The quarterly of the Oregon Historical Society, Vol. 4, March, 1903-December, 1903Oregon Historical Society
History
The quarterly of the Oregon Historical Society, Vol. 4, March, 1903-December, 1903
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon -- History -- Periodicals
There were fifty men dispatched last week to protect the
Mission at the Dals, [Dalles]; we have had no news from them
since. There are orders for the raising of five hundred men
to go up and give the scoundrels a wiping out. So you may
say we have the loud cry of war in Oregon; but what is done
here, is done by the voluntary acts of the people and
without pay. And as there is such a diversity of opinions,
as to the best way to proceed, I think there will not be as
much done at present, as we have got so many people here
that it is not so easy for them all to agree as it was in
former times.
This year's emigration was very large. They all got through
with less difficulties than that of last year. There has
been considerable sickness with them. Their disease being
the measles, the disorder is proving quite fatal with the
natives; it was in consequence of this that Dr. Whitman was
killed, as they held a malice against the whites for
bringing the disorder unto the country.
Our legislature being in session, it has authorized Mr. Meek
to go to the United States with dispatches to the
government, informing it of our situation. He starts
to-morrow morning, and it is by him that I send this letter.
It is a general time of good health and spirits, in Oregon,
with the exception of now and then a case of the measles.
Our commerce has much improved within the last year. A large
number of ships have left our port the last season well
ladened.
The winter thus far is very fine, no freezing, and little
rain. Wheat looks well, and great quantity sown. I have sold
my interest in my mill, and also my farm. I am going to put
up salmon next spring, and after the season is over, which
will be in August, I am going to build a mill, as I now have
one of the best sites on the Columbia, and lumbering the
best business in Oregon.
I would write much more, had I time and room on my
sheet--though I am sure it would not be very interesting. Be
sure and send me a letter every time the Ship Whiton sailed
for the U. S. as it will return to this country. Be sure and
avail that chance though I missed it. Give Father my
Respects; tell him I intend on coming to see him once more.
I must scratch a few lines to sisters, so I bid you a
Farewell.
Dear Sisters, I have only room to tell you that I am well. I
Farmed it and did housework last summer, but I guess I don't
do it again soon. There are lots of pretty girls here now,
but I do not get time to get one of them just now, but will
take a year or two, by and by, and attend to these matters.
Frances must write to Cyrel for me, for it is now late and I
haven't time. Give my love to all cousins and inquiring
friends. Write every chance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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