# Oregon Historical Quarterly/Volume 22/Documentary number 3

DOCUMENTARY
THE LETTERS OF THE REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS, THIRD SUPERINTENDENT OF THE OREGON MISSION.
Second Installment.
Edited by ROBERT MOULTON GATES
(Copy) Oregon City, March 18th, 1848. To the Cor. Secy. &C. REV. DR. PITMAN.
Dear Bro.:
In a former part of this report, I have given you the No. of persons in the employ of the Mission. The condition of their families, the work they are engaged in together with such general facts as I then deemed important. I now present the fiscal state of the mission, and do it in a separate letter because whatever publicity may be given to the former, this is some- what more confidential and private. I allude first to salaries or the amt. paid to the preachers, David Leslie $624. I. H. Wilbur $600. A. F. Waller $680. W. Roberts $800. Wm. Helm $404. J. L. Parrish $364. The amt. which will be necessary for Bros. Helm and Parrish each the coming year will be $450. I think this will be satisfactory to them, of course all their time is not employed in Pastoral work tho most of it is, unfortunately neither of them live on their circuit. Chauncey S. Hosford the Young man liveing in my family is to receive 100. and his board. When at home the items of work he does in my family in the intervals of study are an equivalent in part at least for his board and when abroad, his work is so fully Mission work that his salary of course should be paid by the mission.
Indeed my work as Sup. requires the employment of some one constantly, as an assistant in travelling for four months I had an Indian at an Expense of $25.99. He traveled over Mt. Hood with me from The Dalles last September. In the above items I am giving the amt. that is to be paid rather than the precise items which have been reed, by each one, the latter I could not do without a settlement with each one which I have not yet had.
The table Expenses of Bro. Wilbur and myself which were to commence immediately on our arrival in Oregon, will bear ​date from July 1st-1847. The annual Expenses of the mission supposing things to remain as they now are (which of course cannot be long) are a little [over] $3700, increased by various contingencies chargeable to Expense [account]. The amt. reed, from the board the past year (I mean since I have been here) is Goods per Bark Whiton $562.06 as per invoice. Ditto Bibles & [Testaments] $208.23. There is now lying at Portland two boxes of Bibles & Tes. which came in the [Mt. Vernon?] values as per note I reed, at the Bible House in Novr. /46, at $260.00. I failed to have them brought up the river before the rainy season commenced and have a supply, had them stored there until this spring. There is due to the mission for property sold by Bro. Gary as follows from I. R. Robb $1140.35 payable in instalments of 250 each. Judson and Wilson $5122.20 do. of $500. H. Campbell $3144.00 do. $705.83 annually. Geo. Abernethy $9501.21 do. $2000. annually in currency and $500. in cash or its equivalent, these are the principal liabilities held by the mission instalments payable as aforesaid with interest at 6 pr. ct. pr. annum. I will try to tell you how available they are. I. R. Robbs notes are for the mission farm on the Clackamas about which there was some difficulty. Bro. Gary says I should give him a years interest $00. the instalmt[s] for 1846 &/47 are behind and he says Br. Gary told him he should not be huried for payment and when it comes it is in the "chips and Whitstones" currency of the country—Judson & Wilsons Notes are for the Mills and property near the institute payment in currency. The instalment for Sep. 1847 and interest is behind except 237. and some lumber for a barn. Wilson is dissatisfied with his responsibility and wishes to get his name off the notes. He thinks Bro. Gary favours his claim on this property as per letter he (Wilson) has written to the board and represents him (Bro. Gary) as saying if the '47 instalment was met those for /48 and /49 would perhaps be remitted by the board and certainly not be crowded. If I were to say a word here it would be this that I have not a particle of belief that the board ever ought or ever will remit a farthing for any such plea as is put in in his letter. But then all this answers to baffle me in any attempts to collect the notes. H. Campbells notes are for Horses & Cattle in currency of course and the instalments for 1846 & /47 are behind. He represents Bro. Gary as saying that if the interest was payed the principle would not be required at present. I think Br. Gary never encouraged any such thing. ​Bro Abernethy has paid each year more than his $2000. I think $1000 or more over last year: but the cash I. E. $500 he did not meet and tells me that he is not sure that he can pay all of it this year either. His $2000 is in currency it will buy flour when he has it at $4.50 pr Hundred while the cash paid is $3.00 pr cwt. He has no groceries and but few dry goods in his store. There is an honest buisiness like promptness in his manner of doing buisiness which I like, and altho he cannot just now meet all his engagements with the mission yet I have no doubt he will be able to do so when he shall have struggled through the toils of the present year. Last fall I loaned him an Order on Vancouver for $1100. payable in Silver March first 1848. This I [did] partly to help him through a hard year and partly for the sake of getting some cash for I had not the prospect of getting a dollar to help myself except I sold Drafts on the treasury at some 10 to twenty pr ct. discount. When this note fell due he could not meet it Therefore I paid my Vancouver bill (which included this amount together with a draft I loaned the provincial Government for $400, spoken of in a former letter and $158.36. for supplies and the payment of Indians total $1758.36) in two sets of exchange drawn in triplicate in favor of James Douglass Esq. one for $1190.% and the other for $561.40. It was somewhat mortifying to myself and to Br. Abernethy for for me to draw for the whole amount of the $1100. which he borrowed, as the army had taken some of the wheat with which he hoped to meet the engagement and otherwise deranged his plans he has paid $150 on the note and the rest I think will soon be in hand. Formerly there was some cash coming in from things sold at the Dallas now of course there is none except it be the $500 from Bro. Abernethy and it is impossable to manage the payments of the salaries &c of the Preachers & freight without the cash in hand. (I have just paid $50 for 50 bushels of wheat for bread. $20 for 20 bushels of potatoes, and $35.70 for 51 bushels of Oats for my horse in cash and very thankful to get them at that.) besides hauling them at an expense of nearly 10 Dol. more. But I will proceed with the debts due the—Mission G. Abernethy (above mention'd) $1100. in Silver less $150. already paid. Beers. Abernethy & Force $220.64.