East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1907-12-07

Sixty-four years ago this month,
December, lS43, what is known as
the immigration OF lS4S," consisting
of about SIS men, women and child
rem and 1000 head OF cattle, rolled
down the west slope of the Blue
mountains into what is now Umatilla
county on its way to the Willamette
valley.
That was the first great immigra-
ton Of settlers into the territory Of
Oregon and 1t had been induced to
come by the entreaties of Marcus
Whitman, whose winter ride to Wash
ington aroused the country to the
magnitude and worth OF oregon.
The immigration of 1S4S" brought
cattle to Oregon and Bancroft tells
many interesting incidents of the trip
across the wilderness. At Fort Hall,
Idaho, a discussion arose as TO
whether they should abandon their
pack animals. Whitman was there
acting as guide and his persistent
urging induced them to come by
wagon.
Peter Remeau. a French Canadian,
who was then at Ft.. Hall, helped
Whitman make map of the route to
the Whitman mission on the Walla
Walla river and Whitman piloted the
company westward. Later Remeau
came to Union county and located at
a magnificent spring five miles east
OF Union on what is to this day
known as Remeau flat. on which, as
a boy, the editor of the East Oregon
ian has herded cattle and hunted
horses times without number.
Up the Bed of Burnt River.
When the party reached Burnt
river the rocks filled the narrow can
yon and 1t was necessary to travel in
the bed of the river. the water being
low for almost 20 miles. All along
Burnt river today are peach orchards,
alfalfa fields and gardens where the
weary immigrants toiled in the rocky
river bed. coming west. ..
When Grand Ronde valley was
REACHED a runner met the party and
told Whitman of the serious illness
OF Mrs. Spalding at Lapwai and Whit
man, who was guiding the party,
turned over this important task to
Sticcas the Cayuse chief whom Whit
man trusted like brother.
Sticcase acted as guide over the
Blue mountains and down to the
green swards of the Umatilla hills to
Waiilatpu. where the party camped
for several days to recuperate and al
low the cattle to feed.
Five Crows by the Roadside.
It was while this weary party was
travelling down the west slope of the
Blue mountains coming toward Whit
mans mission, that they encountered
Five Crows, the Cayuse chief, begging
for a white wife. The hills were
covered with the beautiful pinto
ponies OF that tribe and the naughty
chief offered all the ponies in sight
for white "squaw"
Immigrants Frightened.
When the Blue mountains were
reached a snowstorm was beating in
the faces of the immigrants and many
were in favor OF stopping in Grand
Ronde rather than face the perilous
mountains in winter, but after long
discussion 1t was decided to brave the
mountains, although there was but a
trail leading through the forests.
So where the o. R. & n. now winds
about the canyons sappers and ak
men led the way cutting down trees,
removing fallen timber, clearing away
rocks and stumps and thus the first
highway over the mountains was
built.
After passing through the noun
sains, snowclad and cherries. the
green mantle Of the Umatilla hills
appeared all the more refreshing and
welcome. and a renewed spirit of
hopefulness was awakened in the
breasts of the party.
Indian Horse Thieves.
The historians Of the party say that
while passing through the Cayuse
country now Umatilla county. the
Immigrants were harrassed by the
Indians who stole their horses By
night and begged their provisions
from them by day. The horses would
be stolen and driven into the neigh
boring timber in hopes of receiving