Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-07
MISCELLANY.
From the Saturday Evening Post.
The Fate of the TOnquiE
A Historical Sketch of the
Oregon Fur Trade.
ny III. Il. CHAPMAN.

FEE aas -
In the year 1910 Mr.. Astor, of New
York, engaged in the bold scheme of cs-
tablishing number of trading posts on
the Columbia river, in Oregon, It's tribu-
taries. and along the shores of the Pa
iciic; also on the head waters of the Mis-
souri,, with factory at the mouth of the
Columbia, his plan was to send goods
from New York by sea to this factory,
to be exchanged for furs, which he inten-
ded to send to China, and exchange them
there for silks and teas. In execution 0.
this project, he fitted out large vessel
called The Tonquin, with men and guns
and such articles as might be needed at
his ports in Oregon. This ship was
,commandedby man named Thorn, who
might have understood the management
of vessel, but he certainly did not know
how to treat savages to the best alyan-
tage, tleast for his own and his employ
er's interest. He was very impatient
under any provocation, and few into a
passion in a moment If anything hap
pencd TO go wrong with him or his crew,
after. abusing them for lrining offences,
and thus placing himself in no very plea
SAINT relations towards his men. 81
The mouth of the Columbia, accord
ing TO all accounts, must bear fearful
aspect, and it is represented as having
very extensive sand bars at its entrance,
fact that will always diminish the val
ne of that river in a commercial point of
view. The vast amount OF sand borne
down the river. is thrown.blck hy the
constant swelling Of the sea, alilhas be-
comes serious obstruction in the way
of vessels that would en.cr he Co!m-
bia. aa.aEa 5000
The Tonqain ME. with delays did
cullies and dangers at this place, an was
compelled TO stand aloof from shore for
several days, while the boats were sent
to sound the bars, and find ch7nnel of
sufficient depth 10 allow the ship to pass
over. One of these boats swatnp2d, and
those in it persisted in the waves, but at
length channel was discovered. and
the Tonquin got over the bars, and found
safe anchorage in the mouth of the riv-
err. A site was selected for trading
post, and several buildings were erected,
and when they were finished. and the
vessel relicyed Of her cargo, Captain
Thorn, agreeabiy to his orders put to
sea, and caastel northwlrds.
On the north western coast of Ore
gon, there is a large island which goes by
The name Of Vancoueer's Island, where
the natives have long been noted for their
treachery, and the captain anchored the
Tonquin here for the purpose of trading.
IN Indian interpreter, picked up some
where along the coast, informed the cap
tain of this fact, and warned him to be
on his guard against the treachery of the
savages. but being man of obstinate
will, and one who did things in his own
way. he. landed upon the island, ana o.
pened trade with the Indians.
He had expected 10 make great bar
gains with the savages, but having be-
fore dealt with some fur traders, and
thereby learned the better value of their
skins, they demandeda better price than
Thorn felt disposed to give, aud he re-
turned on board the ronqnin grpmhling
and dissatisfied with his bad success.
The Captain was pacing up aai down
his vessels deck, in the worstmood i'm
aginable, when the interpreter approach
ed him, and told him he had better be-
ware of the tribe on shore, or they
would surprise him and put his crew to
death. t.hk 3#Hf ia rHt
"Let them try it," was the careless re-
ply, "and they will meet different re-
ception than they calculate upon. lido
not feel afraid of an attack ffom Them"
They are exceedingly treacherous
and hostile. and Shushong, their. chief
iain is a shrewd and cunning WARRIOR
urged the interpreter.
81 have heard enough OF your prating
abonttheir surprisals, exclaimed Thorn,
in an excitable tone, sand | don't want
TO hear any more Of them. Lean man
age the affairs of my own ship without
any OF your assistance" and turning a.
way, he went down into the cabin. a
The interpreter walked moodily to the
forward part Of the vessel, aud as he
stood leaning on the taffrail, gazing into
the sea, hand was laid heavily upon his
shoulder, and looking up he beheld Lew
is the steward Of the ship, standing be-
side him. rr.,ta ags.,s4 IS fs1
- "What were you telling Capt. Thorn"
he asked, IL thought | caught the word
'savages,' as / passed YOU" i,'a'a
s'Me no speak. more," answered the
Indian. a"White chief no like to hear
me speak"
'Fhe interpreter had assumed the gut
teral, half spoken words of the English
language, and seemed inclined TO say no
1.-The Captain is cross and ill-natur-
ed" continued Lewis, "tel me what you
told him." 49,
,"No, me no tell more" and the insult
ed savage relapsed into silence, and the
steward in vain endeavored to get any.
thing more OUT Of him.
Lewis walked away to the stern of the
ship. andthought bitterly of the situation
of the ere " and The vessel. The course
of the Captain had been heartily con.
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