# Oregon Historical Quarterly/Volume 13/Slacum's Report on Oregon, 1836-7

DOCUMENT
SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON
1836-7
Introductory note on the occasion of the Slacum Mission, the most helpful influence he exerted during his very brief stay in Oregon and the matters emphasized in his report.—Editor Quarterly.
Just what impelled President Jackson in November, 1835, to seize an opportunity "to obtain some specific and authentic information in regard to the inhabitants of the country in the neighborhood of the Oregon or Columbia river" is not yet clear. Bancroft connects this move by the national executive with the publication by Hall J. Kelley of an account of the hardships suffered by Americans in Oregon through measures of the Hudson's Bay officials, represented as arbitrary and cruel; Marshall suggests that Captain Bonneville's report on this region at this time may have occasioned this step at Washington; the investigations of Dr. J. R. Wilson led him to look upon this effort of President Jackson to get light on the situation in Oregon as bound up with his larger scheme of acquisition of territory in the southwest, stretching from Texas to and including the harbor of San Francisco. Doctor Wilson came to this conclusion because Jackson's interest in this direction had in the first instance been aroused by letters from Slacum. The scope and character of the report suggest that the author had a pretty clear and full appreciation of all the vital American interests in the Oregon situation in the thirties.
"A full and accurate report" . . . "in regard to the country and its inhabitants" was desired, one including "all such information, political, physical, statistical and geographical as [might] prove useful and interesting to this government." Neither the magnitude of the task imposed, the failure of the government to supply an outfit, nor the mishaps ​176 DOCUMENT tered in entering upon his mission deterred Slacum. He seems to have advanced a large part, if not all, of the funds neces- sary for the undertaking. The data he succeeded in collecting during some twenty days while he was on land in Oregon were repeatedly used in later committee reports to both the Senate and the House, "and referred to in debates in both houses as of the highest value." While he was commissioned simply to observe what the situation in Oregon was, he seized every opportunity to im- prove conditions and was the leading factor in bringing the Oregon community up so that it was upon a higher plane because of his few days of wholesome functioning there. The success of the Oregon Cattle Company's undertaking made for peace as well as plenty. In bringing about an understand- ing, good will and co-operation, where feud, defiance and de- structive tactics were developing, Slacum's visit to Oregon was a veritable godsend. Not the least of his good offices to the community was the assurance he gave the "Canadians" that their pre-emption rights would be recognized by the American Government. What far-reaching national interests demanded did not es- cape him. He emphasized as strongly as Wilkes was to en- force a few years later the vital necessity of retaining Puget Sound as an American possession. A mission like his into a region dominated by the representa- tives of another nation made his status not far different from that of a spy. Word of his coming gave this suggestion to those in authority at Fort Vancouver. Nevertheless, his bear- ing was such as put him immediately on terms of mutual defer- ence with them. The many courtesies he, enjoyed from them did not make him forget his duty to report faithfully those elements in the Oregon situation affecting American interests there, however much the seamy side thus brought to view re- flected on the magnanimity of the Hudson's Bay Company authorities. The fearful handicap put upon American enterprise on the Columbia by their monopoly tactics ; their introduction of tar​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 177 iff-free goods into distinctively American territory ; their coun- tenancing of Indian slavery ; their exploitation of the fur-bear- ing resources of the region south of the Columbia, and the condition of commercial tutelage in which the tribes were held all these things were pointed out as they were matters of vital concern to the authorities at Washington responsible for the welfare of the American citizen. We all regret that he omitted a graceful and generous rec- ognition of the aid given the Cattle Company by Dr. Mc- Loughlin something in the same vein as was his assurance that Captain Domines with the Owyhee was saved from an attack through the intervention of McLoughlin. Sen. Ex. Doc. 24, 25th Congress, 2d Session, Vol. I. MEMORIAL OF WILLIAM A. SLACUM Praying Compensation For His Services in Obtaining Information in Relation to the Settlements on the Oregon River. DECEMBER 18, 1837. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and Ordered to Be Printed. To the Senate and House of Representatives- of the United States of America in Congress Assembled: The memorial of William A. Slacum. RESPECTFULLY REPRESENTS : That he is a purser in the navy of the United States; that on the 12th of November, 1835, he received the communication (marked A) which accompanies this memorial, from the Sec- retary of State, by the direction of the President of the United States, charging him with the performance of a certain "com- mission" therein specified, to-wit. : "To obtain some specific and authentic information in regard to the inhabitants of the country in the neighborhood of the Oregon, or Columbia river ; ​178 DOCUMENT and, generally, endeavor to obtain all such information, polit- ical, physical, statistical, and geographical as may prove useful or interesting to this Government." That, on the 1st of June, 1836, your memorialist commenced to perform this commission. He left Guaymas, which is situ- ated near the head of the Gulf of California, on that day, and proceeded to Petic. He arrived there on the 4th of the same month, and purchased mules, provisions, &c., for his journey to the Columbia river. These preparations being made, he was informed by the best authority that the land route to the Columbia was, at that season of the year, impracticable. (See letter No. 1.) Accordingly, he was compelled to abandon that attempt,, and he returned to Guaymas, in the hope of being able to procure a vessel, by which to effect his object. There, so anxious was your memorialist to fulfil the trust confided to him, he chartered the only vessel he could procure, being a small boat of 12 tons burden, (and which had formerly been the long-boat of the ship James Monroe, of New York,) and in her he set sail for the Columbia river, on the 7th of July, 1836. (See letter No. 2.) After navigating about 400 miles in this frail boat, having been out in her 19 days, and been well-nigh lost, your memorialist was forced to put into Mazat- lan in distress, and there abandon her. (See letter No. 3.) At the latter place your memorialist heard that a vessel was lying at La-Paz, Lower California, that was soon to sail for the Sandwich islands. This being now the only hope left of accomplishing his mission that year, your memorialist deter- mined to proceed to the Sandwich islands in her, and there procure, if possible, a vessel to go into the Columbia. Accord- ingly, he sailed from La-Paz on the 10th October, (see letter No. 4,) and reached the Sandwich islands the 5th of Novem- ber following. There he chartered the American brig Loriot, and set sail for the Columbia on the 24th of the same month. (See letter No. 5.) He arrived in the Columbia river on the 22d of December, 1836. Your memorialist here begs leave to refer your honorable body to his memoir, which accompanies this memorial, (marked ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 179 B,) and which contains a full and true account of all that transpired during his presence in the Columbia river and its tributaries. It ? together with the maps and charts which are herewith presented, and which make a part of the said memoir, comprises the result of your memorialist's laborious and peril- ous mission. Having made this narrative of his operations, your memor- ialist begs leave to submit the following considerations to your notice, : 1st. This undertaking was not in the tenor of his official duties. He was charged with its performance by the Presi- dent's direction, through the Department of State. 2d. Although "the necessary and reasonable expenses" at- tending this mission were promised to be paid by the Govern- ment, your memorialist regrets to state, that engagement has not been entirely fulfilled. In the settlement of his accounts at the proper department, considerable deductions have been made, and refused to be allowed, from the amount of actual expenses paid by your memorialist, and which he humbly thinks ought to be allowed and repaid to him. (See papers marked C, and letters Nos. 6 and 7.) 3d. Your memorialist has not submitted any account against the Government for the expenses of preparing for the land journey to the Columbia river. He has exhibited no account for the freight, insurance, or interest of the moneys devoted by him to the public service; nor has he charged the United States with the money which he thought it prudent and politic to expend in presents to the natives, and others whom he visited. (Paper marked D contains the probable amount of these expenses.) All the above-mentioned charges and expenses, which were incurred and paid by your memorialist for the benefit solely of his Government, he has not presented against it, because he had reasonably expected that the President, in consideration of the services he had rendered, would have made him a suit- able compensation. ​180 DOCUMENT In this expectation your memorialist has been disappointed, and therefore he presents this memorial to your honorable body, with the, request that, if you approve his services, you will indemnify him for the actual expenses he has paid in per- forming them ; and will also make him whatever remuneration you may deem those services to merit from the Congress of the United States. And as in duty bound, your memorialist will ever pray, &c. W. A. SLACUM. A DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 11, 1835. SIR: Having understood that you are about to visit the Pacific ocean, the President has determined to avail himself of the opportunity thus afforded, to obtain some specific and authentic information in regard to the inhabitants of the coun- try in the neighborhood of the Oregon or Columbia river. In the belief that you will willingly lend your services in the prosecu- tion of this object, I now give you, by the President's direction, such general instructions as may be necessary for your guid- ance, in the execution of the proposed commission. Upon your arrival on the northwest coast of America, you will embrace the earliest opportunity to proceed to and up the river Oregon, by such conveyances as may be thought to offer the greatest facilities for attaining the ends in view. You will, from time to time, as they occur in your progress, stop at the different settlements of whites on the coast of the United States, and on the banks of the river, and also at the various Indian villages on the banks, or in the immediate neighborhood of that river ; ascertain, as nearly as possible, the population of each; the relative number of whites (dis- tinguishing the nation to which they belong) and aborigines ; the jurisdiction the whites acknowledge; the sentiments enter- tained by all in respect to the United States, and to the two European powers having possessions in that region ; and, gen- erally, endeavor to obtain all such information, political, physical, statistical, and geographical, as may prove useful or interesting ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 181 to this Government. For this purpose it is recommended that you should whilst employed on this service, keep a journal, in which to note down whatever may strike you as worthy of observation, and by the, aid of which you will be enabled, when the journey is completed, to make a full and accurate report to this department of all the information you may have col- lected in regard to the country and its inhabitants. Your necessary and reasonable travelling expenses will be paid from the beginning of your journey from the coast of the Pacific to the Columbia river,, and till your return to this city. Vouchers, in all cases where it may be practicable to get them, will be required in the settlement of your account at the Treasury Department. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN FORSYTH. WILLIAM A. SLACUM, ESQ. B AMERICAN BRIG LORIOT, OFF SAN BLAS, March 26, 1837. SIR: My letters from Guaymas, Mazatlan, and San Bias, up to the 10th of October Iast 4 will have acquainted you with the difficulties I encountered in endeavoring to get to the Columbia river by the route along the seacoast from Lower California, and also of my intention to proceed to the Sandwich islands to purchase a vessel to take me into the Columbia. From information I received at Oahu, I considered it neces- sary to have a vessel under my entire control, in order to be independent of the Hudson Bay Company, (who have abso- lute authority over the inhabitants on either side of the river, and from whom alone the commonest wants or supplies could be procured;) at the same time to have a shelter under the flag of my country, from whence I might hold communica- tions with the Indians and whites, and obtain the information required in the "Instructions" I had the honor to receive from the Department of State, of November 11, 1835. I have now ​182 .DOCUMENT the honor to communicate the following account of my pro- ceedings, and the result of my observations. I left Oahu in the American brig Loriot on the 24th of November last, and on the 22d of December made Cape Disap- pointment, the northern point of entrance to the Columbia. The wind was high from the westward, and the bar presented a terrific appearance, breaking entirely across the channel from the north to the south shoals. The wind blowing directly on shore, and^ believing it would be impossible to work off against the heavy westwardly swell, we attempted the passage at twelve M., and crossed the bar safely, in not less than five fathoms, and anchored, at two o'clock, in Baker's bay. I am thus particular because the idea generally , prevails that the bar of the Columbia should never be crossed when it breaks. In the afternoon the wind strengthened to a gale but we were completely sheltered by Cape Disappointment. About eight o'clock at night we were visited by a large canoe, containing twelve Indians of the Chenook tribe. The princi- pal chief, Chenamus, and his wife, were of the party; they brought us wild fowl, ducks, geese, &c. The first question Chenamus asked on coming on board was "Is this King George or Boston ship?" Chenamus told us two vessels were lying at Fort George, distant fourteen miles, on the opposite side of the bay. It was late in the afternoon of the 23d before we weighed, when we stood up the bay towards Fort George. We anchored at night opposite the fort, (at the entrance of the river formed by Chenook point and Point George,) distant five miles. Early on the morning of the 24th, I crossed over in the boat to the fort, and found the ships alluded to by the Indians were the Hudson Bay Company's ships Nereide and Llama, both loaded and ready for sea; the former with the, annual supply of goods suitable for the Indian trade at the Hudson Bay Com- pany's depots along the coast at the north, from Pugitt's sound in 47 30' north, to Fort Simpson, in 54 40' north ; the latter with a valuable cargo of British manufactures, bound to St. Francisco, California. Ascertained the, Hudson Bay Company's ​ship "Columbia" crossed the bar on the 26th of November, bound to London, with a valuable cargo of furs and peltries, valued at £80,000–$380,000.
