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The Infamous Black Bird Southern Oregon History, Revised


Letters to Jo

Selected letters (mostly to and from Joseph Lane) and other documents, mostly relevant to Southern Oregon and Lane's biography and attitudes. Unattributed letters below are from the Lilly Library, Indiana University, transcribed from microfilm held at the University of Oregon's Knight Library. The film also includes typescripts of letters from the Asahel Bush collection, as indicated below. I've added Lane letters transcribed from contemporary newspapers and other sources.
   
For much more about Lane, click here.

Joseph Lane Campaign Ferrotype, 1860
Joseph Lane campaign ferrotype, 1860



Letter from Col. Lane.
EVANSVILLE, 19th June, 1844.
To the Editor of the Indiana Statesman:
    DEAR SIR: I have just returned home from the lower country, after an absence of some eight weeks, during which time I heard nothing of the doings of either political party in the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh.
    In your paper of the 4th of May I learn, by the published proceedings of the Democratic Mass Convention, held at Blairsville on the 27th of April, that I was unanimously nominated by my Democratic friends of the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh, there in convention assembled, as a candidate for the State Senate. Permit me through the columns of your paper to return to the members of that convention and to my Democratic friends of this Senatorial district, my unfeigned thanks for this mark of their confidence. Unsolicited on my part as this nomination was, I shall always feel grateful to the convention for conferring it upon me; and in accepting if, I pledge myself, if elected, to serve faithfully to the best of my abilities for the full term for which I may be elected.
    I will visit Posey County, generally, as soon as we can get through our wheat and hay harvest.
With great respect,
    Your obed't. serv't.,
        JOSEPH LANE.
ALEX'R. BURNS, Jr.
Indiana Statesman, New Harmony, Indiana, June 29, 1844, page 3


From Indianapolis.
SENATE CHAMBER, Dec. 12.
A. BURNS, JR.
    DEAR SIR:--The vacancy of President of the Senate is just filled by the election of Mr. Orth, Senator from Tippecanoe County.
    There is much said about the expenditure of money and delay of business in selecting a President pro tem. The facts of the case will satisfy any reasonable man as to where it justly lies, and will be awarded by an intelligent constituency.
    The whole of Monday was spent and a part of Tuesday, without any hopes of making a choice, when Mr. Read (a Democratic Senator from Clarke County) proposed that a committee from each of the political parties be appointed to select a compromise candidate. The Whigs refused to make any compromise or concession.
    The Democrats felt anxious to settle the matter in any honorable way; they proposed that the Whigs should have the President the forepart of the session, and the Democrats the latter. This was also rejected by the Whigs. The ballotings continued until Wednesday noon, when the Democrats by a committee proposed to cast lots for which of the parties should have the President, and whom he should be. This was not accepted by the Whigs; but in reply we were told, that from the 25 Whig Senators we must take the presiding officer. Now, independent of the election of Lt. Governor Bright, whose place they charge the Democrats with vacating, the 25 Democratic Senators are representing as many votes in the aggregate as the 25 Whig Senators; and, of course, have as much right to the pro. tem as the Whigs.
    Many other propositions were made by the Democrats to settle the difficulty--they were as often rejected, until just at sunset on Thursday, Mr.
Davis, a Whig Senator from Floyd, signified his willingness to accept a compromise, which was promptly accepted by the Democrats, and the majority of the two parties retired to separate rooms, and appointed committees to arrange the compromise. The committees met, and agreed that the Whigs should have the President until within one week of the close of the session, when the Democrats shall fill the chair with one of their number. This proposition, amounting to the same as was made by a Democrat on Tuesday, and rejected by the Whigs, was now readily accepted by a large majority of both parties. So on the 99th ballot the difficulty was brought to a close.
    Thus the Senate is fully reorganized, and business rapidly progressing.
With great respect.
    Your obed't serv't.,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Indiana Statesman, New Harmony, Indiana, December 27, 1845, page 2



    We are authorized and requested to announce Dr. WM. H. STOCKWELL as a candidate for a seat in the State Senate, from the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Joseph Lane.
Evansville Journal, Evansville, Indiana, July 23, 1846, page 2



Headquarters Third Brigade, First Division,
    Buena Vista, Mexico, February 25, 1847.
    Sir--I have the honor of laying before you the following report of that part of the battle of the 22nd and 23rd inst., in which the forces under my immediate command took part.
    In obedience to your orders on the 22nd, I took position on the left of the field upon which the battle was fought, near the foot of the mountain, with the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, supported by three pieces of light artillery, commanded by Lieut. O'Brien. The four rifle companies of this brigade (two from the 2nd and two from the 3rd Regiment) having been sent, under your orders, together with two companies of Kentucky mounted riflemen, to occupy an eminence and ridge on the side of the mountain, to check the advance of the enemy (two regiments) who were attempting to turn the left flank of my position by climbing the sides of the mountain.
    Those rifle companies took their position in the afternoon of the 22nd--the four companies of Indiana, commanded by Maj. Gorman, of the 3rd Regiment--the whole under the command of Col. Marshall, of Kentucky; and soon afterwards the enemy opened a brisk fire upon our forces, but with little effect, which they continued without intermission for three hours. In the meantime my men, being secure from the enemy's balls, and watching their chances and taking good aim, succeeded in killing and wounding some thirty or forty of the enemy. In this engagement my loss was four men slightly wounded.
    During the night of the 22nd the enemy sent a reinforcement of about 1500 men up the mountains and succeeded in occupying heights which commanded the position of the riflemen. My whole command slept upon the field that night on their arms. As soon as it was light on the morning of the 23rd, the enemy opened a severe fire from their whole force on the mountain, now amounting in all to about 2500 or 3000 men, commanded by the Mexican Col. Ampudia, it is believed. Notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy in numbers, our gallant riflemen held them in check for several hours, killing and wounding some fifty or sixty of their forces.
    About 8 o'clock a.m. of the 23rd inst. a part of the Kentucky Mounted Riflemen and cavalry (dismounted for that purpose) were sent up the side of the mountain to support the forces already there, at which time the fire of the enemy became tremendous, but which was returned by our gallant force for more than one hour longer. My instructions from yourself were to hold my position on the left of the field against any force which the enemy might bring against me in that quarter. The enemy had been in great force all the morning of the 23rd, directly in my front and in sight, but too far distant to be reached by Lieut. O'Brien's battery.
    About 9 o'clock I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy were advancing toward my position in great force, sheltering themselves in a deep ravine which runs up towards the mountain directly in my front. I immediately put my columns in motion, consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lieut. O'Brien's battery, amounting in all to about 400 men, to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry, supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire, which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived that I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired, and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lieut. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be near the enemy, but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of the hill impeded their fire. By this time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grapeshot of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry, instead of advancing, as was ordered, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them.
    About the same time, the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear. At the same time one of the Illinois regiments, not under my command, but stationed at some distance in rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear. These troops, the most of them, were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all. By this apparent success the enemy were much elated, and poured down along the side of the mountain on the extreme left of the field their thousands of infantry and lancers and formed themselves in good order along the mountain fronting perpendicularly to where our lines had been posted. At this critical juncture, the Mississippi Regiment, under the command of Col. Davis, arrived on the field, and being joined by a part of the 2nd Indiana, met the enemy in a most gallant style, and after a severe and bloody engagement repulsed them with great loss. In the meantime a body of lancers, 600 or 800 in number, who had passed down along the left toward our rear, made a most desperate charge upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, with a view of cutting off and plundering the baggage train of the army, which was at a rancho near the battlefield.
    This charge was met and resisted most gallantly by those cavalry, aided by about two hundred infantry who had taken refuge there after they had retired from the field. This repulse discouraged the enemy, and the Mississippi Regiment and part of the 2nd Indiana, being joined by the 3rd Indiana Regiment, commanded by Col. James H. Lane, now advanced up towards the foot of the mountain for the purpose of dislodging the enemy's force stationed there. In this enterprise I was aided by Capt. ------'s battery of light artillery, and it was crowned with complete success, the enemy retreating in disorder and with immense loss, back along the side of the mountain to the position they had occupied in the morning, some flying in terror up the sides of the mountain and into the ravines, while a few were taken prisoners. Amongst the last desperate attempts of the enemy to regain and hold the left of the field was a charge made by a large body of lancers upon my command. This charge, for gallantry and determined bravery on both sides, has been seldom equaled. The forces on either side were nearly equal in numbers. Instead of throwing my command into squares to resist the charge, the enemy were received in line of two ranks, my force reserving its fire until the enemy were within about seventy yards, which was delivered with a deadly aim, and which was most destructive in its effects--the enemy flying in every direction in disorder and making a precipitate retreat towards their own lines. About sunset the enemy withdrew from the field, and the battle ceased. In a brief report it is impossible to enter into the details of a day like the 23rd. The fighting throughout consisted of different engagements in different parts of the field, the whole of them warm and well contended, many of them bloody and terrible. The men under my command actually discharged eighty, and some ninety, rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd Regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand or die to the last man until they received orders to retire, but I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained in their position, in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed at the same time on the left flank to a most desperate raking fire from the enemy's battery, posted within point-blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    Some excuse may be framed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day, but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputations, disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged.
    In a battle so fierce and protracted as this, where there were so many exhibitions of coolness and bravery, it is a difficult and delicate task to particularize. But justice compels me to mention Col. Davis and his regiment of Mississippians, who so nobly and so bravely came to the rescue at the proper time to save the fortunes of the day.
    Col. J. H. Lane and the 3rd Regiment of my command were ordered into the action soon after Col. Davis, and the coolness and bravery displayed by both the officers and men of that regiment have rarely been equaled--never surpassed--by any troops at any time. They have done infinite honor to the state and nation that gave them birth. Lieut. Col. Haddon, of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, aided me in rallying his regiment after they retired, and he in person succeeded in marching a party of them back towards the enemy, with whom he immediately became engaged, and fortunately repulsed them with considerable loss. In another part of the field he succeeded in killing an officer of the enemy with his own hand, by sending a rifle ball through him at a great distance.
    I was also much indebted to Major Mooney, quartermaster; Major Dix, paymaster; the gallant and lamented Capt. Lincoln, of Gen. Wool's staff; and to Lieut. Robinson; for their assistance in rallying the forces after they had retired from their position. They all behaved nobly, and deserve the thanks of the country for the coolness and intrepidity which they displayed on that trying occasion. The latter--acting as my aide-de-camp during the entire day--is entitled to particular attention for the gallant manner in which he executed my orders. Lieut. O'Brien--who commanded the battery of light artillery on my right--is deserving of particular praise for his courage and self-possession throughout the day, moving and discharging his battery with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. Major Mooney, quartermaster, and Major Morrison, commissary, attached to my brigade, although not belonging to the line of the army nor expected to take an active part in the battle, are entitled to great honor for their bravery and coolness in promptly rallying the scattered forces at the rancho, who assisted, under the command of Major Morrison, in resisting the desperate charge of the lancers made upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, as by this repulse the whole baggage train of the army was saved from destruction. This important duty they discharged in addition to those which strictly appertained to their respective departments. A statement of the killed and wounded has already been submitted, which need not be recapitulated here. Although censure does justly attach to a few who proved recreant to their duty on that day, yet I am of the opinion that veteran troops, either of this or any other country, could not have fought and won the battle better than those engaged. It is a victory without a parallel in this or any other war on this continent, and the men and officers who did their duty at the battle of Buena Vista deserve to have their names inscribed on the brightest pages of their country's history. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE,
    Brig. Gen. Com'g. 3rd Brigade.
To Brig. Gen. Wool, U.S.A.
Times-Picayune, New Orleans, June 4, 1847, page 1



Charge 1st
Inability and incompetency to discharge the duties of the office of Colonel.
Specifications:
    1st. In this that the said Colonel [William A.] Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd. In this that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd. In this that he is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and resist a charge of the enemy as shown on the night of the 22nd February 1847 on the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico
Charge 2nd
Violation of the 52nd article of war
Specification 1st:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February 1847 at Buena Vista, Mexico, he the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy the following unnecessary order to wit: "cease firing and retreat," in consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
Specification 2nd:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February last at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action and while the said regiment and a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. Genl. Lane of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemies' fire did without any authority give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and un-officerlike order twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat" in consequence of which said order the said regt. did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
Specification 3rd:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., on the said 23rd day of February [paper loss] in the said battle after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
Specification 4th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications
[missing page]
under this charge did then and there abandon his position in regt., and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regt. and the enemy and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
Specification 5th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., while commanding the same in that battle and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regt. and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
Specification 6th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles while comdt. of that regt. (under Brig. Genl. Lane), during the battle aforesaid on the said 23rd February, spoke words to that regt. which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire as follows, to wit "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
Specification 7th
    In this that on the day aforesaid and during that battle and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave the order in the last specification mentioned with the intention of inducing that regt. to abandon the position they then occupied and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. 
    All of which are contrary to law and tended not only to the  manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
Bowle's court of inquiry convened April 12, 1847 and concluded on April 27.  This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.  The complete document can be found on page 6 of the Indiana State Sentinel of June 10, 1847, and in the article of September 14, 1848, below.



From the N. O. Picayune.
GEN. LANE'S SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT.
    The following report by Brigadier General Lane is supplementary to his official report of the operations of his brigade in the battle of Buena Vista. He has thought it called for by the developments of a court of inquiry held since his first report was made, and by the statements made in the papers injurious to Indiana. As an act of justice to the Indiana troops, and as a part of the record of the great deeds of the 22nd of February, we comply with the request made upon us, and cheerfully give the report an insertion in our columns:
Buena Vista, Mexico, May 1847.
    From the comments of the press, the numerous letters that have been written and published, the many false and ridiculous statements uttered by different persons at sundry places concerning the battle at this place on the 22nd and 23rd of February last, and more particularly in consequence of the erroneous statements invented and circulated in reference to the Indiana Brigade on that memorable day, I feel myself constrained, in discharge of an imperious duty, to give to the public a succinct account of facts which may enable every reader to arrive at correct conclusions, and that the public mind may be disabused of a studied and systematic attempt at misrepresentation and detraction.
    The disposition of the troops seems to have been confided to Gen. Wool, and they were posted in the following order, viz: The 2nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Bowles, with three pieces of artillery under Capt. O'Brien, were posted on the extreme left. The 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Lane, occupied a height in rear of Washington's battery. The 1st Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. Hardin, were stationed on a high hill near and a short distance to the left and front of the same battery. The 2nd Kentucky volunteers, under Col. McKee, was, on the 22nd, posted on the right of a deep ravine at a distance of a half mile, on the right of the battery, but on the morning of the 23rd were ordered to recross the ravine, and take place near Col. Hardin and to his left. The 2nd regiment Illinois volunteers, under Col. Bissell, were posted farther to the left, and in the rear and to the right, at a distance of about half a mile from where the 2nd Indiana regiment were placed; which regiment as before remarked on occupied the extreme left of the field, near the base of the mountain. The four rifle companies of my command under Maj. Gorman were at early dawn of day ordered to move up the side of the mountain to engage the enemy, some three thousand strong, who were endeavoring to cross the points of the mountain and to turn our left flank. These riflemen were directed lo check their advance if possible. The rifle companies of the 2nd Illinois regiment, three companies of Col. Marshall's mounted regiment, were dismounted and sent up the mountain to the assistance of Maj. Gorman, who had now for some time been hotly engaged with the enemy. The contest on the mountain brow raged with fury for the space of about three hours, when I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy in great force were advancing under cover of a deep ravine about four hundred yards in my front and to the right. I immediately put my small command in motion to meet them. It should be borne in mind that my whole force was the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Indiana regiment, and Capt. O'Brien's battery of three guns--in all about 400 men. On arriving at a narrow ridge between two deep and rugged ravines, I found the Mexican infantry from 4 to 6,000 strong, supported by a body of lancers. The infantry were coming out of the ravine on my left, and forming in beautiful order across the ridge, leaving the lancers on the ravine. I immediately ordered Capt. O'Brien to halt his battery and get ready for the fray. The column was halted when the first company was up with and on the left of the battery, and formed forward into line of battle. I rode in front of the column, and continued in front as the companies were forming into line, and was much delighted to see the officers and men move forward in good order; coolness and courage were depicted in every countenance. By the time half of the companies were in line, and while I was yet in front, the Mexicans opened their fire from their entire line. In a moment the left companies were in line. I passed to the rear, and the fire was returned with promptness and good effect. Thus commenced the battle on the plain of Buena Vista. The distance between the enemy's line and my own was one hundred and twenty yards About the time the action commenced the enemy opened a tremendous fire from their battery of three heavy guns, posted on my left and a little to the rear, which nearly enfiladed my line. In this manner the battle continued to rage for nearly twenty-five minutes, the firing being very severe on both sides, the lines of the Mexican infantry presenting one continued sheet of flame. I observed the Mexican line to break and fall back several times, but their successive formations across the ridge enabled them at once to force the men back to their position and keep and keep steady.
    I then formed the determination to take position nearer the enemy, with the hope of routing them and driving them from that part of the field, and for the purpose of placing the lines out of the range of the enemy's guns, which had succeeded in getting the range so as to be doing some execution nearly every fire. For that purpose I sent my aide to direct Capt. O'Brien to advance his battery some 50 or 60 yards to the front, and to return to me to assist in passing an order to the line, to advance to the same point. He went with the battery to its advanced position. I was at that moment near the left of my line. Before my aide returned to me I was much surprised to see my line begin to give way on the right, and continuing to give way to the extreme left, not knowing at that time that Col. Bowles had given an order to retreat, and it was several days after the battle (and not until after I had made my official report) before I was satisfied that the regiment had retreated in obedience to an order given by Col. Bowles. The order was not obeyed until it had been thrice repeated, as has since been proven in a court of inquiry appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Colonel. Lieut. Col. Haddon and twelve other good witnesses have testified to his having twice or thrice given the order before the line broke, so unwilling were they to abandon their position. The 2nd regiment occupied an important position--it was the key to that part of the field--and were unsupported by any troops. An evidence of their being in a very hot place is that about ninety of them were killed and wounded before they retreated. They had stood firmly doing their duty, as well as ever did veteran troops, until they had discharged over twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy, killing and wounding some three hundred of them; and I have no hesitation in saying that if it had not been for that unnecessary, unauthorized, and cowardly order to retreat, they would not have left their position. I hesitate not to express my belief that if my order to advance had been carried out and have taken the advanced position as intended, we would have driven the enemy from the ridge. Although the men retired in some confusion, the most of them soon rallied--say to the number of 250--and they continued to fight like veterans throughout the day. Lieut. Robinson (my aide-de-camp) and Lieut. Col. Haddon were very active in rallying the men. Maj. Cravens was ordered lo the ranch to bring back such of our men as had gone in that direction, which was promptly done. Capts. Davis, Kimball, McRea, Briggs, Lieut. Spicely (then in command of his company in consequence of the fall of the gallant and lamented Capt. Kinder), Adj. Shanks, and Lts. Hoggatt, Burwell, Lewis, Forster, Bennefield, Kunkle, Loudermilk, Roach, Rice, and Zenor with the most of the company officers, were also active in rallying their men. Captain Sanderson and Lieuts. Davis, Hogan, and Cayce, and several other officers, were wounded and had to leave the field; as also Capt. Dennis, who had fought like a hero with gun in hand, found himself unable from fatigue and indisposition to remain longer on the field. Paymaster Maj. Dix, having arrived on the field at this moment, was very active in assisting to rally our broken and scattered forces. He seized the colors from their bearer, who was unable to carry them longer, and handed them to Lieut. Kunkle, who carried them triumphantly throughout the day. These colors, now in possession of Capt. Sanderson, are well riddled with balls--one 24-pound shot, one 6-pound shot and many musket balls passed through them while they were in the hands of this victorious young officer, and they could at all times be seen high above the heads of the Indiana brigade moving to and fro wherever it was necessary to meet and repulse the enemy. Lieut. Peck (now captain) of the rifle battalion, who had been compelled to retire from the mountain to the plain, after the fall of his gallant old Capt. Walker, succeeded in rallying about twenty and joining the 2nd Indiana regiment, continued to fight gallantly throughout the day. The severe loss in killed and wounded which the 2nd Indiana regiment sustained in the action will convey some idea of the danger they faced and tenacity with which they struggled; 107 of their number were killed and wounded.
    At or about the time of the retreat of my small command under that ill-fated order, the riflemen were compelled by superior numbers to abandon their position on the mountainside and retreat to the plain below. The cavalry, which had been posted some distance in my rear, and out of range of the enemy's battery, to act as circumstances might require either to advance upon the enemy and cut them off in case they should retreat, or to succor my small force if they should be compelled to fall back, instead of affording me the least assistance, left their position without receiving one fire from the enemy, and made a precipitate retreat to the rear along the foot of the mountain, pursued by a large body of lancers, who succeeded in cutting off and slaughtering quite a number of our forces, most of them riflemen. If they had made a bold stand and allowed the riflemen and 2nd Indiana regiment to rally them, all together they would have checked the enemy before he had gained any considerable advantage. After these successive and almost simultaneous retreats of the different forces on the left, it remained wholly undefended, and the enemy numbering several thousand came pouring down from the mountains and from the front, and formed in good order along the foot of the mountain and in the rear of the position at first occupied by our forces. Soon after the retreat of the 2nd and while I was rallying them, the Mississippi regiment arrived on the field, and in a most gallant manner engaged the enemy, but were compelled by vastly superior numbers to fall back.
    At this time the 3rd Indiana regiment under Col. Lane were ordered into the fight and, joined with the 2nd Indiana and Mississippi regiments, composed a force about one-fifth as large as the enemy, but sufficient to engage them with success. Capt. Sherman with one gun of his battery at this time joined us. The whole moved towards towards the foot of the mountain and engaged the enemy. Here the artillery proved very effective. This portion of the enemy became at length so closely pressed, and our artillery continuing to waste them away with its destructive fire, and they being separated from the enemy's main force, would have in a short time been compelled to surrender, when a white flag was seen on the field and were ordered to cease firing. We did so; but the Mexicans continued to fire from their battery, thus covering the retreat ,of their forces. This flag was sent to the left wing from Gen. Taylor, in consequence of Santa Anna having sent him a flag, which the General naturally supposed conveyed propositions either of truce or surrender. Hence the white flag on our part of the battlefield. This flag proved to be nothing more than a stratagem of the Mexican general to extricate that portion of his troops which he saw was absolutely in our power. During the delay occasioned by this interchange of flags, this portion of his arm, so completely in our power, moved off and made good their retreat to where the enemy's main force was posted.
    We now moved and took position to meet a large body of lancers supported by about2,000 infantry. The Mississippi and a portion of the 2nd Indiana regiments were formed across a narrow ridge between two deep ravines supported by one gun from Capt. Sherman's battery, and the other part of the 2nd and all of the 3rd Indiana regiments were on the brow of one of the ravines and parallel to the same, the line being nearly in the shape of an L, and faced by the rear rank. The charge was made by the left flank of the 3rd Indiana--now right as they were faced. This charge it is due to the enemy to say was made most gallantly and was as gallantly received by our forces delivering our fire when they were in a short distance. It proved most destructive to the enemy, felling many a horse and his rider, breaking their columns and putting them to flight, leaving many of their companions dead on the field.
    Soon after this successful repulse the field on the left was completely cleared of the enemy's forces; and hearing a sharp and continued firing on our right and to the left of Washington's battery I put my command in motion at double-quick time for the purpose of taking part in the conflict. This fire proved to be a severe action between the entire Mexican infantry and the 1st and 2nd Kentucky volunteers which was Santa Anna's last and great effort. These forces had been repulsed by overwhelming numbers and were retreating in confusion, hotly pursued by thousands of Mexicans who were loading and firing on our men every jump when my command, consisting of the 2nd and 3rd and Mississippi regiments, arrived within musket shot which we did by coming up suddenly out of a deep ravine and opened a destructive fire upon them. Finding themselves thus suddenly attacked and from an unexpected quarter they quit the pursuit, formed promptly into line and returned our fire with considerable effect; but they in turn were compelled to retreat under our well-directed fire to the position they had occupied in the morning. This was the last firing between the infantry of the opposing forces on that memorable day although the cannon continued to play at intervals until dark. The battle on the plain was opened as has been shown by the 2nd Indiana regiment and the last musket fired was by the 2nd and 3rd Indiana and the Mississippi regiments. It should be stated that our forces had been under arms since the morning of the 22nd and remained upon the field of battle until the morning of the 24th.
    I have here given a brief and faithful account of the operations of the Indiana brigade on the 23rd of February, as came under our observation, and there was not one minute from the time the battle commenced until the last gun was fired that I was not with them. Capt. O'Brien, who commanded the battery of light artillery posted on my right at the commencement of the battle, as well as Capt. Sherman, who acted with us part of the day, are deserving particular praise for their gallantry and good conduct--moving and discharging their pieces with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. The intrepid and honorable conduct of the 2nd Kentucky and 1st and 2nd Illinois volunteers could not have been exceeded, and no commendation of mine could add luster to the glory [that] should and will be theirs. There is enough of honor and glory for each man who did his duty at Buena Vista, and he must be an uncharitable and self[ish] American citizen who would  knowingly wish to detract from any portion of that glorious little army with a desire to augment that of any other corps at the expense of another. The many gallant officers and men who did their duty on that day should not suffer by invidious comparison.
    If I have neglected to particularize the conduct of the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry or to define their position on the field it is not because I deemed them of little importance, but from the reason that from the time of their retreat, I had no time of seeing anything of their movements. They participated in the rancho fight when the gallant Yell nobly fell at the head of his column. He, with the noble souls who fell on that day, should never be forgotten. The ambition of distinction should never prompt us to deface any portion of the tablet of fame which our country will erect to the honor of the actors in that battle, and the regular and volunteer army should be proud of it as one of the greatest epochs in our country's history.
    It is due to the commanders of the different batteries of light artillery to say that their efforts were most powerful and efficient towards gaining the almost unparalleled victory of Buena Vista. Ready at all times to meet the enemy at fearful odds, their guns wasted them away with their fire in a handsome manner, compelling them to retreat whenever coming within their range. Gens. Taylor and Wool were present as commanders--the former as commander-in-chief. They were exposed to dangers almost every instant of the day, watching the movements of the enemy and ordering and disposing our forces to meet and repel them. By their coolness and courage in gaining this victory they have won laurels and a fame that shall endure as long as traces of American history shall exist.
Respectfully, your ob't. serv't.
    JOSEPH LANE, Brig. General
Logansport Telegraph, Logansport, Indiana, June 26, 1847, page 1



EVANSVILLE, JULY 10, 1847.
    Mr. Thomas Scantlin.--Sir: The Wager's Troy Air-Tight Cooking Stove that you put up for Mrs. Lane is an excellent one, and she thinks decidedly the best cooking stove that she has seen; its capacity for baking is far better than any stove that we have tried.
Respectfully yours
    JOSEPH LANE.
Advertisement for Evansville Stove Store, Tri-Weekly Journal, Evansville, Indiana, October 7, 1847, page 1



GEN. LANE'S REPLY TO COL. MARSHALL.
EVANSVILLE, IND., June 29, 1847.
    BRIG. GEN. LANE--SIR:--We have read with surprise in the Louisville Journal of last Friday a communication from the pen of Col. Marshall, late of the Ky. cavalry, reviewing and criticizing your Supplementary Report of the conduct of the Indiana Brigade in the battle of Buena Vista, in a manner well calculated by its unfairness and personal allusions to yourself to arouse in your bosom feelings of the most unpleasant kind, but knowing as you do the strict accuracy of every statement made in your Supplementary Report, and strong in the consciousness that in making it you have but discharged your duty to your state, and particularly to that portion of your fellow citizens under your command at Buena Vista, in rescuing their character from the vilest and most unmerited reproach sought to be cast upon them by the voice of slander, we hope will excuse the liberty we take as old and tried friends, in assuring you that in our opinion the communication of Col. Marshall does not require your particular notice, and that it should be left to that oblivious destiny at such time and truth ever assign to such attempts on the reputation of others.
    We assure you, sir, that we see nothing in your Supplementary Report which in our opinion should call forth such a communication as Col. Marshall, nor can we perceive in it anything which under all existing facts and circumstances requires or can even justify you in entering into an angry controversy at this time with Col. Marshall.
    In conclusion, permit us to assure you of our continued confidence and esteem.
    Respectfully, &c.
R. JENKINS, NATHAN ROWLEY,
J. P. ELLIOTT, JAMES LOCKHART,
G. B. WALKER, D. S. LANE,
B. STINSON, jr., JAS. G. JONES,
JOHN WALSH, JNO. MITCHELL,
JESSE T. LAMB, W. CARPENTER,
P. DECKER, JOHN INGLE, jr.,
S. STEPENS, LEWIS HOWES,
M. J. BRAY, JAS. LAUGHLIN, Jr.,
I. CASSELBERRY, MARCUS SHERWOOD,
C. M. GRIFFITH, JOHN SHANKLIN,
F. E. GOODSELL, A. WARNER,
C. STASER, R. W. DUNBAR,
S. R. HAMILL, CHAS. HARRINGTON,
J. T. WALKER, C. I. BATTELL,
W. H. WALKER, W. M. ELLIOTT,
----
EVANSVILLE, IA., July 10th, 1847.
    GENTLEMEN:--Your letter of the 29th ult., in reference to a communication in the Louisville Journal of the 25th of June, signed H. Marshall, late a Col. Ky. Cavalry, is before me. Without pretending to intimate what course my own inclination would prompt, it is due to you to say that your opinions in reference to the communication in question are entitled to the deepest consideration.
    I entered the service of my country with the strongest desire to do my duty to her, my command and myself, and although in a campaign so arduous as the one that has just terminated, it was hardly to be expected that I could so conduct myself in all things as entirely to avoid censure, yet I can assure you gentlemen that I have honestly endeavored to do my whole duty, and award to all under my command their just and appropriate due. It must be well known to all who have read my supplementary report that my object in making it was to place before the country in an authentic form the true reason of the retreat of one of the regiments of my command in the battle of Buena Vista, and not to disparage the services or injure the characters of others. Nothing, for instance, could have been further from my intention than to cast the slightest shade of censure upon the memory of Col. Yell, an officer with whom I was personally acquainted, and for whose character as a gentleman and officer of the highest honor and bravery no one could entertain a higher regard than myself--an officer who, I am proud to say, displayed in battle a degree of gallantry unsurpassed by any other on that battlefield. Such I repeat was not my object, but to vindicate the conduct of the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and rescue its character from unmerited censure and disgrace.
    This done and my object was accomplished. In speaking of the retreat of the cavalry, I stated the simple fact, a fact which Col. Marshall with all his effrontery cannot deny with truth.
    The candid and impartial reader will readily observe that Col. Marshall misconstrues my language in order to obtain a pretext for his unmanly attack upon me, for I explicitly stated in the report in question that the disposition of the troops was confided to Gen. Wool. I did not assert that I posted them, nor is such the import of my language. Neither did I state which retreated first, the cavalry or the 2nd Indiana Regiment. To enter into a newspaper warfare with an individual who selects such weapons to war with would be an unpleasant as well as unprofitable undertaking. I therefore coincide with you in opinion that "there is nothing in Col. Marshall's communication which can justify me in entering into an angry controversy with him at this time," and I shall leave it to "that oblivious destiny which time and truth ever assign to such attempts on the reputation of others."
    I cannot however dismiss the subject without saying a word in relation to my movements and contemplated movements on the field of battle. I was ordered by Gen. Wool to meet the enemy with my command and hold him in check. I met him and held him in check for near twenty-five minutes, and I have no hesitation in saying that if we had taken an advanced position I was about occupying, and which was only prevented by the unfortunate order of Col. Bowles to retreat, the battle would in a few minutes have been ended and a triumphant victory achieved by our arms. Such was the opinion of that distinguished military commander, Gen. Wool, and such was substantially the opinion of the Mexican General who commanded that division of the Mexican army, with which the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was engaged at the time the retreat took place under the ill-fated order alluded to.
    In his report of the battle he says: "At dawn we commenced our movements, about 3,000 infantry and four pieces moved to the right, and at 9 o'clock a.m. a heavy fire was opened, the cavalry charged at the same time, much havoc was made among the enemy, and the position carried by force of arms. We also lost a large number of men and were near being driven, and if the enemy had stood firm a few moments longer or charged, we would probably have been defeated."
    This extract from his report, translated for the use of Gen. Wool, fully portrays the situation which I discovered the Mexican army to be in when I determined to advance and, if possible, drive it from the field. I have said that Gen. Wool was of the opinion that the battle would have been speedily terminated had the Second Regiment stood firm, and as an evidence of it I will give you Gen. Wool's language to Col. Bowles after the finding of the Court of Inquiry. He said, "Col. Bowles, your order to retreat has disgraced you, your regiment and your state; had you but remained one minute more and permitted the regiment to have taken an advanced position with the battery, and carried out the intentions of General Lane, you would have done one of the most brilliant acts ever done on any battlefield."--These words were spoken to Col. Bowles in the presence of Col. Curtis, 3rd Ohio, Major Washington, Light Artillery and myself.--Again:--In an order marked 295, dated May 23rd 1847, received by me on the day previous to my leaving Buena Vista with my command, the commanding General holds the following language in reference to myself individually. "The General regrets deeply that he has to lose the valuable services of Brig. Gen. Lane, whose integrity, zeal and close attention to all the requirements of the service have been of so much aid to him in the discharge of his duties, and whose gallant conduct in the field has gained for him the esteem and confidence of everyone." These high testimonials, gentlemen, in favor of my movement and intended movement, and of my general conduct in battle and otherwise, must forever put to flight the unjust, uncalled-for, and illiberal criticisms of Col. Marshall, or anyone else.
    With high regard, I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your friend and fellow citizen.
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. General.
    N. Rowley, Jas. Lockhart, D. S. Lane, Jas. G. Jones, J. Mitchell, and others.
Indiana State Journal, Indianapolis, July 27, 1847, page 1



EVANSVILLE, JULY 13, 1847.
    Hon. P. C. Dunning: Dear Sir--A press of business has prevented me from writing you for some time, which I now do with great pleasure. On tomorrow I set out for Mexico to join my command.
    I take pleasure in saying that so far as your conduct came under my observation while you were with the army, it was clever and gentlemanly. You were kind and attentive to the sick. Instead of desiring to take advantage of their necessities, you seemed to wish to relieve their wants, without regard to gain. You often told me that you did not want to make money by your trip, and I am inclined to think that you did not, as I heard you offer to take one hundred and fifty dollars for your interest in the establishment, which price you were unable to get.
    Your great attention to our lamented friend, Lt. Eiler, was worthy a good and excellent heart. I cannot, myself, see anything that you did that you need be ashamed of. Give my best respects to Capt. Sims, young Foster, and all the volunteers in your vicinity, and friends generally.
    With great respect, I am, my dear sir,
Your friend,
    JOSEPH LANE.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, November 11, 1847, page 8



BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Buena Vista, May 16, 1847.
    SIR--Enclosed you will find the report of Colonel J. H. Lane, commander of the 3rd regiment of the Indiana brigade; the reason of its being sent at this late day is that Colonel Lane had not been called upon for a report until quite recently.
    The many false rumors in relation to the Indiana brigade make it necessary that a full and fair statement of facts should be forwarded, that the department may be able to judge as to the good conduct of those troops; and as his regiment was detached from my command a part of the time during the battle of the 22nd and 23rd of February last. In transmitting this report of the part which the 3rd regiment took in that battle, it affords me the greatest pleasure to bear witness to the bravery and efficiency of Colonel Lane, and to the bravery and good conduct of his officers and men. No regiment or corps on that field exhibited more coolness and courage than did that body of men, and none did more to gain the great battle of Buena Vista.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
    JOSEPH LANE, Brigadier General.
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5.  There is no known family relationship between James Henry Lane and Joseph Lane.



CAMP BUENA VISTA, May 19, 1847.
    We, the undersigned, Captains and Lieutenants of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, state that, at the time the Mississippi and 2nd and 3rd Indiana regiments were ordered to the support of the Illinois and Kentucky volunteers, who were retreating before the charge of the enemy, in which Colonels Hardin and McKee and Lieut. Col. Clay were killed on the plateau. The 3rd Indian regiment was the first regiment that arrived on the ground, and gave the enemy two discharges of musketry before any other regiment arrived; that the 3rd Indiana regiment was on the left of the line, nearest the enemy, about one hundred yards distant, and here the 3rd Indiana regiment lost more men than during the rest of the day, and here fell the last man who was killed at "Buena Vista"--Captain Taggart, of Company E, of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers. The 3rd regiment was the only regiment that lost a man in that engagement.
T. WARD GIBSON, Captain comd'g. Company I.
W. CONOVER, Captain comd'g. Company H.
WM. FORD, Captain comd'g. Company E.
SCOTT CARTER, Captain comd'g. Company D.
ISAAC S. BOARDMAN, Captain comd'g. Company F.
P. C. PARKER, 1st Lieut., Company E.
WM. WISE, 2nd Lieut., Company E.
J. KINST, 2nd Lieut., Company H.
J. D. P. A. M. CHENEY, 2nd Lieut., Company B.
CHAS. A. SHANK, 2nd Lieut., Company H.
JOHN HARRINGTON, 2nd Lieut., Company G.
G. W. HARRINGTON, 2nd Lieut., Company F.
N. GILMAN, 2nd Lieut., Company F.
H. HULL, 1st Lieut., Company G.
SMITH DUMONT, 2nd Lieut., Company D.
THOS. M. ADAMS, Captain comd'g. Company E.
D. L. FONTS, 2nd Lieut., Company I.
J. M. LORD, 2nd Lieut., Company B.
A. HOUGH, 2nd Lieut., Company G.
S. McKINZIE, 1st Lieut., Company H.
D. PROVINCE, 1st Lieut. comd'g. Company C in the battle.
    From the time that the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers were ordered into the fight and joined with the Mississippi and that portion  of the 2nd who had rallied to the number of 200 or upwards, I was all the time with them, and can say that I know that at the time they moved off to the support of the 1st and 2nd Illinois and 2nd Kentucky regiments, who so nobly attacked the enemy and were driven back by overwhelming numbers, the three regiments moved suddenly up the bank of a deep ravine, and that, owing to the shape of the ground, the 3rd Indiana got up the hill in advance of all others and opened the fire. The 2nd Indiana came up next, and the Mississippi last. During the whole time that the 3rd was engaged, Col. Lane proved himself a brave and efficient officer, and his officers and men acted with great coolness and bravery.
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. Gen.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5



Mexican account of the Battle of Atlixco, being a letter from a son in Atlixco to his father in Puebla & published in a Mexican handbill.
Entrance of the Americans
With Fire & Blood
Into Atlixco
    My beloved father and sir whom I highly venerate--Surely your blessing has preserved me in this conjuncture, for the Americans by their valor and discipline are invincible and indeed without exaggeration their attack appeared to me the day of judgment.
    I write to you now to inform you that the army of the United States of America yesterday afternoon at the Rio de los Molineros (river of the millers) had a most bloody engagement with his excellency, the commanding general Don Joaquin Rea, who was at the head of two thousand infantry, well drilled, well equipped and paid, with all his valiant guerrilleros. But he found it impossible to maintain his position notwithstanding the profound military knowledge possessed by this ancient soldier of Napoleon and veteran of independence, and he abandoned it precipitately and retired to the city of Atlixco. The American  army, following, found resistance in the impregnable mountain of San Miguel, which however was finally carried by American valor notwithstanding it was covered by two thousand more soldiers and one cannon. In this action, we had much need of the brave national guard of Huanchinango, who the day before yesterday were ordered by Señor the Governor to retire, and who slept in Cholula and marched out at one in the morning on their route with much apprehension.
    The American army possessed themselves of said mountain having met the most admirable firmness of the patriotic Mexicans who retired to the center of the city and thence discharged much musketry from the houses, and churches served for strong walls of defense. These were attacked by fire, for the artillery (American) was directed with great force and effect at the plaza, throwing about 210 shells. The superiority of arms obliged the Mexicans to ask a truce, which resulted in a capitulation which has commenced at 7 o'clock, at which hour I now take up my pen to address you.
    I know not the loss which the American army has suffered but am assured that it is very small, while at the same time the Mexicans here had 219 killed and 300 wounded, and several guerrilleros taken prisoner of those who style themselves the "poisoned lancers." I have omitted to mention to you that the Señor General Rea has departed with his confidential adjutants for the south and on the morning of yesterday, his excellency the Governor took flight with the most loyal of the government employees. He intends to establish himself at Tlapa, a place very appropriate to meet the enemy with his usual valor, that valor which he has exhibited and will continue so to do.
    The Señor Deputy, on account of his sudden departure for Matamoros, has failed to pay me the amount of the draft, but I had it protested, in consequence of which you will take from the trunk the silver plate which I consider ought to be sold to defray the expenses of your journey and servants. Starting from the city, you will await me at Tepeaca, for which place I start this moment.
    When I see you I will give you the particulars and business assoc. I get you to avail yourself of the humble attention and love of your affectionate son.
José Edwardo Hernandez
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers



THE REPORT OF GENERAL LANE.
PUEBLA (Mexico), Oct. 13, 1847.
    SIR:--I have the honor to announce to you the arrival of my command at this place on yesterday at 1 o'clock. Before entering this city, I had learned satisfactorily that Col. Childs had been besieged forty days, and that his position was becoming a very critical one, principally for the want of the proper supplies. For the particulars of this siege, I respectfully refer you to the report of Col. Childs himself. As my command neared the city, firing was distinctly heard; and feeling confident that my force was sufficient to enter the city at once, I directed Colonel Brough, with the Ohio regiment and Capt. Heintzleman's battalion, to enter on the main road. I further ordered Col. Gorman, with the Indiana regiment, to proceed by a street farther to the east and left. Upon our approach, I found an enemy upon the housetops and in the streets firing occasional shots. The troops moved up toward the main plaza, driving the scattering forces of the enemy before them, and completely clearing the streets and city, and killing a few of the enemy. Immediately all was quiet, and order restored. I should remark, also, that I found ten or twelve of Col. Child's men who had been killed by the enemy that morning, and but a short time before our entering the city. Col. Childs and command are entitled to the highest consideration from his government for the gallant defense they have made against the repeated attacks of the enemy during the long and serious siege. My thanks are due to the whole of my command, for the gallant manner in which they obeyed my orders, and attacked and drove the enemy.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE,
    Brigadier General.
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, PUEBLA,
    Puebla, October 18, 1847.
    SIR:--I have the honor to make the following report of an engagement between a part of my forces and the enemy, under the command of Gen. Santa Anna, at the city of Huamantla on the 9th inst. After my departure from Vera Cruz, and when near the San Juan River, a party of guerrillas was observed near the hacienda of Santa Anna. Capt. Lewis' company or mounted volunteers was detected in pursuit; a portion of the command, under Lieut. Lally, came upon the enemy, and had a smart skirmish with them. Lieut. Lally behaved in the most gallant manner, rallying and encouraging his men under a severe fire. Upon leaving Paso de Ovejas, the rear guard was fired upon by a small guerrilla force, and I regret to have to announce the death of Lieut. Cline, who was shot in the affair. He is reported to have been a most energetic and efficient young officer, belonging to Capt. Lewis' company of Louisiana volunteers.
    At various points on the road rumors reached me that a large force was concentrating between Perote and Puebla. These rumors were confirmed on my arrival at the former place, and I also received the additional intelligence that Santa Anna in person commanded them, having about four thousand men and six pieces of artillery. No molestation occurred until my arrival at the hacienda San Antonio Tamaris, at which place, through the medium of my spies, I learned that the enemy were at the city of Huamantla. Leaving my train packed at the former place, guarded by Colonel Brough's regiment Ohio volunteers, Captain Simmon's battalion of three companies. and Lieut. Pratt's battery, my force consisting of Col. Wynkoop's battalion (from Perote), Col. Gorman's regiment of Indiana volunteers, Capt. Heintzleman's battalion of six companies, Major Lally's regiment of four companies of mounted men, under command of Captain Samuel H. Walker, mounted riflemen and five pieces of artillery, under command of Capt. Geo. Taylor, 3rd artillery, assisted by Lieut. Field, artillery. On arriving, near the city at about one o'clock, p.m., Capt. Walker, commanding the advanced guard (of horsemen) was ordered to move forward ahead of the column (but within supporting distance) to the entrance of the city, and if the enemy were in force, to await the arrival of the infantry before entering. When within about three miles, parties of horsemen being seen making their way through the fields towards the city, Capt. Walker commanded a gallop. Owing to the thick maguey bushes lining the sides of the road, it was impossible to distinguish his further movements. But a short time had elapsed when firing was heard from the city. The firing continuing, the column pressed forward as rapidly as possible. At this time a body of about 2,000 lancers was seen hurrying over the hills towards the city. I directed Col. Gorman, with his regiment, to advance towards and enter the west side of the city, while Col. Wynkoop's battalion, with the artillery, moved towards the east side, Capt. Heintzleman's moving on his right, and Major Lally's constituting the reserve.
    Upon arriving at the entrance to the city, Captain Walker, discovering the main body of the enemy in the plaza (about five hundred in number), ordered a charge. A hand-to-hand conflict took place between the forces; but so resolute was the charge that the enemy were obliged to give way, being driven from their guns. They were pursued by our dragoons for some distance, but the pursuit was checked by the arrival of their reinforcements. Colonel Gorman's regiment, on arriving at the entrance to the city at about the same time as the reinforcements of the enemy, opened a well-directed fire, which succeeded in routing them. With the left wing of his regiment be proceeded in person towards the upper part of the town, where the enemy still were, and succeeded in dispersing them. Col. Wynkoop's command, with the batteries, assumed their position; but before they were within range, the enemy fired in haste. The same occurred with Capt. Heintzleman's command. The enemy entering the town becoming somewhat scattered, Major Lally, with his regiment, proceeded across the fields to cut off his rear and intercept his retreat. This movement not being perceived, I ordered him to advance towards the town; thus depriving him, unintentionally, of an opportunity of doing good service. Capt. Walker's force had been engaged some three-quarters of an hour before the infantry arrived to his support. He succeeded in capturing two pieces of artillery from the enemy, but was not able to use them, owing to the want of priming tubes, although every effort was made. On this occasion every officer and soldier behaved with the utmost coolness, and my warmest thanks are due them. Col. Gorman, Lieut. Col. Dumont, and Major McCoy, of the Indiana regiment; Col.Wynkoop, Pennsylvania volunteers; Major Lally, and Capt. Heintzleman, rendered me most efficient service by their promptness in carrying into execution my orders. To surgeons Reynolds and Lamar the highest commendations are due, joining as they did in the charge of the cavalry. Surgeon Reynolds, side by side with Captain Walker, rushed on the enemy's line, and, after the conflict was ended, rendered professional services to the wounded, promptly performing amputation and other surgical operations on the field of battle. Lieut. Claiborne, mounted riflemen, captured a six-pounder in a gallant manner; while Capt. Fitzhuman, Company C, mounted riflemen, captured a mounted howitzer. Corporal Tillman is highly spoken of by all. Lieut. Anderson, Georgia volunteers, succeeded in capturing Col. La Vega and Major Iturbide, narrowly escaping with his life. The cavalry were much exposed, and behaved with that daring which characterizes American soldiers on every occasion of danger. My thanks are due to the members of my staff present, for their promptness in serving me.
    Capt. Besancon, with his command of (mounted) Louisiana volunteers, in following the command of Captain Walker, was separated by a large body of lancers from the remainder of the squadron, but gallantly succeeded in cutting his way through them. Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana volunteers, was acting as one of my aides.
    The colors of the Indiana regiment were planted on the arsenal the moment the enemy were routed. This victory is saddened by the loss of one of the most chivalric, noble-hearted men that graced the profession of arms--Capt. Samuel H. Walker, of the mounted riflemen. Foremost in the advance, he had routed the enemy, when he fell mortally wounded. In his death the service has met with a loss which cannot easily be repaired. Our total loss is thirteen kilted and eleven wounded. We succeeded in capturing the six-pounder brass gun and one mountain howitzer, both mounted, together with a large quantity of ammunition and wagons, which I was compelled to destroy. The enemy's loss was about one hundred and fifty. I must beg leave to further mention Lieut. B. P. McDonald, 3rd artillery, who was sent with an order into the town previous to my entry, accompanied by Mr. Bradley, of the quartermaster's department. He was surrounded by lancers, but succeeded in escaping.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE,
    Brigadier General.
To the ADJUTANT GENERAL, U.S. Army,
    Washington, D.C.
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



Official Dispatches of Gen. Lane.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT PEROTE,
    PEROTE, October 22, 1847.
    SIR--On the evening of the 18th instant, learning that General Rea was in command of a considerable force of the enemy at Atlixco, about ten leagues from this place, I ordered a movement for the next morning at 11 o'clock. My force consisting of the 4th Ohio and 4th Indiana regiments, Major Lally's and Captain Heintzleman's battalions, Col. Wynkoop's battalion of four companies, 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, Capt. Taylor's and Lieut. Pratt's batteries of light artillery, and a squadron of dragoons, commanded by Capt. Ford, 3rd dragoons. About 4 o'clock, p.m., when near Santa Isabel, seven leagues from this place, the advance guard of the enemy was discovered. A halt was ordered until the cavalry (which had previously been detached to examine a hacienda) should arrive. The enemy, with his accustomed bravado, came to the foot of the hill in small parties, firing their escopetas and waving their lances. On the arrival of the cavalry, a forward movement was made by the column. A large deep ravine appearing on the left of the road, Lieut. Col. Moore, with his Ohio regiment, was ordered to flank it, Major Lally with his battalion leading the advance. Our column had scarcely commenced its movement when signs of confusion were visible among the enemy. In consequence of which, the cavalry were ordered to charge, follow them up, and engage them until the infantry could arrive. Lieut. Pratt with his battery was ordered to follow in rear of the dragoons at a gallop. Had this movement been performed, the whole force would have been ours. But by an order from Major Lally, Lieut. Pratt was taken from the place assigned him by me, and in consequence detained until a greater portion of the column had passed; then owing to the nature of the ground, it was impossible for his battery to proceed with much rapidity.
    The cavalry pursued the retreating enemy for about a mile and a half, skirmishing with them. On arriving at a very small hill, they made a stand and fought severely until our infantry appeared, when they took flight. Our artillery fired a few shots as soon as it came up, but without effect, as by their rapid retreat they had placed themselves at long range. The dragoons were again ordered to follow and keep them engaged. After a running fight of about four miles, and when within a mile and a half of Atlixco, the whole body of the enemy was discovered on a side hill, covered with chaparral, forming hedges, behind which they had posted themselves. Our cavalry dashed among them, cutting them down in great numbers. So thick was the chaparral that the dragoons were ordered to dismount and fight them on foot. A most bloody conflict ensued, fatal to the enemy. Our infantry for the last six miles had been straining themselves to the utmost to overtake the enemy pressing forward most arduously, notwithstanding the forced march of sixteen miles since 11 o'clock. Owing to the nature of the road, almost entirely destroyed by gullies, the artillery could only advance at a walk. As soon as the infantry again appeared in sight, the enemy again retreated. So worn out were our horses (the sun having been broiling hot all day) that they could pursue the enemy no further. The column was pressed forward as rapidly as possible towards the town; but night had already shut in, giving us, however, the advantage of a fine moonlight. As we approached several shots were fired at us, and deeming it unsafe to risk a street fight in an unknown town at night, I ordered the artillery to be posted on a hill near to the town and overlooking it, and open its fire. Now ensued one of the most beautiful sights conceivable. Every gun was served with the utmost rapidity; and the crash of the walls, and the roofs of the houses when struck by our shot and shell, was mingled with the roar of our artillery. The bright light of the moon enabled us to direct our shots to the most thickly populated part of the town.
    After firing three quarters of an hour, and the firing from the town having ceased, I ordered Major Lally to advance cautiously with his command into the town. On entering I was waited upon by the ayuntamiento, desiring that their town might be spared. After searching the next morning for arms and ammunition, and disposing of what was found, I commenced my return.
    Gen. Rea had two pieces of artillery; but as soon as he was aware of our approach he ordered them with haste to Matamoros, a small town eleven leagues beyond. The enemy state their own loss in this action to be 219 killed and 300 wounded. On our part, we had one man killed and one man wounded. Scarcely ever has a more rapid forced march been made than this, and productive of better results. Atlixco has been the headquarters of guerrillas in this section of the country, and of late the seat of government of this state. From hence all expeditions have been fitted out against our troops. So much terror has been impressed upon them at thus having war brought to their own homes that I am inclined to believe they will give us no more trouble.
    The cavalry under Capt. Ford deserves my very warmest thanks. The service performed by them was of a most arduous and dangerous character, and nobly did they sustain themselves. To Capt. Lewis, Lieuts. Waters and Lally, it is but justice to recommend them particularly to the notice of the department for their gallantry. Also Lieut. Martin, 3rd dragoons, commanding for the time Captain Ford's company, behaved in a handsome manner. To the commanders of regiments and battalions, to Capt. Taylor, 3rd artillery, and Lieut. Pratt, 2nd artillery, commanding batteries of light artillery, I am under great indebtedness.
    To Lieut. Sears, 2nd artillery, acting A.A.G., for his promptness and efficiency throughout the day in carrying my orders, also my highest thanks are due. Lieut. Douglas, Ohio regiment (my aide), Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana regiment, Lieutenant Grooms, Ohio regiment, and Lieut. McDonald, assistant quartermaster, deserve my thanks for efficient service during the day. To my secretary, Mr. A. Phelps, my thanks are due. To Drs. Reynolds, Newton, and Lamar, I must tender my thanks.
    On my return, when at Cholula, learning that two pieces of artillery had just been finished at Guexocingo, I determined to proceed thither, and took with me a portion of Col. Brough's and Wynkoop's regiments, and a part of Capt. Heintzleman's battalion and Capt. Taylor's battery--in all 450 men. I made a thorough search of the town; the pieces had been removed, but their carriages were found and destroyed.
    On my entry into the town, a party of the enemy were seen, but retreating precipitately.
    The next morning, without interruption, I returned lo Puebla.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. Gen.
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Wayne County Record, Centerville, Indiana, December 8, 1847, page 3



Puebla Mexico October 25 1847
My beloved wife
    I arrived at this place on the 12th instant. I had much trouble in getting along owing to bad teams, broken wagons and wet weather. Rain almost every day and night; in all it was a hard trip, but not altogether unprofitable to the arms of our country, but on the contrary glorious. On my way up on the 8th I was informed that Santa Anna was somewhere near with a large force. My spies was immediately dispatched to look for him. About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 9th they informed me that he was at Huamantla, a large town twelve miles from the road. I divided my forces, ordered the wagons packed, left 1500 men to guard them and in fifteen minutes from the time my spies came in I was on the road to meet him. After a severe march of three hours I reached the town and engaged him. The fight was severe for one hour, but Santa Anna was completely routed and run off. His force was 2500 and ours 1500; he had his cannon so as to rake the streets. 150 Mexicans were killed and many prisoners taken, two cannon and 30 wagonloads of ammunition and a large number of mules and horses. Our loss in killed and missing fifteen, among them the gallant Capt. Walker.
    On arriving at this place we found our forces shut up in the forts and the enemy occupying the town. I made no halt but marched into town, engaged and drove the enemy out with severe loss. In three days more the town was well filled with the returning inhabitants; stores were opened, and things moving on quietly. On the 18th I learned that Genl. Rea was at the town of Atlixco, 20 miles from this place, with 2000 men and 4 cannon. On the morning of the 19th I was on the road to meet him or hunt him up and bring him to a fight. He came six miles on the road to meet me and the fight commenced. They were driven, contesting the road, for six miles into town, where they opened on us with their artillery. My pieces, seven in number, were run up in close range and opened on the town. The bombardment lasted for one hour, commencing about 8 o'clock at night, and was the most beautiful sight that I ever seen. They ceased firing and sent out and surrendered the town and asked for quarter, which was granted. 219 Mexicans were killed and 300 wounded. Never was a victory more glorious. I have done more to awe the Mexican forces around Puebla than has been done by any other man.
    Joseph is at the castle of Perote where I left him. In a few days he will come up with Genl. Cushing. Perote is a delightful place, and our officers will be kind to him. Besides I left a good servant to take care of him and plenty of money in his pocket.
    I don't see how the Mexicans can hold out much longer; they must make peace, and I would be glad how soon my ambition is fully gratified, and I want to be with my family. Take good care of all my children.
God bless you all
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




LAST ACTION IN THE ARMY.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT PUEBLA,
    Puebla, Dec. 1, 1847.
    SIR: Having been credibly informed that the enemy were in force at Matamoros with some artillery, and that a military depot was there established, at which a large quantity of munitions of war and other public property had been collected, and also that several American soldiers were confined there in close prison, I moved from Puebla towards that place at 7 o'clock on the evening of the 22nd inst., with one piece of artillery and twenty-five men, under the command of Lieut. B. Field, of the 3rd artillery, and one hundred and thirty-five men, consisting of Col. Hays' Texas mounted riflemen, and of the Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis. Although retarded by the rain, which fell incessantly from 10 o'clock until 5, we arrived at Matamoros at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 22nd--accomplishing a march of fifty-four miles in 12 hours. Coming upon the advance guard of the enemy as we approached the town, they were charged and driven in upon the main body, when the whole fled along the streets towards a forest lying in rear of the place. The force of the charge, the suddenness of their flight, and the various avenues by which they retired, render it difficult lo form a satisfactory estimate of their numbers, which is variously computed at from four to six hundred.
    In this short and sanguinary action from sixty to eighty of the enemy were killed and wounded, without the loss on our part of a single man. Among the killed was Col. Piedras, commanding at Matamoros, two captains of artillery, and other officers of various grades. Twenty-one American soldiers were set free and restored to the service, armed with muskets, and mounted upon horses taken from the enemy. Three pieces of artillery--a small one, a long six, and a long twelve-pounder--all of bronze, and in good firing condition, twelve tons of shot of all calibers, twelve boxes fixed ammunition, twenty-seven bales escopet and musket balls, seven bales slow and quick matches, five hundred muskets, five hundred sabers, one hundred horses, a large quantity of medical stores, and other public property, fell into our hands; and, with the exception of the artillery, the fixed ammunition, the muskets and sabers, all were destroyed in consequence of my inability to procure additional means of transportation. The remainder of the day was employed in refreshing the troops and in destroying military stores; in which last, three artillerymen--privates Gorman, Foss, and Friedman--were considerably injured, but, it is hoped, not disabled, by an accidental explosion.
    In this engagement, Col. Hays displayed great coolness and bravery, as did captains Lewis and Roberts of the Texas Rangers. Lieuts. Waters and Lilly, of the Louisiana volunteers, and the lieutenants of the Texas corps, behaved most gallantly. Lieut. Ridgely, of the 4th infantry, acting assistant adjutant general, and Lieut. Whipple, of the 9th infantry (volunteer aide), behaved, as ever before, with distinguished gallantry, rendering me prompt and efficient assistance during the engagement. They were with the foremost in the charge and in pursuit of the enemy; and not until all the public property was captured did they think of rest. Lieut. McDonald, of the 3rd artillery, acting assistant quartermaster, was with me in the charge and behaved most gallantly, as he ever has done upon all former occasions. Lieuts. Douglass and Blake were also in the charge--the former as my aide-de-camp--and both behaved gallantly. It affords me much pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct both of officers and men. Never could they behave better than on this occasion.
    Early on the morning of the 24th, we moved toward Puebla. Capt. Roberts' company of Texas mounted riflemen, numbering between twenty-five and thirty men, composed the advanced guard. The remainder of the mounted riflemen were in the rear of the artillery. The Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, constituted the rear guard. While moving with difficulty through a long mountainous pass, called the pass of Galaxara, some five miles from Matamoros, the train became considerably extended. Retarded by the obstructions of the way, the artillery and a small train of four wagons containing captured property, drawn by Mexican mules and driven by Mexicans, had fallen far in the rear, and were slowly progressing under my immediate superintendence, when it was reported that the enemy was in front. Col. Hays was immediately ordered to repair to the head of the column, and to engage the enemy with the advance guard. He found a small party of observation running in under the pursuit of two hundred Mexican lancers. He promptly repulsed them, and with Capt. Roberts and company, and Lts. Ridgely, Whipple, Waters, McDonald, Blake, and my private secretary, Mr. Phelps, numbering in all about thirty-five men, gallantly charged, broke, and pursued the enemy across an extended plain, and up a long precipitous ascent toward the mountains from which they had made the attack. Midway of the hill the enemy halted and attempted to rally. They wheeled to the front, but falling rapidly before the continued charge they again broke and fled over the summit of the mountain, closely followed by Col. Hays, with his small force. Here the enemy was reinforced by a reserve of five hundred lancers, under the command of Gen. Rea. The mounted riflemen not being armed with sabers, and their revolvers and rifles having all been discharged, he ordered his small force to retire to their original position. This order was coolly obeyed, and the men retired in good order, under the full charge of four or five hundred lancers. Having returned to their position, the enemy were immediately repulsed, and the post maintained until the arrival of the artillery, under Lieut. Field, and of the dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, whom I had ordered lo the front immediately on perceiving the strength of the enemy. It is due to these excellent officers to remark that they moved forward to the engagement with that promptitude and alacrity for which they have ever been distinguished. The artillery was immediately unlimbered, when the enemy retired to the mountains, and, receiving a few rounds of grape and canister, they disappeared. For several hours they continued lo hover about our march, in scattered detachments, too remote for the assault of our already jaded horses. And though the riflemen dismounted and attempted to reach them on foot, and the artillery was several times unlimbered and brought to bear upon them, it was impossible to bring them to another engagement. Our loss in this engagement was two killed and two slightly wounded.
    The loss of Lieut. Ridgely, my acting assistant adjutant general, who was mortally wounded while gallantly charging with his comrades by the side of Col. Hays, deeply saddens the feeling of satisfaction with which I report the brilliant conduct of this small party at the pass of Galaxara. Private Wm. Walpas, one of the rangers, also fell bravely fighting among the foremost in the charge. Lieut. Waters, and one other, were slightly wounded. The loss of the enemy in this affair is not accurately ascertained, but could not have been less than fifty killed and wounded. Of the killed were two captains, one lieutenant, and also three noncommissioned officers of artillery. During the engagement the Mexican drivers, after cutting the mules from the teams, made their escape. This rendered it necessary to destroy all the captured property, except the large pieces of artillery, and the sabers, most of which were distributed to the mounted men, and the remainder destroyed. Never did any officer act with more gallantry than did Col. Hays in this affair of the 24th. When he found it necessary to retire for the purpose of reloading--his men having no sabers--he halted in their rear, and as the enemy advanced, deliberately shot two of them dead and covered his retreat until the arrival of reinforcements. Lieut. Ridgely fell a victim to gallantry which was never surpassed. Lieut. Whipple, my present aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant general, was distinguished for his coolness and bravery. He was among the first in the charge, and excepting Col. Hays was the last man to leave the field. Captain Roberts charged bravely at the head of his company: his horse was shot under him, and he exhibited great presence of mind in making his escape. Lieut. Waters and Lieut. McDonald distinguished themselves in this action--advancing with the first, and retiring only with the last. Lieut. Blake and Mr. Phelps were also at the head of the charge, and divide with their comrades the palm of bravery and good conduct. Assistant Surgeons Brower and Newton, of the medical staff, merit my thanks for their promptitude and efficiency in attending to their professional duties. Private Glanton, of the Texas rangers, attracted general notice for his extraordinary activity and daring throughout the actions both of the 23rd and 24th. Sergeant Myers commanded a portion, of the Louisiana dragoons, and conducted them with ability through both actions. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Capt. Lewis for the energy and ability with which he discharged the arduous duties devolving upon him as commandant of the rear guard.
    At about 10 o'clock of the morning the 25th, we arrived at Atlixco. After four hours' repose, we moved on to Puebla where we arrived, without further molestation, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon--having been absent sixty hours.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. Gen. U.S.A.
To R. JONES, Adjutant General U.S.A Washington, D.C.
----
    To the above report I beg leave to subjoin that the squadron of Louisiana volunteer dragoons, commanded by Capt. Lewis, led the advance towards Matamoros and the gallant charge into the town in which they manifested the same spirit and bravery so conspicuous at Atlixco. Also, that assistant surgeon Brower, of the 4th Indiana, was with the foremost in the splendid charge of the 24th instant.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. Gen. U.S.A.
To R. JONES, Adj. Gen. U.S.A.
Democratic Pharos, Logansport, Indiana, February 2, 1848, page 2  This letter was printed in some newspapers under the headline "Official Report."



THE AYUNTAMIENTO OF CORDOVA,
    No date--received Jan. 25.
    This ayuntamiento,united today in session, together with many of the principal persons of this place, resolved to send a deputation to wait on your excellency, and invite your peaceable entry into and stay in this city. This the ayuntamiento hopes from your accredited justice and prudence.
    The deputation consists of the Curate Francisco Jalavera, Jose M. Gampo, Pedro Prebost, Francisco Mayobre, and the undersigned as president of the body.
    I have the honor to say to your excellency that we humbly beg of you to receive the deputation, who will have the honor to present themselves to you on the road.
    I subscribe myself your bumble servant,
J. JOAQUIN APRERA.
To the General commanding the American forces in Orizaba.
---
[ANSWER.]
HEADQUARTERS, GEN. LANE'S COMMAND.
    Orizaba, January 26,1848.
To the deputation of the ayuntamiento,
    and principal citizens Cordova.
    The General commanding the American forces at this place has received your communication touching his proposed visit to your city, and is pleased to be informed of your peaceable and friendly disposition towards him and the troops under his command.
    The General has not positively determined whether he will extend his march to Cordova or not, but informs you that he will not start thither today. Whenever he shall arrive in your place, he assures you that the principles heretofore announced by him in other places, and announced by all other American commanders, will be strictly pursued, namely: the protection of private property, respect for religious opinions, and exact justice towards all.
    The General begs to present you the assurance of his distinguished consideration.
JOSEPH LANE, Brig. Gen. U.S.A.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, March 9, 1848, page 2



    JUSTICE TO CAPTAIN FORD.--The following letter from Gen. Lane pays a merited tribute to the gallant conduct of Capt. Ford, in the fight at Puebla. We take pleasure in giving it through our columns:
CITY OF MEXICO, January 13th, 1848.
CAPTAIN FORD:--
    DEAR SIR: In looking over the report of my entrance into the city of Puebla on the 12th day of October, I find that your name and good conduct has been omitted, which was, I assure you, unintentional. You came out with your company under a heavy fire from the enemy, in fine order, and met me two miles from the city. You made known to me that the enemy were in strong force and would attack my column near the edge of the city, and that in a street fight, cavalry could render but little service.
    I write this note as I have no other way to make amends for the omission.
With great respect, I am, my dear sir.
    Your obedient servant,
        JOSEPH LANE,
            Brigadier General.
CAPTAIN FORD, 3rd Dragoons.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, May 25, 1848, page 2



THE MARION OF THE WAR.
    We are indebted (says the Washington Union of the 7th inst.) to the War Department for the following interesting dispatches from the army. They exhibit additional feats of enterprise and bravery on the part of our troops. Did they stand out alone, unconnected with the larger achievements of Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec, they would attract the admiration of the whole country. But, even in comparison with these battlefields, they reflect high honor upon our terms. The disparity of the forces engaged, and of the losses which were sustained, is a feather Sin the cap of Gen. Lane and his brave associates. He has justly been pronounced the Marion of the Mexican War--they deserve to share the laurels which he has won. Should hostilities end here, these latter achievements round off, in a glorious manner, the history of the war. Should it be continued, they will animate our future efforts by the noble example which they furnish of the ceaseless bravery of our troops.
    The "American Star," of Mexico, gives a brief narrative of the actions referred to in the following dispatches, and concludes by saying that "our western men are the stuff for partisan warfare. Lane, Hayes, and Polk are short names, but they reach a great way when on the track of guerrilleros."
----
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GEN. LANE.
CITY OF MEXICO, February 10, 1848.
    SIR: I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of the major general commanding-in-chief, the following report of the operations of the mounted troops specially assigned to my command on the 18th of January last.
    On the morning of that day, I left this city with four companies of the mounted Texas rangers, under Colonel Hays, two companies of the third dragoons, and one company of mounted rifles, under Major Polk--in all, about three hundred and fifty men--to scour the country, and drive the guerrillas from the roads.
    On the afternoon of the 19th, some five miles distant from Rio Frio, I met the train of General Marshall; and being informed by him that a body of the enemy had threatened his rear guard, and was then actually passing through the mountains towards his right, I immediately led my command (with the exception of two companies of Texas rangers, detached to guard the wagons) in the direction indicated; but, after a search of several hours, found no trace of hostile forces.
    About noon, on the 20th, I entered Puebla, and remained there until the evening of the following day. After dark, on the 21st, in a chilling rain, I proceeded with my command in the direction of Vera Cruz; and arriving in the village of Amazoque, turned off towards the left, in order to deceive the inhabitants.
    This route was continued for nearly, if not quite, a league; when I again turned abruptly to the right, through a ravine leading towards the mountains. During the night the command accomplished a march of forty-five miles over a route almost impassable, frequently compelled to move in single file, and sometimes obliged to dismount and lead their horses.
    Near daybreak, I halted at two large haciendas, situated in a lone region of the country, and ordered the men and horses to be concealed. I held the Mexicans, residents of the haciendas, and those passing along the road, prisoners until dark on the 22nd; at which time I again took up the line of march in the direction of the town of Tehuacan.
    About five miles distant from the haciendas I had left, in a narrow pass, I suddenly encountered a coach with an escort of ten or twelve armed men. The escort was instantly disarmed, and I was about to hold the party as prisoners, when a person stepped from the coach, and, striking a light, produced a written safeguard, with permission to arm an escort, from Brevet Brig. General Smith. I had, then, no alternative but to return the arms, and permit the coach and escort to proceed.
    The march was continued over a miserable, rocky, and narrow road for some forty miles, or more, when the column arrived in the vicinity of Tehuacan. I had previously received authentic information, through a faithful and intelligent guide, who has shown his devotion to our cause on many occasions, that General Santa Anna was in Tehuacan, with a force of one hundred regular cavalry, and an indefinite force of guerrillas. As I continued the march, my guide obtained further information, even to the positions of sentinels posted within the town. About four o'clock, preceding daybreak; I arrived at the confines of the town, when instantly, lights flashed to and fro in several houses, and a solitary gun was fired upon the advancing column.
    In obedience to my previous orders, Maj. Polk immediately surrounded the town with his command; while Col. Hays, with his, followed me, at a charge, directly to the plaza. Traces were everywhere visible of recent occupation by troops, but the whole force had departed. The house in which General Santa Anna himself had quartered, containing his furniture, wardrobe, and some fresh provisions, appeared to have been deserted abruptly. All of his military clothing was captured, together with the clothing of his lady, consisting of one hundred and twenty-two valuable pieces; which latter I caused to be packed in trunks, and delivered to the alcalde of the town, taking his written receipt for the same.
    After marches so fatiguing, it was impossible to urge our horses further, as several of them fell exhausted in the streets, and very few were in a condition to continue the pursuit.
    I ascertained from the alcalde and the priests that a courier had preceded me, arriving about two o'clock in the morning, with information for General Santa Anna that I was approaching with my command. I further ascertained, from the same source, that this courier was one of the escort I had met in the early part of the preceding evening--inasmuch as he related the incident; of the escort having been disarmed, the production of the safeguard, and the consequent restoration of the arms; and further confessed that he had been sent by a direct route to warn General Santa Anna of the impending attack.
    Finding it impossible, with our jaded horses, to make further pursuit, I endeavored to procure one hundred fresh horses from the alcalde, but was unable, without scouring the surrounding country, and suffering a delay of twenty-four hours. General Santa Anna had retreated with his force, mounted on fresh horses, in the direction of Oaxaca; and I was compelled to abandon further pursuit.
    Shortly after my return to the town, the ayuntamiento and principal citizens of Tehuacan waited upon me and tendered a formal surrender of the place, and a full submission to my authority. My command being much fatigued by the severity of our march, I thought it necessary to remain one day and night at Tehuacan. During our stay at Tehuacan, I attempted to restrain every attempt at disorderly or improper conduct on the part of the troops, and am happy to believe that my efforts were attended with very great success, the men cheerfully conforming to my desires, with probably a few trifling exceptions. None of the inhabitants were injured whilst we were there; and so well pleased were they with our conduct, that, when about to depart, the alcalde, in their behalf, thanked me for the very kind treatment which had been extended to them.
    On the morning of the 24th I again took up the line of march towards Orizaba, and arrived the same evening at the village of Acalcingo, situated at the base of the intervening mountains. Here I received a communication from the ayuntamiento of Orizaba, informing me that a deputation of the municipal authorities, priests, and citizens would meet me on the subject of arranging terms for the capitulation of the city. I replied that I would personally inform the deputation what terms would be granted. About noon, on the 24th, at a distance of three miles from the city, I was met by the deputation, and informed the alcalde that private and church property should be respected; that no violence would be allowed; but that I would investigate the robberies lately committed in the neighborhood, by guerrillas, upon merchant trains; whereupon the city was surrendered.
    The evening of my arrival I learned that a large force--principally robbers--had actually assembled at the gate of the city to oppose our entrance, but had been induced by the citizens, by force or bribes, to leave.
    On the march from Tehuacan to Acalcingo, three of the Texas rangers were detected in the act of robbing a mule train; and being desirous of making a speedy and severe example, I ordered them to be disarmed and placed under strict guard until the arrival of the command at some American garrison, and there to be dishonorably discharged from the service; which was accordingly done upon my arrival at Puebla.
    In justice to the Texas rangers, I take pleasure in stating that the three individuals specified were not Texans by birth or adoption, but joined the regiment upon this line of operations of our army.
    Immediately upon entering Orizaba, I appointed Col. Hays commander of the forces, and Major Polk civil and military governor, with directions to the latter to make inquiry forthwith into the matter of the robberies which had been committed; whether the guerrillas had been countenanced by the municipal authorities, or had been allowed to harbor in the city; whether the goods taken had been sold there; what disposition had been made of the proceeds, if sold; and to execute justice in the premises. At the same time, I reiterated my assurances of protection to individual and church property, and caused to be made known the provisions of the general orders issued at Tampico, in February last, declaring martial law.
    The efforts made to recover the goods robbed from the trains were unsuccessful, as my time was limited; and, expecting Col. Bankhead from Vera Cruz to garrison the place, I concluded to refer the business to him.
    On the morning of the 26th, I was informed that eighty bales of unmanufactured tobacco, and about thirty boxes of cigars, had been removed from the government warehouse without authority; and thereupon directed the civil and military governor to seize the same, and refer the matter to a board of officers for decision. The property, under the decision of the said board of officers, was condemned, as property of the Mexican government, to be confiscated and sold. The proceeds of the sale were turned over to the acting assistant quartermaster of the command, for the use of the United States.
    Subsequently, four hundred bales of tobacco were discovered in the government warehouse; but being materially injured, and of inferior quality, no sale could be effected without delaying the command for some time, which I deemed inadvisable. The tobacco was therefore delivered to the alcalde, with instructions to sell it, and appropriate the proceeds for the benefit of the poor. It was further expressly signified to the alcalde, that should the proceeds be diverted to any other purpose, the next American commander arriving at Orizaba would hold him individually responsible for the whole amount.
    On the 26th I received a letter of submission from the ayuntamiento of Cordova, a city distant from Orizaba fifteen or twenty miles; and on the 28th started for that place with three companies of Texas rangers, under Col. Hayes, and Lieut. Martin's company of dragoons.
    After taking formal possession of the place, I released six American prisoners captured at various places, whom I brought with my command.
    During the march to Cordova, several armed Mexicans were observed to cross the road a short distance in advance of the column. Pursuit was immediately given; but, from the fleetness of their horses and the ruggedness of the ground, they effected their escape, with the exception of one, whom Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th Indiana volunteers, had the good fortune to overtake and kill. In this connection I take pleasure in mentioning Lieut. Runnels, of the Texas rangers, who was most zealous in the pursuit, and evidently wounded the leader of the party.
    Hearing that Col. Bankhead had arrived within a day's march of Cordova, I returned to that place on the 30th, but was there assured that he had gone back to Vera Cruz; and thereupon I returned to Orizaba.
    After one week's occupation of that city, I left, on the morning of the 31st, for Puebla, with the Texas rangers, and was joined that evening, at Acalcingo, by Major Polk with his command. Continuing an unmolested march across the mountains, I next day reached San Augustin de Palmas; the day following I reached Acalcingo, where Major Polk received information that a number of mules and horses, captured from the American trains, were at a hacienda two leagues distant. I readily acceded to the request of the Major, to be allowed two companies of dragoons to recapture them; and, after a fatiguing night march, he returned, bringing with him twenty-six mules and one American horse, undoubtedly the property of the United States. The horse supplied the place of one which had died, and the mules were delivered to the quartermaster at Puebla. On the 3rd instant I returned to Puebla after an absence of.two weeks.
    Along the whole route from Puebla to Tehuacan and Cordova, and from Cordova to Puebla--a route hitherto untrodden by American forces, and heretofore notoriously hostile--no resistance was offered to a body of only 350 mounted men, without artillery, and with but a limited supply of ammunition. Every town sent out its deputies to assure us a peaceable reception, and every necessary for the command was promptly furnished.
    On the morning of the 5th instant I sent forward a portion of my command. Texans and dragoons, under command of Major Truett, as a guard to the wagons from Puebla to this city. With the remainder of my command, I started about midnight of the same day in the direction of Tlaxcala, passing through that city about ten o'clock a.m., of the 6th instant. Crossing the mountains by a rugged and unfrequented route, after a long day's march, I arrived at a hacienda which had evidently been the resort of robbers. Throughout the march, straggling bandits were occasionally seen and pursued; but no force of consequence appeared until the afternoon of the 8th inst.
    When about to enter the town of San Juan de Teotihuacan, about nine leagues from this city, report was made that the enemy, under Colonel Manuel Falcon, was before us. I ordered Major Polk, with one company of rifles under Lieutenant Claiborne, and one company of dragoons under Lieut. Adde, to make pursuit, while Colonel Hays, with the Texans, should seize the town.
    My orders were executed with alacrity and effect. Seventeen of the enemy are known to have been killed--two of them by the hand of Major Polk. Lieutenant Claiborne displayed his usual intrepidity, being amongst the foremost in hot pursuit, and ever ready to assault the foe. Lieut. Colbert, of the Texas rangers, also signally exhibited much coolness, courage, and good conduct. Indeed, every officer and man who was permitted to engage showed the utmost devotion and bravery, and rendered efficient service. One lieutenant and two privates were taken prisoners. The remainder of the enemy's forces took to the mountains, and, after a severe chase of seven miles, our men, with their exhausted horses, returned. It is more than probable that many stragglers were cut down and wounded in their retreat, who were not seen by our returning forces.
    At the same time, Col. Hays captured, in town about two hundred and fifty muskets, several escopetas, two hundred and fifty lances, and a large supply of ammunition and military clothing--all of which were destroyed, for the reason that we had no wagons to carry with us the captured property. The papers of Col. Falcon fell into my hands, and are now in my possession.
    The next morning I started for this city, which I reached about 4 o'clock p.m., after an absence of three weeks and two days.
    I cannot commend in terms too strong Colonel Hays and Major Polk for their valuable services at Orizaba; for their skill, courage, and activity at Tehuacan, and in the encounter with Colonel Falcon's forces.
    To Major Truett, Texas rangers, Adjutant Manley, 3rd dragoons, Acting Assistant Quartermaster Haslitt, 3rd dragoons (who was thrown from his horse and badly injured in the pursuit), Adjutant Colbert, Texas rangers, and to the officers commanding companies, I am deeply indebted for their good conduct on all occasions.
    Captain Crittenden, of the mounted rifles, accompanied the expedition as a volunteer, and deserves my thanks. Lieut. Butler, aide-de-camp, Dr. Hunt, and Mr. Merriwether, volunteer aides to Gen. Butler, also accompanied me, and rendered valuable services upon my staff. To Dr. Hunt, especially, I must express my obligations for his frequent professional attendance upon the sick and wounded.
    Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th regiment Indiana volunteers, was with me from Puebla, until my return to that city, and afforded me great assistance during that period. Major Chevallie, late of the Texas rangers, Mr. Scully, and Assistant Surgeon Brower, 4th Indiana volunteers, also have my thanks for their attention.
    To my personal staff, Lieut. Alexander Hays, 8th infantry, A.A.A.G., and Captain Pugh, 4th Ohio volunteers, aide-de-camp, I must express deep obligations for the promptness with which they discharged their respective duties, and their readiness in danger to be ever amongst the foremost.
    The only loss sustained by my command, during the expedition, was one private accidentally killed, and three privates accidentally wounded.
    I am, sir, with much respect,
Your most obedient servant,
    JOSEPH LANE,
        Brigadier General.
    This interesting report is respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, through the Adjutant General.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, April 20, 1848, page 1



New Orleans April 12 1848
Dear Doctor
    I arrived here on the 4th in good health. No vessel going out for several days, so I will be compelled to remain in this city. I would much have preferred being at home, provided always that my peace, quiet and comfort should not be disturbed by the dmd. infernal constables, to me a very unwelcome visitor at any time, and more especially under the circumstances that I received their last visits. In truth I had no money. In this city I borrowed money from a friend before I offered to take my baggage off the boat (unknown, however, to the clerk) to pay passage. On my passage, though a good boat, kind capt. & crew, I suffered in mind all the torments of hell. I would imagine that some personal or political enemy would publish that I had refused to pay honest debts and had to run from the worthy gentlemen above mentioned. I had in my pocket no money to treat my friends, which would very much have relieved my gloomy state of mind. I would often study over the doings of my life & would at times be foolish enough to think that I had rendered good services to the state and especially to Evansville in the arrangement of the state debt. Then again I would be weak enough to claim to myself the credit of having done something in vindication of the injured reputation of the troops of our state. That I had truly sought opportunities and thrown myself in the front of the fight for the purpose not only of doing my duty but now to show to the world that Indiana as well as other states was willing and would do her duty in battle or otherwise & would in my heart curse the enemy for not shooting me in the head and ending gloriously a life, though devoted to my country & family, that has been made miserable by poverty and misfortune. My children are to be reared without education & I shall expect to hear that the subsistence in the way of provisions, which is barely sufficient for them, is sold by virtue of execution. Then things were continually harassing me. My favorite charger, because I could not think of having her sold into the hands of the highest bidder, for she had carried me to battle & to victory at Huamantla, Puebla, Atlixco, twice at Tlascala, at Matamoros & Galaxa, at Teotihuacan & Sequaltepan, has been given to another. Is it certain that she will be treated as she deserves. That thing has harassed me very much. But I have one comfortable reflection. She is in the hands of a well-tried and faithful personal friend. He has been kind to my family in my absence and helped them in need. But, my dear friend, these things are wearing off, and with great pleasure I think of the kindness that I have received from the good people of Evansville without distinction of party. They have been more kind to me than I expected or deserved, for which I shall always feel grateful.
    I will leave on the first boat for Vera Cruz and hasten to the city of Mexico & if there is more fighting to do I will do my duty, and if it is the will of kind heaven that a shot from some escopet may happen to end my life, it will save the repetition of the horrors and sufferings of mind which is to a proud man worse than death that shall be compelled to endure until I can get money to satisfy the cravings of such dmd. rascals as Babcock & others.
    Genl. Taylor arrived in the city this morning. He is in good health, but not well pleased with Clay's letter, as I am informed. He thinks that he has the best chance of success. Nothing late from Mexico. The opinion of knowing ones here is that Mexico will not make peace. I have not, however, changed my opinion; peace will soon be made.
    If I had known that my stay here would have been so long I might possibly have by waiting have got my leave extended or at least have got an answer to my letter. If it has come to hand, forward [it], as I may be held responsible for delay. Visit my family and encourage them to persevere in business, to make no debts and try to get the children to school. Simon, who is a good boy and sensible, cannot write his name. Trouble condition hard reflection [sic] and yet he must work like a negro to satisfy the damned heartless robbers. Oh, cruel fate.
    Can't our property be sold, debts paid, and the children educated. Get Robinson to try and sell. If he can effect a sale I will direct the boys to make the conveyance. Attend to this request; the happiness and respectability of family makes it necessary. Our property is a fortune, but we must pay debts and educate our children.
    See Robinson soon and try and get him to seek a buyer and write me.
    My respects [to] Mrs. Lane and family.
With great respect I am your
    Friend
        Joseph Lane
Write me often. Let me know things generally.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Office Supt. Ind. Affairs
    St. Louis Sept. 11, 1848
Sir:
    I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd inst. directing the sum of $6,902.85 to be turned over to Govr. Jos. Lane on account of the Oregon sub-agency, and to inform you that he left here about the 1st instant for Fort Leavenworth, at which place I have just learned from the clerk of the steamer Mandan he was on the 6th last and making his preparations to start on the 9th for Oregon. From another gentleman I learn that there was some uncertainty about his starting so soon, and have accordingly written to him this day by mail and steamboat, informing him that the money, instructions, blanks, commissions &c. are on hand here for him.
With great respect I am sir
    Yr  most obt. svt.
        John Haverty
            Clerk Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 414-415.



From the Evansville Democrat.
To the Public.
    It has become necessary that I should appear before the public, and ask its candid attention to a subject of vital importance to Indiana, and to the brave troops which she sent into the field during the war with Mexico. Interested partisans in this state (and I regret that it is so) appear resolved upon disgracing themselves and the state of their nativity, or adoption, by the publication of glaring falsehoods and statements wholly unfounded in fact, put forth in the attempt to secure a mere partisan triumph. I allude to the slanders which from time to time have been perpetrated by different persons, both in official documents and otherwise, upon the 2nd Indiana Regiment relative to their conduct in the battle of Buena Vista.
    In this communication I shall rely upon facts known to the world and upon official documents which will neither be disputed nor denied. A great and lasting disgrace has been attempted to be fastened upon the fair fame our state, and I call upon every citizen high and low, to vindicate her honor and to wipe off the foul stain cast upon her bright escutcheon.
    Gen. Taylor in his official report of that battle was mistaken as to the facts, and has made statements wholly at variance with them, particularly with regard to the conduct of that regiment. If he had hastened to repair the injury thus inflicted, as soon as he became apprised of it, the present statement from myself would not have been necessary. But instead of correcting what he has stated, he persists in repeating it in the most offensive manner; and that too in the face of facts too numerous and too well authenticated to be denied or evaded. In his political letter to his friend, the Hon. G. G. Dunn, he still insists that the charge of cowardice is true as stated in his official report; that his official report was made up from the reports of his inferior officers and from personal observation upon the field. And upon this his friends say that if Indianians have been disgraced, those officers and myself are the cause.
    I will here bring Gen. Taylor's official report and my own together that the public may judge between us, by whose fault it is that disgrace has been cast on Indiana.
    It should be borne in mind that Gen. Taylor was not upon the battlefield of Buena Vista on the 23rd February, until long after the action commenced on the mountainside nor until after the retreat of the 2nd regiment. He had passed the night at Saltillo, seven miles in the rear; and did not arrive until after nine o'clock on the morning of that day.
    I was in the immediate personal command of the 2nd regiment and Capt. O'Brien's battery, and opened the battle on the plain. Who had the better opportunity of knowing as to the conduct of those troops, Gen. Taylor or myself! I made a report of that battle so far as it came under my observation. Gen. Taylor also made a report, and the question now to be presented is, did he follow the report of his inferior officers? Did he follow my report relative to my command? He did not and here is the proof.
    Extract from Gen. Taylor's report of the battle of Buena Vista dated Agua Nueva, March 6th, 1847.
    "The 2nd Indiana and 2nd Illinois regiments formed this part of our line (the left), the former covering three pieces of light artillery under the order of Capt. O'Brien, Brigadier Gen. Lane being in the immediate command. In order to bring his men within effective range Gen. Lane ordered the artillery and 2nd Indiana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry and served against it with great effect but without being able to check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support having fallen back in disorder, being exposed as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of small arms from the front but also to a murderous crossfire of grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Capt. O'Brien found it impossible to retain his position without support but was only able to withdraw all of his pieces, all the horses and cannoniers of the third piece being killed or disabled. The 2nd Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as stated could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men under its gallant Col. Bowles joined the Mississippi regiment and did good service, and those fugitives who at a later period in the day assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista."
    My own official report of this part of the battle and of the conduct of the 2nd regiment is as follows:
    Extract from my own official report of the battle of Buena Vista, dated Buena Vista Feb. the 25th, 1847.
    "I immediately put my column in motion consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lt. O'Brien's battery of three field pieces amounting in all to about 400 men to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lt. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be nearer the enemy but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of a hill impeded their fire. By the time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grape shot, of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry instead of advancing, as was intended, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own, and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them. About the same lime the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear, at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear, at the same time one of the Illinois regiments not under my command, but stationed some distance in the rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear.
    "These troops the most of them were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them I regret to say did not return to the field at all.
*    *    *
    "The men under my command actually discharged eighty rounds, and some ninety rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand and die to the last man until they received orders to retire. But I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained to their position in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed to a most destructive raking fire from the enemy's battery posted within point blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    "Some excuse may be formed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day; but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputation, disgrace must forever hang around the name of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there was a few from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Here is all that is said relative to the conduct of the 2nd Indiana regiment in that battle, either by General Taylor or by myself. I have given these abstracts in full, to prevent all misapprehension or mistake. This is the more necessary, as I perceive that a part of the press in this state, when discussing to question, are constantly misleading their readers by giving garbled extracts only.
    There are two material facts known to everyone upon that field--known to Gen. Taylor when he made his report, and which are embodied to my report--which facts General Taylor does not even allude to--to wit: first, that the regiment immediately rallied, and next, that they fought all day. Read again those sentences in the above extracts in italics, and contrast them. Gen. Taylor says: "they could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men who rallied under the gallant Colonel Bowles." This statement is not true. In my report I state the affair just as it occurred, giving the whole truth as far as I then knew it--for I was not then aware that Bowles had given an order to retreat. I expressly state that "those troops were immediately rallied and fought throughout the whole day like veterans; a few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all."
    Let me appeal to the candid men of all parties, whether there be any foundation for the assertion that General Taylor has followed my report. I was his subordinate officer, and had a better opportunity of knowing the facts than he.
    Another just cause of complaint which Indianians have against Gen. Taylor, in connection with his official report, is that besides not stating the fact of the rallying of these men, he has left it to be inferred that no other troops retreated that day except the 2nd Indiana regiment, when it is perfectly notorious that there were a few who did not do their duty in every regiment upon that field. And I here assert that there were no more amongst the Indianians than amongst the other regiments engaged. This fact will not be contradicted by any individual who took part in that battle. I stated the general fact in my report in exactly these words: "disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Soon after the battle, and after my report had been made and transmitted to Washington, it was rumored through the camp that some officer had given an order to retreat. Very soon those rumors pointed to Col. Bowles as that officer. That retreat was wholly unexpected to me. The men had gone into action so handsomely, so coolly and steadily, that their retreat, without my orders, breaking off as they did so suddenly from right to left, struck me with astonishment. The morning after the battle, I called the field officers together and made inquiry to the cause of the retreat and whether any orders had been given them as coming from me, to that effect. They all state they had not. I then inquired of them whether they had themselves given such an order. Col. Bowles stated, with an oath, that he had not. Maj. Cravens I knew had not, for he was near me when the retreat took place. Col. Haddon said he had not. So soon as it became apparent that Colonel Bowles had given an order to retreat, and that it could he substantiated by undoubted proof, I drew up the following charges and specifications and forwarded them to Gen. Wool, who sent them to Gen. Taylor, with a request that a court martial should be ordered to try Colonel Bowles for his cowardly and unofficerlike conduct.
CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS.
    Charge 1st--Inability and incompetency to discharge the duties of Colonel.
    Specifications--1st. In this, that Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army, in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd.--In this, that the said Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and repel a charge of the enemy, as shown on the night of the 22nd of February, 1847, in the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico.
    Charge 2nd--Violation of the 52nd article of war.
    Specification 1st--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February, 1847, at Buena Vista, Mexico, the said Colonel Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment, while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy, the following unnecessary order, viz: "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
    2nd.--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February last, at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he, the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action, and while a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. General Lane, of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemy's fire, did, without authority, give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and unofficerlike order, twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which said order the said regiment did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
    3rd--In this, that the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, on the said 23rd of February, while in the same battle, after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
    4th.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications under this charge, did then and there abandon his position and regiment, and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regiment and from the enemy, and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
    5th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while commanding the same in that battle, and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regiment and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
    6th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, while commandant of that regiment (under Brig. Gen Lane) during the battle aforesaid, on the said 23rd of Feb, spoke words to that regiment which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire, as follows, viz: "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
    7th.--In this, that on the day aforesaid and during that battle, and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave an order in the last specification mentioned, with the intention of inducing that regiment to abandon the position they I then occupied, and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. All of which are contrary to law, and tended not only to the manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
JOSEPH LANE, Brigadier General.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, September 14, 1848, page 2



    GOV. LANE.--The steamer Martha arrived from Weston last night. We learn from her officers that Gov. Lane left Fort Leavenworth with an escort of 25 men, under the command of Lieut. Hawkins, on Sunday, the 10th inst., for Oregon, via Santa Fe and California. The officers also report that Gen. Price was expected to arrive in Santa Fe on the second of last month.
Unidentified clipping marked "Sept. '48," pasted onto letter below. Weston is a town in Ohio; the Martha plied the Ohio River.



Office Supt. Ind. Affairs
    St. Louis Sept. 28, 1848
Sir:
    On the 11th inst. the clerk of this office had the honor to inform you of the departure of Govr. Jos. Lane from this city for Fort Leavenworth on or about the first of this month, and of his having written to him by steamboat & mail, advising him of the amount of funds &c. These letters have since been returned by the postmaster at Fort L. to this office, the Governor having left there on the 10th instant on his way to Oregon.
    The remittance of $6,902.75, advised by your letter of 2nd inst. for the use of Govr. Lane, was recd. here on the 13th. It being no longer available here for the purpose intended, I have respectfully to ask your instructions to redeposit it to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States.
    The documents recd. from your office for Govr. L. have been returned here up to this time, in the hope that an opportunity would occur of forwarding them to Oregon; none such having presented itself, I have this day returned them as directed by the postscript of your letter above referred to.
I have the honor to be sir
    Yr  most obt. svt.
        T. H. Harvey
            Supt. Ind. Affairs
Hon. W. Medill
    Comr. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 416-417.




