The _Western Expositor_ of Saturday last announces the
arrival of Mr. Wm. Gilpin, formerly of this place, from
Oregon. Mr. Gilpin passed the winter among the American
settlements of the Willamette and the adjacent sea coast,
and he describes them as enjoying prosperity when he left
them in April last. The emigrant party of '43, which he
accompanied, arrived at their destination in November last,
"after having braved and overcome unparalleled dangers and
difficulties from savages, from hunger, from thirst,
crossing parched treeless plains, fierce angry rivers, and
forcing their wagons through 1000 miles of mountains,
declared impassable by the most experienced guides and
voyageurs."
This accession swelled the population of Oregon to upwards
of 2000, and they had formed a government, elected officers,
established courts, and a record of land titles. "Farms," he
says, "freckle the magnificent plains, towns are springing
up at convenient points upon the rivers, a dozen of
excellent mills supply lumber and flour for home use and
export; the fisheries are not neglected, and lands are
surveyed. A college, numerous schools, and several churches
are scattering education amongst the young. Money has been
sent from New York for a printing press and steam engine,
cattle and stock of all kinds are accumulating and rapidly
increasing under a mild climate and unfailing pastures.
Provisions of all kinds are abundant, of most excellent
quality and moderate prices."
Mr. Gilpin passed the trading fort of Bridger and Vasquez on
the 19th of August. This fort is 100 miles west of Green
River, and exactly half way from Independence to the
Willamette. The American trappers scattered among the
mountains had there collected to meet the emigrants of last
spring; an advanced party of 30 of whom, with their wagons
and cattle, passed on the 17th, two days later than the
emigrants of the preceding year. Two larger companies
behind, under the command of Gen. Gilliam and Col. Ford,
passed subsequently, and all in good time reached the
settlements before the setting in of winter.
* * * * *
_Reveille_, January 20, 1845.