The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-03
Oregon and CaIifornia-The Progress OF
Emigration, &c.

Extract Of Letter from Oregon CITY February IL, ls4s
have the pleasure to acknowlsdgs the receipt Of
Wilkes work. hat Il: : attentions s which
to show him and the officers Of the expedition, and to
which they fully entitled snd more II In our pow.
er TO do more) has been mentioned In manner most
gratifying to our feelings
Since had the pleasure of seeing YOU this country
about thousand and have been ali very industrious
and quiet which attribute in great measure to their
not having ardent spirits but am sorry to say that in
spite OF the law passed against its introduction and manu-
facture by the organization it is said that will at
tempt to distl whiskey but most certainly the great
majority OF the community are opposed to its introduc
ton
/" have now here two saw-mils and gristmill; with
three run Of stones and a barley mill which will bea-
comparison with most mills and all want now is
sale for our -four and which think could afford to
supply your naval squadron in the PACIFIC fully cheaper
than costs you to send ii round Cape Horn and which
would be great benefit TO the country
From the Oregon Spectator, Feb. l9l
We informed by respectable gentlemen who
has Just returned from exploring the north side of the
Columbia river and Pugets Sound, that the exploring
Columbia, particularly in the vicinity Of Pugets sound
the country susceptible Of settlement is much more
Splendid prares surrounded with the finest OF fir pine
and cedar with great many beautiful water courses,
sufficiently large for steamboat navigation and possess
ing power we'll calculated propel any kind OF
machinery of these FIozer's, SDohomus Puy sllup,
Cowz, Chehalus and Nesqnalia the most consider
able. The last named stream emptes into the sound,
which forms Of the best harbors the Pacific. Hi
therto the country has been unexplored by emgrants
We are well satisfied from the information received
that that region of country north Of the Columbia as far
Frazer's river will in short time be populated with
the enterprising emigrant who anticipates and intends
TO reee the advantages OF location at or near the haf
Dor of Pugets sound To show that the above conclu
sions well founded are informed since writing
the above that five families have already located imme
datey on the Sound.
The ollo wing letter is from Mrs George Donner
Zone Of the emgrans from this county now on the way
TO California; to friend in this city 1t is dated
NEAR JUNCTION OF THE North AND
SOUTH PLATTE, June is, 1876.
My Old Friend I'VE are now on the Platte 200 miles
from Fort Laramie Our journey SO far has been plea
SAINT The roads have been good and food plentiful
The water for part of the way has been indifferent
but time have cattle suffered for it. Wood is
very scarce, but buffalo chips" are excellent
they kinde quick and retain heat surprisingly We hs.
this evening buffalo steaks brolsd upon them that had
the favor they would have had on hickory Goals
We feel fear OF Indians. Our cattle Craze quietly
su our OF mes and as
night two Of our laid out in the wilderness rather
than ride their horses after hard chase. Indeed If
do not experience something far worse than yet have
done shall say the trouble is all in getting started
Our wagons have not needed much repair but can
Certain it is they cannot be too strong Our preparation
for the journey m some respects, might have been bet
our camp We laid in $50 lbs OF -four and rs lbs Of
meat for each individual and fear bread will be scarce
Meat abundant Rice and beans are good articles on
the road-corn meal too, Is acceptable Lnsey dresses
the most BILE for children. Indeed il had one
would be comfortable There Is cool breeze at
all times in the prairie that the does not feel hot
would suppose.
We are a5O miles from Independence. Our route
at first rough, and through tmbered country,
which appeared to be fertile After striking the prairie
found first rate road and the only dculty had
been no anger never could have believed we could
have travelled far with little difficulty The prai
RE between the Blue and Platte rivers is beautiful be-
yond description. Never have seen varied coun
try-so suitable for cultivation. Every thing was new
aud pleasing The Indians frequently come to see u.s.
,taf.n
ing All rit ndiy that cannot help feeling sym
PATTY and friendship for them But on one sheet what
can say
since we have Leen on the Platte we have had the
river SIDE and the varying mounds on the
oherand have travelled through the bottom lands from
10 two miles wide, it'll little no timber The soil
sandy and last account OF the dry season. the
emiyrants found grass here scarce Our cattle are in
good order aud where proper care has been taken none
have been lost Our mich have been OF great
vice-ndeed, they have been o more advantage than
our meat We have plenty Of butter and milk.
We are commanded by Capt Russell, an amisble man
George Bonner is himself yet lie crows in the nom.
ing and shouts out chain up boys--chain upr with
much authority as though he was" something in par
ticuar." John Denton is still with us-we lind him a
useful man in camp Hiram Miller and Noah James are
in good health, and doing well We have Of the best
OF people in our company and some too that are not
good
the wild tulip the primrose, the iupine the drop the
lsrkspur and creeping holynock; and beautiful flower
resembling the bloom OF the beach tree but in lunches
as big as small sugaroaf, and every variety OF
shade to red and green. botanic and read some, but
cook heap more.
There are 42O wagons as far as we have heard on
the road between here and Oregon and California
Give our love to all nquring friends God bless them.
Yours truly, MRS. GEORGE BONNER
I'VE COURT OF ENQUIRY IN THE CASE OF GEN. |
GMN,s.-The Court oil Enquiry commenced Its
session to-day at 10 o'clock The business taken
In the prescribed order As orders and letters
read, Cen Gaines several times to explain TO the
Court the circumstances connected with them. Early
In May Gen Gaines received information which led to
the belief that the Mexican army would cross the Mo
Giande ian which actually took place shortly
afer) that their object was 10 cut on Gen. taylor
from his supplies certainly a move showing military
skill lie knew that Gen Tsy or would be cut TO pieces
rather than call for volunteers. lie, Gen ~, was
the commands general Of the Western Division,
and felt IL 10 be mis- sacred duty 10 make rcqustion
upon states nearest the theatre oil opera
tons for volunteers The TACT that Gen. T. achieved
with inferior numbers, brilliant victory, dn not oy
any means rebuff the necessity under which Gen o. was
compelled 70 take tho responsibility no assumed. ana
the doc read to-day showed that tetore the gov
ernmen had received information OF the baies OF Vie