Gen. Lane and Escort.
    We are happy in laying before the country the following extract from a private letter from Gen. Joseph Lane, Governor of Oregon, who is now on his journey to that distant country.
    The friends and relations of those who compose the Gov.'s escort will be pleased to hear that they are all well, with the prospect of reaching their destination in safety. It was fortunate that the northern route was abandoned, and that of Santa Fe adopted. God speed them upon their wilderness journey:
"KANSAS RIVER, NEAR 400 MILES FROM INDEPENDENCE,
ON THE ROAD TO SANTA FE.
September 24th, 1848.
    "I have just this moment met a train from Santa Fe homewards. We are all well and getting along well. Five days ago we reached the buffalo region, and although our hunters have often said I could not kill one, I dashed into the first gang we met, with my six-shooter killed the first buffalo and brought in the first meat.
    "The country so far is an immense plain, no timber, and scarce of water. In eighteen more days we will be at Santa Fe, and in sixty more in California, and then by sea we will soon be in Oregon. My escort is twenty-five men, under Lieut. Hawkins; all well and in fine spirits.
    "Lieut. Hawkins, who commands my escort, is a gentleman and officer.
    "Dr. Harden is surgeon of our command and a very estimable gentleman he is.
*    *    *
    "Major Meek, the Marshal of Oregon, is in good health.
*    *    *
    "In haste, and in the dark, truly yours.
JOSEPH LANE."
    We further announce that Judge Wm. P. Bryant passed through our city on Monday last, on his way to that far distant land, to assist his compeers in organizing the Territory under the late laws, and in protecting the inhabitants against savage and other foes. We reiterate the voice of the whole West in pronouncing the late appointments of governor, judges, and other Territorial officers the very best, as a whole, made by the present Administration. May the succeeding one be as fortunate.--Sentinel.
Lafayette Courier,
Lafayette, Indiana, November 24, 1848, page 2



From the State Sentinel.
Brigadier Gen. Jo. Lane.
SANTA FE, Oct. 18, 1848.
    Mr. Editor--Dear Sir:--A march of thirty-eight days has brought us all safe and well without the slightest accident to this ancient town. The distance from Fort Leavenworth thither is eight hundred miles. The route for the first seven hundred passes over one of the most beautiful plains. The soil is generally rich, producing fine grass--wood and water are scarce. The country will doubtless, with a little aid from the general government, soon be settled by our enterprising people, who will find water by digging, and who will carry the timber along with them by planting and cultivating groves sufficient for farming and other purposes. From such a beautiful soil the growth will be rapid.
    For grazing purposes, the country is the finest in the world (or at least that I have ever seen). Any number of cattle, sheep and goats can be reared, and at less expense than in any section of our country. Corn, wheat, oats, fruits and vegetables, generally, can be grown in great abundance, it being only necessary to ditch in as many acres as may be proper or convenient. Break up the ground and plant or sow, and a plentiful harvest is certain to be realized. Within sixty miles of this place I met with a Frenchman, who presented me with half a bushel of fine Irish potatoes, large and well flavored. This crop was his first experiment, and it has proved entirely successful; the yield has been abundant. Wheat succeeds better here than in the States.
    Two things only are wanting to develop the value of this beautiful and interesting portion of our country; for it is the most healthy region in the world. You will seldom hear of anyone being sick in these extensive plains, and as there is no local cause of disease, the country must always continue to be healthy; these done, the people will do the balance. The first is the establishment of a line of settlements from the Council Grove, to be under the care of the government for the first year or two, at a distance of not more than a hundred miles apart, to extend to the settlements of New Mexico; with such an arrangement, permanent improvements would soon be made, and an abundance of everything necessary for subsistence would soon be produced. Then the traveler could find a resting place and good fare, and accommodations would soon be plenty and cheap; and, furthermore, with such an arrangement, the whole road would soon be settled. The next is the establishment of a territorial government. From the enactment of good laws, and their faithful administration, security and protection would be a necessary consequence. The country ground and adjacent to Santa Fe is mountainous, and the valleys are adapted to cultivation. The mountains, however, are covered with a tolerable growth of timber, and the creeks of the intervening ravines afford abundance of good water.
    Col. Washington is here in command as civil and military governor. He is a good officer, and a kind, good man, and will, no doubt, do much to put matters right in this country.
    Our journey to this place was exceedingly pleasant up to the fifth inst., when it commenced raining and then snowing, and continued alternately raining and snowing for eight successive days. This made the roads heavy and hard on our animals, and disagreeable to us. Our animals, however, have sustained themselves well for a service of thirty-eight days in the harness and under the saddle, without forage, and subsisting entirely on the grass that they could pick up during each night. This shows that the buffalo grass on the plains, which is very fine, is better than any grass in the States.
    From the Cottonwood Fork, for a distance of several hundred miles, large bands of buffalo were daily to be seen, and also thousands of antelope, until we arrived at the settlements. Of the former we killed many, but of the latter we killed none; they are a timid, shy animal, and keep beyond gunshot.
    Lieut. Hawkins, who commands the escort, is a good officer, and has conducted the march well; and Dr. Hayden, our surgeon, is a very clever fellow, so we have everything at hand to make the trip pleasant.
    We shall resume our march in a few--say two days. Our short stay here has been made exceedingly agreeable by the kind, hospitable treatment we have received from the officers stationed at this place. Capt. Brent, the quartermaster, has rendered us every assistance in his power, by furnishing us additional animals, forage, and other things for our future journey.
With sincere respect, I am, sir,
    Your obedient servant,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Cambridge Reveille, Cambridge City, Indiana, March 31, 1849, page 3



   Fort Vancouver 3 March 1849        
To General Lane
    Governor of Oregon
    &c.   &c.   &c.
        Sir
                We have very lately been informed of your safe arrival in this country and take the earliest opportunity to present our cordial congratulations on an event which we, in common with the other inhabitants of this country, have long and ardently desired.
    We intend shortly to do ourselves the honor of paying our respects to you in person and in the meantime we beg to assure you that it will afford us much pleasure to see you at Fort Vancouver whenever you visit this part of the country.
    The Hudson's Bay Company's overland express will leave this place about the 18th inst. for Canada, and we shall be most happy to take charge of any letters you may wish to forward by that conveyance.
We have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
    Most Obdt Servts
    Peter Skene Ogden
    James Douglas
    Chief Factors H B Compy.
This letter was misfiled as being from 1869. The image of the original can be found on the eighth microfilm reel of the Joseph Lane Papers.

Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane


Oregon City, April 9 1849
To Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir--I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company in accordance with the regulations of as provided by law.
    As I am informed You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, of the Company and quantity and condition of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed, it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the Territory in the Rogue River Valley in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines. You will so far as it is in your power to afford to many traveling protection to our citizens traveling in that direction protect and thereby make it such less dangerous than has heretofore been.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my my wish and intention so far as I am able to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in extending protection protecting to the Indians population from in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of the United States Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their natural possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights.
    You will therefore carefully restrain yourselves from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country as well as your duty as an officer requires a strict observance of this order. If by any cause the Indians of Oregon should in the present year be aroused to hostilities, the injury they might do to the settlements in the absence of a greater part of the male population [due to the gold rush] would be incalculable.
    You will therefore hold yourself and your command in readiness to act as circumstances may require For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required as circumstances may require by the Executive. The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition which you have this day accepted for have have been placed in your furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22



Oregon City
    April 9 1849
To
    Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir
                I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company, as provided by law. You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, the quantity of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines, you will, so far as it is in your power, afford protection to our citizens traveling in that direction.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my wish and intention, so far as I am able, to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in protecting the Indians in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights. You will therefore carefully restrain your men from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country, as well as your duty as an officer, requires a strict observance of this order. If, by any cause, the Indians of Oregon should, in the present year, be aroused to hostility, the injury they might do to the settlements, in the absence of a greater part of the male population
[due to the gold rush], would be incalculable.
    For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and to maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required by the Executive.
    The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition, for which you have this day receipted, have been furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Joseph Lane
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22


Evansville, Ia., June 21th 1849
Dear Husband,
    It is with the utmost gratitude to that being that rules in mercy that I can say to you that we are all enjoying very good health at present and while I am expressing my gratefulness to him for so rich a blessing I hope you are in possession of the same. I received the letter you wrote when you were starting to the gold mines; that is the last we have heard from you. I am now looking every day for letters from you; when I get a letter from you it revives me more than everything else in the world could when you are away from home. The time now seems like an age since you have been gone from home, but I try now to make myself as much contented as possible as fall is drawing nigh when I shall look for you home. The cholera is very bad in this country. A great many have died with it—it is now in our neighborhood. I need not try to tell you how many of your friends have died since you have been gone; I believe it would take up half this sheet of paper. Uncle Simon's family has had the cholera. He is now greatly afflicted; he has lost his wife and Malissa, and he is now left with four little children without a mother. He has been sick himself, but he is getting better. Your mother's family are all well. Andy Barlow's family are all well. Jo Ben and Mary Caroline are two very smart little children. Jo Ben talks about his papa every day. Sis begins to talk very plain. Sarah Noel that was the blooming Sarah Eakins is now numbered among the pale nations of the dead. She is gone from this world of noise and bluster; she has left an infant and many friends to deplore her loss. She came up the river about four weeks since and her husband stayed in New Orleans. He intended on coming up in the fall. Papa and Mother sends their compliments to you. They have been very kind to me and the children. I do not believe there ever was kinder parents than mine; they try to do everything to make me happy that they can. They would do more if I would let them but I cannot be happy when I am away from you. My prayer is every day that we may meet once more in this world. Ever since you have been gone you have constantly been on my mind and would be if you were to stay fifty years. We have spent many a happy hour together and I hope we will spend many more. I have been up to our old farm and John Strong is living on it. Henry Angel is living on your father's home farm. Everything is very much changed since you and your father have been gone. Ratliff's death was a great misfortune. I have got Uncle Simon to attend to our business. I will try to attend to it as well as I can till you get home. You must excuse my mistakes and bad writing. Jo Ben and Sis is playing and pulling at me so I cannot write.
    May the blessings of almighty God rest and abide with you now and forever is my prayer.
Your affectionate wife until death.
    Jane D. Lane
N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

FROM OREGON!
THE MESSAGE OF GEN. LANE!
To the Territorial Legislature.
LETTER FROM JUDGE BRYANT!
INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE!
    Oregon City, August 18th, 1849.        
To the Editors of the Indiana State Sentinel:
    Enclosed I send you the message of our mutual friend, Gov. Lane, to the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon. This document, as well as all the Governor's official acts, shows the good sense, and I may add, the good heart of the man, and is well received here by the citizens and assembly. The Governor is very prompt in defending the Indians in their fisheries and other rights, essential to their comfort and subsistence, and on the other hand exacts from them more respect to the rights of our citizens than one not accustomed to them would suppose them capable of yielding. We have had no late difficulties with them, and I believe his policy will secure us against any future difficulty. The Governor is almost constantly engaged in hearing their petty grievances, and redressing them in a plain and summary way that makes them pay respect to the rights of one another, and abstain from depredations upon the citizens. Our legislature is in session. They are men of good sense, and well understand the wants of the people of the Territory. Several of them have filled important stations in the States, and Col. Chapman was once a delegate in Congress from Iowa. The courts in my district are in session. Last week I held court in Linn County, in this, in Champoeg, and next week will hold court in Clackamas, and week after in Vancouver, which will end my circuit. Judge Pratt's circuit will commence 1st Monday in September. I found but little business to do. The grand jury found four or five indictments for small offenses, such as hog stealing and stealing horses from the Indians, &c., in Champoeg. Such things will happen at first, but I think, judging from the mass of the citizens, who are mainly very orderly and honest, that these lawless characters will not long remain amongst us. I was up this, the Willamette Valley, as far as the Calapooia settlements. I never saw a richer valley of land, and the mountain scenery is captivating. The health of the country is good, and the harvest is abundant. This is the greatest country for wheat on the continent. I have never seen finer wheat grow than we have this year in Oregon, not near all of which will be saved for the want of laborers. The ordinary wages for laborers in the harvest field is $6 per day to each man. Every kind of labor commands nearly any price asked for it. The packers, in advance of the emigration, arrived today. They report 8,000 wagons on the road; about 2,000 bound for this Territory, the residue for California. The cholera had been fatal out from Missouri to Blue River, about 400 miles; about 700 deaths, and had abated; but there was much sickness of fevers among the emigrants, and some deaths. We anticipate much sickness and distress among the land emigration. The packers are of opinion that they are rushing and pressing their cattle so hard in order to get out to the mines that they will break them down. I hope there will not be sufficient emigration come here to make us a famine. Our people are returning from California every day with large sums of gold, the product of the mines. It will surprise you I dare say to learn the trade of the Columbia River this year, in comparison with what it has heretofore been. I have before me a statement showing the arrivals and departures of vessels coming in and going out with freight over the Columbia Bar which has heretofore been considered impassable. Since the 7th of May, ships of every size, from forty tons to seven hundred tons burden, amounting to fifty-eight up to the 18th of this month, and not a single incident of a serious character has happened. If the twentieth party of the protection was given to the trade of this river that is extended to the mouth of the rivers in the States, the Columbia would be found to be a much better bar than that of most rivers in the States of its size. The lumber trade of this river is quite an important trade; so of the wheat and flour.
    The Legislature were this evening engaged in devising means to alleviate the suffering of the emigrants. Many of them will not be able to get through, it is believed, with the best assistance we can give them.
    We have no paper published in this Territory, and I cannot furnish you with a printed copy of the Governor's message. He is quite well; left here this morning for the Umpqua Valley, accompanied by Lieut. Talbot, with an escort, to examine Alsea Bay, and to see the Indians of that part of the Territory. It turns out that there are several good harbors on the coast below the mouth of the Columbia River, although it has heretofore been reported an iron-bound coast.
    Yours, truly,
        WM. P. BRYANT.
--------
GEN. LANE'S MESSAGE.
Fellow Citizens of the Council, and of the House of Representatives:
    It affords me pleasure to tender to you my friendly greeting, on the occasion of your assembling at the seat of government for the first time, under the law of Congress "To establish the Territorial Government of Oregon," to enter upon the discharge of the important duties to which you have been called by the voice of your constituents.
    The task devolves on me,to propose such measures as have in the discharge of my official duties suggested themselves as necessary to promote the interest and welfare of the Territory. In communicating with you for the first time, it is a source of unfeigned satisfaction, calling for mutual gratulations and devout thanks to a benign Providence, that we are in the enjoyment of general good health and prosperity, and that we are at peace with the numerous tribes of Indians surrounding us.
    Widely separated and exposed as are our people, by reason of the great extent of country over which they are scattered, peace and harmony with the natives is of vital importance to the security and success of our settlements. The well being of the inhabitants of Oregon, no less than the cause of humanity, requires that we should always encourage relations of the most friendly character with our red brethren.
    The Cayuse nation remain unpunished for the massacre at Waiilatpu, but the whole tribe will be held responsible until those, whoever they may be, concerned in that melancholy and horrible affair are given up for punishment. A fine regiment of troops commanded by officers who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country are en route for Oregon and may be expected to arrive by the middle of September. It will then be in the power of the government to make this tribe accountable for their wrongdoing, and I can assure you that our government will not suffer the guilty to go unpunished.
    A party of the Shey-wamish and Snoqualmie tribes recently made an attack on the Hudson's Bay Company's fort at Nisqually, in which difficulty an American citizen was unfortunately killed. I shall hold these tribes accountable until the guilty shall have been punished. It is the intention of the gallant officer in command of the forces now in Oregon to establish a garrison of one company on Puget Sound for the protection of the settlements in that quarter, so that no apprehension of any further outrage in that section need be entertained.
    I had the gratification while on a visit to the falls of the Columbia, to bring about a peace, at the request of the chief of the Yakimas, between that tribe and the Walla-Wallas who were at that time engaged in war. These tribes, as also the tribes that I visited on the Cowlitz and Puget Sound, I was pleased to find friendly towards us, and as well as the tribes bordering the settlements on the Willamette and Columbia, anxious to sell their possessory rights to the soil.
    Surrounded as many of the tribes and bands now are by the whites, whose arts of civilization, by destroying the resources of the Indians, doom them to poverty, want and crime, the extinguishment of their title by purchase, and the locating them in a district removed from the settlements, is a measure of most vital importance to them. Indeed the cause of humanity calls loudly for their removal from causes and influences so fatal to their existence. This measure is one of equal interest to our own people. I would therefore call your attention to the propriety of memorializing Congress upon this interesting subject.
    We can recognize in Oregon the material of her future greatness; a climate and a soil extraordinarily productive eminently characterize it. The prolific growth of grain, vegetables and grapes; the natural meadows, untouched by the hand of cultivation, sufficiently extensive to furnish subsistence to innumerable herds of cattle, during the entire year; inexhaustible forests of the finest fir and cedar in the world; never-failing streams which furnish water power of unlimited capacity, show how lavishly nature has bestowed her blessings upon his favored land.
    With the proper development of her agricultural resources, and the improvement of her immense water power, she can supply the entire Pacific Coast with the most important of the necessaries of life and many of the staple articles of commerce. Her immense resources are gradually but surely being developed; her mineral wealth, at present, is not to be computed; gold has been found in several places, in sufficient quantity to induce the belief that there are mines, perhaps extensive ones, of this precious metal within the borders of our Territory; iron, lead and coal are known to exist, and the indications of their abundance are of the most flattering description.
    The Columbia is the only great river on the Pacific Slope of our continent which leads from the ocean to the Rocky Mountains, by which a line of communication can be opened to the great valley of the Mississippi. The navigation from its mouth to the Cascades, a distance of nearly one hundred and fifty miles, is uninterrupted for vessels of the largest class. These obstructions, and those beyond, may be surmounted in a considerable degree by canals and locks. The importance of this immense line of interior communication cannot fail ultimately to secure for it the fostering hand of the general government. It is a source of great gratification to know that the entrance of the mouth of the Columbia is much less dangerous than has heretofore been generally supposed. Many vessels, some of them large ships, drawing from twelve to sixteen feet of water, have, during the present year, crossed the bar, arriving and departing without the aid of pilots, lighthouses or buoys; and not a single accident has occurred to intercept the facility of navigation during the present year.
    It affords me much pleasure to give the subjoined extract of a letter from Captain Wood, of the United States steamer Massachusetts, as such testimonials will have a tendency to disabuse the public mind and remove the prejudices unfortunately existing against the mouth of this noble river.
    "Having waited until about 4 p.m., and seeing no indications that our signal for a pilot had been observed, I stood in, followed the directions I obtained in New York of Capt. R. Gelston, who was here last year in the barque Whitton, proceeding safely and without accident to anchorage in Baker's Bay. There was no one aboard the ship who had ever been here before. From what I saw, it seems to me that if the channel was properly buoyed, and there was a competent pilot stationed at the cape to conduct vessels in, that the entrance of the river would lose its horrors, and in ordinary circumstances be considered safe and easily accessible."
    Congress has made an appropriation for the erection of lighthouses at Cape Disappointment and New Dungeness, and for the construction of buoys to indicate the channels at the mouth of the Columbia and the approaches to Astoria.
    This appropriation, it is to be feared, will be inadequate, in consequence of the high price of labor, occasioned by our proximity to the gold mines of California. I would therefore respectfully advise you to memorialize Congress on the subject, acquainting that body with all the circumstances and facts of the case, and showing that the early completion of these contemplated improvements are of vital interest to the Territory.
    Puget Sound is known to be one of the safest and best harbors in the world. It affords fine ship navigation into a beautiful and important portion of our country.
    I refrain from dwelling further upon topics so interesting as the features and resources of the country, conscious, as I am, that my feeble attempt to delineate them is entirely inadequate to do them justice.
    I am happy to know that many of our people who have been to the mines are returning to their homes and farms, and it is to be hoped are satisfied and determined to remain and renew their farming and other occupations. The gold excitement occasioned the absence of a large part of our laboring population; many of them had failed to put in crops; fine farms are lying idle; consequently, this year, the crops will fall short of an average one. But there is no doubt that with the grain on hand there will be a sufficient supply for home consumption.
    We have good reason to believe that the extraordinary emigration to California, in consequence of the gold mines, will in a short time result in adding so largely to our numbers that our population, now only about nine thousand, will be doubled in the next twelve months. The healthy climate, rich and beautiful valleys of Oregon, will doubtless induce many of them to seek a permanent home amongst us. She will thus be benefited by those mines equally with her sister territory.
    It is estimated that upwards of two millions of dollars in gold dust have been brought into Oregon since their discovery. This new element of prosperity, invested in agricultural and other branches of industry, must have a most cheering effect upon the prosperity of the country. It should, however, always be borne in mind that the wealth of a country does not consist so much in dollars and cents as in the number, virtue, intelligence and patriotism of her population; in cultivated fields, flocks and herds, and those facilities natural and artificial which afford an easy and certain market for its surplus production.
    From the best information I have been able to gather, from estimates and otherwise, the expense of the late Cayuse war may be set down at about one hundred and ninety thousand dollars. This indebtedness has borne heavily on many individuals who advanced money to the provisional government, some of whom borrowed money for the purpose of arming and subsisting the troops, and have since paid those sums out of their own funds, by which they have been greatly injured in their private affairs.
    The justice of the war and the good conduct of the citizens in promptly turning out in defense of their country entitle them not only to the good opinion of government, but to an appropriation by Congress sufficient to pay the expense of the war. It is for you to take such steps as in your wisdom may seem best to ascertain the exact amount of the expenses of the war, and to whom it is due; and to lay the subject before Congress, with a request that they make the just and proper appropriation.
    In regard to donations of land, the people of Oregon have long been kept in suspense. They believe that the faith of the government is virtually pledged to a grant of land to each settler who has made a location and improved it. The immediate attention of Congress should be called to the subject, and their early and favorable attention requested.
    The necessity of good roads, in aiding the settlement, as well as in promoting the present and future prosperity of the country, is too manifest to require illustration. The enactment of laws to this end, and for the making [of] such other improvements, as may facilitate intercourse between the different sections of the country, so far as it may be, within the ability of the Territory, is earnestly recommended. A good road leading from Walla Walla to Puget Sound, one from Chehalis to some point on the Columbia, and another from the falls of the Columbia to the valley of the Willamette, one of the greatest importance to our country in a military point of view, and will doubtless be so considered by our government, if their attention in a proper manner is called to the subject.
    A matter of the deepest interest to the prosperity of the Territory will be the establishment of a judicious system to raise revenue. This is no less demanded for the redemption of the plighted faith of the provisional government, than it is for raising by a practicable and legal method sufficient funds not obtainable from the federal treasury, to meet incidental and necessary expenses of the Territory. While the home government contributes in a liberal spirit to the maintenance of our temporary existence as a Territory, it is expected that all revenue, necessary to the local interests of the several counties will be supplied by a system of equal assessments, levied upon the people who are to be permanently benefited thereby. Your early attention to this delicate but necessary duty is earnestly recommended.
    Your immediate attention is most respectfully urged, to the examination and remedy of the loose and defective condition of the statute laws, declared by the organic act to be operative in the Territory. No others prevail here, except such as were the offspring of the late provisional government, which are coupled with an old and imperfect edition of the laws of Iowa, which were adopted by it, only one or two copies of which are to be found in the Territory. Most of these laws are unsuited to our present condition. Besides they are to a great extent beyond the reach of the body of the people, whose lives and property are to be controlled by authority and rules for their guidance, not to be obtained, or if found, not adapted to the new order of things.
    Certainty, simplicity [and] fitness in the statute regulations of any people united to education and the general diffusion of the laws constitute the most reliable safeguard against the commission of crime, and the surest pledge of general prosperity.
    No duty is more arduous, or more imperatively demanded by the public interest, than that which devolves upon you in furnishing the people of the Territory with good and wholesome laws. The public good as well as a just pride in your legislative reputation call for the application of your best energies and most careful deliberation to this difficult and laborious task.
    I feel it no less my duty than my highest privilege to call your attention to the deeply interesting subject of education. The law of Congress provides that when the lands of the Territory shall be surveyed under the direction of the government of the United States, preparatory to bringing them into market, sections sixteen and thirty-six, in each township, shall be reserved for the purpose of being applied to schools. The munificent spirit displayed by Congress in making so liberal a donation for this purpose is a ground for grateful acknowledgment, and indicates an enlightened policy, which looks to the general diffusion of knowledge as the surest guarantee for the continuance of good government, and the substantial happiness of our people. In this grant we shall have the means of promoting a system of common schools for the education of all the children of the Territory.
    Your attention is invited to the importance of adopting a system of common schools and providing the means of putting them in immediate operation; and when the land becomes available, the system may under wise legislation be maintained and continued without bearing onerously upon the people, and ultimately be productive of the end in view when the gift was made. With a system of general education, sustained by such resources, there is no reason to doubt that in the course of a few years the rising generation of Oregon will proudly vie in respect to useful knowledge and moral culture with that of the older settled portions of our common country.
    The organization of the militia is a measure so identified with the peace, security and defense of our people, that it cannot fail to recommend itself to your early consideration. Your attention is invited to the act entitled "An act to prevent the introduction of firearms amongst the Indians." This law not only prevents the introduction of firearms, but prohibits the sale of powder and ball to the Indian, thereby depriving him in a great measure of the means of procuring subsistence, and if strictly enforced, would produce much suffering among this unfortunate race of people. Humanity requires that we should afford them every facility that we can safely do to ameliorate their condition. It is well known that the tribes bordering the settlements are friendly and well disposed towards us, and that there is no danger to be apprehended from them by placing in their hands the means of procuring subsistence by the chase. I would therefore recommend the repeal of the law, or its modification, so as to discriminate between friends and enemies.
    It will be your duty by enactment to fix the time, place and manner of holding and conducting elections; to provide for the apportioning [of] the representation in the several counties and districts to the Council and House of Representatives; to define the qualifications of voters and of holding office, and also to fix the day of the commencement of the regular sessions of the legislative assembly.
    It will be for you in your wisdom to determine whether you will proceed to locate the seat of government at the present or some subsequent session of the legislative assembly.
    In closing this communication, it only remains for me to assure you of my earnest wish for the adoption of such measures as will tend to the general welfare, prosperity and happiness of our people.
JOSEPH LANE.           
    Oregon City, July, 1849.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, December 13, 1849, page 4




Oregon City December 6th 1849       
Col.,
    I have just had an interview with Capt. Scott from the Umpqua settlement, who informs me that an Indian of the Umpqua tribe recently came into the settlement and there reported that a party of ten or twelve families from California bound for Oregon have been cut off by the Rogue River Indians, all killed but the children, who are prisoners.
    The following is an extract from a letter just recd. from the Umpqua. "If the Indian report alone was the only grounds we have for belief, I should place much less reliance upon the story, but we have had for the last two weeks a report given us by parties returning from California that ten or twelve families were about starting for Oregon and others reported them actually on the road. The last party of packers who passed about eight days ago reported seeing fresh wagon tracks on the road as far as Rogue River but no further."
    I have conceived it to be my duty to lay this information before you, with the hope that you will be able to send out a small force to the Umpqua and in the direction of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, for the purpose of inquiring into the facts, and if true to recover the captives. Children could hardly be expected to survive the winter; deprived of clothing, exposed to cold and hunger, death would be almost certain. If there is any good reason to believe the report, it seems to me that an effort ought to be made to recover the living.
    I would advise you to see Captain Scott, who will call on you tomorrow morning and give you all the information that he possesses upon the subject. He can also inform you whether a small force could be subsisted and quartered in that vicinity or rather in the Umpqua settlements.
With great respect
    I am sir
        Your obt. servt.
            Joseph Lane
Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 12; Letters Received 1848-1852, 1849 No. 21.



Oregon City, October 25th, 1849.       
    Dear Spann:--I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your very friendly letter, by Judge Bryant, and also the proceedings of two public meetings of my good friends of Indianapolis, for which I tender you and give them my thanks. You will, I hope, readily pardon me for not writing sooner. I have been so constantly engaged in the discharge of official duties that I have not had time to write as often to my friends as I would like to.
    I arrived here in advance of all the territorial officers, proceeded to organize the government, caused the census to be taken, made the apportionment, caused elections to be held, convened the legislative assembly, and did all other things required by law and the interest of the Territory.
    Most of the time I have had no assistance, and consequently everything to do. In the management of our Indian affairs I have had but little help. Two sub-agents received appointments in June. One soon after resigned, and the other went to California. In the discharge of this duty, for the purpose of maintaining friendly relations with the Indians, I found it necessary to visit many of the tribes, in their own country. I proceeded to the Dalles of the Columbia, Chutes River, Yakima county, Cowlitz, Puget Sound, the valley of the Willamette, across the Coast Mountains, from the Willamette to the coast at Yaquina Bay; near two hundred miles south of the Columbia.
    I have seen more or less of the people of near forty of the sixty-seven tribes living in Oregon, made out and forwarded a report of all the tribes, their location, numbers, and disposition, as near as could possibly be ascertained; copied the executive proceedings and official correspondence, and forwarded the same to the President, and did all other things necessary to be done, to the best of my ability, honestly and faithfully. The executive books and papers, as also of the Indian affairs, are in good condition, plain and easy to be understood.
    My health has been fine, and I have labored constantly. I have said this much about my doings (which I hope you will excuse) to let you know that no part of my duty has been neglected. I suppose that I shall be removed, but I am determined that it shall be without cause, or at least any reasonable cause of complaint. These are the reasons, my dear friend, why I have not written ere this.
    I confess to you that I am surprised to find that any considerable portion of the Whig Party of Indiana should at any time be willing to fasten upon their state lasting disgrace. It is not deserved. No better troops ever pulled a trigger in their country's defense than the troops from Indiana. Why should they unjustly suffer? They shall not! I shall feel it my duty at all times and under all circumstances to tell the truth, and the honest truth is the only defense of their reputation that they or the state will ever require. If it should be my misfortune to make enemies by defending the reputation of my command, my state, and myself, let it be so.
    While in the Mexican War, it was my fortune to see troops from different states engaged in battle--good troops--but no better than the Indianans. No troops ever did their duty better, and but for the cowardice of Bowles, and the falsehood of others, no troops would have stood higher. And after that unfortunate affair, every Indianan who came under my observation, endeavored by his gallantry and good conduct to convince the world of their capacity to do, under all circumstances, in battle or otherwise, their duty--yea, honor to themselves and their country. And they did so.
    I have seen much of this country and like it. Yet I would much rather be in Indiana. I like the state, God bless her; but I am here, I am poor, and have a large family to support. I can make money, and have concluded to send, by my son, who goes home, for my family. It is like taking my life to bid farewell to my state, but what better can I do? I am not now able to labor as I once could, and here is perhaps the best place for me. He goes fully authorized to sell the homestead, and all my effects, settle my business, pay all debts and leave the home once so dear.
    Please tender my thanks to my friends for their kind defense of my reputation. I am proud to know that no Kentuckian, or other person, can assail it without incurring the displeasure of a generous, kind and good people.
    God bless you, my friend, and the state.
JOSEPH LANE.       
Evansville Daily Journal, Indiana, March 1, 1850, page 2


Columbia River opposite Mr. Burns'
December 8, 1849
My dear wife
    Here I am again going
ahead leaving my kind and loving wife and family anxiously preparing ahead to roll on the billows of the great Pacific asking for favorable winds to widen the distance between me and all that is dear to me but enough I have to go and the sooner I am back the better. I want you to take more than special care of the girls; there is more danger of their men now than of any other kind which grieves me to be away at this time--for God's sake do prevent them from going out of night to parties no matter who courts after them and although Capt. Jones is [from] a highly respectable family yet there is great danger to be found from our daughters' staying all night there or going to parties with them--do prevent them from doing either.
    I do not want to dictate in small matters, but for god's sake look well
to the foregoing, as also to our dear little George, do not let him go about or cross the river without you. I have written to Capt. Couch to send you all shoes, also George a pair of boots.
    Walter Pomeroy says that if you want any money he will let you have it. I only say so to you to let you know what he says.
    Do not sell any of our property till I get back, which shall be soon.
    Tell my old friend the gov [i.e., Joseph Lane] to write me by every ship that leaves for California and to advise me what is best to do, whether to buy a vessel or come home with goods, and if so what kind of goods. It seems to me that furniture is a good article to bring to Oregon.
    My dear wife, take care and do as you think best, and I will be satisfied. Let me here suggest that you employ a cook and for god's sake save
yourself in your old age--my kind love to the children may God bless them and the richest of all blessings on you is the desire of your affectionate husband
W. G. T'Vault                        



On board the brig Josephine
December 9th, 1849
My dear son
    I am now going down the Columbia and will not have an opportunity of writing to you after we leave Astoria.
    I hope you, your mother and sisters are all well and may kind providence guard and bless you with good health until I return.
    My dear George I want you to be a good boy do not run about in the streets go to school, obey your mother and Gov Lane be careful do not go about the river take good care of yourself do not quarrel nor dispute with other boys.
    Write to Capt. Couch for your boots and your mother's and sisters' shoes.
    My dear son I do hope and pray you will do well until I return I will come home as soon as I can nothing will stop me but death or disappointment from being back by first of February next.
    God bless you all I want you to be careful of yourselves do [so] for my sake.
    Give my best respects to Gov Lane tell him I will write from San Francisco as soon as I arrive--your affectionate father
W. G. T'Vault                       
Tell Gov Lane that I will write him every opportunity and do hope that Judge Bryant will not be detained by the [illegible]; I hear she is aground. All is well with me hoping that I may continue so with all at home and elsewhere.
December 9th
W. G. T'Vault



    Articles of agreement made and entered into this 7th day of January 1850 between W. G. T'Vault  of the first part and H. G. Parks of the other, witnesseth the said parties agree to form a partnership for carrying on the slaughtering of beeves, hogs etc., also the establishing [of] a market of meat, vegetables etc. in the town of Oregon City, said partnership to commence from this date and continue unless dissolved by mutual consent for the term of three months, upon the terms following, that is to say--
    The said T'Vault is to furnish a house and lot, the house to be for a slaughter and market house, the market house to house [a] store, the lot to be
suitable for keeping cattle and hogs, also to furnish a capital of two hundred and fifty dollars and to superintend and purchase beeves and cause them to be delivered in the slaughter pen or lot, said T'Vault is to charge no mill for said house and lot nor for any service for delivering stock in the slaughter lot, the said T'Vault is to take a receipt for all monies that he may pay out for marketable supplies and cause the same to be entered on the books of the firm.
    In consideration of the same, said Parks agrees to furnish two hundred and fifty dollars capital stock and to cause the
mass [of] any quantity of beeves suitable for the market to be slaughtered provided the same can be obtained, and to market the same, and superintend the sale of all marketable articles and in fact the said Parks is to superintend the slaughtering of all beeves and hogs and sale of the same as well as all other marketable articles and keep an exact account of the amount of sales and enter the same each day on a book to be kept for those purposes and at the end of each week there shall be a settlement made; each party accounting for this amount he may expend if the same has been expended for the use of the firm it is to apply to the same use of the firm, and said Parks to to charge milling for his services.
    The above agreements are mutual between the parties.
    In witness whereof we have hereunto put our hands this day and date above written.
[signed]  W. G. T'Vault
                H. G. Parks
Witness: R. R. Thompson


Extract of a Letter from Gen. Joseph Lane to the Editor.
Oregon City, January 28th, 1850.
    Dear Sir: You will doubtless see the published proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of this place who formed themselves into a company for the purpose of sending to the States to purchase or build two steamers, suitable for the navigation of the Columbia and Willamette rivers. The necessary amount of money was subscribed, and paid. I was kindly selected by the agent of the company. I was so strongly urged, and daily expecting my successor to arrive, and knowing the great necessity of the measure, I at first concluded to go. But upon more mature reflection I declined, and determined not to abandon my post for one moment, but remain in the faithful discharge of my duty until my successor is on the spot. I know the condition of the country and know the necessity of my constant presence in the Territory. So you will do me the kindness to contradict any rumor that may reach the States of my probable return. I did not ask the office; but at the request of President Polk, yourself and other good friends I accepted it, and in twenty-four hours time was on my way to Oregon. I reached Leavenworth by steamboat and there with my own money I purchased horses, provisions &c., and then by the middle of September took the road via Santa Fe; from which place I packed on a mule my provisions and blankets, putting on my pack every morning and taking it off every evening, helped to cook my provisions, and for one hundred and ten nights slept upon the ground or snow without tent or shelter.
    From Fort Leavenworth to Los Angeles in California, my trip did not cost the government a dime. From there to San Francisco I came in the government transport; and from San Francisco to the mouth of the Columbia I paid one hundred dollars, and from there to this place I worked my way in a Chinook canoe.
    Since I have been here I have traveled all over the Territory for the purpose of putting our Indian affairs on proper footing. I have seen most of the numerous tribes and encouraged relations of peace and friendship with them. I have visited tribes never before visited by white men, except in a few instances. During this whole service, I rode my own horse, slept upon my own blanket, and killed game for my subsistence, making no expense to the government. Now, my dear sir, here I am. I have sent for my family, who will come to Oregon next summer. I am poor and getting old--unable in consequence of my wound to work hard. I have no profession to fall back upon; but with the help of my family, being near the gold mines, perhaps I can get along. Actuated by an ardent desire to do my duty, I have had much expense, many hard nights ride in Mexico; quick and bloody fights without regard to personal safety. These things, with my hard winter's trip to Oregon and the faithful discharge of my duty, will not, I feel confident, entitle me to any favor from the government. The facilities given to others are denied to me. But I shall not complain, if I can get my family here. I am willing to say farewell to the States. Goodbye homestead and friends. I shall not again visit our beloved Indiana. God bless her, may she always prosper and grow stronger and stronger in Democracy; and palsied be the tongue that would attempt to injure her reputation.
*      *      *
    With great respect I am, sir, your ob't. serv't.,
    Hon W. J. Brown.                                               JOSEPH LANE.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, June 6, 1850, page 1




Whereas a certain letter has this day been read to this meeting from the "New York Weekly Tribune" of January 19th 1850 dated September 8th 1849 over the fictitious signature of "Lansdale" grossly abusing the character and misrepresenting the conduct of Governor Lane, while pretending to represent his standing and influence among the people of Oregon;
    Be it unanimously Resolved
in the opinion of this meeting that the charges contained  in said letter against Gov. Lane are entirely false and without foundation and could only have proceeded from a combination of every malevolent falsehood, and that the efforts of such base correspondents desire elsewhere [ink loss] they have received her unanimous contempt for the falsehoods and calumny contained in that communication;
    Resolved that Governor Lane by his gentlemanly deportment and 
[ink loss] exertions in the discharge of his official duties while residing among us is entitled to the confidence, respect and approbation of all good men;
    Resolved that Messrs. Greeley & McElroy, editors of the New York Tribune, be and are hereby respectfully requested to give to the public the real names of the author of the letter above referred to;
    Resolved that copies of these proceedings signed by all present be sent with a request of publication to the New York Tribune, the New York Herald, the Washington Union, the Indiana State Sentinel and the Oregon Spectator.
Samuel Burch C. D. Embree D. R. Lewis
Issac A. Flint E. A. Thorp
H. R. Shaw W. C. Brown
James Kimzey John H. Thering
Wm. J. Morgan Ira L. Townsend
[ink loss] Linville Thos. J. Lovelady
John B. Bounds Walter J. Matney
[ink loss] M. Waller H. M. McNary
[ink loss] F. Burch Harrison Brunk
A. J. Gilliam Wm. Duran
David Goff J. McDaniel
John Nichol R. R. Payne
Joshua Shaw Jesse Roberts
Alexander Blevens B. Dove
Gabriel Hardison W. J. Cole
T. O. Waller Fielden M. Thorp [Fielding M. Thorp]
B. F. Nichols H. N. V. Holmes
J. W. Nesmith Robert Gilliam
Duff Kimsy Adam Brown
Solomon Shelton Jesse Gage
Samuel F. Goff J. M. Simpson
Henry Hill John Smith
Jesse Morris Aaron Chamberlin
L. Williams John Cose
T. Burbank W. W. Wiamas
H. Burbank W. S. Gilliam
Aa. Burbank W. Gage
G. T. Miller Marquis Gilliam
Thos. L. Bounds Joseph Gage
R. R. Boothby Samuel Gage
A. Burbank Daniel Dearborn
W. H. McCarty John Aldridge
G. T. Smith Jas. A. O'Neil
Alonzo Wood John Lewis
John Weymire [Waymire] James [illegible]
Nelson Roberts James E. Elkins
Elmore Wood [Elmer Wood] Salmon [illegible]
R. R. Boothby
Ben Nichols
Henry W. Evney
Henry C. Oliver
L. B. Smith
J. D. Waller
John Barrows
William Myer
J. Lamson
Matthew Lyons
Joseph Carmack
F. Waymire
Nathaniel Ford
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  Bancroft assumes "Lansdale" to have been J. Quinn Thornton. I've been unable to find any newspaper that reprinted the Lansdale letters--not even the daily edition of the New York Tribune.



From Oregon.
    We have received the Oregon Spectator of the 16th of May, containing proceedings of the legislature then in session; also the Message of Governor Lane to the Legislative Assembly, delivered on the 7th of the same month. It is a plain, business document--just such a message as might be expected from the old General, brief and satisfactory on every point.
    It will be recollected by the readers ol the Sentinel that several slanderous letters were published last winter in the New York Tribune, signed "Lansdale," and noticed as calumnies in the Sentinel. One of these letters purporting to be from a professed Democrat in Oregon, in which, speaking of Governor Lane, he said:
    "The associates of his excellency appeared to be selected not from the excellent of the earth, but from those who drank very much whiskey that was not excellent, and who had not left the most excellent reputation in the States. I do not wish it to be inferred from these remarks that I have ever seen our Governor drunk, nor that I find fault with him for selecting his own associates. I think he had a perfect right to do it. All I mean to affirm is, that a very large majority of our citizens do not approve of the taste evinced by him in selecting his associates. This much I will say, however, that although I am a Locofoco, as you know, yet I would be happy to learn that he had been removed."
    This "Lansdale" now appears without a local habitation, or a name in Oregon. At an election for member of the council to fill a vacancy for the county of Yamhill, O.T., in the town of Lafayette, on the 4th of May, 1850, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
    "WHEREAS, A certain letter has this day been read in this meeting from the New York Weekly Tribune, of January 19th, 1850, dated Sept. 8th, 1849, over the fictitious signature of 'Lansdale,' grossly abusing our esteemed citizen and chief executive officer, Gov. Lane, while pretending to represent his standing and influence among the people of Oregon:
    "Resolved, That in the unanimous opinion of this meeting, the charges contained in said letter against Gov. Lane, are entirely without foundation; are false and untrue; and if made by a resident of this Territory--as they profess to be--are meanly malicious, as the author must have known better.
    "On motion of F. B. Martin,
    "Resolved, That all who wish to sustain the resolution and Gov. Lane, and condemn the letter and its author, sign their names to the resolution; that the certificate of the clerk of the District Court, certifying that they are inhabitants of Yamhill County, be attached to the list.
    "On motion, a copy of these proceedings and a list of the names is directed to be sent to the Oregon Spectator, New York Weekly Tribune, and Washington Union, for publication."
    These resolutions were signed by over one hundred persons who participated in the meeting, which are omitted as unnecessary. General Lane appears to be a universal favorite amongst the people of Oregon. "Lansdale," if he ever had an existence in Oregon, must have felt very cheap.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 1, 1850, page 2



(Correspondence of the N.Y. Tribune.)
Oregon--Defense of Gov. Lane, &c.
    OREGON CITY, Sunday, April 21, 1850.
    HORACE GREELEY, Esq.--Sir: Although a stranger to you personally, I have taken the liberty of addressing you on a subject in which I feel deep interest. Your Oregon correspondent, who signs himself "Lansdale," has been guilty of the grossest slander on some of our most worthy citizens. Gov. Lane, Jesse Applegate, Esq., Judge Nesmith and Mr. Pritchett, seem to have received the largest allowance of his venom. In the Weekly Tribune of Jan. 19, 1850, he says that "Gov. Lane has rendered himself very unpopular by throwing himself," &c. Now with regard to Governor Lane's popularity, I will only state that it is impossible for a man to be more popular than he is, and were the choice of Governor to be submitted to the people today he would receive an almost unanimous vote. The manner in which he has transacted the business of the Territory, his conduct with regard to the Cayuse and other Indians, the measures which he took for arresting the deserters from Col. Loring's regiment, have all been at once prompt, judicious and effective. "Lansdale" also speaks of the intimate relations between Gov. Lane and a "fugitive from justice in Arkansas." Judge Nesmith is, I suppose, the "fugitive" alluded to [the fugitive was W. G. T'Vault], as I am told that Thornton has heretofore accused him through the columns of the Tribune of desertion from the U.S. Army. Mr. Nesmith has now in his possession an honorable discharge, and after being discharged, he was employed as a mechanic at the very same barracks where he had before served as a soldier, and bears a far better character than his assailant.
The Warrick Democrat, Newburgh, Indiana, September 3, 1850, page 1  Reprinted from the Indiana State Sentinel, August 22, 1850, page 4





Department of State
    Washington, 20th December 1850.
Hon. Jesse D. Bright,
    of U.S. Senate
        Sir
            In reply to your note of this morning, I have the honor to state that I have caused an examination to be made of the proper files of this Department, and that no complaints or charges have been found therein against General Joseph Lane, late Governor of the Territory of Oregon, and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
I am, sir, respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        Danl. Webster
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Oregon City May the 26, 1851
Genl. Palmer
    Dear Sir,
        I have just returned from Astoria, where I found all right. Clatsop will give over one hundred and fifty votes & not more than six votes against me. Lewis County will give me one hundred fifty votes, Clackamas two hundred against fifty; in Washington I will not lose thirty votes. In Marion I think I will divide the vote and also in Linn. Lane County I can't tell anything about; in Umpqua I shall get all the votes or nearly so; in Yamhill you will know better than I do how the vote will be. I have strong faith in old Yamhill. She will be right side up; so says Joel Perkins, who is down here at this time.
    Now, sir, let me tell you what I regret escaped my memory while speaking at Lafayette, that is that I will request Congress not only to make an additional appropriation for the defraying [of] the expense of the Cayuse War but also ask that each and every officer, noncommissioned officer, musician and private who served in that war be allowed the same bounty of land that other soldiers who have served their country are entitled to under the law of Congress and I have no doubt but it will be done made and provided.
    And furthermore let me tell you that I have no doubt but it will be done. I pledge myself to try hard to get [it] done.
    Leave nothing undone that can be honorably done to help me; see my friends and talk for me all you can. I want to beat Wilson badly. I will do good for this Territory and no mistake.
    Read as much of this letter as you please on day of election.
With great respect
    I am, sir, your obt. servt.
        Jo. Lane
Letter, Joseph Lane to Palmer, Oregon Historical Society Research Library Mss. 114, folder 1/18


(From the Madisonian.)
Letter from General Lane.
    We are allowed to make the following extract from a letter from General Joseph Lane, to a gentleman in this city:
Oregon City, June 6, 1851.       
    Dear Sir: . . . I have been hard at work in the mines. I got home on the 28th of April last, and next day commenced the canvass for Delegate to Congress, and was every day in the saddle until the day of election, which was Monday last, and on that day I was one hundred and twenty miles from home. Dr. Wilson was put in nomination in opposition to me, and warmly supported by his friends. He is one of the early settlers in the territory, a clever gentleman, and good electioneer. The election is now over, and I am elected by over 1,500 majority. . . . I have received more than four-fifths of all the votes given in the territory, over one of the most popular men in it. . . . In a few days I shall set out for the gold diggings in the southern portion of this territory, for the purpose of winding up some unsettled business, and will then leave here (about the first of October) for Washington City.
    . . . Present my compliments to all friends in Indiana, and especially your good lady and family.
                Your sincere friend,
                        JOSEPH LANE.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 21, 1851, page 2



Camp Stuart, Rogue River, June 28 '51       
    Editor of the Statesman, Dear Sir:--When I left Oregon City, I promised to write often, but up to this moment I have not had an opportunity to write you. Active operations have ceased, and an occasion is offered for me to redeem the promise which I made, and I proceed to give in brief an account of the various battles which have just been terminated with the Indians on Rogue River by a detachment of the First Dragoons and a number of volunteers, under the command of Brevet Major Kearny, a portion of which battles I had the pleasure of witnessing. On Saturday the 21st inst., while passing through the canon, I was met by a party of men, who informed me that war had commenced in good earnest, and that a severe battle had taken place between Major Kearny and the Indians; that Capt. Stuart had been killed; that others were wounded, and that the Indians were gathering from every quarter. I at once pushed forward, and on Sunday night reached Rogue River Valley, a distance (from the camp) of about 30 miles.
    Soon after picketing our animals an express arrived at our camp on his way to the ferry on Rogue River, who informed me that the Major had by that time set out with his command, dragoons and volunteers, for the purpose of making a forced march during the night in order to attack the Indians at daybreak the next morning. Early on Monday morning I set out with the hope of falling in with the Major or the Indians retreating from his command, and made a hard day's ride but failed to find the Major or the Indians. On Tuesday I proceeded to Camp Stuart with the hope of hearing of the command, but as yet no tidings had been received of their whereabouts. Late in the evening Capt. Scott and T'Vault, with a small party, came in for supplies and reinforcements. They informed me that two battles had been fought, one early on Monday morning, and one in the afternoon. In the last fight the Indians posted themselves in a dense hammock, where they defended themselves for four hours and until the darkness of the night enabled them to make their escape. In both fights the Indians suffered severely. Several of our party were wounded, but none mortally. T'Vault received an arrow through his hat, just grazing his head. By nine o'clock at night we were on the march, and joined the Major at 2 o'clock Wednesday morning, when I had the pleasure of meeting my friends Applegate, Freaner and others.
    Early in the morning we set out to carry into effect the plan of operations which had been agreed upon, and proceeded down the river and on Thursday morning crossed about seven miles from the ferry. We soon found an Indian trail leading up a large creek, and in a short time overtook and charged upon a party of Indians, killing one. The rest made their escape in a dense chaparral. We again pushed forward as rapidly as possible until late in the evening, when we gave battle to another party of Indians, few of whom escaped. Twelve women and children were taken prisoners; several of those who escaped were wounded.
    At this point we camped, and next morning took up the line of march and scoured the country to Rogue River, recrossing at the Table Mountains, and reached camp at dark on the evening of the 27th.
    The Indians had been completely whipped in every fight. Some fifty of them were killed, many wounded, and thirty taken prisoners. It has, however, cost us dearly. We have lost Capt. Stuart, one of the bravest of the brave. A more gentlemanly man never lived; a more daring soldier never fell in battle. Too much cannot be said for Major Kearny. For more than ten days he was in the saddle at the head of his command scouring the country and pouncing upon the Indians wherever they could be found. He has done much to humble the Rogue River Indians, and taught them to know that they can be hunted down and destroyed. Capt. Walker of the Rifles deserves the highest praise for gallant conduct. Lt. Williamson of the Topographical Corps and Lt. Irvin and command also deserve high praise for gallant conduct. The volunteers behaved well--nobly. Applegate, Scott, T'Vault for good conduct as guides and courage in battle are entitled to great credit. Capt. Armstrong, Blanchard, Boone and all of our Oregon men deserve credit for their good conduct and bravery. Col. Freaner from California with a party of volunteers from the mines promptly tendered their services and behaved nobly.
    Never has an Indian country been invaded with better success, nor at a better time. The Indians had organized in great numbers for the purpose of killing and plundering our people passing to and from the mines. The establishment of a garrison in this district will be necessary for the maintenance of peace. That done, and a good agent located here, and we shall have no more trouble in this quarter.
    This morning the question arose what must be done with the prisoners. The Major was anxious to turn them over to the citizens of Oregon to be delivered to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. The citizens were generally bound to the mines, and none could be found to take charge of them. The Major was determined not to release them, holding that it would be wrong to give them up before a peace could be made. Consequently he determined to take them to San Francisco and then send them by sea to Oregon.
    With great respect I am, sir
    Yr. obt. srvt.
    Jo Lane
The bulk of this letter was transcribed from a typescript on the microfilm of the Joseph Lane Letters,"copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." The first page, missing from the typescript, is copied from the Oregon Statesman of July 22, 1851, page 2.



Permanent Camp, Rogue River
    June 28th, 1851.
To Brevt. Maj. Kearny
    1st Dragoons, U.S.A.
        Sir: Allow me for myself and my fellow citizens of Oregon to express our sincere gratitude to you and the officers and soldiers under your command for the prompt, able and efficient manner you have conducted your military operations against the Indians of this valley.
    Be assured, sir, that for the bravery and patriotism you have displayed in their defense the people of Oregon will ever and gratefully join your names to the list of those of her dearest friends.
    Though we are aware that [for] an officer like yourself already known to fame and highly appreciated by his country no new laurels can be gathered in a field like this, yet allow us to assure you that should your love of duty prevail so far over your private interests as to cause your return to Oregon, be assured, sir, that to no other officer of the army would the people of this Territory more confidently entrust their interests and safety.
I am, sir, with great
    Respect your sincere
        Friend
            Joseph Lane
   

[Kearny's handwriting]
    This was consequent on my saving the settlements by attacking and beating the Rogue River Indians. Joseph Lane, Esq., had been a successful general in Mexico--recently governor of Oregon--and was a candidate (& elected) for Congress.

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  From a typescript transcription on OHS letterhead, misdated June 28th, 1852.



Governors Camp, Rogue River       
July 8th 1851       
Dear Bush
    I write you from Camp Stuart a brief account of Major Kearny's operations in the Rogue River country, and that he had very properly determined to take the prisoners with him. I arrived at the Shasta diggings on the morning of the 30th ult, which is within ten miles of the road leading to California on which the Major would pass by Wednesday noon. I had my business settled up and was ready to return to Oregon. Lt Irwin came in and reported that the Major had passed and would camp near the Shasta Butte, distant 25 miles. I told Irwin that if I could get the prisoners I would take them to Oregon and deliver them to the Governor or Supt of Indian Affairs.
    He immediately dispatched a courier to Major Kearny bearing my letter, proposing to take charge of the prisoners, which reached him by seven o'clock in the evening. The Major promptly dispatched Capt Walker with them, who arrived at my camp just before daylight on Thursday morning. When a party of Oregonians, numbering some twenty, among whom was Dan. Waldo and Hunter and Rust of Kentucky and Simonson of Ia. bound to Oregon, kindly offered to assist in bringing them in. We immediately set out and arrived here safe with all the prisoners, yesterday noon, when I had the pleasure of finding Gov Gaines with some fifteen men. To him I delivered the prisoners. His intention is to see the Indians and if possible make peace.
    My son Jo will remain here with the Governor. By noon today I shall set out for the City but shall be compelled to travel quite slow, as I have to give protection to some wagoners who had the kindness to haul in some of the prisoners who were worn out traveling.
                        Yours truly
                        Jo. Lane
    P.S. I omitted to mention that on my way down Rogue River with the prisoners I had a conversation with a considerable number of Indians across the river, who gave me a terrible account of the invasion of their country by our people. That they had come on horses in great numbers invading every portion of their country, that they now were afraid to lay down to sleep for fear the white people would be upon them before they could wake, that they were tired of war and now wanted peace. I told them that the Governor was at the crossing of the river, that I would leave the prisoners with him, and that they must go and talk with him and make their propositions of peace to him, who would be glad to see and talk and make peace with them.
                        J. L.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." This particular letter was misfiled as being from 1857. The image of the original can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



(Copy.)
Oregon City 15th July 1851.
To
    The Honbl. Alexr. H. H. Stuart
        Secretary of State for the Land Department
            Washington.
                Sir,
                    I beg leave to state that in 1829 I took [the] Oregon City claim and made improvements on it. In 1842 I began to erect mills; in 1843 I had it surveyed by Jesse Applegate Esquire and recorded in the record book of land claims in Oregon Territory in accordance with the Organic Law, copy of which and of the record of claim I forward with this.
    Since 1845 I have permanently resided on it. Part of my claim was fenced previous to 1846 and all previous to the 4th March 1849, and I filed my intention to become an American citizen on the 30th May of the same year, as will be seen by the accompanying certificate. The late Mr. Thurston, the Delegate to Congress from this Territory, said I refused to file my intention to become an American citizen. In my letter of the 12th September 1850 I stated he must be cognizant of the fact--in reply in his speech in Congress on the 26th December 1850 he admitted he was aware I had filed what he says I called a declaration of my intention to become an American citizen--but stated he had Judge Bryant's authority for asserting that my declaration was not such as the law required. In answer I beg to state that my declaration was drawn up by the clerk of Judge Bryant's court.
    In 1850 the judges of election refused my vote. As the United States court was sitting at time, I brought the case before his honor Judge Pratt, who decided that my declaration of intention was legal and that I had a right to vote. I voted and have done so ever since. Abernethy's Island, which I took as part of my claim in 1829, was jumped in 1841 by Methodist missionaries and others, who formed themselves into a company by the name of the Willamette Milling Company, and subsequently they all sold out to George Abernethy Esquire, one of the missionaries and one of the original stockholders of the milling company.
    After we had organized a temporary government, I consulted P. H. Burnett Esquire, late Governor of California, then a citizen of this Territory, with the intention of taking legal measures to get rightful possession of Abernethy's Island. He told me he considered my right to the island as undoubted, but as agitating the question there might lead to trouble in this country, and as postponing the question could not invalidate my right, he recommended me to defer bringing the question forward until the government of the United States extended its jurisdiction over the country, when the courts could cause their decisions to be peaceably carried into effect. For these reasons, especially as I considered that quarrels between British subjects and American citizens in this Territory might cause a war between the United States and Great Britain, as then a British subject and as intending to become a citizen of the United States I considered I was bound in duty to the country I left and the country I adopted and as a Christian to do all I could to arrest so dreadful an evil from them. I therefore followed Mr. Burnett's advice--whether my fears were well founded or not is not for me today. I merely state the impression in my mind.
    After the government of the United States had extended its jurisdiction over the Territory, a short time after the arrival of W. P. Bryant Esquire, the supreme judge of the United States Court of this Territory, and before the courts were organized he bought Abernethy's Island, from George Abernethy Esquire and as the island was in Judge Bryant's district and as there was only one other judge, his honor Judge Pratt, in the Territory, from ignorance of the law at which I presume you will not be surprised when you know I have been forty-eight years in the Indian country. I thought as Judge Bryant was an interested party I could not bring the case forward till the bench was full, which did not take place till this spring. In the meantime Congress passed the Oregon Land Bill. Part of my claim [of] Abernethy Island is confirmed by Congress to the legal assigns of the Willamette Milling and Trading Company, and the remainder "shall be set apart and be at the disposal of the legislative assembly to the establishment and endorsement of a university to be located at such a place in the Territory as the legislative assembly may designate. provided. however. that all the lots in said claim sold or granted by Dr. John McLoughlin previous to the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and forty-nine shall be confirmed to the purchaser or donee or assigns to be certified to the Commissioner of the General Land Office by the Surveyor General and patents to issue on said certificate as in other cases provided further that nothing in this act contained shall be construed or executed as in any way to destroy or effect any right to land in said Territory holden or claimed under the provisions of the treaty or treaties existing between this country and Great Britain." The circumstances being such as I have the honor to relate, I respectfully request the government to designate the extent of my right to [the] Oregon City claim. I send you a copy of Judge Bryant's letter to the Honbl. H. J. Brown and of my answer. As to Mr. Thurston's I had referred [deferred?] noticing his conduct till he was here to prove before his and my fellow citizens that he made statements against me which he must have known to be false and that some facts which he stated he intentionally made a false deduction from them, and though unfortunately for me my conduct has been grossly misrepresented by malicious and designing persons to the government I left and the government I adopt. While I am certain every upright, honest citizen of this Territory acquainted with its history will testify that I exerted my utmost endeavor to render it the happy residence of civilized men, and though the first immigrants underwent great misery and suffered many hardships as the first immigrants to all new countries must, yet I am certain they will admit I did all I could to assist them, and but for my exertions their sufferings would have been much greater. Having acted in good faith, I trust the government will do me justice and not allow me to be the victim of malice, and I hope the unexpected state in which I find myself placed will be considered by you as an apology for the liberty I take in troubling you with this.
I am
    With great respect
        Your obedt. & humble servant
            John McLoughlin
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Genl. Lane, the newly elected delegate to Congress, informs me that he intends to take his departure for the States with the next steamer. He will be in New York the latter part of August or early part of September next. I hope some of our folks will make an effort to see him and will show him some attention. I would be glad if Father would invite him to come and see him at Parksville. The Genl. is a plain, blunt man of practical good sense and of generous impulses. His nomination was  cordially concurred in by the Whigs although he was a Democrat, and he has therefore I think no party antipathies in this region. He has seen a great deal of the rough and tumble life of the West and is probably as well acquainted with the situation and prospects of this country as any man in it. His family reside in Indiana, and he goes to the States thus early so that he may meet with his family before Congress commences its sittings. The Genl. I understand has an eye on the Presidency, and I believe has been nominated for that station in some parts of Indiana.
Thomas Nelson, letter dated July 21, 1851, Oregon City; Beinecke Library, Yale University




    GEN. LANE arrived in this city on Thursday evening last, direct from the Rogue River country. He leaves here tomorrow on the mail steamer for the States. We wish the brave old soldier a safe journey.
    When the General arrives in Washington and lays the true state of affairs before the government, we feel assured that justice will be done to the people of Oregon.

Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, July 22, 1851, page 2



For the Spectator.
Umpqua, August 2, 1851.
Mr. Editor:
    Sir--I have observed of late a desire on the part of some to revive here in Oregon partyism, strike party lines, &c. Well, if this is necessary to promote the public good, and if striking party lines is essential to perpetuate republican principles, unity of action, &c., enabling us as one people to apply the Jeffersonian test to office seekers, "Is he honest, is he capable," teaching us to seek the substance of things, know that names are nothing, and that we can march to the polls unbiased, without fear or reserve, there to exercise the inestimable privilege which our forefathers purchased with their blood, feeling and acting as republican brothers--if party lines bring these things about, let them be struck. And if partyism and political division did not crumble old Rome to dust, let the lines be struck. And if it is for the want of division in politics that keeps the republics of South America and Mexico in perpetual civil war, and even threatened the great republic of the United States with division, let the lines be struck.
    If political division is necessary, why did not the founders of this republic recommend it? No; to the very contrary was their advice. The father of his country cautioned us in the most solemn manner against political division. Strike the lines of partyism in Oregon, then comes the tug of war between party zealots and political dabblers. And the papers at once cease to be impartial journals and are made the vehicles upon which designing politicians convey their misrepresentations, producing local animosity and civil discord. The greater the political excitement, the easier elections are carried by drunken brawl and mob law. By political excitement and strong party feeling in a community, base impostors are given a chance to flourish over honest and just principles, by attaching themselves to the strongest party. Such pettifoggers as can be hired with money to write slanders on a whole territory of people, charging them with being ungrateful adders and vipers, and even lend their aid to perjured deserters to write falsehoods and vile slanders on honest citizens [see letter on page 1, Oregon Spectator, July 22, 1851], for money gives counsel to renegade, enabling her to escape with her husband's effects. Such men as come among us with high-sounding titles, with their characters in their own keeping, as though it was predominant over public scrutiny. Such men's characters might be justly biographied even in Congress; then if they thought they could make themselves favorable with party, would be found figuring in letters of condolence, &c.
L. A. [most likely Lindsay Applegate]
Oregon Spectator, August 26, 1851, page 1



Nesmith's Mills, Oregon August 19th 1851
Dear Genl.,
    I embraced the opportunity of dropping you a line, merely to keep my promise, and not because we have any news. Joe called on me last week on his way in. He looks fat, ragged and sassy [saucy?], and says that he is agoing to stick to the claim and make a good home for his mother. Joe wants a wagon and team, and I am trying to get him one. He is in after supplies and says that he will return in a few days. You may rest assured that he shall have every assistance and encouragement that is in my power.
    You will doubtless have learned before this reaches you of the melancholy intelligence of Mrs. Gaines' death. She was thrown from a horse and recd. injuries which resulted in her death. The Indians out south all appear quiet and have committed no depredations since the recent treaty.
    We have a prospect of a respectable-sized emigration and generally conclude that times will improve this fall.
    Now I wish to talk about a little business matter. Enclosed is a bill of articles which I stand very much in need of, and if it is not asking too much I would be glad that you would send them by the earliest opportunity. I should have sent you the means, but owing to our mining operations out south I am at present a little hard run. However, if you will ship the articles and send the bill to Nat or Joe I will pay over the money to them forthwith. I wish the articles all to be of the best quality and want them shipped direct to Portland. It would perhaps be well to have them insured.
    Now if it is in your power to send those articles without discommoding yourself, please do so as soon as possible and forward the bill, together with the name of the vessel on which they are shipped. If you find it inconvenient to send them, please notify me accordingly so that I can make other arrangements. Don't fail to write me immediately on receipt of this.
I am as ever your
    Devoted friend
        J. W. Nesmith
   
    1 pair of French burr mill stones of the best quality, 4 feet in diameter, the runner to be 22 inches thick at the eye and 20 inches at the verge, 1 good bowstring [?] screen and bale to suit the above stone, 2 spindles 3 inches square, 5 feet 6 inches long, from the top collar to the foot of the spindle, the collar to be 3½ inches in diameter and 6 inches long, the cock head, above the collar, to be 8 inches long, 1 balance rhyne and driver to suit the above stones and of the most approved pattern, 2 pinions 19 inches in diameter with 3-inch spaces, to be hung on the spindles, 19 inches from the foot of the spindle to the center of the teeth or cogs, 2 boxes or steps for the foot of the spindles, also one of Young & Southwick's No. 2 smutting
machines. If the above pattern of smutting machine cannot be had, send some other kind of medium size and good quality. All the above articles to be shipped direct to Portland, Oregon Territory for
J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Oregon City O.T.   
    Aug. 20th 1851
Dear Father
    I recd. your favor from San Francisco by T'Vault a few days since and am proud to hear you were so kindly treated by your friends at that place. I will have the Denison matter attended to with dispatch. Times are pretty tight with us in the milling business. Since you left I sold lumber enough to Noyes Smith to place a credit of $1619 on his order. We have paid Ralston $550 and about 300 to Adair in flour, so you see we are working slowly along but continually drained of money.
    Joe came down last week, and is about to buy a wagon and oxen to be paid by me in flour. He says he could not do any fencing without a team to haul rails with. He will go back this week, and I think will stick close [to] business, as he seems to be well pleased with the Umpqua country. Our country is blessed with some bilious fever and a good many cases of chills & fever. I am just recovering from an attack of bilious fever. Civilization is just beginning to have its effect.
    The wife of Gov. Gaines was thrown from a mule while riding from Tansy Pt. to Clatsop Plains and so dangerously hurt that she only survived a very short time. I don't know what the Governor will do now, having lost what I consider a great deal more the better half of himself.
    Mr. Thompson has not returned from San Francisco yet, nor have I heard from him. As soon as he gets back we will pay off the balance of the Ralston and the Meek debts. We have contracted for the building of a new bridge for $1800. The work is now under way. I will keep you advised of the state of things here. You must let me know from time to time what is going on in the old world.
    Bush has made you his agent for the Atlantic States. I told him you would attend to the subscription.
Truly your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane
   

P.S.--Ingalls the blacksmith beat old Hugh Burns very badly with a stick a few days since.
N.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Letter from Gen. Lane.
Panama, Aug. 21, 1851.
    I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived in this city yesterday morning. I am much pleased with my trip; the very names of the boats on which I traveled were calculated to make the trip pleasant. I left on the Willamette. From Astoria to San Francisco I came on the Columbia, and from San Francisco to this place on the fine steamer Oregon. So I have just got out of, or rather off of, Oregon. Tomorrow morning I shall set out for Chagres. The most of our passengers have already gone; I delayed going for the reason that it is understood that no steamer will go from Chagres before the 25th, consequently I preferred staying here to staying in Chagres. The Oregon brought down four hundred passengers. From Cape St. Louis to near this place the weather was excessively hot. Yet notwithstanding the crowd of passengers and great heat we had but three deaths on the passage. One was a lady from near New Harmony, Ia. to California, where she was taken sick, and in that condition came on board. She was buried at Acapulco.
    Her husband, Mr. Wiltse, remained at that place for the purpose of getting his babe--only two months old when the mother died--nursed. Mr. Bush, of San Francisco, bound to Rochester, N.Y., came on board sick, said he should die, and did. The third was a young man who caused his death, as was supposed, by eating fruit at Acapulco.
    The Oregon has a lucky name, is a fine boat, and [is] commanded by a good sailor and popular gentleman, and has a worthy set of subordinate officers. The Willamette and Columbia are also fine boats, with first-class accommodations and gentlemanly and experienced officers.
    I have had the good fortune to fall in with Major Lee and Capt. Hardcastle, of the army, and Dr. Hewett, late surgeon of the army, all of whom I find to be honorable gentlemen and noble-hearted, chivalrous Americans. I shall have the pleasure of their company to the States. Hardcastle has been engaged in the boundary survey, and has acquitted himself with credit. He speaks well of Col. Weller, and says there was no good cause of removal, and that Weller's successor has expended some two hundred thousand dollars and done no good.
    My health is excellent.
Respy. yours
    JO. LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, September 30, 1851, page 2   This letter was reprinted in the Oregon Weekly Times on October 2.


Correspondence of the Oregon Statesman.
LETTER FROM GEN. LANE.
The Cuban Revolution--Particulars of the Capture and Execution
of Col. Crittenden and Command--General Lopez Taken Prisoner
and Garroted--Reflections, &c.
Havana, Cuba, Sept. 1, 1851.
    Dear Bush.--On arriving at Chagres, we received information of the invasion of Cuba by Lopez--that he had several fights, with success; and also the melancholy intelligence of the capture of Col. Crittenden and some fifty of his command, and of their execution by order of the authorities of the island. My desire to know the facts induced me to take passage for this place instead of going on the Georgia directly to New York. I have been here now two days, and can give you authentic information as to the invasion.
    Lopez, with some five or six hundred men, mostly Americans, effected a landing, and at first [illegible] sought advantage, but from necessity he divided his forces. Col. Crittenden, with his command of over one hundred men, was attacked by a large force of the royal or queen's troops, in which affair Crittenden and command behaved most gallantly. Overpowered and broken, he determined to take his chance, in open boats, upon the broad ocean, with the hope of being picked up by some friendly ship. In this condition, after having been at sea one hundred hours, without water, bread or arms, he was picked up by a Spanish war steamer, brought in and murdered--an account of which you have no doubt seen ere this.
    Lopez was taken the day before our arrival here--brought in from the country last evening, and this morning, at 7 o'clock, executed (garroted). Many of his party are prisoners, and have been sentenced to ten years' hard labor in the galleys. You will see that this second expedition of Lopez is crushed, and that he has paid dearly for attempting to liberate a people who deceived and betrayed him--a people who deserve no better government than they now have. Many noble young men--American citizens--have been deceived and sacrificed. It is greatly to be hoped that their fate will be a warning to others, and that no further attempt will be made upon Cuba, until it is done in a way that will ensure success.
    Col. Crittenden was a nephew of John J. Crittenden. My health is excellent. I shall leave this evening via New Orleans.
Your friend,
    JO. LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, October 14, 1851, page 2




Oregon City Sept. 12th 1851
Dear Mother
    I received your letter about the first of May and was glad to hear of your coming to Oregon and was very much gratified to receive your long-looked-for letter. It was the first I knew of Sarah being married and my being uncle to several little Blampieds.
    Now as to myself I went to California in the spring of forty-nine and returned in the fall. I purchased an interest of one-eighth in the Oregon Milling Company for the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, Genl. Joseph Lane and son being the other owners. We met with some very heavy losses by high water doing us damage to the amount of twenty thousand dollars in a few months after I made my purchase. We have a flour mill and saw mill. The property is an island on the great falls of the Willamette and must always be very valuable.
    I expect Oregon to be my home, as we have now a large family, and I do not know of any place in the States where they could be more healthy than here. We have good schools, plenty of preaching, and potatoes of the best kinds. Sarah mentions that you will all come to Oregon in a year or two. To enable you to come as soon as possible I have sent you one hundred dollars by the hands of the Delegate to Congress from Oregon Joseph Lane. He will send it to you, if there is not too much risk, through the mail. Should you not receive it by the first of January you must write to him at Washington, and should it be that what I have sent you is not sufficient you will write to him (Genl. Joseph Lane) telling your desire to come to Oregon and that you have not sufficient means to bring you, and that I will pay the amount. I want you to come next summer if possible, as we are all anxious to see you. These remarks are intended for you all. There is a good chance for James either to work at his trade in town or to go on a farm. There is plenty of good land to be taken yet, and they will be entitled to 320 acres. You may ask for information as to time of starting and outfit. I will give you all I can. As to economy, find out whether you can buy wagons on the Missouri River cheaper than you can bring them from Ohio. Get light two-horse wagons, good and strong; bring as little as possible, provisions, bedding and wearing apparel sufficient to last you through. Start from Ohio in time to leave the settlements in Missouri as soon as the grass will permit, say, about the first of May. Start with the the first company if you can and keep with it if possible. If your means will permit have team enough to go through mud holes and up hills without assistance.
    Try to sleep in your wagon if you can and let your cooking utensils be of tin as far as possible; have tin plates and cups. Take a liberal supply of coffee and tea; you will find it have a better flavor than you did before. In addition to the above let your stock of provisions be flour, bacon, beans, rice, dried fruit and crackers, medicines, spirits of some kind, camphor and some pills are about all that is necessary. There is one thing I would urge. Get through with the first; by this you get good grass and escape the fall rains in the Cascade Mountains.
    We are all well and our family consists of six children, four girls and two boys. Their names Eliza Fry aged 9, Sarah Ann aged 8, Mary Ellen aged 6, Lewis Cass aged 4, Martha Josephine aged 2, Robert Henry 5 months.
    Not having a personal acquaintance with Mr. Blampied I hereby tender him my best respects with the hope of seeing you all in Oregon in a twelvemonth.
    Write to me, and if there is anything I can serve you in I shall be most happy to do it. Harriet sends her love to you all and will be much rejoiced to see you in Oregon.
Your very undutiful
    R. R. V. H. Thompson
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, Evansburg, Coshocton County, Ohio.



Correspondence of the Oregon Statesman.
Letter from Gen. Lane.
Evansville, Indiana,
    Sept. 19, 1851.
    Dear Bush.--From Havana I wrote you, giving an account of my passage to that place, of the failure of the Cuban expedition, of the fate of Lopez and others. In that letter I perhaps did injustice to the natives of Cuba; but, if I did, let me tell you that it was not intentioned. One thing is certain; the expedition received little or no assistance from the Cubans. But upon inquiring particularly relative to their wishes and feelings upon a change of government (and I had an opportunity on my passage from Havana to New Orleans to learn much from a gentleman on board who has seen much of Cuba recently), I am inclined to the opinion that they are heartily tired of the tyrannical government under which they live, which, by the way, is the worst, most cruel and oppressive on the face of God's earth. But they cannot help themselves nor render assistance to those who would fain free them and give them a good government. They are not allowed to own or carry arms. They have no organization, nor can they organize. So closely are they watched that whenever a few of them are seen together in a suspicious manner, they are arrested and lodged in prison.
    The late expedition caused the arrest of some 2000 Creoles, many of whom have suffered death; many were imprisoned and others banished.
    The day is not far distant when Cuba will be free. Such a system of tyranny and oppression cannot long last. How or by whom it is to be done, God only knows. One thing, in my mind, is certain; it will be done, and that ere long.
    I had the pleasure of reaching my old home on the 12th inst., in excellent health, and found my family in the enjoyment of good health, since which time I have received the visits of many old and good friends. My heart has been often glad; yet nothing looks right. The people, though as clever as any in the world, don't look healthy as they do in Oregon; nor is the country like Oregon. I long to be there. I would not give my claim in Oregon for twenty miles upon the banks of the Ohio, and be compelled to remain in this country. Oregon is my country--my home--and just as soon as I can I will again be there with my family. I shall labor faithfully for the promotion of her interests, and let me say that I have little doubt of procuring the passage of such laws as are necessary for thar purpose.
Your friend,
    JO. LANE.
    My letters will explain the reason why I came by New Orleans and not by Washington, as contemplated when I left Oregon. Ere long I will be in Washington. I will neglect nothing that I can do for our Territory.
J.L.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, December 23, 1851, page 2



Oregon City O.T.
    Sep. 21st 1851
Dear Father
    Times are still dull. The largest portion of the emigration is now in the settlements, and I can't see that they have effected any material change in times except the reduction of 50 cts. per day on common labor and a good demand for flour. Money seems to be a little more plenty than when you left. We have not paid any debts since I wrote you, but will pay off the Ralston, Meek and I think the Adair debt soon. We had a great amt. of rain in the latter part of August and the first of this month, so much that it raised the river above the falls 4 or 5 feet, carrying off our temporary dam, but the weather has cleared up and the days are beautiful, and the river has fallen back to the old mark, leaving us very short of water again. There is more sickness in the country at this time than has ever been known, though nothing serious. I hope you have had a safe and speedy passage to the bosom of your friends, where I suppose you will learn of Emily's marriage to Creed Floed. Well, I hope he will make her a good and kind husband. I have not heard from Joe for some time, but I think Capt. Wm. Martin will be in soon from the Umpqua and bring some news from him. I have taken the amt. of stock on hand &c. and have the books so arranged as to show everything just right. I have no bookkeeper, as Mr. Davenport has left me. I have that to do myself. If we were not so pressed with our debts all the time nothing could keep us from making money pretty fast, but we are not able to buy wheat enough to keep the mill going and consequently have to let Abernethy & Barlow and one or two others make all the profits, but I have hopes that this state of things will not last always. Write to me as often as you can and let me know how all the folks are, and my children. You will certainly go down and see them. I will write again soon.
Your obedient son and friend
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Cincinnati September 24, 1851
Dear General
    Allow me to congratulate you upon your return to your old home. It gives me great pleasure to hear of your being again amongst us, and the representative of the New Empire in the Far West, although I regret that you have changed your residence on the Ohio for one on the Columbia.
    I learn that the executive committee of this county have sent you an invitation to come here whenever it may suit your convenience. Permit me to urge your acceptance of the invitation. I need not tell you what pleasure it would give your old soldiers to take you by the hand after so long a separation, that you know--but there are thousands of your friends here who have not had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you who would warmly welcome one of whom they have heard so much and in whom they have so much confidence. It is not entirely a selfish feeling that induces one to urge that, as you already know, your friends are determined to instill upon making you the Democratic candidate for President in 1852. You have the advantage of all the other candidates in this state because you have already so many personal friends your presence is all that [is] necessary to ensure your success. The committee have, I presume, informed you of the struggle in which we are engaged, and of the assistance which your presence will be to us. It is of the utmost importance that we should carry the state this fall, in view of the contest next year. I know that your sympathies are with us, and all we ask is that you will come and review our troops.
I am very respectfully
    Yours
        La Fayette Mosher
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Evansville,
        In.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Lafayette O.T. Sept. 30th 1851
Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you some six weeks ago enclosing a bill for mill stones and irons. I hope that you will avail yourself of the earliest opportunity of shipping them, as much depends upon my receiving them at the earliest opportunity. Your Salem friends have got burrs and a smutting apparatus, consequently they are making a better article of flour than I possibly can, and are directing the mining trade from me.
    Abernethy will have a vessel leaving New York sometime during the winter, which will afford a good opportunity for shipping them direct to Portland. Whenever they are shipped forward the bills and I will immediately pay over the amt. to your agent here. You may think me importunate on this subject, however you will excuse my anxiety on that subject when you consider how much is depending upon the matter.
    I am now at Lafayette attending to the settlement of a difficulty in the Lodge between A. J. Hembree & Wm. Martin. I think it will be settled in a day or two.
    We have but little occurring here now that would interest you. The emigrants are arriving in tolerable condition. We have had some considerable rain during the early part of this month. Much wheat has been damaged, however the losses have not been sufficient to affect the market seriously.
    In politics we have nothing very interesting. You will see an able
article in the Statesman in relation to the seat of government.
    It is generally supposed to have been written by Judge Pratt. I believe that all the Judges have expressed
[illegible] against the liability of the location act. Where the next legislature will meet is a matter of great uncertainty. My candle has just about expired, and I must close in haste while I rem. yours truly
J. W. Nesmith
I am stopping with your friend Mat Davy [?], who after a diligent searching through his bachelor's apartments has been able to provide just sufficient candle to enable me to add this postscript, and enables [me] to kindly recommend to you
J. W. M.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Oregon City
        Oregon Territory
                1st Oct 1851
Hon. Joseph Lane
        Sir
    The treaty with the Rogue River Indians was concluded on the 14th July last. On the 15th July Gov. Gaines left for Oregon City and I was left in charge of a party of 12 men on Rogue River at the request of the Indian agent H. H. Spalding to remain in the country with the Indians until the superintendent or himself should return and make a purchase of the Indian lands. The object of leaving me in the country was to see that the terms of the treaty were observed and to visit all the Indians. This was done thoroughly. And I returned to Oregon City on the 10th Sept. last and on presenting my account to the superintendent, Dr. Dart, he said he had not authorized Mr. Spalding to have a parley etc., consequently would not pay anything etc. Now Dr. Dart was at Oregon City when Govr. Gaines and Mr. Spalding returned--this was on the 22nd July--Mr. Spalding made his report to Dr. Dart. And Mr. Spalding wrote me on the 28th day July stating that "Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians about the 15th Sept. at the ferry on Rogue River or at Table Rock and requested I should retain what men I had and notify the Indians of his intention" etc. I done so--visiting all the Indians from the Kenyon on Umpqua to Table Rock on Rogue River, to which proposition the Indians consented.
    On the 14th day of August Dr. Dart dictated a letter to D. D. Bayley stating "if he would go into the Rogue River country and get the Indians to meet him at Port Orford he would pay him $5 per day and make the Indians a present" etc. Mr. Bayley reached Rogue River on the day I had concluded the arrangements with the Indians according to advice of Mr. Spalding. Upon the arrival of Bayley I hastened to Oregon City to see Dr. Dart before he should leave for Port Orford. I succeeded by making the trip in seven days and convinced Dr. D. of the impossibility of taking the Indians on the Coast, they never having been there and knowing nothing of it--besides it is almost an impossible chain of mountains etc. etc. Dr. D. again resolves to meet them in their own country and authorizes Mr. Cary (who is trading there) to say as much to the Indians.
    This, sir, is a brief account of this matter. My object in writing you is to get the use of your kindness and influence to see that the debt credited there (in all only $21.00) to be paid.
    Inasmuch as you are aware the importance of holding a treaty of peace with the Indians at the time Govr. Gaines made it and also the necessity of leaving a party with the Indians to see that the terms of the treaty be observed.
    I refer you to Govr. Gaines and Dr. Dart to satisfy you that I done the part assigned me faithfully and satisfactorily to both parties. I was with the Grave Creek Indians near a week and passed amongst them several times they were left perfectly friendly and expressed a disposition to remain so.
    And no well-disposed person can reasonably find fault with living upon terms of peace with those Indians knowing that their country abounds in gold mines and our people spreading over it daily. Long before I left many of the young Indian men had engaged and were working for the miners and were giving satisfaction. And I truly believe a better step could not have been taken than this one by Govr. Gaines.
    Indulging a hope you will honor my present request with your consideration,
        I remain
            Hon. Sir
                C. M. Walker
N.B. I am quite unwell, which I hope will serve as an excuse for this scrawl. C.M.W.



Island Mills O.T.
    Octr. 6th 1851
Dear Father
    By the last mail I recd. your letter from Panama of the 21st August, for which kindness I feel very grateful. I am extremely glad to learn of your safe arrival at that port in good health, as I feared much you would be sick on the trip.
    I have no news of importance; peace and quietude seems to prevail throughout the Territory until you arrive in the Rogue River country, and from that quarter we hear of some Indian depredation every day or two, but nothing of any importance.
    Squire T'Vault has returned from the country in the neighborhood of Port Orford, where he was not successful in viewing out a road from Fort Umpqua to Port Orford. He and three others are still surviving out of a party of nine whites, the other five having been murdered by the Indians of the Coquille River. T'Vault says that he discovered the most fertile valley on that river that mortal has ever been permitted to look upon. Ash, maple and other timber familiar to the Ohio and Wabash bottoms with the wild cucumber vine is to be found there in its most flourishing state, and he is of opinion that corn could be raised there in great abundance.
    Our mills or rather flour mill is doing a very fair business. Flour is advancing in California and is now worth from 14 to $16 per barrel. Our flour mill is kept running day and night and still making the best flour in the country. The new bridge will soon be completed. The old one is already tore down, and our railroad communication with Oregon City is for a few days suspended.
    I have not heard anything from Joe for some days. The last news he was on the claim, building houses and fence. I have no doubt but he will stay on the claim and keep improving until you get back with the family. You will miss the presence of Emily on your arrival at home, but I hope Mr. Floed will prove to be a good man and kind husband. Still I think they got the wedding up right quick. The rumor is that Gov. Gaines is going to send his family back to old Kentucky where I hope he will soon follow, as I think his services can easily be dispensed with.
    I am very glad to hear of our triumph in Kentucky, particularly in the Ashland district. Though Indiana has done well, yet I think they might have elected Lockhart. You will have learned ere this of our triumph in California, and I can assure you that Oregon recd. the news with three cheers. California in spite of all the wireworking and votes bought is Democratic. Poor Neely Johnson, I am afraid, will not get to Congress as easily as he may imagine. We are still working off old debts by degrees. My health is tolerable fair. Give my respects to all friends, Mother and the family in particular, and tell me whether things look natural or not. I will write by next mail to Washington. Write me.
Your obt. son and friend
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir
        We have the pleasure to renew to you our congratulations upon your safe arrival to the bosom of your family after an absence of over three years. We are happy to greet you as our friend and fellow citizen, and hope you will do us the honor of meeting us and your numerous friends & partake of a public dinner to be served up upon the line of the Evansville & Illinois Railroad two miles north of the city on the 1st day of Novr. A.D. 1851 with consideration of the highest regard.
    Evansville October 20th A.D. 51--we have the honor to be
    James Lockhart John Mitchell
George B. Walker R. W. Dunbar
Wm. H. Walker John S. Terry
John T. Walker Geo. H. Todd
James T. Walker W. R. Greathouse
Cyrus K. Drew Ben Stinson
Simeon Long Ira P. Granger
N. J. James Leroy Calvert
M. J. Bray Saml. McDonald
Isaac Casselberry C. M. Griffith
Richard Raleigh John M. App
James P. Byrne A. Liter
Walter Raleigh Peter Burk
John Henson Moses Ross
Benj. Hume John Cupples
W. C. Saunders Isaac Hutchinson
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Evansville Indiana
    October the 20th 1851
Mrs. M. L. Byba
    Dear Madam
        Your son, John Anderson, handed me ($502) five hundred and two dollars in Oregon to be delivered to you at Memphis. On arriving at Memphis I went to your residence where he expected I would find you, but you were not there. Your tenant who I found in your house promised to write you and let you know that I had that amount of money for you, with the request that you would write me at Evansville and direct me where to send the same, to you. Up to this time I have heard nothing from you. Please write me as soon as possible where to send the money, which shall be subject to your order at a moment's notice.
With great respect madam
    I am your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Island Mills O.T.
    Octr. 21st 1851
Dear Father
    Since my last nothing of interest has transpired. We have our new bridge so far completed that we can run the car over it. When it is roofed, weatherboarded and painted it will be one of the best improvements in Oregon. In the last ten days we have paid off the Ralston & Joe Meek debts, except a very small balance. I am very glad to learn through the Statesman that you arrived safely at "Havana" in good health and hope that the balance of your passage was attended with equal good fortune and health. We keep the flour mill running from 12 o'clock Sunday night until the same hour on Saturday night. We are not running the sawmill, nor will we until the rain commences sufficiently to raise the river. Flour is ready sale at $5 per hundred. Lumber is dull at $25 per M.
    Our island [Abernethy Island] has not been surveyed by Mr. Preston, and from all that we can learn the old survey only included about 2 acres, running no farther up the river than to the canyon at the upper corner or side of Thompson's house and there across to the channel at the upper side of the rack heap, leaving all that portion above entirely out, and we are beginning to feel a little anxiety about it. Holbrook and Preston have both been trying to find out all they can in reference to the Island, and Preston seems anxious to give us all that he can. Holbrook leaves for New York in November and will be able to give you more information than I can. I would like if you would suggest some mode by which we can hold it all. If it has to be done by occupancy we must go to work and build a breakwater in order to make a house stand or to protect the house, and if that has to be done the upper part will I suppose have to be surveyed separate and recorded.
    A Mr. Palmer, brother to Lieut. Palmer, came in yesterday from the Umpqua. He saw Joe, says he is well and hard at work on the claim. Mr. Thompson has been sorely afflicted with ulcerated sore throat but is nearly or quite sound again. Bush, as you will discover, keeps hitting away at the Whig officers here in power. He has the whole band (Dart and Hamilton excepted) down on him. We have had ten days of lovely weather. I suppose by the time this gets to you you will have entered on your laborious duties at the U.S. capital. I am frequently asked if you intend to bring your family to Oregon, and I answer by saying if you live. I will write often to the family. I wish you would have Mitchell to keep my babes at school.
    We think some of making an addition to the flour mill and putting in another run of burrs, that is, if we find we are not able to build a new mill. I hope in one more year to find ourselves out of debt and with some means at hand. Write to me if you please.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Genl. Jos. Lane
   

P.S. I weigh ten pounds more than when you left.
N.
   
    Mrs. Thurston will write to you to solicit your aid in procuring her the books and documents lying in the Linn City P.O. Moore refused to give them up unless she will pay the postage. I hope you will render her all the aid you can, as I certainly consider that Jim Moore is the most contemptible of all pups.
    Dr. McLoughlin leaves in Nov. for Washington to endeavor to get back to himself the Oregon City claim, and I sincerely hope he will fail.
N.H.L.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




New Harmony, Ind.
    Oct. 28, 1851
My dear Lane,
    Having been called from home by business, which took me to Terre Haute, Bloomington & Indianapolis, a few days after your return--a trip from which I returned but a few days since--I have had no opportunity to run over to Newburgh, as I desired, to see you.
    And now, on my return, I find so much business here compelling my attention that, in order to attend the meeting of the 12th Novr. at Indianapolis, I shall have to forgo the pleasure of seeing you & our Evansville friends on the 1st.
    I write to inquire how & when you propose to start for Indianapolis. If, as I suppose you go by the river, via Madison, please inform me what day you propose to start, whether from Newburgh or from Evansville, &, if you know it, by what boat. I am very desirous to make one of the party, so that I can make up for lost time & have a long talk with you over matters & things in general.
    Cannot you make up a party to start from Evansville? I wish you would, & then I shd. be sure to make one of it.
Ever, my dear Lane
    Faithfully yr. obdt.
        Robert Dale Owen
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl
    For the first time since I parted with you at San Francisco I embrace an opportunity of writing to you. I assure you I have seen sights since we parted; I took passage on the Sea Gull and arrived at home on the 12th of August, and on the 15th again set out for Port Orford after having expended all my money for horses and outfit. As I was taken into the Port Orford Company upon condition that I should furnish four horses with their packs complete and return to Port Orford by the then returning Sea Gull and go myself to superintend and make as practicable a road from Port Orford to the interior [as possible]; in consideration I was to receive one-eighth of [the] entire enterprise.
    Accordingly I embarked on the 15th August from Portland and on the 21 took up my march from Port Orford with 18 men. [For] the result of my expedition see Oregon Statesman October 7th, enclosed.
    But I will enter more particulars into my sufferings as I can do so without it appearing egotistical, as my report was intended for publication and this is not. On the morning of the 14th Sept about ten o'clock myself and some of my men (for 9 had abandoned me two weeks before) were descending the Coquille River within 2 miles of its mouth on latitude 43°10' longitude 124°8' we came near the shore to try and get something to eat, for we had been without provisions for several days and were very weak and hungry. When within a few yards of the shore the edge of our canoe was seized by Indians who were in their canoes and near the shore and we were dragged near the shore; however, no manifestations of hostility were yet made, yet there was a great number of canoes & Indians in them also some 200 on the bank. We made signs and tried to get some provisions, but could not get any. We then tried to push off, but the Indians held onto our canoe. From the great number and our peculiar position we were anxious to get away without an attack [illegible]; as we would push off they would hold onto our canoe; finally they made a rush. Not less than fifty of them rushed upon us, sank our canoe and seized our arms before we could raise our guns to our [illegible], our arms was instantly taken from us and the most murderous attack made with clubs and knives. I was struck and hardly able to sit up in the canoe, but as I rushed to the shore was stabbed and knocked down by 2 blows, one on the breast, the other on the back, and suppose I was thrown into the river for dead or to be drowned if not dead. The first thing I remember I was some 20 or 30 feet from the shore in swimming water and was helped by a young Indian lad about 15 years old to get into a small canoe. The boy then ran to the other end of the canoe and assisted a Mr. Brush to get in the same canoe. He then jumped overboard and Brush and myself paddled the canoe to the opposite bank. When we got there, neither of us able to stand, we rolled out and crawled a few yards, pulled off our clothes and crawled up the bank. During the whole time there was the most dismal screams, the sound of strokes from clubs that it is possible to imagine, yet none of the Indians followed us. We continued our course by the sun, keeping in the thick chaparral all night, then went to the beach, traveled all night and the next day, and on the 16th arrived at Port Orford in so feeble a state there it required two Indians (as we had met with some friendly Indians on Monday night) to assist us to walk. It has been ascertained that three others of my party made their escape and went north to Umpqua. Some friendly Indians sent their squaws and found five dead bodies and buried them. Thus ended my first expedition. In a short time I am going to start upon a second overland expedition and [I] pray god that I shall have better luck. Genl Hitchcock has established a military post at Port Orford and ordered troops there. It is a good location, and I hope that he will continue it. When I arrived there on the 16th Sept. Lieut Wyman of the artillery was then building winter quarters. Since my defeat he ordered 150 men, part of the same troop that I went to California with last summer, back to Port Orford. They are under the command of Col Casey. If you can do us any good, do it.
    Political matters are as you left them. I think you are gaining popularity as far as I can learn.
    I want you to write to Capt Tichenor (his name is William Tichenor) and give me as favorable a recommend as you can, also to T. Butler King and Judge Pratt; those men are all my friends, but I wish them to know that I have other friends. King is popular with the army, also in California, yet he is a Whig, and it might be of service to me.
    You will see from the papers that my prospects are in the ascendancy, and by the help of God I will keep it there, for I will not drink or gamble.
    A. Holbrook goes to Washington; you must watch & pray he is a Whig.
    You ought to write letters to the Oregonian, also to the Oregon Times.
   