On the morning of the 25th, John Birnie, the Hudson Bay Company's trader at Fort George, doubtless with a view to inform the chief factors (Messrs. McLaughlin and Finlayson) of the appearance of the Loriot, despatched a canoe to Fort Vancouver. I availed myself of this opportunity to write to Mr. Finlayson, (a gentleman whom I had known formerly at the Sandwich islands,) requesting him to send me down a pilot and a stove, if to be procured at the fort.
The wind favoring, on the 26th we stood up the river, but made little progress against a strong current; the wind falling light, at night we were compelled to anchor.
On the 31st I received an answer from Mr. Finlayson, (by the pilot whom he sent down,) giving me a polite invitation to visit Fort Vancouver was told that Mr. Douglass, one of the partners of the Hudson Bay Company, had come down the river. That gentleman, however, proceeded to Fort George by an inside passage; and I afterwards understood the chief object in his coming down was to inquire into the cause of my visit, as it was already known that the Loriot had no cargo on board.
-ing up against the wind, with but few hours slack tide; but Up to this period we had made but little headway in work- this favored my landing daily, and visiting every Indian lodge and village on the river, from "Chenook" to "Oak point."
The next day, Mr. Douglass, returning from Fort George, called aboard the Loriot, and repeated the invitation given me by Mr. Finlayson, to visit Fort Vancouver; and, as there was but one more Indian settlement between this point and the Hudson Bay Company's establishment at Vancouver, I embarked with Mr. Douglass, in his canoe, with nine "Canadian voyaguers" [Sic]. We made about fifty miles in twenty-four hours, and landed next day at the fort, where I met a hospitable reception from Dr. John McLaughlin and Mr. Duncan Finlayson.
​184 DOCUMENT Political and statistical. State of the country. In 1670, a charter of Charles the 2d granted an exclusive trade to the governors and company of adventurers of London, trading into Hudson's bay. They were to have the sole trade and commerce of and to all the seas, bays and straights [Sic], creeks, lakes, rivers, and sounds, in whatsoever latitude, that lie within the straights commonly called Hudson's straights together with all the lands, countries, and territories upon the coasts of such seas, bays, and straights, which were possessed by any English subject, or subjects of any other Christian State together with the fishing for all sorts of fish, of whales, sturgeon, and all other royal fish, with the royalty of the seas. As late as 1825, this extensive charter had not received any parliamentary confirma- tion or sanction. In consequence of the many difficulties and quarrels between the Northwest and Hudson Bay Companies, the British Govern- ment compelled them to merge their stock into one company, and they are now called the Hudson Bay Company. This coalition took place in 1821. It is therefore under the charter of the Northwest Company, if such exists, that the Hudson Bay Company now claim the exclusive right to, and the trade and commerce of, all the country from the north bank of the Columbia river, to 54 40' north, along the coast of the North Pacific ocean, and from thence of all the country within three marine leagues of the coast to the Frozen or Arctic sea. In 1818, when Fort George (Astoria) was formally given up by Captain Hickey, of his British Majesty's ship Blossom, and Judge Prevost and Captain Biddle, the American commis- sioners, had placed the customary placards declaratory of the event on Cape Disappointment and Point George, the question would scarcely have been asked by any of his British Majesty's subjects to whom the country of right belonged. Soon after the departure of the United States ship Ontario, Captain Biddle, the buildings at Fort George were destroyed by fire. It is said the act was commited by the Indians, who likewise took away the placards put up by the American commissioners. ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 185 The Northwest Company being at this time established at Fort George, (having purchased of Mr. John Jacob Astor, of New York, his interest in his trading establishment, called by him Astoria,) continued to trade with the Indians, and built a trading-house near the site of the old fort. This was kept up, first by the Northwest, and since by the Hudson Bay Com- pany, to the present day. For several years previously to the coalition, however, the interior trade of both companies had become materially lessened by their vicious and destructive opposition to each other ; but from this period, the coalition, in 1821, the now Hudson Bay Company have extended their enter- prises over an extent of country almost incalculable. I shall endeavor to point out the enterprise of this company, and the influence they exercise over the Indian tribes within our acknowledged lines of territory, and their unauthorized introduction of large quantities of British goods within the territorial limits of the United States. Fort Vancouver, the principal depot of the Hudson Bay Com- pany west of the, Rocky mountains, stands on a gentle acclivity, four hundred yards from the shore, on the north bank of the Columbia, or Oregon river, about 100 miles from its mouth. The principal buildings are enclosed by a picket forming an area of 750 by 450 feet. Within the pickets, there are thirty- four buildings of all descriptions, including officers' dwelling- houses, workshops for carpenters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coopers, tinners, &c., all of wood except the magazine for pow- der which is of brick ; outside and very near the fort there are forty-nine cabins for laborers and mechanics, a large and com- modious barn, and seven buildings attached thereto ; a hospital and large boat house on the shore, six miles above the fort. On the north bank,, the Hudson Bay Company have erected a saw- mill on a never-failing stream of water that falls into the Columbia ; cuts 2,000 to 2,400 feet of lumber daily ; employs 28 men, chiefly Sandwich Islanders, and ten yoke of oxen ; depth of water, fours fathoms at the mill where the largest ships of the company take in their cargoes for the Sandwich islands market. ​186 DOCUMENT ',. The farm at Vancouver contains, at this time, about 3,000 acres of land, fenced and under cultivation, employing gener- ally 100 men chiefly Canadians and half-breed Iroquois; the mechanics are Europeans. These, with the factors, traders, clerks, and domestics, may be estimated at thirty. The laborers and mechanics live outside the fort in good log cabins two or three families generally under one roof; and as nearly every man has a wife, or lives with an Indian or half-breed woman, and as each family has from two to five slaves, the whole num- ber of persons about Vancouver may be estimated at 750 to 800 souls. The police of the establishment is as strict as in the best regulated military garrison. The men are engaged for the term of five years, at the rate of 17 to 15 per annum; but, as the exchange is reduced to currency at the rate of five shillings to the dollar, the pound sterling is valued at $4; hence, the price of labor is $5 66J to $6 66| per month. The ration consists of eight gallons of potatoes and eight salt salmon a week per man, in winter, and peas and tallow in summer ; no bread or meat allowed by the company at any time. Out of this ration, each man has to support himself and family, or make his Indian slaves hunt and fish for their support. The farm at Vancouver has produced this year, 8,000 bushels of wheat, 5,500 bushels of barley, 6,000 bushels of oats, 9,000 bushels of peas, 14,000 bushels of potatoes, besides large quantities of turnips, (rutabaga,) pumpkins, &c. About 6,000 bushels of wheat, of the old crop, remain on hand this year. Stock consists of about 1,000 head of neat cattle, 700 hogs, 200 sheep, 450 to 500 horses, and 40 yoke of working oxen. There is a large threshing machine, distillery, (not at present in operation,) and a grist-mill. In short, the farm is abundant- ly supplied with all the requisite utensils for a much larger establishment ; and it will be much increased the ensuing year. A thriving orchard is also planted ; the apple, quince, pears, and the grape grow well. Trades, &c. A large ship arrives annually from London, and discharges at Vancouver; cargo, chiefly coarse woollens, cloths, baizes, and blankets ; hardware, cutlery, calicoes, cottons ; ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 187 and cotton handkerchiefs; tea,, sugar, coffee, and cocoa; to- bacco, soap, beads, guns, powder, lead, rum, playing cards, boots, shoes, ready-made clothing, &c., &c. ; besides every description of sea stores, canvass [Sic], cordage, paints, oils, chains and chain cable, anchors, &c., to refit the company's ships that remain on the coast. These are the ship Nereide, the brig Llama, the schooner Cadborough, and sloop Broughton; the steamboat Beaver, of 150 tons, two engines of thirty horse power each, built in London last year. These vessels are all well armed and manned; the crews are engaged in England, to serve five years, at 2 per month for seamen. The London ship, with the annual supply, usually arrives in the Columbia in early spring, discharges, and takes a cargo of lumber to the Sandwich islands; returns in August to receive the furs that are brought to the depot (Fort Vancouver) once a year, from the interior, via the Columbia river, from the Snake country, and from the American rendezvous west of the Rocky moun- tains, and from as far south as St. Francisco, in California. Whilst one of the, company's vessels brings in the collections of furs and peltries made at the different depots along the coast at the north, (see map,) the steamboat is now being employed in navigating those magnificent straights from Juan de Fuca to Stickeen. Immense quantities of furs, sea otter, beaver, martin and sable can be collected along the shores of these bays and inlets. The chief traders at Nasquallah, in 47 30', Fort Langley, in 49 50', Fort McLaughlin, in 52 10', Fort Simpson, in 54 40' north purchase all the furs and peltries from the Indians in their vicinity and as far as New Caledonia in the interior, and supply them with guns, powder, lead, tobacco, beads, &c. ; all of which supplies are taken from the principal depot at Fort Vancouver. An express, as it is called, goes out in March, annually, from Vancouver, and ascends the Columbia 900 miles in batteaux. One of the chief factors or chief traders, takes charge of the property, and conveys to York factory, on Hudson's bay, the annual returns of the business conducted by the Hudson Bay Company west of the Rocky mountains, in the Columbia dis​188 DOCUMENT trict. This party likewise conveys to the different forts along the route, (see map,) goods suitable to the Indian trade; other parties take up supplies, as they may be required, to Walla- wallah, 250 miles above Vancouver; to Colville, 600 miles above; to the fort at the junction of Lewis's river, 700 miles above; and to the south to the Fort McRoys, on the river Umpqua, in latitude 43 50' north: and last year, chief trader McLeod took up to the American rendezvous, in about latitude 43 north, a large supply of British manufactures. This as- semblage of American trappers and hunters takes place annually on the western side of the Rocky mountains, generally in the month of July, and amounts from 450 to 500 men, who bring the result of their year's labor to sell to the American fur traders. These persons purchase their supplies for the trappers at St. Louis; though, after being subject to