—G. Abernethy $299.82 D. Leslie $339.17 G. Abernethy $390. due Oct. 3d 1848. Beers and Carter 400 bush wheat due Sep. 1846. J. Q. Thornton $282. ​payable in two years. The above payable in currency where not otherwise indicated. Provisional Government $1500. payable in Silver in three years : $1000 of which is at 10 pr. ct. $500 of which at 7 pr ct. per annum. One thousand of the above was in Drafts on the board and $500 in an order on H. Campbell. I have said enough in my former letters by J. Meek Esq. as to the nature and necessity of the above loans to the Government. Wilson, Leslie, Beers & Abernethy's bond for $4437.83 for the Institute payable in July 1851 &c &c. I hold a house & Lot as security for the payment of $330 due Jan 1st 1849 This amt. I loaned in order to get a house for Bro Leslie to reside in as mentioned in a former letter the interest is the rent. The only other debt due the Mission except a few small items the exact amt. is not easily ascertained is that of Doct. Whitman for the movable property left at the Dalles amounting to $561.38 payable either at Vancouver after May 1st 1848 or in a draft in triplicate on the A. B. C. F. M. to be drawn 8th Sep. 1848. I have not yet decided which to take but probably it will be on Vancouver unless I can find a good chance to sell the Dft. for cash. The entire amount I think is $28308.60 Exclusive of the four hund. bush of wheat. The amount of property held by the mission is about as follows, Real estate at Oregon City House with Barn just erected $1000. This is the one I reside in. Another in which Broth. Leslie resides $1236. This house is the Force property which was not redeemed as was promised and pro- vided for. Parsonage at the Institute with 200 Acres $1380.08. There are yet a few items unsold which came from the Dalles One Waggon. 1 Yoke of Oxen and three inferior horses. Of books left by Bro. Gary 6 q. Rev. V vol 1 do. W. A. 3 [Wesley] Mission to America 3 Powel on succession 3 Crovosvo 4 Wat. Wesly 2 Ben Fletcher 1 man of Preachers 1 Mib on Babtism 1 Lady Maxwell one Erron of Corini 7 men of Crovosro 1 Set Lonk & notes 1 Life Luther 4 Bromwell 2 Bunyan 1 Hesteram Rogers 4 Rem. of Cox 4 Nelsons Juvenile 2 Mason on Sf. Knowl. 1 Let. to Pusey 5 Watson Apol 5 Intro to Christian 1 Scrip. Chur. 1 Vill. Blacksmith 1 Sketches &c 1 The Jew. Walls End War p. 1 Meth. by Dixon 1 Hare on Justi 1 Prayr. meetings 113 Meth. Hymns 41 Disci. 5 Chris. Maanuel 6 Wes. on Perfec. 5 Christian Pattern 1 Seri. ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 229
Enquirer 12 Class Books 1 set Sur. Instruments 1 Do. Cuppin And there is a lot of some of which I found here others I brought here, 26 quilts 119 Shirts 50 Boys do 157 Yds. Muslain in Little Remnants 8 Sheets 30 pr pillow casses 18 Papers need. 16 Doz. pair Wollen Socks 18 pair Cotton Do. 12 Pair small shoes 8 Pair Boots Now the rest of the things such as 50 pr. boys pants 24 vests 24 dresses 7 childrens dresses &c&c are as nearly nothing or worth- less as may be. So poor that they are scarcely worth giving to the Indians really I think it not worth while to send such trumpery so many miles at 75 cts. pr. sqr. foot (It would seem as though some of our good friends had made an especial selection of the poor and maimed and that which is lame) to present as an offering to the Lord. How will it do to suggest to them that a little wool off the firstlings of their flock would make us some warm clothing. The truth is we need some good durable warm clothing and I suspect you will have to buy it and the sooner the better. The preachers families are badly in want of various articles of woolen clothing and I hope long before you receive this that we shall get a new supply. It is found necessary in some places to build log churches and I think it the best policy to encourage the people to do this all over the country but in most places they are too poor to buy the glass, sash and nails which are necessary. Nails are 20c per Ib glass 12^ pr light and sash the same In cash. The Church we are now building up country is 24 by 32 feet of hewn logs with five windows of 24 lights this is a fair speci- men of the kind of churches we need and we must build some parsonages also. It is death to our work to have the preachers living 10 or twenty miles off their circuit and every nail we drive at 20c pr Ib is rather a costly affair. In a former letter I asked for some materials to build a house in this city may I ask again for more materials such as 8d lOd 6d 4d Nails some boxes of 8 by 10 glass for the purpose named above. The Course we are trying to adopt is this, to encourage the people to build (to) get them to do all if possible, and where they cannot aid them a little. The articles above named are the most needed also some hinges & fastenings. I wish you would send me a sash plain. Now I shall be glad if the board will send us the things named above with permission to use them for the purposes above mentioned. I think it will be the best economy to spend some means in this way. If Br. Gary were to go with me a few excursions perhaps he would a little ​
230 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
modify the opinion he expressed that the people here are able to pay the table expences of the preachers. In some places they might do a part of it but in most not anything-. I regret to state that Br. Flees one of our very best members of Yam Hill who was leading the way in this thing had his house burnt down a few days ago and every thing in it consumed. His family barely escaping with! their lives. Did the $25. worth of tracts voted by the Board ever get on Board the Whiton. There was a Box of Tracts some of which we now have, but I reed, the impression that they were a present from some of the persons in the Book concern. What is the state of the case, the manner in which my stationary goes convinces me that I shall soon need more: I have had to get some books made of it for Record Books of the circuits. There is great need here for school books. Is there any person or any In- stitution in your city or vicinity intimately enough acquainted with the Books needed in Common Schools and sufficiently interested in the subject of the Education of youth to make the selection and advance the means, necessary to purchase books for a few common schools in this country and wait for the money until there is time to dispose of the Books and make the return.
If there be let such a selection be made and sent, of the very best books most approved now in use in the States. I mean new Books not old ones Such as Spelling Books,- De- finers of Die., Reading Books, Arithmetics, Grammars, Ge- ographies, Copy Books and Slates with Pencils and ink powder. One word more and I am done. If you will send us some $5.00s worth of the best friction machines' put up in small parcels in tin cases it will be an accommodation. Bro. Dando sent a note of enquiry by me to this country concerning the Toulon, which sailed in Feb. 1845. Also the Maripos's, the Charles, the Brooklyn and the Stylon by all of which goods or letters were sent. Bro. Gary had answered all these queries before now much more intelligibly than I can. I think that all has come safely to hand I know the goods by the Hylondia for I reed, them and paid the freight of nearly $30. The lost Bill Book was sent home by Bro. Gary. With the deep con- viction that a large amt. of wisdom which cometh down from above is essential properly to transact the business of this mis- sion, So that Christian enterprize may put forth the most ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 231
powerful efforts consistent with strict economy, and praying most earnestly for its bestowment
I am Dear Bro.
