The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-01-19

is well worthy Of the attention both of Con-
gress and the whole country
-, January, 1889.
DEAR SlR:-So strongly am impressed with the
importance Of the Oregon Territory to the United
States, and of the necessity OF its early occupation
that cannot refrain from imparting 10 you more
fully my ideas in regard to it.
Look at its posilion-wh river that at a tri-
fling expense, may be made navigable for steam
boats 1000 miles, passing through fertile country,
better adapted TO grazing, TO an unlimited extent,
than any other portion of country-and with ar
able lands of the first quality-and in quantity
sufficient for the support Of population of two mil
lions. lis minerals are unknown, but doubtless
abundant and valuable Look at its fur trade, its
salmon and cod fisheries (for the finest Of cod are
at the mouth of the Columbia.)
Figure TO YOURSELF large city near the mouth of
the Columbia, with a railway across the mountains,
and canal around the falls and rapids, with ex-
,ensivc Navy Yards, large commercial marine
carrying on an immense foreign trade with China
and India, and "the Isles OF the Ocean," and the
whole western coast Of America; and an inland
trade with the great Valley of the Mississippi, and
with the Eastern States, generally to amount at
this day, not even imagined and you will realize
Oregon as 1t will be fifty years hence under wise
and enlightened policy. Isay nothing Of the cities
that will spring up the falls of the Columbia the
Willamette, at the junction Of the railroad and
water communication, &c. &c. This will give you
an idea Of the importance Of Oregon to this nation,
in a commercial point Of view. And here would
remark, that on looking at the map, you will find that
the Hudson Bay Company have not taken posses
sion Of any place south of the Columbia, and have
~
hitting title rather Great Britain has done
OF course then, they cannot complain If we take i'm
mediate possession Of the territory south of the Co
lumba. But, although important in CONNER
cial point of view, Oregon is far more so u.s. in
military point of view. Our Western neghbors
are an Indian population, who can bring into the
field 100000 warriors; and we have concentrated
them, thus giving them power they did not before
possess. Suppose Oregon to be in the possession of
the English, and the United States involved in war
with England and Mexico at the same time-an
event far from improbable-what would be the state
of our Western country2 Would 81. Louis be
saiea Would New Orleans be safe Z But we have
promised protection to our Indians, whom we have
driven from their homes, and placed west of the
Mississippi To the Southwest there are large tribes
OF warlike lndians-t the West, in the mountains,
the Blackfeet Administrations and warlike-who
can bring into the field Is or 10000 warriors. Most
of the tribes of the Oregon, although now peacea-
BILE, are brave men and expert warriors; they can
raise army OF 10000 men, and as great force
can be brought from the Northwest. Suppose these
directed BY English officers, and add TO these the
whole available force Of Canada, with an invading
army from England backed by her fleet, and then
ask yourself, whether We shall not find work enough
for rude, unframed, undscipned militia with a
handful of regular troops.
II is than idle 10 attempt to control our In
dian population SO long as they can retreat TO the
businesses Of the Rocky Mountains; and so long as
they can look for counenance and support from the
western Indians and the Hudson Bay Company
ana The only efecual way of protecting our western
frontier and of controlling the whole Indian popu-
ation, is the entire possession of the Oregon Terri
tory, with chain of military posts from the mouth
OF the Missouri to that of the Columbia All other
posts in the vicinity Of the Indian population on the
borders Of the western States This is as clear 10
my mind as that two and two are four and to Sc
cure the important object a railroad and canal are
indispensable. II is the rapidly of movement that
renders SNAIL disciplined army powerful-you are
enabled to throw your whole force at any point that
shall be threatened, in few days and to withdraw
them as soon. With such facilities, il will not re-
quire half the number Of troops TO occupy our west
ern territory; and the saving OF expense in their
transportation, and that of munitions of war supplies
for the Indians, &c. would be immense
Our Indian Department is becoming very i'm
porant one and should receive the early attention of
Congress The Indians should be treated fairly and
with honesty, and the greatest efforts should be made
to attach them TO our Government the agents should
be men of honor and principle; and an inspector
should be appointed to take Of the interests of
the Indians and il should be attended to without, de-
lay. We also greatly need new militia law.