I have got a quiver of arrows & bow that I got from those damnable Rogue River Indians that I am going to send you by [illegible] express or by Holbrook. I want you to exhibit them on all occasions and tell how you got them, who from, how I got them, who from, and how you have seen me and where.
    Now I will say that we are all in better health just at this time than ever you saw us. I am getting not only fat but corpulent. Mrs. T'Vault is fleshy to corpulent upon my honor. You would be astonished.
    In [omission] I hope you & your good family are all well.
                        I remain your old friend
                            W. G. T'Vault
                                Oregon City Nov. 1 1851
This letter was misread as being from 1857 and can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



Oregon City O.T.
    Nov. 7th 1851
Dear Father
    Since my last Mr. Preston has discovered that the survey does go above the rack heap some distance, say 12½ rods, making about as much above the rack heap as below it, so you see we are on the safe side. I have no news nor no time to write. Business is only tolerable good; we are crowded to overflowing with custom work, but unfortunately for us it don't pay. Capt. Hilborn has just come down from the Umpqua and says Joe is getting along very well, making improvements and some little money. We have had some very fine weather, but it is now raining. Waldo, your old friend, wants you to examine the patent of a planing machine, invented at Albany, New York, and ascertain the price &c. &c. And also Mrs. Husted wishes you to write her what you done with some papers she placed in your hands & if you have lost them she wishes you to bear in mind the purport of the papers as your evidence may be required &c. &c.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Oregon City O.T.
    Novr 15th 1851
Hon Joseph Lane
        Sir
    Some time since I wrote you on the subject of my claims against the Indian agency. I am apprehensive that that letter has miscarried. I therefore presume upon your patience to make a brief statement of this matter and solicit your influence to secure me as speedily as convenient the amount of my claims.
    The day after the ratification of a treaty of peace with the Rogue River Indians Mr. Spalding the acting agent resolved to leave a party of men under me to see that the terms of the treaty were observed until he could confer with the superintendent Dr. Dart at Oregon City and return to the tribe and make a purchase of their lands. He left Rogue River on the 15th day of July and arrived at Oregon City on the 22nd of the same month. He wrote me on the 28th of July stating that Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians at some convenient point in their country and purchase their lands and requested me to retain the men under me and give the Indians notice that such was the intention of the superintendent and that I would convene the Indians at such convenient point on the 15th day of September. I proceeded to obey these orders by going through the whole tribe from the Kenyon on the Umpqua to the Table Rock. After I had finished this understanding with the Indians, Dr. Dart sent Mr. Bayley to the Rogue River country with a letter authorizing him, Mr. Bayley, to take the Indians to Port Orford as per Mr. Bayley. Mr. Spalding wrote me a letter stating that he was sorry that Dr. Dart had changed his purpose of meeting the Indians on the 15th of September and requested me to dismiss the men under me. On the day after the receipt of this letter I started for Oregon City and arrived there in time to see Dr. Dart before he left for Port Orford. I told him the impossibility of getting the Indians to go to Port Orford &c. He then resolved to meet the Indians in the course of six weeks in their country and trade with them for their lands &c. He proceeded to Port Orford and returned, and finally declined trading with the Indians this season at all, but sent out Judge Skinner, the agent for that district with a few presents, &c. &c. Mr. Dart refused at the time of my return to pay me, and still refuses to do [so] as he says until he can get advices from Congress. The reason he assigns for not paying me and my party is that he did not approve the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving a party in the country--besides, he had not approved the treaty of peace made with the Indians by Govr. Gaines.
    I have no disposition to impugn what the Dr. states, but really there is such a plain discrepancy in his sayings and doings I cannot act otherwise than to notice it.
    In the first place he instructs Mr. Spalding to go to the Rogue River country and at whatever cost to remove from among the Indians any and all persons who have killed innocent Indians, & to adopt the most advisable steps to produce
harmony &c. &c. Mr. Spalding done so. The Dr. told me he did not authorize the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving the party under me in that country. As I before stated, Mr. Spalding returned from Rogue River to Oregon City on the 22nd July and reported what had been done. Mr. Spalding wrote me from Oregon City on the 28th July stating the Dr. would meet the Indians on the 15th Sept. and for me to continue the men in the service &c. &c. This does not look like the Dr. did not approve what was done by Mr. Spalding. He certainly did not disapprove it, or the party would have been dismissed at once instead of keeping me from July until September, performing the most hazardous hardships--and using my own and some of my party's money in furthering the wishes of the agent.
    You were present in the country at the time the treaty was about to be made. You are aware [of] the necessity of the treaty of peace, of which it will be useless for me to speak.
    As for what I have done I can refer you to Govr. Gaines, Mr. Spalding and even to Dr. Dart himself. I am sorry I have to resort to this humiliating method of importuning any person of power to arrive at a well-earned and established right. 
    I left my family and home for the purpose of mining on Rogue River or Shasta. I was in the Rogue River Valley at the time the treaty was making, and was under Govr. Gaines for that purpose. After this Mr. Spalding prevailed upon me to remain with the party for the purposes before stated. I abandoned my mining purpose, disposed of my tools, provisions &c. at a sacrifice and used my (all I had) money in providing for the occasional wants of the party and in paying some of the discharged men.
    I am now at home without a dollar in pocket, and without any visible method of soon getting any. I certainly claim that this abuse on the part of Dr. Dart is entirely unwarranted and without a parallel.
    The money due me and my party should be paid, and if Dr. Dart has forfeited his bonds to government it is a matter between himself and government.
    I think it quite a low and very mean subterfuge in Dr. D. to keep the important, hazardous and assiduously industrious services of myself and comrades in the Rogue River country, among a tribe of entirely savage people (and these too just out of a destructive war with our people) as we [are] waiting for our hard-earned pennies until he can receive advices from the home department, dodging the consequences of a responsibility that he might incur if he paid the amount at once, when in fact the labor we were performing was of the most pressing importance to the government, and the mining community on the one hand, and for Christianity's sake, for the bettering and improving the condition of this untaught and entirely ignorant people on the other. True, it was his duty to have done this in person but if calls from other neighboring tribes rendered it impossible at that time, and if the ends were accomplished by me, that could only have been done by himself what is the difference?
    I will follow the theme no farther, and regret I have troubled you to such length on this subject--you will pardon me.
    Allow me the honor of hearing from you at your earliest convenience
        And believe me
            Most respectfully yours
                C. M. Walker


Oregon  City Nov. 20 1851      
Sir
    I received a day or two ago the enclosed letter from Capt. C. M. Walker to yourself requesting me after inspection to forward it to you. I have examined the letter carefully and state without hesitation that the facts as stated by him so far as they came within my knowledge are strictly true, with his conclusions I of course having nothing to say.
    Finding myself in the very heart of the enemy's country with only ten men, Major Kearny having just left with some thirty women and children captured from there, I employed Capt. Walker and four others at a cost much below the ordinary price as you will know (that is three dollars a day for man, horse and equipments) and sent three of my party to the Umpqua Valley to procure an interpreter who returned on the same day you arrived at my camp with the prisoners.
    I then thought it necessary, in which you concurred, to increase my force, which I did to some twenty-four-five, amongst whom was your son Jo. These men were all under the management of Capt. Walker, whose wages was fixed at four dollars a day, as he had much labor to perform and a good deal of responsibility. I well remember your telling me that I could have not have procured a more suitable person to perform the important and delicate duties then on hand. I found him sensible, decent, vigilant, and without him or some such person I believe I could not have accomplished the pacification which we all then had so much at heart.
    Two days after you left and the day before the pacification was concluded, but after the terms were agreed upon, Mr. Spalding, who had but just recovered from a long spell of sickness, arrived at my camp with written instructions as he stated from the superintendent, to bring to justice at "no matter what cost," all persons accused of wantonly killing Indians. He was present at the signing of the treaty, is a witness to it, and highly approved all that was done.
    Having concluded all I thought I had a right to do and written to Dr. Dart by yourself advising him of what was doing and urging him to come up and attend to this business who whom it properly belonged, I dismissed my men, paid them off and immediately left for home.
    Mr. Spalding, feeling himself fully authorized by the written instructions of Dr. Dart to spare no expense in bringing to justice murderers of unoffending Indians, and also feeling that the continuance of peace depended upon a faithful execution of the agreement by which hostilities had just been terminated, employed Capt. Walker and some few others to enable him to carry out his instructions and to protect the very valuable trade which you are well aware was then being carried on through the country. I will here add that I most solemnly believe that to Capt. Walker's prudent management, and to his arduous and hazardous labor, this territory is justly indebted for the preservation of peace.
    Mr. Spalding conferred with me as to what course he should pursue and I did hesitate, knowing all the circumstances as I did, to advise to employ Walker and his party, and I have not a doubt it was the cause of saving many lives and tens of thousands of dollars to the government. Mr. Spalding returned to Oregon City and arrived a day or two after I did. He assured me that he fully informed Dr. Dart of all that was done and also that he had promised to return to Rogue River in two weeks.
    I informed Dart myself on the 23 July of all that was done which he professed [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] him to allow Spalding to keep his promise with the Indians to return in two weeks. He informed me that he had intended to go to Rogue River but that he had altered his plans, that he had then made arrangements to meet the Clatsop Indians and that he must have Mr. Spalding's services, and that he would, or had postponed this meeting which had been appointed by Spalding with the Rogue River Indians until the middle of Sept. and that they had been so informed. Before the arrival of that day the Dr. determined to go to Port Orford as stated by Mr. Walker.
    I also read to Dr. Dart on the day of its date my letter of July 25th to Major Hathaway, in which I say, after urging him to send troops to R. River, that the Indian agent had employed a number of men at a high expense awaiting his arrival.
    This letter you will find in my report to the Secretary of War. All this time no objection was made to my knowledge, and the first intimation I had to the contrary was received from Mr. Spalding or Capt. Walker early in September immediately after his recall. These are the facts to the best of my recollection, and I consider it but sheer justice that Walker and his comrades should be promptly paid the amount contracted to be paid by the government agent.
    Indeed, whether Spalding had or had not the authority to do what he did, his contract should nevertheless be complied with, and if he exceeded his [illegible--one word chewed away] it should be a question between him and the govt. and not with an individual.
    But the letter of Dr. Dart to Spalding directing him to spare no expense in bringing to justice certain respective offenders I consider ample authority to do all he did, and that he used it most beneficially and economically for the public good.
    You are at liberty to show this to Dr. Dart if you think proper, and also to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
    I am sir
        Very respectfully
            Your obt. servant
                John P. Gaines



Shasta Butte City, Cal.
            Dec. 1st, 1851
To the Honbl. Gen. Lane
    Sir, as our acquaintance is but slight you will naturally be somewhat surprised at my intruding myself upon your notice and time, and it is with extreme diffidence that I address you yet. Gen. Lane will pardon the assurance of a soldier. I have a favor to ask or I should not this intrude, therefore I crave your patience while I relate our grievance. You doubtless recollect the time of my departure from Redding's Diggins for Scotts River, as I applied to you for information relative to the nature of this region and the best route to travel. I think it was one year ago last August I came on to Scotts River and have been here since. We located in Scotts Valley and built the first house ever raised in the valley. There were several interested in the rancho because it was deemed unsafe for
less to reside in the valley. Myself and B. E. Simmons bought out the rest and paid them in dust, provisions and labor rated very high and we had but few animals. But all there was we had therefore spent our money and time anticipating that our claim would be valuable in time. That time has arrived. Claims have been sold at six and twelve thousand dollars the past summer. Col. McKee, however, U.S. Indian agent, arrived here this fall and has designated the most valuable portion of Scotts Valley as an Indian reserve, i.e., the lower end of the valley and covers many valuable claims and improvements. Most of the occupants of these claims will apply through the Com. of Indian Affairs at Washington for damages. I have written out a statement of the facts and an application and forwarded it by Col. McKee to the Com. at Washington. Therefore I would most respectfully solicit your attention and influence in our favor. We are the first and most unfortunate settlers of Scotts Valley.
    I am sir very respectfully your
        Obedient Servant
            S. R. Lewis
To the Hon. Gen. Lane


Oregon Territory Marion County December the 1st 1851
    Honorable sir, I take the liberty of writing a few lines to you, believing it to be my duty to do so, and also a privilege that I esteem as a high one to address you as one of the members of our great national council and make known to you some of my own particular requisites as well as the requests [of] a great many others of your old friends. I will just say to you that I have been one of many that emigrated from Illinois to Oregon the past season and I write you this to state facts of things that has taken place with emigrants and the Indians. There has been a great deal of harm been done on the last season by the Snake Nation. I have a knowledge of about forty-two persons that has been murdered by these Indians between the Rocky Mountains and the Blue Mountains. This is a distance of about seven hundred miles. Besides this there has been nine others wounded. There has been not less than two hundred mares stolen from emigrants in the Snake Nation and when there was a small train found by the Indians traveling a little remote from long trains that Indians would [make] no bones to commence a bloody house on them in broad daylight and if they could succeed they would drive their stock off from them in broad daylight. There is another class of men mixed in with these Indians that generally is thought to be the leaders of these murdering bands; that is the Hudson Bay Company men; they are generally is Canadian French. They are mixed all through the Snake Nation and is very bold to argue with the whites that they are transgressors on these Indians' rights, that the Indians has never been treated with by the government of the United States for the right of way through their country and if emigrants choose to come through the Indians' country they must take Indian fare, and now, sir, these are facts that I know to exist. These are things that is known to hundreds and there appears to be nothing adoing by the Governor of this Territory on the subject. I know not he has made complaint to Congress, but believing it to be my duty to report these things to some member of Congress I have written these things to you in order that they might be looked into and would ask [you] to enlist your talent and your eloquence in behalf of innocent American blood that has been spilled and for the safety of emigrants hereafter.
    Oregon is one of the finest countries in the world, but it is poorly served for politicians. The Governor appears to be rather slow and is generally disliked by the citizens. He talks of resigning and if he would do so all of the people would say Amen, that is, all that is in Oregon. There is need of some more energetic men to be appointed as Indian agents for the south and west part of Oregon. These scribbling lines in haste.
Yours with due respect
    Robert Alexander
To
    Richard Yates Esqr.

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington City, December 12, 1851.
To his excellency the President of the United States:
    SIR: A sense of duty prompts me to call your early attention to the peculiar condition of things in Oregon. I have been a citizen of that Territory for nearly three years, have traveled the settled portion of it all over, had much to do with the Indians, and know them, perhaps, as well as any other man, and understand the wants of the American citizens there, and can say to you that for their protection, and for the protection of others emigrating there, troops to be garrisoned on the great road from St. Joseph, via Fort Hall, to the Dalles of the Columbia, and also on the road from Oregon to California, are absolutely indispensable for the protection of life and property. I know that I need but call your attention to the condition of things there, and present the facts within my knowledge, to secure your aid and prompt action in the premises. The suffering this season for the want of troops to protect emigrants and others en route to Oregon, and from Oregon to California, has been terrible, and certainly this government ought, and will I have no doubt afford protection to her citizens in a country so remote and exposed as are all persons traveling either on the emigrant road to Oregon, or on the road from Oregon to California. There are but these two roads south of the Columbia on which troubles are to be apprehended. The shape of the country and its stupendous mountains are insurmountable barriers to the location of roads of importance. A garrison of two or three companies of horse--one infantry, if a mounted force cannot be had--on each of these roads, at the Grand Ronde, for instance, on the emigrant or northern road, and in the Rogue River Valley, on the California or southern road, should be established. The moral influence that the establishment of the posts would produce upon the minds of the Indians would do much towards keeping peace with them, and afford the protection to American citizens that they are so justly entitled to.
    It may be well here to mention that the road from Oregon to California forks in the Rogue River Valley--the main road--passes south of the great Shasta mountain to the source of the Sacramento, thence down that river to its great valley, and to Sacramento city; the north branch passes by Klamath Lake to Fort Hall. A small party of emigrants have gone that route this season and got in safely. This route was opened by Jesse Applegate, Scott and others in the year 1846, for the purpose of affording to emigrants a pass into the southern portion of Oregon, but such was the suffering of the first emigrants on this route that it has been but little traveled since, but will, I have no doubt, be much traveled if a garrison should be established in Rogue River valley, as above suggested.
    I have been thus explicit in order that you may understand the condition and wants of the country which I have the honor to represent, with the full belief that you will take such steps as may be necessary to give protection to the citizens there, and emigrants and others traveling to and from Oregon.
    Herewith I enclose two communications from Oregon for your perusal, which you will please return to me. One of the writers I am well acquainted with (Mr. Applegate, one of the early settlers of Oregon). He has done much to bring the country into requisition by exploring, opening roads &c. &c.--a sensible, reliable man. With Mr. Simons I have no acquaintance, but have no doubt of the truth of his narrative.
    With great respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE.
The Daily Union, Washington, D.C., February 6, 1852, page 1  Also printed in the Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, April 10, 1852, page 2. The speech can also be found on pages 507-508 of the Congressional Globe for the first session of the 32nd Congress.



Island Mills O.T.
    Dec. 18th 1851
Dear Father
    I have recd. two dollars and placed it to your credit on our books. The money is to pay subscription for the New York Weekly Tribune, to be sent to Gabriel Walling Esqr. at Oregon City and also the Whig Almanac from the Tribune office. He desires also that you would ascertain when his subscription for the above-named documents is up. If you will take as much trouble to attend to this matter you will both oblige him and me. Our legislature it is feared will do no good this session. The greater portion of the members are now in session at Salem, and the remaining at Oregon City. Judges Nelson & Strong held the supreme court at Oregon City and decided that they were holding court at the seat of government, and Judge Pratt went to Salem, but I have not seen any decision from him.
    Aside from the little excitement that the splitting of the legislature has caused, the country and business generally is dull. I recd. your letters of the 22nd & 28th September and am very proud to learn that you arrived at the old homestead in good health and to learn that you found the family in good health & am much obliged for your visit to my children.
    Judge Skinner is out on Rogue River, and I am afraid I will not be able to see him soon in order to take up your notes, though I will write him by the first opportunity and ascertain when I can get them, and where they are. I am very glad to know that you effected a settlement with Judge Bryant.
    I am driving the mills all I can, but the old debts have retarded me greatly in getting along. We are still manufacturing the best flour made in the Territory, and sawing some lumber. We have had considerable rain and some tolerable high water, but nothing to do any damage. The weather for the past few days has been delightful, the days clear and pleasant with frosty nights. I am becoming more and more attached to Oregon every day and am only afraid that by the time you get the family out here I will be so much in love with the country that I won't want to leave.
    Your old friend Horace Baker says that he sent by you for two copies of the Washington Union and is afraid that you will forget to have them sent to him. Please remember it, and I will make him pay the subscription to me and place it to your credit. The people, or some of them, are very anxious to know what you are going to do for the Territory. I tell them you will do all in your power for the general good of the Territory, and that if they will only give time that everything you do will come to light.
    Mr. Thompson has had a great deal of sickness in his family, and the doctors have advised him to move his family off of the Island in order to avoid the dampness caused by the Falls. Your boy John came very near dying, but is now well. I had Doctor Barclay to attend on him. He as well as myself and others thought there was no hopes for him. His disease was similar to erysipelas.
    Friend Bush has taken his small press to Salem to do the legislative printing, and he is about getting up a session paper to be called the Vox Populi. I have heard nothing from Joe for some time, but have reason to believe that he will stick to the claim and do all he can in the way of improving it. Try and persuade all the good citizens you can to move to Oregon when you come. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison send their compliments to you, as do Mrs. T'Vault and family and many others of your good friends.
Your obt. son and friend
    N. H. Lane
Genl. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Letter from General Lane.
Washington, Dec. 24, '51.        
    Dear Bush:--About 7 o'clock this morning the Capitol was discovered to be on fire. My boarding house is on the hill, and not far from the Capitol. Consequently I ran quick to learn the extent of the fire, condition of things, &c. and to assist if possible in arresting the flames. I found the police stationed in and about the building, and everything in the greatest confusion--bells tolling, people collecting, engines hurrying to the scene of trouble, and the library, or western end of the building, all in flames. The woodwork in that portion is all destroyed together with the library, many valuable paintings, statues &c. Considerable damage was also done to the walls and columns of the building. The halls of the two Houses are untouched. Loss and damage, including value of books destroyed, some 5 or $600,000. It will not interfere with the sittings of Congress.
JO LANE.       
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, February 17, 1852, page 2



General Land Office
    December 27th 1851
Sir,
    Your communication to the Honble. Secretary of the Interior has been referred to this office, in which you inquire "whether there is anything on file in the Department" in "reference to the ownership of what is known as Abernethy's Island, Oregon Territory," and if so desiring to be furnished with copies of the papers on the subject.
    I have therefore the honor to state that there are on file here in the matter certain papers, which were referred to this office from the Department of the Interior, of which, pursuant to your request, I herewith transmit copies, viz.
    1st. of a commission dated the 15th of July last, at Oregon City, and from John McLoughlin, and of certain papers therein referred to, viz.
    2nd. Copy from a transcript of a survey by Jesse Applegate, dated December 16th 1843, which is called "John McLoughlin's survey of 640 acres" on the Willamette River.
    3rd. Copy of a transcript of a declaration of intention of John McLoughlin to become a citizen.
With great respect
    Your obt. servt.
        J. Butterfield
            Commissioner
The Honble.
    Jesse D. Bright
        Senate U. States
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Jos. Lane
    My old Friend I for the first time take my pen to address you, although I have but little to communicate we are here plodding along we have been ever since you knew us the only difference is in relation to our Legislature the particulars of which you will doubtless have become familiar [with] before this can possibly reach you I suppose you will meet our old Friend Dr. John McLoughlin shortly who comes to try to explain the position he holds in relation to this country he is really Sir an American in the strict sense of that word and throwing aside all National feelings I regard the Dr. as an American and a Gentleman of the first water and one who has surely done as much for the early American settlers of this country as any Foreigner & I am sure he has done more than any American Citizen that has ever visited this country & I think him as justly entitled to his land Claim situated at the Falls of Willamette as any man can be however remote his claim might be from a Town site or an extensive water privilege & although I assure you I have no personal interest to secure by asking that the Dr.'s Land Claim be secured to him yet I pray God that it may be & I earnestly hope you will exert your influence to secure his much desired object I think him justly entitled to the full extent of his Land Claim in every point of view & particularly as there are many Gentlemen who as you know have Invested every Dollar they were worth in the world in Lots which if the Dr.'s Title is not confirmed must inevitably ruin them which I am sure our Government can not possibly desire but any change that could be made in relation to this matter would improve our present condition our property now would not sell for one half the amt. it would when you left here I bought the Evans property for $2,000 Dollars because it was mortgaged me for that amt. of money but [the] highest offer they had for it was $1600 Dollars and I suppose you know it cost them over $6000 Dollars. Next to this would be to repeal the existing form of the Land Law so as not to compel a man to have every other branch of baseness to secure their Claims, I assure you Sir it is working a Great Evil in our midst I know many who have been residents from six months, to three years on their claims who say they would rather Congress would allow them to hold their Claims two years and at the end of that time exact from them $2 Dollars per acre than to be obliged to remain on them to extent of the 4 years prescribed by Law and in fact may have already left their Claims saying if there is no other way for them to secure Title it is better for them to die without an inch of Land than starve their families or at best raise their children in Ignorance which they conceive to be worse than starvation, in this matter I have no private interest to secure as you know I hold no Claim on the Public Domain.
    Your affairs here are I think Going on well & I think your popularity is increasing, if you will answer this & request it I will write again.
Yours till another day
    [Sidney Walter] Moss
Oregon City
    29 Dec. 1851
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



CIRCULAR OF HON. JOS. LANE,
DELEGATE FROM OREGON.
In Reference to the Settlement, Soil, and Climate of Oregon Territory.
    Washington City, Jan. 1, 1852.   
    The great number of letters I am constantly receiving, making inquiries in reference to the Territory of Oregon, has induced me to embody in the form of a circular such information as is usually desired, that I may thus be enabled to furnish it more promptly and more in detail than a due attention to my other public duties would allow me were I to endeavor to give a written answer to each. I hope this course will not be considered discourteous to my correspondents, for in pursuing it, I will more effectually and satisfactorily serve them, which is my chief desire.
    Oregon is a mountainous country, interspersed with many extensive, rich and beautiful valleys, watered by cool, pure streams, having their sources among its snow-clad mountains. It is exceedingly healthy--no country is more so. The atmosphere is pure, and the climate delightful, especially during the summer. From April to November there is but little rain, but a cool, gentle breeze flows almost perpetually from the north. The winters are rainy, but mild, for, during the season, warm south winds constantly prevail.
    The country is well watered, and the soil very fertile and well adapted to the growth of all the small grains, grasses, potatoes and other culinary vegetables--all yielding most abundantly, except Indian corn, which is not regarded as a successful crop. Many of the hills and mountains are covered with inexhaustible forests of fine timber, generally fir and cedar. Those forests frequently skirt the valleys and streams.
    As is well known, the Columbia is the only great river on the Pacific Slope, and stretches from the sea coast to the Rocky Mountains. From its mouth to the Cascades, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles, there is an uninterrupted navigation for vessels of the largest size. The Willamette empties into the Columbia about ninety miles from its mouth. This river is also navigable for the largest vessels to Portland, fifteen miles from its mouth, and many have ascended as high as Milwaukie, seven miles further.
    At the risk of some little repetition, it may not be deemed improper or unnecessary to give a more detailed and minute description of the valley of this and some of the other streams of Oregon.
    The Willamette Valley is bounded by the Coast Mountains on the west, and the Cascade Range on the east. The soil is excellent, and is not surpassed, if equaled, by any portion of the continent in its adaptation to the growth of wheat, rye and oats. Potatoes are produced in great abundance, and are of a superior quality, while wheat is invariably a certain crop, subject to none of the diseases and uncertainties peculiar to it in the States; it matures slowly, hence the grain is always full and plump, and the straw unusually solid and elastic, and not subject to fall. In consequence of the cool, dry summers, and the entire absence of rain during the harvest season, the farmer is enabled to gather in the grain without waste.
    This valley is about one hundred and fifty miles in length, and thirty-five in breadth, and is sparsely settled throughout its whole extent. Many fine locations are yet unoccupied, which will richly repay the labor of the thrifty husbandman. Natural meadows, as yet untouched by the hand of cultivation, afford abundant and rich pasturage for immense herds of cattle. The valley is mostly prairie, skirted by beautiful groves of timber, while through its center runs the Willamette River.
    The Umpqua Valley is distant from the Willamette about twelve miles, and is separated from it by the Calapooia Mountain. It is about ninety miles in length, and varies from five to thirty-five miles in width. It is made up of a succession of hills and dales, furnishes but little timber, yet abounds in a natural luxuriant growth of the richest grass.
    North and South Umpqua rivers run through this valley, and form a junction about forty miles from the bay of the same name. The entrance to this bay is found to be practicable, as many ships and steamers have crossed the bar at its mouth, finding from three to three and a half fathoms of water upon it, without the aid of pilots, buoys or lighthouses. A few slight accidents, however, have occurred for the want of such improvements. A port of entry has been established here, and appropriations have been made for a lighthouse and fog signals.
    This bay is destined to be an important point to the southern portion of Oregon; here will be the outlet for the produce of the Umpqua Valley, and, consequently, here will be its commercial city. Many pack trains are already employed in the transportation of goods and provisions from this point to the "gold diggin's" on Rogue, Shasta and Scott rivers.
    Rogue River Valley, which takes its name from the river that passes through it, is about seventy miles by the main traveled route from Umpqua. The valley is well watered by never-failing streams; the soil is generally good, and it is skirted and interspersed with groves of fine timber. As it borders upon a rich gold region it must eventually become densely populated. As yet, however, it contains no white settlement, but is occupied by the Rogue River Indians, who have rendered it the seat of much trouble and suffering from their depredations.
    There is no portion of the Territory, and indeed, I may almost add of the world, better adapted to grazing than this valley. In extent it is about fifty by thirty miles. Surrounded by mountains, the eye seldom rests upon a more beautiful, picturesque and romantic spot. It extends to within a few miles of the boundary between Oregon and California. These valleys all lie west of the Cascade Mountains and south of the Columbia.
    There are also many small valleys, rich and fertile, in this part of the Territory, affording good inducements to settlers, and which no doubt will be speedily occupied so soon as suitable protection can be extended over them by the government.
    A very interesting portion of Oregon lies north of the Columbia, and is being rapidly settled. The Cowlitz, which rises in the Cascade Mountains, north of the Columbia, runs through a large tract of fine, arable land, entering the Columbia some forty or fifty miles from its mouth.
    A French settlement of many years growth commences near this river, about thirty miles from its mouth, and now embraces some large and valuable farms. Americans also have, within the last six years, settled between it and the Chehalis, and are doing well. The country is level and fertile, and beautifully interspersed with prairies and timber.
    The valley of the Chehalis is also fertile, and well adapted to cultivation. Between it and Puget Sound the country is level and well timbered, with occasional small prairies. This sound is one of the safest and best harbors in the world. It affords fine ship navigation to an important portion of the Territory. Surrounded by a large district of country, rich in soil, with immense forests of the finest timber in the world, and combining many advantages, agricultural and commercial, it is destined to be, at no distant day, one of the most important points on the Pacific coast. A low pass in the Cascade Mountains offers a route for a good road from the Sound to Fort Walla Walla, on the Columbia. Such a road would be important for military purposes, and would also be a great saving of distance and time to emigrants going from the Cowlitz and Chehalis rivers, Puget Sound, or to any other point north of the Columbia. At present emigrants are compelled to take the road across the Cascade Mountains, south of the Columbia, to Oregon City, from whence it is as far, by a road almost impassable, to Puget Sound as it would be from Walla Walla by the road suggested.
    There are, also, east of the Cascade Range, north and south of the Columbia, now in possession of the Indians, large districts of country finely adapted to grazing, with occasional good tracts of farming land, which will, no doubt, ere long be occupied by the whites.
    Oregon City is situated at the Great Falls of the Willamette. Steamboats run daily from this place to Portland, and those of a small class also run daily up the river, above the Falls, from thirty to fifty miles, and in some instances, recently, as I am informed, they have even gone up one hundred and fifty miles. A small judicious expenditure would render the river constantly navigable for such boats that distance.
    The population of Oregon, including the immigration of the last season, is probably twenty thousand. The immigration is rapidly increasing, owing not only to the natural advantages of the country, but to the liberal provisions made for actual settlers by a late law of Congress. By that law liberal donations of land are made to all who will settle upon them previous to the first day of December, 1853. To a single man one hundred and sixty acres, and to a married man three hundred and twenty--one-half in his own right and the other half to his wife in her own right, upon condition that they will live upon and cultivate it for four years.
    The population is of a substantial character, much better than is generally found in new countries. The people are enterprising, industrious, frugal and orderly. Many of the earliest settlers have large, well-cultivated farms; indeed, agriculture everywhere in the Territory may be said to be in a flourishing condition, remarkably so for a new country. California and the Sandwich Islands afford markets and good prices for all our surplus products, and will undoubtedly for years to come.
    Many of the various religious denominations have established churches in the Territory, to some one of which the majority of the settlers belong. Great interest has also been manifested by the people in the establishment of good schools, and admirably have they succeeded in their laudable efforts. The Institute at Salem, under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Academy at Tualatin Plains, under the control of the Presbyterians, are excellent and flourishing institutions. There are also two female institutes in Oregon City. Portland, Lafayette, and other small towns have good schools. Indeed they are common in the country wherever the population will justify them. A grant of land was made by the last Congress for the endowment of a university, the site of which has been fixed by the Territorial Legislature at Marysville.
    The Indians immediately bordering on, or near the settlements, are perfectly friendly and well disposed. Settlers have nothing to fear from them. Those upon Rogue River are troublesome to those passing through their country, and will probably continue so until a garrison shall be established to overawe and keep them in subjection. This, I hope, will soon be done, for their depredations upon travelers have already caused much trouble and suffering. They are upon the great thoroughfare from Oregon to California, a fork of which leads to Fort Hall, being the road frequently traveled by emigrants from that point to Oregon.
    Emigrants the past year suffered considerably from the Snake Indians, who infest the great road west of Fort Hall, and who are scattered over a large extent of territory through which the road passes. The establishment of a garrison in their country is essentially necessary to the maintenance of peace, and the protection of the lives and property of persons passing to and from Oregon. A number of emigrants have, during the past season, been murdered by the Indians, and many of their animals and other property stolen from them. Emigrants should exercise great care and prudence in passing through this district of country, and they should remember that it is essential to their safety, upon all parts of this road, that in no case should they suffer themselves to be taken by surprise, or the least advantage had of them by the Indians, for the least carelessness or want of proper precaution often seriously endangers the safety not only of their property but their lives.
    Those who contemplate emigrating to Oregon should be ready to leave St. Joseph, on the Missouri River, with a proper outfit, by the first day of May. Ox teams are much to be preferred. Provisions for the trip, and sufficient blankets for bedding, with such tools only as are necessary to repair a wagon, should be taken. Each man should also take his gun and plenty of ammunition. The journey is a long and tedious one, and all who undertake it must expect to endure fatigue, privations and hardships. I would advise every person, or at least every company, to procure Palmer's Emigrants' Guide. It correctly lays down the fords across the streams, the camping grounds, and also the places where grass, wood and water can be found. No article not necessary for the journey should be taken, as there is great danger of overloading and breaking down the teams.
    Dry goods, groceries, furniture and farming utensils of all kinds are abundant in Oregon, and no one should think of taking such things with them. It must not, however, be supposed that no inconveniences are to be experienced by emigrants, after they arrive there. These are always incident to the settlement of new countries, especially for the first year; but they are fewer in Oregon than are usual in the settling of new territories.
JOSEPH LANE.       
Bardstown Herald, Kentucky, February 4, 1852, page 1



Oregon City O.T.
    Jany. 4th 1852
Dear Father
    I wish to say a word or two in reference to the [capital] location question. Whatever you do, don't favor Oregon City and the federal officers. They have arrayed themselves against the people and their representatives who met at Salem, and I feel confident will through their chief actor (A. Holbrook Esq.) try to lead you astray from the true principles. Some of your best Democratic friends think you have so much confidence in Mr. H. that you could be influenced by him against your own as well as the true interests of the people of the Territory. But I am satisfied that you are too old a hand in such matters to be deceived by a man belonging to the opposite party. But still I think whenever an opportunity offers to undeceive the people in reference to your standing with the Whig officers it would be well to do so.
    There is one other thing I want to urge upon you, and that is the necessity of procuring the passage of such a bill as will give the people of the Territory the power to elect all their officers, to be paid as before out of the Treasury of the United States, and again I would say for God's sake don't allow yourself to be led astray by letters or anything coming from the Whig officers.
    The river is higher now than any time since the great flood in '49 and is still rising slow, but as it has not rained any for 56 hours we don't think it can rise much more. It has done us but little damage yet, nothing in fact but carrying off some one or two hundred saw logs.
    Mr. Thompson's family is still afflicted; his little daughter Elly is now very sick with inflammatory fever. You must write to Mr. Thompson. I know he would be glad to get a letter from you.
    I have not heard from Joe for some time, but suppose he writes to you. My health is very good. I am getting along very well in the milling business, making but little in the way of cash, but paying off some debts which you know is equivalent.
    I will write you often and try to keep you posted on such matters as I think are of importance to the Territory and your own well being. Your friends send their compliments. You must not fail to send the papers to those who sent money by you to pay subscription.
    Write me as often as you can.
Your obt. son &c.
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Astoria Jany. 17th / '52
Gen. Lane
    Dear Sir
When I last saw you at Shasta I did not learn your views concerning the land law. For my part I am not well pleased that the government plainly held out the inducement that each emigrant should receive in his own right 640 acres of land & 320 in addition in right of his wife also 160 acres for each child & a like quantity for children born in the territory for five years after emigrating & settling. Now this is the broad feature of the bills from 43 down to the worse than useless bill that passed 27th Sep. / '50. Why curtail the land grants? When will the country settle? Who will confine himself for 4 years and dig for the bare pittance of a few roods of land in the black mountains of Oregon? We are driven out of the California market by Cape Town and Valparaiso & the small grants of land is depopulating Oregon at an astounding ratio.
    That you will have some desirable amendments made to the law I have no doubt,and I hope that the grants may be so enlarged as will induce emigrants to settle with us. I think if you will examine the premises you will see a fitness in the Government confirming to all those who emigrated previous to the treaty, all they ever promised then. It was in November '42 that I turned my face towards Oregon. I have at my own expense been three sessions at Washington & according to the land law I have not enough of land to dig my grave on. What I have sold is gone from me forever & that of my wife traveled by military reservation & also Mrs. Welch.
    I was stopped improving here by force of arms after laying out $1500. I have lost by the soldiers in stock and other tangible avails $1000 & was pirated away from my goods on the Hackstaff upwards of $300. The main occupation of the militia here you know all about, & you will please at least keep me advised in relation to it, if the govt. want the place please have the last section of the law so amended that we get paid the fair valuation of the land as well as improvements. Should you fall in with Dr. Dart please present me kindly & say (if you think so) that I should be paid my losses on Rogue River by the Indians. Present me most kindly to Mr. Buchanan should you fall in with him & accept for yourself my highest esteem.
J. M. Shively 
Hon. Gen. Lane 
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Island Mills O.T.
    Jany. 20th 1852
Dear Father
    This morning I recd. a letter from you dated Washington Dec. 4th / 51 and have an opportunity of answering it immediately, as the mail steamer Columbia lays over two days at Portland. In reference to the survey of the Island you may rest satisfied that I will have it attended to at the first low water and have the survey recorded per your instructions. I wrote to Judge Skinner, who is on the Rogue River, about those notes. I sent him a copy of the recpt. and Judge Bryant's order, keeping the original myself until I recd. the notes. I have not heard from Skinner yet, but think I will get some news from him ere long. I wrote to him to send me the notes by the first opportunity. No news of interest afloat in this section of country. The people's legislature at Salem will adjourn tomorrow, "sine die" I suppose. Bush has been up at Salem during the session and is expected to return this week. And as I think I said something about his having something to do with the editing of the Vox Populi
I will here place that matter right, as I have since been informed that he refused to have anything to do with the paper, but to accommodate the members let out the use of his small press and type to the gentlemen who got the paper up. We sustained a loss of $735 worth of logs by the late high water, but no damage was done to the mills except stopping them about two weeks with back water, but I have them both going now and am making some lumber and flour and a very little money. I am getting rid of old debts and hope to get them about all worked off during this year. Times are pretty hard and money not very plenty, I assure you. I have not recd. anything from Joe for some time, though I have written frequently. I don't expect him down until sometime next summer. Mr. Thompson has moved up on the hill in the house that Gov. Gaines occupied when you left. He has bought some land and concluded to try farming. His family are regaining their health. T'Vault has not been 3 weeks at home since you left. He is now up in the Umpqua pretending to look out a road to Port Orford, but I fear he will do no good neither for himself nor country.
    I cautioned you against Amory Holbrook in my last, and I again repeat it: He will bear watching. You can't imagine how odious he has made himself among the Oregonians. I hope you will do all you can for Oregon and that you may do all things right. Write me often. I will do the same.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City, January 21st 1852
Messrs. Greenbury and James B. Martin,
    Gentlemen, Capt. Wm. J. Martin has forwarded to me a power of attorney to "collect by suit or otherwise to receive and receipt for the same" two promissory notes executed by Greenbury Martin and James B. Martin of Platte County, Missouri for the sum of five hundred and thirty-three dollars each, with ten percent interest bearing date April 3rd 1846, payable to William J. Martin three years after date. These notes as you are aware are filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Platte County. One of the votes is entitled to a credit of one hundred and sixty dollars, Sept. 29th 1849.
    On yesterday I recd. a letter from William informing me that he is in great need of money and requesting me to write you without delay and beg you to pay the above notes in time to forward the money by May next. This I hope you will readily do. I urge this the more for the reason that I know that William's engagements will seriously embarrass him without he can get the money due him from you. Upon the payment of the above-named notes I am authorized to execute all proper releases or conveyances necessary to discharge any mortgage or collateral security of any kind whatsoever, and to do all other things necessary to be done in the premises.
    Permit me, gentlemen, to beg you to write me immediately upon the receipt of this letter and let me know when you can discharge the debt above mentioned. I have no doubt of your ability and willingness to pay this debt. Let me know how and when I can get the money. Write me and also your member of Congress Mr. Hall if necessary to ensure the forwarding of this transaction.
    Direct to Washington City, D.C. I shall be here until the close of the session.
I am gentlemen
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Indianapolis
    Feb. 1, 1852.
My dear Lane,
    I have just received, with a great deal of satisfaction, your letter of the 23rd Jany.
    It is usually to us a matter of satisfaction & of pride when any of our predictions, made at a time when few men had faith in them, seem likely to come true. So it is, in this case. You may remember that some three years ago I wrote you a long letter to Oregon, in which I laid before you, in detail, the train of reasoning by which I arrived at the conclusion that your chance for the next nomination for the Presidency was better than that of any other man. I expressed the same opinions in a Democratic caucus of the members of the Legislature, called to nominate some candidate & who, having got through, sent for me, on the spur of the moment, to give them a talk. Many thought I was not sincere. Others than I was extravagant. I am so much accustomed & have been, all my life, to such accusations, that I said little except that time would show whether I was right or wrong.
    From that day to this, not only have I continuously heard my judgment impugned, but also my motives questioned, for the course I then took. You ask me why I had not written to you. In part, because I have been incessantly occupied, ever since the session opened. But that was not the sole, nor the chief reason: for, busy or not busy, one can always match half an hour to write to a friend. It had been so often thrown up to me that I was supporting you from selfish considerations & not because I thought you the best man, that I shrunk from obtruding either advice or assistance, especially as it seemed to me when you were here, that your own faith in the chances of success was not strong. I had received also--that I may as well confess to you--a letter from a northern Democrat, who is a warm friend to Cass & opposed to you, in which he said he knew that I had sinister motives in supporting you, that I did so against my better judgment, knowing Cass to be a much abler man &c. I wrote him back a letter that he won't forget in a hurry, about as sharp as the slip I enclose you, in reply to a recent attack of Holloway, of Wayne, on my religious views.
    But the letter nettled me a good deal more than such a piece of silly trash ought to have done. And it had a good deal to do with my delay in writing to you, until I should have a line from your hand.
    Enough of this. Of one thing, my dear Lane, you may rest assured; you may find a hundred friends who will make much louder protestations than I of desire to render service, but not one who, when the time comes, will work more earnestly or steadily in your cause.
    It will give me very great pleasure, as delegate for the state at large, to attend the Baltimore convention, & I know no one whose cooperation, in the same position, would be more efficient than Bright's. If you will write to a few leading men here, or who are likely to be here, expressing your wishes on the subject, it will doubtless ensure the nomination, at all events of myself, & I hope of Bright. The only doubt on the latter point arises from the feud existing between Bright & the Governor, a difficulty which I well know you regret as much as I do. But I think, by Bright's nomination for reelection as Governor & Bright's nomination as delegate from the state at large, hard feelings may be softened & the wound healed over. I'll do what I can do to arrange it. Let me know in whom Bright chiefly confides, of those likely to be at the convention, and I will cooperate with them to secure Bright's nomination as delegate.
    I have many old friends, former colleagues in Congress, who, I think, have faith in my sincerity & some confidence in my judgment, & whom I am likely to meet at Baltimore. With them I think I can have some influence.
    I am well satisfied that a new man will be taken. The old politicians have, every one of them, too much weight to carry, & public opinion expects a new man. If, as we suppose here, Scott is to be the Whig candidate, that will be a very strong argument for you over Douglas. There is a very general feeling here that Douglas has been making very great exertions & spreading much money. But I think he began the game too early & played it too barefacedly. I am not at all surprised to hear your opinion, that his chances are small. I always thought that Wm. J. Brown & others have overrated them.
    It is of great importance that your personal friends thereto be nominated as delegates, men who will work for you, not violently but perseveringly, first, last & all the time. I shall see to this when the time comes. Send me the names of those men who you think may be implicitly confided in.
    I advise that you write to Stewart, clerk of the court here, if you have not already done so. He is a true friend of yours. Would not Major McCoy be a suitable delegate from his district?
    There will be no difficulty in sending up delegates, without instructions as to first or second choice. That is the proper course, & I'll see to it that it is taken.
    Remember me kindly to Bright & Whitcomb & to our delegation in the lower house.
& Believe me, my dear Lane
    Faithfully yr. friend
        Robert Dale Owen
To Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Tualatin Mills Feby. 2nd 1852
    Washington Co. O.T.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        Agreeably to your request previous to your departure for the capital, I take up my pen to inform you of passing events in this country. You are aware no doubt of the excitement here growing out of the disagreement of the members as to the proper place of holding the Territorial Legislature and also the course pursued by the court and the Hon. O. C. Pratt as well as all the other officers of the government. There will no doubt be an effort to entangle you with and in these difficulties. Your good sense I am satisfied will dictate the proper course for you to pursue in the premises. The nullifiers, as their opponents call them, depend entirely on your influence to carry the matter through Congress and have their acts approved, right or wrong. Judge Pratt is the man to be benefited by the measure if successful. He was entirely and politically down. It was neck or nothing with him, nothing to lose, and all to gain. If the measure succeeds Pratt is to be the next Delegate. He is writing himself into notice. See article in the last Statesman
[January 27, 1852, page 1] signed La Creole, Nesmith Mills, Polk Co. Strange as it may appear, it was written by his Hon. O. C. Pratt.
    The improvement of our rivers are matters that the people of this Territory are all interested in, and of vastly more importance to all the good people than the mere question as to where the Legislature shall meet. I hope and have no doubt that you will use your influence to have an appropriation for the improvement of the Clackamas rapids, and if an appropriation is made care should be taken to have suitable commissioners appointed so that the money would be properly applied. If left to the Legislature a large portion of it would be squandered, I have no doubt, without any beneficial result, but would be the subject of political dissensions.
    Appropriations for Territorial roads are much needed, and without some appropriations from Congress it would be a long time before suitable roads would be made for the inland communication between the extremes of the Territory. It would facilitate trade and would be the means of settling up the country.
    The late land law of Congress seems to be a subject of some interest, as you know, in this country. As to its general features I can't say that I can find much fault with it. [It] might have been that a law might be devised that would suit my own case better, but whether the country at large would be as much benefited I very much doubt. To simplify and make its provisions more intelligible would be a matter that would benefit the whole community, and some of the details of the bill might be much improved.
    The extinguishment of the Cayuse War debt by the general government is anxiously looked for and is no more than common justice to those who gave their time and means for the support of that war that they should be paid the full amount of their claims, and that government should make liberal donations [of] land to all that served in the war. All those things are matters of general interest with us which I have no doubt will receive a full share of your influence and attention.
    The reestablishment of United States troops in our Territory is anxiously looked for, not in the cities but on the frontier.
    We have had a very pleasant winter. So far the lumber trade is improving and business is brisk in every branch except the mercantile; that is rather dull.
    I hope you will write me and favor me with public documents &c. direct to Linn City. I will write again as soon as I receive a line from you.
Respectfully your most obt servt.
    James M. Moore
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



(Copy)
Washington Feby. 6th 1852
Sir;
    At the last session of Congress an act was passed appropriating the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for a lighthouse, fog signals &c. at the mouth of the Umpqua River in Oregon Territory. Will you please inform me what steps, if any, have been taken to carry out the object of this appropriation. The interest of the southern portion of that Territory will be greatly promoted by the speedy erection of the lighthouse and other improvements at the mouth of this river for which this appropriation was made, and I am exceedingly desirous that should this appropriation of fifteen thousand be found insufficient for the immediate construction of these works, at this session I may secure further appropriation sufficient to secure the completion of the work.
    You will oblige me by furnishing me with such information upon this subject as may be in your possession, at your earliest convenience.
I am sir with great respect
    Your obt. servt.
        [Joseph Lane]
To Hon. Secy. of Treasury
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington Febr. 6th 1852
Sir;
    I have read with great interest a copy of the letter addressed to the Commr. of the Genl. Land Office by John Evans, Geologist for the Territory of Oregon, in reference to his geological surveys in that Territory and by that office kindly furnished me.
    I am well aware of the inestimable importance of a geological survey of that country as essentially conducive to the development of its rich and valuable resources, and I am pleased that the indomitable energy and experienced ability of Professor Evans has been appointed to that labor. It seems from the letter to which I allude that a further appropriation of ten thousand dollars will be necessary in order to carry on this survey during the coming year. Like Prof. Evans I am an economist, and anxious that all appropriations for the use should be disbursed as well as created with a view to economy as well as utility. I am, however, decidedly in favor of this appropriation thus asked by Prof. Evans, and in order to obtain it will thank you for such estimates, reports &c. as may be in your possession establishing the necessity for such an appropriation, upon which I may base my propositions to that effect before the House of Representatives. I shall also be under obligations to you for any other aid and information in reference to this subject you may be pleased to extend me.
[Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Nesmith's Mill, Feb. 10th 1852
Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed I send you some petitions in relation to mail routes.
    I received your kind letter of support 1 ult. I suppose that you had not received any of mine at that date. I had written you twice in relation to the purchase of mill stones, but had received no answer.
    I see that the good people of Louisiana gave you a kind and welcome reception. I was interested in the report of your speech, especially that part in which you stated that you had "prayed" daily for the preservation of the Union. I think that I recalled having heard one of your petitions to the throne of grace, offered up about the time you rolled down the mountain. I shall never forget that prayer!!!
    Your friends here all remember you affectionately.
    I saw Nat last week. He was getting along well. Joe is still on his claim.
    I suppose that you have correspondents who keep you fully advised of all our political movements. The people are making it rather warm here just now for the Whig political officers. I will write you again shortly at length. In the meantime believe me
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Honolulu Feby. 10th 1852
Dear Sir;
    I wrote a few days ago to Mr. Hamlin in relation to an exchange of certain commodities of these islands free of duty for certain others of Oregon and California. You are doubtless aware that the sugar plantations here are struggling for existence, and that since California has begun to supply herself with potatoes and other vegetables these Islands have but little to export with which to pay for the goods which still continue to come from all parts of the world. If Sandwich Island's sugar could be admitted into Oregon and California free of duty in consideration of the admission of flour, lumber and salmon from our coast free here, it would be a gain on both sides. If you will examine our treaties with Mexico, Ecuador, Peru &c. you will see that in such case they too could bring their sugar [to] California and Oregon free as the same conditions being entitled to all the privileges of the most favored nations, but I do no find anything in our treaties with Spain or China which would entitle them to the privilege. (I have only the old edition of the laws and later copies in pamphlets.) It is Chinese and Manila (Spanish) which competes most with that of the islands. The Spanish American states have not much to sell. I wish you would see the California Senators and Reps. and Gen. Lane, the Delegate from Oregon, and learn their views on the subject and if it shall be found that the thing can be done without involving us in a difficulty with any of the countries with which we have treaties yielding them the privileges of the most favored nations. I hope an arrangement may be made. The planters here are nearly or quite all Americans, and more Americans would come if sugar cultivation were made profitable. It would give the American population a controlling preponderance here which no adverse causes could overthrow. As it is now this is not so certain. The present King's ministers are all right, but we cannot be sure of keeping them in, for there is an anti-American influence constantly plotting against them, and trying to prejudice the King against them. He is much addicted to the bottle. His ministers try to keep him sober--their enemies try to get him drunk and to profit by it as they do, some of them being his boon companions. In this state of things there is no knowing what he may do. He cannot live long unless he alters his course. The Protestant missionaries all have strong American partialities and great influence. The Catholic missionaries are all hostile to annexation, and they have made proselytes of nearly two fifths of the natives. These are facts to be considered, for the popular branch of the legislative body is elected by universal suffrage. These native Catholic converts can all be taken to the polls like a flock of sheep. Already they have had their tickets marked with a cross † to prevent mistakes in voting. If they get a majority they will control the house of representatives. We want more white population from the States, and the commercial arrangement I speak of would secure this while it would injure nobody on your side of the continent. Sugar is as much an article of necessity as coffee or tea--nay, more so, and would be better entitled to into the U.S. free of duty, but for the principle of protection. We raise sugar in Louisiana, Florida and Texas, but no tea or coffee. I therefore would not desire to take off anything from the 30 percent on sugar on your side [of] the continent. But the admission of Sandwich Island sugar into the Pacific States would not affect the American planters on the Atlantic side. I have written to Mr. Webster on this subject, but do not know what his views are or the President's. You will see the propriety of not giving me as authority for what I have said of the King's dissipation. He is very friendly to me and I wish to keep him so. Wish I could keep him sober. He has good sense, but not so strong as his appetite.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Oregon Territory February 17th 1852
    Marion County five miles east of Salem
To the Hon. Joseph Lane Delegate from Oregon
    Dear Sir, the object of my writing to you is to request you to have one of the best Democratic weekly newspapers that is printed in Washington City sent to me. My friend Waldo informed me that if you would pay for it and write me a line authorizing me to pay the money to him that he would settle with you. If this course does not suit you, I would be glad you would write me a line prescribing the course that I should take in transmitting the money. If you have a paper sent to me, have all the back numbers sent from the commencement of the present session of Congress.
    Our once happy country is now in a deplorable situation. The Governor and 2 of the judges are overriding the laws enacted by the people's representative. The Legislature in turn have attempted to render those judges as harmless as possible by districting the Territory anew and giving Judge Nelson Clackamas Co. & Judge Strong the north side of the Columbia & Judge Pratt the balance of the Territory. Judge Pratt will hold a court in those counties taken from Judge Nelson's former district & Judge Nelson will attempt to hold a court in those counties also, the Democrats arrayed on the one side and the Whigs on the other, and what will be the result God only knows. All persons desiring good order is looking to the Congress of the United States for relief by declaring the laws enacted by the people's representatives to be valid or to the great Democracy of the Union by rising in her majesty & hurling those pretended haters of proscription from their high places & electing men in their stead that will behead Old Dinwiddy and the balance of those vampires that has been quartered upon us by the federal government against our will. I have no doubt of your willingness and your ability to do all that is in your power to do, in relieving us from our present situation, and if you should be elected President of the United States I have no doubt that Old Dinwiddy's days will be numbered; at any rate in that event if you do not dismiss him as soon as you get the President's chair fully warmed I shall never vote for you again for any office be it great or small.
With high consideration of respect
    I am yours truly, Nicholas Shrum
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sound Doctrine--Letter from Gen. Lane
    The following letter from Gen. Lane to Mr. Deady will be read with the deepest interest. It is but one of a large number of like purport, which have been received in the Territory:
    Washington City, Feb. 19, 1852.           
M. P. Deady, esq.--Dear Sir:
    * * * I consider it quite unfortunate that there has been any difference of opinion between the Governor and Legislative Assembly, in reference to the location of the seat of government. The Representatives of the people are the only lawmaking power known to the people of Oregon, so far as municipal enactments are concerned. The acts of the Assembly, therefore, should be respected and sustained, not only by every citizen, but every civil and military officer of the Territory, AND ESPECIALLY BY ONE WHOSE DUTY IT IS TO SEE THAT THE LAWS ARE FAITHFULLY EXECUTED, AND WHO HAS NO RIGHT OR POWER TO DECIDE UPON THE VALIDITY OR CONSTITUTIONALITY OF LAWS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY. I HATE TECHNICAL QUIBBLES AND EVASIONS. To me it would have been enough to know that the Assembly had located, by enactment, the seat of government, and SO IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO ANY MAN, GOVERNOR OR OTHER. The Assembly have, in my judgment, acted correctly in holding their session at Salem. The legality of these acts at Salem are, in my opinion, as unquestionable as the acts of any former session, and so Congress, I have no doubt, will consider them. Your memorial is before the Committee on Territories. I am preparing a bill in accordance with the wish of the Assembly, that is to extend to the people the right to elect their Governor, judges, &c.
    Now, my dear sir, lose no time in urging a complete organization of our party. * * * You may depend upon my doing everything in my power for the promotion of the interests of the people of Oregon.
    Your friend,
        JO. LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, May 11, 1852, page 2


Island Mills O.T.
    Feby. 21st 1852
Dear Father
    Yours of December 21st came to hand by last mail. I am truly sorry to learn that Joe has made false statements to you about his condition in reference to provisions and money, for I assure you that I purchased all the provisions that he wanted. He made out a bill himself, and every item that was mentioned in it to the full extent was sent to him, and I gave him all the money I had. This was all I could do, and I told him to buy a wagon and oxen and I would pay anything we had in the mills for them, but he could not get any on these conditions. Now I ask is it my fault? Can a man give that that he has not? So far as his doing anything in reference to improving the claim is concerned, it's all in my eye, but I think he will stay about it enough to hold it until your return, and that of course is better than to lose it entirely.
    I have seen Smith once, and he promised to make out your bill and give me a receipt for the articles used as Indian presents, but he is now out of town and I don't know when I will be able to get the documents ready to send on to you. At any rate I will do all I can to expedite the matter. R. R. Thompson will give me a recpt. for the tobacco anytime. I have not written to Capt. P. Thompson, but will as soon as I can ascertain when to write.
    Times are extremely dull and daily growing worse. I am driving ahead all I can trying to make money, but I assure [you] it's a very uphill business. The people are leaving Oregon City, some for the upcountry, some for claims near town and some for the States. If they continue to leave for the next twelve months as they have for the last four months, the place will be entirely depopulated. There is not now more than one-half of the houses occupied. The location excitement is subsiding some little, but I expect it will be revived at the next election. His Hon. Judge Nelson has resigned his judgeship but I believe intends to hold his March term before his resignation takes effect.
    You may rest contented on one score, and that is that I will do all I can for our interests here. I have been and intend to be very attentive to business. I want to establish a reputation for doing business correct and prompt, and I believe I am succeeding very well so far. I am my own boss and bookkeeper, as I have got rid of Thompson and Davenport both, and I find that I can attend to all as well as to part. I will write regular. Send me some papers. Your acquaintances in the city are all well and send their compliments.
Your son &c.
    N. H. Lane
Genl. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Winchester Feb. 22 1852
Dear Father
    I have received your letter, papers and patent office report. There has been considerable excitement in Oregon about the legislature and the Whig officers, such as Gaines, Nelson, Strong and others. I want a Democrat President and the Whig federal officers thrown out. In Oregon we are sick of them now.
    You said that you would be glad to swap berths with me; well, come out here and I will exchange with you.
    You say never mind, better days coming. I want them to come quickly if they come at all, for I think these days are bad enough. There is no news up here. Nat never writes to me at all. I wish you would [send] me the Washington Union and all of the news from the States if you please. Mr. Akin and family send their compliments to you. Give my compliments to Lockhart and others.
I remain your affect. son
    Jo. S. Lane
Jos. Lane
   

    Mr. Ingalls and family send their respects to you, and Mr. Evans of Oregon City requests me to say to you that he was living in Umpqua, and anything that you send to him send it to this place.
Yours
    Jo. S. Lane
Genl. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




House of Representatives
    Febry. 23 / 52
Hon. Thos. Corwin
    Secty. of the Treasury
        Sir:
            I beg leave to enclose to you herewith a letter from T. G. Stewart Esq. of Oregon recommending the appointment off John M. Howe
Esqr. to the place of keeper of the lighthouse now being erected at Cape Disappointment in that Territory.
    I have no personal acquaintance with Mr. Howe, but from the character of Mr. Stewart and other gentlemen from whom I have recd. letters in his behalf I cannot doubt his fitness and capacity for the place and would regard it as a personal favor if you could find it consistent with the public interest to appoint him.
I have the honor to be
    Very respt. sir
        Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Oregon Territory Marion County near Salem Feb. 25th 1852
Hon. Joseph Lane Del. from Oregon
    Very dear sir, there is several townships sectionized [i.e., surveyed into sections], and the settlers are now proving up their claims in those townships. Two of my sons, Henry & Thomas Shrum, who came to this country in the year 1846 with me, and as a part of my family, went to Oregon City last week to prove up their claim to 320 acres each, but the Surveyor General decided that they were only entitled to 160 acres each.
    Now, sir, if this is the law, or the way the land law is to be construed, it will cut a large number of the young men that served in the Cayuse War down to 160 acres. Now, sir, I will give you a short history of the condition of Henry Shrum & Thomas Shrum. They came to Oregon in 1846 & in 1847 took claims and done some work on them, and in 1848 when the news reached this valley of the massacre at Waiilatpu or Whitman's Station, and the captivity of the poor women and children, they repaired to the scene of strife, and when the Indians was considered whipped the main part of the army was disbanded, leaving one company who volunteered to stay and guard the immigrants in. Thomas was in this company, and when they came home they were very bare for clothing and had to work for clothing before they could go to the gold mines. They started to the gold mines the 20th of April 1849, leaving their claims unsold, and all the property they had and their discharges for their services in the army with me. They went in a company that was going out with wagons. They crossed the California line about 25th day of May 1849, and came home 5th day of May 1851. You will see they was over 2 years from home, but not quite 2 years absent from Oregon Territory. They sent letters home calling this their home and likewise sent money home. When they came home they went onto the claims they had taken before they went into the army and are now living on them. If they are to be cut off with only a 160 acres I think it will be a hard case. There is a large number of the young men who fought in the Cayuse War, and by their bravery prevented the Indians from laying waste this country, who are in the same situation of my two sons. The Surveyor General has decided that all young men who were not actually in Oregon on the 1st day of December 1850 are only entitled to 160 acres, although they may have all their property here, and likewise that a married man has not lost his residence though he may have nothing here but a wife. I think this unjust and will operate hard on those that are the most deserving. Dear sir, I know you are the soldier's friend and the friend of justice, and I want you to lay this matter before the proper department, and if the Surveyor General is not acting in accordance with the spirit of the law have him instructed, so justice may be done to all, and if he is acting to the full intent of the law, please try to have it so amended that justice may be done to all.
    If you can have anything done have it done as soon as you can, for those young men that has already proved up their claims and has been cut down to 160 acres may lose the balance of their claims by some person jumping it, and if you cannot have nothing done for them by way of donation try to have an act passed that all those that served in the Cayuse War and has taken claims of 320 acres may have the right to purchase the other half or 160 acres of their claim at government price and that their services in the army may be taken in payment or part payment as the case may be.
    Please excuse my bad spelling and worse grammar, and do all you can that justice may be done. With high consideration of respect I still remain
Yours truly
    Nicholas Shrum
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Island Mills O.T.
    March 8th 1852
Dear Father
    I avail myself of Mr. Gaines' kindness to drop you a few lines. Your letter, stating that McLoughlin has filed a patent in the Genl. Land Office against a patent being issued for the Island, came to hand ten days since. I have not been able yet to get a copy of the compy.'s old survey, but will try to have it ready by next mail. I have taken up the three notes that Skinner held of Bryant's against you and have them in my trunk.
    Business is exceeding dull. I am trying to keep the mills both going, but am not able to keep the flour mill all the time at work, owing to the scarcity of wheat. A demand in California for seed wheat has taken a great deal out of Oregon, and the present amt. of wheat in the ground is, I am told, far short of the usual amt. sowed. Such being the case, I fear our business is not going to be very profitable for the next 12 or 15 months. Still I hope to make something, with good luck and close management. I wish you would tell Mary and the balance of my sisters and brothers to write to me a little more regular, as it is quite lonely out here, and they are exceedingly careless about answering my letters.
    I will write more at length by next mail.
Your obt. son
    N.H. Lane
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




March 17th 1852.
Dear
    General
        I have not written or rec'd. anything from you, since the commencement of the present session of Congress. I therefore feel at liberty to trouble you with a few lines.
    You may recollect a conversation we had immediately after your return from Oregon in relation to my Brother (Dr.) Barkwell and others migrating to Oregon. This sir was not mere idle talk but sober reality as I now have the pleasure of informing you that my Brother & Family & nine other persons start for Oregon on the 22nd inst. Their Wagons & Teams now being on the way to St. Joseph And sir with the blessing of life & health I am going to make a struggle to go with you next spring my wife heretofore having been opposed, but now willing upon condition that I will go in your Train as she believes you will protect her from the Indians from which source she has many fears. She has also made me promise that on your return from Con. I will take her down to see you & Mrs. Lane so as she may become somewhat acquainted before starting to Oregon &c. I shall necessarily have to make a great sacrifice of property to get away But this I am resolved to do. You will please write me & say among other things when you expect to start, and if the surveyors are gone on yet &c. You will please request Hon. I. Lockhart to make inquiry whether the claim of Mr. George Wilhelms to bounty land has been allowed & if so whether the warrants has been issued also to ascertain whether the soldiers in what is called the Florida War I mean those who volunteered were mustered into service & discharged immediately & who were afterwards paid for three months service can obtain bounty Land under the late act of Congress. This favor I should have asked at your hands, but you not being my immediate Representative might think I was bearing too heavily upon you without authority. You will also say to the Judge that Mrs. Barkwell acknowledges the receipt of the seeds sent her & promises to reciprocate by note only voting for him should she have the right to do so, but will use her influence to secure his re-election &c. No news of importance here except the Oregon fever is very prevalent and some think contagious as well as dangerous.
Yours in the faith
    H. G. Barkwell
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Winchester Umpqua
    March 17th 1852
Hon. Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir, I will take this opportunity of writing to you a few lines. First I beg leave of you to give you a little information in regard to the unsettled affairs of the Indians of this valley and Grave Creek. The Canion and Grave Creek Indians are still at their old game, that is, stealing, and for which there is but one remedy for to prevent this. The first is to appoint an agent and let him locate himself on the South Umpqua River and then purchase their lands from them. Furthermore a military force is greatly wanted in the vicinity of the Rogue River Valley.
    I have just arrived from the Klamath mines. Business is very dull for traders, but good for miners. There are some new mines discovered near the Willow Springs. The first company made for some time fifty or sixty dollars per day, but upon an average five or six.
    There is no section of country in which an Indian agent is wanted more than from the mouth of the Umpqua River to Grave Creek, distance of about one hundred and fifty miles. The extent of the country you are well aware of. And permit me to ask of your honor and your influence for an Indian agent for the above-named portion of the Territory which I spoke of.
    My politics are with you, and if you think it expedient I will send you a petition for an Indian agency. I will send you one well recommended. I have been a citizen of Oregon for six and a half years.
    I have had many difficulties with them. I am acquainted with their manner and custom. There is one thing more wanted in Oregon, that is, a military road through the Territory of Oregon to the state of California commencing somewhere on the Columbia River and striking the head of the Sacramento Valley.
    I will further state to you the necessity of the donation of lands to settlers, those who immigrated before the year [omission], who understand all the privations that men could undergo.
    There are many young men that are not situated as to live on when they richly deserve it and at the same time they have money to pay for it.
    I will ask permission to say to you that since I began to write Jos. Lane and Capt. I. B. Nichols has arrived from Cow Creek on this side of the Canion and bring the latest news from the Rogue River Valley. Capt. Nichols tells me that the Indians are making divers threats and have carried some of them into execution.
    The best mode of remedy is to call for two companies of rangers. Those two companies may be easily raised in Oregon.
    Which mode of remedy has been suggested to me by some of our most worthy citizens. I shall soon leave for the Klamath mines, and on my return I [will] write you again with pleasure.
    You will answer me on those points which I mention.
I remain yours with
    Respect obedient friend
        Daniel P. Barnes
Hon. Genl. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington, D.C.
    March 17th 1852.
Dear Sir;
    In compliance with the request contained in yours of the 21st of Feby. last, I called upon Hon. Williard P. Hall, who replied to me in writing as follows.
    "In answer to your inquiry about the articles left by Mr. Brant with Mr. Richardson, I have to state that the articles of Mr. Brant's have been sold by Major Richardson and he holds the money ready to be paid over on the surrender of his receipt. I will write to him immediately, ascertain the amount he received for Mr. Brant's articles and pay the same over to you" (meaning me).
    When Mr. Hall does this I shall forward the same to you with great pleasure.
[Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Letter from Gen. Lane
Undoubted Ratification of the Location Law and the Laws
of the Last Session of the Legislative Assembly--
The Memorial--Democratic Organization

Washington City, March 21, '52.       
    A. Bush, Esq.--Dear Sir: Yours of the 8th ult.,inquiring my views in relation to certain questions hereafter mentioned, which are agitating the public mind in Oregon, has been received, and I hasten at once to comply with your request and to give you my opinion with that frankness that should characterize a representative of the people.
    I have ever acknowledged the right of a constituency to be made acquainted with the views of their representative upon questions of public interest, and I have regarded it as the duty of the representative to answer such inquiries freely and in a spirit of manly candor and frankness. At least, this is the rule by which I have sought to square my public action. The people of Oregon are entitled to my views, as their representative, upon public questions of importance to them, and I have no disposition to shrink from any responsibility that attaches to my station. So regarding the right of the people to ask, and the duty of the representative to answer all questions on matters of grave public interest to them, I shall therefore proceed to reply to your interrogatories in order.
    First, in regard to the memorial of the Legislative Assembly of Oregon--praying the Congress of the United States to give the people of Oregon the privilege of electing their governor and judges--I will say that it meets my cordial approbation, and I shall cheerfully comply with the wishes of the people. As a Democrat, I have ever believed in the doctrine that the people are capable of self-government; and I can see no good reason why the selection of officers to administer laws in which they alone are interested, and enacted for their protection and happiness and the protection of their lives and property, should not be entrusted to the intelligent voters of Oregon. In almost every state in the Union, this system of election by the people prevails. Are the people of Oregon less capable of exercising this prerogative than other American citizens? Are they not as intelligent, as patriotic, as law-abiding and as capable of protecting their just rights as the citizens of any other community? I repeat, I can see no good reason why this privilege should be denied them when they desire it. I have accordingly brought it to the notice of Congress; the memorial has been referred to the Committee on Territories in the House, and a bill, in accordance with the prayer of the memorial, has been referred to the same committee. I cannot now determine what disposition will be made of them. I shall spare no exertions, however, to urge the committee and Congress to give the bill a favorable consideration, and, if possible, pass it.
    Second. In regard to the location of the seat of government and the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly at Salem, I will also state that, some time since, I introduced a joint resolution approving the confirming the act of the Assembly, locating the seat of government at Salem, and also approving the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly at Salem. This joint resolution will, I have no doubt, pass, and will, I hope, settle public opinion so far as the location of the seat of government, and the lawfulness of the proceeding of the Assembly at their late session at Salem are concerned.
    Now, sir, as to the organization of the Democratic Party in Oregon. I am in favor of such an organization. Party is but another term for principles; an organization the more efficiently to act together for the dissemination and success of certain defined principles. It is certainly the desire of every good citizen to see his government administered on just and correct principles that will conduce to the happiness and prosperity of his country. But as our minds are differently constituted we cannot see alike, and though aiming at the same object--the honor, the greatness and prosperity of our common country--we travel different roads to attain that object. A portion of our countrymen believe that a national bank, a high protective tariff, and a grand and magnificent scheme of internal improvements by the general government are necessary and indispensable to the welfare and prosperity of the country. You and I, on the contrary, believe that such a policy would be ruinous to its best interests, and that a revenue tariff which will not operate disadvantageously to the great agricultural interests of the country and yet yield enough revenue to defray the expenses of government, the establishment of the present independent treasury system, an economical administration of the affairs of government, the creation of no monopolies, the speedy liquidation of our national debt, a strict construction of the Constitution, a faithful observance of its requirements and the assumption of no doubtful powers, the careful preservation of the rights of the states as the great bulwark of our liberty, and many other things I could enumerate, will "do the greatest good to the greatest number," preserve our institutions in their pristine purity and conduce to the happiness of the people and the growing greatness of our Republic; hence we are Democrats. Now, if our principles are worth anything we should contend for their success; but, in order to succeed, we must organize our forces efficiently so as to concentrate them and act together. The fact that the principal offices of Oregon are filled by Whigs should speak volumes to the Democracy of Oregon. It shows that the Whig administration has not been unmindful of its party friends, and very naturally prefers Whigs to Democrats. Are we to be asked to reverse the rule? Now I do not complain, and never have complained, of this state of affairs. On the contrary, I hold it to be just and natural for Whigs to prefer their party friends, and to forward and promote the Whig cause by elevating them to offices of trust and honor. It is equally as just and as natural for Democrats to prefer their party friends, and to seek the promotion of our principles by giving them the reins of power. If it is proscription in the Democrat it is proscription in the Whig, and our opponents cannot object if the same causes that led them to the appointment of Whig officers in Oregon, viz., the rewarding of party friends and the promotion of Whig principles should influence the Democrats to form an organization for the same purpose. They were the first to enter the field of proscription, but, having found themselves in a minority, they now hope, under the "no-party" guise, to breed dissension in our ranks and to triumph through our division. Let the Democrats of Oregon remember that these gentlemen have been the last to practice that political mercy they invoke for themselves, and they have not yet given that repentance for their acts of proscription which should entitle them to our political favor--the offices of Oregon are still filled by Whigs. I trust the Democrats of Oregon will now see the importance of a thorough organization; it would, in my opinion, strengthen and encourage the Democratic cause.
    You now have my views briefly, and you are at liberty to make whatever disposition of this letter you may deem proper.
    I have the honor to be
        your ob't. serv't.,
            Joseph Lane.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, May 18, 1852, page 2   A different version of this letter can be found in Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, transcribed below.




Washington City, March [21, '52]     
Asahel Bush, Esqr.
    Dear Sir,
        Yours of the 8th ult., inquiring my views in relation to certain questions hereafter mentioned, which are agitating the public mind in Oregon, has been duly received, and I hasten at once to comply with your request and to give you my opinion with that frankness that should characterize a representative of the people.
    I have ever acknowledged the right of a constituency to be made acquainted with the views of their representative upon questions of public interest, and I have regarded it as the duty of the representative to answer such inquiries freely, fully, and in a spirit of manly candor and frankness. At least this is the rule by which I have sought to square my public conduct action. The people of Oregon are entitled to my views, as their representative, upon public questions of importance to them, and I have no disposition to shrink from any responsibility that attaches to my station. So regarding the right of the people to ask, and the duty of the representative to answer all questions on matters of grave public interest to them, I shall proceed at once to reply to your interrogatories in order.
    First, in regard to the memorial of the Legislative Assembly of Oregon praying the Congress of the United States to give the people of Oregon the privilege of electing their Governor and judges, I will say that it meets my cordial approbation, and I shall cheerfully comply with the wishes of the people. As a Democrat, I have ever believed in the Democratic doctrine that the people are capable of self-government; and I can see no good reason why the selection of officers to administer laws in which they alone are interested, and enacted for their protection and happiness and the protection of their property, should not be entrusted to the intelligent voters of Oregon. In almost every state in the Union this system of election by the people prevails. Are the people of Oregon less capable of exercising this prerogative than other American citizens? Are they not as intelligent, as patriotic, as law-abiding, as capable of protecting their just rights, and managing their own domestic concerns, and make their own municipal regulations, as the citizens of any other community? I repeat, I can see no valid reason why this privilege should be denied them when they desire it, and I have accordingly brought it to the notice of Congress. The memorial has been referred to the Committee on Territories in the House of Representatives, and a bill in accordance with the prayer of the memorial has also been referred to the same committee. I cannot now determine what disposition will be made of them, and whether, in the great rush of business, they will receive any consideration this session. I shall spare no exertions, however, to urge upon the committee and Congress the necessity to give the bill a favorable consideration, and, if possible, pass it.
    Second. In regard to the location of the seat of government and the "legalizing" of the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly at Salem, I will also state that I will urge the Congress to pass a law settling the whole question affirmatively. Some time ago I introduced a joint resolution to locate the seat of government at Salem, and had it referred to the Committee on Territories. Since then I have brought the question of "legalizing" the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and thus confirming their acts to the notice of the committee. I entertain no doubt of the passage of a law approving the law by which the seat of government was located at Salem, and declaring the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly to be valid and legal.
    Third. The legality of the act "to provide for the selection of places for location and erection of the public buildings" &c. I regard the act as legal and in no respect violating the organic law of the Territory. I am aware that it is open to legal quibbles, and, perhaps, unfortunate in this respect. I think, however, that a common-sense view of the subject will set the matter right. The organic law requires that the Legislative Assembly shall not intermix in one act "such things as have no proper relation with each other" (no one can contend that the location and erection of public buildings were irrelevant subjects) and that such act shall have but one object, or one purpose, one design, for these terms are synonymous, and that to be expressed in the title. Now, I have been careful to read this act and have given it much consideration, and I confess myself utterly unable to read but one object, one design, viz.: "to provide for the selection of places for the location and erection of the public buildings" &c. Surely no one will contend that a separate bill was necessary to provide for a penitentiary, another for the state university &c. Such a reading is clearly contrary to the organic law, for it admits of more than one "thing" in a law, else why the necessity of speaking of and by directing the Assembly not to intermix "such things as have no proper relation with each other" infers that they have the power to intermix "such things" as have a proper relation with each other, else there is no meaning in language. Such a reading, too, would render null and void a general law creating the office of justice of the peace in each county in the Territory, and would require a separate act for each justice created! I am free to say such could not have been the intention of the lawmakers, and such is not my reading of the law. But this is a plain, practical question, not to be fogged by legal technicalities, which every practical man in the Territory can decide for himself in a common-sense manner. The requirements of the organic law, so far as this question is concerned, are plain and simple. I have stated them briefly. The questions for every voter of Oregon to decide are, Does this act violate the organic law? Does intermix such things as have no proper relation to each other? Has it more than one object, one design, one purpose, and is that object expressed in the title? I trust my fellow citizens will decide this question in their own mind for themselves in a common-sense manner way, and not allow their minds to be fogged with irrelevant questions and legal quibbles.
    Fourth. The organization of the Democratic Party in Oregon.
    My views upon this question have always been freely expressed in favor of such an organization. I remain of the same opinion. Party is but another term for principles--an organization the more efficiently to act together for the dissemination and success of certain defined principles. It is certainly the desire of every good citizen to see his government administered on just and correct principles that will conduce to the happiness and prosperity of his country. But as our minds are differently constituted we cannot see alike, and though aiming at the same object, the honor, the greatness and the prosperity of our common country, we travel different roads to attain that object. A portion of our countrymen believe that a national bank, a high protective tariff, and a grand and magnificent scheme of internal improvements by the general government are necessary and indispensable to the welfare and prosperity of the country. You and I, on the contrary, believe that such a policy would be ruinous to its best interest, and that a revenue tariff which will not operate disadvantageously to the public great agricultural interests of the country and yet yield enough revenue to defray the expenses of the government, the establishment of the present independent treasury system, an economical administration of the affairs of government, the creation of no monopolies, the speedy liquidation of our national debt, the assumption of no doubtful Constitutional question, a strict construction of the Constitution and a faithful observance of its requirements, the careful preservation of the rights of the states as the great bulwark of our liberty, and many other things I could enumerate, will do the greatest good to the greatest number, preserve our institutions in their pristine purity and conduce to the happiness of the people and the growing greatness of our Republic; hence we are Democrats.
    Now, if our principles are worth anything they are worth contending for, but in order to succeed we must organize our forces efficiently so as to concentrate them and act together. The fact that the principal offices of Oregon are filled with Whigs should speak volumes to the Democracy of Oregon. It shows that the Whig administration has not been unmindful of its party friends, and very naturally prefers Whigs to Democrats. Are we to be asked to reverse the rule? Now I do not complain, and never have complained, of this state of affairs. On the contrary, I hold it to be just and natural for Whigs to prefer their party friends, and to forward and promote the Whig cause by elevating them to stations of trust and honor. It is equally as just and as natural for Democrats to prefer their party friends, and to seek the promotion of our cause and our principles by giving them the reins of power. If it is proscription in the Democrat it is proscription in the Whig. And our opponents cannot object if the same causes that led them to the appointment of Whig officers in Oregon, viz.., the rewarding of party friends and the promotion of Whig principles, should influence the Democrats to form an organization for the same object. I am clearly of the opinion that the Democratic cause would receive strength and encouragement from by a thorough organization of the party, and I believe the sooner that object is attained the better.
    I have been full and frank, I am afraid tedious, in this expression of my views. The importance of the subject is my apology for the length of this letter, which is at your service to make and you can make whatever disposition of it you please.
    I have the honor to be
        Very respectfully your obt. servant
            [Joseph Lane]
   
[on a separate sheet of paper]
    They first practiced
    They were the first to enter the field of proscription, but, having found themselves in a majority minority, they now are "no party" men with the and now hope, under the no-party guise, to breed dissension in our ranks and to triumph through our division. Let the Democrats of Oregon remember that these gentlemen have been the last to practice that political mercy they now invoke for themselves, and that they have not yet given that repentance for their acts of proscription which should entitle them to our political favor. The offices of Oregon are still filled by Whigs.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library  This letter was printed, with alterations, in the Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, May 18, 1852, page 2. See above.



Custom House Dist. Puget's Sound
    Olympia, O.Ty. March 27th 1852
Hon. Joseph Lane.
    Dear Sir:
        I have respectfully to suggest the importance of an appropriation by Congress of twenty thousand Dollars for the erection of a suitable building for Custom House purposes, at this place, and to invite your efforts to obtain such legislative action.
With high regard Sir
    Yours
        Simpson T. Moses
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City D.C.
    April 3 1852
To the Hon.
    Secretary of War:
        Sir:
            At the request of Col. John McClure of Oregon I beg leave to inquire whether a military reservation has been made at or near Astoria in the Territory of Oregon covering lands now occupied by, claimed, and in the possession of said McClure.
    Col. McClure took possession of the claim to which I refer some ten or twelve years since and has expended a great deal of time and money in improving it. He is a gentleman of unsullied reputation, of strict integrity of character, and a good citizen, and in my opinion no such necessity [or] regard for regard for the public interest requires such a reservation. The public interest will in no wise be advanced by a such a reservation at this point, and if such reserve has been made I have most respectfully to request that the same may be abandoned and Col. McClure's claim be released.
I am sir with great respect
    Your obt. servt.
        [Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington D.C.
    April 7 1852
Hon. Secy. of Navy
    Sir,
        From a memorial I have received from the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon I learn that the United States mail steamers fail or refuse to touch at Umpqua in said Territory, according to the terms of contract between our government and the proprietors of said line of vessels. You will please inform me of the cause assigned if any for this neglect or refusal of the proprietors to comply with the stipulations of their contract whether the remedy is within the control of your Department and if not what steps are necessary to be taken in order to secure to the people of Umpqua the mail facilities to which they are entitled under the contract to which I refer.
    An early answer is respectfully requested.
[Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Astoria Apl. 8th 1852
Honl. Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir
We have been for months expecting to hear from you relating to this reservation. I am up to the present day forbid to repair my fences or make any other change on the premises. This is passing strange as the mila. do not occupy the place. Col. McClure has written you three times, he had no reply. All improvement is suspended & will remain suspended till the matter is adjusted at Washington. Mr. Bowling commenced a large Building others a Steam Mill but all will Stop till the people know where they are throwing their money. As for Welch & me you know we are the greatest sufferers, our property under the Screws from the first--and we feel our wrong so deeply by that we do hope that you will at least confer with the Sec. War and either have the reservation abandoned or confirmed, that we may go to something to make a living. Is it not almost past endurance to be tied up in this manner. The officers of the government here assume the ground that we never had any business here. This is very unkind, for we believe that we that settled here early was the means yes forced means of settling the Oregon question and for myself was threatened with British chains, can I not now in the afternoon of life receive Justice at my country's hands. I am glad your old friends has received you so warmly.
    May you live long for your own happiness & your country's good is the warm wish of your Sincere friend
J. M. Shively
& James Welch
Hon. Joseph Lane
N.B.  If you are a good beggar please ask an appropriation to open a road from here to the Tualatin plains you know how bad it is needed & we need not more than call it to your mind.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Scottsburg Apr. 12 1852
    Genl. Lane, dear sir, after a long time I take the liberty of addressing you. I have just come in from Shasta. They are settling up Rogue River with telegraph speed, have found mines below Perkins' 50 miles and are said to be very rich, also dry diggins about 4 miles from the Willow Springs, nearly directly west from Camp Stuart. I will not worry you by details. There has been a good many families settled in Umpqua since you left for Washington. I saw your son Joseph about a week since and he told me he thought there was no doubt but you would move to this country the spring of '53, which I am very glad to hear. Joseph was in good health and was tending ferry at Winchester when I saw him. He is holding your claim; he has hired some rails made on it. If you recollect I told you that I would like for you to use your influence with my friends to come out to this country. I have an uncle James M. Eakins of Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio; he writes to me and wants to know all about times here and is anxious to know if I have any acquaintances that have gone home to bring out their friends. I wrote him a letter which will go by the same mail as this, stating that you was the only one that I knew of in particular and that you thought of coming in '53. I told him that he might get any information on the subject he wanted by writing you at Evansville or Washington, which I have no doubt that he will do as soon as he receives my letter. If you come together I will get Jo and meet you on the plains with fresh stock. I have very bad news from home; my father is dead.
    You will see by the press that they [have] quite a controversy about the seat of government here, and to tell the truth I think they are all wrong. We have had a visit here from Judge Pratt. I don't like him for the reason I think that he is traveling about for other purposes than those connected with his office, in plain terms that he is on an electioneering tour, which looks bad in a judge of the Supreme Court.
    Scottsburg is not improving very fast owing to want of communication with San Francisco. The entrance here has not been surveyed by our Coast Survey. I can't understand why they passed the mouth of this river from the Columbia to survey Port Orford. It looks as though the officers in charge had some private motive. They have been trying very hard to build up a town there at the expense of this. They have shipped soldiers and civilians, women & children, but no go. The only way they ever heard of Port Orford is by the Pacific Ocean or the overland route to the mouth of the Umpqua. We would all like you to use your influence with the Postmaster General to compel the Pacific Mail S. Co. [to] fill their contract and come in, that they can do it without incurring more danger than the mouth of the Columbia. There is not much doubt. I say we because I believe that I echo the sentiments of every man, woman and child of Umpqua and Rogue River valleys. I have no more to say and excuse an old goose quill. If I get an answer to this I will try and make my next more plain.
I remain yours with high respects
    R. B. Morford
Genl. Jos. Lane
   

P.S. I heard that my old partner Howard is dead who was with me at the Springs. He was a fine man and you will be sorry to hear it. Howlett was still there the last account. The Springs is thrice as large as they were last spring. Col. Freaner had got a charter for a wagon road from the Sacramento to Shasta Butte City. It is to run up Cow Creek and to the east of Shasta Butte, and another man, I did not hear who, has got a charter to turn Shasta River into the town. They have changed the name to Yreka City. It will no doubt be a very important town. You promised me some Congressional documents.
R.M.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Indianapolis
    April 20, 1852.
My dear Lane,
    After about the hardest six weeks' work I ever did in my life--having been elected, during the recess of our Legislature, chairman of the Committee on Revision--I sit down to ask you of your prospects & of the moving of the Presidential waters at our metropolis.
    In the first place, how were you pleased with the resolution of our Democratic convention? I prepared them with a great deal of care & with special reference to the influence which I knew they must have on the choice at Baltimore. And further reflection, & the opinion expressed by others, have convinced me that they furnish a platform at once just, safe & popular. If, as I hope & trust, you are the nominee, then I hope also that the resolutions adopted by the convention will be the same ground, both as the compromise & to intervention, that we took. By the way, I am greatly yr. debtor for a copy of that excellent speech of Soulé. It is seldom indeed that a speech so replete with historical research to the very point, & with logical argument & extended views of things, meets one's eye. If you happen to see Soulé, I wish you would express to him the gratification with which I read it.
    Here, the present opinion seems to be that the chances for nomination lie between you & Douglas. If this be so, then I surely think that you will be our President. Douglas has intrigued for the Presidency, or, at all events, his friends for him. The same played [sic] has been begun too early played too recklessly. It must have made him many enemies. You & yr. friends have been quiet, not presuming, not offensive. Douglas may have more votes for first choice than you, but, especially under the two-thirds rule, which will doubtless be adopted, first two votes cannot carry. You, I feel assured, have far more votes for second or third choice than he has, or can ever muster.
    How long our House will remain in session is uncertain. We shall have to act upon at least 150 bills of a personal character, and, under the rules of our new constitution, it takes, on an average, at least an hour to read three times & pass a bill.
    I fear it will sit till in June. Whether it does or not, nothing but the refusal of the House to grant leave of absence to its members shall prevent my coming to Baltimore.
    By the way, during the session of the convention, I was so engrossed with the preparation of those resolutions that I entirely neglected even having my name submitted to the committee appointed to name delegates & should, in consequence, have been left out, but for the sudden death of that excellent old man, Governor Brown.
    Let me hear from you, I pray you, & tell me how you think matters stand at this time.
I am, my dear Lane,
    Faithfully yr. friend
        Robert Dale Owen
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Island Mills O.T.
    April 20th / 52
Dear Father
    I have recd. your letters regular, by each mail one. The last one brought several newspaper recpts. and a list of items for which you want me to send you vouchers. Well, I am afraid I can't get the vouchers ready to send by this mail but will try to have them all ready by next mail. Genl. Hamilton has promised to have a copy of the survey of the Island ready by this mail. If so I will send it in this. I have not seen Capt. Phil Thompson, but recd. a note from him refusing to pay the draft you sent me. I therefore send it back protested, and Bush I presume has written to you in reference to the paper. He says he can raise the money if it is necessary, but is at present short of funds.
    Times are exceedingly dull, and business is going on something after the fashion of a snail. Our business has never before looked so bilious. Wheat is very scarce, and flour dull & low, ranging from 8 to 9 dollars per barrel, and lumber is selling slow at $20 per M., and add to that the high price paid for labor and you will see that our prospects are not very flattering, but notwithstanding all this I will prosecute our business with all my energy as long as I have a dime to do it with, and when the last cent is gone I will run my credit as long as it is worth anything, and when that is gone I will run away, but I hope it won't come to that. Were it not for the debts that have been hanging over us I could have done very well, but our greedy creditors keep us all the time drained, and aside from this R. R. Thompson Esq. is building a fine house, and that is and will be taking something all the time, but even with all this I could get along well enough if our debtors would fork up, but it seems useless to ask a man for money. He would put you off till Saturday & then till Monday & then from Saturday till Monday during an age.
    We had a Democratic meeting in Oregon City last Saturday to choose delegates to attend a coming convention for the purpose of nominating candidates for the different county offices. Thompson will no doubt be nominated for the assembly. I can't yet tell who the other candidates will be, but let them be who they may we will try to elect them all.
    The no-party clique headed by Buck and McCarver held their meeting the day before ours and nominated McCarver for joint councilman and Whitcomb, Carter & Wait for the assembly. Their ticket will be supported by the Whigs and the jack-legged Democrats, such men as are afraid to organize for fear of displeasing the Whig officers. Well, we expect a change of administration soon, and then where will these poor fellows be. God send how soon the change may take place, and when it does I hope you will remain in Washington until the appointments are all made, and be sure to have a clean sweep made. Have Preston, the Surveyor Gen., removed by all means. I don't know that there is any fault found to him, but it will make room for a Democrat, and it will please me. Let them be such Democrats as no favor will sway nor no fear awe, and our country will be safe and free from wrangles.
    W. G. T'Vault is on the eve of moving his family to Rogue River, where he says he has taken a claim. They are all well and send their regards. T'V. is the most cultus tillicum ["worthless person"] in these parts. I am glad he is going to move. I heard from Joe the other day; he was well and was keeping ferry on the Umpqua. The spring has been quite backward, cool and raining about half the time. I hope you will hurry out with the family and my children as soon as you can, as I am getting quite lonely, and I would like it very much if you could send Simon immediately. He would be great service to me, and I could pay him fair wages, as I am, I can't leave to attend to anything up or down the river. I have no clerk, nor don't want any unless it would be him.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
   
P.S.  A young man by the name of McCarty will probably go to the States by this mail and will if you permit him be likely to bore you. He is a stinking Whig without much brains. He wishes me to speak of him to you, and you can tell him I have done so.
N.H.L.
   
