The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-10-01
EMcRAT1oN TO ORrcoN Ann CALIroRNIA-Po-

We, have received intelligence from Washington
relative to the progress OF preparations for the
formation of an extensive emigration to California.
Several similar expeditions are preparing in the
great Atlantic cities, and also in the Western and
South Western States. The accounts which have
been communicated by the pioneers in this great
movement, have been so encouraging-have stimu-
lated 10 such degree the spirit Of enterprise-and
the triumphant success OF Texas annexation has
produced such widespread moral effect in the
same direction, that an immense impetus has been
gwen to the advancing tide OF emigration to Califor-
MIA and Oregon, and in less than two years. we have
not the slightest doubt, these fertile and attractive
regions will be occupied by many thousands of the
most energetic and determined of the American
people.
In another column Of our paper to-day, we give
an interesting description OF portion of the journey
to Oregon. Following the course OF the Nebraska
or Platte River, one of the principal tributaries OF
the Missouri, the traveller reaches near its
the great South Pass IN the Rocky Mountains-a
valley nearly twenty miles wide, and afording
ample facilities of communication, by means OF
railroads, between the extensive regions that lie
beyond the United States. In the Oregon Terri
tory the American population already numbers nine
thousand of which two thousand are able-bodied
men, expert in the use of the rifle, and capable
OF immediate organization into strong military
force. They have organized government, and in
tend sending delegate to the United States Con-
gress The chief settlement is Oregon city, situated
in willamette Valley, and not far distant from Fort
Vancouver. Linton is another American settlement,
finely located and rapidly increasing. The British
population is about five thousand consisting chiefly
Of trappers and traders, with considerable num-
Der of Indians, connected with the Hudsons Bay
Company, and having sort OF government under
the control of the Canadian laws. But the British
population is by no means equal in strength to the
American, and the latter is now able to drive
the former out of the country, unless they were
sisted by force from England, which it is not at
all likely they would obtain.
Upper California, however, it would appear has
become the favore destination of great numbers of
those hardy Adventures who are seeking their for
tunes in these regions. The country in the neigh
borhood Of San Francisco-destined to be one of
the greatest sea ports in the worlds described as
extremely fertile and the climate is remarkably
agreeable and salubrious. The broad and smiling
plains, watered by the Sacramento river attract
ing much of the emigration that is proceed
Ing W SHoIcs ol tuo IdClIlC Lie Po-
pulation at present consists of about four
thousand Indians--one thousand Spaniards-
and five hundred Americans. But several large
expeditions to California are now preparing to
start from various POINTS in the United States and
The probability is, that that territory will be still
more rapidly filled up with Americans than Texas
was and that, soon as they be strong enough,
they will at once assert their independence, and
seek admission to this confederacy. 1t is proper
observe that several of these associations of emil
grants have applied to the British minister at Wash
ington for official sanction and concurrence, and
others have made similar applications to the Anne
rican government, but both declared off, and decide
that the emgrations should proceed upon their own
hook.
These expeditions and this great movement only
commenced with the revolution and annexation OF
Texas The movement will now go on with vastly
accelerated rapidity and strength. 1t is connected
with all political movements in this country, and if
the government attempt to impede its progress in
any way, the party at present in power will be very
quickly deposed. The annexation of California and
Oregon will now be the great question IN our politi
cal contests and the President must show some dis
position in relation it in his Message or very
after the opening of Congress- if he desires avoid
fatal collision with the popular impulses of the age
and the country As for any European interference,
il is laughed at by people, now numbering nearly
twenty-five miloss, and possessing all the riches,
power and resources of mighty continent.