the duties on these articles, (chiefly of British manufacture,) they transport their goods about 1,400 miles by land, to sell to citizens of the United States within our acknowledged lines of territory. Last year, they met a powerful opponent, in the agent of this foreign monopoly, chief trader McLeod, who could well afford to undersell the American fur trader on his own ground first, by having the advantage of water communication on the Colum- bia and Lewis's rivers for a distance of 700 to 800 miles ; and, secondly, by introducing the goods free of duty, which is equal to at least twenty-five to thirty per centum : but a greater evil than this exists in the influence the, Hudson Bay Company exercises over the Indians, by supplying them with arms and ammunition, which may prove, at some future period, highly dangerous to our frontier settlements. Besides this the policy of this company is calculated to perpetuate the institution of slavery, which now exists, and is encouraged, among all the Indian tribes west of the Rocky mountains. I shall refer to this more particularly hereafter. From what I have seen, I feel perfectly satisfied that no individual enter- prise can compete with this immense foreign monopoly estab- lished in our own waters; for instance, an American vessel, coming from New York or Boston to trade on the northwest ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 189 coast or the Columbia, would bring a cargo chiefly of British manufactures, on which the duties had been paid; or, if the cargo was shipped for drawback, the vessel would have to enter some other port to discharge and reload, in order to get the benefit of the debenture certificates ; whereas the Hudson Bay Company's vessels come direct from London, discharge at Vancouver, pay no duty, nor are they subject to the expense and delay of discharging and reloading in a foreign port. Since the year 1828, a party of forty to fifty trappers, (Cana- dians,) with their women, slaves, &c., generally amounting to 150 to 200 persons and 300 horses, go out from Vancouver, towards the south, as far as 40 north latitude, These parties search every stream, and take every beaver skin they find, regardless of the destruction of the young animals: excesses, too, are unquestionably committed by these hunting parties on the Indians; and every small American party (save one) that has passed through the same country has met defeat and death. The parties being much smaller than those of the Hudson Bay Company, the Indians attack them with success; and the Americans hesitate not to charge the subordinate agents of the Hudson Bay Company with instigating the Indians to attack all other parties. In 1829, the American brig Owyhee, Captain Domines, of New York, entered the Columbia, and commenced trading with the Indians for beaver skins and peltries. In the course of nine months Captain Domines procured a cargo valued at ninety- six thousand dollars. It happened that this year the fever that has since desolated the Columbia from the, falls to Oak point appeared, and Dr. McLaughlin, the chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company, with all the gravity imaginable, informed me the Indians to this day believe that Domines, of the "Boston ship" brought the fever to the river. How easy was it for the Hudson Bay Company's agents to make the Indians believe this absurdity, for reasons, too, the most obvious! Domines was daily assailed with reports that the Indians intended at- tacking him when his vessel was lying at the rapids of the Willhamett, alias the "Maltonomah," of Lewis and Clark. The I ​190 DOCUMENT Rev. Jason Lee told me Dr. McLaughlin had informed him that the principal chief of the Willhamett tribe had proposed to cut off the Owyhee, doubtless thinking it would prove agree- able to the Hudson Bay Company. Dr. McLaughlin, of course, forbid the measure. The Indians are taught to believe that no vessel but the "Company's" ships are allowed to trade in the river ; and most of them are afraid to sell their skins but at Vancouver or Fort George ; of this I had positive evidence from the Indians them- selves, as well as from a remark made by chief trader, McLeod, aboard the "Llama" in Baker's bay. It was mentioned in the course of conversation that a Madam "Perand," wife of one of the Canadian settlers on the Willhamett, had just come in with twenty to thirty fine beaver skins. Some one of the party re- marked, turning towards Captain Bancroft, of the Loriot, "there is a fine chance for a bargain." Mr. McLeod quickly replied "d n the skins shall Madam Terand' sell to cross the bar of the. Columbia." This was said in the presence of Captains Mc- Neil, Bancroft, Brotchie, Rd. Bevrevie, and myself. The next American vessel that entered the river after the Owyhee and her consort, the "Convoy," was the brig "Mary Dane," [May Dacre] of Boston. She arrived in 1835, to pro- cure a cargo of salmon. In consequence of some arrangement, the cause of which I am unacquainted with, Mr. Wyeth, the owner and agent, agreed not to purchase furs, provided Dr. McLaughlin would throw no impediment in his way of procur- ing salmon. This enterprise failed ; only 800 to 900 pounds of salmon were obtained. Stock, &c. of the Hudson Bay Company, is held in shares, (100.) Chief traders and chief factors who reside in America, are called partners. Chief factors are entitled to one-eight of one share, or rather the profits arising from the same, equal to about $4,500 to $5,000 per annum. Chief traders one- sixteenth, or half the above amount, $2,250 to $2,500. They are not stockholders in perpetuity, as they cannot sell out as other stockholders but have only a life estate in the general stock. ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 191 A council annually assembles at "York Factory," where reports from the different "districts," east and west of the Rocky mountains are read and recorded, and their proceedings forwarded to London, to the "Hudson Bay house." Chief fac- tors and chief traders hold a seat at this council board, and Governor Simpson presides. It is here, that every new enter- prise is canvassed, expense and probable profits carefully in- inquired into, as each member feels a personal interest in every measure adopted. If it is ascertained that in certain "districts" the quantity of beaver diminishes, the trappers are immediately ordered to desist for a few years, that the animals may increase, as the wealth of the country consists in its furs ; and so strict are the laws among many of the northern Indian tribes that to kill a beaver out of season, (i. e. in the spring or summer,) is a crime punished with death. The enforcement of this law is strongly encouraged by the Hudson Bay Company. Not so careful, however, are the company of the territory not their own ; on the contrary, they have established, a fort and trading house called "McRoy's Fort," on the river Umpqua, in 43 50'. This fine stream falls into the Pacific, (but is not laid down in any printed map;) ten thousand beaver skins are collected here, and double this amount brought out of the country adjacent, within our lines ; and the Indians are encouraged to "trap the streams" at all seasons ; from Wallawallah, Lewis's river, and the Snake country, all lying between 42 and 46 north lati- tude, 50,000 skins are collected. The price of a beaver skin in the "Columbia district" is ten shillings, $2, payable in goods at 50 per cent on the invoice cost. Each skin averages one and a half pound, and is worth in New York or London $5 per pound; value $7 50. The beaver skin is the circulating medium of the country. Indian slavery. The price of a slave varies from eight to fifteen blankets. Women are. valued higher than men. If a slave dies within six months of the time of purchase, the seller returns one-half the purchase money. As long as the Hudson Bay Company permit their servants to hold slaves, the institu- tion of slavery will be perpetuated, as the price, eight to ​192 DOCUMENT fifteen blankets, is too tempting for an Indian to resist. Many instances have occurred where a man has sold his own child. The. chief factor at Vancouver says the slaves are the property of the women with whom their workmen live, and do not belong to men in their employ, although I have known cases to the contrary. We shall see how this reasoning applies. These women, who are said to be the 'owners of the slaves, are fre- quently bought themselves by the men with whom they live, when they are mere children; of course they have no means to purchase, until their husbands or their men make the pur- chase from the proceeds of their labor ; and then these women are considered the ostensible owners, which neither lessens the traffic, nor ameliorates the condition of the slave, whilst the Hudson Bay Company find it to their interest to encourage their servants to intermarry or live with the native women, as it attaches the men to the soil, and their offspring (half breeds) become in their turn useful hunters and workmen at the differ- ent depots of the company. The slaves are generally employed to cut wood, hunt, and fish, for the families of the men employed by the Hudson Bay Company, and are ready for any extra work. Each man of the trapping parties has from two to three slaves, who assist to hu;it, and take care of the horses and camp ; they thereby save the company the expense of employing at least double the number of men that would otherwise be required on these excursions. After passing ten days at Fort Vancouver, and visiting the Indian lodges near the farm, &c. finding it would be impossible to get a party to accompany me at this season of the year across the mountains, I determined to visit the only white settle- ment on the river Willhamett, the Multonomah of Lewis and Clark. On the morning of the 10th January, having been furnished by Dr. McLaughlin with a canoe and six men, and all the necessaries for the voyage, I left Fort Vancouver to ascend the Willhamett. I shall withhold a description of this beautiful river for the present. On the night of the llth, I passed the falls thirty miles distant. On the 12th, at midnight, I reached "Camp Maud du Sable," the first white settlement on ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 193 the river. My men had been in the, canoe paddling against a strong current for twenty-two hours, without any intermission except in making the portage at the falls. "Camp Maud du Sable" is distant about fifty-five miles from the Columbia, running nearly due South. The first settler was "Jean Baptiste Deshortez McRoy," who came to the country with the Ameri- can Fur Company in 1809, (Astor's company.) McRoy pitched his tent permanently at this place, six years since. For the first two years he was almost alone ; but within four years past the population has much increased, and is now one of the most prosperous settlements to be found in any new country. The Rev. Jason Lee, missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of New York, having heard through Dr. McLaughlin of my intention to visit the Willhamett settlement, politely came down from the mission house, distant eighteen miles, to meet me at this place. In company with this gentleman, I called on all the settlers in the lower settlement, and next day visited the mission house and upper settlement. No language of mine can convey an adequate idea of the great benefit these worthy and most excellent men, the Messrs. Jason and Daniel Lee ? Messrs. Shephard and Edwards, their assistants, have conferred upon this part of the country, not by precept, but example as I think the following result of their labors will show. To use Mr. Jason Lee's own words, "it was after having heard that an Indian, of the Flat Head tribe had crossed the Rocky mountains to inquire of Governor Clark, at St. Louis, about the God that the pale faces worshipped, that first led me to think of establishing a 'mission' west of the mountains." Two years since, last October, Mr. Lee's party encamped on the ground where their dwelling now stands, immediately on the banks of the "Willhamett." They commenced felling tim- ber with their own hands, and by Christmas they erected the frame of their house and had it half covered in, and fenced 24 acres of land. In the spring they put in a crop which produced the first year, 1835, ​194 DOCUMENT 150 bushels of wheat, 35 do. of oats, 56 do. of barley, 87 do. of peas, 250 do. of potatoes. 