The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-18
Our Oregon Correspondence.

advantages Of Congratulated to Emigrants-SoR
Climate, Water Privaege--Scarcity of the Gentle
Ser, etc.
arrived in this country some months since from
California, intending, if favorable opportunity
should offer, to establish some sort of business
Finding at this spot promising locality, and sun
dry other strong inducements, concluded to settle
and start store in connection with a gentleman
from New Jersey. The COwlitz empties into the
Columbia about half way between Astoria and
Portland It's navigable for large batteaux, of ten
tons burthen, for about forty miles up Along the
whole distance is spread the finest farming land in
the country, besides rich profuson of timber,
eak, ash, maple fir and cedar. The first settlement
commences two miles from the mouth. Within six
months it has extended ten miles up on both side
OF the river Fifteen miles up, extensive coal mines
nave recently been dis severed one Of which is
being worked by the Hudson Bay Company. The
prairies commence at the French settlement, and
extend miles in every direction. They are in
patches, containing from one to twelve claims and
surrounded by belts OF the finest timber The land
is excellent. Having little frost, there is no
necessity for cutting hay. Half days ride from
the French settlement brings to the Che
halls river, which empties int the ocean
AZ Gray's bay, about .lf way between the mouth
OF the Colum bia and Puget Sound | suppose
there is no better situated finer land in the world
than lays on the whole length of this beautiful
river. Tides extend 10 miles, from the ocean to the
this line land is comparatively unoccupied Emil
grants usually, on arriving, being poor, sick AMI
weary, and knowing of no other settlement than
Willamette valley, have pushed there ut once and
settled down. ALI the desirable claims there being
now TAKEN people turning their attention to this
part OF the country, which they find superior in
every respect Cattle, horses, &c are plenty, and
to be had at reasonable prices. Indian horses can
be bought for $50 to 800. American horses, mares
especially, are scarce and high. A good mare is
worth $500; oxen $500, for yoke; good Ameri-
can COW will bring 500 There is an abundance
OF poultry, and likewise Of game.
have been Questioned with regard to asso,ia-
tons of young men, with their families, coming out
and settling aatownship. In answer, would say
that no country in the world offers such induce.
ments. At no place can person comfort
able living easier than here. If such a company,
including few mechanics, could be formed, and
woG.s pull tcsssther, .ney would find the most beau
tiul farms, ready for fencing and ploughing, while
the timber could not be placed in more desirable
situations for building, SC. They could send their
tools, farming utensils and other necessaries IN
GLIDING saw and grst mill, around the Horn, and
come the same way themselves, across the 18th
mus either way is preferable to the overland route.
Thus, by starting settlement they would draw
great portion Of the future emigration and in less
than three years stand second TO none in the terri
tory. To my mind, this is destined to be the
wealthiest portion of Oregon, for its facilities of
access to the ocean, either by the river, by road
to Puget Sound. The harbor at the Sound is capa-
bic OF holding in perfect safety, the combined fleets
Ol the Worlu, ana tnere may DC found almost every
variety Of fish and shell fish, including Holsters,
oysters, clans, sc.
Titles cannot be had except from govern ment, by
complying with the regulation OF the land bill.
There is considerable Of buying and selling claims,
in which quit-clai deed is all that is necessary
as the new occupant has to comply with the regu-
latlons Of the bal to maintain title. would ad-
wise no one to come out whose prospects fine at
home lcommenced keeping store here about the
LIST VI March, aud for n commencement have done
much better thanl expected. We are about erect
ing warehouse on the Columbia, opposite the
mouth Of this (the Cowlitz) river, for the purpos
of receiving and shipping produce also, to supply
ing vessels, settlers and travellers the river vita
fresh provisions sc. The place is beginning to ex
cite much attention town site; il is now a regu-
lar stopping place for steamers to land passengers
take in wood. IL usually takes but n single
mill to start a town in this country. This has a
mil site and fine site for tannery, which is much
needed here, to work up the quantities of hides
which have heretofore been thrown away. | think
there is no better business stand in the country
than thus.
The IN ain disagreeability Of this country is the
want OF society, and more especially the scarcity Of
women the dear creatures scarcely to b. found
here. Those that are enterprising and charita ole
enough to start to relief believe get married
before they arrive. Many Of our young men select
their wives from the daughters OF nature. Some
OF them are quite pretty, and dare say might be
moulded in 20 intelligence. have had young men
(armers) offer me in all seriousness 500 to procure
tor them respectable wife, from the Northern or
Eastern States. With this last, though not least,
of the requirements Of Oregon, close for the pre-
sent. ALFRED TOWNSEND.