Yours in Christ,
William Roberts. Rev. Dr. Pitman Cor. Secy.
P. S. If it would not be too much I would be glad if this letter and postcript could be copied and sent to Bro. Gary, with the request that he will favor me with his maturest advice, in regard to its contents. I wrote to him last fall. W '. R.
N. B. It had not occurred to me until this moment that I am bound to sent a Dft. for a small amt. favor Dr. Babcock. It is a small part of certain notes placed in my hands by Bro. Gary for collection for him the Dft. is for $157.40 for value reed. W. R.
(Copy) To the Treasurer of the Missionary Socy of the Methodist E.
Church REVD. G. LANE. Oregon City, 18th March 1848.
Dear Bro.: I am instructed by the board see. Rec. of Nov. 17, 1846, to keep an account of all such traveling expenses as may necessarily arise out of my duties as superintendent of the Mission and transmit the same to you for payment at every convenient opportunity. The following is the result up to this time including the travel in California as pr order of the board. Errors excepted.
Traveling in California in May & June 1847
Washing in San Francisco & co $ 1.00
Passage to Monteray 15.00
Board 4.00
Supper, horse & guide at San Juan 2.25
Loss on horse bot. for $20. sold for $10 10 00
Postage on letters sent by Panama 1 .00
Oregon Jan. 1848. Ferriage 3.00
Wages of Indian to travel with 4 months 25.99
March trip to Vancouver 1 .38
Ferriage over Walamet 1 year 4.00
$68.22 ​
232 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
I am Yours very truly
Wm. Roberts. To Rev. G. Lane Treasurer &c.
To the corresponding Secy of the Sunday School Union of the
M. E. Church. REV. D. P. KIDDER Oregon City, 18th March, 1848.
Dear Broth.: The annual Express of the Hudson Bay Com- pany starts tomorrow for Canada and I improve the opper- tunity to write a few lines in relation to the Sabbath School interest in Oregon. At this time there are but two Sabbath schools really organised in this country under the care of our Church. One at this city with one Sup. 8 Teach. 48 Scholars. & 150 volumes in the Library. This school is now in a flour- ishing condition but there have [been] no cases of conver- sion reported among the children during the past year. There were a few vol. of Books in the Library when we arrived in the country but those reported above are the set furnished by the kindness of the board in the autumn of 1846. The other school is at Salem and is held in the Oregon Institute. It has 2 Superintendents, 10 Teach., 40 Scholars, and upwards of 150 vols in the Library. I am pleased with the prospects of this School an amount of seriousness was manifest among the children at my last visit that showed the teachers are not labouring in vain.
The donation of Books which we brought to this country were I think judicially selected and will be of great advantage. As soon as the rainy season is over we expect to start a num- ber of Schools in places where it has been impossible during the rainy season. The action of quarterly conferences con- templated in the discipline in regard to the instruction of chil- dren &c was thoroughly attended to during my brief sojourn in this land. But the scattered state of the population lies directly in the way of doing much good in the way of Sabbath School labours at present. There is one way however in which as we go from place to place much good may be done. It is by distributing copies of the S. S. Advocate & suitable books for children. The Box of Advocates brought by the Whiton are almost gone. It contained only the first 12 No. of the 4 Vol., we are most thankful for them but can you send us another Box containing the remainder of the volumn, and so on with ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 233
the rest. The bound copies of the Advocate are eagerly sought for. I can dispose of 50 copies annually selling the whole of them at the full price. The 10 sets of Library Books placed in my hands I have disposed of as follows, Sabbath School at San Francisco uper California, 1 Set of 150 vols another at this place in the School and another at the school at Salem. It is possible that we may break one or two of the sets for the sake of getting Books to place in the hands of Children in various parts of the country where as yet we can have no school. The rest will be reserved for new schools as they may be formed in various parts of the country. We have many ragged ignorant children these are growing up in this country as wild and careless of God as the wolves that nightly howl around the cabins in which they sleep. And we must haste to save them ere yet their vices are full grown yealding in abundance the bitter fruit of Sin.
In earnest hope that Heaven will bless and direct our labours and that you will render all possible assistance, I subscribe myself, Yours in Christ,
William Roberts. To Revd. D. P. Kidder.
Oregon City, March 18th, 1848. To DR. J. L. BABCOCK:
Sir, of the let Notes your Your favour left in my hands by Bro. Gary for collection, I have succeeded in collecting or securing the following amt. On the note of J. Applegate $90 cash. J. Hutchins $20 cash. On another 46 Bush wheat at 90c pr bu $41.40. There is a small amt. more collected on this last item it is in the hands of Bro Beers to whom I have com- mitted many of the Notes due in the French Settlement there will of cource be some expence envolved in the collection I shall do what is in my power for your accommodation. I now send you a draft for $157.40. I deem it quite a misfortune for you that any of your things brought prices so exorbitant it is a direct barrier to their collection. I am Yours truly,
Wm. Roberts.
$157.40 Oregon City, March 18th, 1848.
Ten days after date of this first of Exchange (second & ​
234 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
third of the same tenor and date unpaid) pay to the Order of J. L. Babcock one hundred fifty seven 40/100 dollars value Reed and charge to the act. of Oregon Mission.
Ylours,
Wm. Roberts.
To REV. G. LANE, New York Treasurer of the Miss, of the M. E. Church.
(Copy)
To the Corresponding Secy of the American Bible Society REV'D DR. BRIGHAM.
Dear Sir: I hereby desire to acknowledge the rect. of two lots of Bibles . Testaments one by the Bark Whiton invoiced at $2o8.23 l / 2 the other per Ship Mt. Vernon valued as per note I rec'd at the Bible House in Novr 6 at $200.90. This last Lot I have had stored at Portland 12 Miles below untill the rainy season is over. Of course I have not yet examined them nothing more appropriate was ever brought to Oregon than the Book of God. At another time I will tell you something of the distribution we have made as well as the Sales. For we have been circulating them both on the Ocean in California as well as in this country.
In those sent by us in the Whiton there was a deficiency of Royal Octave Bibles (E. I. Family Bibles) as the people call them. I wish you would assertain. If, in those sent by the Mount Vernon there is a good supply of these if not send us some by the first oppertunity. We are making arrangements to form a Bible Society Auxy &c on this side of the Rocky Mountains. With many thanks for those favours rec'd from you through the missy Socy. of the M. E. Church. I am yours in Christ,
Wm. Roberts, Rev. Dr. Brigham. Supt. of Oregon Mission.
To REV. G. LANE Oregon City, March 18th, 1848.