2d year, 1836 : 500 bushels of wheat, 200 do. of peas, 40 do. of oats, 30 do. of barley, 4J do. of corn, 3 do. of beans, 319 do. of potatoes, with a full supply of garden vegetables. They have built a good barn, added to their dwelling-house, which now consists of four large rooms, 18 by 20 feet, lofts and cellar, have a good garden and 150 acres of land enclosed under good fenc- ing. With the exception of three months' hired labor of a carpenter to finish the inside of their dwelling and make tables, forms, &c. for their school room, the above is the work of these pious and industrious men, assisted by the Indian chil- dren of the school. Their family at present consists of 3 adults, and 19 full blooded, and 4 half breed Indian children, 10 of whom are orphans. 7 girls and 15 boys attend the school ; likewise 8 half breeds' children of the neighboring settlers. The children are all taught to speak English. Several of them read perfectly well. They are all well clothed and fed, and are already very cleanly in their habits. The larger boys work on the farm in fine weather. They can plough, reap, and do all ordinary farm work well. Several of them evince good me- chanical genius. Mr. Lee assures me that most of the boys have earned their board, clothing, and tuition, estimating their labor at the lowest rate of wages allowed by the Hudson Bay Company. Their school and family could be much increased, but they do not wish to add to their number until they receive further assistance, thinking it the wisest plan at present, for the sake of example, to attend strictly to the mental and physical instruction of these "Neophytes." ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 195 The land on which the mission house is established is rich alluvial deposite, open prairie, interspersed with good timber. Mr. Lee acknowledges the kindest assistance from Dr. Mc- Laughlin, of Fort Vancouver, who gave him the use of horses, oxen, and milch cows, and furnished him with all his supplies. Indeed Dr. McLaughlin has acted towards many of the settlers in the same manner, giving them the use of cattle and horses on the following terms : The produce of the neat cattle and horses belong to the Hudson Bay Company, and are liable to be called for at any time. If the cattle die, the persons holding them are not charged with their value. Horses to be returned in kind, or the sum of $8, the current value of the horse, is charged. To convey an idea of the industry and progress of the Will- hamett settlement, I beg to refer to paper B. It would be doing the Messrs. Lee and their associates injustice, were I to omit speaking of their successful and happy efforts in establishing a temperance society among men who are generally considered as being almost without the pale of moral restraint, (I mean trap- pers ;) and it affords me great pleasure to add, that every white man in the settlement entertains the highest respect for the character and conduct of the Lees and their associates. This circumstance is sufficient evidence of their worth. Papers C and D will show their laudable efforts in arresting this destruc- tive element, the white man's poison, the Indian's certain death. The case of Ewing Young, referred to in paper C, will be understood by his statement E, and some verbal explanations which I shall make in relation to his case. After duly considering the great benefit that would result to this thriving country if the distillery of Ewing Young could be prevented from being put into operation, and inasmuch as he candidly admitted it was nothing but sheer necessity that com- pelled him to adopt the measure, I told him (Young) that I thought he had gained his point without adopting the expedient that produced it, as I was authorized by Mr. Finlayson to say, "if he would abandon his enterprise of distilling whiskey, he could be permitted to get his necessary supplies from Fort ​196 DOCUMENT couver, on the same terms as other men ;" and further : I pro- pose to loan him $150, get him a supply of decent clothing from the. fort, in my name, and give himself and his partner, Car- michael, a passage to California as he informed me he was exceedingly anxious to go thither to clear himself of the calumny that General Figaroa, had through Dr. McLaughlin, circulated against him, producing in effect the most unjusti- fiable persecution. Mr. Young seemed deeply sensible of my offer: said a cloud hung over him so long, through Dr. Mc- Laughlin's influence, that he was almost maddened by the harsh treatment he had received from that gentleman. I left him under a promise of receiving an answer to my proposition next day. In the course of conversation with Mr. Lee, Young, and other settlers, I found that nothing was wanting to insure com- fort, wealth, and every happiness to the people of this most beau- tiful country but the possession of neat cattle, all of those in the country being owned by the Hudson Bay Company, who refuse to sell them under any circumstances whatever. I then pro- posed to give to as many of the settlers as chose to embark in the Loriot, a free passage to California, where they might pro- cure cattle at $3 per head. The advantage of being landed in California or Bodega free of expense, and the risk of the road, was very great. A meeting was accordingly held in the lower settlement, where the paper F was drawn up. Mr. Young was appointed leader of the party. All the settlers who had money due them from the Hudson Bay Company contributed to the enterprise. Ten men embarked in the Loriot, and were landed safely at Bodega, on the 20th February. I advanced Mr. Lee $500. This sum, added to the contributions of the settlers, produced $1,600, a sum sufficient to purchase five hun- dred head of cattle in California. I will here remark that when I parted with Mr. Young, at Monterey, on the 2d March, he had every prospect of procuring all the cattle required, on the north side of the bay of St. Francisco. He had likewise re- ceived propositions from several Americans residing at Cali- fornia to return with him to the Willhamett with their stock of cattle, thus doubly reinforcing the settlement from this ac​1 SLACUM^S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 19? cession the party will receive in California. They will doubt- less reach the Willhamet safely in June, the distance by the coast of the Pacific being about six hundred miles. The men are all experienced woodsmen. I certainly view this measure as one of the highest importance to the future growth and prosperity of this fine country, even if no other object is attained by my visit to the Columbia. A large cargo of wheat, five thousand five hundred bushels, could at this time be procured from the settlers on the Will- hamett. It would find a good market at the Sandwich islands, the Russian settlements at Norfolk sound, (Sitka,) or in Peru; but some steps must be taken by our Government to protect the settlers and the trader, not from the hostility of the In- dians, but from a much more formidable enemy, that any American trading house establishing itself on the Willhamet or Columbia would have to encounter, in the Hudson Bay Company. All the Canadian settlers have been in the service of the company; and from being for a long time subject to the most servile submission to the chiefs of the monopoly, are now, although discharged from the service of the company, still blindly obedient to the will of those in authority at Van- couver, who, on their part, urge the plea that, by the legisla- tive enactments of Canada, they are prohibited from discharg- ing their servants in the Indian country. Therefore they consider the people of the Willhamett although freemen in every sense of the word still subject to the protection and authority, otherwise thraldom of the Hudson Bay Company it being only necessary for the authorities at Vancouver to say, "if you disobey my orders, your supplies shall be cut off ;" and the settler knows at once that his few comforts, nay, necessaries of life, are stopped, rendering him more miserable than the savage that lurks around his dwelling. At the public meeting that took place at "Camp Maud du Sable" on the subject of the expedition to California the live- liest interest appeared to be felt when I told the "Canadians" that, although they were located within the territorial limits of the United States, their pre-emption rights would doubtless ​198 DOCUMENT be secured them when our Government should take possession of the country. I also cheered them with the hope that ere long some steps might be taken to open a trade and com- merce with the country. They now only find a market for their wheat, after being compelled to transport it themselves in canoes, (the portage of the Willhamett in their way,) at Fort Vancouver, at the low price of 50 cts. per bushel, pay- able in goods at 50 per cent, advance, whilst the Russians are paying $1 50 this year in California for their supplies for "Sitka." The quantity annually required is about 25,000 bushels. The entrance of the Columbia river is formed by Cape Dis- appointment on the north, in latitude 46 19' north, and 123 59' west longitude, and Point Adams, on the south, in 46 14' north and 123 54' west longitude, physical and geographical. It was between the years 1780 and 1782, 1 I believe, that Captain Meir [Meares] in an English merchant ship of Lon- don, saw "Cape Disappointment," and entered the bay be- tween the two capes; but, as "Chenook" and "Tongue point" interlock, Captain Meir [Meares] left the bay under the im- pression that it extended no further inland. He published an account of his voyage in London, in 1785 1786, on his re- turn, and called the bay Deception bay. The next year, 1783 to 1784, Captain Gray, of Boston, in the American ship "Co- lumbia" entered the bay and stood up the river as far as the point designated on the map as Gray's bay, where he overhauled and refitted his ship. Captain Gray called the river the "Columbia," after his ship. In 1787, Van- couver entered the river, and Lt. Brougton, in the cutter Chatham, stood up the river as far as the bluff, (the old site of Fort Vancouver,) about one mile distant from the site of the present fort. But the Spaniards had doubtless a knowl- edge of this country long before this period. The expedition from San Bias, in 1776, saw the river, and called it the "Ore- gon." (Manuscripts in the marine archives at Madrid.) The i Lieut. Slacum was writing without his authorities at hand so should not have allowed himself to venture with any dates. Ed. Quarterly. ​–Russian expedition under Behring, in 1741, did not come as far south as Cape Flattery, in 49° north. As I have not the means at present of giving any further information of the early discovery of this part of the country, I shall now speak of its present appearance, &c., begging to claim your attention to the maps of the Columbia and the country south as far as the Russian settlements as Bodega.