    I send you vouchers for tobacco purchased of R. R. Thompson. You can tell them they have been laying in the hands of Davenport, and I got hold of them and send them to you. You will find in this the copy of the survey of the Island made by Applegate. It will I hope be of some service to you in securing the Island to ourselves.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



WASHINGTON CITY, April 22, '52
    DEAR BUSH: The Committee on Territories have agreed unanimously to recommend the passage of my Joint Resolution confirming the location of the seat of government at Salem and approving the holding of the session of the Legislative Assembly at that place. It will certainly pass. I hope to get it up and passed on Monday or Tuesday next.
   This I hope will do much to restore peace and harmony in the once-tranquil Territory of Oregon. I have introduced several bills into the House, having for their object the promotion of the interests of the good people of Oregon.
Your Friend,
    JO. LANE   
    We are acquainted with General Lane's handwriting and certify that the foregoing letter is genuine.
JOHN McLOUGHLIN,
F. S. HOLLAND
    Postmaster, Oregon City.
Oregon City, June 4, 1852
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, June 5, 1852, page 2




Washington City, April 22, 1852.       
    Dear Bush:--The Committee on Territories have agreed unanimously to recommend the passage of my joint resolution confirming the seat of government at Salem, and approving the holding of the session of the Legislative Assembly at that place. It will certainly pass. I hope to get it up and passed on Monday or Tuesday next.
    This I hope will do much to restore peace and harmony in the once tranquil Territory of Oregon. I have introduced several bills into the House, having for their object the promotion of the interests of the good people of Oregon.
    Your Friend,
        JO. LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, June 8, 1852, page 2



Washington City, D.C.
    April 26th 1852.
Hon. Secretary of Navy
    Sir:
        I take great pleasure in commending to your favorable consideration the application of Mr. Thomas Harrison as from the Territory of Oregon for an appointment of purser in the Navy. Mr. Harrison is, in my opinion, eminently qualified for the station to which he aspires; he is a young man of excellent moral reputation, and his appointment would doubtless conduce to the interest of the service. Anything you may be pleased to do for him in this way will be gratefully appreciated by him & acknowledged by me.
Very respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Nesmith's Mills Oregon May 3rd 1852
Dear Friend,
    Your kind letter of Feb. 22nd was received some time ago. I have shown it to several friends, and it has had a salutary influence in setting some right who had been wavering on our internal questions. I had also seen your letters to Judge Pratt; while they are highly creditable to yourself they give your friends great pleasure in their unmistakable evidence of your being on the right side.
    It had been feared by some that you might be misled by the representations of the Whig officers of the Territory. Their influence here is growing small, with a fair prospect of being beautifully less. If you succeed in getting the prayer of that memorial granted, six months will send them all to the obscurity from whence they came. They are well aware of this fact, hence their opposition to the memorial and its authors. I see that your prospect of the national nomination is not as flattering as your friends could wish, and I don't know that I am much sorry, for if you are nominated you will be elected, then we will bid goodbye to "Old Joe" in Oregon. The people here say that if the prayer of the memorial is granted, and you do not wish to return to Congress, that you shall be reinstated in the executive chair of the Territory. We regard your presence among us as essential to our interests. You say truly in your speech at the Kossoth dinner that "you were not in the States in 1848, and things went wrong," and we had had sad experience to prove that since your removal from the office of Governor that nothing has gone right here.
    I see that you are making an effort to have the Cayuse soldiers included in the bounty land act, and allow all soldiers entitled to the benefit of that act and resolving in Oregon to locate their lands here. This is very proper, and you have the ardent wishes of the community for the success of that measure. You know that owing to the fluctuating state of affairs incident to the discovery of the gold mines that the greater part of the five hundred young men engaged in that war have had no opportunity to avail themselves of the benefit of the Donation Act, by residing on and cultivating one particular spot for four consecutive years, and in addition to this we have never as yet received one dollar for our services. If your [illegible] is successful those young men who defended the country will yet be able to secure homes for their services.
    I know that money has been appropriated to defray the expenses of that war, but owing to some excuse or other there has never been a dollar of it paid.
    I heard from Joe a short time ago. He has been attending the ferry on Umpqua but was making preparations to put in a crop and reside on his claim. I sent him word to come in and I would furnish him all the supplies he needed to carry on his operations.
    I believe that I have nothing further that would interest you
I rem. sincerely your
    Devoted friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  The "Kossuth dinner" speech was reported in the Oregon Statesman, March 30, 1852, page 1




Island Mills O.T.
    May 9th 1852
Dear Father
    I recd. from Maxwell Ramsby $2 and placed [it] to your credit, for which he wants you to send him the Washington Union. Have it directed to Maxwell Ramsby, Oregon City, O.T. I hope you will attend to it immediately. I did think I would be able to send you the Campbell & Smith vouchers and the other vouchers you wrote for this week but have been disappointed about getting them. I went with Campbell several times to the old store, and each time he would promise to make out his Indian a/c next day, but has not done it. I will renew the task again this week and stand by him until I get it. Mr. Bush showed me a letter from you to Deady and asked my opinion about publishing it, and after examining it carefully I told him to publish it, that I could not see anything in it that you would care about having kept secret, and I know it will do our party a great deal of good in the coming election. Let the people once know that Congress will sustain the Salem legislature and our ticket will carry throughout the Territory. You will see by the Statesman that we have succeeded in organizing the Democratic Party here, and even if we don't succeed in electing our ticket throughout the Territory it will leave us in better condition hereafter, and aside from that it separates the real Democrats from those that pretend to be. Wait is running on the no-party ticket, that is, he calls it such, but I discover that all the Whig officers and all support it.
    I fear he will be elected. Lancaster attacked you in a speech in Clatsop because you favor organization. I have not heard any of the particulars of his speech, but suppose [I] will see it soon in the Oregonian, as that is the mouth organ of all such Democrats as Lancaster. Wonder if he would not favor organizing a party on the wildcat bank principle. I hope you will keep us posted in all transactions of Congress relative to Oregon. I hear a great many complaining about your writing so seldom. You should write more frequent. Don't commit yourself when writing to those that you know are not very friendly towards you.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Genl. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Oregon City June 2nd / 52
Dear Father
    Our election comes off next Monday, and the race in this, Yamhill, Washington and Clatsop counties is going to be a close one. I fear that the straight-out Democratic ticket will not be elected in either of those counties. From present appearances Thompson is the only one of our ticket that will be elected in this county. King, it is thought, will be elected in Washington, and one other of our ticket. We fear that Col. Taylor, the independent candidate, will be elected over John A. Anderson of Clatsop, and Yamhill I am afraid will all go wrong. But let them go wrong this year if nothing else will do, and next year we will be better organized and will give them the worst whipping they ever heard of. The election this year reminds me of home; both parties are at work. Candidates canvass the counties, and stump speaking is quite common. Your letter came in good time, and I only wish we could have recd. news of the passage of your resolutions before the election, but owing to some accident to one of the mail steamers we miss one mail, which throws the next one after the election.
    Mr. Waldo wants to know if you recd. his bill for articles that he desired you to purchase and whether or not you have bought them. Please inform him.
    I recd. four dollars from H. Baker, the pay for the Unions you sent him, and now he wants you to send to him five more numbers of the same paper, which he says will only cost $8, and he will pay me the amt. on arrival of the papers here. You can do as you please about sending them. He must be a mean man or he would not want to give you so much trouble for so small pay. I have sent to the States for papers for myself, and I always put the money in the letter and my papers always come, and I don't see any reason why he should not do the same.
    Our bridge is entirely completed, roofed, sided up and painted, and by far the best thing of the kind in the Territory. I will have a wagon road in the place of the railway running clear up to the doors of our mills this summer, and that will curtail our expenses considerable and will the sooner enable us to build mills. Our prospects are some brighter than when I wrote last, but still business is dull. I am well pleased with Oregon and becoming more and more so all the time. I could not be induced to go back to Indiana to remain for no consideration. My health is good, and my weight exceeds my usual weight in the States fifteen pounds. I hope you will send Simon out soon. I need him very much.
    Your boy John is still alive, but is very weak. I can't find out what is the matter with him. It seems to be something like consumption of the lungs. The doctor has quit coming to see him & says he can't do anything more for him. I am very sorry to have to lose him, for I am sure I never saw a better or more honest boy in my life, either black or white, and besides that he thinks the world of me and would do everything for me, and I have become very much attached to him, but I fear there is no hope for his recovery.
    I will send you a power of attorney by this mail to sell all my land, town lots &c., and I hope you will be able to get a fair price in cash or at least half cash and take mortgages on the property for the remaining half and send me the amt. cash you receive, as I want to make a purchase of some lots in Oregon City now while property is low. Money invested now in Oregon City lots will realize one hundred percent in five years.
    Write often as you can, and don't forget to write to Thompson.
Your obt. son
    Nat H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Speech of Gen. Lane.
    At the Democratic Ratification Mass Meeting held at Washington in front of the City Hotel, Wednesday evening, June 9th, 1852.
    The Chairman. I have now the pleasure of introducing you to Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon.
    General Lane. Fellow citizens, allow me to express my gratification at being here. It is good to be here, and I regard my position now as one of the happiest in which I could be placed. It always makes my heart glad when I can have the pleasure of meeting with the true Democracy of the country, and talking with them about our prospects and our principles. I have met you for the purpose of expressing my pleasure and gratification at the nomination of Gen. Franklin Pierce as our standard bearer in the coming contest. I congratulate you--I congratulate the Democracy of the country--upon the nomination of two such good Democrats and pure men--indeed I congratulate the whole country, for allow me here to say that Democratic principles are the true principles of this government, and the promotion of these principles is the promotion of the interests of the whole country. There ought to be no difference of opinion about administering the government of this country. It is better for Whigs, for Democrats, and for all other parties, that the Democracy should govern. [Cheers.] They are competent to govern, and when they are in power they endeavor to promote, and always have promoted, the interests of all. I defy any man, Whig or Democrat, to cast his eye back over the history of this country and say that any Whig administration has ever tendered any service to this country calculated to develop its resources or promote its glory. They have made no acquisition of territory; they have never been in favor of extending liberal Democratic principles, nor, gentlemen, will they ever be in favor of such progress. They are not liberal in their views, and, with the Little Giant [Laughter.], I can say it is better for the country that they never should govern. [Applause and cheers.] Let me tell you, fellow citizens, I honestly believe they will not have the good fortune to govern again in the next twenty years. [Applause.] The Democratic Convention, which but a few days ago assembled at Baltimore, have presented for our standard bearer in the approaching campaign the name of Gen. Franklin Pierce, a Democrat of the Jackson school. He is a Democrat, true and well tried in civil and military life. In every position in which he has been placed, Franklin Pierce has most ably and gallantly done his duty. Then is it not cause for congratulation and a matter of pride that we have presented to us one so entirely unexceptionable? He has as clear a record in our political history as any man in the nation. With such men as Franklin Pierce and William R. King on our ticket, I am satisfied that it will sweep over this country like a whirlwind, from its eastern extreme even to California, and no ticket that we have presented before will have ever shown as large a majority as this one will receive. [Great applause.]
    I hail from a district of country not now entitled to vote for a President, but if it were possible for the people there to act, there would not be two hundred voters in the Territory who would not vote it. [Applause.] I am familiar with the history of Gen. Pierce in Congress, and I have had the pleasure of knowing him personally in Mexico. I know that he rendered important service to his country in a cause that was just, right and honorable, and that he distinguished himself as an officer, a soldier, a hero, a patriot and a gentleman.
    Of Col. King I can say with truth that he is a good man, long and well tried, and in every position in which he has been placed he has faithfully done his duty. You must excuse plain talking. I am from the far West, where we have none other than honest, plain-hearted Democrats, and I claim to be one of that school. It affords me great pleasure and gives me courage to meet the Democracy of the country here, and especially when I can meet them under such circumstances as the present. It gives me courage to see you here, and enables me to talk with a heart full of love and energy of purpose. We have a good cause and a good ticket. We have justice on our side, and, as certain as God lives, victory is ours. [Applause.] I have nothing to say about the Whigs. I have never had much confidence in them as a party. [Applause.] I have known many clever fellows among them, but when it comes to the selection of officers of government, I have never seen one to whom I could afford support, and I am sure I never shall. [Laughter.]
    Then I am with you, gentlemen, in this race, and with all my heart and mind. If I cannot vote, I will go among the plain hard-fisted Democracy, among whom I was raised, and tell them what I know of the merits of our standard bearers--of their great worth, personally and politically. I will tell my friends in Indiana, who I know are so devotedly attached to the gallant, the great, and noble old Cass--and none there or elsewhere loves him more than I do--and this country owes him more than any other man living--that though we have to give him up, we yet have a gentleman in his stead worthy of their cordial, energetic and active support, and I know they will give it to him with all cheerfulness and alacrity. If it could have been left to my choice, gentlemen, Lewis Cass would have been the man. [Cries of "good, good."] But the convention have decided otherwise, and I hope that the whole American Democracy will be satisfied with the decision, and I have every reason to believe they will be.
    I must be permitted to speak a few words in regard to the other candidates in the convention. To the Little Giant I owe the kindest feelings. I love him as a Democrat. If he could have waited, as I said once before, ten or fifteen years, it would have been better. However, the Little Giant has been voted for, and got a very handsome vote. He is, indeed, a great little man. [Applause.]
    My friend, Gen. Houston--God bless his old soul!--[Applause.]--he has served his country in every capacity--has done his duty nobly. He, too, was supported in the convention. I am glad to have the pleasure of meeting upon this occasion the leader of our party, General Cass--the man to whom we owe more than any other man--of meeting the Little Giant, and also of meeting Gen. Sam. Houston. I congratulate them all, and you, gentlemen, once again upon the prospects before us.
    The convention has given us a glorious nomination. The Democracy of this country know it; they will act upon that knowledge, and in the end all will be well. When we meet here next winter we can then say that on the 4th of March, General Frank. Pierce will take the oath of office as President of the United States, and relieve the present incumbent [Laughter and applause.], a very worthy man--an accidental President, however. Frank. Pierce will take charge of that office with a determination to do his duty--to know no North, no South, no East, no West--to know nothing but the Constitution and his country. I beg pardon for saying so much, but as I said before, it always affords me pleasure to meet with brother Democrats, and I must be excused if I do say too much. Let me say, in conclusion, that I am with you in heart and feeling, and that I am pleased and gratified with the nominees of the Baltimore Convention, and I am satisfied that the whole country will be, and will ratify the action of that body by an unprecedented vote. [Great applause.]
    Gen. Lane subsequently addressed the meeting for a short time, as follows:
    I am sorry to appear before you a second time, but I have made it a rule of my life that when I commence a thing, if I quit before I get done, to begin again [Laughter.], and, indeed, in the service of our country it was my fortune to command forces who would never leave a battle half completed. I intended to have stated before, but I omitted it, that the last thirty-odd years of my life have been spent in Indiana. She is a thorough Democratic state. The Little Giant has said to you--and I know he believes all he has said--that Illinois will give to Gen. Pierce a larger majority than any other state. Now, here is my friend Ficklin--one of the representatives of that state--who will endorse everything the Judge has said, but I must be permitted to say that Indiana will give to General Pierce, over any Whig, just as large a majority as Pierce would like to have. It will be a sweeping Democratic majority.
    It was my fortune in Mexico to serve on both lines under Gen. Butler, and I know that this world has never produced a more gallant, upright and honorable man than he. [Great applause.] I also know that General Butler would not say or do a dishonorable thing, if it would bring to him the office of President for life. He hails from the "dark and bloody ground"--nominally a Whig state, it is true, but one which I believe will, at the next election, give to Pierce a handsome majority. She has not, since 1832, given a Democratic majority until recently in the election of governor. But this year, 1852, is going to be a good one to revive and resurrect the feelings and majorities of the invincible days of Jackson. [Laughter.] I can assure you that in my honest opinion, the old state in which I was raised (Kentucky) will this year give a majority for Pierce, and outside of two or three states, I cannot imagine a single other that will give a majority in opposition to him.
    To the state of Indiana I feel it my duty to tender in your presence my most heartfelt thanks. They had the kindness to present my name to the Democratic convention. God knows I never have desired that office, and I never desired to stand in the way of anyone more worthy and better qualified than myself, and know that no gentleman's name was presented to that convention who was not better qualified. I will not yield honesty of purpose and intention and devotion to country to any name, but I will yield ability to a great many of them. I feel it my duty to tender my thanks to the delegation from that state for voting for me on thirty different ballots, which is just the number of years that I have been in the public service.   
    I commenced my public service in 1822, and I shall end it when Gen. Pierce takes the oath of office as President of the United States in March, 1853, and after that I can assure you that I have no inclination to hold office, unless it should be necessary in the defense of my country's honor. [Great applause.]
    And when I am gone hence, I hope and believe that my posterity--my children--will stand as ready and as willing as I know I have always been to fly with alacrity to the post of duty whenever their services are needed.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, September 11, 1852, page 1




Nesmith Mills June 12th 1852
Dear Genl.,
    Your kind letters of April 6th and 22nd came to hand by last mail.
    I wrote you last winter enclosing a power of attorney from Mrs. Gilliam, widow of the Col., making inquiries about and requesting you to collect if possible that thousand dollars for which the Col. in his lifetime gave Thurston and  T'Vault a draft on the Post Office Department. We have been unable to get track of the money. It is said that a Mr. Brown of Indiana who is or has been a clerk in one of the departments as a member of Congress drew the money. I have received no answer to the letter which I wrote you in relation to it, and it perhaps with the power of attorney has been lost. The widow wishes you to make inquests about the matter, and if it is possible to recover it you will render her a favor by so doing. She has a large family and needs the money very much. If it is necessary for you to have a power of attorney in order to collect it she will send you another. It perhaps would be the safest for you to have a power of attorney drawn up in Washington and send it on here to have the blanks filled, as one of that kind would be most likely to cover the case. It would be but a matter of justice that the widow should be allowed a pension inasmuch as her husband was killed in the service. I have mentioned the subject to Gov. Gaines, who says he will recommend it, and I think by your cooperation it might be expected.
    I learn that the Whig and federal officers' factions have carried Clackamas & Washington counties & elected two members in Yamhill. This was quite contrary to my expectations. We triumphed in this county by electing Holmes & Fulkerson, both Democrats, over Ford & Thorp, who ran against the Democratic nomination. Your old friend Ford has deviated from the Democratic track. We trust that ere this Congress has ratified the location act and the laws made at Salem last winter, and hope that the prayer of the memorial may be granted.
    Our political divisions here are unfortunate for the interests of Oregon, and I trust that Congress will furnish the remedy. The picture for Old Quatley arrived, and I shall present it to him in a few days.
    I have abandoned all my aspirations in relation to "Little Ned," having found a couple of better snaps much nearer home. This little piece of news that you of course will not communicate to my old [illegible], as she at present remains in blissful ignorance of those small matters, and might think that it was a bad day that killed sheep near home, but so long as she don't discover the 
[illegible] it will be all right.
I remain as ever
    Your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Hon. Joe Lane
    Washington City

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Oregon City June 23rd 1852
Dear Father
    Yesterday we recd. news of the passage of your resolutions on the location of public bridges, and I assure you it is joyful tidings to the Democrats in Oregon. It sets the vexed question at rest and verifies our words. I am only sorry that the news couldn't [have] reached here immediately after the passage. It would have done us much good in our election. As it is the Whigs came very near whipping us out in the Territory, but we hope to be better organized at the next election. I think the Whig victory in Washington, Clackamas and Yamhill will do much to organize our party. In Washington they elected all 3 of their representatives, and the same in Clackamas, and in Yamhill 2 out of 3.
    Your boy John as I predicted has died. I buried him last Saturday. Nothing could save him. This is I think the worst country on lungs I nearly ever saw. Bresee (watchmaker) died last Sunday with consumption, and we have in Oregon City 2 more past recovery with the same disease.
    Times are still dull, no improvement since you left. I am driving away at the mills making some little money and some improvements. I will have completed this summer a wagon road across to town in the place of the railway. When this improvement is completed the expense of carrying on business will not be so heavy.
    I have not heard from Joe for some time. He never writes to me, and the only means I have of hearing from him is through miners returning from the mines. He has been keeping the ferry at Winchester for some time past & I am told is doing well.
    I hear a great deal of complaint about your not writing to the citizens of Oregon. They say you don't seem to think that they are your constituents. R. R. Thompson Esq. thinks very hard of you for not writing to him. He don't say anything about it to any person but me. I am sorry you have not written more and hope you will try and make up in future what you have neglected in the beginning.
    Write often as you can. I am much obliged for papers.
Your obt. son
    Nat H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




New Harmony Inda.
    June 29, 1852
My dear Lane,
    Yr. letter dated June 18th reached me only yesterday, June 28. I beg you to accept my grateful thanks for the interest you take in my welfare & advancement. As to anything I may have done (unavailingly, however) for you, it was my bounden duty; it was but carrying out the undoubted will of our state. Had others, through last winter & this spring, worked as faithfully as the majority of our delegation did at Baltimore, you might now have been the nominee, instead of Pierce, in regard to whom, however, I entirely agree with you that the selection was a very judicious one & that he will be sure to be elected.
    If Whitcomb does resign--which, however, I shall consider a doubtful case, until I hear that he has done so--there is not, I think, much doubt that Wright will nominate me; on the supposition, I mean, that it is during the session, & that a nomination has to be made. I say this without having spoken with Wright on the subject; for, somehow or other, I never can make up my mind to approach a man on such a subject in my own case. If nominated I have little doubt that the coming legislature would confirm the nomination by electing me. I have written to a friend in Indianapolis about it who will get at the truth for me. If Whitcomb is going to resign, it wd. be considerable advantage to me that it shd. be during the session. The mileage is considerable, & with the nomination I shd. start on vantage ground. I believe almost every Democratic paper in the state wd. endorse it, & many out of the state too.
    I thank you most sincerely for yr. offer about a foreign mission. If I am not Senator (which I shd. prefer to any mission) & if Pierce succeeds, there is a situation I shd. like to have: not that of minister at any of the principal courts, for there is too much slavery of etiquette for me & for Mrs. Owen in such a position, but a chargeship to Naples, or to Rome. I shall probably take my family next spring to Europe, to remain there a couple of years, so as to give the children facility in languages. And such a position would enable me to remain with them, which, otherwise, my means wd. scarcely allow me to do. As Senator, I should spend the intervals between the sessions with them.
    But pray do not trouble Pierce about the matter, previous to his election. I pity any man who has the government patronage to dispense, & I don't doubt that he will be beset, even to disgust. If, as I suppose, you are personally well acquainted with him, and if the senatorship fails & Pierce is elected, then perhaps I may ask the favor of your saying a word to him for me & backing it up with the names of our delegation, if they see fit to give them. In that case, I shall leave it in your hands, confident that it cannot be in better.
    Everything looks well, in our state, for the success of the Democracy. You may set down the result for next fall as certain.
    Let me hear from you, I pray you, at yr. leisure
& Believe me, ever, my dear Lane,
    Faithfully yr. friend
        Robert Dale Owen
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



July the 7 1852
My Dear Father
    I catch this opportunity of writing to you. I want to know when you are coming home. My school is out tomorrow. The reason we have not wrote to you before was because we thought you were coming home. The family is all [well] except Mr. Floed. The scale off of the homemade chimney got in his eye, and it nearly put his eye out. Mary Jane is well Mr. Barlow's family is well. You must excuse all bad writing and correct all bad spelling. You must not expect me to write any longer, for I have my lessons to get before the exhibition. I have cyphering so hard that I am so warm. Goodbye.
Yours till death
    Winnie M. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Island Mills O.T.
    July 20th 1852
Dear Father
    The improvements I have been making and the old debts have kept me pretty well drawn down, in consequence of which I was compelled to borrow money. I therefore borrowed of Daniel Waldo five hundred dollars on six months' time, which falls due about the middle of November--and as I am fearful that I will not be able to meet it I beg of you to make sales of my property and remit in some shape so that I can get it, the above-named amount, as I would not for five times the amount miss having the money when it becomes due. Now I hope you will not fail to send it. I have not done anything since I returned that I regret so much as borrowing that money, and if I get clear of it I will not be guilty of so gross a blunder again. Let me assure you that I am driving things all I can & I believe I am doing as well or better than anyone else could do under the same circumstances.
    In one month more I will have a wagon road completed onto the Island with a platform in front of the mills for wagons to turn on. This done and a few more debts worked off and things will begin to be easy. I am sawing on a large contract for Otway of Portland at twenty dollars per thousand. Wheat is too scarce to keep the flour mill all the time going, but what flouring we do pays very well. Mister R. R. Thompson wants to sell out his interest and will I think advertise for sale in the Statesman, but I think it very doubtful about his finding a purchaser. He asks twelve thousand dollars for his fourth. Times still continue dull, but all who are doing business on a close scale are making money. I am afraid you may think I spend money foolishly, but I can say with a clear conscience that I do not and would add that I am perfectly temperate, don't drink anything stronger than coffee, and have become so stingy that I have stopped buying milk to go in my coffee and tea, and I never go off of the Island during the weekdays except on business. So you will see that I do all that is in my power to drive things ahead.
    As I had to get the power of attorney that I wrote you about attend[ed to], it did not go at the time I wrote you it would, but I now send it accompanying this. Do the best you can with my property and tell all my old friends goodbye, that if they want to see me, come to Oregon.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
   
P.S. Since writing the above I recd. a note from Genl. Adair calling on me for money--and says that if I can't pay him the amount of the draft that he will draw on you in Washington, and thinking he may draw for the full amount. I send his bill. On the recpt. of his note I sent him one hundred dollars in cash, it being all the money I had--now for heaven's sake don't think that I have not tried to pay him, for I have paid him as much as I possibly could--and if he could hold off a little longer I could pay him the balance--but he says he will have to settle up his affairs with govt. and don't want to be in arrears.
N.H.L.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Scottsburg Umpqua Oregon
    [August 1852]
    Gen. Lane dear sir, I received your letter of July 2nd yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you. I have been sick for 2 weeks, am getting better. I have seen your correspondence with the Secretary of the Navy, also the letters of Leroy of the steamer Columbia and the agent of the eastern underwriters [Oregon Statesman, August 14, 1852, all on page 1]. How those men got their information so as to make such statements I cannot say. It only incites astonishment here that they are sincere. I do not doubt that the entrance of the Umpqua is dangerous. I will not deny so also is the Columbia, and it is the opinion of nearly all the sea captains who have ever been in here that if the harbor was surveyed, buoys sunk in proper places and a lighthouse erected, the liabilities to loss would be no greater here than at the Columbia. That interests of Southern Oregon demand this none who is familiar with Oregon will deny. In 4 months from now the population of Rogue River & Umpqua will be equal to the Willamette. In Rogue River every claim in the south part of this valley is taken. T'Vault lives at the Point of Rocks, all well. They had another war in June; the Indians are very humble now. They killed about 20. I saw your son Joseph at Kenyon Creek about two weeks ago; he was in good health. He had not got to work yet as he had got there 2 days before. He came down from the Table Rock mines. The emigration is pouring in, principally going to the Rogue River Valley and mines. Goods are from 25 to 100 percent higher here than 5 months ago. Flour in this place $13 and scarce at that.
    I received a letter from my uncle yesterday; he is still in the notion of coming to Oregon. I shall be glad to keep our correspondence up and if you do not come to Oregon I will call and see you when I come home.
I remain with high respects
    Your obedt. svt.
        R. B. Morford
Genl. Josp. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Cincinnati Aug. 4 '52.
Dear Father
    I have been in this place for Several days and you be [sic] glad to hear from you. I Received a letter a few days ago all were well. I feel anxious to hear from you and let me [know] whether [you] will go to Oregon. Creed has a Very Sore Eye, it has been Sore for Two or Three Months. I would like [you] to write, as Soon as you receive this direct to Cincinnati you write [the] time I may expect to See you at home.
Your Son
    A. Barlow
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hs. of Reps.
    Washington D.C.
        Aug. 15th 1852
Wm. Henry Gassaway Esq.
    Sir
        Your note of the 5th inst. communicating to me the intelligence of my election as an honorary member of the "Granite Club No. 1 of Annapolis Md." has been duly received.
    To you and through you to the society whom you have the honor thus represent I tender my cordial acknowledgments for the honor thus conferred upon me. In the furtherance of the great principles of the Democratic Party, as the success of [unfinished]

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Hs. Reps.
    Washington D.C.
        Aug. 15 1852
Sir
     Your note of the 5th inst. communicating to me the intelligence of my election as an honorary member of the "Granite Club of Annapolis Md." has been duly received.
    To you and through you to the society whom you thus represent I tender my cordial and profound acknowledgments for the honor thus conferred upon me, together with assurances of my active cooperation in all things tending to the furtherance of Democratic principles and the success of our party in the coming campaign.
    My personal acquaintance with Franklin Pierce, the recorded history of his life political career, and his gallant conduct in the service of his country in the field, authorize to me to say commend him everywhere in the land as worthy of the united and cordial support of any Democrat throughout the country, and since now his election is no longer a matter capable of doubt, may we not hope for the electoral vote of Maryland to swell the great tide of our success in November next? Our cause is the cause of the people, our principles are their convictions of the true policy of our government, and with that vigilance which is our essential to the advancement of truth we cannot fail of triumphant success. Our champions are worthy, our struggles for their election [unfinished]
I am very respy.
    Your obt. svt.
        [Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Letter from General Lane.
Refutation of the charges of Senator Pearce's speech--and the Oregonian's endorsement that it cost government $12,483--the joint resolution confirming the Location Act.
    (It will be recollected that last summer the opponents of Gen. Lane undertook to disprove the statement in his Biography that it cost government nothing to send him to Oregon as Governor--and the speech of Senator Pearce, of Maryland, was adduced as proof to the contrary. The following letter from Gen. Lane sets the matter at rest, and establishes the truth of his biographer. It also settles the question as to the question of Congress in confirming the Location Act.)
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
    September 15, 1852.
    EDITOR "WEEKLY TIMES"--SIR:--In the Oregonian of the 24th July I find an extract from "Pearce's speech in the United States Senate" in which it is charged that my trip to Oregon cost the government $12,483.90. This statement is absolutely false.
    My trip to Oregon did not cost the government a single cent. But, on the contrary, it was the means of saving to the government several thousand dollars, as will appear from the following statement of facts:
    It will be borne in mind that Lt. Hawkins of the Rifles, with 24 men, constituted my escort. His regiment, including his company, were at the time under orders for Oregon, and the next season, as everybody knows, the regiment crossed the country to Oregon. When we set out from Fort Leavenworth, Lt. Hawkins took with him as far as Santa Fe some wagons for the transportation of subsistence for his command.
    Lt. Hawkins was detailed for special duty, and therefore had a special command. Consequently, all public property belonging to his command was charged to him, wagons, horses, mules, rifles, pistols, ammunition, tents and all other camping property, including subsistence, no commissary having been detailed to accompany his command.
    We arrived at Santa Fe about the 24th October; finding that wagons could not be taken further, Hawkins turned over his wagons and some of his mules to a U.S. quartermaster and took a receipt for them. From this point, mounted on mules and ponies, we made our way to Los Angeles, where Hawkins turned over a portion of the public property, and at San Francisco he turned over the remainder to the quartermaster at that post. At San Francisco we took passage on the old Janette for Astoria. Transportation was furnished the command, but I paid one hundred dollars for my passage to Astoria, from which place I worked my passage in canoe to Oregon City.
    Lt. Hawkins has been at Washington the past summer and settled his accounts, showing receipts for all property turned over as above stated, being out only the scanty subsistence upon which his command subsisted on our long and perilous journey, and further he shows that his command, bound for Oregon under orders for that Territory, cost the government much less per man than did those who crossed with the regiment the next summer.
    By the above statement you will see that the government saved money by sending an escort with me. So far as I am individually concerned, my trip to Oregon did not cost the government a single dime--not a cent.
Your obedient servant,
    JOSEPH LANE.
    P.S. The joint resolution relative to the act of the legislative assembly, locating the [Oregon Territory] public buildings, confirms the entire act--the location of all the public buildings as located by the act of assembly are confirmed at least; such was my intention and understanding, and such was the intention of the Committee on Territories, and such was the intention of both houses of Congress.
J.L.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, December 4, 1852, page 2



Oregon City Septr. 21st / 52
Dear Father
    I gave the the McElroy draft to M. P. Deady and told him to present it and report to me. He did so and sends it back protested, and I herewith forward it to you. I also send you the one on Henry Tanner. I did not present his, as I learned he lived in the back part of Tualatin Plains and was not able to pay. Now I wish you would say to your friends who wish to draw on people in Oregon that I wish they would draw on men who are able to pay or not draw at all, as it gives me just as much trouble to present their drafts and get nothing as it would to get the money of those who are able to pay. Anderson has not written to me since I sent the Hensill draft down to him. I hope he will send it back in time for the next mail if it is not paid. Business is brisk, flour worth from 10 to 12 dolls. per hundred.
    Excuse the shortness of this letter, as time is so pressing I can't write more.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Oregon City Octr. 1st 52
Dear Father
    There is beginning to be a great deal of talk about the next delegate to Congress, and it is pretty generally believed that we are going to have some trouble to elect a Democrat, and your friends think you are the only man that can beat the Whigs, Softs and no-party ticket. Now for my part I don't want you to be a candidate, but if nothing else will do you will have to run, and in that event it will be better for you to come home by the Isthmus and start early after the adjournment of Congress, so that you may have time after arriving in the Territory to see the people and clear up the thousand and one lies that will be told and freely circulated to your detriment throughout the Territory. The Democratic candidate, be he whom he may, will have to use industry and spare no pains or he will find himself beat, particularly if Scott should be elected, and here let me say that if Scott is elected Oregon is Whig in spite of all that can be done. The Oregon Democrats are the weakest brethren I ever knew; the greater portion are only Democrats when that party are in power. And another thing, the people are becoming so tired of this split-up between the legislature and the Govr. and stand so much in need of the public buildings that they will whip over onto the side of the Governor in order to have the money expended if for no other reason, and I believe that if we have to be cursed with Whig rule for the next 4 years that I will leave everything and ship myself out of the country, for I never saw anything that deserved contempt more than these officers and their toadies, Wait, Buck, Whitcomb and other pretended Democrats. By the way, Buck has been appointed postmaster, and Frank Holland, a true-blue Democrat, turned out. I want you to see to this if Pierce is elected and have Frank reappointed. Don't fail to attend to this.
    There is a man here by the name of Carter who is an acquaintance and friend of Noyes Smith, alias E. Olcott. This man Carter says he is a Democrat and a true friend to all Democratic measures &c. &c. He desired me to say to you that he wants to be appointed Surveyor Genl. for Oregon. All I know about Mr. Carter is that he was nominated last spring by the no-party party as a candidate for representative, and his election beginning to look bilious he withdrew from the field and pretended he would vote the Democratic ticket, and now he says he did vote it. This I know that at the precinct where he voted there was but one clear Democratic ticket voted, and a man by the name of Lockwood voted the Democratic ticket the same day at the same place, so my opinion of Mr. Carter is that he is a weak sister, and when the appointments are made remember him, that is to see that he don't get any appointment.
    A man by the name of Quigley says he worked in the mines with you and said something to you about bringing his family with you for one thousand dollars was to see me today to get me to mention it to you and to urge you to bring them. He says he would send you the money if he was certain you would bring them.
    W. Holmes Esq. says he wants to be appointed United States Marshal, and Jo Meek wants to be reappointed. Jo is rather a soft-shelled Democrat, but I have no doubt you will be troubled enough recommending the different candidates for favor. Among the true Democrats I have no choice, but beware of the long-faced hypocrites; give them no office. Let them look to the party with whom they sympathize for their favor.
    Mr. Longnecker of Penn. is in the city. He talks some of going back on the next steamer. I find him a very clever, sociable gentn. and good Democrat. He presented your letter of introduction, and him and I have had several interesting conversations. I like him very much. Mr. Babcock of Covington, Indiana has also arrived and presented a letter from you. I am well pleased with Babcock; he is a plain, industrious and very sensible man. He is now at Portland.
    I am driving the mills all I can. The flour mill is paying well and the sawmill is paying a little. Well now, Father, we can't do a good business here until we get a new flour mill, and if I should get a millwright to make out a bill of the castings necessary would you buy them and ship them to us? If so I will send on the bill this winter. The smut machine you sent us is now in operation and works well. Give us a new and good flour mill and money can be made fast. Without 'tis no use to try. Our mills can't stand much longer, and since McLoughlin had his new bolts put in he makes better flour than we can, which makes it more necessary for us to build. When I send on the bill I want you to buy all the items mentioned in it. Let them be the exact size and number; buy no more nor less than the bill calls for, as the man that makes out the bill will build the mill, and I want him to be at work before the castings will arrive.
    Anderson has not sent me any account of the Hensill order. I can't think what he means. Give my respects to all, and try to come by the Isthmus. 'Tis cheaper and much quicker and less dangerous.
    Write often.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Yoncalla, Umpqua
    Oregon Territory, October 18, '52
Gen. Joseph Lane--
    Sir, I again endeavor to communicate to you respecting some of the most important incidents of the times. There has arrived, and is still arriving by both roads, vastly the largest emigration that has ever entered this territory. They have suffered considerably by sickness, and some loss of property as is usual.
    But the greatest calamity and that which gives me pain to record is the murder of the helpless emigrant by the ruthless savage.
    There has been a number of men, and as many as three families of women and children, most shockingly butchered, to my knowledge. Also four young men who met the emigration to assist and protect them have been slain, one of them a gallant young man of your acquaintance, John Quinsby, who turned out with you when you pursued the deserters.
    Dear sir, in this instance permit me to tender you my heartfelt thanks for your endeavors to procure protection for those helpless emigrants. Also you deserve the abiding gratitude of the people of both Oregon and California for the same exertions.
    A great portion of the emigration has come the South Road and have arrived in the Rogue's River, Klamath and Scott River valleys, and with but little loss of property. Some have taken claims for the purpose of farming, others for the purpose of mining, and are generally well pleased with the prospects before them.
    And there is in this country still room for thousands of others. The emigration by coming this road, as you know avoids the sand desert at the sink of Mary's River [the Humboldt], and the California mountains on the south, Snake River and the Blue Mountains on the north, hence the advantage of saving their stock.
    The citizens have resolved to meet the emigrants on the South Road in sufficient force for their protection in the ensuing season in case they do not get information of troops coming that they can rely on.
    The emigrants coming the South Road should leave the Fort Hall road at the Soda Springs and strike directly to the head of Humboldt or Mary's River, which road is now quite plain, having been traveled very extensively this year. The emigrants in traveling on this road should by all means keep in companies of sufficient size for self-protection, say from fifteen to twenty men strong at least, and keep the Indians at a proper distance. And at any and all times prepared to defend themselves; suffer no individuals or families to fall behind, or get too far in the advance, for if they do they will assuredly be butchered.
    I for one, and can not feel otherwise, than to hold the present administration as responsible for the butcheries on the defenseless women and children the present season. They heard the voice of humanity and heeded not! Hundreds of families set out with full faith and belief that they were traveling under the protection of the strong arm of the government from promises made by the government, of protection, but lo they found it not! And the consequence has been that the innocent babes have been torn from the bosom of their mothers, and their blood caused to welter upon the sand of the desert.
    Where the Oregon road leaves the California, one hundred miles above the sink of Mary's River, is where the emigrants may expect to be met. From this place to Rogue River mines is about two hundred and eighty miles (Jacksonville). The distance from the same place to Sacramento being about four hundred. The advantage of the Oregon road here is in its ample supply of grass and water, and also its good traveling with the exception of a small portion of the road which I will here state.
    From the turning off, you proceed twelve miles up a dry creek to its head at a spring to the left hand on a point, good, fresh water, some grass.
    Thence fifteen miles to two small springs immediately on the roadside, but little grass. Thence twenty miles across the bed of a dry lake, beautiful road, to Black Rock, plenty of grass, but bad water. From here the emigrants has plenty of grass and water and a good road, and can camp almost where they please. Here the emigrants must watch their stock and keep a sharp lookout for Indians. And shoot every chance, for they may rest assured that the Indians will do the same by then if they can. If there is any items of information in this letter which you may deem of interest to the public you may hand it to some editor for publication.
    Your humble servant, Lindsay Applegate.


Oregon City Oct. 20th / 52
Dr. Father
    In my last I omitted to tell you that Mr. Bush had paid me for that paper you purchased for him. I placed the amt. to your credit and charged you with his bill for printing. The mills are doing very well at this time; lumber is in good demand at $25 per M., and flour still continues high, worth now $12 per 100 lbs. Wheat is 3 & 3¼ dolls. per bus. All kinds of provisions are high.
    The emigrants are still coming; their suffering this season has been great, and had not the fall been a very dry, warm and favorable one, thousands more would have died. Mr. Babcock of Inda., Longmaker of Pa. and Allen of Pittsburgh have all arrived and presented letters from you. The former and latter are still in Oregon and seem to be well pleased with the appearance of things. Mr. L. left for the States by the last steamer.
    I have recd. many valuable documents from you for which I offer my thanks. Those that you wish preserved will be placed in the top of my trunk, there to remain until your return. John McCracken has recd. several documents from you and feels under many obligations. I hope you will continue to send to him, as he is an uncompromising Democrat and a gentleman of the first water and one of your strongest friends.
    Judge Nesmith would like to be appointed Marshal of Oregon. I hope you will give your influence in securing for him that appointment. I want you to get him the appointment for two or three reasons. One is that I believe him to be one of your warmest friends; another is he is a good Democrat and will be of service to the party while traveling over the country discharging the duties of the office, and the last is I think Joe Meek ought to be turned out by a Democratic administration. He is no Democrat, nor is he a man in whom confidence can be placed. I hope you will not neglect the Judge.
    I recd. your order on Walker for 36 dolls., but unfortunately he has gone to Puget's Sound, and I don't know when I will see him. However, I will try to see him if he should come up here soon. I hope you have recd. my power of attorney and have sold or will be able to sell all my property. You still persist in coming across the plains. I wish you would change your mind and come by the Isthmus. You could then be here in time to help us in the next Delegate election, and I know it is less dangerous. I will write again soon. I hope you will write often. My respects to all friends.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Island Mills O.T.
    Nov. 7th 1852
Dear Father
    Yours of August 24th is now before me, for which favor you will please accept many thanks. I would have complied with your request and sent you those papers relating to the "Island" if I could have got my eye on Abernethy since I recd. your letter, but he has been out of town for several days. I will try however and get them ready to send to you by next mail. I will here mention to you that I had the Island surveyed this fall, and find that it contains several acres more than the Applegate survey calls for, and also that the last plat and survey was handed in to Preston in R. R. Thompson's name. I mention this so that you & him need not conflict in proving up the claim, for if it is claimed by you there and him here it may give trouble and show a want of system. I wish you would write to me or Thompson on this subject and let us know what to do. I know that it is not good policy to get the thing in such a shape that it could not be understood, and if it is filed in the Genl. Land Office in your name it should be so on the Surveyor Genl.'s books here. Write me if you please on this subject.
    Flour still continues high, now worth $12 per 100 lbs. Lumber 20 & 30 dolls. per M. All kinds of provisions are high. The emigrants are about all in. Their number is differently estimated, but I suppose that I would not be far out of the way to say there was 10,000 all told, which you see makes quite a show in this wooden country.
    Well, the President's election is over, and I sincerely hope that Pierce is President, but it will be some time before we way out here in Oregon will know the result. I suppose you are in Indiana at this time and having a nice time over the Democratic victory. I would like to be there today just to crow over our success, but our time will come by and by, and after the 4th of March next what a shuffling there will be of Whig office holders. Tell Mr. Pierce for me that if he leaves one Whig in office that I hope he may meet with the same fate Harrison and Taylor did, and I am pretty sure he will. I don't know whether or not you want any office, but if you do I wish you would let me suggest to you that of Governor. There is no other office in Oregon that I would like so well to see you filling as that of Governor. I don't know yet who will apply for the Surveyor Genlship of Oregon, but I think a Mr. Zieber will. If he applies I think you will be safe in recommending him, as I believe him honest and capable and know him to be a Democrat of the right stamp. Mr. Zieber came to this country last year from Illinois; he formerly edited a Democratic paper in Peoria and is poor, and I would like to see him occupying a station that would pay him for his services. O. C. Pratt knows him personally and can give you more information than I can. Bush's letter that you spoke of has not yet come.
    I hope you will write regular and often. Do send something to Thos. Waterbury. He says you have never sent him anything since you left. Try if you can to send papers and documents to everybody in the county during the next session. These Oregonians are fond of being noticed, and I hope you will accommodate them.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Jos. Lane
   

I have not seen Joe in 14 months. He never writes to me. I hear he is in the mines & says he won't go back to the claim. I am uneasy about him.
N.H.L.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



San Francisco Dec. 12th / 52
Dear Father
    You will see by the caption of this that I am not at present in Oregon. I left Oregon about the first of this month for the purpose of going to the States to buy machinery for a new flouring mill, but on the passage to this place I was taken sick with dysentery and from that to fever. I am undergoing medical treatment in this place and hope in two weeks to be able to return to Oregon, as I have given up going any farther. Mr. Thompson is here on his way to the States to buy sheep. He will see you at Washington. I send to you by him six hundred dollars. I send it to you for fear you may be cramped, and as I desire that the $500 be paid to Pratt for Bush. Bush has paid me that amt. besides your paper bill.
    Mr. Thompson will give you a draft and description of the machinery we want for the mill, and now let me urge you to have it bought and shipped insured &c. as quick as possible. If there is no vessel there for Oregon, ship them in a clipper ship to Shepherd & Hale, San Francisco, and I will see to the balance. Everything depends on that machinery coming--and coming soon.
    We will have the new mill up and ready to put the machinery right into [it] as soon as it can come. I sent $100 of the six that you will receive from Mr. T. for a sewing machine to make sacks with. I don't know that the machine will cost that amt. or even half of it, but if it don't you can use the remainder in something else.
    I wish you would send us the bills of the articles and bills of lading so that we may know when they will come and when we have recd. them all.
    We were greeted on arriving here with the glorious news of Pierce's election, and while speaking of this I will say something about officers and men. In the first place I want you to come back Governor of Oregon. I know the appointment would be one that would satisfy the most of our party, and now that we have a Democratic President we will not have any trouble in electing the Democratic candidate for Delegate--and next (you need not mention this to Thompson) I want you if you can to get Mr. Zieber appointed Secretary. He is an excellent man and a true, unflinching Democrat and needs the office. Mr. Douglass of Ill. and O. C. Pratt of On. are well acquainted with him and will tell you what sort of Secretary he would make. The balance I care nothing about so they are filled with good, efficient Democrats. I don't want any office; bear that in mind, and the reason I want you to come back Govr. is so you may be with the family, and I know if you don't that you will have to run for Congress, and knowing that you are invincible, you would have to leave the family at a time that your attention is most required.
    Mr. Thompson will tell you all about our milling arrangements, and will surprise you I expect in letting you know that he no longer belongs to the firm. He sold for $11,000 to John McCracken, and although I think Mr. T. a good and honest man, I am very glad of the change, as I know Mc. to be honest, industrious and as good a business man as you will find.
    Yes, one thing more political. I want you to see that Old Buck [William W. Buck] is turned out of the post office and Frank Holland put in again and also to see that Whitcomb, Wait and all the balance of the soft-shelled Democracy are left out. If there is any place for Curry give it to him, so [long as] you give the Secretaryship to Zieber.
    You will be bored to death by office-seekers in Oregon. When I get back I will go to Salem and try to get the legislature to agree on the men that are to fill the different offices. If you come by the Isthmus don't fail to bring my little children, and if you come across the plains do as you think best about bringing them, but I hope you will not wait to come across the plains.
    Flour has been high all the fall, and our mills have been paying well and will continue to do so as long as there is any wheat to grind. Lumber took a little flare-up for a short time, but is now down again. I met here Dennison of the Quito, and he wanted me to settle the amt. he claimed against the mills, but I told him our books showed him in our debt and that I should pay him nothing. He said then he would have to wait until you come back, and he knew you would pay him. I told him I thought it possible, as you was very much in the habit of paying debts you did not owe, but that I had outgrown everything of that kind.
    Write as often as you can and send documents.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington Dec. 14th 1852
Genl. Lane
    Dear Sir
        Little did I expect when you, with our mutual friends Judges Lane & Lockhart, were in Washington, that such an overwhelming defeat waited the Whig Party, & when the dust has cleared away I began to have a strong sympathy for one Whig office holder, who I would like to see saved from the general wreck. I mean my friend E. S. Terry; in 1838 when my Father in law died suddenly in Vincennes, he left a helpless family, & an involved estate, with the help of Dr. Davis we got my Brother in law in Murphy, the P.O. of this place; by being a partner of his father a few months before his death, he was hopelessly involved in an indebtedness he never could pay; he was then young, scarce 20 years of age; in 1840 Harrison was elected, & the loss of the Post Office would have been a severe blow upon that helpless family, the effort was made to take it from them--but by the kind exertions of Mr. Terry it was kept from them, in '44 we elected a Democrat, in '48 a Whig, then again the struggle came to take the office from one that had devoted his life to the support of his mother, Brothers, & sisters (& there was 6 of them) remaining single for their sakes; Terry again came to their relief, & by a strong exertion, saved that pittance to them again; now it is useless for me to say why I am anxious to save him that office, he is in, he is poor, he is a warm friend, he was never a proscriptive partisan, may I ask you now to help him when he needs it, I feel much despaired to speak to you warmly on this subject, I feel you are a man of kind feelings & warm sympathies & appreciate a kind act, whether done to yourself, or another, may I look for your assistance in this matter & you know I said to you I wished to go to Oregon, you kindly promised me your interest with the President Elect, for a place there, I want it much, but I want Terry to keep that place more; & if either is to lose let it be me; will I be asking too much in requiring your good offices in both cases; I hope & feel you will be frank with me; I never asked for a place in my life for myself before, & I am afraid I am a poor hand. Dr. Davis kindly offers to do what he can for me & my friend; & permit me to say may you  be as successful in life as I wish you; & believe me, you will hold the highest office yet in the gift of the American People.
Truly your Friend
    G. G. Barton
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Portland O.T. Dec. 20, 1852
My Dear Genl.
    We have at last received the glorious news of the election of Pierce & King by an overwhelming majority. We got the news on the 15th inst. just 40 days from New York to Portland. We soon made and hoisted to the top of our tall flag staff a beautiful flag with the names of Pierce & King, waving to the pure breeze of Oregon, and fired 100 guns in honor of our noble standard bearer. We had a jolly and happy time of it throughout the day--glory enough for one year. The Whig Party are scattered to the four winds of heaven.
    I write in great haste as the steamer is about to leave, and desire to know whether you will consent again to be a candidate for Congress, it is well for your immediate personal friends to know this fact or they might become pledged to others, it has been said that you did not intend again to be a candidate for delegates. I hope you have not taken any such determination, and if so you will change your mind upon the subject, now that the "Oregonian" is out upon you we desire you to carry the "Flag of the Democracy" through Oregon at our next canvass for Congress. I heard a good Democrat say a few days since that the fact of the Oregonian being out upon you was conclusive evidence that you were all right & doing your duty to your constituency.
    There will be an effort made to change the time of holding our elections from June to Aug., this would give you an opportunity to canvass the Territory. You can easily be re-elected without personally canvassing any county, but it would be best to be on the ground & direct the fight. If Mr. Preston will be superseded in his office as Surveyor General, I am inclined that the Whigs will run him for Congress.
    Where is Judge Pratt, & what is he about[?] it seems he writes letters to no one here, we know nothing about him and feel perplexed. Why does he not let us hear from him.
    Judge Nelson it is said goes to the States in January, if so he will never again return, in that event we look forward to see Judge Pratt appointed Chief Justice, which is the natural place for him, at all events the Judge must return to Oregon, we can't do without him.
    By the last steamer to the States your son Nathl. & Mr. R. R. Thompson politely offered to carry letters to you, which will reach you several weeks before this arrives, unless something unusual should occur or something happen to detain them.
    In those letters I made known to you that I was an applicant for the position of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs" for Oregon, or Marshal of the Territory. I should greatly prefer the first named place and hope you will be pleased to give me your support which alone will be sufficient to procure me the place.
    Senator Douglas would take great pleasure in doing me service in this line, also Col. Richardson & Col. Bissell of Ills., now in Congress, and also Genl. Simon Cameron, ex-Senator from Penna., who usually spends the winter seasons in Washington, he knows me from a child, and I doubt not you have become acquainted with him ere this.
    Nothing new of interest here at present excepting a deep snow & unusually cold weather.
Yours Truly
    J. B. Backenstos
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
        Washington
            D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Custom House Gardiner O.T.
    District of Umpqua O.T. Decem. 21 / 52
Sir,
    I avail myself of the departure of the schooner Ortolan of this port now bound to San Francisco to make the present communication.
    The mail from Scottsburg to Gardiner [illegible] has been discontinued. The vessel will in all probability dispatch the letter a month in advance of our mail. I may be thus so much sooner relieved of if not the onerous duties, the humiliation, starvation &c. incident to the position of Collector of Customs for the District of Umpqua. A formal resignation addressed to his excellency the President will accompany my quarterly returns of the 31st December.
    That I have thus long suffered may be ascribed to several reasons. First, I pledged myself to the Honrb. R. R. Reed of the House (my friend on the occasion) that if appointed I would accept and not resign for a year. I wished also to sustain the favorable representations of the Honrb. J. Cooper of the Senate in my behalf.
    I also had hopes that the discovery of gold might make a rush for this district and built up a large trade. I supposed this Congress when advised of the inadequate provision made for the officers of these districts would have made an addition to our pay, instead of passing a bill providing for the compensation of an officer, who was already in the receipt of a larger salary and could live at Astoria at far less expense, and leaving us unprovided for, that officer being of the same political party having the ascendancy in the House, whilst we, unfortunately for our pay, differing with him.
    I have lived alone for months at time, without a white man within six miles of me (Umpqua City). I have been obliged to cook for myself (my salary would not pay a cook). I have made abortive attempts to work. I have acted as mail carrier, and to live had to do things incompatible with my position and duties. I have not had a dollar of public money for 9 months past. My private means in consequence of large endorsements have been entirely swept away within the last six months.
    In the "Kanyon" there were no means by which I would add to my [illegible] trade was forbidden. I could not chop wood; there was neither farming land, nor grazing within many miles of me, the ground around me too wet even to raise a chicken.
    If a successor be immediately dispatched to relieve me, I will have lost nearly two years of my time, six hundred dolls. in money, health impaired by living like a wild beast.
    I hope that all this will be a sufficient atonement for my aspirations to a collectorship.
    I pray and appeal to your humanity that you will not from the unimportant character of the port delay dispatching some officer of the Customs to take charge of the public property, relieve and pay me.
    In the discharge of my duties I never failed to board every vessel which entered the port; without boat hands I did the duty myself. Hands could not be had for the occasion. I had no means of paying them.
    There are no charges for fuel; I cut it myself, none for lights. Rent, freight on public property together with a row boat are all the charges ever made at this office.
    In consequence of the difficulty of reaching this out-of-the-way port, Mr. Bradlee will not visit me. His letter advising me to that effect was recd. on yesterday.
Respectfully your obt. servt.
    Colin Wilson
        Collector
To
    The Honorable
        Thos. Corwin
            Secretary of the Treasury
                Washington D.C.

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Evansville January 13th 1852
Dear Sir
    Your esteemed favor of the 4th inst. is at hand. I was much gratified to hear from you. Your sentiments in reference to [illegible] are also mine.
    In reference to the state Democratic convention, I shall endeavor to be at Indianapolis shortly, and whatever influence can be expected to secure a sound
delegation from Indiana will be applied. If as you think probable the nomination of Lane can be secured it will be glory enough for one day. Like you I am convinced that once nominated he cannot be beaten.
    Truly Lane is no less a true-hearted man than a brave soldier--one whom the Democracy of numbers would be proud to acknowledge as their standard bearer. I have known him while in Mexico divide his purse with the private soldier when their supplies were short and even give them up his horse when fatigued, and walk himself for miles.
    The Gen. defrayed the expense of sending home several of the bodies of the brave men who fell in battle in Mexico out of his own private funds and utterly refused all compensation. When wounded at the battle of Buena Vista he insisted that the soldiers should first receive the proper surgical attention, leaving his own wound (a painful wound of the arm) to be dressed after the others. Such a man is truly the soldier's friend and an ornament to human nature; a grateful country cannot too highly reward and honor him.
    In Indiana at least the Lane fever is up without mistake. A course of prudence and judgment amongst his friends may accomplish everything desired.
    You may perhaps remember as I do very well that when the Evansville company of volunteers organized Lane volunteered in it as a private soldier, so that his expedition to Mexico did not result as did many others from the rewards and trappings of office. On the contrary, his official honors met him in the ranks and raised him to the station of colonel by the voice of the volunteers and major general by the voice of the government without any agency of his own, and as the sequel has proved never was office more worthily conferred. Instead of lending him honor it received honor at his hands. Enclosed I send you all of the papers that can be found at present relating to the acts of Gen. Lane; also you will find a letter from Gen. Lane to R. W. Dunbar. If you can use it to any advantage do so and then enclose it to me again, as Mr. Dunbar would like to preserve it. If you think of anything else in which I can be of advantage in the great cause just write and my services shall be cheerfully rendered. In Mr. Blythe's speech there is one word left out. If it should be used see that it is corrected.
    Your course in Congress has been entirely approved here so far as we have had an opportunity of judging. I would be pleased to hear from you whenever convenient. Give my respects to Gen. Lane.
Yours truly
    John T. Walker
To Hon. James Lockhart
    Washington City
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Pleasant Valley [North Carolina] 14 March 1852
My dear brother,
    Your kind & very welcome letter with a copy of cousin Gen. Joseph Lane's came safe to hand on yesterday. Be assured, my dear brother, it afforded me much pleasure to hear from you & family & I have had an anxiety for several years to learn the parentage of Gen. Lane & to know if he was a relation of ours or not, seeing his name so frequently in the newspapers and in the history of the Mexican War.
    At last I suppose we may be satisfied that he is the son of Uncle John Lane, who moved from Buncombe to Kentucky, and I expect, Brother David, from your age you was not acquainted with him. He came from Georgia to this country with Uncle Charles Lane and commenced building a set of iron works on Reems Creek one year before Stepfather [George Swain] moved to Buncombe from Georgia, but Father [Swain] had been out the fall before he moved & purchased a lot in Asheville and a while before he moved in February by an accident he got his arm broke. He then wrote a letter to Uncle John Lane to come to Georgia & assist him in the business of moving, camping &c., which Uncle John did with a great deal of pleasure & a kinder, better man to his friends never lived in my opinion.
    You asked if I knew Elizabeth Street and who she was. She was the daughter of old John Street who lived in Asheville when Father Swain first moved to Buncombe and sheriff of the county at that time & a respectable man. Street at that time had only three children living with him—Anthony, Elizabeth & James. I went to school with James, the youngest child. If he ever had any more children, I never saw them. The old man after that moved from Asheville to the Capt. Garrison place on the road below Asheville & at that place Uncle John Lane married his daughter Elizabeth & I was at the wedding and a funny time we had. Some time after that the old man moved to the West, but I do not know where. In the fall of 1804 Uncle John Lane moved in to Kentucky and I purchased his land and let him have the wagon & team that he moved to Kentucky in & paid the balance in cash. It was the place on Turkey Creek that old Mr. Siles lived on & in that year I made an arrangement for the land I now live on. I think it was about the last of October 1804 that I bid farewell for the last time with Uncle John and Aunt Betsy Lane & pressed their little children to my bosom. Of course, I must have seen the Gen. when he was about 3 years old & is little Joseph yet alive. I loved Uncle John for his pure kindness & friendship & I feel thankful to almighty God for the good success of his little children [Rev. Jesse and Gen. Joseph Lane]. He was not very successful with his ironworks but he had a plenty to live on when he left and I believe the good will of everybody that knew him, and when I think it all over in regard to his children, I am ready to say sure enough the battle is not to the strong man nor the race to the swift but the good providence of God has been with them like he was with old Jacob's little Joseph. He made one governor of Egypt & the other of Oregon, & I was glad to learn that one of his sons was a religious man & a preacher.
    I was well acquainted with my Aunts Kilpatrick Mary, Sarah, & Betsy Montgomery and have had some accounts by letters from these families but never could learn much from Uncle John & Aunt Montgomery. When Uncle John & Thomas Kilpatrick moved to the West they moved through Buncombe & stopped on the road two or three days & came up to Father's on his Beaver Dam place and stayed there. Mary & Sarah was twin sisters & married two brothers John & Thomas Kilpatrick. I should think Cousin Lane could get on the Lanes & come to see you before he returns home. Be sure to invite him.
    And now, Brother David, I must insist on you to be sure to visit your native land this coming summer with the full view of staying till fall and let them do without you one summer at Chapel Hill or die just as they please. Everybody that is all your acquaintance wants to see you. Old Buncombe claims you as one of her most honored sons & your relations all wants to see you.
    I know there are counties of more wealth and refined society & rivers of more magnitude and grandeur than the French Broad & Swannanoa & yet in them perhaps you have swum often when you was a boy and drank of the limpid streams. Let me know by a few lines that you will come so that I may begin to feel glad. Give my best compliments to sister Eleanor, Caroline, Richard & sweet little babe.
Your affectionate
    James Lowry
    I should like to see Professor Mitchell in the mountains once more. Give him my best compliments. My wife sends her best compliments to you & wishes the happiness of becoming acquainted with your family. If I knew Cousin Lane would visit you in May I am almost ready to say that I would try & meet him there but it is uncertain whether I could get off. Farewell, may God bless you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hallowell April 19th 1852
Sir
    Capt. Rufus Ingalls, a native of this state, now at Vancouver's Island, is desirous of being promoted to the paymaster department. I need not speak to you of his merits as an educated military man, nor of his distinguished military services in the Mexican War. They are better known to your department & to yourself than to me.
    I have no personal acquaintance with Capt. Ingalls and can only say that he belongs to a family of the highest respectability & influence in this & others of the New England states. Permit me then to say that it would give great pleasure to our citizens generally without distinction of party & to no one more than myself to see his wishes gratified.
Respectfully yours
    John Hubbard
        Govr. of Maine
Hon. Chas. M. Conrad
    Secretary of War

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Home May 22nd 1852
My dear Pa,
        I received your very kind letter of the 3rd of May a short time ago and I am now answering it at my earliest opportunity. We are all in good health and hope this may find you enjoying the same. Uncle Simon is I believe quite well again or as well as he generally is, for he don't enjoy good health at all. Little Mary Jane is growing very fast and is one of the smartest little children I most ever saw. She has red hair like Emily's and is a very pretty sweet baby. She is now five weeks old. The boys have missed going to school this week on account of planting the corn, but they have now got it put in and will commence going to school again tomorrow and will I presume go as regular as they can. Winnie goes constantly and is I believe learning fast. Mr. Barlow is now at home. He and his family are very well. Mr. Floed is on the river. Emily told me to tell you that she was very much obliged to you for writing to her and says she will answer it as soon as she can. Ratliff is getting to be a great big boy. He is now standing by me and begging me to let him write some to his grandpa. I have not had a letter from Jo since I last wrote you and I have not heard from Nat in a long time. I can't imagine why he don't write to us. When you write let me know when you heard from him last.
        Please don't forget to send me those papers that I spoke of in my last letter. I received your Biography at the same time that I did the letter. I have read it and find it very interesting. As I have no news of interest to write you I will now bring this letter to a close. Write to us soon and let us know when you expect to return home. Mother and all the rest of us send you our best love.
    I remain your affectionate daughter
Mary V. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Nesmith's Mills Oct. 30th 1852
Dear Friend,
    Your kind letter of August 17th was received a few days ago.
    In relation to the difficulty between myself and the "Hero of Encarnacion," of which Col. King wrote you, it was in substance as follows. Last spring one Enoch Smith was tried and found guilty before Judge Pratt of being accessory to the murder of C. C. Hooker in this county, and because he was tried by Judge P. at a term of the court as fixed by the legislature at Salem last winter, his excellency saw proper to to assume the duties of the judiciary and deduce that the court had no "legal liability," and that Smith had been tried by a mob. Therefore he extended executive clemency towards him, and turned a cold-blooded, heartless murderer loose upon [the] community with a free and unconditional pardon.
    I took occasion to write in my bluest and unpolished style a couple of articles over the signature of "Kentuckian," which was published in the Statesman in the latter part of June. His excellency took exception to some cool fact contained in my productions and swore that he would cowhide the author and accordingly called upon Bush for his name. Bush as a matter of course refused to give it, whereupon the Gov. accused him of writing the articles, and swore that he should take the cowhiding, and drew a cowhide from under his coat. Bush drew his revolver, which perhaps brought up some emanations reminiscent in the "hero's" mind and he concluded to desist.
    When I heard how the matter stood I could not feel it consistent with what was right to involve Bush in so serious a difficulty and leave him to be bullied while I remained safe in the dark. I therefore wrote to him to give my name as the author, that I was the true offender and if anyone must be cowhided I was the proper person. My name was given, and after a few harmless threats the matter dropped. It was thought at one time that it might result in serious consequences, it being entirely optionary for the Governor and his friends to make the matter assume what phase they choose, but I suppose that his excellency came to the conclusion that I was too obscure an individual for him to waste his valuable time in cowhiding, so they made no real "fuss" about it.
    I have bought burrs out here and have got the new machinery that you sent me started, and am doing a fine business on my own hook. All the flour that I can make finds ready sale at the mill for $12.50 per hundred. It is generally understood here among your friends that you will not be a candidate for reelection. In that event I think that Deady will be the next Delegate; however, I suppose that that matter will be determined by a Dem. convention.
    It appears from all the accounts from the States that Pierce & King are bound to be elected. God send that they may is the prayer of your humble servt. and of three fourths the people of Oregon. If I thought that my chances would be good for the appointment of marshals for Oregon I would be in Washington at the inauguration, but I suppose that there are others who not only have more friends but want the office more than I do. I have had some notion of visiting the States this winter and coming out with you in the spring, but this matter is quite uncertain at present. If I should conclude to come you will see me in Washington by the fourth of March.
    You probably have learned before this time that Dryer is down on you in his paper. His sentiments is coextensive with his influence, which thank God is but small. You still have an abiding place in the hearts of the Democracy of Oregon, and on your return will meet with a warm, hearty and enthusiastic reception. Your old friend Ford has gone sail and body to the federal clique; let him go; we are better off without than with him. Judge Pratt used every influence to keep Ford in his right place, but the Judge's kindness was all lost and his generosity repaid with slander. I have occupied this letter with matters which will probably interest you but little. In conclusion I wish to say that you must come back to Oregon. I shall be prepared I hope to render you some assistance, and you know that I will do anything for you that is possible.
    The old woman sends respects. She and the little ones are well.
I remain as ever your
    Devoted friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




    Recently I received from Eugene Shelby of San Francisco some interesting documents about Oregon's early-day politics. Eugene Shelby is a native son of Oregon and a pioneer resident of Portland. In discussing the documents he sent me, Mr. Shelby said,
    "The documents I send you are reminiscent of the activities of General Joseph Lane, Oregon's first territorial governor. It is evident from General Lane's letter to General John Adair, collector of customs at Astoria in 1852, that through General Lane's influence he was able to retain his office. At this time General Lane was territorial delegate in Congress. You will notice that one of the documents is a requisition for rations for the United States revenue cutter Joseph Lane. A. Van Dusen was the contractor who furnished the supplies. Lafayette Lane, as you know, was General Joseph Lane's youngest son and served two terms in Congress. Dr. Harry Lane, General Lane's grandson, not only served as mayor of Portland but served as United States Senator from Oregon. Monsignor Arthur Lane, son of Lafayette Lane, was for many years in charge of the parish at Albany and has recently been transferred to Portland. Hickory Floed, General Lane's great-grandson, graduated from Annapolis and at his own request was assigned to the aviation corps of the navy. He was recently killed in a crash at Pensacola, Florida."
    The letter from General Lane, sent me by Mr. Shelby, reads as follows:
    "Washington City, December 2, 1852. Dear General: Your communication of the 9th October enclosing Dart's report has this moment been received. It would I have no doubt be well for you to be here at the inauguration. I am determined that you shall be reappointed, and I have been ever since it has been known that Gibbs would be appointed. I know Pierce well, he is just the man. I love him much and allow me to tell you that I can and will bring to my assistance such a number of good Democrats in your favor as will assure your reappointment. You need not be the least concerned, reappointed you must and shall be. Notwithstanding, I would be glad to see you here.
    "Now, General, allow me to tell you that in some things I differ perhaps from some men. I never have nor never will forsake a friend, distance between me and a friend makes friendship only stronger--I found it was no use to kick against the pricks. Your place it was determined should be filled by another. I knew the election of Pierce and King was certain, and that you would soon be restored.
    "Now to show you how confident I was and how well I understood Scott's strength, I bet $300 dollars that he would not get fifty electoral votes and then offered to bet as much that I would win the bet, done in Washington, August last in the P. office of the House.
    "In all things, General, I have done my duty and shall continue to do so to the end, let the people condemn or approve as they may, it will not move me one inch from my duty.
"Your friend,
    "Jo Lane.
"General John Adair,
    "Astoria, Oregon.
"Things will be put right in Oregon--Whigs in office will be but few."

Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, September 26, 1928, page 10



Arrow Rock, Saline Cty.
    December 17th 1852
Dear Fealix
    I recd. your letter last summer informing me you had dishonored the draft I sent on you. I find on a careful examination of Rubidoux' accounts the amount I settled with him for you would have exceeded with interest the amount drawn for.
    Rubidoux may have deceived me in that as he has in other matters. You acknowledge sixty-five dollars with interest for ten years, at this time eleven years. That amount of 11 years at ten percent which I have been paying would amount to one hundred & thirty-six dollars 50/100 $136.50. This sum with you would be a small amount, but to me in my present situation would be of great relief. Last summer I had much sickness in my family & lost one of my best negro men. I have but two hands besides myself to work. I have a wife to support, his son to educate, 2 grandchildren to support and your father to take care of; all this I could do if my debts were paid, but as fast as I get anything it goes to my creditors.
    They have been very indulgent; not one of them have ever pushed me; $1,000 will pay all I now owe. It is very bad to be poor, yet I am not out of heart. I look forward to better days. I have nothing of importance to write your relations as far as I know are all well. Your father is in good health for a man of his age, 76 years--he has become very childish and needs attention which he shall have; as long as I am able to work I will divide with him to the last.
    I have written to Govr. Lane, your representative, who will forward you this letter and will pay over to me any amount his family may recpt. to you for, or should you prefer sending it in any other way it will be equally acceptable to me. I hope your health has improved. Your father sends his best love to you & family. Receive my best wishes for your greatest prosperity.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library  Addressed to P. F. Thompson




Confidential.
Portland Jany. 5, 1853
Dear Sir
    The legislature now in session will I have no doubt take measures to get rid of our federal Judges, they have ever been obnoxious to a large majority of the people of Oregon. And since their last Session of the Supreme Court they did anything but allay the strong feelings of indignation which has so long existed against Judges Nelson & Strong.
    The prejudice against these Judges renders it morally impossible for them to do any good as judges in this Territory, if they possessed the least delicacy of feeling or honor they would have resigned ere this inasmuch as they are fully advised as to the state of feelings existing by the people of Oregon against them.
    It is rumored that Judge Nelson is about to visit the States--if so he will never return, which would create a vacancy, in this event Judge Pratt should be by all means appointed "Chief Justice."
    It is hardly necessary for me to say that I look with every confidence for you to procure me the appointment of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs."
Yours Truly
    J. B. Backenstos
Hon. Jo Lane
    U.S. Congress

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Portland Oregon Territory Jan. the 9 1853
Sir I have not the honor of your acquaintance but am somewhat acquainted with your son at Oregon City you may possibly recollect of my writing you from Lockport Niagara County New York last winter in relation to the prospects of this country I came across the plains last summer arrived at Oregon City upon the 12 of August got job of your son then repairing a sawmill I am a millwright by trade and am now building a large steam mill at this place whilst with your son I saw from some papers that you sent him that the government has put two turbine water wheels in operation at Springfield Massachusetts it appears from their statement on that of their engineer that they produce a better effect than any other known wheel that they are cheap and well adapted to all heads of water I have received another account of them from the state of New York since I have been here which is recommending them it is I believe a French invention not long in this country but is known at the Patent office.
    Now sir if you will get me a draft of them with the other necessary Description so that I can build them in this place I shall feel myself under the greatest obligations to you and will forward to you without delay what it may cost you I learn that the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia have been experimenting upon them and are recommending them above any other known wheel.
    About the 20th of Dec. last it began to snow at this place snowed every day for one week upon the 25th the snow was 2 feet deep here it then began to rain has rained every day since and is now raining the snow has all gone I saw your son here this morning who thinks that the water is now higher than in '49 and it is yet rising at the rate of 3 in. per hour.
    The steamer Lot Whitcomb is sunk between this and Milwaukie.
    Should you procure for me the Draft of the turbine wheel please send it to this place Portland Oregon.
Yours truly
    M. L. Barlow
Joseph Lane Esq.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Evansville 10th Jany. 1853
My dear Sir
    Relying upon our continued friendly relations ever since our acquaintance, notwithstanding our difference in politics, I venture again to speak a word in behalf of our mutual friend L. B. Garrett Esq'r.
    I am very anxious we should obtain the appointment of Judge in Oregon both because I have a great regard & esteem for him, & because I think him well fitted for such an office by his moral qualities and judicial attainments I am sure he would satisfy his friends & his country by the manner in which he would perform the duties of the office should he be appointed to it.
    My dear Sir, you & I have long known each other--we have differed on the question of the policy of the Genl. Government, & in nothing else: No man
more rejoiced in the glory you acquired by your brilliant campaigns in Mexico. When I heard of your participation in the glory of the battle fields of Buena Vista, I rejoiced that one had distinguished himself on that occasion, who was not only an Indianan, but a citizen of my own county & a friend: and when afterward, I read of the deeds of the enterprising band under your command in their march from Vera Cruz to Mexico, I felt a pleasure I have not often felt. I mention these things to show that I now & ever shall feel gratified at your success in life. Mr. Garrett is a young man of remarkable industry & as I think of uncommon merit. If he had a fault it is too much industry. He is much attached to you & very desirous of going to Oregon under your patronage. I hope it may be in your power to procure for him this appointment and be assured Sir, if he shall obtain it through your means, I shall consider it a favor to myself, which I shall never forget.
Yours with great regard & esteem
    Charles I. Battell
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Oregon City 16th January 1853
    Dear Father this note I write you in favor of Mr. McConaha, who brought with him warm letters of introduction both to you and me from Gov. McDougall and other prominent citizens of California. Mr. McConaha with his family located himself permanently in Northern Oregon last spring on Puget's Sound. He is an applicant for the place of United States Judge for the judicial district north of the Columbia River in place of Judge Strong.in case the judges are removed. Col. McConaha has the reputation of being an able lawyer & good Democrat. I saw Gov. McDougall when in San Francisco; he speaks in the highest terms of McConaha. I am well convinced that the people residing north of the Columbia River are undividedly in favor of McConaha for judge. I say this to you knowingly, and I hope you will see that he gets the appointment in case Strong is removed. He is a self-made man, was left an orphan in childhood. He was without friends, educated himself, and I know you always feel interested in behalf of such men.
    The people living in Strong's district are now circulating a petition asking the appointment of Col. McConaha, but it will not reach Washington before the adjournment of Congress; therefore I hope you will not fail to attend to this matter yourself with the President. For information in regard to the ability and honesty of McConaha call on Col. Weller, U.S. Senator from California or Col. Benton of Missouri.
    N.B. Thos. J. Henley and McConaha are bitter personal enemies and have had an open quarrel. Henley has boasted that he would crush McConaha in your estimation & as Henley will be in Washington when this arrives I therefore wish to guard you against being misled by him in this matter. The difficulty between Henley & McConaha arose out of the fact that McConaha supported Col. Weller for the U.S. Senate in preference to Henley.
Your obt. son
    N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City D.C.
    January 17th 1853.
Dear Genl.
    I have had the honor of receiving your note of the 11th inst., but have been so constantly engaged that I have not had time to answer.
    The points you have made are very clear and correct. My view in relation to the question of lieutenant general are these: 1st that the creating of that title, grade or rank in any shape, form or manner is unnecessary, anti-Democratic and wrong, not known to our law or army regulations and contrary to my judgment of right and expediency.
    At this moment, my dear sir, you occupy the highest position known to our law or organization of our army. At the top of the ladder, it is a high and proud position, one that you are eminently qualified to fill, one from your long and distinguished service you richly deserve to fill; none should be placed above you, but I am opposed to raising the ladder one round higher. I am, my dear Genl., well aware that a new brevet does not create a vacancy, and that a brevet does not entitle one to extra pay, but this is only a beginning in wrongdoing; once gone into no one can tell when and [where] it is to stop. I am also well aware that the assignment to duty on a brevet entitles an officer to pay of the rank to which he is brevetted, and further I am satisfied that creating the rank of lieutenant gen. would properly reorganize the army, to all of which I am opposed.
    I am sorry to find "by some unintentional change in the law" your salary has been reduced. Allow me to assure you that no man will go further to do you justice by increasing your pay than your humble servt., and I sincerely hope it may be done.
    Now my dear Gen., allow me in conclusion to say that I know you to be a good soldier and great general, and that no man respects you more sincerely than I do. You occupy a high position and have a strong hold upon the hearts of the American people, and I am only sorry that you are not content.
I am my dear Genl. with great
    Respect your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Maj. Genl. Winfield Scott
    U.S.A.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Copy.
General Land Office
    January 21st 1853
Hon. A. Felch
    Ch. of Committee on
        Public Lands
            U.S. Senate
                Sir,
                    I have the honor to enclose the draft of a bill amendatory to the Act of 27 September 1850 "To Create the Office of Surveyor General of the Public Lands in Oregon" &c., which was referred to this office by the Hon. Joseph Lane, and in relation thereto beg leave to state,
    That the first section is designed to provide for the widows of those emigrants who died in the long and painful passage across the continent, or before commencing the settlement required by the act of which this is amendatory. This class of cases is so meritorious as to require no commendation from me, and will, I am sure, at once appeal to the sense of justice and benevolence of the Committee. I have considered the language of this section, and think that it will be sufficient to carry out the intention of the originator of it, as above expressed. In fact, any amendment of it might open the door to claims much beyond the intention or wishes of Congress.
    The second section proposes to extend the provisions of the Act of 1850, as thus amended to the 1st December 1855. The inducements to settle in Oregon are comparatively small, and the labor [and] expense of removing a family there are very great--often indescribable. The true policy of the country is to settle these lands, and hence all that will legitimately tend to that object should be encouraged. It is evident that arrangements cannot be made judiciously for selling these lands till the donations are disposed of, or at least all the settlements made under them, and the surveys are considerably extended. If the emigrant therefore to Oregon can neither purchase a home nor have one donated to him, he has everything to hinder, instead of encouraging, emigration. Under these circumstances I earnestly recommend the adoption of this provision.
With great respect
    Your obt. servant
        John Wilson
            Commissioner
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Ho. Rep. Jany. 24 1853
Dear Sir
    Though greatly pressed for time I called on Mr. Stanton of Te. who after consultation with Genl. Lane says that there has been a law already passed, authorizing the payment of what is due to the widow after the award comes from Oregon. Your Friend had therefore better write in a week or so
to Mr. Stanton before he leaves Washington City.
In haste
    Very respectfully
        Your Friend
            E. A. Stanley
Col. C. C. Battle
    Brownsville
        Tennessee
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City D.C.
    Feby. 6 1853
Hon. Wm. J. Brown
    Dear Sir
        Herewith I send you a copy of a letter from J. W. Farrelly, auditor P.O.D., in relation to the Gilliam draft for $1000 which was it appears paid to you. Mrs. Gilliam, widow of Cornelius Gilliam, has requested me to ascertain to whom the draft had been paid, as she had not been able to learn anything about it. By the death of her husband she was left quite destitute with a large family, and is greatly in need of every cent that justly belongs to the estate.
    Will you have the kindness to inform me what disposition you have made of the money, whether you have in any way forwarded the same or any portion thereof to Gilliam or his family, and if not whether you will have the kindness to place the amount in my hands to be delivered to Mrs. Gilliam, administratrix of the estate of her husband, who has authorized me to collect and forward the same to her.
    Your early attention to this matter is most earnestly requested.
I am sir respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Washington City, Feb. 8, 1853.           
Editor of Oregon Times:
    * * * At 10 o'clock I called upon our Delegate from Oregon, and was politely and most cordially received by him. After the solicitous inquiries respecting old friends and acquaintances in Oregon, Gen. Lane remarked to me that the "Oregon Land Law" would come up today in the House, and also the proposition to divide the Territory. I at once determined to go to the House and see for myself how we were represented. Our Delegate in the morning manifested a great deal of anxiety, and sent his friend and little son to request, as special favor, that certain members whom he knew to be friendly to Oregon, and had assisted him thus far in his efforts for Oregon, would not forsake him in the hour of trial. We went at an early hour to the House, and our Delegate was not idle. He besought of one, as a favor, that he would not oppose this bill; of another, that he would give it his cordial support; another, to help get it through as a matter of importance to the welfare of the Territory.
    To accomplish this, he was in his place an hour in advance of the time for the House to meet. The House met, and our Delegate continued his labors, going from member to member, while the Journal was being read; and up to the time the Oregon Bill was announced by the Speaker as the first business before the House. On this announcement by the Speaker, in an instant, not less than ten voices shouted, "Mr. Speaker!" The Speaker gave the floor to Mr. Jones, of Tenn., who withdrew the objections which he had previously made to the bill. There were several attempts made to stave off the question, but [it] was evident that the silent and personal efforts of Gen. Lane had secured a reliable support, and every division and vote showed that he was gaining his point. He was also ready to put in a short speech at the right point--which told, for I noticed when the Chairman announced that the gentleman from Oregon had the floor, that the members laid aside their newspapers to listen--and all appeared not only willing, but anxious to hear all he had to say. I am fully satisfied that the influence of our Delegate is more than that of any other man that could be sent, from what I saw in his management of his Land Bill, and the division of the Territory.
    I had, with many others of our citizens, been under the impression that our Delegate was not doing for us as much as we expected of him. In this impression, I am frank to acknowledge I was very wrong. I believe he is doing all in his power for our Territory--and is doing more in proportion for us than any other Delegate for any other Territory can do. He says but little, but acts the more--and was listened to with more attention than any member I heard speak in the House. * * *      G.
Quoted in "Gen. Joseph Lane," Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, October 1, 1853, page 2



Mail.
Newburgh [Indiana] 13th Feb. 1853
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Washington City D.C.
        Dr. Pa, yours of the 30th is before me, contents read & noted. Mary & myself have just returned from Mr. Barlow's.
    Mother Lane and all the family are well. The river is again very high and threatens to come over. Weather warm and pleasant. No news that is calculated to interest &c. &c.
    I acknowledge the recpt. of Walker's guide to Oregon, for which I am under many obligations to you.
    In reference to the propositions contained in your letter in regard to your son Simon's purchases of cows, it is most undoubtedly my wish that we should all go together, drive our cattle all together, each one bearing expenses in proportion to the number of cows taken. Mr. Barlow, two sons & John are expecting to accompany us.
    I have my company all engaged; wagons &c. are nearly in readiness for the trip and as soon as the time may roll around will be en route for Oregon. It has been my intention to make Council Bluffs my starting point for several reasons, first to avoid crossing Platte River, & various other reasons. It has been represented to me as being decidedly the best route &c.
    In regard to your instructions in reference to the route from Fort Hall, it has been my intention to travel the route you recommend. I consider that the nearest and most available route will certainly save crossing a great many streams leading into the Columbia River. We think of leaving this point about 20th March, purchasing our cattle as we journey through the States. If I have been informed right, we will not only save our expenses from here to Council Bluffs by water, but the difference of the prices of cattle there and what they will cost us on the land route would amount to several hundred dollars, consequently I consider the land route from here to the Bluffs advisable.
    You speak in your letters as if it was uncertain in reference to whether you would go by New York or New Orleans. Mr. Barlow and myself would be very glad to see you before we start, and I do think that it is the wish of your entire family (if the Isthmus is your route) that you should return before starting or go by New Orleans. However in regard to this matter your decision will be entirely satisfactory. I wish Mary to accompany you out; write me which route you will take when you will start &c. &c.
    We will most assuredly be very happy to meet you at Fort Hall or on the route. Meet us if possible; if you cannot spare the time send out Jos. Lane &c.
    In one of my previous letters I wrote you that Uncle Simon would accompany me out, although he says he will go. You must excuse me for I do not believe he designs going from the fact that he is making no arrangements in that way.
I am with due respect
    Your obedient son
        A. C. Shelby
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Remarks of Gen. Lane.
    In the House, January 4th, a spirited debate sprung up on Cuban affairs--and the question of the propriety of conferring the title of Lieutenant General upon Gen. Scott was adverted to.
    Mr. Lane rose and said that he had but a few words to say about Cuba. He held that it was a foregone question. The fate of Cuba is sealed. There is no power to change it, and therefore it is unnecessary for the House to say anything about it. Cuba is destined to be ours. While he thus declared, he hoped this government would never do wrong and violate our treaty stipulations, but maintain a just course towards all nations of the world. He believed the incoming administration will ask what is clearly right, and submit to nothing wrong. He thought the area of our territory was not spread far enough. Cuba and Mexico will come into our Union, and enjoy the blessings that we do. In relation to the Lieutenant General question, he said he loved Gen. Scott, having served under him, but he was not willing this empty honor should be conferred, for the reasons stated--among them, that it would make a reorganization of the army necessary, and beside, it was anti-democratic.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, February 26, 1853, page 2



Washington 26th Feby. 1853
To Genl. Pierce President-elect U.S.
    The undersigned take pleasure in recommending to your favorable consideration the application of Capt. J. C. Marriott of Maryland for a chargé d'affaires to some one of the European or South American governments. Capt. M. was an officer in the Mexican War and was distinguished for his gallantry. He is also a gentleman of education and accomplishments.
James L. Orr
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  James C. Marriott was appointed secretary of the legation to Peru.



    Gen. Lane Dear Sir the Indians have broke out and are very bad. They are killing and wounding men in all directions. They killed Doct. Ambrose [Dr. Rose was killed, not Ambrose] and wounded John R. Hardin between this and T'Vault's last night. [Hardin was killed.] The greatest alarm prevails through the valley and bids fair to destroy the prospect of our valley for 2 or 3 years. Capt. Alden of the U.S.A. is here from Scotts Valley and has organized two companies of volunteers. Yreka has sent 60 or 70 men over to help us. I wish you would and I speak the sentiment of the whole valley that you would try and get a company from Vancouver to bring down some arms. There is a very great want of guns. The towns was double guarded last night and one half of the men had to stand guard with nothing but a pistol. There is a committee of 4 appointed to receive money and provisions and Alden has lent the committee one thousand dollars and there is about 5 or 6 hundred dollars subscribed by the merchants here. They are now advancing provisions with the expectation of being paid by the government. God knows when and how this will end. I do not believe that it will be brought to a close before winter. They are better armed and fight harder than when we was in here with Kearny. It is believed by those who have been out that there is from three to 5 hundred warriors around the valley. Lieutenant Griffin's company had a brush with them last night and had two men wounded.
    No more but yours with respect
        R. B. Morford
To Gen. Joseph Lane, Umpqua
Jacksonville, Oregon Augt 11 1853



Winchester, Aug. 17, 1853.           
    Dear Bush:--At 1 o'clock this morning I received by express per Mr. Ettlinger a letter from Rogue River, confirming the news which recently reached us of war with the Indians in that vicinity, of a more serious character than any heretofore with the tribes of that quarter. Dr. Rose, Jno. R. Hardin and several others have been killed, and a large amount of property destroyed.
    It is believed that the Klamath, Shasta and Rogue River tribes have united, determined to destroy the settlements, Jacksonville and all. They are, it seems, well armed, having purchased many good rifles from the miners; they have also a good supply of ammunition, consequently they are formidable. The whites on the contrary are scarce of arms and ammunition. I shall be off for the scene of troubles in a few minutes.
    In great haste, your ob't. serv't.
        JO LANE.
"Indian War in Rogue River," Oregon Statesman, Salem, August 23, 1853, page 2



Winchester

August 17 1853
Dear Bush
    At 1 o'clock this morning recd. by express per Ettlinger a letter from Rogue River confirming the news which recently reached us--of war with the Indians in that vicinity of a more serious character than any heretofore with the tribes in that quarter. Dr. Rose, John R. Hardin and several others have been killed and large amt. of property destroyed. It is believed that the Klamath, Shasta and Rogue River tribes have united determined to destroy the settlements, Jacksonville and all. They are it seems well armed, having purchased many good rifles from the miners, and have a good supply of ammunition. Consequently they are formidable. The whites on the contrary are scarce of arms and ammunition. I shall be off for the scene of troubles in a few minutes.
In great haste your obt. srvt.
    Jo Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."




Mountain Camp, Aug. 25, 1853.       
Gen. Joel Palmer, Super't. Ind. Affairs
    Sir:--Yesterday myself and the men under my command had a fight of four hours with the Rogue River Indians, in the most dense forest in this part of the country. Our loss was three killed and four wounded. Those dead are Capt. Armstrong of your county, a Mr. ---- and Francis Bradley. Those wounded are Col. Alden, dangerously, Charles Abbe, do., and Wm. Fisher, badly, Thos. Hayes, shot through the arm, and myself, shot through the shoulder. There were 8 Indians killed and about 20 wounded.
    In the afternoon a proposition came from the enemy for a parley, which was granted, they being in such a position that they could not be dislodged without the loss of a great many men.
    Today we have arranged terms with them, and have agreed to meet them at Table Rock in seven days from today, to make a general treaty, and your presence is imperatively required as soon as possible. You must not delay one moment in coming, as it is perfectly safe traveling now, and I wish you to bring a sub-agent to remain here, as the presence of an agent is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of friendly relations with the Indians.
    I will remain here until you arrive.
        Your ob't. servant,
            JOSEPH LANE.
"Latest from the Indian War," Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 6, 1853, page 2



Halstead Rangers
    Aug 29th 1853
Gentlemen, commissioners of war and commandant at headquarters
    This morning Capt. Owens with a detail started off for the Canyon. First Lieut. T. Frazelle with two of our men went in search of some stray horses which [were] within the vicinity of  T. Frazelle's ferry. Our first lieut. and James Mungo was killed, the third man a California Indian was shot through the face.
    The report came to Long's old ferry this afternoon and forwarded to our quarters. Lieut. Crandall at the head of thirteen men upon the reception of the news started for the purpose of meeting the enemy and bring[ing] in the killed. Some 3 miles above Long's old ferry a party of Indians were discovered firing the prairies.
    They were charged upon by the foremost of the company, but the Indians leaving the open ground fell back into a thick wood which was not deemed practical to enter by our small party as it being a well-known place for self-defense.
    Those Indians were in the act of driving off the stock belonging to Mr. Vannoy and others.
    The number of Indians perhaps amounted to 30 or 40, about that number were seen. The exact strength of the Indians are not known.   
    Gentlemen, while hostilities have ceased on the part of the Americans in the vicinity of Jacksonville the Indians are falling back upon us and already the work of death and destruction of property have commenced. It is for you gentlemen to take into consideration the propriety of lying still while the Indians are pouring in upon us.
    We will defend our position until the death.
    2nd Lieut. Crandall
    Orderly S. W. B. Lewis
        per N. C. Boatman
            Emissary



(Dispatch)
                                                    Headquarters, Camp Alden
                                                        Rogue River, Oregon
Brigadier Gen. Hitchcock
    On the 17th of August, I received information at my residence in Umpqua Valley that the Rogue River Indians, assisted by the Klamaths, Shastas, the bands living in Applegate and Grave creeks, had united and attacked the settlements in Rogue River Valley near Jacksonville; that a number of persons had been killed, a large amount of stock killed or driven off, and houses and grain burned and that companies were being formed for the defense of the settlements and for the purpose of a general war upon the Indians. I promptly notified the citizens of the neighborhood and advised with Major Alvord, who was then present engaged in the location of the road from Myrtle Creek to Camp Stuart, and immediately proceeded accompanied by Capt. Armstrong, Messrs. Clugage, Nickell and some ten others, to the scene of the hostilities. On the 21st I arrived at the headquarters of our forces, on Stuart Creek, where I found Cap. Alden 4th Inf., who had promptly upon the first information being received by him, at Fort Jones on Scott's River, repaired to Jacksonville with ten men of his command (all who were fit for duty) and forthwith proceeded to take energetic measures for an active and effective campaign, by appointing four commissioners of military affairs, and mustering into service all the volunteers for whom arms could be procured. This force on my arrival consisted of companies under Captains Goodall, Miller, Lamerick and Rhodes commanded by Col. John Ross, the whole under the command of Col. Alden. These troops had been actively engaged in scouting the country in all directions, and had succeeded in driving the main body of the Indians to their strongholds in the mountains. Pack trains were being collected in view of an extended pursuit of the Indians, and all other preparations were being made with the uttermost dispatch.
    At the request of Col. Alden and the troops, I assumed the command of the forces, and on the 22nd, at 4 o'clock a.m. left camp for the mountains, having divided the command into two battalions in order better to scour the whole country. One battalion composed of Captains Miller's and Lamerick's companies under the command of Col. Ross were directed to proceed up Evans Creek (which empties into Rogue River from the north) and continue on, if no traces of the Indians were found, until the two detachments should meet at a point designated, but if the trail was found, to follow it, and bring the Indians to battle. At the head of the other battalion, composed of Captains Goodall and Rhodes companies commanded by Col. Alden, I proceeded by way of Table Rock in the direction of the point designated on Evans Creek. After advancing about fifteen miles beyond Table Rock, I discovered the trail of the Indians, and encamped upon it.
    I took up the line of march early next morning, and followed the trail with great difficulty, the Indians having used every precaution to conceal it. The country was exceedingly mountainous and almost impassable for animals and as the Indians had fired the country behind them, the falling of the burning timber and the heat delayed our progress, while the dense smoke prevented us from ascertaining with certainty the face of the country. About noon we came to the place at which they had encamped a few nights before, by the side of a stream in a dense forest. Here they had killed a mule and a horse they had captured in a battle some days previous, and used them for provisions. From this point we had more difficulty in finding the trail, it having been very carefully concealed and the mountains lately fired, but, after some delay, we again struck it. Late in the evening, we came to the main fork of Evans Creek (now called Battle Creek) where we came to a spot at which the Indians had again encamped. Beyond this, all trace of the Indians seemed to be lost; and, after searching in vain for the trail until dark, we were forced to encamp. The valley was very narrow and almost entirely covered with an impenetrable thicket of maple vine, leaving scarcely room for the men to lie down on the bank of the creek. The animals were closely tied to the bushes, there being no grass or forage of any kind.
    The command was ready to move by daylight. A party on foot early discovered the trail; and, after cutting out the brush for nearly a quarter of a mile, we succeeded in reaching it with the animals. About a mile farther up we crossed Battle Creek and ascended a high, steep mountain which forms the dividing ridge of the numerous branches running into Rogue River. This part of the country had not been fired. About nine o'clock a.m., we arrived at another Indian camp on the ridge, at a spring very difficult of access, on the side of a mountain. On leaving this camp, we found that the woods had been recently fired, which induced me to believe that the Indians were not far in advance of us. About a half a mile from the spring, as I was riding slowly in front, I heard the crack of a rifle in the direction of the enemy. I proceeded to a point commanding the rapid descent of the trail from the mountain, and, halting, could hear persons talking in their camp about four hundred yards distant, in a dense forest thick with underbrush, which entirely obstructed the view. As the troops came up, they were ordered in a low voice to dismount, tie their animals and prepare for battle.
    Colonel Alden, at the head of Captain Goodall's company, was directed to proceed on the trail, and attack the enemy in front, while a portion of Captain Rhodes' company was directed to follow a ridge running to the left of their trail, and turn their flank. Colonel Alden proceeded to engage them in the most gallant manner, his well-directed fire being the first intimation of our approach. It being found impracticable to turn their flank, Captain Rhodes at once engaged them on their right. The men were deployed, taking cover behind the trees, and the fight became general. I was delayed a few minutes on the hill for the arrival of the rear guard. These were dismounted, and all except fifteen men I immediately led into action. On arriving on the ground, I found Colonel Alden, who had been shot down early in the fight, dangerously wounded, in the arms of his faithful sergeant, and surrounded by a few of his own men. The battle was now raging with great fierceness, our men coolly pouring in their fire, unshaken by the hideous yells and war whoops of the Indians, or by their rapid and more destructive fire.
    After examining the ground and finding the enemy were securely posted behind trees and logs and concealed by underbrush, and that it was impossible to reach them except when they carelessly exposed their persons in their anxiety to get a shot at our men, I determined to charge them. I passed the order, led forward in the movement, and, when within thirty yards of their position, received a wound from a rifle-ball, which struck my right arm near the shoulder-joint, and, passing entirely through, came out near the point of the shoulder. Believing at the time that the shot came from the flank, I immediately ordered our line to be extended to prevent the enemy from turning our flank, and the men again to cover themselves behind trees. This position was held for three or four hours, during which time I talked frequently with the officers and men, and found them cool, and determined on conquering the enemy. Finding myself weak from loss of blood, I retired to the rear to have my wound examined and dressed. While here the Indians cried out to our men, many of whom understood their language, that they wished for a talk; that they desired to fight no longer; that they were frightened and desired peace. Mr. Tyler was dispatched by Captain Goodall to inform me of the desire of the Indians to cease firing and make peace. By this time, Robert Metcalfe and James Bruce had been sent into their lines to talk, and, having informed them that I was in command, they expressed a great desire to see me.
    Finding that they were much superior in numbers, being about two hundred warriors, well armed with rifles and muskets, well supplied with ammunition, and knowing that they could fight as long as they saw fit and then safely retreat into a country exceedingly difficult of access, and being desirous of examining their position, I concluded to go among them. On entering their lines, I met the principal chief, Joe, and the subordinate chiefs, Sam and Jim, who told me that their hearts were sick of war, and that they would meet me at Table Rock in seven days, when they would give up their arms, and make a treaty and place themselves under our protection. The preliminaries having been arranged, the command returned to the place where they had been dismounted, the dead were buried and the wounded cared for.
    By this time Colonel Ross, with his battalion, arrived, having followed our trail for some distance. This gallant command were anxious to renew the attack upon the Indians, who still remained in their position, but as the negotiations had proceeded so far, I could not consent. That night was spent within four hundred yards of the Indians, and good faith was observed on both sides. At the dawn of day, I discovered that the Indians were moving and sent to stop them until a further talk had been held. Accompanied by Col. Ross and other officers, I went among them and became satisfied that they would faithfully observe the agreements already made. By the advice of the surgeon, we remained that day and night upon the battle ground, and then returned to Table Rock.
    Too much praise cannot be awarded to Col. Alden. The country is greatly indebted to him for the rapid organization of the forces, when it was utterly without defenses. His gallantry is sufficiently attested by his being dangerously wounded while charging at the head of his command, almost at the enemy's lines. Captains Goodall and Rhodes, with their companies, distinguished themselves from the beginning to the end of the action. For their cool and determined bravery, no troops could have done better. The command of Col. Ross, under Captains Miller and Lamerick, although too late to participate in the action, made a severe march through the mountains and arrived on the ground one day sooner than I expected them. Their presence was of great assistance to us. Our loss in the battle was three killed: Pleasant Armstrong, John Scarborough and Isaac Bradley, and five badly wounded: Colonel Alden, myself, and privates Chas. C. Abbe (since dead), Henry Flesher and Thomas Hay. The Indians lost eight killed and twenty wounded, seven of whom we know to have since died.
    Soon after my return from the mountains, Capt. A. J. Smith, First Dragoons, arrived at camp with his troops from Port Orford. His arrival was most opportune. His presence during the negotiations for a peace was of great assistance, while his troop served to overawe the Indians.
    The governor of the territory, upon the first information being received by him, ordered out a company under Capt. Nesmith, and sent them as an escort for a large quantity of arms and ammunition which were procured from Fort Vancouver. Captain Nesmith arrived after the negotiations had been commenced, but was of great service to me from his intimate knowledge of the Indians and their language. Lieutenant Kautz, Fourth Infantry, accompanied Captain Nesmith, and had in charge a twelve-pound howitzer and caisson, which he brought safely into camp, although the road is a very difficult one and seldom traveled by wagons. A commission as brigadier general, from the governor of Oregon, reached me a few days after I had assumed command at Capt. Alden's request. A treaty of peace has been made with the Indians, and I have no doubt that with proper care it can be maintained. The tribe is a very large one, and to a great extent controls the tribes in this part of the country, and a peace with them is a peace with all. This, in my opinion, can only be perfectly secured by the presence of a considerable military force in the Rogue River Valley without delay.
    To Robert Metcalfe, who acted for me as scout and guide, I am indebted for the faithful discharge of his duty. John D. Cosby, James Bruce and George W. Tyler did good service in the same capacity. On the expedition to the mountains, from the 22nd to the 26th, W. G. T'Vault, Esq., acted as my volunteer aide. At that time, Captain C. Sims joined the command, and handsomely performed the duties of assistant adjutant-general until compelled by sickness to resign on the 29th. Since that time, Captain Mosher, late of the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, has performed the duties of that office. Dr. Ed. Sheil, George Dart, Richard Dugan and L. A. Davis, the commissioners appointed by Col. Alden, were most active in the performance of their duties, and kept the command supplied with provisions, transportation and necessaries for carrying on the war. Major Chas. S. Drew, assistant quartermaster, with his assistants, performed their duties with promptness and accuracy. Dr. E. H. Cleaveland, surgeon general, and his assistants, were unremitting in their attention to the sick and wounded.
    I have the honor to be, etc.,
            Joseph Lane.
Compiled from a handwritten transcription in the Joseph Lane Papers at the University of Oregon and as printed in the History of the Pacific Northwest. Another version was printed in the Oregon Weekly Times, October 29, 1853, page 1.