Dear Bro.: I hereby advise you of having drawn on you this day for $157.40 Dollars favor of J. L. Babcock which you will please honor and charge to account of Oregon Mission.
Yours truly,
W m. Roberts.
To Revd G. Lane, Treasurer of Missy Socy of M. E. Church. ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 235
Oregon City, Sat. Morn, 25 March, 1848. To MR. PETTIGREW.
Sir: 1 hereby send Mr. Horford to your place to ascertain if any arrangement can be made for public preaching there tomorrow. I desire to come down to your place (tomorrow) (Sunday morning) and preach in Portland sometime during the day if entirely agreeable to those concerned provided a place can be found where it will be suitable. I am not aware of any religios service in your place tomorrow and even should there be, mine perhaps can be fixed at some other hour not unacceptable to the people. [Trusting] that you will favor any proper effort to promote the morals of the people I have taken the liberty to address you and remain Your Obt. Servant,
Wm. Roberts.
P. S. I can visit your place again in a fortnight. IV. R.
Oregon City, 17 April, 1848. DEAR BRO. BREWER: 3
When I saw you on Thursday last I understood that it was your intention to come to this place to go to the Islands in the Eveline. Let us understand each other definitely. I then said that I believed it wrong for you to insist on going at this time. You are acquainted with my reasons. Still I will repeat them so that they may be known to the Board at home. If you go to the Islands now there are 9 chances out of 10 that you must remain there on Expense until next Autumn and the cost of living is high.
If you go home by way of China it is enormously expensive and the vessels must wait somewhere until the ordinery sea- son, for a return Cargo which will detain you just as long as if you remain here until July or August by which time some vessel may be going home direct or an opportunity is fur- nished of going to the Island as Bro. Gary did in time for the ordinary Autumn passage home. Still as I find you are deter- mined to go at all hazards, as I mentioned when I saw you I shall not object any further, but shall refer you Entirely to the Board for any allowance for expenses you may incur above what would be reasonably incured if you were to wait and go about the time known to be the best to reach the Islands if there should be no passage home direct.
I am, Dear Bro.,
3 Henry B. Brewer, lay member of the Fourth group of Methodist Mission- aries, who arrived in Oregon June 1, 1840. ​
236 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
Yours in Christ,
Wm. Roberts.
P. S. I have engaged your passage in the above vessel and Mr. Holden will inform you as to time.
To the corresponding Secy of the Missy Socy of the M. E. Church.
Oregon City, April 1, 1848. REV. DR. PITMAN.
Dear Bro.: I learn a party of men intend starting for the states on the first of May and I desire to send by them [a] duplicate, or second Edition rather, of our annual report. The annual meeting of the Mission was held at the Institute on the llth & 12th instant. It was deemed proper to have the business corespond in its general arrangment with the order persued in our annual conferences so far at least as our infant state would allow. The examination of Character, the re- spective claims of the Missionary, Bible, Sunday School, and Temperance Societies with the interests of Education. Reports of numbers in Societies togather with the extension of our work and appointment of our scanty labourers to their re- spective fields of labour ocupied two days of close and diligent attention. Nor were our religious services without their interest. It was a season of great spiritual profit and up to this moment all is harmony and peace. There are eight per- sons in the employ of the Mission including those sent by the board and four others employed by the Superintendent to do regular pastoral work. I might add a ninth which is a young man of promise living in my family and employ'd partly as an assistant in travelling and partly with a view to direct pastoral labour. David Leslie resides in this city. His family con- sists of five persons, Himself, wife, and three children one over 14 one under 14 and over 7, and another under 7 years of age. He has charge of the pulpit here and sometimes preaches in the village of Clackamas 2 miles distant ; But the laps of years makes it almost imposible for him to travel and he claims to be almost Supernumerary. We have here 47 members in Society and 1 Sabbath School with nine officers and teachers. 60 scholars and 150 volumes in the Library.
James H. Wilber lives at the Oregon Institute 4 and has charge of the Salem circuit. His family consists of himself, wife and daughter. There is on the same circuit and living
4 Located at what is now Salem. ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 237
in the same parsonage A. F. Waller, formerly stationed at the Dalles of the Columbia but who since the transfer of that station to Doct. Whitman in September last has been labouring with brother Wilber. Brother Waller's family consists of himself, wife, 2 children under 14 and over 7 and 3 under 7 years of age. There are on this circuit 115 members and two Sabbath Schools one at the Institute and the other at the Santi Am. 5 Here are 9 officers and teachers 48 scholars and upwards of 150 vol. in the library.
My own family resides at Oregon City and consists of my wife and self and two children one over and the other under 7 years of age. The young man already spoken of and one orphan child 13 years of age who was in the family of Doct. Whitman at the time of the massacre and whose two brothers were butchered at the same time, her name is Catharine Segar. Occasionally the work of the mission allows me to be at home at which time I assist Broth Leslie in his work in this city and its vicinity. The two brothers employed by Bro. Gary and who yet continue to labour are Wm. Helm and J. L. Parrish besides I have just engaged two others John McKinney and James O. Rayner. Josiah L. Parrisli lives at the Institute and has charge of the Yamhill circuit. He is a Local Deacon from the bounds of the Gennesee conference and came here as a secular member of the mission 1849. His family consists of himself, wife, and three children two under 14 years and over 7 and one under 7 years of age ; his circuit was reported last year to have 135 members in Society but no Sabboth Schools. Broth J. O. Rayner is appointed to labour with him he is a young man 23 years of age of vigerous health and so far as we can ascertain possesses such gifts and graces as will render him useful to the Church. He traveled two years in the Iowa Conference. Six months under the P. E. [Presid- ing Elder] and about 18 months on trial when he was permitted by the proper authorities to come to this country chiefly on account of his health, he came in the last emigration and is well recommended having the certificate of his standing as a local preacher from the preacher in charge of the circuit on which he traveled.
Wm. Helm is appointed to the Calapoya circuit which com- prises the tract of country above the Santi Am on the east and the Rickreal on the west side of the Walamet river he expects to reside on the circuit. His family consists of him-
5 Santiam river, written by some during early days a* "Santa Ana" or called "Santa Ann' Fork." ​
238 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
self, wife, with five children who reside at home one over 14
3 under 14 and over 7 and one under 7 years of age.
