* * * * *
From the _Ohio Statesman_, October 23, 1844. Quoted by the
_Statesman_ from the _St. Louis Reporter_.
We make the following extracts from two letters which were published
in the _Western Pioneer_ of the 6th instant, written by William L.
Smith and John Holman, two emigrants to Oregon. The information from
that territory, received this year, is of the most interesting
character:
The prospect is quite good for a young man to make a fortune
in this country, as all kinds of produce are high, and
likely to remain so from the extensive demand. The Russian
settlements in Asia; the Sandwich Islands; a great portion
of California, and the whaling vessels of the Northwest
coast, procure their supplies from this place.
There is as yet but little money in the country, and the
whole trade is carried on by orders on an agent or factor.
For instance, when I sell my crop of wheat, the purchaser
asks me where I wish to receive the pay. Vancouver is as yet
the principal point, and an order on that point enables the
seller to procure goods, or cattle, or anything else for it.
The population of this country consists of French, sailors,
mountain traders, missionaries, and emigrants from the
States. The French population consists of old worn-out
servants of the Hudson Bay Company; they universally have
Indian wives, and many children, some of whom are very
handsome; this part of the population are Catholics. The
sailors are those who deserted from vessels while lying on
the coast, and have also intermarried with the Indians, and
but few of them have embraced any religion--they are,
however, generally good citizens. The mountain traders are
similar to the sailors, except that they have nearly all
embraced the Methodist or Catholic religion.
The citizens held a meeting some time since and unanimously
adopted the statutes of Iowa Territory for their code of
laws until the government of the United States should make
laws for them. There is little or no crime in Oregon as yet,
which is attributed to the absence of spirituous
liquors--and so sensible are the citizens of this fact that
they are unanimous in favor of excluding it. In fact, Doctor
McLoughlin has several cargoes in his warehouse now, which
he bought in preference to allowing it to be sold in the
country. I can not speak too highly of this excellent man
for his kindness to us all. He sent several boats loaded
with provisions to meet the emigrants last fall, and
continued to distribute little luxuries among us as long as
we remained in reach of him--he is always on the lookout for
an opportunity to bestow his charity, and bestows with no
sparing hand. His intention is to quit the Hudson Bay
Company and become an American citizen.
Our prairies are beautiful, soil good, and the best stock
range I ever saw. I have located and recorded six sections
of land, which I can hold for one year by making certain
improvements thereon, which I intend doing. I can stand in
my door and see over all of them. Everything is plenty, but
sells high. The prospects for industrious young men are
truly flattering. I do think the six sections we have now in
possession are intrinsically worth $20,000; that would be $5
per acre, and that is not near the value, taking everything
into consideration. The situation for trade and commerce is
certainly better than any other country. The climate, soil,
timber, water, health, products of the country, and the
prospects for good society combine to make it delightful. It
would astonish you to see the state of society here--more
hospitality and friendship, more morality, industry, and I
do believe religion, than you will see anywhere. There are a
good many scattering Indians, but nothing to be feared from
them.
* * * * *
From the _National Intelligencer_, October 28, 1843.