Democratic banner. (Bowling Green, Pike County, Mo.) 1845-1852, 1850-09-23
LETTER FROM OREGON.

The following letter from Maj. WALKER
formerly a resident Of this county, will be
perused with interest by many of his old
friends and acquaintsnces. The Major was
long respected citizen among us, and we
are glad to find that he is doing we'll in his
new home. The letter, it will be perceiv-
ed, was written some time sgo, but it loses
none Of its interest on that account. What
is said in it in relation to the country, may
be implicitly relied on.
OREGON TERRIroRy, Polk Co..
December 23d, ls49.
Dear Friend and old neighbor:-I take
the present opportunity to redeem my prom
ise to you, that would write to you after
my arrival in the promised land. We all
arrived safe at the first farm in tile Villa
rnette Valley, on the 25th of Sept, we then
travelled up the valley some so miles, and
arrived at A. ]. Doak's on the first day of
October. We remained here few days,
then moved on TO Claiborne's claim, which
lies on the west bank of the Willamette riv-
er, where we are now living.
We were all very much worn out with
the fatigues of the journey, being the worst
used up of any. The boys all went to work
in three or four days. was not able to
work or do anything but eat, for FIVE or six
weeks. B. F. McCsrdie took the camp or
emigrant fever, about the middle of Octo-
Der. He was quite low for four or FIVE
weeks, and was not able to work until about
the first of January. By Spring, he was
quite feshy and as stout as usual.
Myself and family enjoyed good health
until the latter part Of August, when we all
took the chills. Well, truly, this was q
dsmper upon our prospects, present and fu-
ture, the cilills, right down here in the mid
die of Oregon, the land of perpetual health,
dreadful! It was in much milder form
than ever had in Missouri. believe il
was caused by using river water, which was
very warm in July, August and September.
We have no spring nearer the house than
half mile. We are ell in good health a.
gain, and hope that this was only the eli
aate working of the dregs Of the Missouri
ague. There vas good many cases Of
sgue on the river this year. Out through
the country it was healthy. believe there
will be more or less sgue every season on
the larger rivers.
Iexpect to move on my claim in few
days, which is two miles west from the riv.
e.. bought claim in December, ls4s,
just IL months sgo-no Improvements ex.
cept two acres land broken, 400 rails, two
old cabins not ft to live in, paid $362,5C
for Il. have good soil, good timber, and
FIRST rate water, six springs, vita Q large
branch running through near the center ol
it-a good situation for q stock farm, hsv.
ing good grass on all sides. On the south.
vest 10 range of elevated hills, which vii
not be settled for q long time to come
Those hills have very little timber, . few
groves of oak, and are covered with the
kne bunch grass, which is equal to blue
grass for any kind Of stock, always greer
in the winter.
The soil of this country is much richel
generally, than expected to find it. s.
far % Ihave seen It the soil is of three kind
black, red g. gray. The black is though
to be the richest and most productive-the,
all produce good wheat il properly cultiva
ted. The soil and climate Of this countr.
seems to be well adapted to the growing o
Ill kinds of small grain wheat, rye, oats
barley, buck wheat and peas. Clover ant
timothy do well, and believe there can b.
corn raised, if planted early and properl.
cultiyated.
The fsrners Of this valley sometimes plan
small patches Of corn, but never plough o
hoe. One farmer about Eve miles from NJ
planted about 20 acres, (of the small kind;
as broke nav prairie in the fell and spring
Asthsn planted his corn between the ful
5evs, IN April. When the corn vas four q
evs inehss high, he gave It one good ha,
seMng, end iaysd Il By. In the fall b
ssasFed and measured upwards Of so