The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-08
From the 50. Louis Republican.
william waldo

1.-The last emigrant across the Plains has 4
rived, ls the gratifying announcement which We
III one OF the California papers by the last mail II
viii go far to relieve weight of anxiety which has
pressed heavily upon the people of this, and the
adjoining States, many of whom had friends and
relatives in that vast caravan of seekers after gold
How many ialtered by the wayside, after enduring
incredible hardships, and gave up life, and all the
excitements before them, may never be known; il
| Id enough that many suffered from hunger and
thirst. and were abandoned by those who feared a
similar fate for themselves, if they delayed their
progress In that inciement season and over that
desoate route. But, while the country seemed alb
sorbed in the search for gold, and all other i'm
pulses were apparently forgotten, there some
generous spirits who thought of nothing else than
the relief OF the thousands of men, women and
children exposed on that terrible route, and dying
from hunger, and thirst. and disease. Among
these kind hearted men WAS William Waldo, and,
as he was citizen of Missouri. and has yet family
here, we deem that something is due to him
than the mere register of his good deeds, although
that, we are quite sure, id more than he expected
or ever contemplated.
Mr.. Waldo has long been known TO us, and To
the section OF our State i'll which he has resided,
an active, intelligent generous man. He
pioneer in the Usage Valley, and devoted himself
as good citizen should do, to every work which
promised to be of advantage in developing the
sources of that rich valley. Led away by the ex-
citement OF the California fever, though very well
qualified by his experience to bear the iatgues of
such journey, he was among the eInigrants of
lsI9 and we are led to infer that he prospered by
the adventure. Even then, he was among the first
to go TO the relic OF the suffering cmigrants, and
was in saving the lives OF many persons.
But when towards the close of last Aug ust
reached this kind man OF the condition of the count
less numbers who were then starving the
route, he abandoned every thing else 10 go to their
rescue He contributed largely of his money head
ing subscription list with a thousand dollars !;
he gave up his horses and mules, hired convey
ances for Todd and clothing, and, placing himself
at the head Of this expedition, penetrated into the
wilderness. and administered relief and consola
ton 10 thousands. He established depots OF provi-
funds and inspired all with hopes of reaching
their ultimate destination. His letters from the
scene of suffering and death caused enthusiasm,
SO to speak, throughout California, and money and
lives of the thousands placed in such imminent
peril. Mr. Waldo gave himself up to the work for
two months, and the end OF his labors s announced
i'll the brief paragraph which we have quoted 'thc
last eInigrant across the plains mas arrived >"
MIR. Waldo's goodness Of heart needs no other
recompense than the conviction that le has done
his whole duty. He has looked to no other. But
he has family III this State. II by any casualty
he should be taken from them, they would be left
poor and dependent. He contributed by his
tons not only 10 the lives Of citizens of this
State, but Of every other State in the Union. 1t
to US, this aspect OF things, that he ought
least To be reimbursed to the extent of his actual
sacrifice OF time and property, and that nations
generosity can be best signelized by awarding it
from the common treasury, Such ali appropra
ton can bear comparison TO the suffering which
was relieved or the number of lives which were
actually saved
The Legislature Of this State meets next week
II the members Of that body take the same view of
they will at once present the to Congress,
where there are men enough who know Mr. Waldo,
from this and other States, who will gladly press
this claim upon nations gratitude.