, 1858-02-12
Letter from Gen. Lane-The Bill
to provide for the Payment of
the Oregon War Debt.
WARHINGroN CRY, Dec. II, 1851.
A Bush. Esd.

In0 oregon war OeOL.
WARHINGroN CRY, Dec. II, 1851
A. BUsH, Esd.
Editor of Tie Oregon Statesman:
DEAR SIR:-Well knowing the deep in
tereSt you take in everything calculated to
affect the people of Oregon for better and
for worse. and being aware that, if ever, my
constituents do noIo look with anxious soli-
citude for tidings from the National capital,
/ therefore hasten to place before you and
them everything calculated to enable them
to Judge for themselves in relation to all
matters touching their interests.
Our Territory has passed through a
great crisis; war for a time brought death
and desolation throughout our borders;
our gallant people did not only offer their
services 10 tie General Government and
freely shed their blood in defence Of our
frontier settlements, but they generously
and without stint advanced their substance,
relying upon the impartial justice of Con-
gress for reimbursement The debt Of the
general government, TINS created, being
large, and the people Of Oregon and Wash
ington Territories being cramped in their
business relations for want Of prompt ad-
iustment of this war debt, it is but natural
that they should look for tidings from Con
gress.
Gov Stevens and myself arrived here in
November, sufficiently early to discuss this
subject with the Secretary Of War. The
report of the Commission appointed to ad-
just and settle the expenses Of the people
of the two Territories, arising from the
late Iudian war, reached here at the same
time, and to show what impression was
made upon the Secretary of War, l will
quote that passage of his annual report
which treats on this subject;
"By law passed the 18th day Of Au-
gust, 1856, a commission was directed to
be appointed for the purpose Of ascertain
ing the sum Of money fairly due y the vol
unteers of Oregon and Washington Terri
tories for their services in the Indian wars
which threatened to lay waste those Terri
tories. In compliance with this law, Cap
tain Smith, of the lst Dragons, Captain
Rufus IngulIs of the Quartermnster's De
partment, and Lafayette Grover, Esq, Of
Salem, Oregon, were appointed to examine
the accounts and claims, and to make re-
port in conformity with the law and upon
the facts as they existed, so far at least as
it was possible to ascertain them.
"These officers entered upon their duties
on the 10th day of October, 1856, and
seem to have labored with great assiduity
and patience in discharge of them until the
goth day Of October last, when they were
brought to close. / have examined this
report very carefully, and conclude that
from the data they adopted for their guide
as to the prices Of stores and subsistence
and time of service rendered by the men
it is not probable more just or accurate
result could be attained than these gentle
men arrived at The amount ascertaineG
to be due is very large one, and Congress:
will have to make provision for its payment
if it is intended they shall be liquidated
of which l presume there can now be nc
doubt"
The executive branch Of the government
having thus so promptly and acceptably
met our wishes, prepared Immediately 9
bill, q copy of which l enclose, which
succeeded to Introduce into the House, anC
which is the FIRST bill introduced into the
House, during the first session Of the
iXXXV Congress. ~
l forbear to enter upon the discussion o.
National politics. The papers will furnish
you an ample supply for your columns. Mr.
Buchanan has the confidence of the Amer
lean people; he is known to be great and
good man, a true patriot, and loves biz
country as ardently as ever any man loveC
his country, and certuinly deserves the sup
port of all democrats-I may say of al
good men. | am, sir, your friend,
1 JOSEPH LANE.