Jacksonville O.T. August 30th 1853               
To General Lane commanding Oregon and California battalion
    It is thought by those who have recently arrived here from the Canon that it is necessary  to send an escort of some ten or twelve men to guard the incoming trains, six or seven in number.
    Col. Alden is very feeble. Dr. Gatliff has just arrived from Yreka.
    Yours respectfully
        C. S. Drew



    Rogue River Valley
        Aug. 31, 1853.
My dear sir
    Your note of today is just received by the hand of Messrs. McKay, Newton and others.
    Since the Saturday that the present Indian difficulty commenced there have been no Indians at my house, except one known among us by the name of Old Jacob, and his family.
    If there had been any others here I should have taken pleasure in recommending to them to report to you at headquarters.
    Old Jacob referred to above had been camped on Stuart's Creek near my house the greater part of the time since the present difficulty commenced, and so far as my knowledge extends has remained entirely neutral.
    I have the honor to be
        very respectfully
            Your obt. srvt.
                A. A. Skinner
Gen. Joseph Lane,
     Commanding etc.


September 7th [1853]               
General Lane
    Dear sir day before yesterday the awful intelligence reached me of the death of my husband by the publication of one of your letters. Tomorrow morning Mr. Dunham, the bearer of this, starts to see if he can make arrangement to get men to go for the body of Mr. Armstrong against [sic--until?] my brother Dr. Smith arrives with the team. Dear sir, if you will please render some assistance by informing them where Mr. Armstrong was buried and assisting them to obtain men if more are necessary to make it safe. I shall be unspeakably obliged and you shall have the gratitude of my heart for your kindness. I also desire you to write me the particulars of my husband's death if you please, how long he lived and what he said. Give me all that is known in regard to it.
                    Jane Armstrong



Halstead Ferry Rogue River
    Sept 9th 1853
Gen. Joseph Lane Commander in Chief of Rogue River Forces
Sir
    Having according to orders left Jacksonville on the morning of the 4th Sept. after transacting all necessary business my command traveled to Applegate and encamped below the fort for the purpose of obtaining information of the whereabouts of the Indians of those occupying that position. After obtaining a guide we marched for a creek on which we supposed the Indians to be in force some 8 or 10 miles distant from the above-mentioned fort where we scouted from the afternoon [of the] 4th until the 7th inst. seeing plenty of fresh sign on the several creeks emptying on the west side of Applegate. And finally on the morning of the 7th we found where they crossed Applegate in [a] pretty large body. We pursued the sign and about noon came upon the Indians they having discovered us but were scattered so on the side of the mountain in the brush we could not charge them; however, in the evening we captured a prisoner known as "Jim Taylor," a notorious leader in the many depredations and murders perpetrated against our fellow citizens. The Indians discovering we had captured their tyee wish to "wah wah," but knowing their intentions I prudently sent no man for that purpose. The Indians were careful to keep in the brush on the mountainside. In the night they kept whooping and signal fires on the mountaintops but did not attack us.
    In the morning [of the] 8th the Indians came down partly on the mountainsides as if to attack. We attempted to draw them out but did not succeed. At 10 o'clock a.m. the Indians augmenting their forces I concluded to march out for Long's Ferry, not caring to risk a battle with the large force the Indians would have had by night--and the obstruction of our pack mules and prisoner. The pack mules we unfortunately had with us or I should have drove them from their position. On the evening of the 8th arrived at Long's Ferry, the Indians following us on the mountains.
    My object in going to Long's was to obtain more provision and dispose of the prisoner, which has been done today, 9th inst. From evidences which I obtained I concluded to have a trial in which it was proven he and party had killed Mungo and others beside numerous depredations; upon these evidences he was convicted and sentenced to be shot, which sentence was executed today by a detail of my command in a summary manner.
    I shall march tomorrow morning the 10th for the mountains on Applegate, where I hope to engage and rout them completely. The Indians are seen here frequently; a large number passed last night in canoes down the river--what their object is I do not know.
Yours respectfully
    R. L. Williams
        Rifle Rangers
P.S.  I thus have been precise in details so no wrong construction will be put on our proceedings.  R. L. M.



Jacksonville Sept 10th, 53               
Dear General
    Our march was brisk to this place, and we will leave for the mountains in the morning. I have got all the medicine I want except some quinine, which Drew will get from Dr. Gatliff of Yreka if he can raise the money as the Dr. is not willing to trust the government for pay. I find our hospital have nearly clear of sick and wound[ed] for which I am and every soldier and officer shouts be thankful to Dr. Cleaveland for his untiring service and care.
    General, your old friend T'Vault is down and you I would like if I had time to give you a full description of our conversation, but have not time so I will refer you to Dr. Ambrose for particulars.
    Col. Alden is doing well.
    Permit to say you will ever have a friend in your svt.
        H. L. Evans
N.B.  Dr. Cleaveland comes to camp and will dress your arm tonight and in the morning.




Scotts Valley Sept. 10th 1853               
Gen'l Lane
    Dear sir, Since my arrival at this place I have seen the chief of the Scotts River Indians and he informs me that there is a large body of the Rogue River Indians with old Tipsey on or about the head of Cottonwood sent and ordered to remain there by Old Joe, for if they showed themselves to the whites they would have to give up their arms. The Indians say that they know where they are and if necessary will pilot the whites to where they are.
Yours truly
    James Bruce



Jacksonville Sept 15th 1853               
Dear Genl.
    Since listening to the recital by Capt. Williams, in your presence, of the fight between his command and the Indians on Applegate Creek, I have heard and believe that it was an unprovoked attack on the family of Indian John by order of Capt. Williams, and in direct violation of your positive instructions to not interfere or do anything to interrupt the friendly relations then about to be and now fully consummated between the whites and Jo, Sam, Jim, John and Limpy's bands of Indians.
    It appears to me that Capt. Williams could not have been ignorant of the fact that this party of John's was a portion of those included among 200 people who were awaiting the return of John and his sons from the treaty ground preparatory to their removal to the reserve assigned them. John's uniformly good conduct towards the whites and the assurance he and his people gave us of their good and friendly intentions, and the circumstances by which we are now surrounded, I think demand an investigation of the conduct of Capt. Williams and his command, and as an act of justice to those people and to the end that peace may be preserved, I ask that Capt. Williams may be arrested and dealt with according to the rules and regulations of the army. It is at this time impossible to foresee the result of this unfortunate transaction, but as I have great confidence in the forbearance of those Indians and their great desire to preserve peace by carrying out on their part the stipulations of the treaty just concluded, I do not despair of being able to conciliate and to convince them of the sincerity of our intentions towards them.
    Your long acquaintance with these Indians and your better judgment will enable you to determine whether this act be such as to require the interference on your part for the arrest of those implicated.
    I have the honor to be
        dear sir your obedient
            servant
                Joel Palmer
                    Supt Indian Affairs
                        O T
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Commanding Forces   
        Oregon



Jacksonville, Sept. 18, 1853.       
    DEAR MADAM--It is with the deepest regret that I feel called upon to tender to you my heartfelt sympathy at the overwhelming loss you have recently sustained. Your husband [Pleasant Armstrong] was my friend, and one whom I highly esteemed. His loss was deeply deplored, not only by myself, but by the whole command, for none knew him but to love him.
    He fell like a gallant soldier, charging at the head of troops. When within thirty yards of the enemy's line, the fatal shot struck him in the center of the breast; he exclaimed, "They have given me a dead center shot," and immediately expired. By my orders his body was carried to the rear, and after the battle he was buried with the honors of war. May He who protects the widow and the fatherless give you strength to bear this deep affliction!
    I remain, madam, your sincere friend,
                                                                        JOS. LANE.
Mrs. Jane Armstrong.

Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 15, 1853, page 2




Treasury Department
    Comptroller's Office
        September 19th 1853.
John L. Wurts Esqr.
    Washington.
        Sir,
            You verbally asked me to state why the draft of the Hon. Joseph Lane, late Governor of Oregon, was not paid. He drew in your favor for $528.85, the amount due on account of his salary, under his late appointment.
    The 1st Auditor reported said sum to be his due per Report No. 112,769 September 15th 1853, which was approved in this office. There was found due to Governor Lane per Report No. 109,362 March 8th 1853 the sum of $1759.78 which he requested to have stand to his credit on the books of the Treasury, to apply on a balance against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, if said balance should not be otherwise settled by him. In order to ascertain whether a balance still remained against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, I addressed a letter on the 16th to said Auditor for information. On the same day he stated the balance on his books against Gov. Lane was
$7,175.02
Vouchers deposited to the amount of    3,909.32
$3,265.70
This balance against Gov. Lane exceeds the balance on the Treasury accounts in his favor       $1759.78 [+] $528.85 [=] $2,288.63
By      977.07
$3,265.70
The law requires the amounts so found due to Gov. Lane to be withheld and applied towards his indebtedness unless he discharges the same in some other manner.
Most sincerely
    Yours
        Elisha Whittlesey
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Marysville, Sept. 20th, 1853.       
Dear Sir:
    The difficulties with the Indians, I understand, are settled, and I sit down to congratulate you most heartily on your escape from the imminent dangers to which your life has been exposed. The news of the outbreak reached here the day after I returned from Winchester, and I heard at the same time that you had started to the seat of war. Knowing the daring courage of your nature--the almost recklessness with which you expose your person in the hour of battle--I felt great uneasiness on your account, and almost dreaded to hear any news from the scene of hostilities. You have escaped--escaped from perils greater than you passed through in Mexico--and with only a wound that has not endangered your life nor mutilated your person. Allow me to rejoice with your family that your life, so important to them at this time, has been saved to them and to your country, and that, instead of being cut off when their welfare and happiness depended so much on your preservation, you return to them with new honors, and new laurels, and a stronger hold than ever on the affections and confidence of the people of Oregon and of the whole country.
    I trust you will not consider these the cold congratulations of one who, while you were bravely periling your life for your country, preferred to remain snugly at home. It was not from choice that I remained, but from necessity. Although my eyes suffered greatly from my trip to Winchester, I determined to join you, and made great efforts to get a horse. But no one was willing to let a horse go on such a service, and the only one I could get was a wild colt that would have given me infinite trouble and perhaps broken my neck. Having no money I could not buy, and was thus compelled to forgo the credit and excitement of Indian warfare for the inglorious confinement of a village post office.
    I have been keeping the post office since my return, but shall give it up in a week or two, as it pays very little and I have made enough by my profession to pay expenses for a few months. I have made about two hundred dollars, but as business is limited I cannot promise myself such success hereafter. Two hundred dollars would be a considerable sum in the states, but here it will pay expenses only 15 or 20 weeks. However, that and what I may make by the clerkship of the council (should I be elected) will keep me afloat till something better offers. At least, I will use every exertion to make it answer.
    Mr. Avery has offered to secure for me the clerkship of the dist. court of this county, but I shall decline it, for the reason that Hovey, the incumbent, invited me to use his office when I come here and loaned me twenty dollars to go to Winchester. To displace him after such little kindnesses would have the appearance of ingratitude. I would not feel quite at ease if I should do so, although the office would be conferred on me without any solicitation whatever on my part. I would caution you against mentioning to Avery that this was my reason for declining, inasmuch as there is a bitter feud between him and Hovey, and he could not therefore appreciate my motives.
    One T. M. F. Patton passed through here a few days ago and was railing against you considerably for making a treaty with the Indians, and exhibiting a hole in his shirt which he said was made by an Indian bullet. We read in ancient history of Pisistratus, the Athenian, who cut and wounded his body to induce the belief that this violence was committed by his enemies, and having by this artifice obtained a guard for his person, overthrew the liberties of his country. Patton has improved upon Pisistratus, and instead of cuts and wounds upon his body, exhibits a bloodless hole in his shirt. What a miserable green-eyed reptile he is. I want to learn from you his conduct in the war, as I wish to take him off in the Statesman. The wretch and all others like him will find that when your military or civil conduct is assailed, you have friends whose voices and whose pens will soon place it in its true light. Miserable dunghills, whose martial ardor rises with the prospect of peace, and who become eager for the fray when the fight is over, can do but little damage to one who displays as much prudence and humanity in negotiations for peace as courage in braving the perils of the battlefield.
    You have doubtless heard before this time that Col. Gardner has been appointed Surveyor General of Oregon. This appointment disappoints Olney, and upsets our calculations with regard to the expected vacancy.
    Yours truly
        Samuel B. Garrett



General Joseph Lane
    Commanding etc.
        Robinson House
            Jacksonville
                Oregon


Camp [on Rogue River] one mile above Evans   
    22d Sept 1853   
Dear General
    Yesterday we met some six or seven Indians armed on this side of the river. I write you to let you know the fact that such is their custom. You think as I do (as you stated when I met you) that there is eminent danger of collision, if such a practice is persevered in, such is the feeling of the whites. Another thing occurred last night which the whites would not care about in ordinary times. A dozen or more Indians on the other side caroused the whole of last night in howling at a[n] Indian dance or war dance, or whatever they may call it. I do not write to add to your labors already arduous, but you are entitled to know the facts.
    Very sincerely and truly
        B. Alvord
            B. Major
General Joseph Lane, Commanding
    Robinson House
        Jacksonville
            Oreg.


Camp Lane OT
    Sept 24th 1853
General
    I have just received a note from Col. Wright in which he says "I am on my march for Jacksonville and shall reach there in 3 days." Think he will be in this morning or tomorrow morning, as his letter is dated 12 miles north of Yreka Sept. 22nd. I want you to come down and see my new fort, if I have the naming of it, it will be called Fort Lane, as you are particularly identified with this Rogue River war. I will be happy to see you and hope you may see Col. Wright at camp.
    Yours respectfully
        A. J. Smith
            Capt. Dragoons
Gen. Lane
    Jacksonville
        O.T.



Washington Butte P O Linn Co
    Sept the 26 53
Mr Joseph Lane
    Sir I take the liberty to ask your advice concerning claims that I have against the Rogue River Indians.
    They robbed me of fifteen hundred dollars and two horses with sundry articles of camp equipage the summer of 1849 as I was returning from California.
    I am in need of my money and wish to know if I can get it and if I can what is the legal course to be pursued.
    I asked the advice of a lawyer on the subject he said he could not tell what could be done without seeing you.
    So I concluded that the only sure way to obtain the information that I wanted would be to inquire of you.
    My account was made out against the Indians and testified to by John Meldrum in the latter part of the summer or fall after the robbery was committed. If I mistake not you was acting as Indian agent at that time.
    Please to answer as soon as convenient
        Yours respectfully
            Arthur Saltmarsh



Jacksonville O.T. Sept. 26th 1853
    Genl. Lane will [you] please send me the government organ--and any other weekly he thinks proper--from the Patent Office any seeds and plants & roots that he may deem suitable to our soil & climate--also, any books, docts. or any other papers--which will be propagated and disseminated with the view to profit the largest and most useful class of the citizens of our Territory--the farmers--
    The "tree of heaven" [Ailanthus altissima] is a good ornamental one--and would be useful in Umpqua. The seeds can be had at the Patent Office--My folks brought from Louisiana the seeds of the beautiful China & catalpa tree, that I sent for specially, in order to provide our good people in Umpqua first--and "all the rest of mankind" in Oregon, with a most beautiful shade & flower, and owing to the rapid growth of the wood a highly beneficial one where timber is scarce--
    There are several other matters I could mention that would be practical and useful--and knowing the proven-up interest you take in our success generally--I will take the liberty at some future period of making some suggestions--
Believe me
    Your friend
        Edward Sheil
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Jacksonville O.T.
    Sept 28 '53
Hon. Commissioners of Military Affairs
Gentlemen
    In compliance with your request we have ascertained the amount of damages sustained by our citizens during the recent war as nearly correct as the circumstances and space of time would admit. The sum that you will see by our return amounts to $37,412.98. We have traveled over the greater part of the county and have witnessed personally nearly all of the accounts of which we return and are of the opinion they are correct and just. We have been governed by your instructions throughout and have affixed a cash valuation upon all articles as you will observe by a glance at our return. There are a few accounts which we return to you upon the best information we could get without their being qualified to. In all such cases we have designated them by marks, yet we believe they are correct and would recommend them to you for your favorable consideration. Also there may be a few accounts which have not come under our knowledge. If so in all such cases we hope you may take some measures to remunerate them for their losses.
    Gentlemen, with due regard for your kindness and attention, we now take our leave, having discharged the duties assigned us by you to the best our ability.
    With much respect we subscribe ourselves, yours respectfully,
    Geo. H. Ambrose
    John E. Ross
    W. W. Fowler



Headquarters Pacific Division
San Francisco Sept. 30, 1853
My Dear General
    I take great pleasure in returning you a printed copy of your most interesting account of the recent Indian war on Rogue River, the original of which I had the honor to receive two days since. This is the second time you have distinguished yourself in the Rogue River country, and now, as on the former occasion, you have most handsomely spoken of the regulars. Believe me, General, that although nothing less was expected from your sense of truth and justice, we feel it as an index of true magnanimity and in the name of my brother officers and particularly that of Maj. Kearny in the first case and of Capt. Alden in the recent instance I beg to tender you my most sincere acknowledgments.
    I need not say that your recommendation for establishing a post in the valley shall be attended to as soon as the means can be controlled. If Col. Wright should find himself able to make a post at Table Rock or its vicinity, I shall be much pleased--if not, I have asked for more troops from the East expressly for the purpose.
    Wishing you health and prosperity
        I am, dear sir,
            Very respectfully
                yr. obt. servt.
                    E. A. Hitchcock
                        Col. 2nd Infy. B. B. Genl.
Genl. Jos. Lane
    &c. &c.



Jacksonville Oct. 5th / 1853
Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        I forward you by Chas. Drew Esqr. dispatches & accounts to the Secty. of War, and Interior, to be placed in your charge in San Francisco, for their destination.
    The appraisers of property destroyed by Indians &c. have made their report--done their duty--and discharged--
    The commissioners of military affairs &c. have done what they believed right--received the encomiums of Genl. Lane, Col. Alden and the public & discharged by reason of their duties being accomplished.
    Peace and harmony prevails--
----
    Certain parties interested in our late difficulties believe that portions of their property stolen or destroyed by Indians will be returned--I have taken the liberty (without authority) to say that property so recovered could be deducted by me from their respective claims against government--and by this means diminish expense--and be satisfactory to all parties' concerns.
    Please consider the propriety of this course--as also--the proper person that may be appointed commissioner to settle up the whole affair--and let me know as soon as practicable.
    Owing to certain criminal charges preferred against L. A. Davis he was suspended by the commissioners until he would disprove said charges.which is promised to do--when I will report accordingly.
    What is to be done with U.S. property on hand, viz., beds, cots &c.
    Read my report to the Secty. of War.
Believe me your friend
    Edward Sheil
   
    L. A. Davis' case reconsidered; until we receive further testimony we restore him.
E.S.
   
    Last night James Kyle, a merchant of this place, in company with two others who were packing, camped near Willow Springs, were fired on by Indians, and Kyle wounded in the thigh and arm.
    Complaints from whites on Applegate that Indians enter their cabins and steal provisions--I have talked to the Ind. agent, as I done to you on the subject--and still think that all will go on well. This attack of last night though may alter the case. If so, I will apprise you of the facts.
Yours &c. E.S.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Jacksonville, 7th October 1853               
Genl. Jo Lane
    Dear Genl.,
    At the request of Major Drew, I write to inform you that, up to this time it has with the hardest work been impossible to settle and close up all the accounts of the quartermaster and commissary department.
    The muster rolls are all complete with the exception of such stoppages as must be entered on them for forage and subsistence furnished. This will be done at the earliest moment and the whole sent to the Adjutant General at Washington with a letter enclosed directed to you. Meanwhile the estimate, as near as it can be made, of the cost of forage, subsistence etc. is sent herewith enclosed, in order to give to you some information that may be desirable.
    The papers will all be ready and forwarded from San Francisco by the steamer of 1st November.
    I shall at Major Drew's request stay till these papers are all made out.
    The Indians since you left are quiet, and there is a respectable dragoon force here, Col. Wright having ordered the detachment of Lieut. Radford from Goose Lake on Klamath.
    Things will go well I think with regard to the Indians. Capt. Smith is in command of Fort Lane, which is being built rapidly.
    Very respectfully,
        Sir your most obedient servant
            James P. Goodall



Fort Jones Scotts Valley Calif
    October 10th, 1853
General
    A package of paper, from the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley, Oregon was brought to me today by an express rider with a verbal request from the Commissioners that I should examine them and forward them to you at San Francisco.
    Unfortunately the regular express had left here before the arrival of the special express and as the latter will be compelled to overtake the former at Callaghan's tonight he leaves me but a few moments to examine the documents and communicate with you. If he should not arrive at Callaghan's in time the papers might fail to reach you before you sail from San Francisco on the 15th.
    These documents are addressed to the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Interior and to yourself. According to the verbal request of the Commissioners I have opened the envelopes and examined all the papers. I regret that I have but a few moments allowed me to submit my memorandum remarks on these documents.
    1st.  As it is a very unusual thing for an officer of the army to volunteer pecuniary assistance to the government, in order to relieve myself from misconstruction I ought perhaps to mention the circumstances under which this offer of mine was made.
    When I reached Jacksonville the 9th of August last, in order to give all the aid in my power towards the suppression of hostilities in Rogue River Valley, I found no public officer of the government, and no individual or organized board or committee with whom I could confer. No arrangement had been made for the temporary supply of volunteers with subsistence etc. Under the circumstances I informed the principal gentlemen of the town that I had no authority from the government to enroll volunteers and to pledge the government for their pay and subsistence, and that for this purpose a special appropriation would be required by Congress. I declared to them however that by personal observation I perceived clearly that a real war had broken out in the valley and that as they themselves had represented to me it was imminently threatened by at least 250 Indian warriors armed with rifles and well supplied with ammunition, that volunteers must be enrolled immediately and be supplied with subsistence and camp equipage, and that I had no doubt that Congress would make appropriation sufficient to cover all legitimate expenses of the war.
    I recommended that a committee of military affairs should be appointed forthwith composed of responsible men and having the confidence of the community and whose especial province it should be to raise funds and subsistence for the immediate wants of the volunteers. It was then intimated to me that as matters then stood the merchants of the town were unable to advance supplies and money the amount of which might not be refunded to them by the government for several years. I replied to them that the representations which had been made to me of the critical state of the valley threatened by a combination of several Indian tribes had not been exaggerated in the least, and that I was so well satisfied that Congress would make appropriations sufficient to meet all advances of funds etc. made by citizens in this emergency that I was willing to pledge myself to loan the committee one thousand dollars. I have since then been repeatedly informed by the principal men of the town that this offer on my part at once removed all hesitation on the part of merchants of the town to make advances.
    I was requested by the gentlemen of the town to nominate a board of commissioners. I made this nomination immediately from a list handed to me by the most responsible men of the place. This board consisted of Messrs. ____ ____. They entered upon their duties next day, and from that moment ample supplies were furnished to the troops. These commissioners were appointed by me on the 10th of August and continued in session until within a few days past.
    You are well aware of the value of their services.
    I perceive that the appraisers of property destroyed by the Indians do not appear to have signed their own names to the appraisement. I shall inform the commissioners of this fact and suggest to them to forward the proper signatures to you.
    In this appraisement account the appraisers do not make mention of the principle and manner by which they arrived at the amount of damages claimed by the parties.
    I regret that I have not a moment's time to say more as the express rider is compelled to start in five minutes. I will endeavor to write to you by the steamer that leaves San Francisco on the 1st of November. Perhaps I may leave for home in that steamer myself and in that case I shall go to Washington to meet you. My general health is improving, but the fingers of my right hand still refuse to hold a pen beyond the time required to sign my name.
    The muster rolls and subsistence accounts will not reach Washington I suppose before the 1st of December. I regret that the gentlemen have not been able to have them ready before this.
    With sincere regard
        Yours most truly
            My dear general
                B. R. Alden
                    Capt. 4th Infy.
General Joseph Lane
    San Francisco
        Cala.



Correspondence of the Oregonian.
SOUTH UMPQUA, Douglas County, Oct. 10.
    FRIEND DRYER: If you will pardon the intrusion of an humble subscriber for a few lines, I will endeavor to give you a short history of a treaty and its incidents, which was entered into by Joe and others of the siwash nation, and Joe Lane, "the Mary-ann of the Mexican War," and his satellites of this last war. During the Indian difficulty in Rogue River Valley, a call was made on the citizens of this county for volunteers, and Gen. Lane with a company of eighteen men immediately repaired to the scene of action. The citizens of Rogue River at that time were under the command of Col. Alden, and on the arrival of Lane, Alden requested him to take charge of the forces, which he did; making quite an eloquent harangue to the soldiers. He stated that he had made two treaties with the same Indians, that both had been broken, and that now he intended to make a treaty which should be lasting. He said that anything short of a war of extermination would never meet with his sanction or approval. This was his doctrine before he left here, and which he expressed on his way out to Rogue River.
    But in a few days, strange to say, a great change came over the mind of that great man! During the battle in which Gen. Lane commanded some of the Indians requested the firing to cease--they wished to have a "talk." After a hasty consultation, it was acceded to by both parties. Firing ceased--talk commenced, and an armistice for seven days was agreed to, with the understanding that at the expiration of that time, the Indians were to come in and give up their arms to the whites, together with all the stolen property; and that all damages done to the whites should be paid for out of money which would be due them after the purchase of their lands by the general government. That arrangement with the Indians at that time was most unfortunate. The whites had decidedly the advantage and the Indians knew it; and notwithstanding that four out of every five of the soldiers were opposed to it, yet Lane says it was the voice of the people!
    Now let us inquire how it was submitted to the people. When Lane had entered into those preliminaries with the Indians, Ross's command had not yet arrived on the battle-ground; but when they came up the question was proposed whether the arrangement entered into by Lane would be acceded to. Lane made a speech favorable to the propositions of the Indians, and in order to throw any blame that might be attached to the armistice from his own shoulders, he wished a vote to be taken among the soldiers on the question; when, at this same time, his word was pledged to the Indians for the fulfillment of his armistice! The vote was taken, and about twenty out of two hundred and fifty of the soldiers voted in favor of Lane's arrangement--the balance, not wishing to cast reflections on the course pursued by their commander, refused to vote. That was the manner it was submitted to the people!--and it was not surprising that a spirit of insubordination raged in camp (which was the case), and no Indians had come in.
    But, as luck would have it, an opportunity offered for Lane to smooth over and plaster up this botched affair. Banners were presented to the Yreka and Humbug companies, and Lane made another speech, in which he said that "if they would trust to him, he would make a treaty that all would be satisfied with--the Indians had promised to give up their arms, and he would see that the promise was fulfilled to the letter." As soon as some of the Indians came to headquarters, all the companies that were opposed to the treaty were discharged, or sent off from headquarters. He was afraid of the consequences that might occur in case of a failure of the Indians to comply with the terms.
    But the treaty has been made, and no arms in the possession of the Indians have been turned over, except one old shotgun! Thus it will be seen that old Joe the siwash has far excelled Joe the Mary-ann and his satellites in diplomacy, and the curses of the people of these valleys rests on them for their ill-timed, injudicious treaty; for if curses and anathemas would sink a man in the lowest depths of degradation and woe, the shrill blast of Gabriel's horn would fail to awake Jo Lane to glory in the final summing up of time.
F.
Weekly Oregonian, Portland, October 29, 1853, page 2




Yreka Cal
    Octr. 17th, '53
Dear Genl:
    I am here on my way to Jacksonville, where my presence may be needed for the settlement of various accounts, and I make bold today to harness my fingers on trial with a pen. I am rejoiced to find that though my arm may never recover, yet my fingers as you perceive are doing well. Two days since it gave me great pain to write a line, but today a great change for the better has come in my nerves.
    I read your printed report yesterday for the first time and notice a word which would do me great discredit if it remains unexplained.
    You say that you were requested by "Col. Alden and the troops" to take the command. I did not notice this when Mr. Mosher showed me the manuscript, but certainly the request to relinquish the command to you came from myself alone.
    Will you please General to do what you can to correct this, and to save me from the misconstruction that would be put on it.
    The two Indians who killed Mr Kyle the other day in Rogue River Valley have been given up by Joe and Capt. Smith will hang them.
    My arm refuses to be used a moment longer.
    Yr. sincere friend
        B. R. Alden
            Capt. 4th Infy.
Genl. J. Lane
    Congress
        Washington
            D.C.


Salem O.T. October 21st 1853
Dear Genl.,
    The certain news of Deady's removal has just been received here. Everybody here regards it as a most damnable outrage, and that no time or pains should be spared to repair the wrong. I know that you must see the awkward situation in which it places Deady, and that your generosity, to say nothing of the justice of the thing will prompt you to see him put right.
    That accused crew of defunct federal officers who have been howling on his trail for the last two years are now congratulating themselves on his downfall. For your sake let their joy be brief!
    If you can find out which of Pierce's cabinet officers are mordant enough to place any reliance in the representations of Holbrook, for God's sake have him cut for the "simples." McFadden's appointment ought not to be confirmed, as he loses nothing having come out as mail agent at government expense; besides, if any man is to be sacrificed it should not be Deady. We shall look with great anxiety for the final of this matter.
    John & Lafayette are well and attending closely to their studies. Hurry up old Whittlesey about that money to defray the expenses of the courts and tell them that if they want to remove somebody in Oregon that don't care a damn, just to turn me out.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Jacksonville Oct. 21st 1853.
Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        In my last to you accompanying dispatches, I mentioned the wounding of Kyle of our town by Indians. Some five or six days afterward he died. The chiefs Sam, Jim & Joe assisted a few civilians in making prisoners of the two Indians who committed the murder; they will be tried at our Nov. term of the U.S. Dist. Court. It is said that there is another of the Shasta tribe implicated, but not yet found.
    Last Sunday evening Mooney's partner from Deer Creek, that empties into Rogue River some 45 or 50 miles from here, reported that Indians had set fire Dr. Smith's house (joining Mooney's claim) and in his attempt to extinguish it was fired on by the same Indians--some cattle stolen & others killed--with other thefts on Applegate Creek. These two affairs caused considerable alarm, and serious apprehensions of another commencement of hostilities, but thank our stars all is, at this date, peace, with a general feeling of security. Culver, Ind. agent, I am informed, made a visit to Dr. Smith, but of the result I know not--but feels certain of peaceful relations.
    Agreeable with your instructions, I wrote to Col. Alden in relation to a statement from him to the proper departments embracing his knowledge of the late war--the condition of affairs when he arrived--appointment of commissioners &c. &c. He (Col. Alden) arrived here today with the view of examining in person the result--appears pleased with the commissioners' course of action, and will aid and assist the quartermaster in finishing his accounts, which will be forwarded as soon (if not sooner) as Capt. Miller & company return from their benevolent mission to the emigrants.
    Capt. Miller returned for provisions some two weeks ago, and Lieutenant Abel George will leave tomorrow with another supply raised by subscription among us. They had a skirmish with the Indians, killed one & killed or wounded another. George had two of his men wounded. I fear, owing to the number of emigrants said to be on the road, that the company will not return for a month--
    Col. Alden proposes leaving here for Yreka Sunday evening next and will proceed to San Francisco and will be in Washington on the 16th of December. His health has improved much, but his right arm hangs to his side useless. He is popular with all--and I may add, justly merits it. He has strong hopes that satisfactory appropriations will be made--and will exert his influence to that effect--and if a commissioner or paymaster will be appointed, will recommend me--inasmuch as I have been intimate with the whole transaction from the beginning--may I claim your aid also?
    In the hurry of making dispatches, reports &c. to the departments, a copy of the report of the appraisers to [the] commissioners was forwarded by mistake to the Secty. of the Interior, instead of the original.
The paper with the signatures of the appraisers is enclosed--which please have substituted at the proper office, and the copy destroyed, or returned to me--
Very respectfully your friend
    Edward Sheil
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Lafayette [Oregon], Oct. 27th 1853
Genl. Lane
    By the last steamer the news reached this Territory of Judge Deady's removal. Judge Deady has resided in this vicinity since his arrival in Oregon in 1849. We have been personally acquainted with him in the meantime, both as a public man and a private citizen, and are glad to say that in both characters his conduct has met our unqualified approval. He has in that time been an earnest and uncompromising member of the Democratic Party, as well in the hour of its danger as in the period of its triumph since his appointment to the bench in Oregon. He has been under all circumstances at his post and discharged the duties of the office so far as we have been able to ascertain to the entire satisfaction of the people--under these circumstances we look upon his removal as an outrage not only upon Judge Deady, but upon the Democratic Party of this Territory who virtually endorsed his appointment in the overwhelming majority they gave its author for Delegate at the late June election. We earnestly desire you to spare no pains to have him early reinstated. Justice demands this and will be satisfied with nothing less. It is said here that the removal has been brought about through the representations made by Amory Holbrook to Gen. Cushing. We can hardly believe that the administration or any member of it could be influenced by information derived from such a source. If they have we can only say that they have been grossly imposed upon.
Your friends
    Andrew Shuck
    A. J. Hembree
    Joseph Watt
    Geo. H. Steward
    Stephen Shortess
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Fort Lane O.T.
    Oct. 29th 1853
Dear Gen
    I returned last evening from Illinois Creek. The Inds. have been stealing stock on and mar[red] that stream for some time. Capt. Smith and Lt. Radford [were] with me. But when we reached them we found that more force and provisions would be necessary and I sent back an express for more. In due time Lt. Castor arrived with a reinforcement. On the 23 we started into the mountains and on the 24th at noon we came to where my guides wanted us to stop that they might explore a little (these two guides belong to Tyee Jo['s] people). In a short time the guides returned and said they were satisfied that the Inds. were below on the creek
    Radford left a guard with the horses and went down the mountain with the command on foot. The guides took us down so as not to be observed. The men jumped into the water, swam across the water and [were] upon them so quick that they were completely surprised.
    The Inds. made three different stands though they were short. After the word was given "forward" the dragoons were stopped but rushed upon them and chased them until they reached the mountains. From 8 to 15 Inds. were killed; it was impossible to tell how many because the Inds. carried off all of their killed and wounded that they could.
    There was 20 soldiers in the fight, two were wounded. Just after we had commenced our action we were fired upon from the bushes and 2 men killed and 2 men wounded. We took 16 horses and one ox from the Inds. all of which they had stolen within six weeks.
    The Inds. that we found on Illinois Creek belong on the coast and were driven over at the time of the difficulty near Crescent City and they were stealing stock to take back with them. There was a party of 30 miners that went down to and attacked this same party of Inds. two days before but the Inds. whipped them.
    I know that none of the Inds. treated with were with them, for my two boys (guides) would not have fought their own people as they did these. Besides Tyee Jo wanted to take some of his men and go with us to fight them and again we took everything in possession of the Inds. even to cans of powder, balls, caps, etc. and if any of these Inds. were with them we would have taken something that we would have recognized.
    It is very cold in the open air this morning. I can hardly hold my pen. The fort is nearly completed; will get into it in four or five days.
    Respectfully
        Yours
            S. H. Culver
Gen Jo Lane Delegate etc.
    Washington D C
    Capt. Smith has just come down from the new fort and says give my compliments to the Gen., say that I will write to him in a few days. He hopes you will not forget what you promised in case a new regiment is raised etc.    S H C




Salem O.T. Nov. 22nd 1853
Dear Genl.:
    Your kind letter of Oct. 31st from San Francisco was received yesterday, and I hasten to reply. The boys are both well and doing well. Lafayette is stopping with Mrs. Bears and John with me, where I suppose he will remain, that is if my wife's health will permit. She is at present troubled with that old complaint incident to the ladies who are well cared for, viz., a rising in the stomach.
    I have purchased all the necessary clothing, books &c. for the boys. Their bills up to this time including board, clothing, books, tuition &c. amounts to about $155.00. For the ensuing quarter I suppose the expenses will be about $195.00. It will require about $350.00 to pay all their expenses up to the first of March. This estimate may be a little above or a little below the sum actually required. I manage for them as economically as I would if they were my own boys. I purchase for them comfortable, plain, substantial clothing, and endeavor to avoid unnecessary expense.
    John I think manifests some traits of his father's character, inasmuch as he appears a little disposed to run about of nights, but poor boy he should not be blamed for a trait which he has so honestly inherited. We as you know have "started preaching" here, and it is my constant care to see that your sons attend divine service with me every sabbath. So you have nothing to fear for their temporal or spiritual welfare.
    I am inclined to think that you laid on the "soap" tolerably thick in your San Francisco letter. However, you should perhaps be pardoned for dispensing with a bountiful hand the article which nature has so abundantly supplied you with. I have a very fair prospect of losing the ten thousand dollars due me on the sale of my mills, as my successors are doing badly; however I shall watch as well as pray. My going to the States in the spring will depend very much upon my success in collecting that debt.
    You perhaps recollect that conversation which we had about your procuring my appointment as one of the visiting committee to West Point at the graduation in June next. If I can get the appointment and it will pay expenses I will visit the States in the spring. I can do that without neglecting the duties of my office by leaving here after the spring term if the courts are holden and return in the fall. This would afford me a fine opportunity to see my friends, Washington and the Lions. Fourteen long years of toil, hardship and privation have elapsed since I have seen my friends in the States, and now I hardly feel able to do so unless I can do something to pay the expenses of the trip. You can ascertain about this matter and let me know in time.
    I have not received a single dollar as yet from the department to defray the expenses of the courts. If old Whittlesey don't send some soon I shall send him my commission and tell him to go to hell with his ducks.
    Judge McFadden is loafing about town here in place of going out South to hold the fall term of the courts as he should do. He is quite a pet among the Whigs and appears shy of the Indians. The people South are raising the devil about Deady's removal, and the neglect of his successor to hold the courts. McF. looks as sage as an owl, while Bush is beginning to stir him up with a long pole. That removal of Deady was a most damnable outrage, not only on him but on the party here, and your friends all look to you to see the matter rectified.
    It is now a-raining great guns, "Hell afloat and the river a-rising," and from the way it has set in we have a fair prospect for a moist winter.
    The legislature commences its session in a few days, when we hope to see things brighten up a little. I shall annoy you occasionally with an epistle during the winter.
    I have perhaps bored you deep enough with this, and as it is bedtime will bid you good night.
J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Jacksonville Novr. 26, 1853
Dear General
    I write to you at the request of Clugage and nearly all of the principal men of the place to ask of you to urge the appointment of Bob Metcalfe as special Indian agent for the valley. One thing has become quite evident, that Culver is totally incompetent for the position, and we run a great risk every day that he remains here. I need not tell you what Bob's qualifications are. You know them well, and every man in the valley I believe desires his appointment.
    The chiefs are still disposed for peace, but the Indians are likely to become troublesome unless a proper course is pursued with them. Since you left two Indians shot Kyle (the partner of Wills who was killed before), and through the assistance of Tyee Jim the murderers were captured, but have not yet been tried. Tipsy Tyee is still on this side of Siskiyou Mountains with his men scattered in small bands from the Mountain House down about fourteen miles, and are continually stealing horses and whatever else they can lay their hands on. Old John's tillicums have the most of them gone back to Applegate very saucy, stealing and fishing. Two Indians a day or two ago, coming from Old Joe's camp to Applegate, stole two rifles and some blankets from a miner's camp on Jackson Creek about two miles from town. No assistance can in any case be had of the agent, who is I believe engaged in prospecting for gold. Bob went over and made the Indians give the guns and five horses. The result of all this will be that when the snow comes, people who have had their property stolen will go out and kill every poor devil of an Indian that they can catch, and the devil will be to pay. There is only about forty soldiers at Ft. Lane, and will soon be less. I have sent to Col. Manypenny a recommendation signed as you will see by the best men here. For God's sake, attend to this as soon as possible.
    Maj. Drew will be in Washington in two or three weeks. All your friends are well. Capt. Goodall is here talking so fast that I can hardly tell what I am writing about.
    I am engaged in mining and doing pretty well. Write to me as soon as you can.
I am very respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        L. F. Mosher
   
P.S. If they raise any new regiments and there is likely to be a war with Mexico, get me an appointment as Captain.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Salem Oregon December 3rd 1853
Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you by the last mail giving you some account of how the boys were getting along, together with an estimate of about what would be required to defray their expenses during the winter.
    Since I wrote that letter the quarter has expired and "Christ's" folks have been very anxious about Lafayette's board bill. I borrowed the money and paid the bills. It would perhaps be well for you to forward funds as soon as convenient, as I find myself exceedingly embarrassed for ready means, which is owing to the fact that it is next to impossible to collect money due me, besides I have been compelled to advance my own means to pay the expense of the United States courts here without having received one damned cent in return. I have been forced to do this owing to the neglect of Meek to pay any of the debts contracted by him; consequently the credit of Uncle Sam is at a devilish low ebb here; in fact the old gentleman could not get "drinks" here on credit. I cannot nor will not stand that much longer, as the mere honor of the Marshal's office is not worth the amount necessary to defray the expenses of the courts, and if Mr. Pierce and his cabinet think for a moment that I am agoing to pay fifteen thousand dollars a year for such honor they are badly fooled. In short, if I do not receive funds from the department in a reasonable time after your arrival at Washington I shall return my commission to Mr. Pierce with the recommendation that he appoint some man to the office who has more money than I had.
    Gov. Davis arrived here last night and I understand brought on the building fund. I like his appearance, and it is generally thought here that he will do. There is much complaint here about Gardner, the new surveyor genl.; the people who deal with him say it is true that he don't take fees as Preston did, and besides that he won't do the business of the office, and that Preston has established an office across the way--that the surv. genl. sends all applicants to Preston to have their papers made out and that it now costs twice as much to prove up as it did before. Christ, I begin to trouble for my own morals when I see what a proclivity public men have for "stealing." I hope that the box of capsules which Bush sent arrived safe, as I am told that Washington is extremely unhealthy.
    The members of the legislature are beginning to come in, and I suppose will fire away next week. The town is crowded with applicants for clerkships, and I think that after the House is fairly organized the price of "sawing wood" will come down, as many of them will be compelled to resort to that profession.
    I think that your successors Guthrie & Farrar will blow out at the touch hole. The credit of the firm is growing beautifully less. I learned Nat as agent for the company [omission] last year thirteen hundred dollars, which I understand that G. [&] F. had undertaken to pay, but they have not done it, neither do I believe they will as they appear to be entirely destitute of means. I have offered to discount my diamond, owing to my great want of money, but can't even get a part of it when I ought to have the whole.
    I think that your sale of mill property is a little like mine, cultus. I have written across the face of the notes that I took from my purchasers "Slipped up for $10,000." You had better do likewise with yours and save trouble.
    The boys are well and I think learning something.
    I shall write you occasionally when I feel like it--you can do as  you please about answering.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.





Hartford Conn. Dec. 3rd 1853
Hon. Joseph Lane
    My Dear General:
        This will be handed to you by my Representative in Congress, General James T. Pratt, whom, if not already known, I beg leave to introduce to you. I take great satisfaction in believing that you & he are both my friends, & I have no doubt you and he will become friends to each other. I think you and he are alike in some honorable respects--both possessing qualities of soul which attract me, and which have made me devotedly and firmly the friend of both. I have five boys, the eldest named Joseph Lane, and one named James T. Pratt. Jo. Lane is a bold, forward boy, full of military taste and spirit. I trust neither of them will disgrace the honorable names they bear.
    I should be glad to hear from you, if your time will admit of your writing to me. I have watched your public course since I parted with you on the Rio Grande, with great satisfaction, and I trust you will be long spared for the service of your country.
    Excuse the liberty I take in addressing you and believe me truly your friend
H. H. Barbour
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Salem Oregon December 6th 1853
Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed you will find a communication to the Secretary of the Interior which I have to request that you will be kind enough to present to that department and urge immediate action on the same. By reference to the 2nd section of the act of Congress of Feb. 26th 1853 you will observe that I am confined to the expenditure of fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture for the use of the U. States district courts in Oregon, but it is left discretionary with the Secretary of the Interior to make the necessary allowance for such purposes.
    The restrictions of fifty and twenty dollars are all very well so far as the districts in the States are concerned, where there are perhaps but two or three terms in each district in each year, and all those at some one particular place where public buildings can be had free of rent. But you must recollect, and I hope will try to impress it upon the Secretary, understandably that Oregon is differently situated--that we have thirty-three regular terms of the court provided for by law, and that those thirty-three terms are scattered about through the twelve counties of this Territory. You can have some idea how far fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture would serve for such purposes in Oregon.
    I have before tried to urge this matter upon the consideration of the Secretary of the Interior, but I find it exceedingly difficult to make any of the department understand our real situation here, and as you have had some experience in embarrassments of a similar nature here and are now on the ground, I trust that you will devote a few moments to having the matter rectified.
    You will see in the Statesman an account of the organization of the legislature. Your friend Garrett is chief clerk of the council.
In haste I rem.
    Sincerely your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Fort Lane O.T.
    Dec 8th 1853.
My Dear Gen
    I have just returned this morning from Illinois Creek where I have been for the last ten days. I gave you a brief history of what occurred when the dragoons went there with me on a former occasion, to wit: that they had a battle. The result is as I expected; a peace is established that is likely to stand. When we went there I knew that those Inds. had then in their possession from 15 to 20 horses which they had stolen during the war, that if I and the dragoons should have it in our power to take them and not do it it would have raised a great talk and would have been used as an argument against treaties etc. At the time that I returned from the mountains (from the fight) I told the miners that they might fight them as long as they pleased, that I would not interfere, but when they were satisfied and wanted to stop to let [me] know and I would get them in some way and make a treaty with them. Those miners find that fighting Indians does not pay and are now anxious to keep peace and the Inds. are of the same mind. I have been a long distance down Illinois Creek with our Indian boy and myself and saw all of the Inds. that belong there. Peace is established.
    The two Indians that were given up as the murderers of Mr. Kyle made their escape from the guard on the morning that I left for Illinois Creek. I went to Jo and Sam at once; they both say that they shall be found and delivered up which will be done. They want peace.
    Now one word which relates to me personally. A friend told me as I came through Jacksonville this afternoon that he had heard that there was a petition in circulation having for its object my removal and Bob Metcalfe's appointment in my place. Whether there are any reasons assigned or not I cannot tell, probably not, for there are none. This is the long and short of it. Deady has been removed and it is supposed by Whig influence or rather Whig slanders. This is delightful to Whigs and they propose to continue the thing and get such persons appointed as pleases them. I have done everything in my power to preserve peace and to perform whatever duties were incumbent upon me as agent and have been successful.
    But some certain Whigs who have not deemed it expedient to come out openly against you, though they had the dead thing on you when they saw the first effects of the treaty, in other words they thought it would seriously affect your popularity. They are disappointed in it and they know the reason. Without taking too much to myself I think I may safely say that I have contributed more than any other person here to bringing about this state of things. I have in my travels stayed overnight or called at nearly every house in the valley and taken occasion to correct many wrong impressions entertained by citizens, and honestly too, about the late treaty of peace made by you.
    One instance I found whole neighborhoods laboring under the impression that you gave the Indians several thousand dollars worth of clothing if they would come in and stop fighting and that you did so give the goods for that purpose and that the Inds. would not come in and make peace unless you paid them for it. This is but one of a number, all of which are equally as absurd. These have all been corrected or nearly so and were the question put to the people of this county tomorrow whether they approve your course in making that treaty it would be sustained by a large majority, but no thanks to the Whigs, no not one of them, particularly those in and near Jacksonville.
    But enough of this. The only thing that has induced me to say anything about this reported petition is that I am fearful that some one-sided statement might be made, for if persons will get up a secret petition they may not be above making statements that are at variance with truth.
    I shall start down the river in the morning to try to get the two prisoners that escaped just before I started to the Illinois River and shall succeed before I stop.
    Respectfully your
        obt. srvt.
            S. H. Culver
Gen Jo Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.


/ 53
    Dec. 9th
Dear Father
    You must excuse me for not writing to you before. I have been very busy ever since this session took up and cannot get time to write to you, only of Saturday. Mr. Martin came down and he says that all of the family is well. You must go to Indiana when the first session is out and see all of the people there. I have received only one letter from there since I have been here. I heard from Mary the other day. She is well; all of the folks is well there. You could not get me to live in Indiana for anything. Judge McFadden
has come up here and is liked very much. The Governor has arrived here; we saluted him when he came in on the steamboat. I think that you had best buy some lots in Salem and none down here, for it is the prettiest place in Oregon that I have seen.
    Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I think he studies very hard. You had better send money as soon as you can, for Mrs. Bears [sic] had me to pay her to the amt. of $46. I had to borrow it and got Mr. Nesmith to get it for me. I have not had any chance to send to Portland. I thought that you made arrangements with her. I told Lafayette to tell her that I had no money and could not get any until you could get to Washington or somebody would go to Portland and she sent word to me that she must have it so I got Mr. Nesmith to get money for me.
    I like Mr. Hoyt
very much; he tries to make me learn. I speak every Friday. I want you to send me the Drawing Room Companion and The Flag of Our Union. Legislature has met. Garrett is clerk of the council; John McCracken is the clerk of the legislature.
    I think that if I study here as I have been until you get back then I can go to studying law. Mr. Garrett has made a poor start here; he has lost every case that he's had except 2. We have a debating society here;
Mr. Hoyt is president. Umpqua is so wild a country that I wish Mother was down here. You must write soon.
    I am a-studying arithmetic, philosophy, grammar, reading & bookkeeping is all that I am a-studying at present. I entered astronomy next session and algebra.
   

Dear Father, I have a friend here that wants to go to West Point, and I want you to send me a copy of the regulations and the qualifications necessary for cadet. He wants to know what he had better do to get the appointment. His name [is] Roswell Lamson. Send them as soon as possible. Send them to me. Don't fail.
Your son John S. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington City
    December 10 1853
William Cose Dusenberry Esqr.
    Wall Street, N. York
        Sir
            I have in my possession one hundred dollars, placed in my hands by E. Hamilton Esqr. of Oregon for you, which will be forwarded promptly upon your order. Have the kindness to address me.
    It was my intention to see you in N.Y. and hand you the money, but had mislaid a slip of paper handed me by Mr. H. with your address and could not recollect the name; have this day found it. This is my apology for not doing as otherwise I would.
Respectfully yours
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Portland Dec. 12th 1853
Dear General
    I have nothing interesting to communicate to you at present & therefore shall be brief. So far we are still in the dark in the matter of opposition from Judge Douglas against Judge Pratt at the last special session of the senate, and I apprehend that we will never be enlightened upon the subject until we will be able to get the desired information through you, and which we are anxiously looking for at any early day.
    You will observe that the "Statesman" is out upon Judge McFadden. Mr. Bush's leader of Dec. 6th shows up the matter in the true style, so far as my observations go in reference to this matter I can state the true & unflinching Democrats of Oregon sustain Mr. Bush. On the whole I am inclined to the opinion that all the importations from the States by the present administration to Oregon, are to say the least of it, unfortunate to the harmony of the Democracy here, had your policy & wishes been carried out with respect to the federal appointments, we could now show a solid column and a bold front, whereas bickerings and discontent prevail. I am reliably informed that Judge Williams did declare openly that unless Mr. Deady was restored he should resign the Chief Justiceship.
    The kind promise which you made me before starting for Washington to procure me a field appt. in a Mounted Regiment "Rifle or Dragoon in the event Congress should raise one this session," is exceedingly pleasant to my thoughts. My heart is in the army, and there is no use to attempt to disguise it. If from the records I am entitled to consideration for past services in the field, an appt. in the line corresponding with my Brevet promotion at Chapultepec would be I think quite reasonable.
    If no Regiment is raised this session, please ascertain what are the chances to my restoration in the "Rifles" for you are aware that I was most unjustly persecuted by some of the "Rifle" officers and driven to resign my Commission which I valued highly. Please send me the papers necessary to procure my land warrant for services during the "Mexican War."
    Also an Army Register for 1854. Please write at your earliest convenience.
Yours Truly
    J. B. Backenstos
Hon. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Ho. of Reps.
    Washington Dec. 12th 1853
Hon. E. Whittlesey
    Comptroller &c.
        Sir;
            You will please favor me at your earliest convenience with a tabular statement of appropriations made by Congress for the Territory of Oregon since its organization as a Territory, showing for what purposes the same were made, what amount actually paid out, for what purpose, and what amount withheld and for what reason, together with the sums of each appropriation yet remaining in the Treasury.
And oblige
    Yours respectfully
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Jacksonville
    Oregon Territory
        21st Decr 1853
Gen Jo Lane
    Dr Sir
        I have just got through and am sealing up the papers for transmittal to Washington.
    They are all directed to you and amount to $93,511.25 cents, which is not far I believe from the estimate sent to you at San Francisco.
    I have to say that since closing the accounts, a bill was presented by Levi Libby for $200 for transportation. This bill is sent, but is necessarily detached from the rest and swells the amount of expenses to $200 more, making $95,511.25 cents [sic].
    Enclosed is a letter to Hon. P. H. Bell, of Texas; he is my friend and I think you can rely on his cooperation in this matter.
    Capt. Terry it seems has sent on an independent muster roll. I frequently hear his men speak of him and with execration. They do not approve [of] his conduct. You will doubtless see his roll, and will act as in your wisdom shall be deemed best. His men are as anxious as the rest to get pay, and I recommend it.
    Your letter to me directing copies of muster rolls to be sent to the governor of Oregon was obeyed. If your avocations permit I should be glad to hear from you occasionally.
Your friend
    James P. Goodall
P.S. The rolls made and sent by me asking pay are
1st   Your staff roll
2nd  Roll of hired men in hospital
3       Roll of hired quartermaster men
4       Miller's roll of mounted volunteers
5
       Goodall's roll of mounted volunteers
6
       Lamerick's roll of mounted volunteers
7
       Rhoades' roll of mounted volunteers
8
       Williams' roll of mounted volunteers
9
       Owens' roll of mounted volunteers
10
     Fowler's infantry volunteers
    And the rolls of Capts. Terry, Martin and Nesmith, which doubtless are or will be sent.
Respectfully etc.
    J. P. Goodall
To
    Hon. Jo Lane
        Washington D.C.



Ho. of Reps.
    Washington D.C.
        Dec. 29th 1853
Hon. John Wilson
    Comm. of Land Office
        Sir;
            I learn that it has been the practice of the Surveyor General of Oregon to exact fees of settlers for services rendered in proof of claims and in rendering certificates of settlement and cultivation. Do not these duties devolve upon the Surveyor General by virtue of his office for which he is remunerated by the salary thereof and are not such charges therefore illegal and contrary to the contemplation of the act creating the office of Surveyor General?
    Your early replication is respectfully solicited.
Very respty.
    Your obt. servt.
        [Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Randolph City Coquille Mines
    Jan'y 28th 1854
Gen. Joel Palmer
Supdt. Indian Affairs
Sir
    At a meeting of the citizens and miners held today in this place, the undersigned were appointed a committee to address you upon the subject of our relations with the Indians of this vicinity. The Indians have at different times warned the people resident here that if they did not leave they would compel them to or kill them. Yesterday the chief of the tribe located at the mouth of the Coquille River fired upon some whites located at that point. When requested by a messenger from the Indian agent at Port Orford to come in and have a talk, he refused to do so, stating in distinct terms that he was an enemy to the whites, that he always would be an enemy, and that he wanted to fight and kill all the whites. The people seeing that the Indians were determined to put their threats into execution, a few men proceeded early this morning to their rancheria and were fired upon by the Indians, which fire they returned, and in the engagement fifteen Indians were killed, and two squaws (who were killed by accident). The whites then burnt their rancheria. In the engagement the chief was wounded, being shot through his shoulder.
    Eight squaws were taken prisoners.
    Later in the day the chief surrendered and came in. He professes friendship and says he is sorry he was hostile to the whites and promises to behave better in the future. How long his good behavior will last is uncertain.
    All of which is respectfully submitted
John C. Danford
B. I. Burns
J. E. McClure
Wm. J. Berry
B. J. Bell



Salem Oregon Feb. 7th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Yesterday's mail brought the news of your arrival at Washington. We were disappointed in not receiving any further news from you. The boys are both well. John is still with me and Lafayette at Mrs. Bearses. I have paid their bills so far.
    Bush leaves this steamer for the States. I had intended going with him but have been disappointed in money matters. I have spent all my own in paying the expenses of the courts and have not received a dollar from the department. I received a letter last night from Mr. Whittlesey saying that he had written to the Secretary of the Interior recommending him to send some $15,000, but not a damned cent came.
    My demand for money loaned to the Oregon Milling Company amounts to about $1300, and I am unable to get one cent of it. Nat ought to have paid it but refers me to Farrar & Guthrie, and they either won't or can't pay. Bullheaded stupidity. Guthrie called on me this morning about the matter and said the delay in its payment was attributed to the delay in receiving remittances from the United States, but when I told him that all that could be obviated by giving me a draft on the States, as I was anxious to go it would suit me better than the money, but instead of giving me the draft he insulted me by saying that he was in no hurry, and that anything I could do would not hasten the payment. I regard him as a damned turd head who has no funds in the States nor anywhere else but expects to cut a figure here on his uncle's reputation, but he will find [illegible] in Oregon as well as New York. It is provoking to be treated in this way after having made preparations to go to the States. If Guthrie & Farrar were responsible to me I would serve them immediately, but my notes are against the old milling company, and I believe that I shall bring suit against Nat and so bring the matter to an issue at once.
    The legislature have memorialized Congress to so amend the land law as to allow persons who have resided their four years and obtained their certificates to make sales of and give title to their lands as a part thereof. The restrictions should never have been in the law, and it now ought to be removed. Many persons who do not want an entire section are desirous of selling a part but are restrained by the law from so doing. Others would prefer on arriving here to purchase lands in the settlements to going back by which means the country would be more densely populated and greater facilities afforded for schools. The greatest inconvenience perhaps is felt in the towns where as you know it is impossible for a mechanic or professional man to obtain a title to a single foot. This same class of persons by their occupations are precluded from taking claims by the necessity of their following their occupations. The consequence is that government refuses to give them land (without their residing upon it, which is impracticable) but has adopted such a narrow and restrictive policy as to preclude the possibility of their purchasing a lot to reside upon. The government can certainly lose nothing by the change of the law, as the four years' residence and cultivation is what the land is given for, and after the terms prescribed by the government are complied with I cannot see how it is for her interest to compel the original settler to still hold on until patent issues before he can make any disposition of what is already his own.
    If the land is given for the four years' residence and cultivation, then when that is done the title ought to rest in the donee without his being compelled to wait until the damned slow machinery of the federal government can find time to grind out a "patent" which after all is no title, but mere evidence of it.
    This is a question in which every man in Oregon is interested, as all wish to either buy or sell. And you cannot accomplish any measure which will command the gratitude of your constituents more than this.
    Wilson informs me that he has sent you the account of the code commissioners, and I trust it will be paid speedily. If it is unauthorized by any law now in force I presume Congress will not hesitate to authorize its payment.
    I shall come on to Washington as soon as Farrar & Guthrie pay me the funds necessary to pay my passage, which I think probably will be somewhere between the day of judgment and the time when Hell freeze overs.
    We have an increase in the family in the shape of another double-barreled boy.
In haste I rem.
    Your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Jacksonville Sunday Feb. 12, [1854]
Dear General
    Having just come to town from my claim [paper loss] bye. I am doing very well. I think I shall [paper loss] I take occasion to drop you a [paper loss] of this country [paper loss] between [paper loss] Siskiyou & Trinity [paper loss] are determined [paper loss] a new territory where the elect of God's people may congregate. We have had a convention, the proceedings of which I shall send you, and adjourned to meet here on the 17th April next. Squire Steele, Ned Curtis & myself are the committee to memorialize Congress on the subject. The people are unanimous on the subject within the boundaries of the new territory, and no mistake. I hope you will help us. You may expect any return you ask for the favor. I never spoke to you on the subject, but Steele tells me you are with us.
    The new Judge McFadden has arrived and held a court. He convicted three Indians & they have been hung. [paper loss] shot Jim Kyle and the one that killed [paper loss] last, confessed that he killed Wills & Nolan. [paper loss] intends to take a claim in the valley and [paper loss] opinions from everybody. He appears to [paper loss] of yours--all right.
    [paper loss] I hope [paper loss] got Bob appointed special agent--Culver is a B.F.
    Jones who used to be in the Times office and myself are going to start a weekly paper [in this] place; the first number will appear about the [paper loss] of May. The paper will be neutral in politics [paper loss] Whenever the new territory is formed [paper loss] support it, it [will then be a] Democratic [paper.]
    Any government [paper loss] thankfully [paper loss]
    Will you [be kind] enough to [send] [paper loss] of the last session and anything else interesting.
    Having told you all the news of interest, and I will return to camp.
I remain
    Yours ever
        L. F. Mosher
PLEASE WRITE.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem Oregon Feb. 20th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Yours of December 13th came to hand by last mail. The $200 I have applied as far as it goes to the payment of the boys' expenses; it pays about one half of their expenses up to the present time. They are both well and I think making some progress in their studies. As we have "started preaching" here they both have the benefit of my pious example and attend divine doings with me--seldom.
    You must have been mistaken in what the Secretary of the Interior told you about sending me the $15,000, or else he as old Whittlesey have lied like Hell. Whittlesey wrote me that he had advised the Secretary of the Interior to send me the $15,000, and last mail I received $8500, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Secretary in which he says that "the Comptroller of the Treasury advised him to send me but $8500," a sum but sufficient to pay one half of the overage now due, without leaving me a damned cent to defray the expenses of this spring term about to be holden and leave me six months, and perhaps six years, before I will get any more.
    I can't understand why the department is so damned parsimonious with their money. They know that the expenses here must be paid. I have given them a good bond for $20,000, and can't see why I can't be furnished with funds. I have written to old Whittlesey by this mail, giving him to understand that he might either forward them or stick the office in his damned old arse.
    We poor devils out here think that we are not so far removed from the confines of civilization but what we have a right to our opinion on national affairs, and while I fear and regret the fact, yet I cannot help believing that your friend "French" and his pot-headed Kentucky secretary had given the party a blow from which it will take it years to recover. I suppose "there is a tide in the affairs" of parties, as well as men, which taken at its flood leads to--Hell. I think that Mr. Guthrie packed out his frail bark just in time for the full benefit of the current. He has but few sympathizers here unless they be with such customers as the editor of the "Weakly Times." The "Durhamites" are all hard as the hardest. Our sympathies being with Bronson and believing that Mr. Guthrie's interference in N. York politics would have been entirely [illegible], even if his aim had of been higher than to reward
a pack of damned abolitionist traitors, who were allowed onto the Democratic platform by the hope of sharing the spoils. It is a poor policy to reward the traitor at the expense of your friend. Mr. Guthrie should organize a new party out of all the old remnants, and adopt for a platform "victory and the spoils" and never inquire about the antecedents of those who call for a share. In short it is all damned poppycock to talk about Free Soilers and abolitionists standing on the Baltimore platform, and if accidentally found there it is proof positive that they are corrupt and dishonest, and they should [be] kicked off.
    I like Gov. Davis very well, but suspect that he is a little on the "soft" order. How is it?
    If the department should take me at my word in my Whittlesey letter and conclude to dispense with my services, I would recommend for my successor your old and tried friend Samuel Parker. He is as damned a fool as I know of, besides being a Guthrieite. He was my competitor for the office, but "E.C.H." wrote on the back of his application "An old granny--not fit."
    So you have got old "basaltic"
Lancaster for a colleague from Washington Territory. I would much rather had seen Wallace the Whig elected, then the administration could not have been imposed upon. But the "one horse councilman" will go to Washington "on the Democratic platform" and under the guise of Democracy be a vehicle through which all the Softs, no-party men, disaffected Democrats and dishonest Whigs of Oregon will operate and flourish. I will bet you two gallons of buttermilk that the next Delegate from Washington Territory will be a Whig--and I don't care a damn. But it is late, and I am boring you. I shan't expect you to gone to the trouble of answering my letters, and as they will not be very edifying to posterity I would recommend you to make firewood of them--good night.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Portland 26th Feby. [1854]
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir, Yours of Dec. 15th is to hand containing draft for five hundred & twenty-five dollars.
    Have written to Doctor Evans of the fact, has not called yet for the money. By the same mail [received] letter to Nat containing four hundred and fifty dollars with which I lifted your note held by Pomeroy for four hundred and forty dollars & interest, will send the note to Simon as per instructions, first time I write him.
    Well, sir, in reference to Oregon and the facilities for money making let me assure you from my limited exp
erience that any place, yes, any place is better than this. I commenced business here in the spring, during which time summer and fall made money not unusually fast, about same as could have done in the States; business so continued up to the first December. Since that time on, which will probably continue until first May, have not been making my expenses. Never saw such business in any country, and a more disagreeable winter, god knows I never saw rain, snow, hail, sleet, stormy weather, river froze over for two or three weeks in succession, mud knee deep all over the face of the county. As you are aware took Nat in copartnership with me soon after you left. He stood our ill luck up to the first Feby., at which time withdrawed from the firm. Himself and Commodore have gone to the mines at Port Orford; have not heard from them since they left. The ill fortune of dull business has not only fallen upon us but every business man in the Territory. The cry is no money, and how can it be otherwise; thousands upon thousands of dollars leaves the country every steamer, and what is to bring it back. Nothing. I trust in god that I may have a better trade this summer than am now the recipient of, and if business should ever spring up then I will certainly sell out for god knows I should be happy to have my money out of my business, am perfectly satisfied with trade in Oregon. A six months' business in twelve will not try me.
    Have not heard from Umpqua for three months; do not know the cause, unless roads being impassable.
    In regard to the general news of Oregon [I] presume Bush has posted you up; nothing of interest has transpired since he left. Lancaster, Delegate-elect from Washington T., will leave on next steamer. Have two steamers running to this point, each are crowded with people every trip, leaving Oregon, very few coming, many come up and return on same boat. This is a dark, gloomy, dreary and muddy-looking portion of god's moral vineyard. We are all in good health; Winnie goes to school whenever she can get there for rain and mud; her session will be out in a few days. Have you made any inquiries in regard to insurance, should like to be insured from fire for ten or twelve months by that time, hope to have my money in my pocket, say for about eight thousand dollars. If the companies will take any risks here I know you can get it effected. Will you be so good as to make the effort.
    Letters from you will be very thankfully received as often as you may find leisure to write us.
    Mary and Winnie wishes to be remembered by you.
Yours truly
    A. D. Shelby
   
N.B. The little tow boat Firefly was wrecked at the mouth [of the] river, crew all lost, amongst them Capt. Hawkes.
A.D.S.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Portland
    February 27, 1854
Dear Pa
    I received your letter the 16 and 27 of Dec. and was glad to hear from you. I am agoing to school but my school will be out in two weeks, but will take up soon. When I last heard from home the family was enjoying good health. As for Mary and myself we both have a bad cold but that [is] nothing.
    Nat is at Port Orford, but we expect that he will return this steamer. His family is well. We have had some very cold weather. The river was froze over for two weeks so persons could cross with wagons. I wrote to Mrs. Wirt the other day. Fayette and John is well. Give my love to Mrs. Wirt and family. Your tillicum is well and growing fine and is much obliged to you for that beautiful name. Give my respect to Mrs. Easby and daughter. I have nothing more. At present I am much obliged to you for those presents.
Winnie
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Winchester O.T.
    February 25 1854
Dear Father
    This day I recd. your letter containing the check for 675 dollars in favor of D. Barnes, which I handed him and redeemed your note of 725 dollars.
    I settled with Wm. J. Martin. His acct. against you was 706 dollars, including the store house, and our bill against him for goods was 211 dollars. The burrs you sold him was 397 dollars, which leaves a balance due Martin 92 dollars. I told Mr. Martin I hoped that this settlement would be satisfaction to you, and he said he knew it would be, for you and him had a talk about the burrs and you agreed to pay for repairing them, which cost $152, but he would pay half and charge you only $75. See enclosed bills.
    That note you give Knott for 1500 dollars he sold to Sutherland. We have paid 1000 dollars on it, and the 500 we will pay the first of March. Then we will owe 450 dollars, and about the same owing to us, and I think we have in store about $2500 worth of goods. Times are quite dull in Winchester at present, money very scarce, [a] good many people going to the gold mines from Douglas County. There is a great excitement about the Coos mines; people are going there from all parts of Oregon. John & Russell Fickas are gone to Coos; Simon paid them off. Their wages were $450. I am well pleased with Oregon. I bought of Mr. Akin the house brother Wilbur occupied. The house cost $450. I paid 200, the balance [due] next May. I moved to Winchester the 10th Nov.
    Since that time we have sold 4300 dollars worth of goods, but we have to sell goods at a very small profit owing to so much competition. This county has a great many stores and grocers that we have to contend with; consequently we have to sell goods cheap in order to gain custom.
    All of your American cows has calves. Mother and family are very well. Emily and little Mary are well and send their very best love to you.
Yours truly
    J. C. Floed
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Portland Feby. 28, 1854
My dear General
    I have been anxiously looking for a letter from you the last three mails, but in vain. There is nothing new here of interest to communicate, the times are hard as the merchants say & from appearances will be more so during the season.
    I observe the Secy. of War did recommend an increase of the army, endorsed by the President, and inasmuch as the necessity of such an increase is manifest to all in the least acquainted with our extended frontier, particularly for mounted troops, it is hoped the opposition against such a reasonable proposition will be less severe to the augmentation of our peace establishment. I am not a little gratified that you have taken early steps to bring the matter before Congress.
    Before your departure for Washington from Portland last October in conversation with you on the subject of an increase of the army I remarked to you that I should be happy to re-enter the service, to which you assured me an appt. if I desired it in that event.
    I would ask you make application for me if you feel disposed to befriend me in that matter and forward my wishes, [I] should like to hold the position in the line of equal rank gained by brevet on the field in Mexico, if that could not be accomplished a Major's commission would be the lowest grade I could accept. I have no doubt you could get for Oregon a field appointment, and your personal influence with President Pierce secure me the commission, be pleased to let me hear from [you] at your earliest convenience.
    Will you have the kindness to forward me the address of an agent stationed at Washington to aid me in closing my accounts. There is due me 3 mos. pay & emoluments with two dollars per day extra pay by act of Congress for serving in Oregon--amounting to about $500 against which the 2nd Auditor's office shows a balance of $232.00, it is to adjust this bal. that I wish to engage the services of an agt. I could not think of troubling you with the matter.
    It is the opinion amongst our friends that Judge Deady will not accept, be that as it may, you had things read right with regard to him.
I have the honor to be your
    Obt. servt.
        J. B. Backenstos
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
Please send me an Army Register for 1854.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Fort Lane O.T.
    March 1st 1854
Dear Gen
    Enclosed is a slip from the Mountain Herald of 25th Feb. that I just received. So far as Inds. in my Dist. are concerned be assured that it is a lie out and out. But those on Rogue River are in a suffering condition for want of food. In fact if depredations are committed by them it will be from want. I don't know as I will be able to get this to the post office before the mail leaves, but will try.
Truly yours
    S. H. Culver
Genl. J. Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.


March 7th / 54
     Dear Brother, I take this opportunity to inform you that we are well at present, hope that this may find you in the blessing. I want you to come to see us this summer for I have some particular business with you. I don't want you to make any deed to any person concerning Three Mile Island. There is several persons wants it and [illegible] in particular but whatever you do don't make any deed to any person until you come to see me this summer. I think that I shall buy up a lot of stock and take them with me to Oregon next spring. I am very anxious to see that country. I don't want you to write to any person but me concerning this matter. Williamsberg and several of our neighbors wants this property but I don't want to sell it until I see you. Don't forget to come to see us this summer. I have made up my mind thoroughly to go to Oregon next spring. I want you to write to Shelby & Barlow & tell them to give me a full description of the country. I have nothing more to say to you but remain your affectionate brother
Simon Lane
   
    Dear Uncle, I thought I would drop you a few lines in this letter. Mother sends her compliments to you. She says that she would be glad to see you. She did not have the pleasure to seeing you when you were here.
    Uncle, I want you to write to me as soon as you receive this letter. I have nothing much to say but remain your affectionate niece
Ann Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Remarks on certain accounts and bills, presented by citizens of Oregon and California, for services and supplies furnished during the Rogue River War of 1853, also remarks concerning muster rolls of volunteers in that war.
    Of the muster rolls of volunteers in the hands of the Secy. of War, to the best of my belief and knowledge the following are substantially correct, as correct as could be expected under the circumstances, viz: Capt. Goodall's, Lamerick's and Miller's.
    Capt. Fowler's company was enrolled by the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley as a guard for the defense of the town of Jacksonville. When they advised with me on the subject, I suggested the enrollment of thirty men. I suppose the muster roll in the hands of the Secy. to be correct.
    Capt. Owens' company was enrolled by my authority--twenty-five men--but was soon after disorganized. The men
[missing page?]
prices of articles of subsistence be regulated so that different merchants shall not be paid different prices for the same article. This to apply to merchants in northern California (in the vicinity of Yreka) and in Rogue River Valley.
B. R. Alden
    Late Capt. 4th U.S. Infy.
Washington D.C.
March 24th 1854


Washington City
    March 25 1854
My Dear Tyler
    Your note of the 20th inst. has been recd. Territorial business has been made the special order for the first week in May, and within that week the bill providing for paying the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass the House, and in a month or two thereafter will become a law. You are sufficiently acquainted with Congressional legislation to know that things are not dispatched as rapidly as we have been in the habit of moving in the mountains in search of gold or Indians.
    Should an increase of the army be authorized I shall stand by you for a captaincy.
    The Nebraska Bill has been sent to the committee of the whole. I am inclined to think that it will pass notwithstanding.
    I shall send you papers.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City
    March 31 1854
Dear Tyler
    Yours of the 26th inst. has this moment been recd. I recd. your letter written soon after your arrival at home & answered it promptly and sent you some papers.
    I think I wrote you that Territorial bills have been made the special order for the first week in May. During that week the bill for the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass, at least I hope it will pass, and have no fear of the results; for the occasion I shall be prepared.
    The difficulty between Cutting & Breckinridge has been settled, honorably, without bloodshed.
    I am glad to hear that you are determined to unite yourself to a better half. You could do nothing more sensible, and from your description I know she is lovely and worthy, worthy [of] the hand of my gallant young friend, who will I am sure be to her a good, kind, affectionate husband. I wish you both many years of peace, happiness & prosperity.
    Shall be pleased to hear from you occasionally. I send you some speeches and papers.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Astoria Apl. 2 / 54
Genl. Lane
    Dr. Sir
        I take the liberty of addressing you in regard to my losses at the mouth of Rogue River in 1849. The fact is I ought to be paid. I know that it is believed that we were scared away from the vessel. This is a malicious falsehood. The greater part of the goods on board belonged to myself. When the vessel [Hackstaff] struck, the Indians that had not previously placed themselves behind logs, rocks &c. did so! Was not this enough to show us that we were among enemies. The boat was lowered to get out the anchors, but the sea was so short that nothing could be done. I went to the Captain & asked if there was any hope of saving the vessel; he answered no hope! What must now be done. We had no provisions save 3 lb. of pork & ½ a bbl. of spoiled flour. The tide was ½ ebb & 'twas evident the next flood must make a complete wreck.
    Perhaps not less than a thousand eyes was on us & consequently no hope of saving anything by making a cache or deposit of our goods. The Indians firing upon us & nothing to be gained by fighting them.a Chinook Indian we had on board to say to them that if they Rational conclusion was inevitable. We forsook the vessel as soon as possible, night approaching. The Indians robbed the vessel & burnt it that night. You know these Rogue River devils & the fact is we were virtually pirated away from our goods or fight in vain to save them.
    Should you feel disposed to do me a kind favor to bring in a bill for my benefit, I can be advised by you what voucher will be indispensable. My bills was all left on the vessel & I was unable to duplicate them. The Captain & mate of the vessel is livin' about New York & should you do anything their evidence of my loss would be the most prominent evidence that I have. My loss was a little over three thousand dollars, & you might bring in a bill for a special grant of land at the mouth of Rogue River (north side) to be equivalent to my losses as I know you would meet opposition if you ask money. At Jacksonville not much doing in the mines. The best mining country now is along the coast from Port Orford to Coos Bay & little south of the Umpqua River.
    I hope you will see the necessity of some amendments to the land law, as much time must yet elapse before we can reach patent, particularly in districts not yet surveyed.
    I went through as commissioner & surveyor of roads from here to Tualatin Plains last summer. By our estimate it is from here to those plains 81 miles on a course south 25°E. Last Legislature made Salem the terminus of the road. Our route last summer passed over a good country ⅔rd of the way--no road in the Territory is so loudly called for for mail & military facilities as well as opening the country for settlement. I hope you will have double fortitude in asking a liberal appropriation immediately to open the road. Subscriptions or circulating to defray expenses, but I have no faith in a sum being raised. With my best wishes for your success, believe me your sincere friend
J. M. Shively
Hon. Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Letter from Gen. Lane.
WASHINGTON CITY, April 19, 1854.
    MY DEAR WATERMAN:--Your letter of 29th February has been received. All is being done that can be done for the improvement of the mail service by land and sea in Oregon, with a fair prospect of success.
    Territorial business is made the special order for the first week in May. You shall be informed of the result. Yesterday I introduced a bill to enable the people of Oregon to form a constitution, state government, &c., and am well satisfied that our interests would be greatly promoted by speedy and favorable action by the people in relation thereto. Our interests cannot be as successfully represented and promoted in our territorial state as they would be if we were in the Union, on an equal footing with our sister states.
Your friend,
    JOSEPH LANE.
    In a letter to another friend, Gen. Lane says:
    "The Commissioner of the General Land Office has given an important decision in relation to the Portland claim. He holds that the donation law is applicable alone to agricultural claims, and not to town sites or purposes of speculation--that all town sites are subject to the law of Congress of 1844. I shall be able to forward a copy of his decision by next mail."
    It is supposed that under the law of 1844 a commissioner will be appointed to examine titles to town property sold, and confirm the same in good faith. This will settle the long and bitter contest as to the rightful claimants of the Portland claim.--Oregon Weekly Times.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, June 9, 1854, page 2




Salem April 22nd 1854
Dear Father
    I have come to the conclusion that you are not a-going to write to me anymore. It has been so long since I received a letter from you that I cannot hardly remember when it was. I wish you would write every mail if you have time. I have not heard from home for some time, but when I heard they was all well. I expect you will hear before you receive this letter of the steamer Gazelle blowing up, killed about 28, 30 wounded. Among them that was killed was Rev. Mr. Miller of Corvallis, a preacher of the gospel, and also Mr. Page, supt of the Willamette Company. His head was blown all [omission]; he was so disfigured that they would not have known him only by some papers he had in his pocket.
    The longer I stay in this country the better I will like it. I would not live in Hoosier. If Mother only lived here in Salem I know she would like it better. Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I study harder than I did in my life before. Mr. Hoyt is a good teacher. I wish you would let me go to school a few years yet and I will have an excellent education. Father, I want you to send me books. I want you to send debates in Congress upon tariff and bank questions, Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, history of Greece unabridged, history of Rome unabridged, history of France unabridged, Tom Paine's Rights of Man, also his Common Sense. And dozens [of] useful books, histories &c. Be sure to send them, for I want them very much, and Saturdays and Sundays I can read them. You can make arrangements to send them.
    I have no more to write at present,
But remain your son
    John Lane
To Gen. Jos. Lane
   

I have give out the notion of going out after gold.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem Oregon April 24th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Governor Davis has shown me a letter from Washington, setting forth that ex-Governor Gaines is doing all that he can to prevent the payment of Genl. Joel Palmer's "Cayuse War claims" at the Treasury Department, and is charging Palmer with fraud and perjury in obtaining his certificates.
    Genl. Palmer is now at the southern part of the Territory in discharge of his official duties, and will perhaps not hear of those charges or have an opportunity of refuting them for months to come.
    Gaines entertains a personal as well as political hatred towards him, and is sufficiently unscrupulous to commit the grossest outrages upon his property and reputation. Lest his representations might be believed at the Treasury Department and create impressions adverse to the interests of Genl. Palmer. I in his absence have to request that you will use your endeavors to have any judgment which may be formed suspended until the Genl. can be heard from.
    Any man who knows Genl. Palmer as well as you do must know that his purity of purpose and integrity of character is beyond suspicion.
    I perhaps know as much of this Cayuse War matter as Gov. Gaines, and as a matter of fact I was a member of the legislature in December 1847 which elected Genl. Palmer to the office of Commissary Genl. I afterwards served in the army and was brought in contact with him, which gave me an opportunity of observing his conduct, and I can assure you that no man ever served his country with more true courage, industry, fidelity and self-sacrificing patriotism than Joel Palmer (not even the "Hero of Encarnacion" himself).
    The act providing for the pay of the officers who served in the war allowed them the same pay as officers of a similar rank and grade in the United States army.
    Mr. Wait audited Genl. Palmer's account and gave him a certificate for commissary genl.'s pay. Subsequently Gaines without authority of law attempted to reaudit those claims and cut down or reduced that of Palmer under the paltry pretense and quibble that the officer in immediate command of the troops was only a colonel. Consequently a commissary genl., notwithstanding he was created by law, could not exceed a colonel in rank or pay.
    This affords a fine specimen of the "hero's" military experience. I reckon that if every officer in the United States army should resign or die today, and leave nothing alive or in command higher than a corporal, that it would have but little effect upon the salary of the commissary genl. However such nonsense is too absurd to talk about.
    Another objection which I understand that Gaines alleges against Palmer's claim being allowed is that he went to California in the winter of 1848 and '49, during the time for which he charges for services rendered in the office. It is true that he spent part of that winter in California, as you know, for we came back with him in February 1849, but does it necessarily follow that because he did not do all the manual labor of the office, but saw fit to employ and pay deputies for that purpose, that he is guilty of "fraud" or "perjury," or is it just that he should be deprived of his pay.
    A part of the army was disbanded in June 1848 and the remainder late in the fall of that year. There were long and intricate accounts to be settled, many of which were adjusted by Genl. Palmer in person in the spring of 1849, and I can see no reason why he should be deprived of his pay just because John P. Gaines
[end of letter lost or not scanned]
[J. W. Nesmith]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




War Department
    Washington, April 28, 1854
Sir
    In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 5 instant I have the honor to transmit herewith estimates prepared from muster rolls and vouchers filed in this department, principally by the delegate in Congress from the Territory of Oregon, showing the amount of claims for services of volunteers and for supplies furnished for their use etc. in suppressing Indian hostilities in "Rogue River Valley" in that territory.
    The pay and allowances of the volunteers are estimated according to the rates prescribed by the act of March 19, 1836, the only general act fixing the pay and allowances of volunteers and militia when called into the service of the United States.
    The amount of claims for supplies is stated according the bills presented, of which an abstract is submitted showing in brief the quantities furnished and prices charged.
    I also submit copies of reports from Capt. B. R. Alden, late of the army, who was in command of U.S. troops engaged on that occasion, stating the circumstances under which the volunteers were organized, and the mode in which supplies were obtained.
    Very respectfully
        Yr obt srvt
            Jefferson Davis
                Secretary of War
Hon Linn Boyd
    Speaker of the House of Representatives
[written in another hand on the transmittal:]
Estimates, Expenses Rogue River war
----
May 1, 1854 Referred to the Committee Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.
----
Communication from the Sec. of War transmitting estimates for services of volunteers &c. in the Rogue River war.
----
Print immediately.




Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City, April 29, 1854.
    My Dear Ladd:--
    I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 10th March, and am much obliged to you for much interesting news and information.
    I am glad to learn that gold is found, or is likely to be found, [in] plenty on our coast near us, and am also happy to know that vessels have found a good entrance to Coos Bay.
    Some time since I wrote a letter for publication in relation to the division of Oregon Territory, as proposed by the people of Jacksonville and Yreka, in which I gave my views in opposition to such division, and urged the establishment of a state government, for reasons that I think will be considered legitimate and proper. A new Territory cannot be made as proposed. The delegation from California don't think of entertaining the idea of clipping their state.
    Now, my dear friend, you may rely on my doing for Scottsburg all that mortal man can do. I feel the importance of that point, and the wants, necessities, interests and wishes of the people of Scottsburg, and all Southern Oregon, and I am as anxious as a man can be to procure such legislation as may be necessary for the advancement of their interests. I have a bill now pending for continuing the military road from Myrtle Creek to Scottsburg, and have the promise of the Postmaster General that the mail steamers shall stop and deliver the mail at Scottsburg, and in addition to this we have a bill pending for separating our services (that is mail service from the company's line at San Francisco and for letting all north of that point to an independent company, to stop at Port Orford, Coos Bay, Scottsburg and Astoria, and deliver the mail going and returning. Indeed everything has been and is being done that can be, for the promotion of our interests in your section, and all others of our Territory, and you may rest assured that I shall not neglect any portion of my duty, or of the Territory.
    Our Territorial business has been made the special order for the first week in May. I feel confident of success in most matters pending. I will give you the result. . . .
    Your obdt. servt.
        JOSEPH LANE.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, June 23, 1854, page 2



Salem O.T. May 2nd 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Your favor of the 14th of March came to hand last night. As regards what you say about the charge having been made here of you having Deady removed to "kill him off," that charge has certainly been made here against you, but only by such men as Holbrook. I heard him make it once myself and contradicted it on the spot. No friend of yours, and I think I may safely [say] no Democrat in Oregon, believes a word of it.
    I have talked freely with Deady on the subject and know that he never for a moment entertained a thought of the kind. His reappointment gives great satisfaction to the Democracy, and as to yourself I think that you never stood fairer with the people of Oregon than at the present moment. All those little "squaw hopping" stories have died away or been contradicted, leaving nothing against you as a man, a politician or a (God save the mark) "Christian"!!!
    Curry has not been in town for a few days. Your letter to him containing the $250 draft has been received at the office, and I suppose that he will hand it over to me when he comes up.
    The boys are regularly at school, not having missed a day since you left. Their expenses for board, tuition, washing, books and clothing up to the 19th of February last amounted to $360.16, all of which I have paid. The present quarter will expire in a few days, when I will pay what is behind.
    I received $50 that you left with Nat or Shelby at Portland, and the $200 draft.
    God damn old Whittlesey. He won't answer my requisitions. If you will step into the Treasury Department someday when you have leisure and cut his damned old throat and shit in the gash I will go out to your claims and make your eighteen thousand five hundred and fifty-four rails and pack them out on my back.
    By attending to him soon you will oblige your friend
J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Portland May 26th 1854
My dear Genl.
    Your kind favor of the 17th ulto. was duly recd. a few days since, and the news which you communicated in regard to the decision of the Commissioner of the general land office, in relation to the Portland land claim, has caused quite an excitement at this place and particularly so amongst the Town proprietors here.
    This decision being applicable to all the town sites in Oregon & Washington, will act ruinous to many of our best & most enterprising citizens.
    Having sold out my interest some time ago in the Couch claim adjoining Portland to Messrs. Couch & Flanders, I am therefore not directly interested in the question, the principal part of Portland is situated upon what is known as the Original Pettygrove Claim to which Couch made an addition in 1850 & sold lots.
    I understand that the town sites mentioned in the act of '44 is limited to 320 acres, if this is the case the Couch Claim may not be molested & if so but slightly. The "Pettygrove Claim" is nearly all built upon fronting on the river about one mile long.
    Various are the opinions of our Citizens in reference to this matter, but I think the prevailing desire of all the parties interested is simply to procure Patents for the Town lots purchased in good faith from the several town proprietors. So far then as Portland is concerned I believe the Citizens do not wish to deprive the claimants of any lots or lands not heretofore sold by them or either of them.
    Things have materially changed in this quarter of the world since you left us for the City of Washington last fall, prices have downward tendencies and money exceedingly scarce. Merchandise is in great abundance in Portland, where the money is to come from to pay for all the goods from present appearances is what I can not divine.
    I am looking with the greatest anxiety for the passage of the bill for an increase of the army, with the hope of again entering the service. I have been like a fish out of water ever since my resignation in 1851. If the bill should not pass is there any prospect of being reinstated in my late position in the Rifle Regiment. If I mistake not this matter is entirely with the President, and Secretary of War, of this I am not certain. I do not know the proceedings in detail but my recollection is that President Taylor reinstated Maj. Geo. B. Crittenden, of the Rifles, after he had been cashiered by a court martial and approved by President Polk nine or 10 mos. previous and dropped from the army Register. I would rather enter a new Regt. but if that can not be effected I should like to go back & rejoin the Rifles, the matter is with you and I have confidence, be pleased advise me at your convenience from time to time and greatly oblige
Yours faithfully
    J. B. Backenstos
    In the event the army bill should not pass the present sitting of Congress, will you at once see the President & Secy. of War on the subject of reinstating me to my former position in the Rifles.
    When the Rifle Regiment was ordered from Oregon to the States in the spring of 1851, the ill state of health of my family and particularly the state and delicate situation of my wife precluded the possibility of accompanying me with the Regiment, And the act of leaving them behind thousands of miles, in a strange & new Country, would have been unnatural, if not cruel on my part and which forced me to resign my commission. The military history concerning myself is a matter of Record at Washington and will speak for itself. Please advise me at your earliest convenience what may be done in my behalf.