In entering the Columbia river, you find a bar extending across the channel, (two miles in width,) from the north to the south shoals. The shoalest water on the bar is four and a half fathoms; but as the prevailing winds in winter are from the westward, and the entrance lies exposed to the swell of the Pacific ocean, the bar breaks with a wind of any force if from the west of north or south and west of east. At present, vessels are kept outside for several days waiting for clear weather to run in, having neither beacon, buoys, nor lights to guide them when close in with the shore. This delay would be obviated in a great measure if the coast was surveyed and properly lighted. "Cape Disappointment" is a high, bold promontory, about 400 feet above the sea, covered with timber from its base to the top. "Point Adams" is low, and cannot be seen at a great distance. The sailing directions which I shall be able to present with a chart of the river, will more fully explain the appearance of the, bay and river. As far as the depth of water is marked on the chart, it may be fully relied on. I cannot leave this subject without pointing out the great facility and the advantages that would result from a thorough cut of not more than three-quarters of a mile through the lowest point of the Cape Disappointment, from Baker's bay to the ocean. The soil is light, and the height not more than sixty feet at the point proposed; and I have not the slightest doubt that a deep and safe channel would soon be made by the action of the tide (at the rate of five to six knots an hour) as it sweeps around the bay, bringing with it the whole volume of water of the Columbia and its tributaries.
Every thing around the shores of Baker's bay shows the richness of the soil. The pines, firs, and the most beautiful ​200 DOCUMENT variety of flowers, grow to" an extraordinary size, whilst the finest grasses are seen at this season fringing the sides of the hills to the water's edge. For the first ten miles, as you ascend the Columbia from Chenook and Point George, which may, properly speaking, be called the mouth of the river, its width is about four miles. It then narrows to about one mile, and continues at this width to Vancouver, (with but two excep- tions, for a mile or two.) At "Oak Point" village, the oak is first seen: from thence the oak, ash, laurel, cotton wood, beach, alder, pines, firs, yew, and cedar , are found to the falls. Geological formations at Fort George are concretions of shells, sandstone, and plumbago. On the Willhamett, remark- ably fine gray granite is found. Indian statistics. The first tribes of Indians in Baker's bay, are the Chenook on the north, Clatsops on the south. The lat- ter live at Point Adams and on Young's river, where Lewis and Clark wintered. Both tribes at this time do not exceed 800. Rum Rumley [Concomly] the principal chief of the Clat- sops, who was always the white man's friend, and who rendered every assistance in his power to Lewis and Clark, is no more; and, as an evidence of the effect of intemperance among these miserable Indians, out of 40 descendants of this chief not one is this day alive, Chenamas (Chenook) claims authority over the people from "Baker's bay" to the Cowility [Cowlitz] ; but Squamaqui disputes his authority from Gray's bay to the above point. From the river Cowility to the falls of the Columbia, (see map,) "Kassenow" claims authority. His tribe, since 1829, has lost more than 2,000 souls by fever. They are principally "Rea Ratacks," very erratic, and the only good hunters on the river below the falls, as all the other tribes immediately on the river below the falls, as well as those who frequent the waters of the Columbia during the season of the salmon and sturgeon, subsist chiefly on fish and wild fowl; and the ease with which they procure food, fish, and fowl, with the delicious vegetables the "Wapspitoo" [Wapato] and "Kamass" engen- ders the most indolent habits among these people. ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 201 Willhamett or Multonomah tribes live in the valley formed oy the range of mountains, running north and south, in which Mount Hood and Mount Vancouver is laid down in Arrow- smith's map, (sometimes called the Klannet range, from the Indians of that name,) and on the west by the Kallamook and Yamstills, running south parallel with river and ocean. -In ascending this beautiful river, even in midwinter, you find both sides clothed in evergreen, presenting a more beautiful pros- pect than the Ohio in June. For 10 to 12 miles, on the left bank, the river is low, and occasionally overflows. On the right the land rises gradually from the water's edge, covered with firs, cedar, laurel, and pine. The oak and ash is at this season covered with long moss, of a pale sage green, contrast- ing finely with the deeper tints of the evergreens. The first tribe of Indians are the Kallamooks, on the left bank, on a small stream of the same name, 30 miles from its mouth: 2d are Keowewallahs, alias Tummewatas or Willham- etts. This tribe, now nearly extinct, was formerly very nu- merous, and live at the falls of the river, 32 miles from its mouth, on the right bank. They claim the right of fishing at the falls, and exact a tribute from other tribes who come hither in the salmon season (from May till October). Prin- cipal chiefs deceased. This river at the present day takes its name from this tribe. 3d. "Kallapooyahs" occupy lodges on both sides of the river. 4th. "Fallatrahs" on a small stream of same name, right or west bank. 5th. Champoicho west bank. 6th. Yamstills west bank. 7th. Leelahs both sides. 8th. Hanchoicks. All these five tribes speak Kallapooyah dialect, and are doubtless of that tribe, but at present are divided as designated, and governed by chiefs as named. All these tribes do not exceed 1200. The ague and fever, which commenced on the Columbia in 1829, likewise appeared on this river at the same time. It is supposed that it has been more fatal in its effects. It has swept off not less than 5000 to 6000 souls. In a direction still further south, in Tularez, near St. Francisco, California, entire villages have been depopulated. I am happy to add, however, that this i ​202 DOCUMENT scourge to these poor Indians is disappearing. The above named constitute all the Indians to be found on the Willhamett, from its source in the mountains to its entrance into -the Co- lumbia, a distance of about 200 miles. The brig Owyhee, Captain Domines, moored at the rapids about a mile below the falls, in 12 feet water. Above the falls there is doubtless steamboat navigation for 150 miles. For a distance of 250 miles in extent by 40 in breadth, in- cluding both sides the river (6,500,000 acres) the land is of the most superior quality, rich alluvial deposit, yielding in several instances the first year 50 bushels of fine wheat to the acre. The general aspect of the plains is prairie, but well interspersed with woodlands, presenting the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The pastures at this day (12th January) are covered with the richest grasses, 8 to 12 inches high. I should be almost afraid to speak of the extraordinary mildness of the climate of this country, were I not enabled to present you thermometrical observations at Vancouver and Fort Simpson, in 52 north, and Bodega, in 39. I may fairly state the difference to be equal to 15 of latitude between the coasts of the west and east of this continent. It is to be kept in view, that the Willhamett is due south from the Columbia. I found on my return to Vancouver, on the 19th January, that snow had fallen, and the river was closed with floating ice, that had come down and blocked up the passage. Although I was not more than 70 to 80 miles south, I neither saw snow nor ice. I consider the Willhamett as the finest grazing country in the world. Here there are no droughts, as on the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, or the plains of California, whilst the lands abound with richer grasses, both in winter and summer. In 1818, the Hudson Bay Company had one bull and two cows; last year they salted 70, and have now upwards of 1,000 head of neat cattle from this stock. No comment is necessary in pre- senting this fact to your notice. The low grounds of the Columbia overflow, and the highlands are covered with tim- ber of great size, which would require immense labor in clear​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 203 ing. Fort Vancouver is the only spot, from Fort George up- wards, where a farm of any size could be opened. From the map of the country south of the Columbia, which I shall be, able to prepare from the rough though correct sketches in my possession, you will discover there are four rivers which fall into the Pacific ocean between 41 33' north latitude and Columbia. Three of these, with "Pelican bay," in latitude 42 4' north, are within the limits of the United States, but are not laid down in any published chart of the present day. Klamet river, 41 33' north latitude, 123 54' west longitude. West "Rougues" river, 42 26, north latitude, 124 14" west longitude. West Cowis [Coos] river, 43 31' north latitude, 124 4' west longitude. West Umpqua, 43 50' north latitude, 123 56' west longi- tude. Last year, 1836, the Hudson Bay Company's schooner "Cadborough," entered two of these rivers with 8 feet of water. "Pelican bay" is a good harbor. From the, information of Mr. Young and other trappers, I am told the Umpqua is nearly the same size as the Willhamett. The lands are equally good and well timbered. The river called "Rougues," or sometimes Smith's river, abounds with the finest timber west of the Rockv mountains; and it may be fairly estimated that the valleys of the rivers certainly within the limits of the United States,* contain at least 14,000,000 of acres of land of first quality, equal to the best lands of Missouri or Illinois. The Indians west of the Rocky mountains, between the Co- lumbia and 42 north latitude, may be estimated at 100,000, two-thirds of whom are armed by the Hudson Bay Company. North of the Columbia, along the coast to Cape Flattery, the "Chehulis" Indians inhabit the country. They have a friendly intercourse with the Indians of Baker's bay, although they speak a different dialect. On the "Cowility," (see map), which falls into the Columbia, there are a few Indians of the Klacku-