Bro. John McKinney is appointed to labour with Bro. Helm he is a married man who leaving his family in Missouri came through in the last emigration with his son to explore the country and make arrangements to bring his family. He ex- pects to return to his family in the spring of 1849. Bro. Mc- Kinney is a local deacon of good report and it is thought will be useful on his circuit. Ylou will perceive that our work is enlarged considerably and while wars and rumors of wars are all around us we are striving to endure hardness as good soldiers of the Lord Jesus. In addition to the above we have sixteen Local preachers one of whom is a Deacon and six exhorters. If we were all holy men of God labouring as faith- fully for Christ as once we did for Satan and as industriously as our obligations to his dying love imperiously demand a flame of piety would be kindled in this valley that would burn with Millennial Glory, But it is to be feared we are not. I have some reason to suspect that the Methodism of this country is not in every respect the Methodism of the discipline. Still there are a number of faithful labourers in the country both in the Local as well as in the traveling ministry and many among our members adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
The amount of labour performed by our Missionaries may be indicated in part by a glance at the extent of our work. At the present time this is confined to the Walamet valley and extends from Vancouver on the Columbia to the extreme upper settlement here are included within this district Oregon City, Salem, Ylamhill, and the Calapooya circuits.
Oregon City has a population of nearly 1000 persons there are 185 houses, with two churches, one Methodist one Cath- olic, two flouring mills, and two saw mills ; about two miles distant there is quite a little village springing up on the Clack- amus river which empties into the Walamet just below the city. Twelve miles below is the little town of Portland just springing into existance. It is about the head of ship navi- gation. We have not been able this winter to supply this place with preaching. About 25 miles west of [Oregon] City there* are a number of beautiful prairies, Tualatine plains, in these fertile plains quite a population is collected and some
4 or 5 years ago we had regular preaching in a log building erected for the purpose but since that time occasional visits ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 239
very few and far between are all the people have received at our hand. In 8 months I have only paid them one visit since the anual meeting the place is included in the Yamhill circuit, and we hope to furnish the people with stated pastoral labour.
The Salem circuit receives its name from the town of Salem which just rising into notice at the Oregon Institute. It is 50 miles above this city on the east bank or the Walamet river the situation is beautiful and many suppose it will be- come quite a city in a very few years. Directly on a line between Salem and this city and about thirty miles from here lies what is called the French Settlement peopled chiefly by Canadian speaking French and all holding to the Catholic church. They occupy a fine district of country beautiful indeed to behold but so far as the prospects for successful labour is concerned excepting here and there a solitary emigrant as baren as an Arabian desart. In the extreme lower part of this settlement we have had two appointments the past winter the congregations have been small. Above the Institute and laying on and between the Santiam and the Calapooya river their is a tract of country exceeded by nothing I ever saw in the Eden spots of California either for beauty or fertility in this district has several appointments.
The Yamhill circuit lays between Walamit and the coast range of mountains and includes the Twalatine Plains, Che- halani. Yam Hill, and Rickeral, an extent of country some 75 miles in length and varying in breadth with the meanderings of the river and the encroachment of spurs jutting out from the coast range of mountains. The Calapooya circuit formed at our last annual meeting occupies both sides of the Walamet from the Santi Am and Rickreal to the upper settlement in the valley. The preaching done in this country up to this time has been chiefly on the Sabboth day and it may be proper to indicate farther the labours of your Missionaries by allud- ing briefly to some of The Embaresments under which they labour.
I am not about to speak of Romanism alltho that Exists and has some influence here with all its machinery of Bishops & Bells archbishops & nuns Priests & ceremonies and is ready to compass sea and land if not to make prosalytes to edify the faithful and convert the Indians. What connexion it has had with the fearful tragedy at Waiilatpu will be seen at the Judgment if never known before. Nor yet of Campbellism ​
240 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
altho that abounds and stationing itself along the line of our numerous waters calls loudly for subjects to wash away their sins in its laver of Baptismal regeneration which is of such mighty efficacy as almost to do without the "renewing of the holy Ghost" but what I refer to chiefly is peculiar to new set- tled countries such as : The Scattered state of the population. It was estimated that their was a population of 8000 in the country previous to the arrival of the last Emigration which of itself amounted to from three to five thousand but the difficulty is to find them. The arrangement of our provisional government by which a person under conditions can secure a mile square of Land tends directly to distribute the people all over the country and opperates most prejudicially against the gathering of any considerable congregation in any one place our only recourse is to go from one cabin to another through prairie and forest which is a slow prossess requiring more time and men and shall I add grace than we have at present. Add to this the almost impassible STATE OF THE ROADS DURING THE RAINY SEASONS. We have as yet very few bridges and the crossing of many of the streams is perilous and often impossible. Some of the slough's are as mire'y as that of despond into which if Bunyan's pliable ever gets he is likely after a desperate struggle or two to get out of the mire on that side which is nearest to his own house.
Another difficulty is the want of food for horses especially in the winter season in most cases after a hard days travel they must be hobbled or staked out or turned loose altogether to hunt their scanty fare of grass for hay or oats are seldom to be had and corn is out of the question. If we turn our horses loose when we are on our journey we cannot get them ^without much trouble and if we do not our excursions must be short and hurried and the weary starving animals must be turned out on our return to recruit for a few weeks and another secured for the following trip. Untill the people gen- erally give attention to raising fodder for horses so that we may have some other dependence than the wild grasses of the country each preacher must keep three or 4 horses and spend no small amount of time in hunting them when they are needed. The present war opperates unfavourably on the public mind so far as piety is concerned. To say nothing of the de- moralizing tendency of war at all times. The employment of so many men and means including some of our members call​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 241
ing them away from their homes and families cannot but cripple our opperations in some parts of our work. There is nothing in any of these embarasments that tends in the least to quench the zeal or dampen the ardor of any of the members of the Mission our resources are greater than our difficulties there is before us an abundant harvest and altho we would rejoice to have a share in gathering it as well as breaking up the ground and sowing the precious seed still we shall rejoice even if that is done by others who shall come after us when we are gone to our reward in Heaven. In addition to the above mentioned members there is a class of 13 members recently formed at Vancouver and 7 members in the Twalatine plains So that our Statistics are as follows :
Sunday O. & Members L. Pra. L. Dea. Schools Teach. Scholars
Oregon City &
Clackamus 47 2 . . 1 10 60
Salem 115 .. 12 9 48
Yamhill 135 8
Vancouver 13
Twalatine Plains ... 7
317 10 1 3 19 108 Vol. Library 150 150
300
I have no means to ascertain the increase during the year but suppose our numbers to be nearly double what they were a year ago. Nor can I state with much positiveness the number of conversions. I am acquainted however with the case of 31 persons who have professed a change of heart since the first of July last including a few cases of backsliders who have been reclaimed.
