The Placer herald., 1862-06-28
From the San Joaquin Republican.
How the Oregon Election was Carried
Startling Disclosures.

The Democratic Register, published Mt Eugene
City, Oregon. gives some astounding develop
ments in relation to the manner in which the re-
cent election was carried for the Black Republi-
can ticket in that State. In order that our read
ers may better understand the subject matter, it
is necessary to say that the principal population
of Oregon is agricultural, and that the people
mostly hold their lands under what is known as
the donation Act" By the terms of this Act, "a
person who settled and lived upon GAO acres, or
800 acres, as the case might be, for four consecu-
tive years, is entitled to patent from the Gen.
eral Government, confirming to him the title. To
many Of the settlers the patents have not yet been
issued. 1t will be seen that the federal OAAesss
held the power over the title to their homes OF
large portion of the people. and how that power
was used is the purpose of this showing. Just
before the election paper edited by the Collect
or Of the port of Astoria, warned the settlers in
the following terms:
''Let every man who expects Donation Patent
from the Government for his land be careful not
to array himself against that Government next
Monday. The poll books ,0iH be evidence against
him, If he does"
By the laws of Oregon every elector has to de-
clare vira vOce for whom he votes, and this be-
comes Il record which may be used as "evidence
against him."
In addition and confirmation of this threat, the
Register publishes the following letter from the
Surveyor General to personal friend:
EUGENE CRY, May %, 1862.
MY OLD FRIEND BAGLEY:-D Dear Sir: Il had
been intending to call on you Il have a talk with
you in relation to our national Matters but the
high ,cater induces me to believe that could not
cross fall creek, if come up Il for that resoD
shall not try the trip.
Gil, and have honestly and concienciously given
you the best advice could Il hope to your ad-
vantage.
If am correctly Informed in relation to your
possion our national difficulties and the Ian
guage you have used in reference thareto, very
much fear that you are unknowingly doing your
self great injustice.
Yet l canot believe you are in Sentiment u at
heart !Secessi0nist or traitor to the old Consti
tuition gOoerment Semented by the blood Of our
comon Fathers Il handed down to us as our comon
inheritance If | could thus believe, would be
odmonishcd in the language Of Scripture to 'Tet
the dead bury THAR dead"
But as l canot so believe, and know from my
acquaintance with you, that you are, q have al
ways been good and peascful citizen DEAN it
my duty to warn you agains Manifestng too Much
Sympathy for those in arms against the COVER
ment, aud especially not to vote the SO called
Democratic ticket which is really nuthing more
than sustaining the hands Of the traitors now in
arms against US.
have received orders from the Commissioner
of the General Land Office to look especially after
this matter, u see that all those holding land un
ement he reported to the Secretary of the interior
d all Such parties will not only fail to get pat
tent for their lands but will have their improve
ments Contiscated Il Sold for the use Of the COVE
mcnt.
after the degree of friendship that has existed
between us l should be very much panied to have
to report to you in this light.
Every one now whether Lawyial or not, has to
take an oath of allegiance to support the COVER
ment before they can get their land, q you had
better call and attend to this matter the first time
you are in town, will then show what my orders
are from Washington, SO that you can see and
understand it for your self.
be assured of this one thing that the order is
not only in my hands under the seal Of the COVE
mcnt. and in the hands Of the two Registers, but
it will be EXECUTED Sure as God regns in heaven,
and governments continue to exist, and Laws are
executed among men!
withe great respect for your welfare and pros
perity remain
Very respectfully
you're Obedt Servt
BJ PENGRA