The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-15
THE OREGON COUNTRY.
LETTER |

LEI En- III.
To the Editor Of the Union:
Sin: observed, in running over your yesterday 8
paper, that the clerk, in copying my first number,
had altered a little my phraseology, thereby per-
haps attaching too much Importance to the eastern
portion Of Oregon a pastoral district; for, not
withstanding the facts quoted are demonstration Of
its value-and, in addition, il might have been said
that and my companions met during the present
season large emigrating party, who had just
passed through this district with herd Of horses,
mules and CATTLE estimated at no less than ten to
twelve thousand head, all passing the same road,
and well subssting by the way,it is but just to say
that such the rugged features and the altitude Of
this part of the country, that it can never yield
much in quantity as, or compare in quality with,
the middle and western portions Of the territory;
which, far as we informed, from the north to
the south, from the Boisco to the Cascades, yields
generally rich coat of most nutritious grass
throughout the year.
This part Of the country, judging from the united
statements of the gentlemen attached to the mis-
sions, and from the concurring testimony of others
who have gone out on exploring expeditions dur
ing the last few years, possesses much interest. In
the discharge Of my official duties, was once, in
the midst of winter, obliged to travel many hundred
miles in the central and northeasterly part of this
district, and found, from the Dalles of the Columbia
to the Wallawalla, and from thence to Waulatpu,
Doctor Whiman's station, among the Keyuse In
dans and onward to the Clearwater station, occu-
pied by Rev. Mr.. Spaldng among the Neoperces
tribe, numerous herds of horses, and some neat
stock, scattered along throughout, appearing every
where in good condition; and was assured by Mr..
Spading that not only horses, but cattle and sheep,
owing to the quality Of the grass and mildness Of
the climate, kept throughout the winter in a
good state even for slaughter He mentioned
a few extreme cases, demonstrating this clear
ly, and presenting it in strong light; and real
| ly, in confederation, l hardly avoid say
ing, never did witness, at the same of the
year, all kinds Of herds in so fine condition
he assuring me that probably, owing to the mild
ness of the climate, sheep produced uniformly twice
a year; and that disease was as yet unknown
among the herds of the country. found the coun-
try undulating, and admirably watered, and paftcu-
larry from Wallawalla eastward, well grassed-the
blue mountains, stretching to the north and south
| affordng rich supply Of timber to meet the de-
mands Of large district Of country on either hand
Of an inviting character.
In future number, the localities Of these mis-
sions will be described their doings and prospects
dwelt upon, and the movements Of the Hudson Bay
Company properly explained. In my next the
lower country, embracing the Willamette valley
and seacoast will be considered, concerning which
we are little more satisfactorily informed though
il is but proper to say that only small portions Of
have been duly explored; and earnestly hope, for
the sake Of future emgratng parties for whose in
structien am writing that our President, who has
so much at heart the wel-being Of Oregon, will early
take into consideration the propricty of sending
there properly-qualfed exploring party, to bring
more fully to light the vast resources Of this new
and interesting country.
Washington, Dec. Is, l645.