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Brownsville Tennessee
    May 29th 1854
        Sir
            The widow of Col. Henry G. Lee, who commanded the Oregon vols. in the war against the Cayuse Indians during the year of 1847 & 8, has applied to me to obtain for her what was due her late Husband for said services. I accordingly made application to the Secretary of the Interior for the regular & Extra pay & for the Bounty Land Warrant given by Congress. The proper officer of that department has notified me long since that I should have to provide the affidavit of two [paper missing] knew that Col. Lee acted
[paper missing] in the service & performance [paper missing] & for the time required to [paper missing] or his representatives to claim the Land bounty. I was also informed by Mr. Whittlesey Compt. that before anything could be paid to the widow it was necessary to get proper proofs from the govr. of Oregon Hon J. W. Davis & other Commissioners that the Secretary [paper missing] recognized the War & that the Commissioners above mentioned had examined & passed on the claim & given a certificate of their having approved the same. In compliance with the first part of their instructions I wrote several months ago to a Mr. Moss who was Col. Lee's partner in business out there & a Mr. Appleton who had been in correspondence with the family here & who is represented as being a firm friend of Col. Lee's out there. From one or both of them I expected the information necessary to get the Land Warrant & I addressed to Govr. Davis a communication together with a copy of my correspondence [paper missing] the Comptroller at Salem, Oregon [paper missing] received no communication [paper missing] another of these applications [paper missing] that you were Governor of Oregon about or soon after this period. I concluded to address you in the hope that if you could not aid me by any personal information, you could refer me to such gentlemen out there as both could & would be willing to assist me in this investigation [paper missing] am already indebted to you for your assistance in getting the act of Congress passed directing the payment of all dues to deceased soldiers to be made to the Children & Widows instead of the Adm. I had thought that the act of Congress in recognizing the Cayuse War, as the one in which Col. Lee's Regt. was engaged & naming his Regt. by his name & if so that that of itself would be sufficient authority for the accounting officers to settle with the widow upon proper proof of her identity. The widow is quite needy & Oregon is so remote to produce evidence that if you know of any in [paper missing] Washington City you will [paper missing] oblige me & them by giving [paper missing] names. if you know personally [paper missing] Col. Lee's services I have no doubt [paper missing] that upon your making a statement of the fact the Commissioner of pensions would at once issue the Land Warrant [to] Col. Lee which Lee in 1849 told his family that he also acted as agent to treat with the Indians & was entitled to pay for such [paper missing] written to Mr. Badger of the Senate in relation to this part of the claim. Though we have written several letters to the administration in Oregon we can get no answer & I will also thank you to refer me to some Counsel to whom I can make application & who will see that the property has been duly ad- [advertised?] for we fear from now on that his Estate has been wasted.
    As you are unacquainted with me I have the honor to refer you to the Hon.
[paper missing] Dobbin, Sec. Navy--Hon. F. P. Stanton--[paper missing] H. Rogers--Hon. Barton Craig--Hon. G. E. Badger of the Senate & Hon. J. C. Jones also of the Senate for my character & standing as Atty.--Any information in relation to the previous most thankfully received.
I have the Honor to be
    Very respectfully
        Your obt. svt.
            C. C. Battle
Hon. Joseph Lane
    House Rep.
        Washington City

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Champoeg, Marion Co., O.T.
    June 5th 1854
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Since your departure from our lovely Territory I have had no communication from you until last mail brought me testimony (dated Washington Jan. 14) which, I confess, I began lately to surmise. But the warm sentiments of approbation expressed--and particularly in relation "to my zeal and efficiency in discharge of my complicated duties in connection with the forces organized for the suppression of Indian difficulties" has not only obliterated every sentiment of that sort--but has reestablished the connection.
    You refer to the fact of the muster rolls not being forwarded &c. I presume that desideratum has long since been supplied.
    All matters pertaining to my department were communicated agreeable with your instructions to the Secty. of War & of the Int. before you left our Territory.
    I remained in Jacksonville until Decr. last, urging the finishing [of] the muster rolls by Drew--and for the matter of two weeks prior to my departure I waited specially for that purpose--and finally was obliged to leave without them--but with the assurance that they would be forwarded to the proper departments in one week afterwards.
    I called on Gov. Davis in Salem and placed in his hands a brief of the proceedings of the commissioners in order that he might enable the Legislature to memorialize Congress on the subject &c.
    Thus in all matters connected with our Ind. difficulties from its commencement until Decr. last I devoted my time and energy to the success of our enterprise. No matter how imperfectly I may have succeeded I done my best--and feel amply rewarded by your approval--as well as that of the citizens of the valley generally.
    Today we elect our county & Territorial officers, the majority of which will be satisfactory--also the preparatory vote for becoming one of our glorious sisterhood [of states] which I have no doubt will be carried--a few friends are waiting [for me] to accompany them to the polls--
    I thank you for Mr. Cutting's reply to Mr. Smith of Alsea, although I am grieved at the position your friend the President is placed in by Cutting's showing!
    I have been uniformly--am--and always will be I presume a Democrat after the fashion of Jefferson, Jackson &c. But I protest that I would not be President and be forced into the adoption of such measure as the present chief of our glorious republic. However, as there is generally two sides to every equation I beg of you to help me to understand this subject correctly.
    I presume that in the midst of attending to our interests in Congress you have overlooked my request to send me the government organ and debates--I have waited patiently, still hoping that next mail &c.--and lately thought you had forgotten me.
    A few docts. of House Rep. & Sen., maps, charts or diag. and port office rep. could not fail in being most appreciated by your friends here & my neighbors--which I would distribute with pleasure.
    At the request of my mother & sisters I have quit the mines--and am for the present living with them on the beautiful claim of my late brother's 4 miles from Champoeg, French Prairie. This is all very pleasant and very good, but I must say that I feel it rather inglorious.
Have the goodness to write to me at your earliest convenience and believe me your friend,
Edward Sheil
   
    Have the goodness to write to me at your earliest convenience and believe me your friend.
Edward Sheil
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington, June 26, 1854.
My Dear Friend Hoyt: Salem
    Your favor of the 4th has just been received. I am truly grateful to you for the interest you take in my sons. It is a consolation to me to know that your watchful care will be over them, and to this I must attribute, to a considerable extent, the success they have attained in their studies. I hope you will continue this attention, as well in regard to their physical as mental being. I am pained at La Fayette's sickness, and hope, whenever it may be necessary for his health, that he relax his studies. But I am assured that you will have an eye to this in my absence.
    I will call on the Secretary of State in relation to the documents you speak of. I am pleased to learn that your institution is in so flourishing a condition, and hope it may long continue to advance in strength and usefulness, and prove a blessing to our young and growing country.
    In regard to the education of my sons, or rather the branches I prefer, I have only to remark that reading, writing, grammar and arithmetic, mathematics &c. are, in my opinion, the first essentials of a good education. In regard to other studies, you own good judgment will be a better guide than anything I can say on the subject.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Corvallis, Benton Co. 20th July / 54
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Yesterday I passed through Salem on my way to Jacksonville on a flying visit--and requested my brother George to write to you for me, inasmuch as I was so pressed for time--
    Reflecting on the bill lately before Congress for appointing registers & receivers for Oregon and Washington Territories which I presume has passed before this--I have concluded to solicit your good offices in my behalf for the appointment of Receiver for Oregon. If you deem the suggestion appropriate I am satisfied that it can be accomplished.
    If I obtain the appointment I would suggest a new place called New Orleans, Linn Co. opposite Corvallis, which is being established and possessing many facilities for the public--and as near as may be in the center of the Territory--
    Great excitement just now, owing to recent discoveries of gold on the Coquille River about the forks--say some fifty miles from the ocean--also some 40 or fifty miles from Port Orford similar, pretty well-authenticated facts. This week the fell Reaper is making great havoc among the crops; three weeks ago there was much apprehension in French Prairie on account of late cold rains, succeeded by sudden bursts of heat--but after all, Oregon will prove herself all her most enthusiastic friends have claimed for her.
Respectfully
    Your friend
        Edward Sheil
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



GLEANINGS FROM THE CRESCENT CITY HERALD
OF JULY 22, 1854
    From a letter of Gen. Lane's lately published in the Umpqua Herald, we make the following extract in reference to division of the Territory: "Some time since I wrote a letter for publication in relation to the division of Oregon Territory, as proposed by the people of Jacksonville and Yreka, in which I gave my views in opposition to such division, and urged the establishment of a state government, for reasons that I think will be considered legitimate and proper. A new Territory cannot be made as proposed. The delegation from California don't think of entertaining the idea of clipping their state."
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, September 3, 1892, page 1



Salem O.T. August 14th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Yours of June 29th containing Riggs & [Co's.] draft for $150 was received per last mail. Lafayette as I sometime since wrote you is still absent on a visit to his mother. John is still with me and pursuing his studies during vacation. Mrs. Lane wrote some time since for John to go out and assist them on the farm, but as you had so often expressed your desire for him to remain here and go to school, I advised him to remain.
    You will see ex-Gov. Davis before this reaches you. I think the old man is disgusted with Oregon.
    By the way, the question of who shall be our next Delegate is beginning to attract some attention. Some persons who pretend to be the recipients of your confidence say that you will not consent to have it again. For my own part I should be glad to see you in a much higher position, but let that be as it may, I think as a matter of justice to your friends here that you should at an early day indicate what your wishes and intentions are on the subject of the Delegateship so that they may act understandingly.
    I had hoped that we had elected our last Delegate, and it would have been so if the Democracy of Oregon had of been true to their instincts at the last spring election, but as [the] "convention" was beat I suppose that we shall have to try and make our Territorial existence tolerable for a few more years.
    By letting us know what your decision is in the matter you will greatly oblige your friends.
    Why is it that there are no patents issued yet by the department for lands in Oregon?
In haste I remain
    Very truly your
        Friend, J. W. Nesmith
   
P.S. The Surveyor Genl. is here with his office filled with Whig clerks. It would be a godsend to the party here if he could be removed.
J.W.M.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Washington City
    August 31 1854
Hon. James Guthrie
    Secretary of the Treasury
        Sir
            Herewith I propose to furnish you such facts as came within my own knowledge in relation to the services of Genl. Joel Palmer of Oregon in the war with the Cayuse Indians in the years 1847 and 1848. I met with the Genl.in San Francisco in Jany. 1849, and took passage with him on the same ship with him. On our way to Oregon I learned much from him, and other Oregonians, returning home from San Francisco about the Cayuse War. From the Genl. I learned that the war had terminated in the summer of '48, that he had served a quartermaster and commissary, and at the close of the war he found himself encumbered with a large amt. of public property, books and unadjusted accounts, that he had a strong desire to convert the property into the largest sum possible for the payment as far as it would go of the expenses of the war. Consequently when he left home he found it necessary to employ other persons to take charge of the property, books and accounts--to arrange and close them up. This I found to be on my arrival at Oregon City to be the case. From my personal knowledge therefore I am able to state that he had two persons employed a portion of the time, & one, Mr. Clouse [Cloisse?], the entire time of the absence as clerk, & the other to take charge of and dispose of property, and I further know that he paid them for their services out of his own money. And further I can say that I consider
Palmer an honest, conscientious, good man and efficient officer [and] the award allowed to Palmer by Commissioner Wait just and only but a reasonable compensation for his services as quartermaster, and in my judgment ought to be paid without further delay.
[Joseph Lane]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



EXPENSES OF ROGUE RIVER INDIAN WAR.
    The next bill upon the Calendar which came up for consideration in order was House bill (No. 339) to authorize the Secretary of War to settle and adjust the expenses of the Rogue River Indian War.
    The bill was read in extenso.
    The Clerk then read the first section.
    Mr. LANE, of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, the duty devolves upon me, I imagine, to give an explanation of the object of this bill, and of the circumstances which make its passage necessary. If I knew that it would pass without anything being said by me, I would say nothing; and it would gratify me very much. But, for fear that it might not be so, I avail myself of the opportunity to make a brief statement.
    In the Rogue River Valley there are two great tribes of Indians, the Umpquas and Shastas, all known as the Rogue River Indians. These Indians, for the last twelve months, have been preparing for war. They were enabled to provide themselves with the implements of war, and with everything necessary to commence a deadly hostility, and to make every arrangement necessary for carrying out their purpose, by means of appearing friendly to the whites, in hunting for them, and selling the proceeds of the chase for guns, powder, balls &c.
    In that vicinity there are rich mines, and many American citizens had rushed in there for the purpose of digging for gold. Many persons from the States who had no intention of becoming citizens of that Territory, and who did not become citizens, went there in search of gold. It is the habit of miners, and it is the habit of American citizens who are in search of gold, to take with them a rifle and other weapons which they regard as necessary for their personal safety and protection.
    The Indians in that valley, who are a superior race, remarkable for their intelligence, availed themselves of the great number of miners, who purchased of them the game that they could kill, and which was very plenty in that portion of Oregon, to realize a considerable sum of money, which they took care to invest in rifles, pistols, powder, lead and percussion caps, and everything else necessary to commence a war of extermination; in this way all they had received in twelve months past had been invested. At that time the white people in the vicinity, among whom were many families, believed they were as safe as the people of the city in Washington now consider themselves.
    The massacre commenced the first day by a scattering band of Indians; and Edwards, Wills and Noland, all of them American citizens, were massacred. Only these three were murdered the first day. This was, however, only a beginning of the execution of a scheme which had been matured for sweeping off every white man, woman and child in that country. This tribe had formed an alliance with other tribes. The Klamath Indians, numbering some five hundred warriors, within seventy-five miles, and Tipsoe Tyee's band, within twenty-five miles, had agreed to join them in the massacre; and, as soon as the war commenced, they were all to rush in, and sweep from the face of the earth every man, woman and child. And, Mr. Chairman, their designs would have been accomplished, but for the prompt and efficient aid of Captain Alden, who is now in this city, crippled for life, in consequence of a wound he received in that war. I say that but for his aid they would have been swept from the country, every man, woman and child. The Indians were well armed; and it is a fact, strange as it may seem, that the white people were mostly without arms. They had no apprehensions from these Indians. They had lived with them for many months in peace. They had sold their arms to the Indians, and believed them to be perfectly harmless in their intentions.
    When the massacre commenced Captain Alden was one hundred miles off. The intelligence was received, and he, with a company of ten men, his whole available force, immediately started in the night and rushed to the rescue. They succeeded in checking the Indians for the time being. In the meantime two companies of Californians, under Captains Goodall and Rhodes, turned out and joined Captain Alden. All the people, or nearly all in Rogue River Valley, capable of bearing arms, were organized into companies, two under Captains Miller and Lamerick for active service, and one under Captain Fowler, for the protection of the town of Jacksonville. The two companies under Captains Miller and Lamerick were organized into a battalion, and placed under the command of Colonel Ross. I take occasion here to say that too much praise cannot be given to Captain Alden for his prompt organization of these troops, or to the troops themselves for their gallantry and good conduct.
    Soon after the battle with the Indians, Captain Nesmith, who had been ordered out by the Governor, joined me with a large company of volunteers; also, Captain Smith, with a company of United States dragoons; Captains Martin, Applegate and Terry, each with a small company, promptly repaired to the theater of hostilities. To all these officers, and the men under their command, I take pleasure in saying that great praise is due for their gallant and soldier-like bearing. I also take pleasure in saying that I am indebted to Major Alvord, of the United States Army, for much valuable assistance in negotiating a treaty with the Indians, as well as Superintendent Palmer. Mr. Culver, Indian agent, threw down the shovel, the pick and other mining implements, and rushed to the rescue. By this timely movement the progress of the massacre was checked, and but for it every white inhabitant of that country must have been stricken down. He divided his forces at night, so as to prevent the Indians from coming upon the settlements, and in that way managed to hold them in check. Many skirmishes, however, ensued, and John R. Hardin, Dr. Rose and others were killed. On the morning of the 16th of August, I received notice at my residence, which is one hundred miles north of that point, that the Indians had commenced a general slaughter of the white people of that country. This intelligence was brought to me by Mr. Ettlinger and Mr. Nichol, who had ridden the whole distance in a day and night. In a few minutes after its arrival, I was on the road to the Rogue River Valley.
    I mention these facts to show the committee my knowledge of the transactions there. It is necessary that I should allude to them.
    On the 15th day of August, Captain Armstrong, a valued and respected citizen of Oregon, passed my house on his way to California, through the Rogue River Valley. Then the rumor was indefinite--that there was trouble in that quarter--but we did not know to what extent. It had been my lot to have been thrown into the company of Captain Armstrong in 1851, during a war with the same Indians. I found him a gallant and valuable gentleman. I mentioned that I was unwilling to see him go in the direction in which he was going without a rifle. He had none with him. "What," he replied, "was the matter?" I told him the rumor had reached me that there was trouble of some kind in the valley; that his life was too valuable to be incautiously trusted there; and that he had better take my rifle. He did so. In the course of that night he met the express going for me, and waited until I overtook him, when we traveled together. We arrived in Rogue River Valley [the] 19th of August. We found Captain Alden, with his usual gallantry and efficiency, in command, and affording protection to our citizens. His force, in my judgment, was sufficient to make a movement against the enemy, which he had already contemplated. A few days before, a portion of his command under Lieutenant Ely had been sent to make a reconnaissance. He fell into an ambuscade, and nearly half his command were killed. The other half would have shared the same fate but for the timely arrival of a reinforcement. Although I came as a volunteer, Captain Alden insisted that I should take the command of the troops. At his urgent request I did so. Sunday afternoon order was given to be ready to move on Monday morning at four o'clock. At the appointed time every foot was in the stirrup. Wednesday morning we overtook the Indians, and brought them to battle. Captain Alden was shot down. Captain Armstrong received a shot at about the same moment, and just had time to say that they had given him a dead center shot. The conflict led to a peace. Notwithstanding the screams, yells and war-whoops of the Indians for four hours, and notwithstanding we had failed to dislodge them, they agreed to make peace. They asked for peace. They wanted to know who commanded the troops. I heard them. I know their language well, having had a good deal to do with them, and knew most of them personally. They called out for me to come in, as they wanted a talk. They were tired of fighting, and desired peace. Well, I had been a little hurt myself, and I said to them and to the command that I would rather fight forty battles than talk about one peace. But after a good deal of time had been lost, and after a great deal of persuasion, I went among them. The preliminaries of a peace were made on the battleground. We camped on the battleground for two nights. The Indians were so well satisfied that there would be a peace that they assisted in removing our wounded men on litters across the country, which, by the by, is the worst country I ever traveled over. Well, a peace was made, and it has been maintained until this time, and I think it always will be maintained, for the government has purchased their lands. A treaty was made with them directly after the war for their territory, and that treaty has been ratified.
    I have given this history of the war from its commencement to its termination, for the purpose of satisfying the committee that the volunteers who turned out on that occasion ought to be paid for their services. I ask that the Secretary of War may be authorized to pay them. Many lost their lives. The Indians killed nearly as many of us as we killed of them. We only ask that those volunteers who turned out and assisted in putting down an Indian war that would otherwise have lasted for years, and cost the government millions of dollars, and hundreds of lives--and, as it was, did cost us the lives of many valuable citizens--may be paid for their services. The troops were disbanded as soon as it was thought safe to do so. I kept them with me but a few days after the peace was made, and remained near the Indians for several weeks myself for two reasons; one was that I was not very well able to get away from them, and the other was that I knew that by remaining there until the hot blood had somewhat cooled I could prevent a renewal of hostilities between the Indians and the whites. We only ask that the volunteers shall be paid for the time which they actually served, and the necessary expenses of subsistence, ammunition, forage and so forth. The accounts were all carefully kept. Captain Alden had appointed quartermasters and commissaries, and the accounts were as accurate and correct as I have ever seen them in the Army. I hope this explanation will satisfy the committee that the bill ought to pass.
    Mr. WASHBURN, of Maine. I should like to ask the gentleman from Oregon a question. Will the gentleman state about how much the expenditures will amount to?
    Mr. LANE. My opinion is that they will amount to about $150,000; perhaps a little over or a little under. I cannot, however, say exactly.
    Mr. WASHBURN. The language of the bill is rather wide. It provides for appropriating money for the expenditures for all necessary and proper supplies. Now, would it not be well enough to have some limitation as to the full amount?
    Mr. LANE. I am very willing to say that it shall not exceed $175,000, if the committee desire that there shall be a restriction. But I have confidence in the Secretary of War. I have confidence in his ability, integrity and honesty, and in his capacity to judge from the papers what allowances are reasonable. He will allow nothing wrong, and we ask nothing but what is right. Let me say here that, so far as I was concerned, I settled my accounts on the spot. I went out as a volunteer, but I received while there a commission as brigadier general from the acting Governor of the Territory. As soon as I could ride down from the portion of the country where the war took place, I returned the commission with a note on it that I charged nothing for my services; that I would not receive anything for them then, or at any future time, nor will I.
    But that was not the case with others. Many persons left their business and hurried to the rescue of the people there, when the Indians were about to tomahawk men, women and children; and this would have been done, had it not been for the noble conduct of Captain Alden and those brave men who volunteered in their defense. All I ask is that these men shall be paid, and that the actual and necessary expenses of the war shall also be paid. I hope no further explanations will be necessary.
"Thirty-Third Congress," Daily Globe, Washington, D.C., May 6, 1854, page 4


MARRIED.
    On the --th ult., at the residence of Samuel Stevenson, in Douglas County, by Judge Deady, Joseph S. Lane, Esq., to Miss Eleanor Stevenson.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, May 19, 1854, page 3



Winchester
    May 19th / 54
Dear Father
    Yours of the 3rd of April is now at hand, for which I am much obliged; glad to know that you are well.
    We are all well at this time and doing the best we can. Business in Winchester is quite dull, and we have a great deal of opposition to contend with, therefore we are compelled to sell goods very cheap in order to compete with others' prices. We have on hand a great many articles that we have to sell at or below cost. However we can replace them with much less money. I think Oregon is overstocked with goods, and many merchants will fail this summer.
    The firm of Hartless & Murch have moved their store from Marysville to Winchester under pretense of selling out at cost in order to close business, but I think they intend this for a permanent location to continue business from the fact that they won't sell anything unless it brings a profit. They had an auction sale today and [I] suppose sold two or three hundred dollars worth of goods, but they had a man employed to bid who run everything up so high that merchants had no chance.
    Creed will go to Portland about the first of June to purchase goods. From all accounts goods can be bought cheap at that place, owing to the great amount they have on hand.
    The cows & calves look well; however, the grass does not look so well as it did last year when I first came in the valley. More anon.
Your affectionate son
    Simon R. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


Camp mouth of Chetco
2 June 1854
Dear General
    We reached this place 12 o'clock on yesterday. We have visited all the bands on our way down and up to the Great Bend. They are all very friendly and kind to us and to all sensible white men. I shall investigate the Miller matter here; this will detain us some time longer than I had anticipated but justice requires it. We are all well and in good spirits. In case you arrive at Port Orford before us I suppose you will have to wait our arrival. This shall be done with as much dispatch as the circumstances will permit.
    I have the honor to be your obt servant
        J. L. Parrish
            Ind Agt
                Port Orford
                    District
To Hon. Joel Palmer
    Supt Ind Affairs
        Dayton Oregon T.


At Home Tuesday 20th June 1854.
Friend Lane
    After my respects to you--hoping this may, when received, find you in good health--the most invaluable blessing we mortals can possess in the world, &c.
    I will give a brief statement of our election in the Territory so far as heard from. Washington County has gone Whig entire with the exception of one representative, and Meek for Colonel who was elected by one vote.  160 for Convention, 694 against, &c.  Marion County has carried the Democratic ticket entire with the exception of Sheriff; against Convention 393.  Whole number votes cast 1,131. Linn County Democratic ticket elected entire--majority for Conv. 287. Benton County--representatives one Dem., one Whig, the balance Dem. ticket elected with exception one county commissioner; for Conv. 181 against Conv. 320. Yamhill County--the Dem. ticket elected with the exception of one Representative--a small maj. for Conv. Polk County--the entire Dem. ticket elected, majority for Conv. 84. Clackamas County--the entire Dem. ticket elected--with the exception of one county commissioner.  J. B. Preston, Whig, was elected by a small majority. Majr. against Conv. 170. Wasco County send a Dem. to the Legislature. Lane County is Democratic; 750 majority for Conv. Douglas County Democratic, large majority for Conv., in Winchester precinct out of 77 votes, 66 for Conv. In Umpqua there is a close run between Ladd Dem. and Thompson Whig.  County strongly for Conv.  It is generally believed here that Convention will carry by a small majority.  This is all so far as heard from.
    J. C. Avery has qualified as postal agent and will enter on the duties of the office on the 1st of July.
    I saw our friend Lovejoy on Saturday last; he seems a good deal mortified at his removal.  I wrote you last mail in relation to his being destitute of any ready means for a support.  I feel for him.  And thought very hard against the Department for turning him out when I last wrote you.  But upon mature reflection of the matter, I have come to the conclusion that the Post Office Department could not do otherwise than it has done in the premises.  The office is an intricate one, and one to give satisfaction requires eternal vigilance and industry in an agent, and in my own mind I have concluded that he was guilty of dereliction of the duties of the office.  This is my private opinion.
    I have no doubt but that you have many applications from our Democratic friends in this Territory asking your good graces and influence for any office that may be created or become vacant in the Territory, that they may have the appointment.  I will for the first time will request it of you (should it meet your approbation) if this should reach in time to present my name for a receiver of public money in the Land Office about to be established in this Territory, I am conscious that I can discharge the duties of the office.  Otherwise, I should have said nothing in the premises about myself. 
    But I really do think old Clackamas is deserving of something--and I should be glad if Lovejoy could get an office that would pay.
    We have had, and up to this time [have] a great deal of cold, cloudy weather differing entirely from any spring that I have witnessed in this Territory.
    You will write the true situation of the Cayuse War claim audited by A. E. Wait in favor of A. L. Lovejoy for over 200 dollars and transferred in favor of A. J. Cason at your very earliest convenience. 
    I must beg your pardon for this obtruding myself and others and their wants upon your time and patience, but I feel that if I have done wrong in this, your goodness    will pardon my presumption.
    With my best respects and well wishes for your health, prosperity & happiness, I am your friend,
Fendal C. Cason
Hon. J. Lane



Department of the Interior
    Washington, June 22nd 1854.
Sir,
    I will thank you to ascertain and report to me what expenditures were incurred by Gen. Lane, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon, for blankets &c. in obtaining the surrender of Indians accused of murder at Fort Nisqually and also what moneys were paid out by him to counsel for their defense in the trial for the murder and whether he received credit therefor, and if so under what authority of law or otherwise.
I am sir
    Very respectfully
        Yr. obt. servant
            R. McClelland
                Secretary [of the Interior]
Chas. E. Mix Esqr.
    Acting Commr. of Indian Affrs.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 375-376.



House Reps.
    Washington City
        June 22 1854.
Sir
    I have the honor to acknowledge the rcpt. of your communication of day before yesterday enclosing a copy of the certificate of O. C. Pratt in relation to services rendered by Kintzing Pritchett Esqr. as counsel for certain Cayuse Indians who were tried in the year 1851 for the murder of Dr. Whitman and family.
    At the time the Indians were brought to trial, I was Governor of the Territory of Oregon and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affrs., and I hereby certify that Kintzing Pritchett was appointed by Judge Pratt at my request, and in accordance with a promise made by me to the prisoners and the Cayuse Nation, counsel for the prisoners at the trial, and performed the duty assigned him with zeal and ability. He is in my opinion entitled to compensation, and I do not consider the amount designated in the certificate of Judge Pratt as more than is reasonable and just.
I am sir with great respect
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 379-381.



Yreka June 22nd 1854                       
Dear General
    I have to say that Mr. Tyler has just returned, and he tells me that Capt. Rhoades' muster rolls had not arrived with the other papers of the Rogue River War. I must beg that you will not attribute to me any neglect of duty for this; they were made out with the rest and placed in Maj. Drew's hands to be forwarded, and he has informed me that they were sent after the other papers were forwarded. Should you not have received them by this time it is evident that they have miscarried, and as it is important to do justice to Capt. Rhoades' company as well as the rest, if you so advise I will go over to Jacksonville and make them out again from a copy I left there, and forward them at the earliest moment.
    Should the present Congress fail to make an appropriation, they can arrive in time to be incorporated with the other rolls for the action of the next session.
    Believe me sir! that I have used every diligence to carry out the order which you entrusted to me at Jacksonville, and I hope that you and Capt. Alden are satisfied with me.
    You will confer a favor on me and my company by giving me the earliest information of an appropriation for us, with the details of pay allowed.
    I now take the liberty of trespassing on your valuable time to call your attention to our Indian affairs. I forward you two Yreka Heralds, which will give you some idea how affairs stand. It is needless to say that my conduct in these affairs has met the entire approval of the agent and of the officers of the army here and that the communication in the Herald headed "Indian Affairs" was not got up by a meeting of the citizens of Cottonwood, but was an emanation from a few persons who had committed an outrageous murder upon the Indians, against good faith and in violation of treaties, and who then had the hardihood and impudence to come out in a public newspaper and by false assertions endeavor to shield themselves from public execrations, and to cast aspersions upon others.
    Persons living on this frontier are well aware that the Indians generally have an innate propensity to steal and commit depredations, and that the strong arm of force and authority must be used to restrain them, as well as those whites who by improper conduct in their interference with the Indians so frequently jeopardize the peace of the country.
    The government authorities cannot too soon take action to carry out this policy and hold to a strict accountability all persons guilty of crimes, and I very respectfully suggest that one or two examples of this sort will greatly promote the interests of this frontier, and at much less expense than if another course is adopted.
    Tipsu Tyee has certainly been killed by the Shasta tribe. I had his grave opened, witnessed by three other whites and am satisfied. His only son and one warrior were killed with him also, and Capt. Smith at Fort Lane has captured and broken up this thieving band, who were the cause of so much trouble during the Rogue River War.
    You may well imagine the course I took after so much villainous abuse which you will see in the Herald I send you.
    Mr. Tyler and Albert Brown acted as my seconds, and I accompanied them to Cottonwood where I sent a very polite note challenging each and all [of] the parties to combat. There being a most miserable back out, no one coming up to the scratch, my two seconds then challenged them on their own account, with the same result.
    Should the affair at any future time bring about a duel--for I have expressed a willingness to fight any one of the parties--I have no apprehensions for the result, as my cause is just. I have been outraged, and I am too old a soldier not to understand the use of my weapons under fire.
    I am so anxious to see the perpetrators of the murderous affair that occurred on the 24 May at the Klamath Ferry punished in the U.S. District Court and as I am a material witness, I have by the advice of the agent failed to make any remarks in vindication of myself other than those you will see in the Herald that I send you.
    Esteeming you and Capt. Alden as amongst my best friends I have written this to you in order that my honor as a gentleman and my integrity as a man may not suffer for one moment in your estimation.
    You may hand or send this letter and the newspapers to Capt. Alden if you please. You will recollect my affair with Mr. Smith last summer, which Capt. Alden with so much solicitude took in hand to have amicably settled. I have an account of the recent affair with the people who have so much abused me in the newspaper publication referred to, determined to have this affair brought up again and settled according to the strict code of honor if practicable, and Mr. Tyler now has the affair in his hands.
    This affair with the Indians on the 24 May is I assure you General one of the most brutal, outrageous and uncalled-for murders that has ever been committed in the United States.
    The Indian agent has taken all the measures in his power to place the affair in a proper light before Lieut. Beale, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Cal., and he will doubtless in conjunction with Genl. Wool take speedy action upon it. But I am so deeply convinced that both justice and sound policy requires the government to take speedy and immediate action on this matter that I cannot refrain from bringing the subject to your attention and that of Capt. Alden, and of respectfully suggesting that the affair be laid before either the President himself or the head of the Indian Bureau.
    I hope that your avocations will permit you to write to me, and that Capt. Alden who is I believe at Washington has entirely recovered from his wounds. Mr. Tyler tells me that your wound is entirely well.
    I have the honor to be
        General, very respectfully
            your obedient servant
                James P. Goodall
Hon Jo Lane
    Washington
        D.C.
P.S.  I would like Capt. Alden to see this letter and the newspapers. It will give him a view of a new phase in frontier life that is decidedly rich.  J.P.G.



[June 1854]
An Act
making appropriations for the completion of
Military Roads in Oregon Territory.
    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the following sums of money be and the same are hereby appropriated for the completion of military roads now in course of construction in Oregon Territory, to wit: for the completion of the road from Astoria to Salem the sum of sixty thousand dollars; for the completion of the road from Myrtle Creek to Camp Stuart the sum of thirty thousand dollars; and for the completion of the road from Myrtle Creek to Scottsburg thirty thousand dollars, the said roads to be completed under the direction of the Secretary of War.



    On my way to this city, after having a little row with the Rogue River Indians, I stopped in Oregon City to see my mills. And here I may say that those mills nearly ruined me. Their purchase was the worst thing I ever did. I agreed to give near $100,000 for them. I gave the earnings of twenty years of my life, and have now sold out for one-third what they cost me. I am not now the owner of a single mill.
Joseph Lane, "Congressional,"
Oregon Statesman, Salem, July 4, 1854, pages 1- 2



Department of the Interior
    Office Indian Affairs
        July 20, 1854.
Sir:
    I have examined the communication left here by you of Mr. McCarty, making certain inquiries respecting a treaty which he understood to have been made with the Sioux and other Indians west of the Rocky Mountains about one year since, wherein they were to have a certain annuity for granting permission to emigrants to pass through their country unmolested and providing indemnification for depredations committed by the Indians.
    I presume Mr. McCarty must have had reference to a treaty made with the Sioux and other Indians at Fort Laramie on the 17th of September 1851, as the Sioux tribe reside east of the Rocky Mountains. If so, the said treaty made no provision for indemnification, but merely authorizes the President to withhold the whole or a portion of the annuities from the nation guilty of the violation of any of the provisions of said treaty until in the opinion of the President of the United States, proper satisfaction shall have been made.  Mr. McCarty's letter is herewith returned.
Very respectfully,
    Yr obt srvt
        Geo. W. Manypenny
            Commr.
Hon. Jos. Lane,
    H. of Reps.


Washington City
    August 14 1854
My dear Genl.,
    Mr. Guthrie sent for me this morning to have a talk about your accounts. He is quite out of patience and says that a settlement must be had, that is, that your accounts must be rendered without further delay. Now my dear friend I have from time to time begged the [Treasury] Department to let you have time and all would be satisfactorily arranged, but he appears to be determined to wait but little longer. He spoke of seven thousand dollars advanced you on going out. Now I am satisfied that if you will render an account showing the items of expenditure on your way with your family that you will be allowed this seven thousand, but he cannot, he holds, allow the round sum of $7000 without knowing how and for what purpose it had been expended, the balance you can account for, make out your accounts and certify or swear to them so far as your disbursements were made, and if you claim for building wharf or anything else that you have disbursed, which you cannot get allowed. Petition Congress for relief, and I will try and obtain the passage of a law authorizing the Secretary to allow in settling your accounts, but by all means if your account can be settled without, do not apply for relief. I am very anxious about your accounts and greatly hope that you may be able to close up. You may rest assured that you shall not be disturbed if I can help it. I am for you under all circumstances and at all times, know well your honesty, Democracy and integrity. Again allow me to say lose no time in closing up.
    I am gratified to know that you and other friends are pleased with the little castigation administered to the delegate from Washington. He is a great scamp, and will not do either credit or good to his Territory.
    I have attended to your Globe subscription. They will forward.
    Respects to your family and friends.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
Genl. John Adair
   

I shall be a candidate for nomination for next delegate.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City, August 16, 1854.       
    A. Bush, Esq.,--Dear Sir:--The Rogue River war claims are in the hands of the second and third auditors, and will be audited without alteration; that is, as they are. The troops will be paid as per muster rolls. Thus you will see that the expenses of the Rogue River war will all be paid in less than eighteen months from the commencement of hostilities. The accounts will all be audited, including muster rolls, by the first of October. Action upon the suspended Cayuse war claims has been at  my request postponed for a few weeks, that I may be able to give personal attention to them. I am satisfied of the justice of the claims, and shall expect the full amount of the awards allowed by Skinner, Wait and Rice to be paid; shall insist on justice in these cases, and shall not be satisfied with anything but payment in full. And while speaking of this, Cayuse war claims heretofore allowed should be forwarded for payment, and all outstanding claims not acted on by some of the commissioners should be presented and proved up without delay. It is not improbable that many of these claims, mailed in Oregon, have failed to reach this city. Mr. Thompkins, for instance, wrote me that he had an allowance made him, and that Gov. Gaines had forwarded it by mail. On inquiring at the Comptroller's office I find that no such award had ever been received. In all such cases duplicates should be issued. It is desirable that the expenses of the Cayuse war should be as speedily settled as practicable.
    The season of Congress just closed transacted a large amount of important business. Below I give you a list of some of the most important bills passed: The regular appropriations bills, the Nebraska-Kansas bill, the bill providing for six first-class war steamers, the ten-million bill for Gadsden Treaty, the Homestead bill for Kansas and Nebraska, the bill extending the warehousing system, the bill to give effect to the Reciprocity Treaty, and the bill to regulate and systematize the postal system of the country. The importance of this latter bill will be seen and felt in good time. These, with many Territorial bills and a large number of private and local bills, were passed.
    Many important treaties were ratified, to wit: The Gadsden Treaty, by which we are released from the provisions of the Guadalupe Treaty to protect the Mexican frontier from Indian depredations, and by which we have obtained a large and valuable tract of country, and [a] good route for a southern railroad to the Pacific, the British Colonial Reciprocity Treaty, the commercial treaty with Japan, the neutrality treaty with Russia, and a number of Indian treaties, by which at low prices many million acres of rich soil have been secured for the benefit of the adventurous pioneers, who will soon reclaim and reduce it to cultivation. By the above brief history of the doings of the late session of Congress you will see that more important legislation has been had than by any previous session.
    The recent revolutions in Spain lend to the Cuban question fresh interest. It is doubtful whether the Queen will be able to sustain the government. It is difficult to sustain a throne which has been tottering for many years. Now will not the new government of Spain be more favorably disposed toward the sale of Cuba than the old one? The probability is that the new government will be much embarrassed [financially] and will not dare to levy new taxes on the people for fear of its popularity. Will not our government have a good opportunity to purchase that beautiful and to us most important island; in this way I hope to see our government obtain Cuba. The policy of the Administration in the management of our foreign relations has been wise, and will meet with the approval of the American people, except such as are opposed to our good, and especially so in time of war.
    It is my intention to remain a considerable portion of the recess in this city, where I am sure I can be useful to the people of Oregon in attending to the auditing and settlement of their just claims on the government for services, subsistence, forage, medical services, stores, ammunition &c., in the troubles we have had with the Indians, and prepare all my business for the next session. I have strong hopes of procuring an appropriation for a military road from Astoria to Salem, and additional appropriations for the Penitentiary and State House; at all events I shall do all I can for the promotion of our interests.
    Health improving,
        Your friend,
            JO LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, October 3, 1854, page 2



Salem Aug. 22nd 1854
Dear Father
    I received your very kind letter, for which all thanks. No news from home for some time. The last they were all well & wanted me to come home, but I do not intend to do it. Lafayette went home a few days since. I do not know whether he will return or not. They have a good school out there, and I expect he will go to school out there. We have a vacation of a few weeks. School takes up in two weeks. I wish to go 3 years yet if you are willing. Mary & Winnie are well. Winnie is very homesick. I think they will come down after her in a week or so. If Mr. Garrett is in Washington give him my love. And for god sake take care of Lancaster, for he has not got the sense of a louse. I think there will be some chance of me getting to Congress, that is, if I lived in Washington Territory. Write soon & often. Remember those books. I would like for you to send me the Washington Union. I am a-going to leave Nesmith's and go to the Institute and batch no more.
I remain your son
    John Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir,
    In relation to the services of Genl. A. L. Lovejoy, in the war with the Cayuse Indians, I have no personal knowledge, but from him and others I have learned that during that war he served as Adjt. Genl. to the Gov. under their military organization and that he was active in organizing the forces, and in bearing orders from the Gov. to the commander of the regt. while in services, have considered him a man of integrity, and have the same opinion of commissioners Wait & Rice and am inclined to recommend the payment of their awards or of the latter as just to Lovejoy and his assigns [unfinished]

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Transmittal dated August 31, 1854.



[Below is a preliminary draft of Joel Palmer's annual report, part of the 1854 Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, available online here. The final version reveals lengthy deletions.]
Superintendency of Indian Affairs O.T.
    Dayton--Sept. 11th 1854.
Sir,
    I respectfully submit the following report of affairs in this superintendency during the past year.
    With a few exceptions the Indians remain in a condition differing little from that exhibited in my last report. Much excitement has existed at various times among the settlers and miners in the southern and southwestern districts, of which my former communications advised you to some extent. Outrages, in which whites and Indians, in turn, were the aggressors, have occurred, resulting in the death of a few of our citizens and many of the natives. These occurrences, especially the massacre of the natives at Coquille and Chetco, caused serious apprehensions of a general outbreak of hostilities in the Pt. Or'd. Dist. Frequent acts of violence during the winter, the sufferings of the Indians on the reserve from disease and want, the refusal of Tipsey and his band to come upon the reserve, and other causes, produced a state of affairs equally threatening in the Rogue River country.
    I determined at the close of the rainy season to visit the scene of those disturbances, and also if the condition of affairs permitted carry into effect my plans of exploration, which I have heretofore announced. Accordingly about the first of April I set out with a small party and a few pack animals, conveying, besides the necessary equipage of the expedition, some farming utensils and supplies for the tribes treated with in September, and a few presents for other Indians.
    I had before leaving home purchased and shipped a considerable quantity of Indian goods
to Port Orford to await my arrival at that point.
    On my route I visited several bands of the Umpquas. I found many of them wretched, sickly, and almost starving. Their habits being exceedingly improvident, and the winter unusually severe, they had been kept from perishing by the limited assistance afforded by a few humane settlers.
    Through the operation of the law lately enacted, prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition to Indians, they can no longer procure game, rendered scarce and timid by the presence of the white man, and the cultivation of the soil, together with the grazing of large herds of domestic animals, has greatly diminished the subsistence derived from native roots and seeds.
    They said, truly, that they were once numerous and powerful, but now few and weak, that they had always been friendly to the whites and desired them to occupy their lands, that they wanted but a small spot on which they might live in quiet. Many of their number, they said, had been killed by the whites in retaliation for wrongs committed by Indians of other tribes, and that they had never offered violence in return. They claimed it is but just in return for lands once yielding them abundant supplies that they should receive the means of subsistence for the few years they will exist.
    A few presents were made them, and sub-agent Martin instructed to secure them small tracts of lands, on which I learn they are now cultivating potatoes, corn, peas and other vegetables, giving promise that under the wise and fostering care of government they may become a domestic and agricultural people. The seventeen bands or villages of this tribe number 566 souls. The country of the Umpquas east is bounded by the Cascade Mountains, the Umpqua Mountains and coast on the west, Calapooia Mountains on the north and Grave Creek and Rogue River south, an area of not less than 3600 square miles, much of which is already settled by the whites, to 800 square miles. Of this tract the Indians' title is extinguished by the treaty with the Cow Creek Band.
    Near the Grave Creek Hills resides the feeble remnant of several bands once numerous and warlike. Their constant aggressions and treacherous conduct has brought upon them the heavy hand of vengeance, both of the whites and Indians. They speak the Umpqua language, and though so different in character may be regarded as belonging to that tribe. I declined making them any presents, and told them to expect nothing until they should merit it by their good conduct.
    I found the Indians of the Rogue River Valley excited and unsettled. The hostilities of last summer had prevented the storing of the usual quantity of foods; the occupation of their best root grounds by the whites greatly abridged that resource; their scanty supplies and the unusual severity of the winter had induced disease, and death had swept away nearly one-fifth of those residing on the reserve. Consternation and dismay prevailed; many had fled, and others were preparing to fly to the mountains for security.
    Tipsey, the chief of the party visited by General Lane at the close of the war, who, with the consent of the Rogue Rivers, had agreed to remove with his band to the reserve, and had accordingly received a part of the goods distributed in pursuance of the treaty, now refused peremptorily to come in, and his people showed their hostility and malignant temper by the murder of an inoffensive settler, taking his arms and ammunition, and laying his body with that of his dog as his own door. The principal actor in this tragedy was Tipsey's son, who boasted of the deeds to other Indians and declared his determination to continue his atrocities, having already with his party stolen a number of horses, destroyed cattle and robbed houses.
    An ingenious plan was laid to combine the Indians in a hostile movement. This was to secretly kill Jim, a Rogue River chief, who had been very active in discovering and arresting Indians committing depredations on the whites, and controlled much the largest band in the tribe, and to fix the suspicion of his death on the whites, which would entirely destroy the confidence of the Indians in our professions, and unite them in seeking revenge.
    The plan was carried out so far as the murder of the chief. He was shot from a house in Jacksonville occupied by whites who were then from home. The perpetrator, a young Indian, instantly fled, but fortunately was seen leaving the house by the friends of the chief, thus the perfidious scheme was frustrated. Such have been the efforts on the part of unfriendly Indians to break the late treaty, and plunge us back into war; and it is feared that white persons have not been wanting who from revengeful or mercenary motives have attempted to effect the same object.
    Prior to my arrival, Agent Culver, accompanied by Capt. Smith with a command of thirty soldiers, had scoured the country occupied by the bands of Limpy, John, Elijah and Tipsey and succeeded in inducing Elijah's bands to start for the reserve, but near Jacksonville they nearly all dispersed and fled to the mountains. A few families remaining with the chief camped among the miners.
    On my arrival at the fort I proceeded with Mr. Culver to Elijah's camp, and after a talk messengers were dispatched to collect the fugitives, and the families present put on their move to the reserve, where days afterwards the chief was joined by his entire band. Lieut. Bradford with 40 dragoons was sent in pursuit of Tipsey to bring him and his murderous band, if possible, to justice. I accompanied the command for five days without success. When called by other duties I returned to Fort Lane, leaving the detachment still in pursuit. I may here say that Tipsey after repeated acts of robbery and the murder of a white man on the Siskiyou Mountain was, it is said, slain, together with his son, by the Shasta Indians, and his band dispersed, some of whom are probably still prowling among the mountains.
    I next visited the Etch-ka-taw-wah or Applegate Creek and the Haw-quo-e-hov-took or Illinois Creek bands, usually called the Shasta bands of Rogue Rivers. At the time of my arrival great consternation prevailed from intelligence that the miners from Althouse and Sailor Diggings were about to come down and wipe them out. The bloody attack upon them last winter in which seven squaws and two children were killed and several men and children wounded, gave them but too much cause to be alarmed by this report.
    They consequently fled from camps to the mountains. Some boys of this band residing with a gentleman named Mooney on Deer Creek were with him dispatched to the Indians with a request to meet me in council. On the second day after I had the satisfaction of seeing them generally come in, and arrangements were made for their immediate removal to a reserve, the consent of the Rogue Rivers being previously obtained. The details of a treaty were left for subsequent action. The same day under the escort of Mr. Mooney they were on their way to the reserve.
    A portion of the country claimed by the Applegate band was included in the treaty of purchase made in Sept. last at Table Rock, but a considerable tract lay west of the country ceded, and John, the patriarch of his band, who came in after the signing of the treaty and received a portion of the goods had returned to this branch of his family. For reasons set forth in Agent Culver's report these Indians have since been permitted to return to their old homes, where they still remain. With the exception of a few lodges near the mouth of Illinois Creek and Limpy's and George's bands, near the mouth of Applegate Creek, these bands have the controlling influence over all Indians between Rogue River on the north, the territorial boundary on the south, the Coast Mountains west and Applegate Creek east.
    I continued my route up Illinois Creek to its head; across the divide to Smith's River in California; down Smith's River till within ten or twelve miles of Crescent City; thence S.W. to the coast; thence on the coast to our southern boundary, recrossing Smith's River fifteen miles north of Crescent City.
    On Illinois Creek and its tributaries there is considerable good farming lands, and a few claims are already taken. From this creek to Smith's River the country is mountainous and barren, with a growth of scrubby pine and spruce and a variety of underbrush, and is wholly unsuited to agriculture. But the entire country from Jacksonville to the coast is a mining region rich with gold and as such is now extensively occupied. On the trail, being the great thoroughfare from Jacksonville to Crescent City, there are houses at convenient distances for the accommodation of travelers. Near the coast and along Smith's River are tracts of excellent land, much of it covered with a dense forest of redwoods. Some trees are over twenty feet in diameter. There are a few prairies of great fertility and abounding in various kinds of luxuriant grass. About three miles north of our boundary line a stream empties into the ocean designated on the map of the coast survey as Illinois River--the Indian name Chetco. Here are many indications of having once resided a numerous people. In the fall of 1853 one Miller and several associates located land claims in this vicinity. They first built their houses about a quarter of a mile from the mouth of the river, to which the Indians made no objection. Subsequently knowing that the newly discovered mines would attract a large population, they projected a town speculation, formed an association, and selected a site at the mouth of Chetco River. The face of the country is such that the crossing must be at the mouth of the river by a ferry; here were two Indian villages on the opposite banks of the river of twenty lodges each; this ferry was of no small importance. The new town site included one of the Indian villages, and when preparations were made to erect a house within its limits the Indians strongly protested, but at last acquiescing the cabin was built and occupied by Miller.
    Hitherto the Indians had enjoyed the benefits of the ferry, but now Miller informed them that they must no longer ferry white people. They however sometimes did so and were threatened with the destruction of their lodges unless they desisted. In February last the misunderstanding grew to such a pitch that several of the men who had been engaged in fighting Indians on Smith's River were called in by Miller and quartered in his house for nearly two weeks. Becoming unwilling to tarry longer they were about to return to their homes. Miller objected to their leaving him until they had accomplished something for his relief, as on their departure he would be subjected to the same annoyance as before. Accordingly the next morning at daylight the party, consisting of 8 or 9 well-armed men, attacked the village. As the Indians came from their lodges twelve of them were shot dead by these monsters. The women and children were permitted to escape.
    Three men remained in the lodges and returned the fire with bows and arrows. Being unable to get a sight of these Indians they ordered two squaws, pets in the family of Miller, to set fire to the lodges. In the conflagration two were consumed and the third while raising his head through the flame and smoke for breath was shot dead. What adds to the atrocity of the deed is that shortly before the massacre the Indians were induced to sell the whites their guns, under the pretext that friendly relations were firmly established. The Indians kept up a random fire without effect from the opposite village during the day and at night fled to the mountains. The next day all the lodges on the north bank were burned and the day following all on the south, two excepting belonging to the friend of an Indian who acted with Miller and party. This horrible tragedy was enacted about the 15th of February and on my arrival on the 8th of May the place was in the peaceable possession of Miller. Seeing a few Indians on an island in the river I took a boat and proceeded to that point with a view of holding a talk. All except an old woman and small boy fled on my approach. With these we could only converse by signs. I gave them some presents and sent the boy to persuade the Indians to return. Another boy alone accompanied him back. I gave each a shirt and sent them again, but no others could be induced to approach us. I left a few shirts and some tobacco for the chiefs with a settler who could converse with them and directed him to tell them that I would soon send an agent to see them. After the massacre the Indians several times approached the settlement, robbed houses, and once attacked three men, but succeeded in killing none. Twenty-three Indians and several squaws were killed prior to my arrival.
    Miller was subsequently arrested and placed in the custody of the military at Port Orford, but on his examination before a justice of the peace was set at large on the grounds of justification and want of sufficient evidence to commit.
    The details of a similar occurrence at Coquille have been laid before you in a copy of the report of Special Agent F. M. Smith of the circumstantial truthfulness of which I am fully satisfied.
These narratives will give you some idea of the state of affairs in the mining districts on this coast. Arrests are evidently useless, as no act of a white man against an Indian however atrocious can be followed by a conviction.
    A detailed statement of Indian affairs in the Port Orford district will be found in the accompanying report of Agent Parrish. He enumerates twelve district bands with an aggregate population of 1311 souls and includes them all in the 
Tututni tribe. These bands however speak at least four distinct languages and but few in each band can converse with those of another. Those grouped as one band often reside in several villages. These bands are scattered over a great extent of country along the coast and upon the small streams from California to 20 miles north of the Coquille and from the ocean to the summit of the Coast Range of mountains. Several bands I visited in person and directed Mr. Taylor to accompany and assist the agent in ascertaining the numbers of the remainder. Excepting the Chetcos and the Coquilles I found these Indians at peace with the whites and among themselves. They are willing the whites should occupy their lands, provided they are permitted to retain their fisheries from which they mainly derive their subsistence. The chiefs wish their people to be taught agriculture and a few have this season planted patches of potatoes. Tobacco has long been cultivated by the bands on Rogue River. It is well tended, grows luxuriantly and is of a fine quality. These Indians are an athletic and robust race. The women perform much of the manual labor. Since the coming of the whites, many of the men have entered their employ and prove faithful and industrious. Chastity was formerly a marked trait of this tribe, and its violation on the part of the female was punished by cutting off the ears, putting out the eyes and even death. Sad changes however have taken place in this regard, and many serious difficulties have had their origin in the licentious conduct of the miners.
    The country along the coast from Umpqua River to the Ne-a-ches-na River, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, is occupied by five bands of the Tillamook tribe. They reside on the principal streams, and all speak the same language and are peaceable, healthy and well clad, assimilating to the whites in dress obtained from their occasional visits to the settlements. The Si-u-slaw band, instructed by a French man residing among them, have commenced the cultivation of the soil and have several well-tended patches of potatoes. This band with proper care would soon become an industrious and happy community. Polygamy is common among them, one chief having eight and another six wives. Their wives are usually purchased from other bands and often reside in several distant villages. A few presents to these people gave much satisfaction.
    I have in a former communication spoken of a part of the region occupied by these bands as well suited for the colonization of the Indians found west of the Cascade Range including the Umpquas. But since my visit I am less favorably impressed. Except a few narrow margins on the coast bays and streams and some small islands, the entire country is a dense forest. Within a few years much of the timber has been destroyed by fire, and an almost impenetrable underbrush has arisen in its stead. The valleys are narrow and hemmed in by precipitous spurs of the Coast Range, rendering communication between them exceedingly difficult.
    Much of the upland is sufficiently even to admit of cultivation and has a fertile soil, but the skill, enterprise and wealth of advanced civilization alone could develop its resources. To a sparse, roaming, savage population, no portion of Oregon yields a greater abundance and variety of spontaneous products for their sustenance. Mussels deeply encase the rocks from the ocean along the coast, several species of clams abound on the beach, and crabs in the bays, while salmon, herrings, sardines and other fish in perpetual succession visit the streams. The mountains yield a profusion of berries, and the lowlands at the proper season swarm with wild fowl.
    Between the Siuslaw and Ne-a-ches-na is a country large enough to settle all the Indians in the Willamette, Umpqua and coast, but they would be required to live in small detached communities, in scarcely accessible valleys, and a great number of farmers, mechanics, teachers and agents would be required for their proper instruction and control.
    The transfer of Mr. Parrish to the Port Orford district leaves the Willamette Valley without an agent, and the care of the district has fallen directly on this office. My explorations in other parts of the trip prevented my visiting all bands within its limits, but their condition has changed but little since my last report.
    A treaty of purchase negotiated with the Tualatin band of Calapooias on the 25th of March last has been transmitted, accompanied by a letter explaining the causes which led to such action. Aided by the articles supplied in pursuance of this treaty, this band put in crops which compared favorably with those of their white neighbors, but unfortunately, owing to insufficient fencing, during their absence gathering berries the hogs broke in and destroyed a large part. The liberal provisions of this treaty have contributed much to incline the other tribes of this valley to enter into similar negotiations, and little difficulty will attend treaties of purchase whenever authorized. For the condition of the Indians in the sub-agency of Astoria, you are referred to the two accompanying reports of sub-agent Raymond.
    The desire of the few Indians on Clatsop Plains to remove further south, and the fact that the great body of the Indians under his care reside on Nehalem River and about Tillamook Bay, have led me to permit the sub-agent's removal to the latter point, and to extend his district further down the coast.
    The report of agent R. R. Thompson, enclosing that of the Catholic mission at the Dalles of the Columbia, is so minute and full as scarcely to render additional remark necessary. A map prepared by Major Hallar, United States army, shows the location and extent of country occupied by the various tribes of this district. I fully concur in the suggestions of Mr. Thompson in regard to the importance of increasing the present military force in middle Oregon by a body of dragoons, so stationed as to move with celerity upon any point threatened with hostilities. To this end, I would respectfully recommend that a military post be established as far east as Boise River. The security it would afford travelers passing through that region; its proximity to the numerous bands inhabiting the country along Lewis's fork, or Snake River and its tributaries; its being near the forks of the road diverging into northern and middle Oregon; and the probability of a third road on the north side of Snake River, passing through the valley of Salmon River into the Nez Perces country and Washington Territory--render this, in a military point of view, an important position. [Material in italics above and below is taken from a version online, to restore a page missing from the Lane papers.]
    Extensive meadows on Boise River would afford abundant supplies of grass and hay for whatever amount of stock might be brought into requisition, and it is believed that the soil, besides producing the usual varieties of cereal grains, is well adapted to the growth of vegetables usual in the northern states.
    Cavalry alone can be effectively used in the required service. The expense of this class of troops at so remote a point will be great, but this will not certainly be regarded as a serious obstacle, when it affords the only means of securing the lives and property of our citizens from the violence and cupidity of the ruthless savage.
    So long as these Indians remain occupants of that district unrestrained by the military arm, we may expect robbery and bloodshed, as they increase yearly in skill and boldness, and are more abundantly supplied with arms and ammunition by imprudent emigrants and reckless traders.
    Should it nevertheless be considered inadvisable to establish a permanent post so far inland, it would appear absolutely necessary to detail a company of mounted men each year to scour the country between Grand Ronde and Fort Hall during the transit of the emigration.
    Official information has been received that an emigrant train has been cut off this season by these savages; eight men have been murdered, and four women and a number of children taken captive, to endure sufferings and linger out an existence more terrible than death. Of this party a lad wounded and left for dead by the Indians alone survives; other trains may meet a similar fate, and none be left to tell the tale. 
    East of the Cascade Mountains and south of the 44th parallel is a country not attached particularly to any agency. That portion of the eastern base of this range extending twenty-five or thirty miles east and south to the California line is the country of the Klamath Indians. East of this tribe along our southern boundary and extending some distance into California is a tribe known as the Modocs. They speak the same language as the Klamaths. East of these again but extending farther south are the Mo-e-twas. These two last named tribes have always evinced a deadly hostility to the whites and have probably committed more outrages than any other interior tribe. The Modocs boast, the Klamaths told me, of having within the last four years murdered thirty-six whites.
    East of these tribes and extending to our eastern limits are the Shoshones, Snakes or Diggers. Little is known of their numbers or history. They are cowardly, but often attack weaker parties, and never fail to avail themselves of a favorable opportunity for plunder. Their country is a desert, with an occasion spot of verdure on the margins of lakes or in deep ravines and chasms.
    Dry, sandy plains of artemisia; lofty, rugged barren mountains, and chasms of fearful depth threaded by rivers, are the prominent features of this region. Though uninviting and unsuited for the abode of man or animal, the romance and novelty may allure some western adventurer to fix his domicile in these wastes and afford shelter and protection to the weary wayfarer to these western shores.
    On a recent visit to Klamath Lake, I assembled a considerable portion of the Klamaths and entered into a conventional arrangement or treaty of peace, which I believe them inclined to observe. Every manifestation was given by them that such was their desire. Messengers were sent to the Modocs and Moetwas and to the Snakes bordering these tribes, and I confidentially believe little trouble will this year be given the emigration in that quarter.
    The Klamaths were once numerous, but wars with the surrounding tribes and conflicts among themselves have rendered them weak. They now number but four hundred and fifteen souls. Seven villages are around Klamath Lake; ten on a stream called Pli-ac Creek east of the lake, three on To-qua Lake, and one on Co-as-to Lake. Their lodges are generally mere temporary structures, scarcely sheltering them from the pelting storm. Some of them have visited the settlements and obtained tents, camp equipage and clothing.
    They possess a few horses and among them I saw four guns, but they had no ammunition. The bow and arrow, knife and war club constitute their weapons. In one of their lodges I noticed an elk-skin shield, so constructed as to be impervious to the sharpest arrows.
    Their principal food is the camas root, and the seed obtained from a plant growing in the marshes of the lake resembling before hulled a broom corn seed. This seed is encased in a pod of the shape and size of the bell pepper. It is gathered in great quantities.
    Klamath Lake or marsh affords no fish, but To-qua Lake and the stream draining Klamath, below the falls, fifteen miles distant, abounds in suckers of a fine quality. A few antelope are found in the plains and on the mountains around.
    Yellow and sugar pine with spruce constitute the principal varieties of timber, the two former sometimes of immense size. On the elevated table lands skirting the base of the Cascade Range, extending south from the Ta-ih more than a hundred miles, the juniper, yielding vast quantities of berries, abounds.
    Klamath Lake has been represented as the source of Des Chutes or Fall River, and also of a stream flowing south into the bay of San Francisco. None of its waters flow north. A high timbered plain of more than twenty miles in width, strewn with pumice stone, extending from the Cascade Mountains eastwardly a great distance, intervenes between this lake or marsh and the Des Chutes. The last-named river has its source in the mountains twenty or thirty miles northwest of Klamath Lake.
The waters of this lake from its outlet have a southerly course for about twenty-five miles, where they expand into To-qua Lake, a large sheet of water bordered by beautiful meadows, and having an arm extending some miles to the northwest, called Lake Co-as-ta.. Leaving To-qua the course of the river is east of south twenty or twenty-five miles into a lake called by the Indians An-coose. This lake, margined by extensive tulé marshes, lies east of the course of the stream known thence as the Klamath River. Its course is first northwesterly, then west through the Shasta country to the ocean. It is thought the 42nd parallel of latitude lies between To-qua and An-coose lakes. The stream on which is the Natural Bridge, improperly so called, being a ledge of rock resting in the deep the channel and forming a ford, over which the southern Oregon road passes, leads east of Toqua Lake, and is called by the Indians Tak-a-licks. It empties into the Mo-doc, or, as called by the whites, Tulé Lake, which, like many others in this region, has no visible outlet. From the Natural Bridge the road passes round the southern end of Ancoose Lake, where it forks; the one road leads northerly across Klamath River, over the mountains, to the settlements near the head of Bear or Stuart's Creek, in the Rogue River Valley; the other to Y-re-ka, in California.
    The country around Ancoose and Modoc lakes is claimed and occupied by the Modoc Indians, the Klamaths seldom traveling so far south.
    A partial examination of the country around Klamath and Toqua lakes and their tributaries has impressed me favorably with the region as suited to the colonization of the Indians of the Willamette and Umpqua valleys. The only obstacles to be apprehended are the severity of the winters and the depth of the snows, resulting from its elevation. These may not prove serious: No white man has, I believe, wintered there; but the frail, open huts in which the natives reside indicate a favorable climate.
    An abundance of nutritious grasses borders these lakes and streams, a few specimens of which have been sent to your office. The soil is rich, and appears suited to the growth of the cereals and the usual productions of the garden. These fertile plats probably embrace an area of one hundred and fifty square miles, being ample to sustain, besides the native bands, the entire Indian population of these two valleys.
    Isolated and remote from other tracts adapted to settlement, this region seems peculiarly marked out as the asylum of these remnants of the aborigines. On the north and east, and on the south, a few fertile spots excepted, lies a vast desert waste. On the west rises a lofty range of mountains, often towering above the line of perpetual snow, only to be traversed in the summer months, and then with great danger and toil. All necessary supplies could, at the proper season, be transported from the Willamette Valley over the mountains by the middle road to the crossing of the Des Chutes, whence a good wagon road may be easily opened to Klamath Lake--distant about 40 miles.
    The Indians of the two valleys have heretofore generally expressed a decided opposition to removing east of the Cascade Mountains, but I am persuaded their consent can now be easily obtained, should such become the policy of the government, and proper guarantees of sustenance and protection be given. The district recommended is not so remote as to prevent their occasional visits to the settlements--a privation which, having become accustomed to mingle with the whites, they would regard as a great calamity.
    In my first annual report I recommended the appointment of three agents and four sub-agents. I am deeply impressed with the importance of at least this number, in order properly to occupy the field of duty. One of the sub-agents should, as heretofore, have charge of the Indians in the Willamette Valley and those on the southern bank of the Columbia from the Cascade Falls to Oak Point. The other three should be stationed at eligible points on the coast. Our Pacific border is not less than 350 miles in extent; with occasional intervals of no more than twenty miles in a place, the whole is occupied by Indians.
    The whites are also established at several points along this coast engaged in mining, commerce and agriculture, and between them and the natives difficulties often arise requiring the prompt intervention of an agent. The ruggedness of the country and distance to be traveled render a less number on the coast wholly inadequate to efficient action. The Umpqua Valley should be reannexed to the agency of Rogue River Valley. The country east of the Cascade Range erected into two agency districts, divided by the forty-fourth parallel of latitude.
    The extent of the territory, the hostile character of the Indians, and the fact that three routes of immigration to our shores traverse almost the entire distance from east to west, render the establishment of two agencies in that region of Oregon, in my opinion, very important. The agent for the southeastern district should at present reside in the vicinity of the Klamath Lake.
    Should the country around Klamath and Toqua lakes be designated as an Indian settlement, the establishment for a few years of an efficient force of mounted men, within a convenient distance to afford security to the agent and other employees, as well as those passing through the country, and to enforce obedience to the laws and regulations of the government, would be indispensable. But should a military post be established on Boise River, as suggested, and an adequate force stationed at Fort Lane, small parties of soldiers traversing the country between these points, diverging to the right and left, during the summer season, would, it is believed, be sufficient to secure safety and order. [Section deleted from text; paragraph substituted from final version.]
    Treaties for the purchase of the country of the more numerous and warlike tribes of this territory, and the removal and concentration of all at suitable and convenient points, where the agents of the government can watch over, instruct, and protect them, and thus convince them of our humane intentions, can alone secure peace while they exist, or elevate them in the social scale above their present savage state.
    When thus collected and colonized, Congress should enact a wise and equitable, yet stringent code of laws for their government, at first to be administered wholly by citizens of the United States. But as the Indians advanced in civilization and intelligence, let the administration of the laws pass into their own hands; and so also the other powers of government, until they should at last be vested with power to enact and administer all their local and municipal regulations.
    Such a code as I have recommended, superseding their chieftain rule, their tribal distinctions, and savage customs, will alone be of permanent advantage, and restrain them from petty thefts, plunder and violence, deeds which their savage minds regard as tending to ennoble rather than degrade.
    I have been unable to prepare an entirely accurate enumeration of all the tribes and bands in this superintendency, but the accompanying table is believed to approximate very nearly the actual number of Indians in this territory. I also transmit a table showing the size and other characteristics of Indians, with remarks, taken by Mr. Oris Taylor in the Port Orford district; also, a list of many words in the language of the Rogue River tribe.
    A map showing the boundaries of the several districts, and the locations of the various bands and tribes, is in progress of preparation, and will be transmitted to you at an early day.
    The whole amount of receipts for current expenses in this superintendency within the year ending June 30, 1854, is . . . $28,230.77
    The disbursements from June 23rd, 1853, to June 30, 1854 is
. . . $34,014.22⅓
    Leaving an excess of disbursements over receipts of
. . . $5,783.45⅓
    The amount of liabilities [of] this superintendency for salaries, presents, traveling and incidental expenses up to the 30th June last will exceed eight thousand dollars over and above the claims referred to in a letter from this office dated July 25th, 1854.
    The following estimates are submitted for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1856.
    Salary of superintendent and three agents
. . . $7,000.00
    Salary of four sub-agents and ten interpreters
. . . $8,000.00
    Clerk hire; house and office rent, light and stationery of superintendent; and office rent for agents and sub-agents
. . . $4,000.00
    Contingent and incidental expenses
. . . $4,500.00
    Presents and provisions for Indians
. . . $3,000.00
    Building two agents' houses and offices, one in Rogue River district, the other in the proposed southeastern district
. . . $3,000.00
    Payment of annuities to Rogue River and Cow Creek bands
. . . $3,050.00
    Traveling expenses of superintendent, agents, and sub-agents
. . . $6,500.00
    Farmhouse and outbuildings on Table Rock reserve . . . $2,000.00
    Pay of farmers on Table Rock reserve
. . . $1,000.00
    For erection of smith shop & purchase of iron and tools for same, and pay of smith
. . . $1,550.00
    Total
. . . $43,600.00
    In reference to the superintendency house at Milwaukie, I would reiterate the language of my letter of the 27 May, 1853:
    "The present building, in construction and style of finish, is fitted only for a private residence, and possesses none of the conveniences suitable for an office. This house is so constructed as to require in order to furnish it suitably an outlay of means unwarranted by the limited salary of the superintendent. I feel quite confident that a location more central and much more convenient for the superintendent, agents, and Indians who may visit the superintendency, can be made; and that the necessary buildings--dwelling-house, office, warehouse and other conveniences--can be erected at a less cost than that incurred in the erection of this house alone."
    I would therefore recommend the sale of said building, and the lot of four acres of land whereon it is erected, and the application of the proceeds to the erection of suitable buildings for the use of the superintendency, at some point hereafter to be selected.
Respectfully submitted :
JOEL PALMER,
Superintendent.



Salem Oregon Sept. 14th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Yours of August 3rd came to hand per last mail. I regret to hear of your ill health and trust that you may speedily recover.
    The news of Guthrie's & Wilcox' appointment was received by the last mail. The latter appointment gives great satisfaction here. I wish I could say as much of the former. It is regarded here as a very unfortunate selection in many respects. Others more capable and who had rendered service to the party think that their claims had been overlooked. I think that I can appreciate your situation, as I am led to suppose that Guthrie's appointment is more the result of his uncle's position than of your recommendation.
    I called on Mr. Guthrie last week to see what he intends doing in relation to the debts which I understand he assumed for the milling company. He informed me that he never agreed to pay but three eighths of those debts, and that he had already done so, and that he was under no obligation to pay my demand and should not do so. This as a matter of course astonished me as it was my understanding that he and Farrar assumed the debts. My demand is $1060 money actually loaned to Nat to prosecute the business of the company. It is drawing nominally no interest while I am compelled to pay three percent per month.
    I regard this as rather a hard case and would be glad if you could suggest what I had better do in the matter. I have purchased a farm and am in great want of the money but shall have to want it worse than I ever did before I ask Guthrie for it again. If my recourse was against him I should lose no time in trying to secure my rights. Farrar I think is an honest man and manifests no disposition to avoid his share of the responsibility in the matter, but is too poor to do anything. I regret that I should be compelled to trouble you about this matter, but my necessities are my only apology, besides I have exhausted my resources with Guthrie. He says that you deceived him in relation to the property and the amount of the debts, but I know that this is only an excuse to avoid their payment.
    John is attending school. He commenced boarding last week with a mess composed of young men who board themselves in the Institute building. My wife's health is so poor that it is inconvenient to keep boarders. Lafayette returned a few days ago from home with Mr. Floed, and they have now gone on a visit to Portland. Lafayette says that he is agoing to attend a school near home this winter.
    You need give yourself no uneasiness about John's wants (or Lafayette if he stops here). I shall keep him supplied as long as I have anything.
    You will see by the Oregon papers that the Indians have massacred some of the emigrants near Fort "Boise" on Snake River. Curry is waiting to hear more definite news and will perhaps order out a detachment of volunteers, in which case I shall accompany them.
    We are in a deplorable state here for the want of arms and ammunition; cannot you take some steps to have the War Department supply us with our quota of the public arms so that we can defend ourselves in cases of emergency?
I remain sincerely
    Your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Salem Sept. 24th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    By this mail you will learn of the massacre of a portion of the emigrants near Fort Boise on Snake River.
    I was absent attending court at Lafayette when Gov. Curry issued his proclamation. Curry acted promptly and with the best intention, but I think ill-advisedly. The proclamation was countermanded at my urgent request, and you will see my reasons therefor at length in the Statesman.
    I am satisfied that you will not differ with me in relation to the expediency of a winter campaign in that cold and desolate region. You are perhaps aware that the Blue Mountains are impassable from snow for the greater part of the winter and the season is now too far advanced to forward up supplies from this valley before the mountains become impassable. The army officers deny the immediate necessity of the [paper loss] refuse their cooperation
[paper loss].
    There should be an expedition sent against those Indians next spring which would exterminate them and protect the next year's emigration. The men can be easily raised in this valley if Congress will only furnish the munitions of war for its prosecution. Cannot something of the kind be authorized at an early day after the meeting of Congress?
    At any rate we should be supplied with arms and ammunition.
    Bush has spoken to me in relation to the propriety of hoisting your name for next President. I may be in error, but I am inclined to think that it would do you no good, while its tendency would be to do you a positive injury here if as he tells me you contemplate running for Delegate again.
    I understand that Pratt says that he intends to be the next Delegate and that he has written to you to decline in his favor! Rather a modest request, which if complied with on your part I think will do him but little good as the people and the party here 
[paper loss] recognize your right to sell [paper loss] transfer them in any way. Besides I doubt if Pratt could obtain the nomination with all your influence on his side. There is no doubt but what that he has rendered important services to the party here, and there is as little doubt about his being determined that they should forget it. He is continually trying to make his private grievances an issue in the party and thrusts them forward on all occasions, and finding that the party care nothing about them, he says that he is determined to vindicate himself.
    You know that his inordinate love of money together with his shaming propensities are sufficient to make any man unpopular. Those things together with his vanity counteract much of his usefulness. This as a matter of course is confidential. As I harbor no enmity towards Pratt I consequently have no desire to injure him.
    John is well and attending closely to his books.
Yours so in haste
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Corvallis Septr. 28th 1854
Dear Father
    I have two letters from you unanswered. I will try in this to reply to both. I have furnished Melissa with all the goods she has wanted up to the present. She sent me word yesterday that she would be down soon to lay in her winter supply. I don't suppose she will take up in money and goods an amount to exceed two hundred dollars in all. I have distributed those documents according to your request.
    I discover that Pratt and other Democrats are trying to create a prejudice unfavorable to you, and to induce the Democrats to believe that you don't do as much for Oregon as might be done by one O. C. Pratt. One way they have taken is this: to make the Democrats believe you are seeking the nomination for President and that, they say, is the reason you got Guthrie appointed Receiver, in order to secure his uncle's influence and secure for yourself the Kentucky delegation in the next convention. You know your business, but I would suggest to be careful who you correspond with and what you say to those you do write to.
    Bush is all right so far, but in my opinion they will have him over before the convention meets. I understand Nesmith is all right. I know Palmer and Curry are for you. Nesmith told me he had written to you to know certain whether or not you would be a candidate. He said he wanted to know where to place himself this time. If I were you I would answer all alike that they might give you the nomination or let it alone, just as they pleased.
    The "Know Nothings" have organized in Portland and in Oregon City, and I am inclined to think they will take all over the Territory, and I fear will exert a strong influence in our next election. I should not be surprised if they carry the entire Territory, Delegate and all. I am satisfied they will have influence enough to beat all such Democratic nominees as O. C. Pratt Esqr.; therefore, if I were you I would lie back and look at the race. You may say this is not very Democratic in me, but I do assure you I am tired of all such party organizations as those that have to use so much intrigue, lying and rascality as our would-be leaders and rulers out here have to do to secure their own aggrandizement. I do think the Democratic Party in Oregon is made of the poorest, hackneyed, rotten-hearted set of office-seeking sons of bitches I ever knew. You know that I don't seek nor would not have an office, and therefore these intrigues look worse to me perhaps than they do to office-hunters. I am satisfied that every effort will be made to secure Pratt the nomination by his (Pratt's) proselytes. I wish you were in a condition to retire from public life. I would then suggest that we all emigrated to some quiet little valley in a pleasant part of California where we might cultivate the soil and have our little herd of cattle, horses and sheep and live a quiet, happy life and be free and far away from this Oregon Democracy.
    Business in this country is dull, money exceedingly scarce. I have been doing a very good little business since I came up here. I make money slow, but I save what is made. You must write to me when you get this. I will write oftener in the future. I understand that Mr. Farrar is down on you about that mill trade, says you was the means of breaking him up &c. &c. But he is small potatoes, in my opinion. I hope you will never induce another man, woman or child to come to Oregon. They are sure to become your enemies after getting here unless they are old and tried friends. Below I give three names that I want you to send documents to (address Corvallis). You will remember of seeing the two first ones in Petersburg. James Kinney, John Murray and Wm. Elliott. Since writing the above I have been told that Pratt does intend to be a candidate before the convention whether you decline or not, and also that Kelly of Oregon City will be put forth by Clackamas County, and Farrar will receive the vote of Washington County and Delazon Smith the vote of Linn County. So you see your chances for renomination are small.
    But as I said above I am of the opinion that, through the influence of the "Know Nothings," the Whigs will elect their candidate, and if I was you I wouldn't care if I didn't get the nomination. Though I would not decline in favor of any candidate. I would let my name go before the convention and there test who is the strongest Democrat in Oregon.
    Floed passed through here the other day accompanied by Mary, Winnie and Lafayette on their way to the Umpqua, all in good health. Floed and Simon are doing well, making money fast. Shelby I think will remain in Portland. He is doing very well there. Andy was down once this summer; he seemed to be very well satisfied. He thinks Oregon will do.
    Produce is worth nothing. I have refused the best kind of flour at 2½ cts. per pound, paid in goods. Butter is worth 20 to 25 cts. in goods. Everything is down. Beef will sell, but is only worth 6 cts. on foot. We have a little boy born I think since my last; he is now four months old, weighs about 20# net.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Copy.
War Department
    Washington 29 Sept. 1854
Sir
    I return herewith the report from your office of the 7 inst. upon the claim of Jesse Robinson for supplies furnished the troops engaged in the Rogue River War, for which provision is made by the act approved 17 July 1854.
    This report, in recommending the allowance of certain items, proceeds on the assumption that the quantity of forage for which claims have been presented is not more than the troops were entitled to under the regulations of the U.S. army. On the other hand, by computations made in the office of the Quartermaster General, it appears that the quantity for which payment is claimed is greatly in excess of the quantity required for issue, and the same is true in respect to the subsistence. I shall however regard the certificate of the quartermaster & commissary appointed by Capt. Alden & Genl. Lane as evidence of the quantities of supplies delivered to him and now to be paid for, but as regards their value, which is not like quantity a question of measure & weight, but one of skill and judgment, a discretion is to be exercised in the settlement, and I send a copy of a report of Capt. Alden upon this point for your information, as well as a copy of the report of this Department, in answer to a resolution of Congress calling for information in regard to these claims.
    With reference to the mode of reporting these claims for the action of this Department under the act above titled I would prefer a general statement of all the claims exhibiting the name of each claimant, items claimed, prices charged and prices recommended for allowance, omitting the evidence in support of the claim, and other particulars, which will have been fully considered by you before making your report.
Very respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        Jeffer. Davis
            Secretary of War
Hon. Robt. J. Atkinson
    Third Auditor

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library 



Indian Agency
    Rogue River Valley
        September 30, 1854
Sir,
    As directed, I make a quarterly return of the manner in which each employee within this agency discharges his duty.
    Ben, an Indian, is my interpreter for the Rogue River tribe. He is well qualified and faithful.
    Alva Huddleston, Theodore Huddleston and Francis Huddleston were employed, originally, to work on the Table Rock Indian Reserve for and on account of [the] treaty of 10th September 1854. But as the labor performed by them did not equal my idea of propriety, they were discharged the earliest moment practicable. They were only retained in service after planting, long enough to gather hay for the horses in constant use at the agency, and in case it should be necessary enough to keep the cattle that belong to the reserve from starving the coming winter. (There was no money on hand to buy it, nor could other persons be hired without the money to pay them as they worked.)
    An equitable division of the expenses I deem to be that the wages and other expenses of the Huddlestons to 30 June be charged "in and on account of treaty," and all after that date "to the current expenses of the agency."
    Alva Huddleston was discharged on the 3rd and Theodore and Francis Huddleston were discharged on the 25 July last.
Respectfully,
    Your obt srvt
        S. H. Culver
            Indian Agent
Joel Palmer
Supt Ind Affrs
Dayton, Yamhill Co
Oregon Territory



Salem Oregon October 2nd 1854
Dear Genl.
    Yours of August 13th came to hand by the last mail, and gave us pleasure to learn that you were recovering from your illness.
    I had written you some time before Bush's arrival asking to know your wishes in relation to the next Delegateship. Your present letter answers my inquiry on that subject. Bush has shown me a letter which he received by last mail in which you express your desire for a renomination more urgently than in the one you wrote to me, and from which it appears that certain persons have been unremitting in their endeavors to impress your mind with the idea that there is a combination among politicians here to break you down and elect some one of their own number in your place. Mr. Cason is an excellent man and incapable of a dishonest act. He has doubtless written you what he conceives to be the truth; however you should bear in mind that he is rather domestic in his habits and consequently has but little opportunity for knowing public opinion. Of Mr. Dunbar I know but little, and that to his prejudice. My opinion of the man is that disingenuousness and selfishness enter largely into his composition. He may be honest in what he has written and in so doing probably reflects to some extent the opinions of the narrow circle to which his observation is confined. He is one of your admirers, and while his efforts in your behalf can possibly do you no good, he doubtless expects someday to turn his admiration to profitable account.
    I have no doubt but what you are continually beset by correspondents who would like to frighten you with bugbears and magnify their own consequence by continual representations of their own devotion to your interests. How far such representations may influence you in your actions towards your real friends who are capable of rendering you assistance is a matter about which I have given myself no trouble.
    So far as your general course has been concerned, allow me to say that it has given the most eminent satisfaction to the great body of the party here, or at least to that branch of it to which you would naturally look for support. True, it is not to be disguised that many of your old and tried friends are dissatisfied with Guthrie's appointment, but not to such an extent as to array them against you. The fruits of that appointment are not so apparent as they will be when he comes to assume the duties of the office and be brought in contact with the people. The short of the matter is, Genl., that he did not deserve the appointment either from past services or present devotion to the party while others did; besides the man is a disgusting fool, and as I know to the tune of about eleven hundred dollars a dishonest damned knave.
    Another cause of dissatisfaction I am told exists against you in the Umpqua which is this, that the Democratic Party have been laboring for three years to put down Jesse Applegate and his influence and that now to their astonishment the said Jesse exhibits letters from you in which you extol him to the skies and promise him the appointment of surveyor on the military road, and that he shall control the disbursements of the money. At the same time he laughs at your credulity in attempting to buy up his influence, and says that he would not vote for you to save your life, and at the same time taunts Democrats by telling them that he is your confidential adviser and defies them to break down his influence with you. How far these things are true you of course know best. I am aware that you have always admired the man's talents, but supposed that your knowledge of his political dishonesty would prevent you from placing any confidence in his representations.
    I have been thus candid with you in order that you might know what I think your position here actually is. In reference to a renomination I can see nothing at present to prevent your obtaining it. The masses of the people are with you and so are the majority of the politicians who have influence. If this state of things is changed before the convention meets it will be the result of some improvident act of your own, which I think not likely to occur.
    Judge Pratt is here in town and makes no hesitation in announcing himself as a candidate. He told me this morning in the presence of Bush that he should submit his name to the convention. How far he may be induced in the accomplishment of his own purposes to take a position hostile to you is a matter of which I at present know nothing. Doubtless he will try his utmost for success. If you see proper to go into the convention against him I have no doubt of the result, and if you even go so far as to withdraw in his favor I doubt even then of his success.
    In six weeks from this time I shall probably forward my resignation of the office of Marshal to the President. I find that the office is perfectly worthless, and it will be worth less next year as the emoluments by operation of the act of Congress of Feb. 1853 reduces them fifty percent after next Feb.; besides my own private affairs demand my attention. I have purchased a farm about eight miles from here in Polk County, and shall move onto it next summer. It is the east half of old man Goff's claim. I have been unsuccessful in collecting the pay for my mill. What little ready means I had I loaned to friends, who appear to give themselves but little trouble about the matter, and the consequence is that I am driven to the extremity of going to work to earn a livelihood.
    I again find myself under the necessity of calling your attention to my demands against the milling company for the money advanced to Nat and for which I hold his note as agent for the company. I have used every endeavor in my power to collect the money without causing you any trouble. Your friend Mr. Guthrie once told me last spring that "he had undertaken to pay those debts and would do so when it was convenient but that he should not be hurried about the matter," but he now says that he never agreed to pay them and shall not do it. You know that my demand is not against him, consequently I cannot compel him to pay. Nat says that he cannot pay it, and that Guthrie has agreed to do so. The result is that I am kept out of the money and my family deprived of what justly belongs to them. If under the circumstances you can do anything to relieve me it will be taken as a great favor, or if you desire me to contribute to the luxury and support of that sprig of aristocracy, Mr. Guthrie, by my hard earnings I will take pleasure in presenting him with the demand upon your saying so.
I remain truly
    Your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Jacksonville Oregon, Oct. 8, 1854
Dear General:
    On my return a few days since from Yreka, where I had been on a visit, I was astonished to hear of the suspension by Gen. Palmer of Mr. Culver as Indian agent on very serious charges, and I was still more astonished at the manner in which it had been done.
    It was but a matter of simple justice that Mr. Culver should have had an opportunity to defend himself before his sentence was passed upon him. As to the charges themselves, you will see by the report of the committee who undertook to examine them that they were totally unfounded and made by worthless, irresponsible men.
    You will know that I was not at first very favorably disposed towards Mr. Culver and doubted his fitness for that appointment, but I must say that my views on that point have wholly changed. I have watched the management of the Indians very closely and have been a good deal among them since you left, and I am satisfied that he alone has prevented an outbreak during the present year. You no doubt remember the state of feeling here when you left on the subject of Indians; that same feeling continued for months, and many were the threats of extermination as soon as the winter set in. All that is now changed. When the Indians commit any depredations, the whites wait patiently for redress through the Indian agent. We hear no more war talk and cursing the treaty, and on the other hand depredations by the Indians are rare and promptly punished. This change, so happy in its effects, has been mainly brought about by the quiet but decisive course of Mr. Culver. He has not thought proper to consult with every man he met in the streets about his course, but has pursued a settled course of policy, which has secured the entire confidence of both the whites and the Indians. His office has been no sinecure; he has had innumerable talks with the chiefs, and some fighting last winter, and we were on the very point of a war this summer with all the wheat crop lying out in the field, brought about by Bob Williams and another man having murdered two Indians, both about the same time, and still we are at peace. And all this time we have been left without any adequate military force.
    Now as Mr. Culver has so long carried us through, I most sincerely hope he will be continued. You know how much we have to dread from a change of agents. It will have a very bad effect upon the Indians even if the new appointee should have every requisite qualification.
    I know not if there is any political cause for this suspension, and I know nothing of Mr. Culver's political course theretofore, but I do know that he used every effort to secure the election of the whole Democratic ticket last spring and to induce the Democrats to favor the "convention."
    By the by, I was bound there to go against it, but the next time I shall be with you on that question, and I am satisfied that will carry the next time.
    I am engaged in practicing law here and hope to make some money this winter. Give my respects to Pugh &
Believe me
    Yours truly
        L. F. Mosher
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Office Superintendent Ind. Affairs   
    Dayton O T Oct 10th, 1854   
To all whom it may concern
    I have this day and by those present do authorize Nat Lane, of the town of Corvallis, to sell or trade to the Indians visiting that town arms and ammunition in such limited quantities only as may be requisite to enable them to kill game for food; but those to whom it is sold must be made to understand that the continuance of this privilege will depend on their good conduct and that it is not to be given, sold or traded by them to other Indians.
    In determining as to the quantity to be supplied them at any one time, you will take into consideration the number of persons depending on them for food, their necessities, as well as the character of those for whom it may be furnished, so that no aid may be extended to those disposed to be unfriendly with the whites.
Joel Palmer
    Superintendent
Nat Lane Esq
    Corvallis
        O.T.


Jacksonville O.T. Oct 11th 1854       
Dear General [Palmer?]
    Yours of the 12th ult has just come to hand. I had written to you by express before receiving an answer to my first, and must apologize for making a request the second time for what is due me from [the] government. I supposed that the same appropriation that would pay the bills for farming etc. would pay mine, but your better judgment thinks not and I am satisfied. I hear that John Miller is appointed agent instead of Culver; there was a petition gotten up here last winter and sent on to Congress requesting the Superintendent of Indian Affairs to give me that appointment, but there being no charge against Culver he still held the office, and now I most sincerely believe there are two thirds of the miners and settlers that are in favor of my having the office. This can be shown by a second petition which I will send you should it meet with your approbation. I have just received a letter from Gen. Lane I will write to him relative to the appointment. John Miller is very much of a gentleman and is worthy of any office, but he is a man in affluent circumstances and no better qualified for the office than others who are poor and oppressed. I have had two claims taken from me for Indian reserves, one here and one in Scotts Valley, which would be worth ten thousand dollars now with the improvements I should have been able to have put on them, but the misfortune is my own fault and I quietly submit myself.
    Your most obt servant
        R. B. Metcalfe



Salem Oregon October 20th 1854
Dear Genl.:
    Your note of Sept. 2nd containing Mrs. Real's receipt for the Globe, together with your long and kind letter of August 30th, was received per last mail. I fully appreciate and sincerely thank you for the kindness which you manifest in offering to try to have my pay as Marshal increased, but, Genl., I know what obstacles always attend a measure of that kind, and shall be compelled to decline becoming the recipient of your generous offer.
    I find myself so situated that it is absolutely necessary for the interests of my family that I should engage in some reliable business which will be more certain its rewards than any feeble-tenured, non-paying office, and have accordingly determined to adopt the most honorable and independent of vocations by becoming an honest farmer. With this view I have purchased 320 acres of deeded land in Polk County, which I am now improving, and shall move onto it next summer.
    Having after mature deliberation adopted this plan, I herewith forward you my resignation which I trust you will lose no time in presenting to the President. It is of the greatest importance that my successor should be appointed as early as possible, and I trust that you will lose no time in urging it upon the President.
    After casting about I cannot think of any person better qualified to fill the place than John McCracken, besides being active and efficient, as a Democrat, and good business man. He is a warm friend of yours and I think deserves the office. I shall be pleased and I think the party satisfied if you can succeed in procuring him the place.
    I also herewith enclose to you a letter for Mr. Whittlesey, which you will oblige me by delivering. I should not trouble you with those comments were it not of importance to me that my resignation to the President and communication to the Comptroller should be received simultaneously, and I know of no more certain way to accomplish it than by sending them to you. Now for God's sake, Genl., lose no time in attending to this matter, as I shall soon have my accounts closed up, and wish to get the business off my hands before the spring term of the courts are holden, as about that time I hope to be planting my potatoes and other "crap" [sic].
    His ex-honor Judge Pratt has taken the field in right good earnest, and is traveling all over the country using every exertion to secure his nomination and election as next Delegate. He has but few strong friends or ardent admirers who will be willing to work for him. His great wealth will not be made available in this contest, as he is too penurious to use it. His principal reliance for success depends upon his individual energies and exertions, and even these may make him a formidable opponent, as you know he is most indefatigable in whatever he undertakes. While present appearances do not indicate to my mind any great probability of his success, yet there is no telling what may turn up. Allow me to urge upon you the necessity of making every exertion in your power to retain the advantage, which you evidently have with the people at present.
    A friendly and well-timed letter does much with such men as Fred Wymire of Polk, Delazon Smith of Linn, Col. Geo. K. Shiel of this place, Capt. English of this county, H. N. V. Holmes of Polk, the Shermans of this county, and many others whom I could name who have influence that would be felt in the convention. N. Huber and a Mr. Brandon, both young lawyers at Lafayette, and Fulkerson of Polk are men that you would do well to write to.
    Give them a damned
slew of documents and papers. Such attentions are sometimes flattering. I do not speak of those things on my own account, notwithstanding it always give me pleasure to hear from you, yet I would rather that you would lavish such little attentions where they would do more good. Dr. McLoughlin I suppose will go for Pratt and try to carry the French influence with him. You can counteract much of his influence with them by making some exertion with Doctor Shiel of Champoeg and his brother George K. Shiel of this place. Narcisse Cornoyer and Foisey have great influence with the French voters. Cornoyer was out at Rogue River in my company. He is now wavering between you and Pratt. When the pay is allowed for his services in the R.R. war it will furnish you a good pretext to write him a letter which will fasten him. Address him and M. G. Foisey at this place.
    Keep as clear of Jesse Applegate as God will let you. Gibbs at the mouth of the Umpqua is a strong Pratt man and is down on you because you did not have his salary raised. Chadwick of Scottsburg can counteract much of his influence. You had better secure him, however you must recollect that he and many others of the prominent Democrats of Umpqua are down on Applegate. You can't have the friendship of both
    As I have told you before, the appointment of that damned Guthrie is your worst and most unfortunate act; however Wilcox' appointment may have some tendency to make the thing less odious.
    I would suggest that in getting the appropriation for completing the statehouse and penitentiary you have the act so worded that the appropriation will be made to complete those buildings, now commenced, at "Salem and [illegible]" by reference to the U.S. statutes.
    You will observe that it is the usual course, and will prevent the question of the location of the public buildings being an eternal question for division in the party.
    I think it extremely doubtful about our being able to have the election deferred as you have suggested. All the Whigs and all of Pratt's friends in the legislature will oppose it, as neither of them are particularly anxious that you should have much to do with the people before the convention or election is holden. If the election is not put off the convention must be held at least as early as the first of April, and it is highly important to your success that you should be here before that time.
    I don't care anything about the Daily Globe being sent to me in sheets but would like to have it and the Opportunity in the bound volumes at the close of the sessions. I have tried for ten years to secure them in this shape, but without success. Will you buy them and a copy of the census report of 1850 and send them to me?
    John is getting along finely with his studies. I will attend to his wants and do everything for him in my power.
    Bush has taken to himself a sleeping partner; the young man's legs are swelled up as big as broomsticks and he looks white about the gills. "Hot cock" has fell 50 percent among the Siwash tribe since he married. As soon as I am a little better acquainted with the madam I shall give her some account of the whorehouse adventures of Bush and yourself in Washington.
    Send papers and documents among others to James Costello at Champoeg. He is a man of influence in that end of the county.
I remain yours
    In haste
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City,
    October 29th, 1854.
    EDITOR STATESMAN--Dear Sir:--I must confess that I am both surprised and pained to hear that there is, among Democrats, dissatisfaction and complaining of my official acts. Why, or how, this can be, I am at a loss to understand; for God knows that my strongest earthly desire is to faithfully and honestly discharge my duty to the people I represent, and in such manner as is best calculated to promote their interests. For the promotion of this great object, I have labored faithfully had honestly. In what have I failed or erred?
    Now, sir, I desire the Democracy to know that I am a candidate for renomination and that I only wish success if they think me honest, capable, faithful and true. And further, I desire them to know that I will not resort to any dishonorable means, in any shape, form or manner; nor will I do anything to disturb, distract or divide the Democratic Party; nor will I backbite, slander or detract from the merits of any man, for the sake of place. I will never attempt to pull down a fellow Democrat, that I may raise myself on his downfall. I will not have office on any such terms. I am a Democrat, and honestly believe that Democratic principles are the true principles of our government, and our party is held together by principle, and he that would set up his will in opposition to the wish of the party is not worthy [of] the confidence of the party, or he who would attempt to build himself up by slandering or injuring an honorable member of that great party is unworthy of their support. Our motto should be "the union of the party for the sake of our country."
    As above stated, I am a candidate for renomination. I submit my official acts in the judgment of a candid and impartial people. By them I am willing to be tried.
    If it can be shown that I have in any way--in any single instance--neglected my duty, or that any one of my official acts has proved detrimental to the interests of the Territory; if I have not labored assiduously, faithfully; if the public interests or private interests have suffered in my hands, I am ready to yield the field to some other aspirant. But let justice be done; let time be afforded me to render an account of my stewardship. For this purpose, I ask that no nomination be made, until I can have time to return home. This boon will not be refused by a generous people to a public servant, who has nearest his heart the honor and well-being of those he represents. And no Democrat, or the friends of any who seek a nomination, and are willing that his claims and merits should be discussed, can reasonably urge objections to this request. With much respect,
    Your obd't. serv't.,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, December 19, 1854, page 3



Washington, Oct. 30th 1854
My Dear Sir:
    Yours of the 17th inst. is before me, and I return to you my sincere and heartfelt thanks for your kind and flattering expressions of regard and friendship.
    Of the merits of Mr. Tanner as a writer I have no doubt, and I would gladly avail myself of his kind offer to place before the public a record of my humble actions if circumstances permitted me to do so. But, sir, for reasons which I have fully explained to Mr. Tanner, I am compelled to decline a compliance with his and your wishes at this time. I trust, however, that at some future day I may be able to put in Mr. Tanner's hands such materials as will enable him to present to the public a book which, if possessing no interest in the relation of my own acts, will nevertheless be highly prized by all Indianans at least as containing a faithful record of the acts of those with whom I have been connected in the public service.
    Cordially reciprocating your sentiments of friendly regard, and thanking you for the flattering--too flattering--terms in which the expression of those sentiments is conveyed, I am
Ever truly yours
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington City
    November 3 1854
Dear Bush
    In  my letters I omitted to mention some facts connected with the removal of Culver. The Secretary of [the] Interior informed me that it was a standing rule of the departments in all cases of quarrel or difficulty between a superintendent and agent to remove one or the other. That in this case he should remove the agent, that he could see in charges, aside from the grass or hay speculation, good cause for removal, to wit--a receipt or voucher of the interpreter for money not paid was evidence sufficient of his disregard of law, principle, instruction, etc., and that he could not grant any time for investigation. When I found this thing settled, and that time could not be had, I recommended George H. Ambrose, who has been appointed.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."




Oregon City Nov. 5th 54
Dear Father
    I have just had a conversation with Mr. Guthrie in regard to the mill property. He proposed to me to change the form of the notes and mortgage so he would only be bound for one-half the purchase money, and I have agreed so far as my portion was concerned to take their separate notes and separate mortgages and stand ready to make the change as soon as you can be heard from. I hope you will agree to it, as it seems they will be satisfied with that. But I made another proposition to Mr. G. which is this: That I am willing to take half the amount of the original purchase provided they will cancel those debts immediately, and I feel willing to make the sacrifice in order to get the thing amicably settled and squared up. I hope you will agree to the same provided that will let us entirely out. I think it would be best.
Your son
    Nat. H. Lane
P.S. I mean by the debts above named the Bush & Nesmith debts and other old mill debts.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem O.T. November 6th 1854
Dear Genl.
    I wrote you by last mail enclosing my resignation to the President, which I hope will be speedily presented.
    Since I wrote you I had seen and had a long conversation with Pratt on the subject of Delegate. He is determined to submit his name to the convention. I told him plainly that I should support you in preference to him and gave him my reasons for it. He said that you would withdraw upon receiving his request to do so. I told him that if you did withdraw that he could not secure the nomination
    He has now gone on a pilgrimage to the South for the twofold purpose of looking after his prospects for Delegate and to speculate in Rogue River War claims. He says that he will make ten thousand dollars out of the latter operation, which will be more than the poor devils made who done the fighting. He has written "confidential" letters to everybody, which occasion a great amount of sport among the boys. In attending the courts this fall I have talked with the most of the prominent Democrats in the different counties and can find but few who would support him under any circumstances. Old Nat Ford of Polk and old Thornton of Benton are for Pratt. I asked him to get them to say nothing as their support would damn any man.
    Boise is working actively in Polk for you and has great influence and will be able to counteract anything that Ford may be able to do. I am inclined to think that Avery will go for Pratt. Some efforts have been made to secure old Fred Waymire's influence for Pratt, but I think he is safe for you. Holmes and Fulkerson of Polk will require some nursing. You haven't flattered the vanity of Waymire and Holmes enough by sending them documents and must make [it] up in the future.
    Farrar of Portland (of milling property memory!!) is down on you and swears that you cannot be nominated. He says that you swindled him in the purchase of the mills. I notice that I have never been troubled with what little was coming to me. He says however that he won't support Pratt. I rather think that he would like to be Delegate himself.
    Judging from a letter which I received a few days since from Tom Nesmith, a cousin of mine in Cincinnati, I think you have been pouring soft soap up his arse. He says that you told him that I would be in Congress from Oregon in a few years. I am inclined to think that I shall go to Abraham's bosom first. The tendency to immorality about Washington would not suit me.
    It is said that Judge Olney contemplates resigning. If this be true it is a matter of some importance to us here that a suitable man be selected for his successor. Some are afraid that Kelly of Oregon City will be recommended, which I don't think would be at all satisfactory.
    I think the most of the Democrats would prefer Boise. He would be a good appointment. Besides being a sound lawyer, a Democrat and an excellent man, he is a firm friend of yours.
    John is well and still at school. I understand that he talks of going out to see his mother shortly.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Jacksonville, Nov. 15th 1854
Dear General:
    You no doubt think that I am a very poor correspondent, but the fact is that I have not written because I had nothing interesting to write. Lately things have begun to develop themselves, and I hasten to post you up on the affairs of this county.
    First, Gen. Palmer came down here, and I satisfied him that he was wrong in suspending Culver, or that it was at least injudicious at the present time, and he reinstated him. My reasons for advising this was that the charges were false and made by irresponsible persons, and Culver had given satisfaction to almost everybody here, and it would seem to have been a mere excuse to cover some other reason for his removal. And again it might be said by Pratt's friends that it was done at your instigation. I assured Palmer that Culver could do nothing here to injure you even if he were so disposed, and he had assured me that he would take no part in a contest between you and Pratt, and expressed confidence that Pratt would not oppose you in the convention.
    Pratt came to Jacksonville while I was on a visit to Fort Lane and it was some days before I saw him. In the meantime I was somewhat alarmed by some intimations I had received from Dr. Drew as to what the hon. gentleman was doing, and I hurried up to see to it. I found everything all right as I expected. The subject of the delegateship had not been agitated here, and I only supposed that you were the favorite, but when Pratt came out as an avowed candidate it called out a very decided expression of opinion, and it proved to be unanimous. You are today five hundred votes stronger in this county than any man, Whig or Democrat, in this Territory. Your friends gave Judge Pratt to understand that this county went for Lane entire, and all the time. Richd. Dugan wishes me to say to you that the "boys" will "pitch in" for you--and I might fill the page with a list of warm friends, among whom are Thos. Pyle, shff. [sheriff], S. H. Taylor, postmaster, Maj. Lupton, Jas. McDonough, Dr. McKinnell, Dr. Ambrose, Jno. F. Miller, Saml. Colver, James Bruce, Jas. Leslie, Pat. Drum, L. Jackson, David Linn &c. &c. Capt. Smith of Ft. Lane has no hesitation in saying that he knows Pratt to be a damned scoundrel and this the Democratic Party ought to sink if they refuse to send you back.
    Dr. Drew, the Dep'y. U.S. Marshal, was understood to be ready to accept the nomination as a compromise candidate in case the convention could not agree on you or Pratt and at first spoke rather guardedly against you both, but he soon shifted his sails when he saw how the storm was rising and only tried to injure Pratt, which was entirely unnecessary.
    The commissioner appointed by the Legislature of California to run the 42° parallel has found that Althouse and Sailor Diggins are both in Oregon, and the inhabitants have become reconciled to it and have a magistrate appointed for them. The surveyors establish the line on the Yreka road about two miles south of the Pilot Rock.
    So you see that in your calculations you may set down Jackson County as certain.
    I am busy practicing law, and shall make a living and a little more I think in the course of time. I have a mining claim in the new diggins (Sterling) which I shall work by proxy when the water comes, and I think shall make some money.
    The Rogue River war claims have not yet been paid, but I suppose soon will be. The sooner the better. Write to me soon as to what you propose to do, and
Believe me
    Yours truly
        L. F. Mosher
Give my respects to Pugh if you see him.
   

Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Washington City, November 25, 1854
Sir:
    I take the liberty of submitting, for the consideration of the board of which you are president, a statement touching the management of and as to the expenses incurred in the war with the Rogue River Indians the year 1853, in which our loss was between thirty and forty killed, and between thirty and forty wounded.
    Within a few days after the battle of the 24th of August, all the volunteers except Capt. Miller's company were mustered out of the service. The reasons which induced me to retain this company are briefly as follows: Having, from long acquaintance, obtained the confidence of the principal chief of the Rogue River tribes. I learned from him that these Indians had agreed with the Klamath Indians that the war in the valley should be fiercely prosecuted by him, while the Klamath Indians would lay on the emigrant trail, destroy the emigrants, as they should come on, and then hasten to join his people and destroy the settlements, and that his braves were not satisfied with the results of the war, and being convinced that unless steps could be taken to prevent this plan of operations, we would be plunged into another bloody war. I ordered Capt. Miller to proceed with his company to Klamath Lake, protect the emigrants, and prevent the Indians from carrying into effect their hostile designs. Capt. Miller acted with promptness in carrying out my orders, behaved handsomely in several skirmishes with the Indians, whom he [illegible] to their towns and held in check until the emigrants had passed. That I might be the better able to prevent a hostile movement on their part, I remained with the Rogue River Indians several weeks. The movement proved to be as judicious as its results were fortunate in averting the calamity of war. I directed it in good faith as a measure of protection to settlers and emigrants, ordered the necessary subsistence and transportation to be furnished the company, both of which were done on the best possible terms and ought to be promptly paid for, including the pay of officers and men.
    My understanding with those comprising the company was that the men should be paid two dollars per day, and four dollars per day for each horse, those being the rates of compensation allowed by the state of California to her dragoons or mounted men for similar service. It may be proper to add that these remarks apply to the other troops in the service as well as Capt. Miller's company.
    The quartermaster was directed to have the animals in service shod, which he did, as you will see by the accounts and vouchers now in your hands.
    The surgeon general, Dr. Cleaveland, was also directed to provide an hospital, furnish medicines, hospital stores, attendants, assistants &c., all of which were done, and the sick and wounded properly cared for.
    Subsistence, forage, ordnance stores, clothing &c. were furnished by different persons, at the then cash price. These and all other expenses of the war were necessary, and ought to be paid, as it was unquestionably the intention of Congress in the passage of the act of the 17th of July, 1854, that they should be.
    In conclusion, allow me to say that everything was done that could be under the circumstances to bring the war to a speedy conclusion and stop expenses, and at the lowest possible cost.
Very respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        [Joseph Lane]
Col. Smith
    President Board of Army Officers
        West of the Winder Building
            Washington
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem O.T. November 27th 1854
Dear Genl.,
    Your kind letter of October 18th was received by last mail. We feel mortified here at the result of the elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania & Indiana, but hope that it will be all right next time. It is true as you say that a combination of all the isms have played the devil.
    You will perhaps be astonished to learn that the "Know Nothings" have extended to this remote region. Holbrook imported the damned bigoted and intolerant organization from California last summer and though it has not flourished very extensively here, yet there are several lodges scattered about the country. They have been organized about two months in this town and have some party members. We have ferreted them out, found out their members and exposed their secrets. They are awfully indignant. About twenty of them surrounded Bush and myself on last Monday evening and threatened to cut us up. We drew our revolvers, when those heroes cooled down and looked very foolish  The population of this country is too sparse and widely scattered for the "Know Nothings" to ever form a very important element in our elections.
    We shall all be gratified if Curry receives the appointment of Governor, and particularly so if old Gardner is removed from the land office.
    John has gone out to visit his mother and intends remaining with her during the winter. His leaving school I knew was contrary to your wishes. I used every exertion in my power to induce him to remain and continue at school. It appears that he went at his mother's urgent request. I have paid all the bills of both the boys and have expended $232.00 more than the amounts you have sent me.
    Judge Pratt is still out South looking after his interests as Delegate, but I think from what I can learn with but little hopes of success. I have no doubt of your receiving the nomination. I am now attending to adjusting my accounts and will be able to step out with clean hands as soon as my successor is appointed, which I hope will be at an early day.
    I see that you have got a young "Ridgely of Oregon" appointed in the Navy. Thought I am tolerably well acquainted in Oregon, I have never had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the Ridgely family, and therefore presume that the young man is the son of some of your lady "friends" about Washington. That is all right.
    I am sorry that your old friend has moved to Richmond, but hope that you will not be inconsolable.
    We have had one of the most delightful falls I ever witnessed in any country. There has been but very little rain. Everything is green and growing, and the weather is warm as summer.
In haste I remain
    Your friend
        J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Newburg, Indiana
    December the 3rd 1854
Dear Brother, I received your welcome letter which informed me of your safe arrival at Washington and also of your good health. We are all in common health, and I am still making all preparations in my power for our journey in the spring to Oregon. It is out of my power to fully settle my business this winter, and I wish to have your advice on one subject, that is, about taking the family this spring or leave them one year longer here. I can't turn more than one third of my property into money by the time we wish to start. Money matters are very bad just as you predicted in your letters but I am very cautious about taking paper. Corn is worth from 50 to 55 cts. per bushel. It is my full determination to leave Indiana in the spring; that is the one thing I wish to be understood. I want you to write when you get this and let me know what time you will be ready to start. I want you to direct your letters to Evansville.
Simon Lane
To Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington, D.C.
    December 12th 1854
My Dear Sir:
    I received yours of Oct. 22nd by last mail, and regretted much to learn that there is dissatisfaction growing out of the conduct of the officers of the Territory in relation to the late massacre of the Snake Indians. No man deplores that massacre more than I do; no man can feel a greater desire to see the perpetrators punished. But, my dear sir, you must bear in mind in forming your judgment of this matter that Mr. Curry had no funds at his command with which to pay troops and purchase supplies, and he has no authority to pledge the credit of the general government. Still he might have proceeded on the supposition that the general government would pay all expenses, if there were not another and insuperable difficulty in the way. I mean the utter impracticability, in the opinion of all military men here and elsewhere, of a successful campaign against the Indians in the winter season. You know the native of the country inhabited by the Snake Indians, its elevation, the extreme rigor of its climate, its destitution of all natural products capable of sustaining man and beast under the hardships and privations of a campaign in the dead of winter. I appeal to your good understanding and ask you whether in view of these facts it would not be most judicious to wait for a more propitious season, when the Indians can be more easily found, and subsistence for men and horses can be more easily procured. Besides, by waiting till spring the volunteers from Oregon will have the cooperation of U.S. troops which the Secretary of War has promised to send at the earliest practicable moment. These troops will reach Oregon early in the spring, when, with their cooperation, we may be able to strike a blow which will prevent any massacres hereafter. I say we will strike a blow. By this I mean to say that I shall be on hand, and if my services are wanted, I wish to be considered enlisted for the war. The Indians must & shall be punished, and when the proper time arrives we must all strike together. The wise man has said there is a time for all things. The return of spring will be the time for inflicting a terrible chastisement on the bloodthirsty savages. I trust that all in Oregon will be as active in preparing for the contest as I am here in stimulating the authorities by showing them the urgency of the duty of sending a force adequate to the exigency of the occasion.
    With regard to sending you documents, you may rest assured I will send you as many as possible.
Truly your friend
    [Joseph Lane]
Robert Gilliam, Esq.
    Dallas, Polk Co.
        Oregon
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




(Confidential)
Salem, Oregon
    Decr. 15, 1854
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir--
        This letter may be quite brief, or I may spin it out to a length which may render it certain you will not wade through it. The legislature has now been in session two weeks. In the papers you will observe its proceedings and action thus far. I have been here for a week, and have busied myself in ascertaining, with as much certainty as possible, the feelings of the members and of the persons who are here from different parts of the Territory, with reference to the next delegateship.
    General, do you recollect the several conversations we held in Portland when you were there awaiting the steamer for the States? Then you did not credit very many of the facts I communicated to you. Then you thought me mistaken in my estimates of the friendship professed by different men to you. Then you believed that some persons who were loud in professions of friendship towards [you] were really and truly devoted to you. I differed with you then as to those individuals, and now after a further experience of one year in the country I am more fully convinced of the correctness of my positions. I feel certain that you have in a measure changed your opinions of some of those we conversed about. There is a strong effort being made to nominate for next delegate some person other than yourself. There is a strong party in the Territory in favor of the nomination of Judge Pratt. His friends are indefatigable in their labors to bestow upon him the nomination. The Judge has recently ridden from his residence to the mines in Jackson County. He has acquired many influential friends during his trip. He has written letters to everybody upon the subject of his nomination. People have been flattered by being consulted by him, and this little attention to them on his part has converted them into ardent friends and industrious electioneers. The Judge is resolved to obtain the nomination. He will be successful, if diligent, unceasing labor can win success. He has so far committed himself that he is absolutely forced to
push on to the attainment of his object. It is with him a life struggle. You know, General, that if he fails in obtaining the nomination for delegate that he is, through the failure, killed "as dead as the devil." If he is beaten for the nomination he will at once leave Oregon for good. If he should obtain the nomination we shall have the bitterest canvass ever had upon the Pacific Coast. If Pratt should be defeated of an election he would betake himself promptly from the Territory. So far as I can judge, General, Pratt will make a desperate fight to attain the object of his ambition. It is impossible by written communication to furnish you with a living picture of political affairs here. There is so much of it, so many movements, plots and counterplots, so much pulling and hauling, so much pipe laying and wire pulling, that it would require too much space to give you the detail of matters. I can therefore only state to you a few facts, and the results of other facts and combinations. We have from Washington County one Democratic member of the lower house. This morning he told me he should go for Pratt. I interrogated him as to his reasons. His replies were that you never write to any persons except to a few in Salem--that you did not correspond with the masses--that people were becoming dissatisfied with you because you neglected them. Now, General, I write this sort of thing because I feel it is best for you to be apprised of it--that you may know where the shoe pinches, and so that you may remedy these complaints. You may say the reason for Dr. Belknap's opposition to you is puerile--that he talks like a fool. Well, so he does. His reason is sheer nonsense. Still, that little fact has withdrawn from you one member of the legislature, and has transferred him to the support of the Judge.
    Holmes, the member from Polk Co., makes the same accusation. But Holmes and Belknap are only types of a class, and do not constitute the whole number who are committing themselves to Pratt. And these men do not like Pratt personally. They are actuated by their unkindly feelings towards yourself to commit themselves to that man. Govr. Curry has, or undoubtedly will, fully apprise you concerning the complaints made against you in Umpqua and other southern counties. You may not feel inclined to regard them as of much moment. But, General, I assure you that your enemies are making great headway against you in the South. Some of the men you have put into office, at their personal solicitation, are the most bitter, determined and industrious opponents you possess. It is not necessary for me to designate them by name. You know them well. Here in Salem you have some ardent and influential friends and supporters. Even in Salem there are men who favor laying you on the shelf, and there are others who are indifferent as to the result of the contest between yourself and Pratt. Judge Williams has friends here who wish him to be the nominee, and they hope the strife will end by his slipping in between yourself and the Judge and carrying off the prize. Williams has openly said [end of letter lost]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  The handwriting of the letter resembles that of R. W. Dunbar.




Salem, December 18th, 1854
Dear General:
    I have been here a week, and from what I can learn your prospect is good for the nomination. I think it certain, but some of your friends are in doubt about it. There is a great deal of low tricky practiced in this section of the Territory, of which Pratt is the ringleader. If the people are faithfully represented in the convention there will be no earthly doubt as to the result, but you may be assured that no stone will be left unturned by your opponent to defeat you and I am satisfied that many who would be your friends if you were present and no doubt pretend to be such when writing to you are really trying to defeat you.
    It is painful to me to say anything which will make you distrust men, but since I have been here I have seen so much double dealing that I have become perfectly disgusted. Many of the appointees to office even are either Pratt men or in favor of some third man against you.
    And while on the subject of appointments, about which there has been much complaint among your friends and I suppose always will be, no matter who is appointed, allow me to say a word in regard to the Surveyor Generalship. I think it would be good policy to appoint Mr. Lake [deputy surveyor Wells Lake]; he is capable, a good Democrat, a gentleman and a Lane man, and would be able if appointed to wield some influence, while the others named have no knowledge of the duties, are men of no influence and in fact deadheads. I always prefer a king stork to a king log. I have very little personal acquaintance with any of the parties, but this is the conclusion which I have arrived at after hearing the friends of all parties. There will be some complaints made against Mr. Lake, of course, but a party is always strengthened by appointing men of talent. By the way, if any removal in that office is to be made I think it advisable to wait until after the nominating convention.
    A bill has been introduced to change the time of holding the elections, which I hope may pass--though the Whigs and Pratt men may defeat it.
    I leave tomorrow for Jackson County, where men are not afraid to express their opinions, and where they are all Lane men.
I am
    Yours truly
        L. F. Mosher
Hon. Joseph Lane
    House Reps.
        Washington
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem Oregon December 19th, 1854
Dear Genl.,
    The last mail brought us news of the new appointments for our Territory, and I believe they give general satisfaction to the party. The subject of who shall be the next delegate begins to attract some attention. Pratt and his friends are busy in the field. If industry is to be rewarded he stands a good stance for success. At all events the little Judge is agoing to be a more formidable opponent than I had at first supposed he could be. He is untiring in his exertions, and will resort to the most unscrupulous acts to accomplish his ends. So you may be prepared for the worst, as he is daily resorting to every means in his power to break you down.
    In Jackson County your prospects are good, and will be better if the expenses of the Rogue River War is paid before the convention sits. Pratt in his late visit out there I understand took out a large amount of money to purchase those [Indian war] claims, but the people knowing that the money had been appropriated for their payment refused to have them showed. Being foiled in this speculation the little Judge told them that they never would be paid under the "bungling law that Lane has got passed."
    In the Umpqua Valley from present appearances you cannot expect much. That damned military road has become a source of great contention, all brought about by the interference of that damned scamp, Jesse Applegate.
    Whether you are guilty of pandering to him or not, you will have to suffer all the evils that can possibly flow from such a charge. Public feeling there is intense on the subject. Jesse is exhibiting your letters, and Pratt is taking advantage of the thing to render you odious, and to build himself up.
    In this valley Pratt has made more or less headway in all the country. Jim Hill I think is certain to you for him [sic] in the convention. The most of the prominent and active men there are at work for him. In Polk his forces are headed by old Ford, but I think that the county is good for you. Also this county, and Linn, and Lane, Washington, Clackamas, Clatsop and Benton are all doubtful.
    In the event that neither of you got the nomination, I think that Judge Williams will stand a good chance to come in as the third man, however he does not desire it, but on the contrary is doing all he can for you. Pratt is very bitter against him, Avery, Harding, Grover, Bush, McCracken, myself and others for opposing his pretentions and calls us the "Salem Clique." He will find that the "clique" will give him some trouble yet.
    There is being an effort made to change the time of holding the election, but I don't believe that it will succeed. All the Whigs and all of Pratt's friends oppose it, as neither of them desire to give you an opportunity to be heard by the people before the election. If the time of holding the election is not changed, the Territorial convention will have to be held before you can reach here if you wait for Congress to adjourn. Pratt's friends are clamorous to have the convention called in January, but I won't consent to it and think that I can stave it off till the middle of March, and perhaps the first of April.
    By taking a little pains with Gibbs of Umpqua you might secure his influence. He is poor and talks of resigning his office and going to Jacksonville. If you could have his salary raised no doubt it would have a tendency to secure him.
    I have forwarded to the First Auditor at different times accounts for a large amount. I have been notified of their reception at the department, but have never heard of their being passed upon. I wish that you would give the matter a little attention and see why action on them is delayed so long.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Corvallis Decr. 22nd 1854
Dear Father
    Since my last the little "Durham Bull" has been figuring quite extensively. He has been to Rogue River offering to buy "war claims" and votes in the convention, provided he could get the latter to wait until after the convention had made its nominations or take their pay in Benicia water lots, referring them to Dr. Griffin of the U.S.A. for the quality of the lots. He has a couple of tools in this place; one is I. C. Avery, the other Doctor McIteeny and I think Doctor Wright. Avery & McIteeny held a caucus in the back room of a Jew store yesterday after reading your letter in the Statesman, and come to the conclusion that the legislature must instruct the committee to call a convention before you can get back and in that way defeat your nomination. One of them will go to Salem after the holidays for that purpose. I have written to Curry, Bush and Nes., telling them to look out for such chaps. I don't think O.C.P. has many friends in this county but what he has are all at work and all understand wireworking, and there is danger in the county meetings to appoint delegates of their [omission] getting his friends appointed by misrepresentation. You would do well I think to write to James A. Bennett, one mile from this place, and to old Doc Richardson and Ben Richardson & Gideon Richardson and others you think of, asking them to see that justice is done you in the county meetings. I will do all I can, but three words from you will do more than I can do in a month. I am sorry you got Avery the postal agency.
    He is determined it seems to oppose you under all circumstances. Palmer is hard at work for you. I think all the influential Democrats about Salem are your friends. I don't have any fears of Pratt beating you if you get half a show. And I am as well satisfied that the party will be defeated if he is nominated as I am that he desires the nomination. I know hundreds of the best kind of Democrats that will vote for any Whig in the Territory before him. I for one will ride over the country with him and do all in any power to help him to a seat in a good canoe bound up Salt River.
    I am still engaged selling goods here, and renting my store from the contemptible Dr. McIteeny. I have not heard from Mother in 3 weeks--at last accounts she was well. Creed and Simon are doing well. Andy Barlow is getting along tolerable well, very well indeed considering the start he had--times are a little better than they were 4 or 5 months ago. Shelby is doing very well but continually cursing the country and grunting. He reminds me of a hen with young chickens, always clucking and scratching. I expected an answer from my previous letter by this time; why don't you write?
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
   
P.S. Try and get Dunbar a place if there is any vacancy or new office created. He is poor and under the weather, and the best Democrat in Oregon. He don't plot your downfall as some.
N.H.L.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Corvallis Decr. 31st 1854
Dear Father
    I will trouble you with a short letter. Since writing before, the "Durhams" have made some astounding discoveries. They have discovered that Palmer, Waterman and many other Democrats are "Know Nothings," and that it was through "K.N." influence that Palmer was made to remove Culver, and from all I can learn an effort will be made to remove Genl. Palmer. But if I was you I would not consent to his removal until I had better evidence of his being a "Know Nothing" than the bare assertion of such men as Pratt and his figurers. My impression is that most of your influential friends will be called "K.N.s," in order to render them powerless in the Democratic convention. I have written to Palmer telling him of his danger. I don't believe him to be a K.N. If I did I would say remove him.
    I wish you would write to Hovey and send him a patent office report on agriculture. He is farming, and would be glad to get one. He is all right. I am working hard to keep things all right. I will have men in the primary meeting to move to instruct the delegates who to vote for.
    I think there is policy in the move, for I am convinced that if the people have their voice you are safe. But through chicanery you may be defeated.
    Most of your friends feel confident of success.
    All well; business dull. I wish you would write to me.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Salem Oregon Territory
    Dec 27th 1854
Dear Genl. Lane
    Enclosed I send you a [copy of] the Report of the Commissioners [page torn] the erection of Public Buildings [and the] Capitol of Oregon, which may be of service to you, in addition to the estimates and expenditures, which I have given you in former letters, for procuring an additional appropriation.
    You will see by this that the estimates are made for $45,000 to complete the State House with dome, and that in the account no mention is made of the sums heretofore appropriated by Congress.
    The amount of drafts $19,898.87 have been drawn from the $20,000 brought here by Gov Davis--
    Of the $5000, originally received and partly expended by Gov Gaines, no account is made by the Commissioners, as the expenditures by Gaines were outside of the actions of the Commissioners and the [amount] paid by him to Rector is virtually lost and Mr. Rector still claims the remaining $2500 upon his contract with Gov Gaines by reason of his damages (claimed to be sustained) in the contract not being carried out.
    That contract you understand was arrested and annulled by the Resolution of the Legislature of Jany 30th 1854 [instructing] the Commissioners to build of wood [instead] of stone.
    The Gaines Contract being adapted to the stone work could not be used in the Building of wood as now made--
    The two Legislative Halls were so far completed as to admit of the Session being held in the Building this winter.
    The Legislature have adjourned for the Holidays, and it is generally believed that in the interim arrangements are perfecting to pass a Bill removing the Capitol to Corvallis and the University to the Umpqua--
    A large delegation of members favorable to the measure have gone to Corvallis in the vacation.
    There is said to be a majority of one in the House and two in the Council favorable to the remove--
    The Bill to change the time of Election will probably pass. But--in case it does not and the Democratic Convention is held before your return to Oregon--I may explain the opinion of a single individual, that you will receive the renomination of that Convention--
    [Opinion] that you are hostile to further [nomi]nations and completion of the public buildings at this place, and which I myself always repelled and believed incorrect, has of late died away and will not materially, if at all, affect the canvass in this locality.
I remain [most] sincerely your friend
    E. M. Barnum
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



[1854 or 1855]
To His Excellency Franklin Pierce,
    President of the United States
Sir,
    The undersigned, a citizen of Oregon Territory, begs leave to represent to your excellency that the present Surveyor General of that Territory, Charles K. Gardner, is rendered by the infirmities of age incapable of discharging the duties of his office with such vigor and promptness as the interests of the Territory and the wants of the settlers require. The office is one of peculiar importance to the welfare of the settlers and involves in the prompt, energetic and accurate performance of the duties appertaining to it the highest interests of a young and growing community, a community rapidly increasing in numbers and seeking by securing as speedily as possible a permanent interest in the soil to themselves and posterity the development of the resources of the country and the building up of a flourishing and populous state. Mr. Gardner is too advanced in years [In 1854 Gardner was about 67 years of age; he lived to 82.] and too infirm for so important a trust. Without wishing to question his scholarship or his fitness for other positions more suited to his age and more congenial with his tastes and habits, and without the slightest design to disparage him as a man and a gentleman, I must in justice to the people of the Territory, in whose behalf I speak, be permitted to say that there are few official positions in the gift of the Executive which Mr. Gardner could not fill with more credit to himself and advantage to the country than that which he now holds. Experience is the test of fitness for official station. Without questioning your excellency's usual sagacity and judgment in selecting officers of the federal government, it cannot be denied that in the case of Mr. Gardner his probation has failed to meet the expectations founded upon the reputation he had previously established in other pursuits.
    In addition to the above-mentioned ground of complaint against Mr. Gardner I would state that his conduct in respect to the subalterns in his office has not been in harmony with his proposed political faith and with the practice of all parties, since parties existed in this country. Mr. Gardner is a Democrat, is the appointee of a Democratic administration. Notwithstanding this fact, he has retained in his office all those employed by his Whig predecessors. Nay, he has without instructions from the Department discharged Democrats who were honest, diligent and capable and appointed in their stead clamorous, violent, noisy Know-Nothings, who have neglected their official duties to serve the interests of their party. The consequence of this neglect is that the business of the office has accumulated, being more than three months behind the field operations, occasioning great inconvenience and loss to the settlers and also some of the deputies, whose accounts, from partiality or some other cause, remain unsettled. Among the cases of this kind that have come to my knowledge, I may mention that of Mr. Murphy, who has been greatly inconvenienced and feels heavily the hardships to which he has been subjected the more keenly perhaps that he has been wounded in the house of his friends, or to speak more plainly, has been subjected to the official insolence and maltreatment of political foes holding their place by appointment of a Democrat under a Democratic administration.
    To the reasons here given, it is almost superfluous to add that the removal of Mr. Gardner is earnestly desired by, and would give great satisfaction to, a large majority of the people of Oregon. They feel that his longer continuance would be unjust to themselves, and a departure on the part of your excellency from that profound regard for and lively interest in the welfare of the people, which has so distinguished your excellency's administration from the beginning to the present time.
    In their name, therefore, with an eye single to the true interests of the Territory, and with no wish to detract from Mr. Gardner's good name, I respectfully, but earnestly, ask for his removal and request that someone may be appointed in his stead possessing more vigor and activity, and who, if not favorable to Democrats, will at least not show undue favor and partiality to noisy partisans who use all the influence of official position, all the appliances which such position places at their disposal, to break down the Democratic Party.
With great respect
    Your excellency's
        Obedient servant
            L. F. Cartee



    Estimate of the time, travel and expense necessarily incurred by the Judge of the Third Judicial District in Oregon Territory for the year begin[ning] January 1854 and ending January 1855 attending three district courts in Jackson County going and returning 200 miles each . . . 600
Attending two district courts in Douglas Co. going and returning 20 miles each . . . 40
Attending two district court[s] in Umpqua Co. going and returning 90 miles each . . . 180
Attending two district courts in Coos Co. going and returning 200 miles each . . . 400
Attending one term of Supreme Court at Portland going and returning . . . 380
Attending same at Salem going and returning . . . 280
Total . . . 1880
    One of the above terms in Coos County was a called term made necessary on [omission] for the trial of criminals who were not arrested at the regular term when indicted, and who could not be kept until the next regular term without great expense for the want of a prison. In addition to the above travel the Legislature have now created a new county in the district from the southern portion of Coos, called ________ County. One regular term of court a year is to be held; going and returning the travel will amount to 320 miles, which added to the travel for the year 1854 will [total] 2200 miles. A small portion of this travel is necessarily performed in canoes and on foot, the remainder on horseback, and it is necessary to keep two horses the year round to [be] ready and able at all times to perform it.
    The expense of traveling through the district for man and horse exclusive of horse hire has been and is about five dollars per day.
    The nine terms of the district court would average about a week each in the year 1854, and are each year increasing in length. The two terms of the Supreme Court were about two weeks each, making in all thirteen weeks of actual session in addition to the time employed in traveling to and from the courts. The expense for man and horse exclusive of horse hire would average about five dollars per day.
    In addition to this should be taken into consideration a considerable amount of chamber business, and time consumed in examining authorities and preparing opinions.
    But a short time out of the year is left at the disposal of the judge for his private affairs, and the expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of the duties of the office consume the major portion of the present meager salary, leaving little if anything for the support of a family or compensation in a country where all kinds of labor physical or professional commands a high reward.
M. P. Deady
Associate Justice
Sup C Oregon Ty and
Judge 3rd Ju Dis.



Salem Oregon January 1st 1855
Dear Genl.,
    Nothing has occurred here worthy of note since I last wrote you, with the exception of some astounding developments in relation to the "Know Nothings." Holbrook introduced the order into this Territory about August last. It was then supposed that its influence would be confined to the towns, and that it could not obtain a footing in the country, but in this however we find ourselves mistaken. The Whig leaders have made every exertion to spread it throughout the country, and I regret to say that their efforts are being crowned with success.
    They number now 300 in Portland, about 150 in Oregon City, about 100 at Lafayette and about 90 here besides various lodges scattered about in different parts of the country. One of their members at this place who can be relied upon has divulged everything to Bush, and he is making use of it to defeat their plans.
    They intend to complete a thorough organization through the Territory so as to enable them to carry the next election, and I assure you that from present indications there is reason to fear that they may be successful in the accomplishment of their object. They avow in their lodges that their real object is to break down and disorganize the Democratic Party. As a matter of course they sweep all the Whigs, Softs, tenderfooted and disaffected. Such men for instance as Wiley Chapman, of this place (the Democrat who used to bore you with letters about a captaincy in the army), readily fall into their ranks.
    These things can readily be accounted for with such Democrats who are "out," but why the treason should extend to the "ins" is more than I can account for, but such is the melancholy fact, and Genl. Joel Palmer, the man who was once our mutual friend, and who I would have defended under all circumstances, has turned a traitor to his party, his friends, his God, and his country by taking the damnable oath to support, vote for and defend the midnight conclave. Besides he has used his position to build up the accursed order. He has kept a Whig Know-Nothing (Cris Taylor) in his office ever since he has held it at 5 dollars per day; besides he recently entered into an arrangement to expel Mr. Geary, his chief clerk, who is a good Democrat and a warm friend of yours, from his office and appoint Bonnell, a Whig and the leader of the Know Nothings, in his place. These facts have been recently developed. Every Democrat who has heard of it curses the traitor long, loud and deep, and prays that he may be speedily hurled from the place which he has so effectually disgraced. By this mail we forward a petition for that purpose and trust there will be no time lost in acting upon it. The petitioners have no objection assuming the responsibility. You know that this action is not the result of any previous personal or political enmity. I have always been his friend up to the moment that I was convinced of his treason. By his voluntary conduct he has forfeited all further claims to that friendship, and it is now at an end! I beg to assure you, General, that nothing short of his immediate removal will satisfy many of your warmest friends here.
    J. L. Parrish of this place, former Indian agent, is also a member of this order, as well as Waterman of the "Times," consequently he don't "deserve so well of his country." Dryer as a matter of course is a member. The whole secrets of the order are being published in the "Statesman." The Know Nothings swear vengeance, but I think will be slow to execute. Palmer and Parrish both joined the order at this place on the night of the eighth of October, and their names stand in their own handwriting upon the records here. I think that Bush's exposure and Palmer's removal will settle them here for the time being.
Your friend
    J. W. Nesmith
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Washington Jan. 2nd 1855
Gentlemen
    Yours of the 21st ult., inviting me to participate in a festival to be given on the 8th of January in Tammany Hall, on the 8th inst., is before me. The object of the festival, as stated in your note of invitation, is "to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans." Next to the anniversary of the natal there day of independence there is none in the ever-memorable Fourth of July stands the 8th of January. The former there is no day in the American calendar associated with more pleasing recollections and more endeared to the heart of the patriot than the 8th of January. What mighty memories crowd upon the mind and thrill the bosom when the roaring cannon, the "ear-piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum" remind us that it is the 8th of January, the anniversary of that day on which was fought and won the last battle of independence, for without wishing to detract from the merits of the illustrious Father of His Country, notwithstanding the glorious achievements of the Revolution I would ask what security was there had we to the preservation of our liberties until the great seal was put to the charter by the Hero of New Orleans on the memorable 8th of January? Our commerce had been plundered, our flag insulted, our seamen impressed, our very existence as a nation threatened, until the flag of the Union the undisciplined valor of the citizen soldiers of the West, guided by the genius of Jackson, rolled back the tide of invasion and planted the reared our flag triumphant over the carnage of New Orleans.
    To meet with my fellow citizens of New York to commemorate an event so memorable in our history and offer incense to the memory of a personage so illustrious in our military and political annals as Andrew Jackson would afford me great pleasure at any time, and seems to I regard as seems almost a duty at a time like the present, when sectional discord and political fanaticism threaten to obliterate the landmarks of the past and make "chaos come again." But there are a is a duty, which I owe to a people in the Far West which I regret to say the press of my official engagements in serving a people in the Far West who have honored me with their confidence, and entrusted to me the sole guardianship of their interests in Congress, will prevent my attendance on enjoying the pleasure of being present and contributing in my humble way to the objects you have in view.
    In conclusion, gentlemen, accept my profound acknowledgments for the honor your invitation has conferred upon [me], and permit me to offer you the following sentiment:
    Fanaticism & sectional discord--never can they gain the ascendancy while the same flag that waves over old Tammany, the cradle of Democracy, floats over the tomb of Jackson.
Very respectfully
    J.L.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Woodbourne 8th January 1855
General Lane
    Much esteemed friend
        You will readily perceive from the name of the place at which this letter is dated that we have left Brownstown for our country home (A sweet sequestered location which I regret that you had not time to visit with us on your electioneering tour through this state 8th January) A day to be hallowed as long as our union firmly stands and a portion of which cannot in my estimation be better appropriated than by inditing my first epistle to a friend of Mexican memory. You will no doubt recollect reminding me to write you for a supply of garden and flower seeds. Please therefore be kind enough to send on to Brownstown every variety by the first opportunity particularly the Oregon pea, the Woodbine and Honeysuckle together with the moss and monthly rose. There is also a large gourd much raised in Florida and the Carolinas that I am very anxious to procure the seed of. I have seen them larger than a half bushel, and you no doubt recollect them well. Major Mooney desires to be remembered to you the friendship of former times, his health is very good. Give my love to James C. Jones. My respects to General Cushing, Hon. Jesse L. Bright and all others who know or care anything about us in Washington.
    Say to James Jones for me that I wish he would write and tell me that I am not forgotten. I am growing old now but hope I may live to see my son and my brothers and sisters once more before we meet in eternity and now General Lane I have one more request to make will you spare a few moments from your multitudinous cares to write to my son. Direct to Pueblo San Jose and urge him to return home. Or will you write to Mr. Thomas J. Henley on his account.
    Mr. H. wrote me some time since that he would do all in his power to sustain him in California but Samuel writes that he has never seen Mr. H. and is now entirely out of business, this part of my letter is confidential. Samuel Hudson is very young but has so far held himself aloof from all the vices by which he has been and is still surrounded. Pardon this very badly written and brief letter my health is so precarious that there are times when I can scarcely write anything legible or intelligible. with assurances of the highest respect believe Dear Sir to remain
Your undeviating friend
    Matilda B. Mooney
If you should incur any expense in procuring the seeds and flowers mentioned please let us know.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




O.T. Marion County near Salem January 9th 1855
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Dear Sir, I was truly glad to see that you are again a candidate for Delegate to Congress. (This looks like flattery, but when I give my reasons for this assertion I think you will not attribute so low and contemptible a vice to me.) If I am not greatly mistaken there will be a great effort made to defeat you in the convention. There is several would-be great men in the Democratic ranks that is trying to strengthen their stakes and lengthen their cords. This I have no objection to if they rise on their own merit, but I do not like to see men rise on the downfall of others.
    Let them wait patiently their time or the time of the masses of the Democratic Party. You know the race is not always to the swiftest nor the battle to the strongest in our conventions, but to the vigilant. The man who can employ of a few influential men as managers can sometimes get nominated, though they may be minority men, and at elections be defeated. Now, sir, I urge it on you to try to reach here before the convention, if it is in your power, for if you do not get the nomination a Know-Nothing will be elected to Congress. This would be humiliating. There is a great many Democrats here have already joined this contemptible clan called Know-Nothings and of course all the isms will unite in their midnight lodges to plot the destruction of Democracy. They have bewildered a great many good Democrats the with limited information by telling them that foreigners and Catholics will soon be in the majority and therefore will rule the country. If you will send me a copy of the senses I think I can use it to advantage.
With high consideration of respect
    I am yours truly
        Nicholas Shrum
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Office Superintendent of Ind Affairs   
Dayton O.T. January 10th, 1855.   
Dear Sir
    Enclosed I send you receipts in abstract form, the signatures to which I desire you will cause to be affixed upon the delivery to the respective Indians to whom orders have this day been given on  you for the articles of clothing named therein.
    Each Indian is required to make his mark in the place indicated in the presence of two or more witnesses who certify to the same.
    You will confer a special favor by supplying the goods and
paying over as per order and send me your bill and if it meets your approbation I will pay by your order in Portland or else when as you may direct.
    I desire the coats to be a good winter article the price varying from seven to ten dollars, pants
about three and quarter best not to exceed three, hat cheap article, boots good article not exceeding five dollars, cotton handkerchiefs. The aggregate amount paid each Indian will be placed in the proper column opposite his name. The receipts you will please date etc. I expect to be in Corvallis during the winter and perhaps in three weeks with a bill of paying other Indians. In the event you may not have the articles enumerated I hope you will procure them as it is important they should be paid per agreement. No suitable goods can be had in this place and the streams are too high to get them from below.
    I have succeeded in extinguishing Indian title to nearly all the lands in this valley. The Santiam Valley is yet unpurchased, and a small strip opposite Corvallis, and a narrow strip along the Columbia River between the mouth of Willamette River and Oak Point. The lands treated with have confederated so as ultimately to form an Indian settlement in some district yet to be designated. They are secured in the possession of their usual places of residences or such as may be assigned them by the superintendent or agent, until a suitable home shall be selected and proper provisions made for their removal.
    No news by the last states mail other
than election and European.
Respectfully your
    obedient svt
        Joel Palmer
            Superintendent
N H Lane Esq
    Corvallis
        O.T.


Corvallis Jany 13th 1855               
Joel Palmer
    Superintendent Indian Affairs
Bought of Nat. H. Lane
7 blankets 2.50 each . . . 17.50
5 pr boots 5.00 each . . . 25.00
5 coats 8.50 each . . . 42.50
7 cot hdkfs 37¢ each . . . 2.62
5 hats 2.00 each . . . 10.00
5 pair pants 3.25 each . . . 16.25
7 flannel shirts 2.00 each . . . 14.00
2 pair shoes 2.00 each . . . 4.00
7 pair socks 63¢ each . . . 4.37
5 vests 2.00 each . . . 10.00
                                $146.25

Calapooia Indian clothing invoice 1855


Washington City
    January 17 1855
Dear Bush
    Yours
of the 27th November has been recd. Your account for printing with a deduction of some $30 has been allowed and draft forwarded by last mail. Of this I wrote you by that mail.
    I have exhausted every means in my power to have the Surveyor General's office placed in the hands of an Oregonian but so far have failed. The President addressed the Secty. of Interior on the subject, but up to this time he has declined acting. I do not despair, however, notwithstanding one of the great men out your way says that G-----r [Surveyor General George K. Gardner] is as competent as the one recommended by the central junto. Don't despair, we will see what we shall see.
    Is it not queer that the people of Umpqua should use my success in procuring an appropriation for the advancement of their interests, and that too under the most embarrassing circumstances, for it is a fact worth remembering that the appropriation for the military road from Myrtle Creek to Camp Stuart and the one for a road in Washington Ty. were the first and only appropriations ever obtained without survey, estimate of recommendation. I carried them through without aid, on my own word and effort, and finally obtained a continuance of said road to Scottsburg, by which all Umpqua is benefited. I ask again if it is not queer (that my success in thus promoting the interests of Umpqua) that this very success should be made to operate against me, and perhaps defeat me, is it not strange? Can Pratt be mean enough to try to take advantage of such feelings, prejudices and influences to injure one who has labored faithfully for him? Can he get into Congress by such means? Had he not better hang his chances on a firmer, better, more honest and honorable basis? Don't you think that every aspirant for office had better deal fairly and honorably and trust to merit and fitness? What say you? It is not my purpose to complain, but one thing I will say--that is that I will not resort to anything mean, low or dishonorable for the sake of office at this or any future time. I will not hold office at such a sacrifice.
    I had nothing to do with locating the Scottsburg road, nothing further than to call on the Secretary of War and request him to place it in the hands of an efficient officer who would push the work to a speedy conclusion, and it is unjust and unfair to hold me responsible for any management of that work. I had nothing to do with it.
    By the late mail I recd. only two letters and no papers. What is the matter? Before May I will have a land office in the Umpqua Valley.
    Don't allow me beaten for the Delegateship.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."



Washington City
    January 22 1855.
To the President,
    Sir,
        I have the honor to enclose you a letter from my friend the Hon. George E. Pugh, of Ohio, asking the appointment of Alexander J. Miller, Esqr., a visitor to the West Point Academy. I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Miller, but I am satisfied, from my intimate acquaintance with Mr. Pugh, that he would not ask the position for anyone he did not consider worthy of it. I trust, therefore, you may find it compatible with your sense of duty to accommodate Mr. Pugh and his friend.
I have the honor to be,
    Very respectfully,
        Your obdt. servant
            Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Washington City,
    February 3, 1855.
Sir,
    As I feel deeply interested in the result of the approaching election in Oregon for a Delegate to Congress, I cannot refrain from laying before your readers certain facts touching the result of the efforts of Genl. Lane, your indefatigable Delegate in the present Congress, looking to the prosperity and general welfare of the Territory. But few persons are familiar with the mode of transacting business in Congress who have not been either a member or an attaché of one or the other of the two Houses. Very few, away from the scene of action, can form any idea of the difficulty and labor attending the getting up and passage through the two branches of Congress of any measure whatever. Especially is this true in regard to almost everything affecting the Territories. These outside and far-off citizens of the country are very apt to be forgotten in the hurry & bustle of the general business operations of our legislators. Territorial business, unlike other business before Congress, can only be attended to at stated periods--that is, at such times as the House may see fit to set apart for that particular purpose, and, unless the delegates representing the Territories happen to be men of character, standing & influence, they rarely succeed in obtaining such a hearing for the people as their interests demand.
    Fortunately for Oregon, the people of that Territory are favored with the most useful, energetic, business men in the House, and at the same time one who commands (because he deserves) the respect, confidence and good will of every member of both Houses. Hence he has never failed to obtain for his people everything he has asked for them, and he has not failed to ask everything he believed it right and proper for them to have. In addition to those measures he obtained at the last Congress, he has now succeeded in getting through the House, and will no doubt get them through the Senate, also, bills for the following purposes, viz: One to enable the people of Oregon to organize a state government and appropriating $67,000 for public buildings in the Territory, one appropriating $30,000 for a military road from Salem to Astoria, one establishing an additional land office, one to regulate the locating of bounty land warrants in Oregon. There is a vast amount of business enacted during two of the three days which the House set apart for the consideration of Territorial matters. Who was it that succeeded in accomplishing so much? By whose efforts and through whose influence was all this done? I answer, because I happen to know that it was Genl. Lane who did it--his influence procured the passage of these measures, and no one's else. And can it be possible that the people of Oregon will turn their backs upon one so true to them under all circumstances--one whose whole time, thoughts and objects appear to be directed to the accomplishment of that which promises good to the people he represents? I refer to these things because my position enables me to know all about the matter, and though I feel deeply interested in seeing such men as Genl. Lane continued in the public service, I cannot possibly be actuated by any motive in what I say, other than that of friendship for the General, and a sincere desire to see such men appreciated by the people.
[unfinished, unsigned letter in Lane's hand]


Washington City
    Feby 3 1855
Dear Bush,
    By next mail I will write you fully in relation to the office of Surveyor General. It is by no means certain that we can obtain favorable action, but will continue to try.
    I am surprised and mortified to find extensive grumbling and complaining from many persons in different portions of the Territory about the appointments which have been lately made. I am asked why all the appointments have been made from Marion, Yamhill, Clackamas and Washington. And one writer, an old friend, says that he has recd. letters from three of my appointees begging him to take ground against me, that Lane won't do, he pays no attention to our interests, and a thousand other things. Now what think you? Have you advised me to procure appointments for my enemies? I hope not! Why should friends turn against me? In what way have I done wrong, in what have I erred, or what have I failed to do that the public interests required should be done? I may say that my position is a peculiar one, and if it is true that my friends have turned against me, I shall have a hard row to hoe, a bad row for stumps. I have however one consolation--I have been honest and faithful and true, and if beaten shall have nothing to regret so far as my conduct and doings are concerned. I shall during life stand firm by principle, yea, upon the Constitution, by the Union and the rights of the states.
    Last night I wrote you a letter for publication. You will not, unless you deem it proper, publish the latter or last paragraph.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."


No. 8--
    This may certify that the Board of Commissioners appointed to examine and credit claims of citizens for property destroyed by the Rogue River tribe of Indians or their allies during the war with said tribe in 1853 have awarded to William Thompson and Henry C. Rowland, claimants for property destroyed as aforesaid, the sum of one thousand and twenty-nine dollars.
                                L. F. Grover
                                A. C. Gibbs
                                Geo. H. Ambrose
                                    Commissioners
Jacksonville, O.T.
February 6, 1855



Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City, Feb. 2, 1855.       
    Dear Bush:--Since the receipt of the last mail from Oregon, I have been so constantly engaged in attending to the business of the Territory, before the House of Representatives, that I have had an opportunity of writing to but very few of my friends, and therefore have concluded to say a few words to you, which, if you think proper, you may let your readers see.
    The reason of this particular pressure upon my time is that the House, by resolution, set apart these days for the consideration of Territorial business, and as those three days were the only days that could possibly be secured for that kind of business, it became indispensable that all such business should be attended to promptly. Fortunately for the Territory, I succeeded in procuring the passage, through the House, of the following bills, viz.:
    A bill to enable the people of Oregon to hold a convention to form a state government;
    A bill appropriating $67,000 for the completion of the public buildings in Oregon;
    A bill appropriating $30,000 for the construction of a military road from Salem to Astoria;
    A bill for the establishment of an additional land office; and,
    A bill regulating the location of bounty warrants in Oregon.
    Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, were the days appropriated to the business of the Territories; and, notwithstanding this was the only chance we could hope to have, during the present session, to get our bills acted on, there was a disposition manifested, on the part of some, to consume that brief period with the consideration of business not of a Territorial character. This, you may readily suppose, annoyed me greatly, but through the kindness of friends we succeeded much better
than I had at one time expected we should.
    There are two bills yet pending, about which I am very anxious. One of these bills provides for establishing a port of entry at Port Orford, and port of delivery at Coos Bay; and to increase the salary of the collector at Umpqua &c. I am not without hope of being able to get these bills through this season. I shall spare no effort to do so.
    The mail that goes out on this steamer, of the 5th, will carry a great number of valuable documents to the Territory, which have been distributed as generally among the people as the number at my disposal would admit. Your friend,
    JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 20, 1855, page 2



    LETTER FROM GEN. LANE.--We find in the
Yreka Herald of the 31st the following letter from Gen. Lane, which we publish for the benefit of all who are interested in the Rogue River war claims:
Washington City, Feb. 18.
    G. W. Tyler, Esq.--Dear Sir: You will not think hard of me for not writing. I am and have been constantly busy.
    I have finally succeeded in procuring an adjustment of the expenses of the Rogue River war. Some vouchers have been returned for certificate and proper authentication. By this mail drafts for a considerable amount will go out to the care of the Governor of Oregon for the benefit of the parties concerned. By next mail the balance will go out, except such as have, as above stated, been returned. In a few days the rolls for payment will be forwarded to a paymaster, who will proceed to Jacksonville and Yreka and pay the troops, officers and men.
    This matter has been a most troublesome affair, but I have at last succeeded in obtaining justice, and the people will ere long have their pay.
    Your friend,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, April 14, 1855, page 3



Washington Co March 2 [1855]
Genl Palmer
    Dear Sir
        I do not know whether this will please you or not; it may not be my business to say any [thing] for the Indians at present, but hoping for the better, as I have nothing to do with them.
    I have been gone for four days. They have not sent you anywhere, and part of them came last evening to see me, and this morning old Six came and insisted on me to write you informing you as their chief and their great friend that Jam and the rest of the Indians below has made up friends by Jam paying one horse to the husband of the woman. Six wants you to ask Dave if Che-hi-ell had not employed Dave to stab him, as it is reported among them that Dave had told some of the boys so, and if so Dave will only pay him one horse and the horse that Jam pays Six don't want that it shall be for Dave himself. He wishes you answer by the bearer if you please and so greatly oblige.
    P.S. Old Six buys 2 bushels of oats. He will never drink rum anymore if you should send an order for the same. He could get it here some please.
    I was down at Columbia Co. and just arrived home. Our old friend Jo [Lane] is in the lead of Pratt. Campbell of Portland told me on Monday that five counties have given in the majority to Lane. I have been busy while I was down, and I succeeded in getting more votes for him than I [knew] existed. Please to let me know in the answer of the above whether I should say anything to those Indians. I don't want to mix myself where I am not wanted--and oblige
Your humble
    Servant John Flett

House Bill No. 1           
An Act
    To authorize the Secretary of War to settle and pay the expenses of the war with the Indians in the territories of Washington and Oregon in the years 1855 and 1856, and for other purposes.
    Be it enacted etc., that the Secretary of War be and he is hereby authorized and directed to settle and pay all claims for services rendered by volunteers in the war with the Indians in the territories of Oregon and Washington in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-five and eighteen hundred and fifty-six, called into service by the governor of said territories, and by them received into service, according to the muster rolls, and at the rate of pay agreed upon for man and horse, at the time they were mustered into service; and that all volunteers who have rendered service, and been paid by the provisions of this act, shall be entitled to all the privileges and benefits of "an act in addition to certain acts granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," approved March 3rd, 1855.
    And be it further enacted that the Secretary of War be and he is hereby authorized and directed to adjust and settle on just and equitable principles all claims for subsistence, forage, medical stores and expenditures, as well as for all necessary and proper supplies, furnished for the prosecution of said war, and that on such adjustment the same shall be paid out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.


Washington
    March 3 1855.
    I can hardly hope, dear General, that after reading Cousin's letter you will think this worthy of perusal, but I wish to tell you my apparent affection for you is not inspired by the enthusiasm of others, but, dear General, I love you from the promptings of my own heart, & as long as I live will [remember] the sound of your name, recall many happy hours spent in your society, which now alas! belong to the past. How can I sufficiently thank you for being the means of brightening many desert places in the mantle of memory.
    I have tried to be very philosophical in thinking of your departure, but in vain, though bright-winged anticipation whispers confidently of your return here next winter.
    Oregon is very oblivious in its distance, yet, dear General, think sometimes of the friends you have left & who love you so well. I can hardly hope that you will write to me as you would to Cousin, yet do write me sometimes on a separate piece of paper from his letter, if only a few lines, and dearly will I prize them.
    And now, dear General, goodbye. God bless you with health and a prosperous voyage, give you success in all you undertake--happiness in this world--& a crown of life in the world to come.
Believe me your ever
    devotedly attached Jenny.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


Oregonians Read! Testimony from a Distinguished Source.
    Gen. Adair, of Astoria, sends us the following letter from Hon. Wm. M. Gwin, the able U.S. Senator from California, and a champion of the Pacific railroad, and Pacific interests. No other man in the United States has worked with as much industry and success as Dr. Gwin, and no man stands higher there. California owes him a debt she can never repay for the mass of legislation and princely appropriations he has obtained for her.
    As for the calumny Dr. Gwin refers to, it fell stillborn here, where Gen. Lane is known, and where the lying character of its author is known. We doubt if a single man in Oregon has thought of it since Dryer uttered it:--Statesman.
San Francisco, March 31, 1855.
    My Dear Sir,--I have been informed, since my arrival here, that a statement has been published in some newspaper in Oregon that I am a witness to Gen. Lane's having been intoxicated in Washington during his term of service in Congress as a delegate for your Territory. I have not been able to get that publication, and cannot refer to the allegations it contains against Gen. Lane in detail, and my references to his deportment in Washington must be in general terms.
    I presume there is no person in the United States who has had more intimate association with Gen. Lane than myself, since he has been a delegate in Congress. We have met almost daily in consultation in regard to the legislation for this coast, not only in the Capitol but at our private rooms. I not only never saw the General intoxicated, but never saw him touch ardent spirits in Washington, nor can any man truthfully charge him with dissipation of any kind during his residence in the federal city. This is the first time I have heard such a charge made against him.
    He is one of the most laborious and faithful representatives I have ever seen, and his exertions for his constituents have been crowned with eminent success. No Territory in the Union has a more faithful, or so successful, a representative, and without disparagement to any man I hesitate to say that no delegate you can send from your Territory can surpass him in zeal, or equal his past success, which is only an earnest of his future usefulness if continued in Congress.
    With great respect, your friend and obedient servant.        WM. M. GWIN.

Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, May 12, 1855, page 2


Port Orford O.T.
    May 19th, 1855
Dear General
    Yesterday on my return from Rogue River I was assaulted in the public street by Benj. Wright, and my life threatened on our first next meeting. I never was more astonished in all my life. I approached Wright as to a friend, to shake hands with him as a friendly recognition after a few days separation. Instead of being received, as I have always heretofore been received, in friendship, I was loaded with all the charges of crime and deceit against him imaginable and my life, by threats, placed in jeopardy. Wright charges me with having said to you, voluntarily, that he, "Wright, was an habitual drunkard, unfit at all times to do his duty, and that if you had any regard for your own reputation you would remove him." Where Wright got this information I cannot imagine, nor will he tell me. I suspect Kautz and Tichenor, both of whom are my bitter enemies, and with whom I am not now on speaking terms. Either of them would cut my throat without scruple, could they do so unsuspected. My difficulty with Mr. Kautz is well known in this community, and I know the public feeling is in my favor. Now, General, I am thrown into serious difficulty from a question of yours, which, out of friendship to you, I answered. I cannot understand this. I do not suspect for one moment that you have occasioned this, or that you have repeated, certainly not magnified, what I said. As to Wright I have always been on the closest intimacy with him--had he been my brother I could not have done more for him. I have assisted him in his matters, of every name and kind, freely and without cost. What I said to you in answer to your question about the habits of Wright is God's truth, known to be true by every honest citizen in this entire community, and I do not take back one word. I did not say this, however, to injure Wright, on the contrary, I believe that at that time I endeavored to shield, indeed, I think I spoke of him in the highest terms as an Indian agent. I now sincerely regret ever having said one word, in fact almost wish I had lied for Ben out and out. This affair has given me an immensity of anxiety for my personal safety, for I assure you it is not pleasant to have a man of Wright's desperate passion howling after you in the public street, threatening at every step your life. If you have been made to doubt my word in answer to your question concerning Ben's habits, please write such men as our postmaster, R. H. Smith, Peter Ruffner, Isaiah Porter, Michael Mills, E. A. Gamble, Aaron Dyer, Seth H. Lount, J. W. Sutton, or any other citizen in the entire town of Port Orford, with the exception of Tichenor and Kautz. Now I do not seek this investigation for the purpose of doing the least injury to Wright, for I would not willingly put even a straw in his way. I hope, however, that the inquiry may be made that it may be determined whether I have maliciously sought to injure a fellow citizen. I am charged by Ben with wishing to supplant him in his office. This is not so. If I once had the hope of succeeding him upon his resignation only, I have abandoned wholly such thought or wish. Nothing in the wide world would now induce me to accept the office, should it be offered me. Of this, at any rate, I have no hope, as I have no doubt your mind has been cruelly poisoned against me. Again, it appears that Tichenor has been busy in his efforts to make Ben believe that I was in favor, and earnestly espoused your removal. This, General, is false. It is true I said on my return from Portland that efforts were being made to remove you. In this there certainly could be no harm. I merely repeated here what everybody knew in Oregon, namely that efforts are being made to remove you. There is not that man living who ever heard me speak one word against you as a citizen or public officer. On the contrary I have ever spoken of you in the very highest terms, prompted to do so from your uniform kindness toward me, and from my knowledge of you as a citizen, and as an officer of government. Someone, who I cannot imagine, unless my suspicions are correct concerning Kautz and Tichenor, has sought to inflict upon me a cruel injury. I fear not to have my character and general conduct fully inquired into, and shall take pains when you come among us to have some things fully exposed. As regards Wright I shall treat him as I ever have done, in kindness, and cheerfully do all in my power to aid him in the performance of the duties of his office. What will be the result of this matter between Wright and myself I cannot tell. At all events I shall do all in my power to avoid further difficulty. I wish, General, you would write to me, that I may, if possible, disabuse Wright's present opinion--that he may know that I did not attempt to injure him maliciously. A word from you would be highly appreciated by me.
Respectfully your friend
    F. M. Smith



Winchester May 20th '55
Dear Genl.
    [Major Mark A.] Chinn & Dryer spoke here yesterday and were quite moderate in their expression of abuse and fault-finding. They evidently adapt themselves to the crowd they address and touched lightly on Nebraska & Know-Nothingism. Stratton & Gibbs made speeches in answer, and I judged the assemblage (of about 100 persons) to be three-fifths or more in your favor. I made a few remarks--such as I deemed most applicable to the occasion.
    They will probably spread themselves in Jackson Co. & I will be in with them at the death and stir up all your good friends.
    D---w has been about Salem all winter & spring & has probably arranged this plan of campaign in your rear, hoping to carry Jackson Co., but they made no calculations about me, and I hope to be a stumbling block in the footpath. Capt. Martin will accompany me; I handed him the money you gave me, and we will canvass every poll & precinct at which we think we can do any good, and that means to say all of them.
Your friend truly
    J. P. Goodall


Office Indian Agent
    Rogue River May 21st 1855
Sir
    I received your communication by the hand of Colonel Taylor, also the sum of seventeen hundred and sixty-five dollars and forty-seven cents ($1765.47), for which I have receipted.
    My interpreter is away from home at this time, and as the Colonel is in quite a hurry to return, I will have to return your vouchers unaccompanied by the receipts of my interpreter. I will probably be able to get them this evening and transmit them to you by mail.
    On my quarterly return you will observe that my salary claimed amounts to two hundred dollars. If I have erred you will please correct my returns and inform me, and I will make the correction in the papers retained in this office.
    Also I wish you to inform me how to account for an overplus sent me as pay for an interpreter. I employed him on the first of March from which date his salary commences instead of the 10th of February, for which I have receipted.
    Again the instructions sent me last spring in relation to the distribution of the annuities failed to reach me in time. The Indians were suffering severely for want of their clothing. I accordingly distributed them, and the receipts which I took are not of the form which you afterwards sent me, nor do they call for the same amount. There was one coat less than the bill which I received called for (cost $5.92). Other articles were on the bill unaccompanied by any price, which I presume you understood. I merely mention the fact to know of the difference in the receipt which I took of the chiefs, and those sent me from your office may not have occurred in this way. If it is at all important to change the form of the receipts, I will immediately do so by getting their signatures to the receipts sent me for forms and transmit them to you by mail. I would of course supply the missing coat and would prefer to do so rather than cause you any trouble in altering your accounts. I should be pleased to hear from you. Very respectfully yours
    George H. Ambrose
        Ind. Agent
E. R. Geary
    Clk. Supt. Ind. Aff.



Council Ground May 23rd 1855           
Mrs. Smith
    Dear wife and children you may be desiring to hear from me once more and as an opportunity presents I write a short note to inform you that I am well, that my health is about as common. The Indians have not come as yet but we are expecting them every hour. I hope these lines will find you well. Give Adda a kiss from her father. Tell Andrew J. that you have heard from his papa also tell him I want him to be a good boy. Take good care of the children. Sorry Elizabeth you will please excuse this short note and believe me your loving but unworthy husband while I subscribe myself inordinately yours
Andrew Smith                           
Sarah E. Smith



Council Ground May 24th 1855           
Mrs. Smith
    Another day brings to the ground I should think about 900 Indians, more women and children of the Nez Perces. And we are looking for others constantly but it is uncertain when they will come and consequently uncertain when we can start home and you must not look for us much for 3 weeks yet. We had a fine Indian military parade when the Nez Perces come to the ground. They seem to be very friendly, but there can be but little confidence imposed in the Kinses [Cayuse] and some other tribes.
    While writing Pap sits at my right hand writing also, as an opportunity presents to send our letters direct to The Dalles, from which place they will go by water to Portland. I want you to write me as soon as you get these letters; direct your letters to Dalles, Wasco County O.T., at which point I shall be able to get them on our way down.
    I want you to do as well as you can in managing the business at home. If I should not get back until William wants to lay up the fence; tell him to give it 4½ feet worm and lay it up without the blocks unless the man I hired common so as to cut them without bothering or hindering Mr. Hash. Tell Mr. Hash to lay up the road string just as I told him, which was straight out with the field fence along the road; endeavor to have him do as much summer fallowing in the field as he can and break up the nooks and corners. If you have an opportunity to hire a man to work for a horse you may hire for a month or two, for if I have good luck I shall bring down a few horses one for you and one for Andrew J. and ______.
    Take care of the horses you have and yourselves.
    Sarah I should like to see you and press you to my bosom as my wife but I suppose _______. Embrace the children for me and tell them Papa will come as soon as he can.
    Learn Andrew his letters and tell him that I want him to be a man. I had my likeness taken at Portland and mailed it to you that if I should never live to get back you might have something by which to remember the man that is inordinately fond of you my Sarah. It is now late and I must come to a close although I could write all night. May the blessing of kind Heaven rest on you and on the children. When you receive this tell my folks. I have been rather poorly for a day or two but hope to be better. I hardly know how to quit without writing you many things but paper is scarce and I must stop and subscribe myself your affectionate husband
Andrew Smith                           
Sarah E. Smith


Yreka May 30th / 55
Genl Lane
    My old friend, this is the 1st time since you have been before the people that I have not been able to be in the field and do battle, but so it is from the force of circumstance. I will not be able to come down to Salem, or even to Jacksonville, as I much desired, on the day of trial, but I console myself and the Democratic Party that in Oregon it will be a downhill business from the beginning of the campaign to the closing of the polls for you to run under an easy rein, distancing the old hero of Encarnacion.
    Sure the people have not forgotten the many extra-official acts of Genl. Gaines while Gov. of Oregon, all of which had a direct tendency to impede the prosperity of the Ter., the substratum of which was selfishness and vanity, the political dishonesty of whom together with the federal officers of Oregon compelled me from a sense of duty to myself, to the body politic and to God to forever denounce the party to which I once stood identified. And may God Almighty forgive; I know that all my friends have forgiven me this political wrong, and I do know that you as the standard bearer of the great Democratic Party in the land of your and my adoption forgive me the evil I have done, yet there are some of the political issues that once divided the two great political parties and which comprised the articles of the Whig faith that I shall ever believe to have been the true policy of the genl. government. I say have been from the simple fact that they have become obsolete, having long since been conceded by the honest portion of the Whig Party. I have nothing in the way of news to communicate. Times as you are aware are dull in this vicinity from the scarcity of water. Goods, groceries as well as provisions of every kind are extremely low; whiskey is the only article that remains firm @ 2 bits a mouthful and in demand. Let me hear from you, my old friend, and say when you will leave for the Atlantic states. Your old friend Mr. Hawkins' best wishes for your present success and future prosperity. I will try and see you before you leave, as I have some curiosity in seeing a live Congressman, and in the meantime do the best you can for the good of all, and may you live long to enjoy the fruits of your labors and in your retirement from political life have the pleasing reflection of having honestly discharged with fidelity to our common country your whole duty and may God prosper and bless you, old Jo.
Respectfully yours
    E. L. Massey


Council Ground May 31st 1855           
Sarah Elisabeth
    Dear wife having a few spare moments tonight I employ them in penning you a few more lines not knowing whether my first will reach you as I presume you will be glad to hear from me. One of my first should come to hand I hope you will excuse the intrusion of another as it will come from a man who loves and longs to see you.
    I am in common health but very lonely but must suffer on and wait the tardy movement of the Indians and government. The time since I left home seems like a year and at the present I know not when we shall be able to start home.
    The Indians are friendly but we are in an Indian country and far from friends or home. There has been much rain here since we arrived, in consequence of which it has been disagreeable camping out. The council is being held in the Walla-Walla Valley about 20 miles from Fort Walla-Walla on Walla-Walla River. This valley lies nearly east and west, running back from Fort Walla-Wall to the Blue Mountains, comprising perhaps the richest portion of this upper country. The valley is poorly timbered with the exception of the head next to the mountain. There is some good timber consisting of pine, poplar, fir, birch, etc. The land in the lower part of the valley is rather gravelly but furnishes good pasture up next to the mountain. The land is of an excellent quality, holding out to the farmer great inducements to settle the country as soon as it is purchased of the Indians. It is unquestionably the best grazing country on the Pacific coast. Here on these extensive prairies thousands of cattle, horses and sheep can feed and be fat the year round (unless the snow should fall too deep in the winter).
    The wealth of this portion of the country must always lie in stock, and its inhabitants will only find it convenient to farm sufficient for home consumption. 31st at night nothing of importance more than written above; many Indian rumors float among us and as to the success of the treaty there can be no opinion formed. The weather seems disposed to settle and we will have more pleasant times.
    We shall not in all probability be home for two months and Sarah if you are obliged to manage your business alone, do as well as you can and if I live to get home I will not find fault with you if you should fail in doing as I could desire. Father and Lorenzo are quite well, your father is determined to stay some time or accomplish the object for which he came, and if he should stay too long I shall be obliged to come home by myself, for I am becoming very uneasy about my business at home. All I have is at home and all my heart is at home. By night and by day my thoughts are there Sarah Elisabeth I do not know what your feelings in regard to my being absent are but if you feel as I do your whole heart is constantly involved and as I feel now, as long as my health is as good as at the present I shall never leave home, for I assure you Sarah I am an unhappy man away here in this Indian country; besides we have many very profane men in our company and are obliged to eat meat almost covered with fly blows and bread that I will not attempt to describe. Tea and coffee very good. While at Portland I conferred with Dr. Millard, and he told me that my natural constitution was not broken and said I did not need much medicine but with care and temperance in eating my health would become good and I am of nearly the same opinion yet there are some contingencies bearing on that matter such as climate and peculiar cast of mind which bears materially on the body. This you know as well as I do. Sarah I am afraid there will be some accident happen to you or the children or to some of the connections before I get home. Take care of yourself and the children if you can. I have twice dreamed of accidents one of which Lorenzo was involved and made a narrow escape with my aid otherwise would in all probability have been killed. What future awaits you and me Sarah Elizabeth is hard to divine, but we will live and hope for the best. When  I commenced writing I did not know when an opportunity would present to send it to The Dalles, but I just this moment heard that a gentleman is to start tomorrow for The Dalles. If he goes I will send it by him if I can. I want you to write to The Dalles as I directed you in my note from this place. Now Sarah Elizabeth although I could write from now till tomorrow morning yet for the want of paper I must stop and subscribe myself your unworthy yet very greatly obliged to be your affectionate and loving husband and everything else that should be involved in the relation which we sustain
Andrew Smith                           
Sarah E. Smith
P.S.      Hug and kiss the pets for me till I come and then Oh what a time we will have among and with ourselves.
Andrew Smith                           
Sarah E. Smith


Port Orford June 15th 1855           
Dear Sir
    Agreeable to instructions it becomes my duty to make known to you the present condition of Indian affairs within this district since the 15th of May.
    I have visited all the different bands of Indians within this district and find them doing well though the abundance of rain which has fallen since the fishing season has prevented them from getting their usual quantity of salmon upon which they rely entirely for subsistence at this season of the year. I received the seine and nets for fishing but find they are too small for salmon fishing and have thought it would be best to hire a larger one which is at Rogue River which is either to be bought or hired at a moderate price. The one I speak of is 600 yards long and 14 feet wide; such only is suitable for salmon fishing while the one I received from you is small and adapted only for fishing in small streams and for small fish. I intend trying the large seine and if it succeeds will hire it and assemble the different bands together at Rogue River which is the only stream which affords salmon at this season; all the rest of the streams' salmon do not run up until September, and I think by so doing that is by hiring the large seine and collecting the Indians at that river and superintending and being with the Indians myself that I can furnish the Indians all they may need and I am confident that by bringing them all or as many of them as I can on to Rogue River and being with them myself that I can control them much better than I can as they are scattered the whole length of the district.
    When I visited Chetco the Indians informed me that there had been one of their number killed by a man called Lewis Carley who told the whites that he had killed a Chetco Indian.
    And that he was ready to leave the country and went to Crescent City and there shipped for that purpose which was the last heard of him. The Indians complain but little of it and appear to be willing to submit to their fate let it [be] what it may without retaliating in any way whatever.
    As long as they are so near the line between California and Oregon I am of the opinion that there will always be outrages of that character committed. While it is impossible to prevent it the miners about the mouth of Rogue River have many of them left that place which affords greater security to the Indians as they are always more peaceable in an Indian country when they are few in number.
    And I think that I have it in my power whether they are few or many to control Indians in all cases--better than the whites can be controlled by any power.
Most respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        Ben Wright
            Sub Indian Agent
                Port Orford Dist
To Gen Joel Palmer
    Superintendent
        Ind Affairs



Port Orford O.T.
    June 19th 1855
Dear Sir
    By last trip of Columbia I wrote you making inquiries concerning a difficulty that had just occurred between Benj. Wright and myself, said by him to have been occasioned in consequence of charges that I had made to you against him. To that letter I have not yet received any reply. At the time I wrote you I was ignorant of the source through which Ben received his information. I could only surmise; Ben refused at that time to give me the name of the person from whom he had received the information. He would only say that I told you that he "Ben was an habitual drunkard, at all times unfit to do duty." Of the treatment I at that time received from Ben, I have made you acquainted.
    I very well recollect the conversation I had with you as we descended the hill in front of the reserve, and I know just as positively that all I said to you was in answer to your question concerning Ben's habits. I replied to your question, as I or you would always expect a man of truth to answer a plain interrogatory. Had you not asked the question I certainly should not have given the answer. I think you will do me the justice to say that I made no effort to injure Wright, indeed I believe you will say that I spoke well of him as an agent.
    Had I desired to injure Wright fatally, I could have done so by statements backed by living evidence. All of this difficulty has been occasioned by Kautz, my most bitter enemy--a man with whom I have not spoken for a long time. The occasion of my trouble with Kautz is well known to all of our citizens, and let me add that it is not much to the credit of Kautz. Of course this is nothing to you. This difficulty between Ben and myself, prompted by Kautz, together with the active efforts of Ben, caused my defeat in the election just passed, and it is my opinion that such was the object of Kautz. In this place, where I have lived near four years, I received 40 votes. My adversary, Tichenor, got but 18 votes. This is certainly an index of my standing here, and is, of itself, quite a commentary upon the efforts of my enemies. And, General, I do not desire to injure Mr. Wright--on the contrary would be glad to see him continue in the office he now holds. I will also add that since my trouble with Ben, he has not tasted a drop of ardent spirits, and has fully determined to wholly abstain from the use of all kinds of intoxicating drinks. No one more rejoices at this resolution than myself. Now then as to the past. The answer I made to your question concerning Ben's habits, I do not, nor have I ever denied. I cannot bear to be considered the base man and liar that you probably have been made to think me. I must therefore refer you to our postmaster R. H. Smith, our justice of the peace John W. Sutton, Isaiah Porter, Nelson Seaman, Samuel Lount, or to any other citizen of Port Orford. I make this reference, not to injure Ben, but to vindicate my character as a man of truth. I hope to see you when you come among us, that this cruel misunderstanding (if it cannot bear a worse name as far as Kautz is concerned) may be properly explained. I assure you General it is not pleasant to have one's life threatened, particularly by a man that you are not disposed to injure.
Respectfully
    Your obt servt
        F. M. Smith



Jacksonville July 1st 1855               
Dear General
    I start this morning to Yreka with Maj. Alvord to attend the payment of the Cal. troops.
    Everything seems to be well enough and the men seem satisfied. The ill feeling displayed by some on account of 50¢ per day to the man is allayed by the fact that the officers (commissioned) get no pay for a horse at all. So I am glad of it although a sufferer myself to some extent as my pay is about that of a private. But this is all right and it seems to me that matters could not have been arranged better.
    I shall rely nevertheless on your promise to me at Corvallis to procure the approval of the Secty. of War to my accounts sent on to you and to Capt. Alden after the papers were sent of the R.R. War.
    It was for extra pay as mustering officer, under your orders for 75 days service from 15th Sept. to 30th Nov. inclusive (say 77 days)--$8 per day will be a just compensation and I will be satisfied as it will thus enable me to come off about even in money matters, which is just I think and I know you will do me this favor.
    If paid a draft can be forwarded to Gov. Curry for me, and I shall get it by letter from him without further expense.
In haste your friend
    J. P. Goodall
(more anon)
    Please take a memorandum of this matter, so that at your leisure when at Washing[ton] you may call the Secty. of War's attention to it, and I shall not trouble you further and regret much that it is necessary to trouble you at all, as I know that in this matter of the R.R.W. you have be[en] troubled--and worried--a great deal.
Yours etc.
    J. P. Goodall



Rogue River O.T.
    July 8th 1855
Dear sir
    I received your kind favor by last mail, and hasten by the earliest opportunity to reply. I should have written you more frequent[ly], but I knew you were at work, and would stop but a short time at any one place, hence it was doubtful where a letter would reach you. The election excitement is over, and with it died the patriotism of the Indian exterminators, so we have peace and quietude. Dryer, poor fellow, labored hard to have all the Indians killed off. He said in his speeches, from a long acquaintance with Indian character he knew we never could have peace so long as any of the redskins lived and these Indians had always got the better in every fight and now it was time they should be whipped. I have no doubt he got his cue from some of our citizens but with all their lies they were not able to make a war. The Indians said they had done nothing, and they would not fight. They were willing to go anywhere for the sake of peace. It is a matter of doubt about their killing anybody on Indian Creek, and it is certain they killed no one in this valley until after they had been driven to the mountains and attacked by a large force of white men and several of their people killed. Three white men were killed; they robbed no train nor attacked none.
    It wielded a heavy influence in our election with a certain class of voters, a floating, unstable class. Our affairs in this country were badly managed anyway. The battle ought to have been fought here just preceding the election and the result would have been much different. We have a large floating, transient population unsettled in their political principles. The Whigs managed to catch that vote, for want of energy in the Democratic Party. However, under the existing circumstances we done the best we could. We might have carried the convention if it had not been lost sight of in other issues.
    Take it all in all I am proud of the result as it is, for it is certainly a great victory, a victory over all the elements of opposition to the Democratic Party, without one single concession. It was a bold and manly fought battle, a contest for principle alone, and we have cause of exultation. We may well afford to have a night of revels, and join together in common rejoicing. I trust you will join Genl. Palmer on his way here. I am quite anxious to see the Genl. If your business is not too pressing your many friends would be pleased to meet with you, and give you a cordial shake of the hand before your departure for the states.
    Yours respectfully
        G. H. Ambrose
Jos. Lane
    Winchester
        O.T.
   

Sterling O.T. August 5th 1855       
    At a meeting of the volunteer companies of Siskiyou County and state of California, who have been organized for the purpose of apprehending and punishing certain Indians, who have committed depredations in our county, Edward S. Mowry was elected chairman, Dr. D. Ream secretary, and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
    Whereas
        Certain Indians composed of the Klamath, Horse Creek, and a portion of the Rogue River tribe, on or about the 27th or 28th of July 1855, came upon the Klamath River and there ruthlessly and without provocation murdered eleven or more of our fellow citizens and friends, a portion of whom we know to have escaped into the reservation of the Indians near Ft. Lane, O.T. from the fact of having tracked them into said valley, and from the testimony of certain responsible and reliable witnesses it is therefore resolved: That a committee of five men, one from each company now present, be chosen to present these resolutions to Capt. Smith, U.S.A., commandant at Fort Lane, and Mr. Ambrose the Indian agent of Oregon Territory, and we would respectfully request Capt. Smith and Mr. Ambrose that they would if in their power deliver up to us the fugitive Indians who have fled to the reservation in three days from this date. And if at the end of this time they are not delivered to us, together with all the stock and property, then we would most respectfully beg of Capt. Smith and the Indian agent free permission to go and apprehend the fugitive Indians, and take the property wherever it can be found.
    Resolved: That if at the expiration of three days the Indians and property are not delivered to us, and the permission to seek for them is not granted, then we will on our own responsibility go and take them wherever they may be found at all and every hazard.
    Resolved. That the following named gentlemen compose the committee. Edward S. Mowry, J. K. Hale, A. D. Lake, Wm. Parrish and Austin Hawkins.
Edwd. S. Mowry, chair               
D. Ream
    Secretary

Office Indian Agent
    Rogue River Valley O.T.
        August 6th 1855
Gentlemen:
    I acknowledge the receipt of a communication dated the fifth inst., containing certain resolutions passed at a meeting of the volunteer companies of Siskiyou County and state of Cal. and naming you the committee to present the resolutions to the "Indian Agent of Oregon Territory." I have thoroughly considered your requests, set out in your resolutions. In making my reply thereto I do so with the hope you will reasonably and candidly consider its nature and import, and in the expectation that you will cheerfully comply with and be governed by the laws of the land.
    My duties as Indian agent will not allow me to accede to your requests. I can neither surrender into your hands the accused Indians, or suffer you to go upon the Indian reserve in quest of them.
    Whatever may be the number or motive of the "Volunteer Companies of Siskiyou County, Cal.," one thing is clear; they are a mere volunteer assemblage of men without a shadow of authority "for the purpose of apprehending and punishing the Indians," whom you demand, and this without reference to the question of whether those Indians are guilty or innocent of participation in the outrages on Klamath River.
    In this respect my duties are clear, explicit and direct. I must conform to the laws and would recommend you as good citizens to do the same, as the consequences of a contrary course if persisted in by you can only bring evil upon your own heads without facilitating the punishment of the guilty.
    Whenever the civil authorities of California demand the surrender of any Indians upon the reservation in my charge for crimes alleged to have been committed upon the soil of California, no pains shall be spared to comply with the request. Until then you will readily understand that it is my bounden duty to keep the Indians under my immediate control and to prevent at all hazards all unlawful interference with them upon the part of others.
    No doubt exists in my mind that if I were to acquiesce in the demand made by the resolutions, the lives and property of the whole population of this valley would be sacrificed in return.
    Whoever is guilty will in due time be punished, according to the laws of the land, which secures a fair trial by an impartial jury.
    The mode you propose is of an altogether different character, and would most naturally result in an indiscriminate slaughter of both white and Indian races. My views and purposes are sound and legal, and I shall most firmly adhere to them.
Yours respectfully
    G. H. Ambrose
        Ind. Agt.
Messrs
    Mowry, Hall,
    Lake, Hawkins &
        Parrish
            Committee.

Yreka Cal
Aug 17th 1855
Gen Jos. Lane
Dear sir
    Your letter of 10th inst. is just received and I hasten to say in answer to your inquiries that Thos. Hay, late of Capt. Rhoades' co., some time since kept a dram shop in the mines near Yreka, in which a murder was committed in which he was in some manner mixed up, sufficiently at least as not to leave him a very reputable character.
    There is strong reasons for believing that he some time back received hush money from a thief and then informed on him, and it is a fact that he was confined in jail 5 or 6 days, as a punishment by a court for rioting in getting drunk and storming a house of ill fame and the next day, I believe, acted as the hangman or a hangman of two Indians, executed by the mob in Yreka, who may, or who may not have deserved their fate, at least it was a mob, and the Indians had been arrested by G. W. S. Cummings, dist. atty, confined in jail by the sheriff, D. D. Colton, and then liberated, whereupon the mob hung them, pulling them up from the ground and leaving them to hang for about 36 or 48 hours from whence they were taken by Eddy, I think, marshal of Yreka and thrown into a miner's prospect hole. These are literally the facts, and I am ignorant of whether the Indians deserved their fate or not. Mr. Hay for some week or ten days was then mixed up with a mob of persons as a sort of ringleader in attempting to take summary measures with some five white men who were mining on Canal Gulch, and whose crime was their having Shasta squaws for mistresses (I believe this is the term). Four of these white men, viz. Robert Whittle, Wm. Fenning, Jos. Rambough and Alford Woodruff, are known to me to be quiet and industrious miners. Three of them have children by these squaws, are evidently attached to them, and support them decently.
    These men undoubtedly evince a not very refined taste in the choice of their female associations, for which they are amenable in my opinion only to the civil laws, and to public sentiment, not to the cowardly exasperation of a mob, who threatened but performed nothing.
    It was about the last of July that the first difficulty with the Indians occurred on Humbug between two drunken Indians and some whites.
    This led to the outrageous and indiscriminate massacre of some 10 or 12 white miners on Klamath by the Indians, led on by the "laughing chief," who was killed, and who had a young daughter living with a white miner as his mistress. This white man was killed by the Indians.
    When all this occurred it seems that a few of Sam and Jo's Indians from the Table Rock reserve were nearby in the vicinity. It seems also that they did not participate in hostilities but they left at once for the reserve, taking with them two horses belonging to murderous whites.
    Some 150 miners were soon in arms and took to the mountains.
    Capt. Judah of Ft. Jones, amongst them, they went over Siskiyou Mountain, then down Applegate Creek and then to Fort Lane. At Fort Lane, Capts. Smith and Judah, Doct. Ambrose, agent, and the volunteers had some transactions, which doubtless have been properly conducted from the known ability and energy with which both these officers have always acted in promoting the true and real interests of this frontier.
    A detachment of vols. went out some 10 days ago towards the cave and Klamath lakes. They report (having just returned) that the Indians have left the cave locality--that they are principally in the vicinity of the lakes--that they have some talk with them--that the Indians came into their camp, that some emigrants are on the road, which induces them not to make war with their force upon the Indians and that they returned for want of supplies.
    I have as yet taken no personal part in these affairs, as my absence in Oregon and the condition of my private affairs required absolutely my individual personal attention.
    I have to say that I have done what I knew to be my duty in laying before you the case of Hay. I have had no other motion and gave him to understand that I had written to you. He expresses contrition, promises reform, and several respectable persons have solicited me to represent his case formally to you. I have done my duty by writing to you the truth.
    Of Lieut. Ely and Jas. Carroll, I cannot do otherwise than earnestly and respectfully calling your attention to their case for relief, or a pension. I know no braver soldiers, or better and worthier citizens than themselves.
    By last mail I recd. a letter from Capt. Alden dated Paris 14 June. He is in better health, is coming home in October, spent the winter in Rome and came by way of Venice, Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Munich, Strasbourg to Paris. He spoke of Ely and perhaps will aid you in my matter relating to him.
    He spoke too of your efforts in the procurement of a commission in the army for me, a fact which however I might have suspected is of you, only adds to the already heavy obligations I am laying under towards you.
    I have to thank you for the forwarding the accounts I sent you. I shall send you some others by next mail to Washington and will send you a schedule of them, so that you may have some data and can take or have taken such action as you deem proper.
    I wish particularly to say that in forward[ing] these accounts to you and asking your aid that you will not permit it to interfere in any way with more important duties of which no one is better aware than myself that you have your hands full. Believe me sincere in this and that except for the wishes and interests of others I should not have troubled you with them.
    My respectful regard to Mrs. Lane and your family
        Your most obedient servant
            James Pleasant Goodall



Yreka, Siskiyou County
California 22nd Aug 1855
Genl. Joseph Lane
Sir
    A day or two since I saw and conversed with Capt. Bill Martin of Humbug who commanded a company of vols. who pursued the hostile Indians (who had committed the depredations on Klamath) to the Table Rock reserve, and he thinks that Capt. Smith comdr. at Fort Lane and Doct. Ambrose, Indian agent, did their duty and acted perfectly right in the premises in regards to the whole affair. He states that there is now some eleven hundred Indians on the reserve, some 400 of whom are warriors, and that the course pursued by the authorities was the best thing that could be done for the peace and quiet of the country not only in Oregon Territory but here, where we are in juxtaposition with your constituency.
    I have to say that here in California our special agent A. M. Rosborough has had recently his powers abrogated and that the political aspect of our state shows a batch of factions, without a party or a head, and that the future promises to be worse than the past, so far as Indian relations are concerned. No attention is or has been paid to our wants or interests here in northern California, and the force at Fort Jones in Scotts Valley some 15 miles hence is and has always been a mere corporal's guard, leaving the officers in command there--however estimable and energetic--powerless to act, and some of the acts of our multitudinous population here towards the Indians notwithstanding their hostile acts (in which they have been no more the aggressors than some of the whites) is a disgrace to a civilized people. The two Indians hung by the mob in Yreka were in my opinion not guilty of any hostile act--there is no proof of it whatever--and not 6 miles from where I live five friendly Indians--known to be so, who had taken refuge in a miner's cabin on Humbug--were taken out and shot in cold blood by some whites--two of whom were boys of 10 and 12 years of age respectively. This sir is true, just as I tell it to you, and I have the information from the best and most undoubted authority.
    Knowing the Indian character as well as both you and myself do, it is easy to foresee that such acts, near a district tending to alarm and exasperate the Indians, and unless the government takes some speedy action in relation to Indian affairs here in northern California, the like scenes will occur, until not an Indian is left. Meanwhile much valuable property and some lives of good and quiet citizens will be sacrificed.
    Will the government look to our interests and wants! We have no hope for action from our California delegation. I regret to say it but we have been most shamefully neglected. Our only hope is in you; although not of your constituency, our local position makes our interests the same.
    I do not believe a better officer than Capt. A. J. Smith could be stationed at Fort Lane, and Capt. Judah comdr. Ft. Jones, is an excellent and energetic officer. But he is powerless to act with the force at his command.
    It is in my opinion preposterous to think of enrolling vols.; the expense here would be enormous, and the experience of the Rogue River War proves to me that it is not advisable.
    There seems now to be quiet, but every day I expect to hear of outbreaks, murders, robberies; past experience proves that it will be so.
    I know that in making these statements to you that all that lies in your power will be done for us.
I have the honor to be dear sir
    Your most obedient servant
        James P. Goodall
   


Yreka Siskiyou County
California 24 Aug 1855
Hon Joseph Lane
Sir,
    On this the anniversary of our little battle during the Rogue River War, in which we both (I believe) did our duty to the country, I sit down in my miner's hut on Canal Gulch (where by the way I have a good and rich mining claim) to drop to you a few confidential lines on things past and to volunteer some reflections for the future. I am the more prompted to do this from the fact of your past friendship to me, in all that relates to duty in the camp and field and to social intercourse.
    I should have written to you this letter some month[s] ago, except for the multitudinous private affairs that required my attention, which are now all settled, and I have leisure for rest and recreation till our winter's supply of water comes to set us to gold working.
    You recollect the conversation we had together at Corvallis, as well as the fact that through you, and Captain Alden, I was particularly charged with the arrangement of the muster rolls of the Rogue River War. Since my return from Corvallis, during the canvass, and from then to the period of the payment of the troops by Maj. Alvord, and up to a late period I have, for the best reasons, taken particular care to inform myself of such matters in regards to Rogue River War accounts, as I knew I had a right to do from the position I occupied.
   
The result of these investigations are that I have no hesitation in venturing the remark that Doc. Jesse Robinson, whose accounts amounted (as sent on) to some $8000, and who has been paid by draft $5507.50, has been paid quite enough. He will be sure to ask for the balance.
    A bill for hay of $2250 paid to George Pierson (now a partner of the late Q.M. and C.S.U.S. Drew) appears by the most incontestable evidence to have really amounted to about four wagonloads (say four tons). It lay between where you first joined us in camp and Fort Lane. I saw it there myself during the campaign, and in a late conversation with Capt. A. J. Smith, comdr. at that post, he informed me that he knew these to be the facts, from the best information he could gather. An account paid to Drew and Clark (Charles S. Drew) by draft, amounting to $1580 for hay, was about six (6) tons, certainly not more than eight. I saw this pile of hay myself; a portion of it was used by my company, and it turns out that this was the only pile of hay they had, thus making a neat little operation of about $720 on "Uncle Sam," by the scratch of a pen in which is to be found "I certify on honor" etc., etc.
    Dean, A. C. Dean, who lives about halfway between Jacksonville and Fort Lane, has been paid by draft a just account for hay which I got myself of $96, but he has a certified account for some $960 or $990 (I forget which) that has not yet been paid, which he is sure to be growling after. It was never furnished to the troops, but was wasted and used in great part by citizens during the war, as I am told. I was quite a stranger in Oregon during the war, and was so closely confined for three months after in writing and arranging the papers that you may be well assured I was ignorant of these matters, but inclination and some leisure has since then enabled me to inform myself pretty thoroughly of "how the cat jumps" around and about in Jackson County. Dean is a "tillicum" of the Drew Kidney [sic], as I have seen by ocular demonstrations, and whatever his antecedents may be, it would not I know and should not have anything to do with the payment of a just account, but it is not just.
    In my speaking of these affairs, I consider that it is not impertinent, but pertinent and proper from the position I have occupied to state to you facts as they have developed themselves to me.
    There were some 460 troops in the field during the Rogue River War, not enumerating captains Martin, Nesmith and Applegate's companies. The expenses of the war as made out, apart from the muster rolls, was about $98500.00, including some $10,000 for hospital bills at Jacksonville. I understand that the accounts of the Walker expedition amount to some $100,000. How is this! In a conversation at Fort Lane with Capt. Smith he stated to me that he had reported to the government that this expedition was got up for purposes of speculation. Was he correct! In my opinion he most certainly was, and the government cannot place a better officer than himself in command at Fort Lane, especially when at the time and for the future we have so many designing men anxious to kick up a dust with the Indians on any pretext whatever for purposes (selfish) and not that they love the peaceful and quiet state, so necessary to us. That there are some lawless savages amongst us in the 15 or 16 hundred Indians about here is true. And either from sinister motives or a natural lawlessness worse than that of these savages (because it is more civilized) an almost constant broil exists that requires the constant and guarding care of the best and most responsible citizens to prevent from breaking out into open war. In fact it is as necessary to check and prevent the impolitic course of some of the whites, as to punish the lawless amongst the Indians.
    As a matter of good policy and of justice too, in regard to the future payment of the "Walker expedition," it will be well to have the officers and men liberally paid according to the rate of things in this country.
    But of the $100,000 of accounts made out under the administration of certain officers, the closest scrutiny is advisable, especially after the experiences of the Rogue River War, which proves that the beak and appetite of the government is only whetted and not allayed upon the spoils of public plunder.
    These are perhaps harsh expressions, but they are doubtless strictly applicable, and in their application rest on no good friends of yours, who at least might have had the gratitude to have stood aloof (if they had different principles) and not used the very money got through your patience and industry, and to which in reality it seems they were not entitled by justice. I know, and was a personal witness, to their having used every influence to defeat you.
    Enclosed I send as near as I can get the data (and you will find I am nearly correct, should you compare it with the duplicate at Washington), a copy of a bill of Mr. George L. Snelling, who was sometimes a partner in packing etc. of C. S. and B. J. Drew. He seems to have lately married and settled in Boston, in which section
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    70,000 Dollars [divided into] 17,000 days service [equals] 4.11 making expenses of the Rogue River War some $4.12½ per day's service.
    They say figures do not lie; if by accident such should happen to be the case let us look at the Walker expedition.
    96 men
  100 days
9600 but say 10,000
    Expenses as charged per paper made out by C. S. Drew (as near as I can get data): $110,000
10,000 [divided into] 110,000 [equals] $11.
    This gives a result of 4.12½ per day for expenses of a soldier of Rogue River War, and $11 per day for Walker expedition. Capt. A. J. Smith comdr. at Ft. Lane (with whom I have had some talk on this subject) calls this speculation; I call it stealing), or government swindling and if upon such accounts "I certify on honor" etc. etc. is to be found--Gov. Curry I think was not far wrong in using the "bow string" [as a metaphorical garotte?] on this officer last summer.
    I am pretty certain that the data here given is substantially correct, and the knowing ones about here, myself amongst the number, think that if the Walker expedition is paid as sent on by Drew and co., that he will "feather his nest" to the tune of some 35 or 40 thousand of the "people's money."
    The Walker expedition having been authorized by ex-Gov. Davis, and it being a good line of policy always to protect and foster frontier interests, I would say let the just expenses of the expedition be liberally paid both to the soldier and those who have furnished supplies, and in order to do so past experience teaches that a commission of one, two or three officers of honor should be appointed to inspect both muster rolls and accounts and take the affidavits of parties interested as to the actual amount of services performed and of the actual and particular supplies furnished and these should then be paid for liberally.
    The soldiers of the R.R. War were not paid enough in having got 61 cents per day.
                                                        About
Rogue River War, Miller    compy. 86 mounted
                                Lamerick    "       65       "
                                Rhoades      "       61       "
                                Goodall       "       98       "
                                Williams     "       30       "
                                Owens          "       33       "
                                Terry            "       50       "
                                Fowler         "       56 infty.
                                                           479
    Days 460 men for 1 month gives a result of [17,400 man-days]. Add to this Miller's compy. for 2 months more on service of protecting--by your order--the emigration to northern Cal. and southern Oregon, say 60 men for 60 days. Add to this the fact that some $10,300 was expended on account of [the] hospital in Jacksonville, as well as many incidental and necessary expenses that occurred during the Rogue River War, which could not have justly been charged for the "Walker expedition" as well as the fact that Miller's command disbursed some 5 or 6 thousand dollars worth of horses to emigrants, which was charged and added to the sum total of the $98,500 of expenses charged to the account of Rogue River War, and finally to include the little bills of Geo. Pierson for $2,250 for hay, Drew and Clark for $1680 (Drew for $1000) and last but not least Geo. L. Snelling's for $10,000 will give the following result:
Rogue River War
460 men 30 days 13,800
  60 men 60 days    3,600
                              17,400 days service
           
Expenses              98,500
Deduct                  10,000 for hospitals
                              88,500
Deduct                    5,000 for provisions to emigrants
                              83,500
Deduct                  13,500 for stealings (not speculations) of Snelling, Drew, Clark,
                               70,000  Dean, Pierson and perhaps others, and a result is obtained
                                            of $70,000 expenses, for 17,400 day[s'] service of the
                                            Rogue River War.
Goodall's accounting, Snelling's division, 1855 Rogue River Indian War
The amount of vinegar, soap and rice charged in this bill gives a clue to the whole affair, as all the troops together did not use 20 gallons of vinegar during the whole war, and the same may be said of the rice, an article the troops would not eat. As for the item of beef, it is well known or at least asserted that Snelling never had anything to do with beef at all.
Recapitulation
Supposed partner of Drew's--Geo. Pierson  about                       2,000
Drew & Clark about                                                                            720
Geo. S. Snelling, supposed partner of C. S. and B. J. Drew     9,270.78
                                $11,990.78  
    Independent of this several little bills in the name of C. S. Drew and B. J. Drew have been sent on, about which I know nothing. After these facts (which are stubborn things) it would perhaps be well to look into some of the "certificates on honor" etc. of the Walker expedition.
    The richest and most unblushing thing, however, is (among the hospital bills at Jacksonville) an account of Drew for sundry gallons of brandy at an enormous price for the sick and sundry items for cholagogue at the same rates. Details of them will be seen by reference to the duplicates on file in the proper department at Washington, as Maj. Drew secreted and refused to turn over to Capt. Miller the papers at Jacksonville when he was superseded by order of Gov. Curry.
    From the positions I have heretofore occupied, I should prefer that these communications I make to you should be considered strictly confidential and private, unless it should be found absolutely necessary to substantiate them, which I cannot do, but a host of citizens of Jacksonville and Jackson County, as well perhaps as at Scottsburg, who are intimately conversant with the business relations of the Drew family, can do so.
    At any rate, the fangs of the serpent can be drawn and you will be at liberty to have them used or pass them by unnoticed. From the experiences of the Rogue River War (I advise you! pardon me for the liberty I take) the troops of the Walker expedition should be liberally paid, it will be just so to do and will enhance your popularity, as it justly should. I found every advantage taken by Dryer and Drew in the late canvass, on account of the men being paid 61¢ and the horses $4 per day. By the most absolute lying and false representations, they endeavored to give to Maj. Drew all the credit for this $4 per day because forsooth he was quartermaster, and had I had the evidences of his corrupt and false certificates of "honor" at that time as well as I now have, I should have publicly exposed him. But it is better as it is, I do not wish the blow that levels him to the dust to come from me.
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of the country C. S. Drew appears to have a wife. The bill itself from all the evidence that have been presented to me, and I have taken a good deal of pains to inquire, although I am not positive, is in every part and parcel a complete "myth" fable.
    The most positive proofs I have no doubt can be had in Jacksonville from denizens there of the facts in regard to this account, and should my surmises be true, the government I think have a right to know which way their money went, so that they may guard in future somewhat in relation to these things.
    I have had some hesitation in polluting my pen with these details, from a sensitiveness not to make charges where I have no positive proofs, but when strong hearsay evidence exists--most undoubtedly.
    And it is to you I make them, confidentially, from motives that you will do me the justice to appreciate I know.
    The political aspect of affairs throughout the country seems to foreshadow a storm on the horizon, and from the mass of factions with which the country is cut up, East, West, North, South, it will require a stiff and stern hand to stand at the helm of the ship of state (guided by the Constitution) to steer clear of breakers. I have no doubt of the result myself.
    A private citizen, and one likely to remain so, from both inclination and habit, having seen enough of service about camps and in the tented field, or rather the open prairie, I take however a deep interest in the political affairs of our country and hope that our experiment of republican government may stand the test of both time and every wile that may be brought to bear against it. The kingly wiles of Europe and its governments must not be permitted to gain a foothold on our continent. The destiny that awaits us in establishing free governments in Mexico and all South America, is one grander than old Rome, Napoleon or Britain ever dreamed of through conquest or despotism.
    The day too is not distant when Oregon and California with their immense and as yet undeveloped resources, will take a prominent stand politically and otherwise in the affairs of the nations.
    A railroad from San Francisco Bay to the Mississippi is, and ought to be, the great enterprise of the age. Let its cost be what it may (every cent of which we can bear without feeling it), the fact of its connecting one extreme of the continent with the other, opening the India and whaling trade, the vast islands of the Pacific, connecting us politically in a band of iron, promoting intercourse, the one part of the country with the other, leveling prejudices the one section with the other, too many of which already exist.
    Let us do this, while battling Europe is fighting useless and exhausting wars for the aggrandizement of dynasties, and we will make the world an empire all our own.
    Should my success be as good in mining as I anticipate, next winter I will throw aside my pick and shovel for a short space and pay a short visit to the "states" from which I have been a rambler some 15 years. I shall see my brother in Philadelphia, some rich relations down South, none of whom I have seen for that period.
    I shall pay you a passing visit at Washington, where doubtless (should your official duties permit) you will introduce me to congenial society where I can lionize and roar like any "sucking dove," after the order of Texas Rangers and California miners. I shall doubtless require a little polishing up, but a little tact and a good barber can do this. My destiny, however, my "star" calls me here. I could not live in the dull routine of the states.
    Your friend
    James P. Goodall



Port Orford Aug 24th 55
Dear Sir
    I am an applicant for an Indian agency or the inspectorship of Coos Bay, which I would prefer. I have lost all my property in this Indian war and look to you for an appointment. I have stood by you in times gone by and done my best but have condemned you for your error in the appointments made in the Territory; at the same time I am fraternally and politically your friend and want your aid. Capt. Hedges depends on you entirely. I will tell you one fact, and be on your guard for Deady and all the Drews, for Deady is your enemy and [they] are doing all they can against you. Hedges is posted in the same. Do all you can and trust to your friends.
Yours truly
    Wm. Tichenor
[Tichenor dated this letter August 24, 1854--erroneously, I believe.]