The school kept in the Oregon Institute was deprived of a teacher recently by the illness of Mr. Joseph Smith who has had charge of it for several months past. He is not expected to recover, we were called into his room to see him die as it was supposed his hour was come, it was an hour of triumph. The power of divine grace was gloriously manifested and this is another of the numerous instances of in which persons who have come to this country ignorant of God and Salvation have ​
242 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
been brought to the knowledge of the truth by the instrument- ality of the Oregon Mission. Two of our members have re- cently departed this life, Capt. Brown and Sister Howell, both suddenly and both in holy peaceful triumph.
I deem it a matter of great importance to keep the school above mentioned in Efficient opperation. For the time being it is placed under the superintendes of Bro. Wilber with his daughter Elisabeth as teacher untill a competent male teacher can be secured. I have some hope of securing the services of a gentleman who came in the last emigration and who taught for some time in Virginia. But it is essential to the prosperity of the institution and of our church as Identified with education in Oregon to have a competent person sent from the States and sustained so far as need be by the board and for the honor of the church and the good of souls may it be done quickly.
In the special instructions communicated by you at the time of Embarkation for this country I was requested to enquire whether the Oregon Institute can be transfered to the Mis- sion and if so on what terms can such transfer be made." The corespondence on this subject I now lay before you, and as their is not the least embarasment in the way it is presumable the board will act accordingly. About the last of March a government vessel arrived the "Anita" in the River direct from California by her we received some letters and papers more than half the Nos. are missing and of the C. [Christian] Advocate their was but one solitary number, where they are we know not but suppose them to have been left at California. The [Anita] sailed from San Francisco 24 hours after the Sweden arived and in the hurry perhaps some of the male [mail] was left. It is a question of vital importance here as to whether we have an interest in the prayers and sympathies of the church at home ours is a work of privation and toil of difficulty and danger of weariness and want. But the grace of God which is exceeding abundant toward us in answer to the suplications of the church at home can make this a pleasant employment let us have this and we will work contented and cheerful but withhold this and some of us will soon ask to be released. I am satisfied since we have been in the country we have had many deliverences and enjoyed many precious con- solations in answer to the petitions of Gods people. There has been some sickness in some of our families Broth. Waller's ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 243
children have had the measles and his eldest son was at the point of death. They have all recovered each of our boys and myself have been attacked with the fever, my ilness was only a few hours, and theirs of but a few clays continuence. Two afflictions have prevailed the Measles and a species of low typhus fever known in the west as the winter fever and on the road as the camp fever. Both are contagious not in the same sense nor to the same extent but still both brought in by the emigration and spread over the country wherever they have gone. In my letters Via Canada I mentioned that Mr. Ogden of the Hudson Bay Company had succeeded in per- chasing the persons held in captivity by the Indians including the families of Mr. Spalding & Mr. Osborn with the women and orphan children and had all (amounting to 51 Persons) arrived in safety. The treatment of the captive women was horible tho their lives were spared. Mr. Spalding has gone to the Twalatine plains and the orphans are placed in families where they will be well taken care of. We have [not] heard from Messrs. Walker & Eells up to the last account they had concluded to remain at their post. Altho fears may well be entertained for their safty. Our war continues. Gol. Gilliam was shot by accident and the chief command now devolves on Col. Lee. The Governor has just issued proclimation for 300 more volunteers and while I am writing troops of horsemen coparisoned for Indian warfare are passing by my window while now and then a wounded man is seen patiently waiting for returning health that he may return and again renew the deadly strife. Up to this time it is not known that one of the murderers has been killed but it is almost certain that terrible vengeance awaits them. I shall present the fiscal state of the Mission in another letter. Indulging the hope that the dark cloud which has lowered over us with such threatening aspect may give way to the bright sunshine of peace and pros- perity, I am, Dear Bro.
Yours in Christ,
Win. Roberts. Rev. Dr. Pitman, Cors. Sec. &c.
Extract of letter to G. Gary. 6
Salem, Octo. 26th, 1848.
"There is a little business affair to which I desire you to reply early as possible, it is the transfer of 10 acres of the
6 George Gary, D. D., the second superintendent of the Oregon Miuions. ​
244 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
Parsonage reserve to Bro. Craft for 10 acres of land in the rear.
I am sorry to find this business in its present position. About a month ago I called the committee which they say you ap- pointed together and enquired First. Are there any papers what- ever either from Bro. Gary or any one else in relation to this matter? It was answered No. Second. Is the transfer finished or is it expected that I in any way yet have it to do ? Ans. It is not finished the property is not surveyed. No writings have passed. A committee was appointed by Bro. Gary to confer with Bro. Craft to select or allow him to select a site for a taw yard. A site was selected. Bro. Craft now occupied it &C &C. And third. Is the lot which he is to give in Exchange now or was it at the time anything like an equivalent? Ans. No, by all the committee.
After some considerable reflection I came to the conclusion that I would not do anything in the affair until I reed word from you communicating definitely your understanding and intention with regard to the matter. My reasons are these. I dislike exceedingly these traditionary affairs, and especially in the conveyance of property. It is an unfinished, unsettled con- cern. There was time enough from April or May to August to settle it. It mutilates and spoils the 100 acres by takeing a quadrangular piece out of the middle (see diagram) and re- ceives a poor almost worthless, irregular shaped lot in return. The following is about the state of the case. Tho possible the exchange piece may be much more irregular than I have represented it. Now poor as the bargain is and much as the property is spoiled thereby! I should consummate the affair at once. If there was any writing whatever giveing me to understand that you understood the arrangement.
If you did understand it then you intended a donation or at least a favor for which you had good and sufficient reasons no doubt. And I never should object. But then you must really do the business or shew me that you engaged to do it. In which case I am of course under obligation.
Favors could not be bestowed on a more worthy Bro. than Bro. Craft. But I must not lengthen out my detail. There is no misunderstanding between Bro. Craft and myself, and tho he regrets the business was not finished, will wait patiently, until you communicate fully on the subject. If Bro. Leslie ever gave it as his opinion that the parsonage would lose noth- ing by the exchange he is now of a different opinion." ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 245
(Copy) (Private)
Salem, Or. T., Feb. 14, 1849. To THE COR SEC &c
Dear Bro.: It is proper to express a few thoughts on some points less adapted to the public eye than those in the accom- panying letters. There is a strong propability I think that the people of this country will be better able to pay something towards the support of the gospel shortly than they have been. Some of them are returning from the mines with some quanti- ties of gold. I think 250 person in all have come in on the 5 ships now in the river, and perhaps they will average $1500 apiece in gold dust their success varies from $100 to $5000.