tuck tribe. Coal has been found here. Dr. McLaughlin now compels the Canadians, whose term of service expires, and who are anxious to become farmers, to settle on this river, as it lies to the north of the Columbia. The reason he assigns is, that the north side of the Columbia river will belong to the Hudson Bay Company. If one side of the river is claimed, with the same propriety they might claim both sides. The navigation of the Columbia is absolutely necessary to the Hud- son Bay Company; without this, they have no passage into the heart of their finest possessions in the interior, New Cale- donia, etc. I know not what political influence they command ; but this monopoly is very wealthy; and, when the question of our western lines of territory is settled, they (the Hudson Bay Company) will make the most strenuous efforts to retain free navigation of the Columbia more important to them than the free navigation of the St. Lawrence is to the people of the United States. I beg leave to call your attention to the topography of "Pugitt's sound" and urge, in the most earnest manner, that this point should never be abandoned. If the United States claim, as I hope they ever will, at least as far as 49 degrees of north latitude, running due west from the "Lake of the Woods," on the above parallel we shall take in "Pugitt's sounc}." In a military point of view, it is of the highest importance to the United States. If it were in the hands of any foreign power, especially Great Britain, with the influence she could command (through the Hudson Bay Company) over the In- dians at the north, on those magnificent straights of "J uan de Fuca," a force of 20,000 men could be brought by water in large canoes to the sound, "Pugitt's" in a few days, from thence to the Columbia; the distance is but two days' march, via the Cowility. I hope our claim to 54 of north latitude will never be abandoned; at all events, we should never give up Pugitt's sound, nor permit the free navigation of the Co- lumbia, unless, indeed, a fair equivalent was offered, such as the free navigation of the St. Lawrence. I am now more convinced than ever of the importance of the Columbia river, ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 205 even as a place where, for eight months of the year, our whalers from the coast of Japan might resort for supplies, which, in the course of a few years, would be abundant, if the citizens of the United States could receive, from the Govern- ment the protection due to them. A custom-house, established at the mouth of the Columbia, would effectually protect the American trader from the monopoly which the Hudson Bay Company enjoy at this time, and a single military post would be sufficient to give effect to the laws of the United States, and protect our citizens in their lawful avocations. We descended the Columbia in the Loriot on the 23d of January, and found the Hudson Bay Company's ships Nereide and Llama still in "Baker's bay," having been detained since the 22d of December. On the 29th of January, a violent gale from the southeast commenced before daylight. On the morn- ing of the 30th, the Loriot parted both cables, and was driven ashore. We received every assistance from the Nereide and Llama. In two or three days the Loriot was got afloat. In the mean time., Captain Bancroft went up to Fort Vancouver, and succeeded in getting a good chain-cable, stream, and anchor. On the 10th of February, the bar was smooth and the wind from the eastward. We got under way with the Hudson Bay Company's ships Nereide and Llama, and crossed the bar safely, and stood on our way towards "Bodega," the Russian settlement in California. Nothing material occurred from the day we left Columbia until the morning of the 19th of February, when we made the land off the "Presidia Ross." The wind bein.r light, I took the boat at 8 miles distant, and passed in for the fort. About three miles distant from the Loriot, I met three Bydackas com- ing off to us. An officer delivered a polite message from the Russian Governor, and immediately returned to the shore with me. About 2 o'clock I landed, and met a hospitable reception from Mr. Peter Rostrometinoff, the Russian military and civil commandant of the Russian American Fur Company. The Presidia Ross lies in 38 40' north latitude, immediately on the ocean, on a hill sloping gradually towards the sea. The ​206 DOCUMENT rear is crowned by a range of hills 1500 feet in height, cov- ered with pines, firs, cedar, and laurel, rendering the position of the fort highly picturesque. The fort is an enclosure 100 yards square, picketed with timber 8 inches thick by 18 feet high, mounts four 12-lb. carronades on each angle, and four 6-lb. brass howitzers fronting the principal gate; has two octangular block-houses, with loop holes for musketry, and eight buildings within the enclosure and 48 outside, beside a large boathouse at the landing place, blacksmith's shop, car- penters' and coopers' shop, and a large stable for 200 cows, the number usually milked. The Russians first settled at "Bodega," about 18 miles south of Ross, in 1813. It was thought to afford facilities for ship-building, and a good point for seal fishing and "sea otter" hunting. Two vessels of .up- wards of two hundred tons have been built here, and several smaller vessels of 25 to 40 tons. The oak, however, of which these vessels have been built, is not good, although it is an evergreen, and resembles in grain the "post oak;" it is of far inferior quality. This establishment of the Russians seems now to be kept up principally as a "point d'appui;" and hereafter it may be urged in furtherance of the claims of the "Imperial Autocrat" to this country, having now been in possession of Ross and "Bodega" for 24 years, without molestation. Two ships annually come down for wheat from (Sitka). Their cargoes are purchased in California ; likewise, tallow and jerked beef, for bills on the Russian American Fur Company, St. Petersburg. These bills fall into the hands of the American traders from Boston and the Sandwich Islands, who receive these bills from the Californians as money in payment of goods. Ross contains about 400 souls ; 60 of whom are Russians and "Fins," 80 "Kodiacks," the remainder Indians of the neighbor- hood, who work well with the plough and sickle. All the Russians and Finlanders are artisans. Wages $35 to $40 per annum. They export butter and cheese to Sitka. But few skins (seals) are now taken no sea otters. This year the farm is much increased. Two hundred and forty fanegas, equal to 600 bushels, of wheat is sown. It generally yields 12 ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 207 bushels for one. Stock, 1,500 head of neat cattle, 800 horses and mules, 400 to 500 sheep and 300 hogs. Climate, Etc. Within the last three years a very material change has taken place in the climate along this coast. Form- erly, in the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October, the winds prevailed from northwest to west; November, December, January, February, March, and April; southwest to south-southeast winds prevailed; but for three years past the winds are exactly reversed. It is, consequently, much colder in winter than formerly. In May and June fogs settle on the hills near Ross, and produce rust in wheat. Thermometrical observations at Ross, in 1836, Fahrenheit. Latitude 38 41' north. In October, 1836, maximum 66 average 12 M. minimum 43 November, " maximum 72 " " minimum 38 December, " maximum 62 minimum 36 January, 1837, maximum 58 " " minimum 38 February, " maximum 56 " " minimum 43 Timber. Oaks, four species two are evergreen; sweet- scented laurel, excellent wood ; cedar of Lebanon ; "Douglass pine" grows to an extraordinary size ; common pines, firs, alder, and the red wood a species of cedar, the best wood in the country. An agent of the Russian Government was here last year. He came through via Siberia from St. Petersburg, and visited all the posts in Kamschatka, and on the northwest coast. He got permission from the late General Figaroa (then command- ant general of California) to put up a large building on the bay of St. Francisco, ostensibly to be used as a granary to receive the wheat purchased in California; but, in effect, it was intended as a block-house, and was to have been made defensible. The timber was got out, and now lies ready to i ​208 DOCUMENT be used. General Figaroa died, and his successor, "Chico, " pro- hibited the Russians from erecting their block-house. Mr. Rostrometinoff readily granted me permission for the party that accompanied me from the Columbia to land at Bodega. He also furnished a house for their use until their cattle could be collected, and provided me with horses and guides to proceed by land to the bay of St. Francisco. Of my proceedings in California, I must beg to refer to the com- munication which I shall have the honor to lay before you in a few days, accompanied by a chart of the Columbia, etc. In the mean time, I have the honor to remain your most obedient servant, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTHE, Secretary of State. (A.) OREGON TERRITORY, Wallamette Settlement. Articles of agreement made and entered into this 13th day of January, m the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven. Whereas we, the undersigned, settlers upon the Wallamette river, are fully convinced of the importance and necessity of having neat cattle of our own, in order successfully to carry on our farms, and gain a comfortable, livelihood ; and whereas we find it impossible to purchase them here, as all the cattle in the country belong to the Hudson Bay Company, they re- fusing to sell them under any circumstances; and as we be- lieve that the possession of cattle would not only benefit us personally, but will materially benefit the whole settlement, we, the undersigned, do therefore agree 1st. To avail ourselves of an offer of W. A. Slacum, Esq., of the United States Navy, to take passage in the American brig Loriot, Captain Bancroft, free of charge, to proceed to California, to purchase cattle for ourselves and all our neigh- bors who choose to join us in this enterprise, either by accom​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 209 panying us themselves or furnishing the means of purchasing cattle in California. 2d. We agree to contribute funds according to our means, making a common stock concern, subject to the following con- ditions: The expenses of all those who go to California are to be borne by the company, calculating the time so employed at the rate of twenty dollars per month ; provisions likewise to be paid by the company. 3d. The wages of the men thus employed are to be cal- culated as so much money, and each one is to be credited ac- cordingly ; and each and every member of the company shall have his portion of the cattle which may arrive safely at the Wallamette, there to be divided agreeably to capital and wages employed in the enterprise. 4th. All those who go for the purpose aforesaid, to Cali- fornia, hereby bind themselves to return to the Wallamette with the cattle, and to use their best endeavors to protect the same. 5th. We hereby agree that Ewing Young shall be leader of the party, and P. L. Edwards, treasurer, and that they shall be joint purchasers of the cattle. 6th. If any man desert the, company in California, he shall forfeit all wages which he may have earned. If, after the arrival of the party in California, any man shall choose to labor for his personal benefit, he shall have liberty to do so; provided that he shall be bound to invest the proceeds of his labor in the common stock, and he shall not enter into any engagements which shall prevent him from leaving when re- quired ; but such person shall not be entitled to any remunera- tion from the company for the time so employed. EWING YOUNG, his P. L. EDWARDS, JOHN x TURNER, JAMES A. O'NEAL, mark. WEBLEY J. HAWKHURST, his CALVIN TIBBETTS, PIERRE x DEPAU, LAWRENCE CARMICHAEL, mark.
