Mr. Greenhow wrote his history with the light then existing, _i.e._, in 1844. About that time Dr. McLaughlin was called to an account by the directors of the Hudson's Bay Company, in London. He explained to them his position, and the condition of the Americans, who came to this country both naked and hungry, and that, as a man of common humanity, he could do no less than he did. The directors insisted upon the enforcement of their stringent rule, which was, to starve and drive every American from the country. He then told them: "_If such is your order, gentlemen, I will serve you no longer._" As to Mr. Douglas, we have no such noble sentiment to record in his behalf; he belonged to that English party called by Mr. Greenhow "_Patriots_." He says: "There were two parties among the British in Oregon, the _Patriots_ and the _Liberals_, who, while they agreed in holding all Americans in utter detestation, as _knaves_ and _ruffians_, yet differed as to the propriety of the course pursued with regard to them by the company. The _Patriots_ maintained, that kindness showed to the people of the United States was thrown away, and would be badly requited; that it was merely nurturing a race of men, who would soon rise from their weak and humble position, as grateful acknowledgers of favors, to the bold attitude of questioners of the authority of Great Britain, and her right, even to Vancouver itself; that if any attempts were made for the conversion of the natives to Christianity, and to the adoption of more humanized institutions (which they limited to British institutions), a solid and permanent foundation should be laid; and for that purpose, if missionaries were to be introduced, they should come within the direct control of the dominant power, that is, the British power, and should be the countrymen of those who actually occupied Oregon, etc. The _Liberals_, while admitting all that was said on the other side, of the character of the Americans, nevertheless charitably opined that those people should not be excluded, as they possessed some claim, 'feeble, but yet existing,' to the country, and until 'these were quashed or confirmed, it would be unjust and impolite' to prevent them from all possession; _that these missionaries, though bad_, were better than none; and that good would grow out of evil in the end, for the Americans, by their intercourse with the British, _would become more humanized, tolerant, and honest_."