Most of those who have come home this winter will go again in the spring; the people are in a most unsettled state still I hope they may be induced to contribute towards the sup- port of the gospel. I am greatly perplexed with one embar- rasment in Oregon. It is the preachers liveing away from their circuits ; how to remedy this is not easy for me to see. I have said everything against it possible.
Bros. Helm, Waller, and Parrish are on their own premises, while their own houses and circuits are together, it may not be so objectionable, but when conference comes it trammels the appointments, in fact it works here just as it does at home.
I never did believe in Itenerant preachers having Local fam- ilies and my submission to it in Oregon is with a very poor grace, but the country is new there are very few schools and but two parsonages. My idea is on every circuit let the preacher go and live, if no house can be had otherwise let him build one with such help as the people can be induced to give and the mission funds do the rest. Then let there be a barn and garden and if need be (and we cannot do without it) a few acres put in oats. Then whatever time the preacher spends in work at home at house or fence or garden or pasture it is directly promoting the work of the Itinerancy and not for private personal interest. So that very shortly the whole coun- try completely covered with a net work of circuits, will be ready for the somewhat comfortable occupancy of the pastors of the people living among them, and then the swollen river and violent storm will seldom or never get between the preacher and his work.
But then this plan contemplates the entire consecration of ​
246 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
the preacher to his work, and of course an entire support from the Gospel. Bro. Wallar is thus entirely supported, perhaps Bros. Parrish and Helm receiving $450. each, would think they are not. Bro. Wallar now lives on his circuit. But suppose it were necessary for him to go to Mary's river next year The nearest appointment would be 20 miles from his place of residence, and much of his time must be spent away from either his family or his charge. When I conversed with him he gave the following reasons among others. He has been at the Dalles 3 years, outside of all civilization, has had no ad- vantages of school for his children since he has been in the country, and now desires to place his 5 children close by a school for a little time where they may be educated for God and his church.
He adds this was the course substantially advised by Bro. Gary and that when he thus gets his family so they can be comfortable that he can attend to his work better, spending more hours in labouring among the people, than if he were to move from circuit to circuit leaveing his children without school, family without comfortable quarters exposed as they must be in the Country at present. There is a force in these reasons which you cannot feel so powerfully as myself. I know of no better plan than to urge the principle that every man to live in and about his work and then if exceptions occur, why, endure them as best you can.
If you can relieve this question by further instructions or advice please furnish it forth with. Farther thoughts in rela- tion to this matter in the Annual Report which must be forth- coming shortly.
It will doubtless be desirable to the Board to know how nearly the support estimated by their committee accomplishes its object. I heard Bro. Wilbur remark a few days since that circumstanced as he now is, he can get along quite comfortably indeed with the amount appropriated to him. Bro. Wallar says there is no proper proportion between his support and that of others. (Say Bro. Wilburs.) The latter receives $600 having one child (i. e. a daughter aged 16). The former receives $688. with a family of 5 children 1 under 7 the other 4 over 7 but under 14. This is very disproportionate, were the support exceedingly ample I would say nothing about the disproportion, but it is not and I advise the board to revise the estimate and bear in mind that children eat as well as ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 247
grown people. So that while $88. may pay the salary of 4 children it furnishes nothing for table expenses at all. I of course refer to the estimate of Octo. 46 for I know of nothing later. Bro. Leslie is doing fairly I think for support, though he was a little involved last year. Owing to some business arrangements of other years which involved him somewhat in in debt. As to myself I desire to say I have just footed up my bills since I have been in the country and find that up to this time I am worse off in finances than I was at home, and am likely to be so unless the Board shall make such appropria- tions as will raise the allowance to the neighborhood of
per annum from July 1st, 1847, to the present time. I am doing but one work every energy is consecrated to it. It bur- dens me with solicitude for it[s] prosperity in its various departments, I am left with but little time to attend to the affairs of my family. And I am sure It is at once the WISH and policy of this Board to keep me above every anxiety and burdensome care with respect to personal support. The above remarks would not be made were they not necessary and I was not aware until a few days past but that the allowance was sufficiently ample. If at any time it should occur to you that the disproportion is too great between the supt. and other brethren the data can be immediately forth coming which ren- ders it necessary. He ought to keep from 6 to 10 horses, waggon, harness and all travelling gear in this country is im- mensely high and difficult to get and soon wears out. All these extras above what any of the brethren require for the ordinary work you may say might belong to the mission and be charge- able to Expense a/c. So I thought for a time but I find it best to have little or nothing belonging to the Mission. When- ever it is possible let every thing belong either to the Mission or myself and there is much less danger of loss or difficulty. 2 of my horses are lost and the remaining six could not be replaced for $500. But enough of this for the present. How would it do for you to get up an Edition of the Methodist almanac for Oregon City perhaps also if you find a copy of ours for 1848. There is none likely to be published here at present and if it would cost but little, to get it up, I think a small edition of from 200 to 300 Copies might be sold say @ lOc. It may not be adviseable if there would be much ex- pense involved but if it could be done cheaply there might be some good accomplished by the arrangement. Can you tell if ​
248 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
the gold discovered in California will induce the Merchants to send goods largely to Oregon? If you are not sure that a supply will be sent at once, then there remains no alternative but for the Mis. Bbard to ship here soon as possible almost every article needed by the 6 or 7 families and 3 or 4 single men now in the employ of the mission for wearing apparel. Not a Blanket, or Kettle or tin pan, or pair of boots, or strong coat or pants or hat fit to wear or pound of Sal Eratus or tea can be bought anywhere in the territory that I know of at any price. A few Ibs sugar, some Manilla coffee, a little rotten sewing silk &c yet remain, but I suppose the sugar crop is neglected at the Islands and if raised the ships are otherwise employed. Oh if we could but hear from you once more then the hope of relief might spring up.
The Advocates sent to this country with my other papers seem to be rummaged or pillaged so that every file is broken, and incomplete and then what is the matter in the clerk's de- partment in the forwarding office. Until nearly the last Nos papers were sent to J. and D. Lee, Shepherd &c then those were stopt, and Bros. Leslies and Wilbur's papers also. Please correct this and if there is to be a regular communication for papers as well as letters, let us have say 50 copies of the Advocate to begin with, all sent to one address and we will endeavor to distribute them and forward the pay for those not taken by the preachers as soon as possible.
