The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-07-25
DIR. MARCUS WHITMAN.
Mr. Eelis Says He Did Go East In 1Sl3,
and With Political Intent.

and With Political Intent.
UNION CRY, July % 1891. <
To THE EDITOR: As this subject has been
very widely discussed, the following new evil
dence on the subject will be of interest both to
those who have denied and affirmed the same.
few weeks ago DR.. s. J. Parker, son Of Rev.
Samuel Parker, who came to Oregon in 1885
az an exploring missionary, believing there was
letter of DIR. Whitman's at Washington City,
made friendly requisition for the same on the
war department and received the following
reply:
WASHINGTON CITY, July 10, 1891
Str: In reference to your letter of the 30th
ult., requesting copies OF certain letters from
DR.. Marcus Whitman, supposed to be on the
files of this department, have the honor to
transmit herewith copy of communication,
together with q copy of aproposed bill, received
at this department on june q, 1874. from Marcus
Whitman, which it is presumed are the papers
desired by you. Very respectfully,
lSignedl 8. s. GIANT.
Acting Secretary Of War.
DIR. SAMUEL J. PARKER,
Ithaca, n. Y.
DR.. Parker has not yet sent me the full copy OF
either DR.. whitman's letter or his proposed bill.
each of which covers nine typewriter pages, but
he has sent me q few extracts from the former.
1t was written in 1913, soon after his return 10
this Coast and begins as follows: "In compli-
ance with the request you did me honor to make
last winter while in Washington City, here
with transmit to you the synopsis OF Q bill
which, IL adopted, would, according to my ex-
perience, prove highly conductive to the inter-
ests OF the United States generally, to Oregon,
where ! have resided more than seven years,
and to the Indian tribes that inhabit the inter-
mediate country"
Next he speaks of the "immense migration of
families to Oregon, which has taken place this
year. / have, since our interview, been instru-
mental in plotting across the route described in
the accompanying bill, which is the only
eligible wagon road, no less than - families,
consisting of 1000 persons, amounting to 40
wagons, 694 oxen, aud 773 loose cattle" They
''desirs to be first among those who are planting
our institutions on the Pacific coast
artisans of every trade with farmers
They have safely passed the
Blue mountains with their wagons and
effects, have established desirable
wagon road from Missouri to Oregon, which
will work permanently the route foY larger
numbers each succeeding year, while they have
practically demonstrated that wagons drawn by
horses or oxen, can cross the Rocky mountains
to the Columbia river, contrary to the assertions
OF those who pretend it to be impossible"
Then he speaks of losses by Indians on the
way, and the necessity of posts of guard: to be
agricultural, not military posts. These immi-
grants spent $4,000 at Laramie, and az
much more at Forts Hall and Boise" 1850 at the
latter for a hundred pounds of -four, $50 the
hundred for coffee, sugar, powder, etc." Then
he recommends the agricultural stations by
name, with the reasons for their selection.
After six pages OF typewriter copy he says: SIN
this the immigrants and the people of Oregon
are no more interested than the residents OF the
states" Then he speaks of mail facilities, sin
forty days." and concludes by saying: "Hoping
these suggestions may meet your appreciation.
and conduce to the interests OF our young
colony, have the honor to be, honored sir, your
obedient servant"
Thus it is the war department record that Dr..
Whitman saw and conferred in Washington city
with Hon. James NJ. Porter, secretary of war,
who is said to have been an old school-mate Of
his, on the governmental interests OF Oregon.
DR.. Parker has promised me, If l wish 1t, q
full copy of the letter and proposed bill, and
have written him requesting the same. but thii
much shows the above facts over his own sigma
ture NJ. EELLs