Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-05-28
OREGON.

So diverse and contradictory are the va.
rious statements of travellers and emigrants
to Oregon, as TO the actual face and natu-
raj qualities of thai country, ,ha, it is a
matter of no little difficulty TO form any
opinion, satisfactory even to one's self up
on the subject We endeavor to print eve
ry thing that appears authentic, whether
favorable or otherwise, TO the existence
and increase Of the ''Oregon fever" and
as the following letter although not SO late
as news already received from that region,
contains some interesting facts, we give ii
place.
The following letter. addressed to the
editor of The Platte Eagle, from gentle
man, Hugh Burns) formerly Of Platte
city, and who went out two years since,
came Ey sea, via. Mazatlan and Newbury-
port, Mas-.l
FALLS OF WILLAMETTE,
Oregon Territory, Oct. "a, 1913.
ESTEEMED FRIEND In the outset Of
my journey here had grea, labor and
difficulty, but go, along without accident
or further loss than throwing away all
had except my mules. But have arrived
sale and in good health on the Goth Sep
TENDER of the last year. We encamped on
the first night Of our arrival on the banks
of the Clackmus. When started for this
country did no, intend to stay, but then
knew nothing of Oregon, but now | tell
you, friend McLand, tina, nothing could
induce me to leave this country and return;
for here we have health and every thing
else that can render a reasonable man hap
py. When first | looked upon the falls
here | said to myself this is the place for
me. There were then but four houses
A company of settlers were building q
saw-milI on one side of the Rock islands
IN the river: they have since built large
mourning null, and in place Of four houses
we nave now htty, and before the first Of
May next there will De one hundred. This
may seem strange, bat it is true Lots
that was offered for five dollars cannot
now be bought for one thousand dollars
The country improves in like manner, for
every man in the colony works hard
There is no new country in the world that
is in such state of prosperity as Oregon
the main reason is, we have no fre-pdtcr
here. have been here one summer and
have had an opportunity to see the harvest,
which was the best ever saw. | do wish
could send you sample Of the large
pretty white wheat Of this country. But
in fact every thing put in the ground grows
in like manner There is no country like
this for a farmer, and no place where n
man can live so easy.
We had meeting on the "fourth of Ju-
ly" to organize and form code of laws,
which was done, and the Iowa laws adopt.
ed. All civil officers and members of tho
Legislature (nine in number were elected.
So, if Uncle Sam do not watch over us,
we will do it ourselves.
A word for the last company. Young
Rogers, the printer, son of Peter Rogers
Esq, and two others got here on the 4th
inst, Hyde and Dougher,y shortly after.
If the company would start as they should
they could all get here by the first Of Sep
tember. hope you will tell them how to
come. Each man should bring a q. ID
light wagon, nothing in it but provisions,
and of this but four times the amount they
use at home in four months. They should
should dispose of-burn, oil their old stuff,
which is fit for nothing on this journey but
to break the wagons and kill the animals.
Good oxen to the wagons. If they use the
horses they bring in this way they will not
reach here. Not one out Of fifty has got
here with horses used for draught. There
is no danger from Indians at all: the last
company saw none in the mountains.
would mention that John NJ Gushing of
Newburyport, has store here, and sends
ship here every fall. send this letter
by one who sails for home Tomorrow.
My regards to all. Tell our friend, not
10 abandon US. We are few. but we are
Americans. Your friend,
HUGH BURNS.