The brethren laboring here under the auspices of the Ameri- can Board desire to return to our hands the Dalles Station. They cannot occupy it or their own either at present, and as their losses are enormously heavy, they wish to lesson them by returning this property. They were to pay a little over $600 and my conclusions on the subject are as follows. If the station is ever again to be occupied we can man it better than they. If it is not and the property is to be a total loss it is not much, and I think Brotherly kindness will be promoted by our promptly relieving them of the obligation in view of their broken up condition: And if the establishment is sold to gov- ernment or to some private person, it will bring three times as much in which case we not they ought to have the advantage. So I have said I see no objection to receiving it with the under- standing that they make good any property they may have appropriated and we will look to the government for any dam- age done by the Indians or troops during the war. The troops ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 249
took down the barn and made a stockade fort and when the U. S. Gov. comes doubtless it will be wanted for a military station. The business is not yet consummated and I could have wished counsel before acting in the case. But it is one of those plain cases which did not admit of the delay necessary to abtain such counsel and I must therefore act according to the light I have trusting the Board will approve. The Papists have settled a mile or two off the premises, and some day would be accessory to the murder sooner or later of any Pro- testants who might tenant the station. But when once the jurisdiction of the U. S. Gov. is extended here no fear of Papists should ever keep me one hour from going or sending men to labor there if no other reasons existed.
They now infest every part of the upper country despite the prohibition of our Prov. Gov. and when that prohibition is removed I purpose visiting the Station if not called away to California, and any interferance with our property by them will be laid before the proper authorities. Such visit in com- pany with Bro. Wallar will enable me to form some more enlightened opinion as to the state of the Indians in the Upper Country, and as to the question whether their final abandon- ment by all Protestant Missionaries is really unavoidable. You will know much sooner than we can what are the intentions of the American Board and will be prepared to give some counsel with regard to the question.
The Indians have been severely rebuked for the murders committed and will not be likely to misbehave in future. I am sorry in my heart that we can hear of nothing which you have done for California. Others are now on the ground before us after all. A Mr. Hunt from the Islands went to San Fran- cisco last fall, and the people made him up a salary of $2500. for one year. So he is now their chaplain.
I cannot resist the conviction that our movements are in- excuseably slow and dilatory. I yet hope some of these days to receive intelligence that the Board has acted with great promptness and all that spontaniety of fear which the case called for.
There have been so many sources from which I expected to get advices that I have not dared to move a step from my own work here, lest they should come in my absence and thus time be lost, and withal our hands are filled with work here else I should have gone down the coast and preached at the Bay of San Francisco myself. ​
250 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
We are often enquired of by aged persons for spectacles to enable them to read the Bible. There is none to be had in Oregon. I think it within the range of doing good, to request you to send two or three dozen pair of common ones suitable for persons from middle age and onward, it will be a blessing to many. Many persons enquire of us for books. They hear of the libraries of the A. T. Soc. and of the Harpers &C and they wish to send money by us to buy some of these Libraries. Now we tell them we have libraries and books of the very best kind, and cheap too and moreover that we will have some brought out to this country soon as possible. Can you help us redeem this pledge. The only plan I know of is this. By this time you have the general Catalogus so classified as that. Family Libraries or select books calculated to enlighten the mind and sanctify the heart are set apart in Libraries for social and family use. Now Sir select a little lot of them worth at least $500. and let the Board send them to us to sell at cost. It will be a loseing matter so far as money is concerned but great gain in every other respect. Perhaps I ought to suggest a thought in refference to boxes. In every case where the article will admit of it send us our things in barrels or moderate sized casks with iron hoops seldom in boxes and never in large boxes at all and let them be made and packed so as to hold the largest amt. of goods with a measurement of the smallest no of inches. Transportation here is very difficult and large boxes or casks are unmanageable. But time fails. If my letters are full of the expressions of want and necessity they will doubtless meet the expectation of a body of men whose very existance was designed to supply them. I rejoice the mercy seat above is not so distant nor inaccessible either as our Board at home and as our spiritual necessities and supplied most abundantly by our Father in heaven doubtless you will contribute to the supply of our temporal necessities, with such counsel and advice as you may deem proper. I am D. B. Yours in Christ,
W. Roberts. Ex to E. S. Johnston Feb. 12 1849
Shawl for Hannah, Woolen Plaid 1 whole or two half pieces. 2 or 3 dozen Picket knives Phlegen, Water Proof cloth 6 to 10 yds, white hat 3y 2 brim 5 or 5^4 high 22^ circumference. Revolver 12 inches pair of Holsters with Pistols smooth bore, flint lock & saddle for Mrs. Roberts. ​
LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 251
To the Rn>d Messrs H. H. Spalding E. Walker and C. Ells.
Dear Brethren: Your proposal of the 3 Inst. to retransfer the Mission station at Wascopam near the Grand Dalls of the C.[olumbia] River to the Oregon Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church was reed, by the hands of Bro. Eells.
I take the earliest opportunity to say that the offer is hereby accepted according to the terms of the proposal.
With sentiments of great respect, I am Dear Brethren, Yours in Christ,
Win. Roberts,
Salem March 13th 1849 Sup. O. M.
Salem O. T. April llth 1&49. Rev & Dear Bro.:
I reed yesterday a letter from W. W. Jones by order of your Conference in answer to one I sent some months since to Bro I Green in relation to J. G. T. Dunleavey with the request that his credentials be forwarded to you to be filed with the papers of the Conference. You will therefore receive them enclosed in this sheet. All that I reed which includes parchments liscence to preach, exhort and Testimony of official standing from his Pre[ siding] E[lder] when he left Mo. I am inter- ested in this man and have some hope rather "forlorn" to be sure, that he may yet be saved. He resides near Santa Cruz in upper California and talks of coming to Oregon. Could we be permitted here to surround him with the priveleges and checks of gospel influence we should hope to "convert the Sinner from the Error of his ways and hide a multitude of sins."
I am Dear Bro.
Yours in Christ,
To Rev Jno R. Bennete W. R.
Lexington, MO.
* ↑ The first installment is found in Volume XXI, pp. 33-47 (March number, 1930).
* ↑ In anticipation of the necessity of moving from his interior mission, Dr. Whitman had arranged to purchase the Methodist Mission site at The Dalles.
* ↑ Mr. Roberts' purpose in keeping a copy of his official correspondence was merely to have one for his own reference, hence his free use of abbreviations when making that copy. Many of these book titles will be recognized readily altho some are too obscure to justify an effort to interpret them.