_To Thomas Morgan, Esq., Washington, Pennsylvania._
* * * * *
Letter by Peter H. Burnett to the _St. Louis Reporter_:
Taken from the _Ohio Statesman_ of September 11, 1844.
FORT VANCOUVER, November 10, 1843.
FRIEND PENN: I reached here on yesterday, and the grass is
now as luxuriant as a wheat field. Provisions are abundant
here, and Doctor McLoughlin (who is the most liberal and
hospitable man in the world,) furnishes the emigrants with
wheat to be paid for in cash or in wheat next year. At the
Cascades we met provisions sent us by the Doctor, and all
purchased who applied, even without money. Two boats have
been sent us with provisions, and the Doctor has lent two
boats to the emigrants free of charge. We find him doing
everything to aid the emigrants; and those who are here in
the Wallamette Valley, are as hospitable as they could
possibly afford to be. Business is very brisk, and labor
finds ready employment and prompt payment at high prices.
Necessaries of all kinds can be procured at Vancouver.
Most of the emigrants have reached here with their cattle
and baggage, and will soon have their wagons here also. We
find that cattle bear a fine price here and will sell
readily. Cows at from $50 to $75, oxen at from $50 to $100
per yoke; labor $1 per day; beef from 5 to 6 cents; salt
salmon $9 to $10 per barrel of about 300 pounds; wheat $1;
flour $4 per 100 pounds. Anything can be sold here. Butter
from 25 to 37½ cents; sugar, tea, coffee, and dry
goods--plenty. American horses bear better prices than they
do in the States.
The country exceeds my expectations, and certainly if man
can not supply all his wants here he can not anywhere.
Lieutenant Fremont, who bears this, can give you further
information. I must close as he leaves immediately.