    EMAT^ERQUIETTE, ​210
DOCUMENT
†Works on Shares with Young.
‡Besides the crop of wheat, each of the above five have a large quantity of barley, oats, peas, and potatoes, sufficient for their support.
£300 sterling in the hands of the Hudson Bay Company. ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 211 C. WALLAMETTE SETTLEMENT, January 2, 1837. GENTLEMEN: Whereas we, the members of the Oregon Temperance Society, have learned with no common interest, and with feelings of deep regret, that you are now preparing a distillery for the purpose of manufacturing ardent spirits to be sold in this vicinity; and whereas we are most fully con- vinced that the vending of spiritous liquors will more effectually paralyse our efforts for the promotion of temperance than any other, or all other obstacles that can be thrown in our way; and whereas we do feel a lively and intense interest in the suc- cess of the temperance cause, believing, as we do, that the pros- perity and interests of this rising and infant settlement will be materially affected by it, both as respects their temporal and spiritual welfare; and that the poor Indian, whose case is even now indescribably wretched, will be made far more so by the use of ardent spirits ; and whereas, gentlemen, you are not ignorant that the laws of the United States prohibit American citizens from selling ardent spirits to Indians, under the pen- alty of a heavy fine ; and, as you do not pretend to justify your enterprise, but urge pecuniary necessity as the reason of your procedure; and as we do not, cannot, think it will be of pe- cuniary interest to prosecute this business, if, as you have determined to do, you discontinue it the present season; and as we are not enemies, but friends, and do not wish, under existing circumstances, that you should sacrifice one single penny of the money you have already expended, we do, there- fore, for the above, and various other reasons we could urge, Resolved, first, That we, the undersigned, do most earnestly and feelingly request you, gentlemen, to abandon your enter- prise forever. Resolved, secondly, That we will, and do hereby agree, to pay you the sum you have already expended, if you will give us the avails of your expenditure, or deduct the value of them from the bill of expenses. ​212 DOCUMENT Resolved, thirdly, That a committee of one be appointed to make known the views of this society, and present our request to Messrs. Young and Carmichael. Resolved, fourthly, That we, the undersigned, will pay the sums severally affixed to our names to Messrs. Young and Carmichael, on or before the 31st day of March, 1837, the better to enable them to give up their enterprise. Resolved, fifthly, That the inhabitants of this settlement who are not attached to this society shall be invited to affix their names to this request, and to give what they feel free to give for the promotion of this object. JOSEPH GERVAIS - $8.00 XAVIER LA DESCOSTE 6 bushels of wheat DESPORTS MACKAY 8.00 JOHN HORD - 4.00 JOHN TURNER - 4.00 CALVIN TIBBETS WINSLOW ANDERSON CHARLES PLANTE - 6 bushels of wheat CHARLES RONDEAU JOSEPH DE LOR - 4.00 CHARLES ROE - 4.00 S. H. SMITH - 4.00 JAMES O'NEIL - 6.00 WEBLEY J. HAWKHURST - 5.00 ANDRES PECOR LOUIS FORCIA ELISHA EZEKIEL ETTIENNE LUCIA The undersigned jointly promise to pay the balance, be the same more or less. JASON LEE DANIEL LEE CYRUS SHEPPARD P. S. EDWARDS ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 213 The undersigned are not members of the Oregon Temper- ance Society, but concur in urging the foregoing request. PIERRE DEPAU A. ERQUETTE, JOHN BAPTISTE PERROULT GEORGE GAY P. BILLIQUE CHARLES SCHEGTE WILLIAM CARMING T. J. HUBBARD - $8.00 Messrs. YOUNG & CARMICHAEL. NOTE. T. J. Hubbard has since joined the temperance society. D. WALLAMETTE, January 13, 1837. GENTLEMEN : Having taken into consideration your request to abolish our enterprise in manufacturing ardent spirits, we therefore do agree to stop our proceedings for the present. But, gentlemen, the reasons for our first beginning such an undertaking were the innumerable difficulties and tyrannizing oppression of the Hudson Bay Company here, under the abso- lute authority of Dr. John McLaughlin, who has treated us with more disdain than any American citizen of feeling can support. But as there are now some favorable circumstances occurred that we can get along without making spiritous liquors, we resolve to stop the manufacturing of it for the present. p. $. Gentlemen, we do not feel it consistent with our feel- ings to receive any recompense whatever for our expenditure, but we are thankful to the society for their offer. We remain, etc., yours, YOUNG & CARMICHAEL. ​214 DOCUMENT To the OREGON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. Thermometrical observations taken at Fort Vancouver, latitude 45 37' north. 1833, June, Minimum 7 A. M. 52 Maximum, 12 M. 66 July, do. do. 47 do. do. 89 August, do. do. 52 do. do. 83 September, do. do. 48 do. do. 81 October, do. do. 35 do. 3P.M. 73 November, do. do. 30 do. do. 62 December, do. do. 09 do. do. 52 1834, January, do. do. 06 do. do. 43 February, do. do. 28 do. do. 64 March, do. do. 30 do. do. 66 April, do. 6 do. 32 do. do. 83 May, do. do. 42 do. do. 86 June, do. do. 49 do. do. 90 July, do. do. 55 do. do. 93 August, do. do. 49 do. do. 86 September, do. do. 46 do. do. 86 October, do. do. 36 do. do. 73 November, do. do. 31 do. do. 61 December, do. do. 18 do. do. 49 1835 January, do. do. 29 do. do. 52 February, do. do. 28 do. do. 58 March, do. do. 31 do. do. 61 1836, April, do. 7 do. 40 do. 4 P. M. 68 May, do. do. 42 do. do. 81 June, do. do. 48 do. do. 83 July, do. do. 55 do. do. 97 August, do. do. 54 do. do. 98 September, do. do. 40 do. do. 86 October, do. do. 41 do. do. 81 November, do. do. 29 do. do. 61 December, do. do. 16 do. do. 53 1837, January, do. do. 22 do. do. 48 ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 215 C. Amount of Mr. Slacum's account, as made out at the Department of State $5,969.74 From which the following deductions have been made at the same, viz. :
being for board, etc., of servant, not allowed $9.08 From item No. 15, one-third of the amount being for stage-fare of servant from Mex- ico to Vera Cruz 47.82 From item No. 16, one-third, being for pass- age of servant to New York 61.66 From item for expenses in Mexico, one-third for the proportion of servant 3.66 From item for expenses in and from New York to Washington, for the same 9.66 From item for hire of the servant, the hire and expenses of whom is allowed from the period of the commencement of the jour- ney of Mr. Slacum, in execution of the duty confided to him, to that of his arrival in Mexico, when it is considered he could have dispensed with his services 6.00 $137.89 $5,831.85 The amount of expenses in the within account greatly ex- ceeds that anticipated; it not having been contemplated that Mr. Slacum would have to charter a vessel at the Sandwich Islands for the purpose of reaching the Columbia river ; but, inasmuch as it appears that this was done by him after a fruit- less attempt to go up the coast in a small vessel, hired on the coast of Mexico, in his anxiety to perform the duties intrusted to him, I have approved the account, and submit it to the Presi- dent for his approbation. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, November 13, 1837. Approved: M. VAN BUREN. JOHN FORSYTH.
