dines with
Captain Bonneville, 255; arrives at
Fort Walla Walla, 257; receives every
possible attention while at the Fort,
258; at The Dalles, 260; arrives at
Fort Vancouver and enjoys fine hos-
pitality of Dr. McLoughlin, 262; ar-
rives at Canadian settlement anJ
meets Gervais and Solomon Howard
Smith, 264; mind is much exercised
with question of choice of location,
265; starts with outfit for Champoeg,
400; makes ox yoke and becomes ab-
sorbed generally with task of getting
established in new home, 401-2; the
conditions that compelled a trip back
to the East, 404-5; a record of remin-
iscences and impressions of Miss Pit-
mann, whom h« was to learn to lore
and whom he did wed, 405-16.
LINCOLN, OREGON'S NOMINATION OF, 201-

214; through Horace Greeley Oregon
plays great role in a momentous polit-
ical gathering, 201; conditions that led
to proxy being sent to Greeley by an
Oregon delegate, 202-4; Greeley's
statement of Oregon's choices for can-
didate, 205; the balloting that re-
sulted in the nomination of Lincoln,
205-7; Greeley, as member of commit-
tee on platform, 207; Eli Thayer
holding a proxy from Oregon, 209;
nature and proof of Greeley's pur-
poses in the convention, 209-14.

M

McKay's, Thos., place at Scappoose, 397.

MacKenzie, Donald, references to fur
trading connections of, and to his pos-
session of John Day's will, 375-9-

MCLOUGHLIN, DR. JOHN, LETTER OF, TO
SIR GEORGE SIMPSON, 215-39; personal
relations between Dr. McLoughlin and
Sir George Simpson, differences of
business judgment, 216-8; friendship
to Americans had nothing to do with
resignation of, 216; reply to reported
complaints of ill usage of employees
in his Department, 219-20; complains
that men sent to Department are unfit
for boutes, 220; animadverts against
Simpson's disposition of murderers of
his (McLoughlin's) son, 221-2; denies
that rivals have been successful in
trade, 222; the affairs of the Califor-
nia expedition, 222-3; comment on the
organization of the California expedi-
tion, 223-4; condition of labor force
at Fort Vancouver, 224-5; data per-
taining to productions and organiza-
tion at Fort Vancouver, 214-7; denial
of right to grant passage to visitors
on Company's boats protested, 228-30;
record of matters of moment trans-
piring in the Oregon country in 1842
and 1843, 230-9; Department accounts
for 1842 and 1843, 238.

MINTO, JOHN, A TRIBUTE TO, 44-6.

PACIFIC COAST REPUBLIC, THE MOVE-
MENT IN OREGON FOR THE E^TABLISH-
MENT OF A, 177-220; frontier condi-
tions develop disposition to assert lo-
cal independence, 177-9; displacement
of Democratic by Whig territorial of-
ficials causes political strife, 180-1; re-
ception of the Kansas-Nebraska bill,
181-2; an independent Pacific Coast
government suggested, adversely com-
mented on and outline of plan ex-
posed, 183-8; preparation for State-
hood, the constitutional convention
and disposition of the issue of slavery,
188-90; suspicion aroused against Jo-
seph Lane, the Territorial delegate to
Congress, 190-2; conditions that
caused opposition to the admission of
Oregon among both Republicans and
Democrats, 193-4; Oregon politics and
the nomination of the Democratic

[485]

INDEX.

Presidential candidate in 1860, 195-6;
formation of Pacific Coast republic
broached, advocated and opposed, 196-
8; Lincoln carries Oregon and Union-
ist Senators are elected by the Legis-
lature, 198-9.
Portland of 1851, described, 449-50.

Raymond, Henry J., rivalry between,
and Horace Greeley figures in Repub-
lican national convention of 1860,
210-4.

s

Scott's Bluff, source of name of, 128-9.

Sex equality in Oregon, 44-5.

SLAVERY IN OREGON, SOME DOCUMENT-
ARY RECORDS OF, 107-15; document of
manumission in county records at
Hillsboro, 105; another in Clark
county records at Vancouver, 106-8;
Judge George H. Williams decides
in case of Robbins v. Ford that slav-
ery could not legally exist in Oregon,
108-9; text of acts in regard to slavery
and free negroes and mulattoes intro-
duced by Peter H. Burnett, 1844, 109-
ii ; Thomas H. Benton writes in 1847
on how the slavery question delayed

the organization by Congress of Ore-
gon Territory, 112-3; action of consti-
tutional convention, 1857, and result
of vote 'thereon, 113-5.

Smith, Solomon Howard, teaching half-
breed children at Canadian settlement,
264.

Soda Springs described, 144-5.

South Pass, discovery of, 47-51.

Spaulding, Captain, prejudices Ameri-
cans against H. B. Co. officials, 234.

Thompson, Darid, opposes the bringing
of alcohol across the Rocky Moun-
tains, 37.

w

White, Dr. Elijah, in his dealings with
the Indians as Sub-Indian Agent of
the United States is to receive no
recognition from the Hudson's Bay
Company authorities, 232-3.

WRIGHT_, I^LIHU, LETTERS OF, TO His
BROTHER, SAMUEL WRIGHT, 380-96;
the grandsons in Portland, 380; ex-
periences taking a whale, 381-2; sail-
ing around Cape Horn, 384; a sailor's
description of Hawaiian Islanders, 392.

[486]

THE OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ORGANIZED DECEMBER 17. 1898

FREDERICK V. HOLMAN . . President

LESLIE M. SCOTT . - . Vice-President

F.G. YOUNG - . Secretary,

LADD & TILTON BANK . . - Treasure,
GEORGE H. H1MES, Curator and Assistant Secretary

DIRECTORS

THE GOVERNOR OF OREGON, ex offido.

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, e*

Term expires at Annual Meeting in December, I9I6.
MRS. HARRIET K. McARTHUR, RODNEY L. GLISAN.

Term expires at Annual Meeting in December, 19 1 7.
CHARLES H. CAREY, WILLIAM D. FENTON.

Term expires at Annual Meeting in December, 1918
CHARLES B. MOORES, JOHN GILL.

Term expires at Annual Meeting in December, 1919.
MRS. MARIA L. MYRICK, T. C. ELLIOTT.

The Quarterly is sent free to all members of the Society. The annual dues are two dollars.
The fee for life membership is twenty-five dollars.

Contributions to The Quarterly and correspondence relative to historical materials, or pertaining
to the affairs of this Society, should be addressed to

F. G. YOUNG,

Secretary,

F.iH'fne, Oregon.

Subscription* for The Quarterly, or for the other publications of the Society, should be sent to

GEORGE H. HIMES,

Curator and Assistant Secretary,
205-207 Second Street, Portland. Oregon

Oregon historical quarterly
871
047

v.17

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