are made, I carried with me from this District to Mexico. His expenses were only charged to the Government from the commencement of my iourney from the west coast of America until my return to this city. He is a native citizen of the United States, a man of well-tried fidelity, courage, and integrity; and I could not, therefore, think of leaving him alone, a stranger, in a foreign and dan- gerous country. W. A. S. ​216 DOCUMENT DEDUCTIONS. From No. 14, one-third of the amount, being for board, etc., of a servant at Mexico, not allowed. . . $ 9.08 From No. 15 one-third, being for stage-fare from Mexico to Vera Cruz 47.83 From No. 16, one-third, being for passage of servant to New York 61.66 From item for expenses in Mexico, one-third, for proportion of servant 3.66 From item for expenses in and from New York to Washington, for the same, 9.66 From item for hire of servant, the hire and expenses of whom is allowed from the period of the com- mencement of the journey of Mr. Slacum, in the execution of the duty confided to him, to that of his arrival in Mexico, when it is considered he could have dispensed with his services 6.00 $137.89 No. 1. PETIC, June 7, 1836. SIR: I have the honor to acquaint you with my having reached this place a few days since, on my way to the Oregon. I could not procure a vessel at Guaymas, to go up the coast, therefore felt compelled to attempt the journey by land, in- tending to cross the Rio Colorado, in 113 west, and 33 north latitude. I entertained some fears of not being able to cross the river, and two days ago met Dr. William Keith, late United States Consul at Petic. He had just returned from Upper California. In answer to my inquiries as to the difficulties of the route, at this season of the year, he answered me thus : "From the Augua Salada, to the Tinaga Alta, is a distance of 28 English leagues, without water. From thence to the river Gila you are still without water. That at the Tinaga Alta, is collected during the rainy season in the rocks. We had great difficulty in watering our animals, and Don Silvestre de la Portilla, who followed four days after in our track, informed us the water had given out; consequently you would have a journey of at least 55 leagues to perform, without watering ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 217 your horses. From the 20th of April, until the 20th of Au- gust, Grand river is not in a condition to cross. I crossed on the 15th of April last, and found the river considerably swollen; in twelve hours it rose 4^2 feet, and it continues to rise until the 15th of July. On either side of the river for the distance of from 3 to 4 leagues, it is low, level, and muddy, and soon begins to overflow. The journey at this season of the year is impracticable; there is no case existing of its having been done. In fact, no one who is aware of the situation of the part where travelers are obliged to cross Grand river, would at- tempt it, unless in case of life and death." From the above statement of Dr. Keith, I feel, with the greatest degree of reluctance, compelled to abandon the journey by land. I shall return to Guaymas immediately, and hope I may find a vessel of some size in which I can beat up the coast. I have the honor to remain, etc., etc., WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 2. GUAYMAS, July 7, 1836. SIR : I had the honor of addressing you on the 7th ultimo, from Petic, on the subject of my route to the Oregon, and the cause of its impracticability at this season of the year. I have now to acquaint you with my having chartered a small vessel of the country, of 12 55/95 tons, in which I em- bark this day. I almost fear I shall not be able to work up to windward on the northwest coast, as the vessel is so very small. If, however, I should be blown off the coast, I must run for the Sandwich islands, and then do the best I can to get into the (coast) river. No exertion shall be wanting on my part to execute the trust reposed in me. I have the honor to remain, etc., WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State } Washington. ​218 DOCUMENT ' No. 3. MAZATLAN, July 27, 1836. SIR : I have the honor to hand you, enclosed, duplicates of my respects of the 7th of June, from Petic, and 7th of July, from Guaymas. I sailed from the latter port on the 7th inst, in the schooner Loretano, of twelve tons. This small vessel was the only one I could procure to prosecute the voyage to the Oregon. Off Cape St. Lucar, we encountered such tem- pestuous weather that I have been compelled to put in here in distress, water started, and leaking badly. When I tell you the Loretano was formerly the long-boat of the ship James Munroe, of New York, you will understand the size of my ship, in which I have attempted to get to the river. After navigating about four hundred miles in her in this gulf, I feel satisfied she will never beat to the windward a distance of two thousand eight hundred miles against the northwest winds, which blow with great violence at this season of the year on the coast; and I assure you, sir, it is no sinecure to be out now, on any part of the coast, in so small a craft. I have just heard that an English barque, the "Falcon," is lying at La-Paz, loading pearl shells for Canton. She will touch at the Sand- wich islands. I shall therefore, cross over to La-Paz, and take passage in her to Oahu. This will be my last hope of being able to reach the river this season. However, I feel confident of being on the banks of the Oregon by the first of November, and back in time to make my report to the Department of State before the adjournment of next Congress. I have been unfortunate heretofore in both my essays. I trust I shall be able now to get from the Sandwich islands to the river, with- out any further difficulty. I have the honor to remain, etc., WILLIAM A. SLACUM. ​i SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 219 To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 4. FALCON, OFF SAN BLAS, October 10, 1836. SIR: I have been unavoidably detained in California until this time. We sail, however, this day, for the Sandwich islands. I hope to be there by the, 1st proximo, and by the 10th of De- cember on the banks of the Oregon. I have forwarded to Mr. Ellis, in Mexico, a claim against the Government of Mexico, evidently of the most just and plain character; and although I have every confidence in the ability and friendly disposition of Mr. Ellis to do everything in his power to get the claims of his countrymen acknowledged, I could still have wished to have gone to Mexico, to urge, in person, the claim in question, amounting to nearly ten thousand dollars. But the duty that has been assigned me, I shall en- deavor to accomplish to the satisfaction of the Government, to the postponement of all matters of a private nature. I have the honor to remain, etc., etc., WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 5. OAHU, SANDWICH ISLANDS, November 24, 1836. SIR: I have the honor to acquaint you that I arrived here on the 5th instant, from Lower California, via San Bias. To- morrow I sail for the Columbia river, in the American brig Loriot, Captain Bancroft, and I may fairly calculate on being at Fort George in twenty days from this date. My coming hither has very much facilitated my views, and I have received information connected with American interests in the Oregon of the highest importance. ​220 DOCUMENT I have chartered the brig Loriot at $700 per month, as per enclosed memorandum of agreement, as I must be independent of the Hudson Bay Company, who are in possession of four forts on the Columbia, and two on the Willhamett, and they will, doubtless, endeavor to throw every obstacle in the way of proceeding up the river; but I have guarded against any ordinary contingency by having a good boat to proceed in after taking the Loriot above Fort Vancouver, the principal establishment of the Hudson Bay Company, situated about ninety miles from the mouth of the river. I have also pur- chased some few articles of trade, such as blankets, tobacco, etc., to lull suspicion and facilitate my movements. After accomplishing the objects of my mission to the Ore- gon, I shall run down on our line of coast to the Bay of Bodega, the Russian establishment, ninety miles north of San Francisco, and if I can meet a party sufficiently strong, I shall cross the Indian country to the United States, following the line of the Sacramento to its source, which must be near the head waters of the La Platte. The Russians are exceedingly anxious to get a footing on the bay of San Francisco. Last year, they erected a large block-house on the north side of the bay, ostensibly to be used as a granary to secure their wheat purchases for their more northern establishments at Sitka, etc. The people of California, however, are exceedingly jealous of their encroachments ; whilst, on the other hand, they (the Californians) are most anxious to throw off the Mexican yoke, and claim the protection of the United States. The American ship Rasselas came in yesterday, from Monterey ; came out with the United States ship Peacock, Commodore Kennedy. The captain of the Rasselas reports that the "Rancheros" were marching against the Government troops about one hundred strong. Last year, the "Rancheros" displaced two governors, and the third will, doubtless, follow their example. There are, at this moment, at least 300 American riflemen in Upper Cali- fornia, enough to take possession and hold the country, because the people are decidedly opposed to the lawless exactions of those who have been sent from Mexico to rule over them. I ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 221 hope to get to the United States in April, and trust the in- formation I may be enabled to lay before the Department of State may prove useful and interesting. I have used of my private funds about $1500, as the enclosed vouchers show. I shall most probably be compelled to draw on the department for my further expenses. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 6. ALEXANDRIA, September 13, 1837. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the llth instant, and beg to ask a reference to my letters of June 7th, from Petic ; of July 7th, from Guay- mas ; of July 27th, from Mazatlan ; of October 10th, from San Bias and November 24th, from Honolulu. Those letters ex- plain the difficulties I had to encounter, and the reasons which influenced my conduct in going to the Sandwich islands, as the only practicable route by which I could carry into effect the orders I had the honor to receive from the President of the United States, through the Department of State, in No- vember, 1835. Those orders, directing me "to embrace the earliest opportunity to proceed to and up the Oregon, by such conveyances as may be thought to afford the greatest facilities for attaining the end in view," in my humble opinion, fully justified my chartering the brig Loriot, to convey me to the river Columbia. On the subject of freight, I beg leave to assure you, that none was taken on board, either on my ac- count, or that of any other person. The provisions, accoutre- ments etc., of the American settlers from the Willhamett, whom I conveyed from that river to Bodega, were taken aboard the Loriot free of expense, as the agreement of the settlers, now ​222 DOCUMENT on file in the Department of State, shows ; and the benefit that will result to the United States from that measure alone, will be, nay is, at this moment more than ten times equivalent to all the expenses incurred in my journey. From the 1st day of June, 1836, when my private affairs were closed in Guaymas, I devoted myself to the duty assigned me; wholly regardless of my private interest, which would have led me to the capital of Mexico, to prosecute, in person, the claim I hold against that Government. (See my letter of October 10th from San Bias.) In conclusion, I beg leave most respectfully to remark, that inasmuch as I have paid on the account of the Government of the United States in specie, which I carried with me at my own risk, it seems to be but fair that I should be reimbursed in the same currency, to the full amount of my account. With sentiments of the highest respect, I am your most obedient servant, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 7. ALEXANDRIA. SIR: In submitting this account for the actual expenses I have paid in gold and silver, on account of the Government of the United States, I wish it to be distinctly understood that, from June, 1836, when I closed my private affairs as nearly as I could in Guaymas, I devoted all my time and energies to execute the commission intrusted to me, to the postpone- ment of my private interest, which would have led me to the city of Mexico, to urge in person the claim I hold against that Government, for about 10,000 dollars. I distinctly state, likewise, that I had no private business at the Sandwich islands, or elsewhere, to attend to, after June, 1836, when I commenced my journey towards the Columbia river from Lower California. When I failed in getting to the ​SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 223 Columbia by land from Lower California, (see my letters of June and July, from Guaymas,) I availed myself of the only alternative, namely, that of going to the Sandwich islands to procure a vessel to take me into the river ; my anxiety to pro- ceed caused me to take up a small vessel of 20 tons, to per- form a voyage of 3,000 miles. Finding on examination that this vessel was not sea-worthy, I chartered another even smaller, and after being out 19 days, and nearly entirely wrecked, I was compelled to abandon this vessel, and take passage in the English barque Falcon for the Sandwich islands, where I chartered the Loriot, and proceeded to the Columbia river. Hence has arisen the charges for Joven Teresa, and the Loretano, (see my letter from Mazatlan, of July, 1836,) the charges for clothing, blankets, &c. were as necessary for my use, to withstand the rigor of the climate, exposed as I was, as to the arms which I carried with me at my own expense. Part of the clothing I gave to the Indians for services ren- dered. I took with me gold and silver at my own risk, and which was calculated to increase the dangers of the journey : these were neither few nor light. I have made presents of arms, &c. to persons who have been civil to me, and have actually expended, in this way, over $200. I have not charged these items in my account, nor is there any charge for interest, because I have reasonably thought that the arduous duty I have performed would receive the attention of the Executive of the United States. With great respect, I remain, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 8. EXTRACT. FALCON, OFF SAN BLAS, October Wth, 1836. MY DEAR SIR: I have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 20th, just from Mexico. ​224 DOCUMENT I have requested my frie'nds, Messrs. Barren, Forbes, & Co. to forward to you the drafts on the custom-house at Guaymas, and have to beg the favor of your doing all you can to get the claim adjusted. I am compelled to proceed, on duty for the Government, to the Oregon,, else, I should hasten to Mexico, to endeavor to make some settlement of this, to me, important claim. I put the greatest trust in your getting the claim ac- knowledged at once from its apparent equity. Yours most truly, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. TO POWHATTAN ELLIS, Esq. Mexico.