Office of Indian Agt
    Rogue River Valley O T
        August 31st 1855
Sir
    I have the honor to transmit the following report of the condition of the Agency for the month ending August 31st 1855. Quite a limited amount of labor has been performed on the reserve in consequence of the surrounding country being involved in war and the Indians belonging to the reserve accused of aiding and abetting if not guilty of actual participation, this being the usual war season. They were accused of beginning the difficulties or acting in concert with the Klamaths at the time. That some from this reserve were there I know to be a fact, and there is good reason to suppose that they were implicated in the murders which took place on the Klamath River on the 27th of July last. On the 24th day of July last six Indians left this reserve to visit the Klamath country; on the 26th and before they reached the Klamath River a white man was killed by the Indians on Humbug Creek, a tributary of the Klamath. They were pursued to the Klamaths' camp and three Indians taken prisoner to testify against some white person who it seems had been in the habit of selling intoxicating liquors to them. The Indians were apprehensive of danger and instead of going forward and testifying, the first opportunity they had they broke and run, and were fired upon by the whites and some of their number killed. The same or following night, ten persons were killed on the river near the Klamath camp. Six Indians belonging to Old John were recognized in the assault. The assaulting party were seen going to the camp where those white men were murdered about fifteen minutes previous to the commencement of the firing. The firing commenced in the evening about half an hour before sunset and immediately upon the return of the Indians who were taken in the morning as witnesses, but [they] had made their escape and returned.
    Those Shasta Indians from this agency still deny any participation in those outrages, but from the fact of their being there, going in violation of orders to the contrary, their returning with the property taken from those murdered men, their horses and some articles of clothing, and of their being in possession of an amount of money that cannot be reasonably accounted for in any other way, and their previous bad character, all tend to induce me to believe they are guilty and accordingly with that impression I have thought it advisable to have them arrested for trial. The Indians belong to Old John, but neither he nor any other chief has any control over them. About fifteen of the different bands, but mostly of Old John's people, have banded together and without doubt are the worst Indians I ever saw. Their kindred feeling no doubt associates them together, and consequently but little good can ever be expected of them. Aside from this band I believe the others could be got along with without difficulty, but those above alluded to are so desperate and reckless that the whole tribe fear them. Chief Bill, son of old man John, led this expedition to the Klamath, and as a matter of course he would not be willing to surrender into our hands any of the accused, even for a trial, when a demand is made. They simply declare their innocence, hence you will readily see that we have no other way than by force to apprehend them. Capt. Smith accordingly surrounded a party of them on the 17th inst. and compelled them to come out, amongst which were found two of the accused. They were arrested and are now in safekeeping to be handed over to the civil authorities whenever demanded. And by awaiting favorable opportunities he hopes to be able to arrest the remainder in a short time without involving the country in a war. For the present they are very shy and keep in the mountains out of our way, and I have but little doubt if they could succeed in getting the others to join them they would involve the whole tribe in a war. They evidently desire it themselves.
    The Illinois Indians have run away from the reserve, and I presume they have returned to their old country. They were much dissatisfied before they left. Their trail led in the direction of Illinois Valley. On Applegate a house was robbed of its contents by them as they passed. A detachment of dragoons was immediately sent in pursuit of them, but without effecting anything, the mountains being on fire and vegetation so dry and parched that it was found impossible to follow their trail. In consequence of the surrounding country being involved in war, the unsettled and uncertain state of affairs here and the consequent excitement in the minds of both whites and Indians, it has not been deemed safe for hands to labor on the reserve. In fact I could not find men who were willing to remain here and work. Five companies of volunteers have been raised and organized about Yreka and sent here to arrest and punish Indians. So far we have prevailed upon them to desist and submit the matter to the legal tribunals of our country, which course it is believed will secure to us peace, but in the event of an indiscriminate attack upon the Indians I fear this valley would be plunged into a most ruinous war, more disastrous occurring at this time of the year (their usual war season) than any other. I would like exceedingly well if you had the time to spare to visit this agency, and see if anything can be done towards getting this band of Indians above referred to out from amongst the others, remove them somewhere else or make some disposition of them, so that those who are inclined to do good should not be made to suffer for the conduct of others. Sam's, George's and Limpy's people are quiet and so far as I am capable of judging manifest a disposition to remain so. They paid considerable attention to their crops before those other people were sent amongst them and seemed to take some interest in agricultural pursuits and were no source of complaint on the part of the whites. It is to be hoped that with the usual fall rains much of this excitement will be allayed as that not only destroys the power of the Indian to do harm by fire, their most effectual mode of warfare in this country, but renders them liable to be tracked wherever they may choose to go; consequently upon such an occurrence they usually set themselves about the adjustment of all existing difficulties preparatory to their making arrangements to go into their winter quarters. On Friday last at the head of this valley about six miles east from the Mountain House a small party of white men were out hunting and discovered a body of Indians with a considerable number of stolen horses, amongst the number one of their own they had lost the night previous. Without waiting to inform the commandant at Fort Lane, believing it would give the Indians time to escape, [they] hastened into the settlements, raised what men they considered a sufficient force to attack the Indians and recover the stolen property, in which however it seems they were mistaken, for upon attacking the Indians the next morning they found they were outnumbered and were compelled to retreat. One man was killed on the ground whose body they were not able to recover, and two others badly wounded, and had to be carried off.
    On Sunday evening word reached Fort Lane and Capt. Smith started a detachment of dragoons in hot pursuit but with what success remains yet to be seen. I may perhaps as well state that those Indians do not belong to this reserve but are supposed to inhabit the country in the vicinity of (Snowy Butte) Klamath Lake and are the same that usually infest the emigrant trail.
Very respectfully yours
    G. H. Ambrose
        Indian Agent
Joel Palmer Esqr
    Supt Ind Affairs
        Dayton OT
Compare the perplexing differences between this version of the report and the variant in the files of the Indian Department. Agents were required to submit reports in duplicate or triplicate; apparently those copies were far from identical.



Halstead's Ferry Sept 1st 1855               
Dear sir
    Upon my return here I found by the report of my company that the miners on lower Rogue River succeeding in attacking and killing twenty of twenty-four Indians, sustaining a loss of only one man's services perhaps for a few weeks. This band of Indians I am happy to inform you consisted in chief of the murderers of Taylor's band. The person wounded of my company is better, being able to talk, and states that the party by whom himself and Lieut. Frazelle were attacked was headed by Old  Sam in person.
Yours very respectfully
    E. A. Owens
        Capt. of H. Rangers



Port Orford
September 14th 1855
Hon. Joseph Lane
Dear sir
    Ere this you have seen Genl. Palmer on his way home from a tour along the coast, treating with the various bands of Indians from Cape Lookout to the California line. I do assure you that he has most successfully accomplished his mission. And here allow me to add that the U.S. has not in my opinion a more faithful public officer, or anyone better qualified to fill this important trust than he. It would be wholly unnecessary for me to say even this much, but for the efforts still being made by designing persons to injure him in the eyes of the department and in your estimation. I traveled in company with him the whole distance from Dayton to Rogue River, then back and up to the 2nd forks of the Coquille River, and had ample opportunity to observe his deportment before the Indians, under trying circumstances, often in which his judgment and capacity were tried, but he always proved sufficient for any emergency.
    I am of opinion that his place in the Indian department in Oregon cannot be filled if he is suffered to resign, or is removed. He has at heart the true interests of the government, and the welfare of the Indian, and not that spirit of "public plunder" so often manifested by the aspiring "demagogues" in our midst.
    At Umpqua Genl. Palmer and myself visited A. C. Gibbs, the collector, who informed the Genl. that as late as their last term of court, certain mine workers were trying to spring a new task upon him, charging that Genl. P. was inimical to your election and the Democracy, that he absented himself to avoid supporting you for Congress. I conversed with him prior to his leaving for Walla Walla, and his explanation of that matter, and of the absence of Bob Metcalfe from his home, instead of being criminal or in any way sustaining the charge, is so plain as to forbid the supposition for a moment of dishonesty or design in all that transaction. Besides the reasonableness of the whole thing, I do know beyond a doubt that Genl. Palmer is, and always has been, one of your fast friends in Oregon, none better, while those who now seek to supplant him are and were your enemies, secretly if not openly.
    Thus much I feel it my duty unsolicited to say in justice to Genl. Palmer. He thinks strongly of resigning. I begged him not to do it, or at least if he were determined, to wait until Congress acted upon this coast treaty.
    I made this trip with and at Genl. Palmer's solicitation for the purpose of seeing for myself the entire coast, especially of my own district. At Umpqua I met Thos. D. Winchester, of Elkton, and recommended him for the post at Coos Bay. At Rogue River a growing trade is carried on, and it will not be long before a revenue officer will be needed there.
    At Coos Bay, Port Orford and Rogue River, schooners of small tonnage are constantly arriving, but without yielding any considerable amount of revenue to the government.
    By last mail I received a letter from Hon. Secretary Guthrie, an extract of which is here made, after stating that my compensation will commence when I shall have taken the oath of office before some proper magistrate within my district, while Mr. Whittlesey, when transmitting my commission, accompanied it with a note saying that my bond together with the oath of office had been received and approved.
    Mr. Guthrie goes on to say "that no other officer authorized for your district by the act above referred to will be appointed at this time, and not until the extent and character of the business of the district shall be developed."
    Notwithstanding my district stretches about 120 miles coastwise over a country of as irregular formation and of as difficult access as any on this coast, still he says, "Should you deem it necessary on account of absence or sickness, to appoint a deputy, you may, and advise the department of the person so appointed. Any compensation for such service however must be paid by yourself. You will also furnish an office for the transaction of your business at your own expense." Now in a country like this where everything is high, I have to pay $12 per mo. for an office, $8 per week for board, $3 per doz. for washing, $5 per day for a horse to travel to the points of my district. If I am to have no help besides wood and stationery etc. which Mr. Guthrie will throw upon me also--and yet expects the business of the government to be faithfully attended to. These things cannot long exist. I have made a requisition for funds to meet expenses of the office for one year in advance as was done in the case of Mr. Gibbs, If I receive as I have reason to expect I will liquidate that paper at an early day. I told Genl. Palmer to urge you to come to Port Orford to take [a] steamer for the states. You can do so as well from this point as from Portland. I must see you if possible before you go to explain the business of this district. Genl. P. told me that he would have a horse left with Drew at Umpqua City for you to ride down upon; if not if you will signify your willingness to come I will have an animal ready for you at the above place at a given time. 3 days over a good pack trail brings you from Umpqua to Port Orford, where I shall be most happy to meet you.
    Give my regards to Mother Lane and the family and believe me
Your friend
    Robert W. Dunbar
To Genl Lane
    Winchester
        Umpqua


Port Orford
    Sept. 16th 1855
Dear Genl.
    I have just had a conversation with Capt. Ben Wright, sub-Indian agent of this place, who is very anxious to see you in regard to certain claims for services in the Indian department some time ago, and other matters for which he has not been paid, and in which he has expended a considerable amount of his own private funds.
    On hearing me say that I had written you, he requested me to say that any convenience you may require in coming to this point before you leave, he would join me in rendering. I hope you will make it convenient to come, so as to stop a few days at Port Orford. Your answer is anxiously looked for.
Truly yours
    R. W. Dunbar



Office Indian Agent
    Rogue River Valley O T
        Sept 30th 1855
Sir
    In reviewing the affairs of this agency for the past month I am forced to the conclusion that the prospects of peace are anything but flattering. The month has been passed in one continued series of aggressions. Although taken singly each item on itself appears small, but in the aggregate the sum total presents a formidable appearance. It seems as though they had studied how far they can go with impunity and have endeavored to go no farther. I think nearly or quite all the mischief that has been done was perpetrated by a few Shastas and Scotans. The settlers' patience has become exhausted. They are quite irritable and will not bear the least offense from an Indian any longer. Petitions are handed me weekly and I may say almost daily. One day a theft has been committed in one portion of the valley, in a few days another and in a different portion of the valley. The thefts are quite small as a general thing, not amounting to more than four or five dollars. In some instances a gun, another some powder or lead, again a miner's cabin will be broken open and his little stock or provisions taken. It must be borne in mind that our frontier settlers are, many of them, bachelors, and when they are absent from their houses at work, no one is left to guard what they own, and not infrequently when they return from their work at night do they find their little stock of provisions minus. It has been abstracted during their absence by Mr. Indian crawling down the chimney or knocking a board off and creeping through a crack. In most instances the houses are of rude logs and not very securely fastened, which offers a temptation for Indians hard for them to resist, especially when we consider that they have been trained to steal from infancy. After a repetition of the thefts a few times and the individual after a hard day's work has had to walk two or three miles to get his supper and lay in another small lot of supplies which in a few days may probably go in the same way. He gets peevish and angry and embittered against the Indian race, and would about as soon shoot one as to eat his supper. In order that you may form a better idea of what is going on I will give you a brief account of last week's work. On Monday I was called upon by Mr. Hamilton, who lives twelve miles below here on the river. His house had been entered in his absence and the contents abstracted amounting to eight or ten dollars. From there I was called to Mr. Shough's whose house had been entered and six shirts, half a sack of flour and one chopping ax purloined. Next I was called to Mr. Tufts who had three head of his cattle shot seemingly by a revolver. None of the cattle were killed but some of them badly wounded, apparently done in sheer wantonness. Next to Mr. Gilbert's whose house had been entered through the chimney whilst he was in the field at work, robbed of a sack of sugar, a sack of flour, a small quantity of bacon and a pair of boots, saw the Indians break and run at his approach, was not near enough to recognize any of them. Next comes Mr. Walker whose house was robbed of a pair of boots, one pair of blankets and one pair of pants. From there to Mr. Vannoy's who had a lot of rails burned in the woods, the grass fired near his fence several times, had to be constantly on the lookout to prevent being burned up. Does not suppose the Indians fired the rails, but in wantonness fired the woods and it soon extended to the rails and burned them. And this is but one week's work. Grievances of a similar character are constantly pouring in upon me from every side, and in all these numerous instances not an Indian can be found who is guilty of any of the above acts; one band lays the charge to some other band and they in return charge it on to some other band, and so it goes from one to another and all go unpunished, the loss sustained by any one individual being quite small, he does not care to spend time to ferret it out and if he did I know of no way by which he could do so. All this mischief you will observe was done in the neighborhood of Mr. Vannoy's and in the country occupied by George and Limpy's people, but in justice to them I do not believe they knew anything of the matter, yet they have all the blame to bear. From what I can learn I believe it to have been done by some of Old John's people, and some Scotans of whom I informed you some time since of their leaving the reserve. John's people are constantly passing to and fro from the reserve to the Scotans, who are camped somewhere in the Coast Range of mountains and the lower Rogue River Indians about Galice Creek. I have failed in every instance to bring the offenders to justice; they seem to take no interest in the affairs of the reserve, nor do I believe they will stay on it much longer. From the frequent occurrence of those petty offenses the patience of the settlers of the valley has become worn and threadbare and I expect daily to hear of an Indian being shot should one pass by the vicinity of some house about the time of its being robbed. I have no doubt he would be shot upon suspicion; the idea is quite prevalent amongst the white population that there is a combination [i.e., a coalition] amongst all the Indians and the chiefs, instead of trying to control it, connive at it, which is certainly not the case. I do not believe it is in the power of the chiefs to control it. I entertain the opinion that this little band of Scotans and Shastas do all or nearly all the mischief that is done in pure wantonness, alike thoughtless and regardless of consequences and with the impression that they can charge it to some other Indians, as the devilment is usually done near the camp of some quiet Indians to whom no theft has been alleged for many months prior to bringing these bands of Shastas and Scotans on the reserve. It is with difficulty hands can be procured who will labor on the reserve; they are in constant dread of their lives being taken, nor do I believe the matter will be bettered as long as the Shastas are permitted to remain here. I really fear they will plunge the whole country in a war if some stop is not put to their numerous little thefts. Already the people talk of waging a war of extermination and calling on the citizens of Yreka for assistance, which if they should do it would be quickly granted to them, for they are ready at any and at all times for an Indian fight. Sam's people doubtless desire peace and to remain on the reserve; they have not left it the past summer, nor have they taken part in any difficulty nor been engaged in any thefts that I can ascertain, although from Sam's previous reputation they are charged with nearly everything that is done. At any rate, say they, he knows it, and no doubt some of his people help. The fact of charging crime on innocent Indians and those desiring to remain friendly has the worst possible effect; it impairs their confidence in our people; they have no guarantee of safety be their conduct what it may, nothing to stimulate them to do right, in fact its tendency is to drive them all into that same channel of vice and crime. After the massacre of those men on the Klamath not a single Indian who was concerned in that affair has yet been punished, yet quite a number have been killed, and some that belonged to a different band. If that policy should be carried out here it remains yet to be seen what will be the consequences.
    On Tuesday last two men were killed by the Indians near the summit of the Siskiyou Mountains. The men were teaming, hauling flour to Yreka from Mr. Wait's mill, were unarmed at the time. There were four in company, two escaped, thirteen head of work cattle were shot dead in the yoke. The Indians took six sacks of flour; nothing else was disturbed. The next day on Cottonwood a party of three men, miners, were fired upon by Indians, one killed and one wounded, the third escaped unhurt. Capt. Smith started a detachment of dragoons immediately after them.
    I am satisfied these murders were not perpetrated by any Indians belonging to the reserve. I believe it to have been done by those same Indians with whom a party of white men had a difficulty within a few miles east of the Mountain House, an account of which I wrote you at the time. They were Shastas and "Tipsu Tyee's" people beyond a doubt.
    Of the pecuniary condition of the agency I must refer you to my quarterly returns. Of the amount of labor, number of hands and the occupation of different ones progress &c. of the work on the reserve you will see in an abstract accompanying this report.
Very respectfully yours
    G. H. Ambrose
        Indian Agent
Joel Palmer
    Supt Indian Affairs
        Dayton O T


Oct 4th '55               
    Enclosed I send you a letter, written in answer to one I wrote asking information of when the Rogue River War pay for the troops would be probably paid off. There is a good deal of gratuitous information in it which I happen to have no use for, and which I do not think is improper that I should send you as I am not aware of any violation of faith or confidence--none having ever existed. But during the making out of the rolls, accounts, etc. etc. of the Rogue River War, the war itself, the making of the treaty, Indian policy and politics were frequently discussed in which from my uncompromising opposition to any attacks upon you for your recent policy and conduct of the war, Drew found it best I suppose to speak me fair, and repeatedly gave me the gratuitous assurance that he would remain your fast friend. He had his notion, as I believe, that except for me the papers would not have got to you in six months.
    How this gratuitous pledge was fulfilled, his conduct in the late canvass with Dryer will tell. Of all the low wireworking electioneering plans I ever saw developed, his seem the damnedest. Why sir! Dryer was a gentleman alongside of him.
    Exclosed I send you a printed communication of E. Steele Esqr., one of your old friends here, whom Drew has you over to see and induced to write the article I think by making certain representations. If Steele knew the real position in which he stood he would not I think stick a prop under to hold him up until he consummates his "Walker speculation."
    In giving you my views it is not my purpose to meddle, and I certainly esteem Steele as a gentleman; however, I may from a better knowledge differ with him on some minor points. I repeat there can be no mispropriety in paying liberally the just accounts of both soldiers and citizens of the Walker expedition.
Yours etc.
    J. P. G. [James Pleasant Goodall]
P.S.  Since my last letter to you in relation to Indian disturbances, murders etc., an affair has occurred with the whites and Indians in Rogue River Valley in which one white man was killed and two wounded and another a day or two since on the road to Yreka from Jacksonville in which the Indians murdered two whites and wounded another and shot 12 yoke of oxen wantonly and then went by Cottonwood and shot two more men, one of whom was killed.
    A certain set we have in this country will gloat over this outrage and make all the capital possible out of it, and if any chances for speculation occur, will doubtless take a chance, unless it should be necessary to expose their precious persons and then I should guess they would not take any desperate chances.

    J. P. G.


By the Governor of the Territory of Oregon
A Proclamation
    Whereas certain Indians have been guilty of the commission of criminal offenses, and have combined and are now engaged in hostilities that threaten the peace and security of the frontier settlements, and the chief in command of the military force of the United States in this district, having made a requisition upon the executive of this territory for a volunteer force to aid in suppressing the attacks of said hostile Indians, I issue this my proclamation calling for eight companies of mounted volunteers, to remain in force until duly discharged--each company to consist of one captain, one first lt., one second lt., four sergeants, four corporals, and sixty privates. Each volunteer if possible to furnish his own horse, arms and equipment, each company to elect its own officers and rendezvous without delay on the right bank of the Willamette River, opposite Portland, where they will be mustered into service on reporting to the Adjutant General of the Territory.
    The following named counties are expected to make up the number of men wanted and are in order to facilitate operations the subjoined named gentlemen are respectfully requested to act as enrolling officers in their respective counties.
Multnomah County one company Shubrick Norris
Clackamas        "         "           "        A. F. Hedges
Washington      "         "           "        W. S. Caldwell
Yamhill             "         "           "        A. J. Hembree
Marion              "         "           "        L. F. Grover
Polk                   "         "           "        Fred. Waymire
Linn                   "         "           "        L. S. Helm
Wasco               "         "           "        O. Humason
    The last-named company will organize at The Dalles and report in writing to the Adjutant General.
    Our fellow citizens who may be in possession of arms, rifles, muskets and revolvers are most earnestly desired to turn them over to Assistant Quartermaster General A. Zeiber, or his agents, in order that they may be appraised and supply a deficiency that is most seriously experienced.
    Given under my hand at Portland, this 11th day of October A.D. 1855.
                                                                                        Geo. L. Curry.
    By the Governor.
Benj. F. Harding
        Secretary of the Territory
                        of Oregon



Elkton Umpqua Co. O.T. Oct 11 1855       
Hon Jos Lane
    Sir    Enclosed herewith I send you a bounty land claim. Please send it to the proper office. I am about opening my law office at Winchester and if the L.O. [land office] remains there I shall ultimately move there; if it goes to Roseburg I shall go there. Please advise me if it is likely the office will go to Roseburg.
    From the papers it will appear that the Indians in Oregon are uneasy and give evidence of a united determination to do serious harm. While we are at peace abroad we may quell disturbances but depend upon it I think that Oregon is in a defenseless condition should we at any unexpected moment have difficulty either abroad or with the Mormons.
    It is unnecessary for me to advise you. My object is only to encourage you to every effort possible to have Oregon and Washington placed in a proper state of defense against war external or internal. The brave people of Oregon and Washington territories cannot be permitted to act in advance of wars, Indian or otherwise. The general government should look well to these outposts. I have no personal fears but I must confess that I think that unless the U.S. government shall take higher grounds and use more effective measures for our defense, within and without that for one I shall be willing to take the defense of Oregon into our own hands. If these Indians do much more harm a war of extermination will be waged upon them, you may rely upon it.
    In relation to our town site question, cannot we get a new hearing, so as to allow us to present our side of the case. A new commissioner of L.O. having come in I think our case in much safer hands.
    I think of depositing some money in a few days in the L.O. Winchester to your order and drawing on you in favor of Wm. Masye. If I do so I will send you the receipts.
    I shall be glad to hear from you when it may please you to write.
Respectfully
        Yours
                W. W. Chapman



Port Orford, O.T.
    Octo 11th 1855
Hon Joseph Lane,
Dear Genl,
    I was much disappointed that you could not have come by land to this place. My regrets are partly selfish and partly on your own account. Could you have remained for a few hours as it was, many matters could have been put to rest which in the mouths of agitators are kept alive.
    The people wish to see you--you are popular amongst these people, but you know it is a good plan to see the masses often, to retain their confidence. Northrup, whom you saw, opened as soon as you left with his abuse, again averring that it was your fault that no mail service was put on this coast route; indeed he did not believe until shown that a law creating a post road from here via Coos Bay to Umpqua had been passed. And reviving the old story he told prior to the election, to wit: That you authorized him, on the way up, to board the steamer on your return from Congress to say to the people of Coos County that Genl. Lane would be a candidate for Congress, whether Judge Pratt was or not--or whether nominated or not! I have given this story the "lie" flat. Thus much on your own affairs, now for private business relating to myself.
    You will recollect that my bond was delayed for a time in the valley, that I filled and accomplished it in Portland. I did so on the 6th day of June last, and as soon after as I could I left by land for this point. Communications from the proper department met me here, stating that my bond and oath of office had been received and approved and commission was accordingly forwarded by Mr. Whittlesey, who stated to me that the oath of office had been approved. Prior and subsequent to this various communications from the different revenue bureaus at Washington [arrived] requiring certain reports and duties to be performed, all of which were strictly attended to in their proper order. Here on the 13th day of Sept. I received from Mr. Guthrie, dated August 10th, giving directions in regard to many things, amongst others that "my salary as collector would commence when I should take the oath of office before a magistrate in my district," without referring to the former oath--and after I had been discharging the duties of my office for nearly a month. I of course drew up and subscribed an oath of office and mailed to Secretary of the Treasury with explanations. I do not know if this last oath has filled the technical requirements and I may be spending my time at heavy expense for nothing, as there seems a disposition in my case to quibble about small matters. This is not all. Mr. Guthrie informs me that I must furnish an office at my own "expense to do the public business in." I had, as I learned that you and others had done before I came here, given a recommendation to Thos. D. Winchester for the post of deputy collector at Coos Bay. Also before I knew the wants of this district, I had recommended a person for secretary, as the law authorized. Mr. Guthrie tells me that no other officer besides myself authorized by the act will be appointed at this time and not until the business of the district shall be fully developed. And that if I by sickness or otherwise have to leave my post [I] may appoint a deputy, but any compensation to him must come out of me. This latter is well enough if I am not expected to leave this port at any time or visit the remote ends of this district.
    I have traveled the entire distance coastwise, and it is over 120 miles in length, about equal either way. I cannot make either extreme of my district up or down in less than 5 days at a cost of not less than $40 either way: horse 5, meals 75 ct., ferriage 1.50 to 2.00 of perfect mountain travel. Now what am I to do; these men do not understand any of these difficulties, and there is a growing trade at Coos Bay and Rogue River--and how am I alone to supervise these distant points and render an exact account under oath. In consequence of the district not being a paying one is illicit trade to be permitted? My position here already has had a restraining influence that which was intended to be landed here has been obliged to go to San Francisco for the reason that if duties are to be paid they will be paid where there is a market. I am still of opinion that a revenue officer ought to be appointed for Coos Bay.
    One more matter of my own, and I do hope you will bear with me, as I seem to be always on the list of complainers. I desire to do always right, but the fates seem to be against me of late with all my efforts.
    I learned privately a day or two since that a systematic effort was about to be tried to get me removed, and Cap. Tichenor appointed in my stead. If any step is taken at Washington to that end advise me of it. Dart, his son-in-law, leaves on this steamer for Washington. If anything can be done by him, of course he will do it for Tichenor. Before such a thing is done, I can satisfy anyone that he is not the person for such duty.
Your friend,
    R. W. Dunbar



Deer Creek Douglas Co. Oct 14th 1855       
Gen Lane
    Sir, I write you a few lines to merely let you know that we are still alive although we have wars and rumor of war all the time. There has been some seventeen men killed in Jackson County since you left and Mr. Wagoner's whole family is murdered and the house burnt.
    You will learn by the Statesman more fully. I shall not take part; I don't this in this war [sic] as I wish to let quartermaster Drew have a fair chance to get some scalps [illegible]. As you know all of your family is well and all things going fine, still dry weather and plenty of grasshoppers.
    Dry weather is bad on a poor miller; still I shall never give up whilst I have health and strength. Maj. Mosher is getting along fine and is becoming more popular every day, in fact just the man for the place. He has sent us all the public accounts you can. I hope yet to see you president. I shall move back to the claim again in about three weeks.
    Yours truly
        Wm. J. Martin
Gen Joseph Lane
Washington City



By the Governor of the Territory of Oregon
A Proclamation
    Whereas, by petition numerously signed by citizens of Umpqua Valley, calling upon me for protection, it has come to my knowledge that the Shasta and Rogue River Indians in Southern Oregon, in violation of their solemn engagements, are now in arms against the peace of this Territory; that they have without respect to age or sex murdered a large number of our people, burned their dwellings and destroyed their property, and that they are now menacing the southern settlements with all the atrocities of savage warfare, I issue this my proclamation calling for five companies of mounted volunteers, to constitute a Northern Battalion, and four companies of mounted volunteers to constitute a Southern Battalion, to remain in force until duly discharged. The several companies to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, and sixty privates. Each volunteer to furnish his own horse, arms and equipments, each company to elect its own officers, and thereafter to proceed with the utmost possible dispatch to rendezvous [omission?] hereinafter appointed.
    It is expected that Jackson County will furnish the number of men wanted for the Southern Battalion, which will rendezvous at Jacksonville, elect a major to command, and report in writing to headquarters. It will then proceed to take effective measures to secure indemnity for the past and conquer a lasting peace with the enemy for the future.
    The following named counties are expected to make up the number of men wanted for the "Northern Battalion": Lane County, two companies; Linn County, one company; Douglas County, one company; Umpqua County, one company; which will rendezvous at Eugene City, elect a major to command and report in writing to headquarters. It will then proceed immediately to open and maintain the communication with the settlements in the Rogue River Valley, and thereafter cooperate with the Southern Battalion in a vigorous prosecution of the campaign.
    Given under my hand, at Portland, the 15 day of October A.D. 1855.
Geo. L. Curry               
By the Governor
    B. F. Harding
        Secretary of the Territory
            of Oregon


Oct 15th 1855               
Genl J. Lane        Dear sir
    You will perhaps be surprised at my writing to you so soon, but as I know that you will be interested in things that transpire in this part of the world I drop you this line. War has again commenced in the Rogue River Valley. First, the Indians killed 2 men and 13 head of oxen on the Siskiyou Mountains about the time that you left. This has been followed up by their killing the families of Messrs. Wagoner, Harris, Vannoy and some others this week. In all 17 whites have been killed this side of Rogue River. This week Major Lupton is dead, was shot in a fight with the Indians. He was one of the representatives-elect from Jackson Co. The soldiers of Fort Lane have gone out as I learn after the Indians. Some volunteers have gone. Saml. Gradley started Saturday with a petition to the Govr. requesting a call for volunteers. As soon as he can return I expect to go out as Mrs. Hadley is not well and we cannot both leave at once. As near as I can learn the Rogue River and Shasta tribes are the murderers. 2 sons of Joe Knott esq. are out with teams in the valley, and rumor says they are among the slain. Mr. Knott and M. P. Deady esq. started out to see. They went through the Canyon last Sunday morning. Deady postponed court till the first Monday in Nov. on acct. of the fracas. I think Gen. we must destroy the whole tribe this time. The treaty was very good, but the party in favor of the next war will have their way this time, and probably make a treaty of extermination. Mr. Hadley did not get my money soon enough for me to get it to you. I will hand it to Mrs. Lane, as per agreement, hoping this will find you in good health. I will write again soon. And as the war progresses will keep you posted up. But I have already drawn this to an extreme length and will close. Friends are well and as far as I can learn I am, etc. etc. Yours truly
Geo. M. Hammond
Hon Joseph Lane
    D.C.
        U.S.A.
P.S.     Mr. and Mrs. Hadley send their respects etc. etc.



Grave Creek, Jackson Co. O.T.   
    Oct. 16th 1855   
Dear General
    The mail is just leaving and I have only time to write a single word--by next mail you shall hear from me at length. As you will see by the newspapers which go out by this mail, we are in the midst of another Indian war. Already three families have suffered most severely--some twenty-one persons have fallen. Among the number are Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Haines and Mrs. Wagoner of this valley. Mrs. Harris fought the red devils for several hours and finally escaped. Her husband was killed early in the attack on the house. Maj. Lupton, member-elect of the next Legislature, was mortally wounded in the attack on the 8th inst.
    Maj. Fitzgerald from Fort Lane is in pursuit of the Indians. The people complain very much of the policy of Capt. Smith of Fort Lane--with how much reason I do not now assume to decide. In Rogue River Valley some two hundred volunteers are already raised. A. S. Milton and T. S. Harris are each in command of a company. This place is the headquarters of another volunteer company under command of Capt. Rinearson. Major Isaac Miller of Umpqua Valley and Wm. Ballard of Rogue River are just arrived here from Jacksonville. They were in the attack on the 8th inst. Forty Indians were killed on that day. But the mail cannot remain longer and I must close.
Yours most truly
    J. W. Drew
Gen Jos. Lane
    Washington
        D.C.


Corvallis Oct 16th 1855                   
Gen Joseph Lane
    Dear sir we are now in a general war with the Indians. It seems to be a simultaneous and a general outbreak both north and south with the Indians, which you see by the enclosed extra of the Statesman. Maj. Hullar with 100 men has been worsted in an engagement with the Yakimas and has been forced back to The Dalles from the Simcoe Valley where they attacked him. He lost 12 men killed and wounded besides losing all of his horses. Gov. Curry has been prompt in making a call for volunteers. The Oregonians are prompt in responding to his call; a company of [omission] start tomorrow from here to go to The Dalles to help thrash out the Yakimas and the Klickitats. That band of Klickitats that resided here in our vicinity have joined the Yakimas (blast the rascals). They have always been treated well by the citizens here. Trouble from the coast Indians is anticipated, with the indications which they have manifested towards the whites of late in consequence of the outbreak in Rogue River. Gov. Curry will call out 1000 or 1200 men; the greatest difficulty in the way is there is no arms. We will have to send to Benicia Cala. I trust you will see that Oregon is provided with an arsenal [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] can be done. It seems hard to have to have a war with the Indians and a general one at that. It will check the prosperity of the country and put a drawback upon the settlements, and we hope the government will send out 2 or 3 regiments across the plains this coming spring. Rest assured that the people of Oregon have the fullest confidence that you will leave nothing undone for Oregon's welfare and prosperity.
    We know that we can whip the Indians out and make them peaceable. The rainy season being so nearby may prolong the time, but Curry is bound to go ahead and we are bound to quiet them. Some good citizens have been murdered in Rogue River, news of which will reach you soon, as this it is hoped that by a rapid march that force enough can be got east and north of the Cascades to subdue the Indians before the winter gets much advanced. If not I am afraid that much cannot be done. The reason why you will readily understand, the difficulty of subsisting a command. There is a good deal of excitement and a great deal of enthusiasm among the boys and some talk of a war of extermination, but we are bound to give them a good whipping first, and then what is left if we think they won't behave themselves then we will exterminate them.
Your friend well wished
    L. A. Davis
Gen Joseph Lane
    Washington D.C.


Office, Supt. Ind. Affairs
Dayton, O.T. temporarily at Portland
Oct 19th 1855
Dear sir
    You are appointed a special sub-Indian agent, in conjunction with Berryman Jennings, and local agent for the tribes residing along the south bank of the Columbia River between the cascade falls and the mouth of the Willamette River. And as such you will proceed without delay to carry out these regulations and orders from this office, given under date of 13 inst., a copy of which is herewith enclosed. After conferring with Col. Jennings as to the point of locating the encampment for the Indians in your district and those on Clackamas and its vicinity of Oregon City, you will proceed to [the] Indian village on the bank of the Columbia River, a few miles above Switzler's, and direct those Indians to repair at once to the designated encampment in accordance with these instructions. You will then visit St. Helens and confer with Thomas H. Smith of Milton who has been appointed local agent for the Indians in that vicinity, and aid in maturing the business of that encampment, after which you will proceed to collect the Indians along the south bank of the Columbia from that point to Hunts Mills (in the event Mr. Smith has not already done so) and afford Mr. Smith such other assistance as may be deemed practical to carry out the regulations referred to. You will then visit Clatsop Plains and ascertain the security and condition of the Indians in that district. And if the safety of the settlement require[s] it, you will proceed in like manner to establish an encampment for the Indians in that settlement. Should sub-agent W. W. Raymond be near that point, you will confer with him and leave with him a copy of these regulations, and if he deems it necessary he will establish similar encampments at Tillamook. On returning you will report the conditions of Indians at the different encampments, their number, feelings, probable expense of keeping up the encampments through the winter if found necessary etc. On the arrival of Mr. Metcalfe from California you will call upon him for five hundred dollars to defray the expenses in carrying out these regulations, giving him a receipt for the same, the amount of which to be accounted for under the appropriation for adjusting difficulties and preventing outbreaks.
    I need not say that it is expected a judicious economy will be observed in all matters connected with this business. Strive to convince the Indians that it is a measure for their good and is believed to be the only means by which they can hope for protection
Respectfully yours
    Joel Palmer
        Supt Ind Affairs
Lot Whitcomb, esqr
    Local Indian Agent
        Milwaukie


Office Supt Ind Affairs
    Dayton Oct 21, 1855
E. T. Stone esq.
Sir,
    You are hereby appointed to collect the Yamhill band of Calapooia Indians at some suitable point, where you will keep a close watch over them and will not permit any of the men to be absent without a written pass from you. You will draw up a roll containing the names of the men and place opposite each name the number of women, boys and girls belonging to his family should he have one. This roll you will call daily and mark all absentees who unless they can give good reason for their absence will be subject to such penalty as may by the proper authority be deemed just, such as confinement, the forfeiture of his share of annuities etc., and if anyone is refractory or insolent you will immediately cause him to be arrested and placed in confinement.
    You will also purchase and issue subsistence to the Indians while they collect. The daily ration will be one pound of flour to each adult and less in proportion to the children. If you find it necessary you may also issue a pound of beef to each adult daily. You will keep a correct daily account of the amount and kind of subsistence issued to each family or individual, and have the same daily attested by at least one witness. Of your roll and all your proceedings and issues you will make due return to this office. You will be careful to incur no unnecessary expenses, and all proper and reasonable charges connected with the oversight of this band will be allowed you.
    Be careful to impress the Indians with the importance of conducting themselves quietly, and to give no offense to any white person, also to remain at the camp assigned them, for if they wander about at this exciting time you cannot be accountable for what may happen.
    Also assure those who are so greatly alarmed and excited of the white population that there is not the least occasion for it, that nine out of ten of the reports of suspicious movements among the Indians of this valley are utterly false; that the reports of the collecting of large numbers of Indians on the Santiam and Calapooia is utterly without foundation, that measures are afoot in the Ind. Dept. to ascertain the locality of every Indian in the valley and to appoint suitable local agents to watch over the several bands.
    It is earnestly hoped that no one will be led by the excitement at present existing to do any rash act of violence which may drive the peaceable Indians of the valley to desperation and use them to commit acts of violence which otherwise they would not think of. If any wish to make themselves useful in punishing the reckless savages who at the north and south are now spreading abroad the horrors of war let them join their fellow citizens on the field of strife as they can do no good and will only disgrace themselves by attacking and killing the helpless and friendly.
By order of supt.
    E. R. Geary Secy Supt Ind Affairs
"Instructions of E. R. Geary to E. T. Stone, local agent, relative to management of Yamhill Indians" is written (presumably by Lane's secretary) on the back of the letter.




Portland Oregon Oct 24th 1855.           
Dear General
    Since you left an Indian war has broke out upon our northern and southern frontiers of a very serious character. It is firmly believed throughout the territory that there will be a combination of nearly all the tribes west and north of the Nez Perces, and I am informed by Mr. McKinley, who is just in from Ft. Colville, that a large number of the young men belonging to the Nez Perces had already joined the war party. He thinks they are three thousand strong.
    The governor by proclamations of the 11th and 15th October instant has called for a regiment of mounted volunteers to go north and two battalions to go south, which will make a force of nearly two thousand men. The people has responded promptly, and by the 28th of October inst. the regiment will be at The Dalles ready for the field. And I assure you they are a fine-looking set of boys, and will do good service for their country.
    The governor has been untiring in his efforts, up night and day preparing for the campaign. You will very readily conceive the embarrassment which is felt by the executive of this territory in sending a force into a foreign country without a dollar of money, entirely upon credit.
    But the citizens of this place and the territory generally have come forward and turned over their property without any reluctance, and all feel confident that the government will see them paid. The depredations committed by the Indians you will be advised of through the papers, and the governor will forward to Hon. Elisha Whittlesey the assessments which contain all the particulars which will be handed to you to read.
    The governor has honored me with an appointment to his staff as aide de camp. He intends taking the field in person, and I shall go with him, but shall return before the legislative assembly meets. I shall collect all the facts and embody them in a memorial to Congress this winter, asking for an appropriation to defray the expenses of this war, and I know you will use your best endeavors to get it for us. I shall leave tomorrow for The Dalles with the governor. I have not time to write more. Let me hear from [you] whenever convenient.
I am very respectfully
    Your obt servant
        A. P. Dennison



Territory of Oregon
    Headquarters
        Portland Octo 25th 1855.
Genl. Jos. Lane,
    Delegate for Oregon.
General,
    The northern frontier of the territory, and the valley of the Rogue River, are now the theater of the most serious Indian hostilities which this country, so famous for troubles of that sort, has ever been afflicted with. Full details have been communicated to the Hon. Secty. of War, and to the Adj. General's office, to which I beg leave to refer you. For your more particular information you will find transmitted herewith a [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] matter. The crisis is really
[illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] for me to meet, and my measures have been adopted promptly, and I trust effectively. You will readily appreciate the difficulty of procuring an adequate force to be mustered into the service of the U.States, and be prepared to vindicate the course which I have been constrained to pursue in maintaining a distinct military organization of the territorial troops. This necessity has forced upon me the equipment, transportation and subsistence of our force in both sections of the territory. The means for doing this have been placed at my disposal by the generous confidence of my fellow citizens, trusting entirely for reimbursement to the candor and justice of Congress.
    The campaign at the north, unless a decisive blow is struck early, will I fear be protracted, expensive and bloody. Our troops take the field fully impressed with the importance of the undertaking in which they will be engaged.
    A perfect understanding with the commanding officer of the U.States troops is necessary to insure cordial cooperation
[illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] of the campaign, to secure [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] repair myself to The Dalles of the Columbia. I leave today. The entire force of volunteers from Oregon will be on their way by tomorrow night.
Very truly yours,
    Geo. L. Curry,
        Governor of Oregon.



Yreka Cala. Oct. 29 1855.           
Hon Joseph Lane
Dear Sir
    Enclosed I forward to you a power of attorney of Lieut. Bodwell of my late company of volunteers. It is all correct and duly attested.
    One sent to you by me last summer at Winchester for transmittal to Washington may not answer, as Maj. Alvord (who was particular) refused to pay upon it.
    Please pardon me for trespassing upon your good nature so much in these petty matters when I tell you I do it for others who ask it of me.
    Should you draw the pay, transmit it in draft payable to my order by mail to Yreka. It will doubtless come safe.
    The war with the Indians has again broken out--worse than ever, notwithstanding Capt. Smith's efforts to maintain peaceful relations with the Indians. Murder after murder has recurred, brought on in some cases by the acts of our own people, it must be confessed, until peace is not to be thought of till the Indians are well "whipped." Sam, chief of the reserve Indians, seemed to desire peace and is under the protection of the flag at Fort Lane, but the Indians generally are in a state of hostility. About a month since then detachments of the citizens, highly incensed at recent Indian murders, attacked three camps of Indians on or near the reserve, the result was some 30 killed, some 10 or 12 of whom were unfortunately squaws and children. Eight or ten of the whites were wounded in the affair amongst them; Maj. Lupton, member-elect to the assembly--mortally--since dead.
    The Indians "broke" for Evans Ferry, and from there to Wagoners', played hell--murdering, robbing and burning as they went--sparing neither age or sex. Mrs. Wagoner's child being massacred and burnt, and a Mrs. Jones, also, murdered. Maj. Fitzgerald from the fort with some regulars and vols. overtook and chastised them.
    Since then they attacked a party of miners on Galice Creek, who taking cover in a board "shanty," fought for 8 hours, losing 2 killed and 9 wounded out of the party of fifteen men.
    I cannot give you a detail of all the atrocities that have been committed, for want of space.
    Four or five volunteer companies are out under Jim Bruce, Smiley Harris, Bob Williams, Abel George and others.
    You will get official reports of all these things, soon, more fully and correctly than I can give them. Col. Jno. E. Ross is enrolling the vols. for service, and if it necessary I shall raise a few choice spirits and go over to the scene of hostilities. Just now my business affairs absolutely forbid it.
    Should it actually be necessary to carry on a war of what is termed here "extermination," which I fear will be the case, I would not hesitate to go heart and soul into the affair if I had an assurance of my company being paid. This would seem mercenary, but when it is considered how enormous expenses are and how many pecuniary sacrifices an officer especially of vols. must make to render his command efficient, it will not appear so to those initiated in California and Oregon life, where gold, though found in abundance, is acquired only by ceaseless toil and hardships.
    Believe me my dear sir when I say that both policy and humanity dictate that government should absolutely increase the regular mounted force on this frontier or enroll vols. under an efficient officer.
Yours truly, your most obedient servant etc.
    James P. Goodall
Nov. 20th 55               
 P.S.  Enclosed is a p. of atty. of Wm. McKay. In a late letter recd. by me from P. Clayton 2nd auditor I am informed that all the accounts of my company yet unpaid--a part of them sent through to you--have been duly recd. and referred to the 3rd auditor of the treasury, to whom the settlement of such accounts properly belongs.
    He also sent me form of how to properly make out properly the accounts etc.
    The enclosed powers of attorney I hope will pass muster.
    In order to save the expense, delay and trouble of appointing attorneys at Washington I have transmitted this to you through my brother, A. G. Goodall, who is connected with the firm of Bald, Cousland & Co., 74 Walnut St., Philadelphia. If you draw the money or drafts, please hand it to him, or remit it by mail to me, as is most convenient. I believe he has already introduced himself to you.
I have the honor to be etc. etc.
    Jas. P. Goodall
Pay of Lieut. Bodwell   140.60
   "    "   Private McKay     66.13



Gold Beach Oct. 30th 1855
    To General
        Joseph Lane
Dear Sir
    I take this present moment to say that I have just heard from Rogue River Valley. An Indian war has again broken out there in good earnest. The first battle was fought at the mouth of Butte Creek in which 40 Indians were killed and 13 whites wounded, 2 mortally. Major Lupton is one of the mortally wounded. He has since died.
    Men are enlisting and the boys are now fixing to clean them out in toto.
    You probably do not recollect me, as I have but recently came to Oregon. I had the pleasure of an introduction to you at Jacksonville last spring the time that you so used up Gaines in your stump speech in May last.
    General Gaines would of done much better to of never come, as many of his friends said if those were his principles on the question of suffrage and naturalization and slavery they should have to throw him off after this.
    You will please consider me one of your warmest political friends. I take pleasure in your success and hope that still higher important stations in public life await you. I shall always take pleasure in doing you any service in my power in Oregon. Be assured that your friends in Oregon are not few. But they are men true to their country and true to Democracy and have ever found in you a true representative of themselves.
    I shall at all times be glad to hear from you and hope you will do me the favor to send me such books of speeches etc. etc. as may from time to time be distributed by you to your friends.
P.S.  Will you please to send me a copy of the land law or law that relates to the donation to settlers in Oregon. Direct your favors to Klamath County, Crescent City p. office.
With the highest respect
    Your obedient servant
        Ogden Barrett
            Attorney at law
General Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Oregon City 31st of Oct 1855           
Dear Genl
    I suppose before this you are comfortable located at Washington. Doubtless you are fully advised as to what is transpiring here, but still I will give you some items. Gov. Curry has called into the [service] ten companies of volunteers to act beyond the Cascades against the Indians. They are in arms and have banded together; various estimates are made as to their strength but none put down the hostile warriors at less than 2500. There is some uncertainty as to the Nez Perce tribes and the Spokane, but all the other Indians are supposed hostile. All the companies called for are in the field.
    In the south the Indians are hostile. Four companies were called for from Jackson, a major command and six companies from the counties of Lane, Linn and the Umpqua Valley, making a major command.
    I think the Gov. has acted well in calling out the 20 companies called for. The Indians had determined on a general rising with the design of driving the Bostons out of the country, and they need a lesson. I trust you will not find difficulty in getting the sanction of the genl. government to decisive action. Aside from the war little else is going on. Produce commands a better figure than it did last year. And after the Indian troubles are ended I trust Oregon will take a new start. Kelly went out as cap. of Clackamas Co., Pawnall is 2nd Lieut. and Dolph Hanna as 1st Lieut. A good set of boys made up the co.
    I wish to ask you to attend to some matters for me with commissioner Hendricks. In my vouchers are some disallowed for articles I got for the office. In I. A. Pawnall acct. dated 29 of March 1855
One item two cords of wood                          8.00
Sawing same                                                     4.00
10 pounds of candles L. N. Prescott           10.00
Amt. paid Indian sawing wood by myself      4.50
Copy press and book for register                25.00
                                                                      $51.50
Every dollar of that money I paid out for the office and I could not have avoided it any way. It seems strange that there should have been any difficulty about such items. We could have got on without the book and copy press but not without wood and lights. I trust you will explain the necessity for lights. After four o'clock we have to have lights here during the rainy season, and often school commissioners are here at night, to say nothing of others who are anxious to get through this business. I paid out $8.50 for wood sawing last winter, yet the commissioner has deemed it extravagant or from some other cause rejected it. I have written to you about these matters so that I may get them corrected. By last mail I made a requisition for funds for the quarter ending 31 of Dec 1855, and by this mail I will make a requisition for quarter beginning the 1st of Jany 1856. Will you be so good as to see that funds are transmitted. I feel anxious to keep my accounts adjusted. I mentioned to you the propriety of something being allowed me as depository. I wish you would see Mr. Guthrie about it.
    The commissioners' letter to me about these matters is dated 6th of Sept 1855.
    I saw Shelby the other day; all are well with him. There is nothing of interest going on except the war. I do not think we can get any action on a state move this winter. By the New Orleans Delta of 20 of Sep I see he is out for you as President. I trust you may be our nominee, and if so I shall feel easy as to the result I regard your nomination for President and R. M. T. Hunter as Vice-President as the desired result of our next convention. I look on the position taken by the Delta as tending to give you the South if so you are sure of a good support from the Northwest and in that event you can name your successor in Congress from Oregon. I do not regard you as having any competitor except Buchanan. However, should our friends select elsewhere a candidate it will only be a delay of four years. My health is good.
    As ever your friend
        James Guthrie



Winchester Douglas Co.
Nov. 1, 1855.
Dear Gen.
    Your esteemed letter in answer to my letter, which was delivered by Mr. Winchester, was duly received, and now that you have arrived at the capital I venture a reply. For the friendly feeling manifested and expressed, you have my warmest regards, and to that portion which refers to the steamer I trust in all conscience that your labors will be attended with success, for if ever there was a case where an agent was needed to bring out the commerce of a people it is here, and by the use of a steamer.
    Immediately after you left, the Indians south began again their murderous attacks upon the whites, commencing at Wagoner's. You well remember Mrs. Wagoner, and her little Mary, about five years old; both were horribly butchered, and her house burnt within an hour after Judge Deady left the house on his return from court at Jackson. The remains of Mrs. W. and child were found together. I am informed that Mrs. W. was about to be confined at the time of the murder. Among the hostile Indians engaged in that murder was Wagoner's pet Indian who washed the dishes that morning. The Knott boys were camped near there; they saw the smoke from the burning buildings and the approach of the Indians and fled. Mr. Cathcart's son was killed. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were killed; they lived this side of Wagoner's, also Mrs. Harris. After Mr. Harris was shot Mrs. Harris took the old gun and continued the defense by shooting between the house logs. She fired sixty-four times aided in getting means by her little daughter, until at last she ran to the yard, pursued by an Indian, who cursed her, knocked her down, and then shot her through the arm. She was left for dead. Immediately however she rose, ran to a ravine nearby and fell into it, where she remained. The Indians gave her up for dead, and turned their attention to the house. She was finally rescued by Major Fitzgerald. See for particulars Statesman of Oct. 20, 1855. Since this several whites have been killed, and every house but Elliff's, Twogood's and I think widow Niday's have been burnt on the road between the Canyon and Rogue River, and those will not last long. All the pet Indians are engaged in the war on the part of the savages. On Monday last "Louis" was taken prisoner with some 10 others, and scouting parties are out now bringing in the remaining tribes to Deer Creek. From thence they will be placed on their reserve, on the Umpqua, and there guarded. Gen. McCarver is at Deer Creek, engaged in his duties of commissary; several companies are there also. People throughout the valley are forting up, and the greatest excitement prevails. Troops are needed at the mouth of [the] Umpqua, and more at Port Orford. Just as soon as the Indians rise down there they have the power to destroy every white among them, and should they join the hostile tribes God only knows where this will end. The Indians east of the Cascades are in constant communication with the Indians in this valley and also in the Willamette Valley, and the Indians here, who have been friendly, now give evidence of hostile intentions. They are saucy and exacting. One thing is certain, this is the last war which we will have. Every man will fight, and fight well, up to the last moment. The war here is progressing rapidly. Last night an express arrived for ammunition to attack a party of Indians near Cow Creek, which were surrounded when the express left. No particulars. The mail carrier is marked, pursued and shot at constantly. Great fears are entertained for the safety of the lives at this end of the Canyon. The regiment of volunteers for this valley will choose a major and other officers, I think today. Mr. Mosher, who is getting very popular with the people, will be elected major if he desires it. I have heard several mention his name, all of whom were working for him. Lawson has nothing to do with the war as I know of as yet. Your family are well. I see different members as often as I visit this place. Mr. Winchester, and Gibbs, are quite well. As danger increases families will gather in.
    Mr. Knott had every wagon and work axe which he owned destroyed on the road near Wagoner's. The goods which were in the wagons belonged to Peters and Ladd; they were totally lost. The goods are valued at 6000.00. Thousands of dollars worth of goods have been destroyed, and are being destroyed as the enemy approaches. The horrible butcheries that are committed baffle all description.
    I have engaged the service of an attorney at Washington, and I wrote him that I would pay his fees at Winchester here, and draw on you for them in Washington. The amount will be small. Simon, your son, told me it would be all right and that he would mention it to you. I did not have a chance to see you on the subject. The proposition is this to take a receipt here, forward it to you, with direction to whom to pay the money when called.
    The amount will be too small to send by draft, which I cannot do if I desired to. If you could oblige me in this way it will be a great favor to me, and to those for whom I solicit the service at your hands. Mr. Neely is the gentleman to whom I have written. You will not pay any money until a receipt of deposit is sent you, and none will be sent until Mr. Neely sends me his bill.
    The present excitement and confusion will be a sufficient excuse for the haste in which this letter is written. I will write again soon and continue to post you in our affairs south. Write me at Winchester for the present.
    Yours truly
        S. F. Chadwick



Jacksonville O T Nov. 5th 1855       
Gen Joseph Lane
Sir
    I want to ask one favor of you which I hope you will grant being that I have supported you in your official capacities and still intend so to do unless my mind should be wonderfully changed. There is a war going on at present with the Rogue River Indians in which many of our valuable countrymen have fell. The Indians broke the treaty by murdering over 60 whites during the past summer. They have damaged me greatly by stealing my stock. They took one hundred and thirty-two the first haul which I have proved by four good men, all beef cattle, and they have just taken a number more. There is a company of men now after them but I have but little hopes of recovering a head, for they have defeated one co. already.
    My cattle would meet [net?] six hundred and fifty at the lowest calculation and are worth seventeen and a half cts. per pound in this market and is on the rise. If I don't recover the last lot of cattle taken I will write you again and lay in another bill of damages, and I wish you to appear before the war department in my behalf, and I will pay you well for your trouble. If my bills are not allowed I am ruined and considerably in debt with a family to support. General, I hope you will attend to this business and I will return you a favor by electioneering for you hereafter.
Yours with due respect
    Washington L. Riggs



Jacksonville, O.T. Nov. 6th 1855       
Friend Miller
    Sir--Since I last wrote to you, I have been to Crescent City to purchase supplies for the volunteers under John F. Miller, who is appointed Quartermaster Gen., and from whom I am commissioned to purchase all the supplies that cannot be purchased at this place, and from present appearances this war will cost the govt. in my opinion at least eight times as much as the war of '53. There has been one general fight back in mountains northwest of the Grave Creek House. Capt. Smith with his regulars was there, and I think the Indians got the best of the fight, for the troops and the volunteers left the field to the Indians. There were several of the regulars killed and a number wounded, and several of the volunteers killed and some twenty or more wounded.
    Jack Kennedy it is thought will not live till morning. The battle was fought on last Wednesday (31st of Oct.). On the night following both parties camped on their own ground. The next morning while the troops were preparing their breakfast, the Indians made a charge on them but were repulsed with a loss of six or seven but continued to menace and challenge the whites, by inviting them to chahko (come on), calling them damned Boston (white) sons of bitches etc. Thus threatened, tantalized and menaced, our troops thought it best policy to withdraw and recruit, and try them some other day. So on the 8 or 9th inst. they intend to try them again.
    We have not only the Rogue River Valley Indians to fight but all the neighboring tribes, and it is hard to tell how long it will last. At least it cannot be terminated before spring, and you know that it is a hard task to chase Indians among these mountains, especially in winter.
    I think the place the Indians chose to fight would require at least 2,000 men to whip them. They are now skulking around and stealing stock all the time. They are well mounted on good horses and plenty of cattle with them. Last night they burnt some thirty tons of hay on Applegate Creek. No person is safe to travel alone in any direction. Some ten or twelve days ago [they] attacked a pack train on the summit of the Mooney Mountains, and killed two men and wounded one other. No Indians were seen until the two men were shot down. There were four mules killed, and their loads fell into hands of the Indians. Another train lost one man killed and 16 mules. There is another train lost entirely, supposed to have fallen into the hands of the Indians. The Indians also made an attack upon some miners upon Althouse Creek--killed one man and wounded another--got their guns, fired three or four houses and made their escape. The greatest difficulty under which [we] labor is the want of arms.
    I leave tomorrow morning for Crescent City with 100 mules to pack up groceries and supplies for the volunteers. I will have an escort of 22 men. They will accompany me to Illinois Valley and from thence escort back some trains loaded with govt. supplies for Fort Lane. Now I assure you that the whole country is under arms and there is need of it too. It is said that the Indians have two or three white women prisoners; how true that is I cannot tell. There are several missing, and it was supposed that they were killed, as the houses were burnt from which they are missing. Everything is destroyed from the Canyon to Evans' Ferry except the Grave Creek House.
    So you can imagine how things are here now.
In haste, yours etc.
    Respectfully
        W. W. Fowler
Jno. A. Miller, esq.
    Washington
         D.C.


Headquarters, Yakima expedition
    Roman Catholic mission
        November, 13th, 1855. 
Kam-i-ah-kin
Hyas Tyee of the Yakima Indians
    Your talk by Padre Pandozy is just received. You know me and I know you. You came among the white people and to my house at The Dalles with Padre Pandozy and gave me a horse, which I did not take, as Pan-a-wok had given Lieut. Wood another horse for him. You came in peace. We came in war. And why? Because your land has drank the blood of the white man, and the Great Spirit requires it at your hand.
    You make the sign of the cross, and pray to the God of truth for mercy, and yet you lie when you say you were very quiet, the Americans were our friends; our heart "was not for the war," until Governor Stevens changed your feelings; for long before the treaty, which you agreed to, you proposed to the Walla Walla chief, Peu-peu-mox-mox, to go to war and kill off all the whites. He told us so. You had been preparing for this purpose a very long time; and your people agreed with the Cayuse, at the Walla Walla council, before the treaty was made, to murder all the whites there, which was only prevented by the Nez Perces disagreeing.
    You know that you murdered white men going to the mines who had done you no injury, and you murder all persons, though no white man had trespassed upon your lands. You sent me a delegation to stop Hamilton and Pierce settling in your country. I wrote them a letter, and they left. You murdered your agent Bolan for telling you the truth, that the troops would come upon you for these murders. Has his death prevented their coming? I sent a handful of soldiers into your country to inquire into the facts. It was not expected that they should fight you, and they did right to return back. Your foul deeds were seen by the eye of the Great Spirit, who saw Cain when he killed his brother Abel and cursed him for it. Fugitives and vagabonds shall you also be, all that remain of you upon the face of the earth, as well as all who aid or assist you, until you are gone.
    You say now, "If we will be quiet and make friendship you will not war with us, but give a piece of land to all the tribes." We will not be quiet, but war forever until not a Yakima breathes in the land he calls his own. The river only will we let retain this name to show to all people that here the Yakimas once lived.
    You say that you will fight us with thousands, and if vanquished, those of you that remain will kill all your women and children, and then the country will be ours. The country is ours already, as you must see from our assembled army, for we intend to occupy it, and make it too hot to hold you. We are braves, and no brave makes war with women and children. You may kill them as you say, but we will not; yet we are thirsting for your blood, and want your warriors to meet us, and the warriors of all tribes wishing to help you, at once to come. The snow is on the ground and the crows are hungry for food. Your men we have killed; your horses and your cattle do not afford them enough to eat. Your people shall not catch salmon hereafter for you, for I will send soldiers to occupy your fisheries, and fire upon you. Your cattle and your horses, which you get from the white man, we will hunt up, and kill and take them from you. The earth which drank the blood of the white man, shed by your hands, shall grow no more wheat nor roots for you, for we will destroy it. When the cloth that makes your clothing, your guns, and your powder are gone, the white man will make you no more. We looked upon you as our children and tried to do you good. We would not have cheated you. The treaty which you complain of, though signed by you, gave you too much for your lands, which are not all worthless to the white man,  but we are not sorry, for we are able to give, and it would have benefited you. After you signed the treaty with Governor Stevens and General Palmer, had you have told us that you did not wish to abide by it, it would have been listened to. We wanted to instruct you in all our learning--to make axes, plows, and hoes to cultivate the ground; blankets to keep you from cold ; steamboats and steam wagons which fly along swifter than the birds fly, and to use the lightning which makes the thunder in the heavens to carry talk and serve as a servant. William Chinook at The Dalles, Lawyer, chief of the Nez Perces, Sticcas and We-atti-nati-timine, hyas tyee of the Cayuses, and many others of their people, can tell you what I say is true. You, a few people, we can see with our glasses a long way off, while the whites are as the stars in the heavens, or leaves of the trees in summer time. Our warriors in the field are many, as you must see, but if not enough, a thousand for every one man will be sent to hunt you, and to kill you; and my kind advice to you, as you will see, is to scatter yourselves among the Indian tribes more peaceable, and there forget you ever were Yakimas.
G. J. Rains
    Major U. S. A.
        Big. Gen. Washn. Terry.
            Comg. troops in the field.
Frances Fuller Victor's Early Indian Wars of Oregon gives the context for this letter, page 429.



Grave Creek Novr. 18th 1855           
Dear Genl.
    I feel some little delicacy in writing you after the proclamation of the organ of your party in his paper of Novr. 3rd. But I can't believe that a man of your known patriotism and devotion to the best interests of Oregon will sanction a doctrine that is destructive of all union and harmony among us in our present trying emergency; and yet I am sorry to say that the doctrine has been carried into practical operation within the last few days so far as the southern war is concerned.
    Since the introduction of party into the war nothing has been done, although it is well known that the Indians are in force where we left them on the first inst. patiently waiting another attack, and within the last three days they have sent a party on the road from Evans' to this place who burned the only two houses they had previously left standing and yet no movement is yet made to distract them. Three of Major Martin's companies are now in the Umpqua Valley where there is no more danger of Indians than there is in Washington City.
    Col. Ross had made all his arrangements for renewing the attack on Monday the 5th inst. when the agent of the gov. arrived with his order No. 10 requiring the troops there in the field under his command to be disbanded which has been done, and a southern battalion has been organized under a good set of Democratic officers down to the assistant quartermaster. I have been driven from the hospital, where I had been placed by Col. Ross in charge of the wounded in the battle of the 31st of Oct. and 1st of Nov., to make room for a man notoriously incompetent on account of his habits of intemperance. I would remain in the field if I could do so without a sacrifice of all personal self-respect.
    I was in the hottest of the fight as a common private in the ranks, dressing the wounds of the men where they fell, no other man capable of doing it being on the ground but Lt. Stone of Capt. Williams' company.
    After having labored night and day for the last six weeks without hope of reward, I am driven from the field to make room for political gamblers that would sink one-half of the territory to promote their own selfish ends.
    I leave for Yamhill in a day or two, where I shall hold myself in readiness to take the field whenever Governor Curry shall publicly disavow the doctrine promulgated by the Oregon Statesman, (viz.) "that none who voted for Gov. Gaines at the last election are to be allowed to hold office in the army." If it is not disavowed, I will leave the territory just as soon as I can get out of it, and when it comes to that, that Whigs, Democrats and all other parties can't meet together on the battlefield on terms of political equality, it is time that all honest patriots of all parties should leave the territory to be occupied by heartless demagogues and the Indians.
    I have never acted with you politically and probably never shall, but I have never questioned your patriotism or bravery, and would now sooner fight under your lead than any man in Oregon. I have nothing to ask or expect from your influence politically, but as the representative of the whole people of Oregon, I have a right to expect that you will discountenance a doctrine that is destructive of all union and harmony in times of danger, that had heretofore characterized us as a republican people.
    It is my opinion that the Indians will have things their own way during the winter. The whole country needs to be occupied with troops--the two battalions are not sufficient for this purpose. A thousand men now is needed to trail up and drive from their strongholds the strong bands now in the mountains. Get the Indians into the open ground where they can be charged and regular troops are more efficient than volunteers, but I saw enough the other day to satisfy me that they are comparatively useless in the woods. If we had a thousand regulars in the valley, the Indians would destroy every dwelling not actually occupied with troops before six months. There can be no more safety or peace in this valley so long as a dozen Indians are above ground. To talk of treaties is worse than folly, for if made, neither party would live up to them.
    It is extremely unfortunate for the prosecution of the war that the tocsin of party has been sounded. It is difficult enough anyhow to obtain supplies under the most favorable circumstances, and every movement lately has aggravated them. If Whig talent and energy are not needed for the prosecution of the war, their capital is. If I had a million I would not contribute a single dime to prosecute a partisan war. Congress may do it if they please, but I doubt their doing it. Please let me hear from you addressed to Lafayette, Yamhill Co. Please remember me to Genl. Shields of the Senate [sic--Col. George K. Sheil was a Congressman].
Yours truly
    A. G. Henry


Yreka Nov. 20th 1855.               
Dear General
    The war with the Indians is being carried on in R. R. Valley with various success and is likely not soon to terminate. It was a total defeat of the whites and a retreat in the affair on Cow Creek Cañon just after Mr. Wagoner's massacre. 400 vols. of the regulars under Capt. A. J. Smith of Fort Lane were driven back, Capt. Smith distinguished himself! There seems to be bad management somewhere as many of the vols. were shot by each other, and the night after the battle a volunteer raised a false alarm of attack by the Indians and two or three more were shot.
    A general war seems to be on hand from the Cascades to The Dalles.
    "Tyee Sam" and some 30 or 40 of his warriors are quietly ensconced under the flagstaff at Fort Lane. Sam says he wishes all of the "sullix" Siwashes killed off, so that the annuities under the treaty we made in '53 will not have to be divided amongst so many.
    Lamerick has been appointed mustering officer and adjt. genl. by Gov. Curry. There could not have been it seems to me a better appointment. Jim Bruce was elected mayor of the battalion now in the field over Bob Williams by a majority of 25. Both were captains in the last battle. Col. Ross and his adjt. the late Maj. Drew, were displaced by order of Gov. Curry.
    Private business, of a pressing nature, including a lawsuit of some magnitude in a family point of view, has only kept me away from the scene of action. Should the war, as will probably be the case, take the shape of petty attacks, scouting parties and stockades, or in other words a perfect system of guerrilla warfare, I suppose I shall have to take a "chance" and bring to bear some of my old Texas Ranging propensities.
    I am satisfied that now, under the present aspect of affairs, that it will be necessary--let the cost be what it may--to give the Indians a thorough beating before a treaty of peace with them is to be thought of.
    Apart from this conducing to the interests of the country, public sentiment and feeling demands it.
    My long experience of frontier life warrants me in venturing this opinion, and yours will doubtless agree with me. The repeated broils [i.e., brawls] that occurred antecedent to this little war now raging precludes the probability of any amicable arrangement, and the less said about treaties the better, so far as public sentiment goes on this frontier.
    The regulars from home (Ft. Jones) have, under Capt. Judah, all gone over to R. R. Valley.
    Two Indians concerned in murders on Klamath last July have just been turned over by Capt. Smith to the authorities here. Mob law made an effort to try or rather execute them under "code Lynch," but the good sense and law-abiding sentiments of the mass overruled it.
    They deserve death, but let it be meted under the laws of the country.
Very respectfully
    James P. Goodall



Winchester Nov. 22, 1855               
Dear General
    Your family are all well and the land office is going on finely, considering that we have not yet received any instructions, books, etc. Everything in quiet in this valley, but there is the devil to pay both north and south. You will be likely to know about the northern war as much as I do, but as I have just returned from Jacksonville, where I went to see how matters stood, I can give you a more reliable history than you will be likely to receive from other quarters, as there are two parties on the war question, and both of them wrong in many respects.
    It appears now, although it was not known at the time of the outbreak, that ever since those two Indians of Old John's band were arrested by Capt. Smith for participation in the Klamath murders, he (John) has been trying to induce Sam and the other Indians to fight. In this he was for a long time unsuccessful. In the meantime the exterminators took every occasion to excite the people to a general attack upon the Indians. At last a party of volunteers, among them Maj. Lupton, Jim Bruce and I believe John F. Miller made an attack upon Jake's band near the mouth of Little Butte Creek, off the reserve. Unfortunately, the most of the warriors were absent, but they came very near "cleaning out" those that were there. This attack was, I think, very ill advised, but still the provocation was great. The band had been for a long time very troublesome, stealing etc., and had been repeatedly warned by Sam, as well as the whites, to go onto the reserve, and Lt. [Nelson Bowman] Sweitzer had been twice sent with a detachment to move them there. Besides, the Indians who made an attack on a train on the Siskiyou Mountain and killed two men were trailed towards Jake's camp and were probably harbored by them.
    The night that this attack was made the Indians held a talk, Old John insisting that they should go to war, as the whites were evidently bent on extermination. Sam refused and Mary (Jim's wife) made a long speech for peace. Just before day John with six men started down Rogue River, killing and burning as they went from Jewett's Ferry to Wagoner's. There they were joined by George and Limpy's bands. Maj. Fitzgerald came on a party of them the next morning and killed six. John crossed near the mouth of Applegate and went up near where you had the talk with Tipsey, and at the last accounts Smiley Harris with his company were going to fight him. He had about forty warriors. George and Limpy made an attack on some miners at Galice Creek and were repulsed. Here they were joined by some Indians from Tyee Bar on lower Rogue River, and returned into the hills between Grave and Cow creeks about six miles N.W. of the Six-Bit House. From this place they made a foray into Cow Creek Valley, burning every house except Elliff's and two others that were defended. A few days after they were attacked by the troops, regulars and volunteers, and after a day and a half fighting the troops were compelled to retire for want of provisions. The loss on our side was 14 killed and 26 wounded. Among the wounded is Lt. Gibbon and Arty. The Indian loss it is impossible to ascertain, but was at least equal to the loss of the whites. The attack was to be renewed in a few days but was delayed by the order of Genl. Wool, sending Maj. Fitzgerald to The Dalles. The last news I had, the Indians had divided, some going down Rogue River and the rest towards Evans Creek. Maj. Jim Bruce followed the last and Capt. Bob Williams had attacked the first, killing six and losing one man.
    Now for the quarrelling--Col. Ross on the first outbreak called out the militia (very properly) and with Charley Drew as A.A.G. was going to whip the Indians directly. This they failed to do, and when the proclamation of the Governor came, Drew and Dr. Henry undertook to make the men believe that Curry had disapproved of what had been done, in order to induce the men to disband. They failed in this. A battalion was organized and Bruce elected major. Bush persists in saying that there is no war in the south and Curry that there is war all over. So it goes--Curry, to avoid making a party question, has made nearly all the staff appointments from the Know Nothings, which of course "raised a muss."
    I forgot to say that George's force of Indians is probably 120 warriors. Sam, Elijah and Sambo with their bands, about 80 warriors, with their women and children are encamped near Ft. Lane, and cannot be induced to fight.
    Maj. Bruce and Maj. Martin both wish me to run for colonel, but I shall not do it, unless I think I can be of some use. I don't intend to mix up in any quarrel about the war.
    Give my respects to all friends
        And believe me
            Yours truly
                L. F. Mosher


   

Office Indian Agent
    Rogue River Valley O.T.
        Nov. 27th 1855
Dear Genl.
    Sir.      I have but little war news of interest to relate. The people are getting tired [of] it, and nothing effective has yet been done. Since active hostilities commenced, very few Indians have been killed. They have taken to the mountains in small bands, and it will be far more trouble to find them than it will be to kill them. By some mysterious and unaccountable strange maneuvering, the Know Nothings have crowded themselves into all the clerkships and vacancies in the commissaries and quartermaster's department. It is time it may be remarked what has politics to do with war. Had these damned Know Nothings the same feeling in common with the rest of mankind, it would have nothing to do. Their only aim is to render the war as obnoxious as possible and hold the Democratic Party responsible for all the evils which result from it. In this valley Charley Drew has had the entire management of it so far. Fowler and Briggs are both in the quartermaster's department, appointees of Miller. Headquarters is at Drew's ranch. The business is being conducted more loose if possible than it was in '54. I hope however this will soon be remedied. It is the Governor's intention to have some changes made soon. I regret to see Bush and Governor Curry have had some little clashing. I trust, however, that will be amicably adjusted shortly. I saw Governor Curry last week; he was at Roseburg in company with Genl. Barnham, who is now at Jacksonville.
    It was with difficulty that men could be enrolled under the proclamation of the Governor. They could not bear restraint. They wanted to carry it on in the regular Know Nothing manner, in a filibustering sort of a way, that they would neither know themselves, nor could anybody else know anything about it. However, this has finally been obviated, by organizing according to the proclamation, and active preparations are now being made for a winter campaign.
    It seems that Drew, and Ross, Fowler and Briggs had the entire management of this war and no doubt have endeavored to hold the Democratic Party responsible for their acts, and a few Democrats were found shallow enough to listen to their cry of no party, and aid and assist them in their endeavors. I think it will all work out right in the course of time. Their success will only be temporary. As the mail is just leaving I will cut my communication short, and write you again soon.
    Yours respectfully
        G. H. Ambrose
Genl Jos. Lane M.C.
    Washington City
    I will however make one suggestion which has occurred to my mind. Would it not be well for government to buy their horses and pack animals and save the enormous expense of hiring at $4 per day, which is the price expected. There is no probability of a speedy conclusion being put to this war. The Indians don't want peace. Sam's whole tribe is at Ft. Lane; Limpy and George have both joined the war party.
    Sam has 81 men, 124 women, 55 boys and 54 girls, making a total of 314.



Oregon Mounted Volunteers
Nov. 20, 1855.  Jacksonville, O.T. November 25th, 1855
Quartermaster Department to Willard Spencer, Dr. [debit]
(1050) One thousand and fifty pounds Beef @ 25 Cents per pound
    Two hundred sixty tons 50/100 $262.50
   

Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 5th, 1855
Quartermaster Dept.
1855    To Willard Spencer Dr. [debit]
Nov.     (7200)  Seven thousand two hundred pounds of Hay @ 6¢ per pound
    Four Hundred and thirty two Dollars $432.00
   

Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 10th, 1855
1855        To Willard Spencer Dr. [debit]
Nov.         Seven hundred pounds of Beef @ 25 cents per pound
        One hundred and seventy-five Dollars         $175.00




Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 30th, 1855
   

Quartermaster Department
   

To Louis Felton Dr. [debit]
To use of one team of three yoke of Cattle and teamster from November 1st to November 8th inclusive six days @ twelve Dollars per day.
    Seventy two dollars $72.00
   

Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 10th, 1855
Quartermaster Dept.
    To Louis Felton Dr. [debit]
1855
Nov. 8  16,000 Sixteen thousand pounds Hay @ 6¢ per pound   $960.00
            (448) Four hundred and forty-eight pounds of corn @ 7 cents per pound $32.00
              Nine hundred and ninety-two   992.00



Fort Orford, O.T.
Dec. 1st, 1855
Dear Genl.:
    Agreeable to promise, I write you, and I think it will take about a sheet of this size to hold all I have got to tell you. I returned a few days ago from my expedition to Fort Lane after a trip varied with adventure and hardships more than I bargained for when I set out. I left here on the 1st of October, and succeeded in satisfying myself that a road can be made from here to Fort Lane with some expense. I had set out with ten men armed with axes only, and we had a guide, making twelve of us. On the 14th we reached Big Bend and learned from peaceable Indians that the bands in the valley had broken out into a war. So I abandoned the axes and went back for guns to arm my men with. I relied but little on the rumor but I thought best to prepare. I had given up all hopes of seeing any Indians and had reached within six miles of the Oregon Road on the divide between Grave Creek and Cow Creek on the 25th ult. when I suddenly ran right into a large encampment of them on a high knoll on the top of a spur of the divide. I was not certain that they were hostile until they fired into us. We were ready for them and fought them for half an hour, my men were raw recruits and knew nothing about Indian fighting and were considerably "flustered," and the guide he wanted to back out so I had difficulty to keep them to the mark, but suddenly the Indians got upon our flank, and three shots in quick succession from our right killed two of my men dead, and the third knocked me over, when the rest broke and all h_ll would not have stopped them. Fortunately a small memorandum book in my right flannel shirt pocket prevented the ball from penetrating, and I jumped up immediately and tried to rally my men but it was of no avail, I could not even get them to drive off our animals and I was compelled to make a "glorious retreat" with the loss of two men all my animals, and provisions and "traps." Night favored our escape; we doubled on the Indian camp and got down upon Wolf Creek and going up it we reached the "Six Bit House" which we found abandoned but were fortunate enough to find a few potatoes and a little butter which served to help us on to Grave Creek where we found a stockade around Harkness and Twogood's stand. There were about ten men there who were thrown into a great excitement by our approach, and if we had not called out to them they would have fired into us for Indians, from which you may infer the state of affairs. I then learned the particulars of the war, and how the troops and volunteers had been scouring the country (up and down the high roads) for two weeks and had not been able to find an Indian. I immediately dispatched an express to Maj. Fitzgerald at Evans Ferry; it was two o'clock at night when we got in and the next evening he arrived. On the 27th I went up with him to the ground where I had lost the two men and found their bodies and buried them. The Indians had moved their encampment about three miles, back from the spur to the main divide. We had seventy men and intended to fight them but when the Maj. saw the camp which they had abandoned, he came to the conclusion that they were too strong for us and we marched back to Grave Creek as though we had not discovered them, though they saw us. Here we found Capt. Smith who had arrived with some additional men. Expresses were sent out to all the volunteer forces and the Capt. sent to Fort Lane for more ammunition, arms and provisions enough for a fifteen days campaign. As they intended to organize a regular expedition, I concluded that I would join them and when they had driven the Indians off my trail I would return to Port Orford by the way I came, so I proceeded to Fort Lane and fitted out my party anew and was back again in three days. Maj. F. had returned to the fort sick. I wanted them to take the howitzer but no one at the fort would take the responsibility of taking it along, and I was also astonished that Dr. Crane did not accompany us, but he said he could not go without Capt. Smith's orders. When I returned to Grave Creek I begged of the Capt. to send for the Dr. and for the howitzer; he said it was too late, that we would have to do without them. I replied that late or early he would send for the doctor anyhow, and that he would wish he had the howitzer before he was done. My experience had taught me that it would be no child's play and I also felt that the Indians would make a stand, yet they prepared for the fight as though they expected the Indians to run and that the great difficulty would be to get the red devils to stand. When I reached Grave Creek all the troops had arrived. There were about two hundred and fifty volunteers under Col. Ross and about 130 regulars under Capt. Smith. A beautiful plan of battle was agreed upon. One detachment of volunteers was to occupy the divide on the west; another was to start out from the Six Bit House and take position on the north, and Col. Ross with the volunteers was to come in on the south and all were to wait for Capt. Smith to make the attack on the east. We set out about 12 o'clock on the night of the 30th and moved along with as much precision and silence as could have been desired at first, but the nearer we got to the enemy the more careless and noisy they were. When we got upon the ground where I had met the Indians, Col. Ross was to separate from Capt. Smith. The party that had to occupy the west had already left us. I pointed out to Capt. Smith the position of the Indians, the course he was to take and the way Col. Ross must go, and as it was already daylight I urged the necessity of going on rapidly. Col. Ross thought he had better wait until the other party had taken position on the west, and the Capt was anxious that the only two officers he had with him, who had indiscreetly filled their canteens with brandy instead of water, should get sober, and they delayed an hour and a half or two hours. In the meantime the detachment that was to occupy the north came in behind us on our trail; they had mistaken their trail, and adopted ours. It was a cold foggy morning, and the men started up fires to keep warm. I pointed out the position of the Indians to the Col. and the Capt. but they said they could see no Indians and they did not believe there was any Indians there. No sooner however did the smoke curl up between the trees than the hillsides were covered with Indians driving in their stock and preparing for battle. It was now too late for a surprise, but I again urged the Capt. to move and not delay any longer. He said he should move immediately. But before he got started a party of "harum scarum" volunteers got the start of him and led the way down into a deep gulch some fifteen hundred feet which intervened between us and the enemy. Instead of complying with the plan of attack agreed upon and going around on the ridge the Capt. followed them, leaving his train and Lt. Alston, who was not yet sober. Gibson made out to follow. By the time we got up with the Indians, we were very much used up and the plan of attack was effectually knocked in the head by the fourth party joining, so instead of having surrounded the Indians we were all together. In the first meet the Indians gave up their position. One of ours was killed and several wounded, and this one dead man won the battle; two thirds of the men never got past this one dead body. The Indians took up a position just beyond a sink in the ridge that protected their squaws and children who were moving to their rear, along the main ridge. The north side of the ridge was covered with a heavy growth of fir timber and thick undergrowth, the south without trees but a dense brush of hawthorn, hazel and oak. Totally unfavorable for a charge, but the most desirable for flanking. Some thirty or forty men succeeded in advancing to the brow of the knoll the Indians had abandoned and which they commanded now, where we kept up a fire quite sharp for three hours or more when we gradually hauled off and before night it had ceased. The rest of the troops were behind and occasionally fired at those of our men in front who had the courage to advance towards the Indians. Everything was "helter skelter." Capt. Smith and Col. Ross were behind taking care of the wounded. At night we hauled off down on the hillside about four hundred yards into a little gulch where the Indians had got their water from some dirty little springs. I begged the Col. and the Capt. not to camp there, they thought it was a bad place, but still they camped there. I had represented during the afternoon to the Capt. the necessity of either moving back to our train, or else to send for it to come up as we had nothing to eat since the night before and no blankets. Neither was done, and we hovered around little brush fires, cold and hungry, the sides of the little gulch so steep that we could scarcely find room for the wounded. Things were very gloomy. I never was so depressed in my life. I felt certain that the Indians would attack us and if made in the night with a proper skill would complete our overthrow. Everybody felt this so much so that when a tremulous volunteer on post accidentally pressed too hard upon the trigger of his revolver and off it went, so did everybody else for the brush, stumbling over the wounded, whose shrieks could be heard above the tumult. One sleepy volunteer, when the stampede [began], started out of his sleep, snatched up a musketoon and cracked away at what he conceived to be the enemy and wounded two of his brother volunteers, one mortally, and a third slightly. Old Doctor Henry called them to order and explained the difficulty and thus settled their nerves. At daylight the Indians came down upon us. The attack however was not well sustained, and after several hours firing they hauled off in consequence of the arrival of a company of Willamette volunteers who were very anxious to fight, and I supposed that the attack on the Indians would be renewed now that the force was considerably increased, but instead they packed up the wounded and moved off and we did not reach Grave Creek until between two and three o'clock that night, having fasted for fifty hours, and had no sleep for three nights. Thus [illegible--paper missing] fifteen days expedition for Capt. Smith returned with all haste back to Fort Lane, and the volunteers were billeted out to various [illegible--paper missing] in the valley. We lost ten killed and twenty-seven wounded, several of these were killed and quite a number of the wounded were shot by our own men. The Indian loss of course is not known; I do not think that they could have more than four or five killed and wounded, but if we are to believe the statements of all those in the fight there is scarcely a man that cannot give the particulars of how he killed one Indian "certain, sure." I believe I had as good an opportunity as any in the fight and I can't say that I killed one. I don't believe that the Indians numbered over seventy warriors in all; the volunteers say however that there was three or four hundred; when I ask them where they came from, they cannot make over a hundred and fifty supposing that all the hostile Indians were there that are in the valley, and at the same time they assert that there are other bands in various other portions of the valley that could not have been in the fight. It is asserted however that they have reinforced their ranks very much from the coast, but I happen to be posted up on the subject and know that there could not have been any coast Indians present. The unpleasant truth is that the whites were cowards, that they were whipped out by one-fourth of their number of Diggers, and had it not been for thirty or forty good men the rest would have broke and run, and they would have caught h__l. As it was some did break and never stopped until they got through the Canyon 25 miles distant the same day the attack commenced, and some thirty or more men came in to Jacksonville express from Col. Ross, and never returned. The great secret of the failure is that the volunteers expected the regulars to do all the fighting, whilst the regulars were expecting the same thing from the volunteers. I do not think much of the conduct of the officers, nobody attempted to lead the men, and I don't think that Col. Ross or Capt. Smith attempted to fire a gun. There was a want of confidence all around. On the morning of the 1st of Nov., when the Indians attacked us (which attack was made by about twenty Indians according to my estimate), Capt. Smith was as usual attending to the wounded and Col. Ross did for once show that he was in command by standing down in the gulch and quoting all the gallant speeches that had been made from the Revolution [days? illegible--paper missing] such as "Stand your ground men and don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes and know he is an Injun." Altogether it was an affair that I would never boast of and no one shall even now that I was there or had [anything] to do with it, unless he gets it from somebody else. I had no one under me except five, my men who would have abandoned me five days before had I been so badly hurt as not to pack myself off. I determined to leave them to fight their own battles and took advantage of my orders "to return to this post as soon as possible," to leave them. It is a war they have brought on themselves; the Indians are fighting in self defense and they fight well. I have every reason to believe that it has been gotten up expressly to procure another appropriation. I fear you paid them too well for their meritorious services of '53. War is a money making business. When I left they had nearly a thousand troops in the field and I venture to say they will get whipped again notwithstanding the comparatively small number of Indians, unless they fight. Capt. Smith wished me to stay and promised the affair should be differently conducted. He felt that it was all wrong and acknowledged it. As I prophesied, he sent for Dr. Crane before we had come up with the Indians 20 minutes and he would have given anything for the howitzer. I told him that there must be more courage displayed all around or he would get whipped again. I returned in time to relieve the people here who were in the greatest consternation at my prolonged absence. The whole country is one grand stampede; even in Portland they kept a night watch. There have no doubt been several fights before this, and the steamer that takes this away will no doubt bring us the intelligence from the north as well as the south, of some big fights. With regard to the road from here to Fort Lane, it is quite practicable and will cost no more than the other roads in the territory that have been appropriated for. I shall complete my drawings and report as soon as possible and it will no doubt reach Washington by the middle or last of January. I must close or you will never read this. I hope I shall hear from you.
Very Respectfully Yours &c
August V. Kautz, U.S.A.
Hon Joseph Lane,
Washington D.C.
 
P.S. Dec 15th I enclose a hasty map that may be of service to you. I shall get my maps and report of the road ready by the 1st of January. They will reach Washington about the middle of February. We have had no steamer for more than a month is the reason this letter has not gone off; she is expected in the morning. Please send me one of Preston's maps as soon as they are out. We have no news of the war since my return. Very severe weather for six weeks back.                                                                                                                                                                           K.
August Kautz' map of Southern Oregon and the Hungry Hill battle site, December 1, 1855
August Kautz' map of Southern Oregon and the Hungry Hill battle site

Port Orford       
December 7th 1855       
Genl Palmer
Dear Sir
    By this time you will have heard of the safe return of Lieut. Kautz and of the result of the battles he and party have had since they have been absent. No difficulty exists amongst the Indians on the coast so far. Ben [Wright] has been amongst them keeping reckless white men from committing violence upon them and so far has succeeded, not without much care and watchfulness on his part. As soon as he leaves a point, only for a few days, these restless lazy devils are at work stirring up a muss. At the forks of the Coquille, advantage was taken of his absence and some disgraceful acts committed. A company has been organized by Packwood (who is a discharged soldier) and have drawn up a muster roll and provision list, with all the pomp of authority, calling themselves the "Coquille Guards" and claiming to be in the service of the U.S. assisting the sub-Indian agent in maintaining peace. This maintaining peace is all poppycock, as they have well nigh involved those bands in a war with the whites by their rash conduct. Packwood has bought stores and ammunition on the faith of Uncle Sam and expects not only that it will be paid but that they will be paid for their services.
    These foolish and uncalled-for movements in certain quarters, and the eagerness of many to fan this firebrand, has brought me to reflect upon the cause, as these men do not seem anxious to fight the war bands near us, but are anxious to be quartered where there is no danger. I have examined their material and find them composed of the most trifling, lazy, no-account white men in the whole country. Squaw keepers, etc. who take this occasion to get up an excitement for the purpose of extracting from somebody subsistence to put them through the winter. I have advised Ben to discard all connection with them, and he will have nothing to do with them. Great care will have to be taken to prevent [omission] in all this excitement south or the department will be awfully swindled in the outcome.
    Your instructions to agents giving a discretionary power in the matter of temporary reservations, provisions etc. Ben interpreted to allow him to keep his Indians at their homes, if he thought he could maintain peace. This he has done, notwithstanding the whole length of his district on the east was exposed to invasion by the hostile tribes, and his Indians to be tampered with by them.
    The Indians at Coos Bay have been in corral by the sub-agent, and marshaled, enrolled and fed, at the expense of the U.S. While no chance of a connection between them and the hostile band could possibly take place, this in my view of the case is another means of tapping Uncle Sam's bank. Everybody here sees it; it is so plain as to be ridiculous. But then you will say, "This is out of your line of duties." I cannot be still notwithstanding the government have not used me as they should have done. Still while my friends are in a position to be imposed upon I must speak out. If I have done wrong have the kindness to tell me so, and I will cease to write.
    It is intended by Ben and I to come up on the steamer about 25th ult. and hope to find you at home. As Ben has business of importance to lay before you and through you to Gov. Curry, let us find you at home if possible.
Your friend
    R. W. Dunbar



Port Orford
    December 11th 1855.
Dear Genl
    With the steamer due, going down Saturday, I suppose that our accumulated mails since the 28th October will commence their journey to the States. I regret this exceedingly, as matters of interest will be necessarily delayed thereby. You will find some business in which I am personally interested that should have reached reached you long ago but for this unavoidable delay. It is necessary to say that the cause of this delay has resulted from the unprecedented storms on this coast, perhaps the greatest ever known to white men.
    Part of my communications has reference to two seemingly conflicting grounds taken by the Secretary of the Treasury and Mr. Whittlesey, which I have forwarded to you in the same envelope, with a letter explanatory of my cause of complaint. These I wish to have brought to the notice of the department as early as the nature of your engagements will allow, as it involves a sum of much importance to me. Up to this hour I have not received a dollar, nor anything relating thereto, further than the Secretary's letter, which I send to you for your information, being a clearer outline of the intentions of the department towards me than I could give you by me only writing. Please to take care of, and send those letters to me when you have done with them.
    I should be glad to hear from you and to receive any documents you may please to send me.
Your friend
    R. W. Dunbar
Hon Joseph Lane,
    Washington City
        D.C.


(Copy)
Ho. of Reps.
    Washington, Dec. 12th 1855
Hon. G. W. Manypenny
    Sir:
        You will please favor me with a tabular statement of all appropriations made by Congress for Indian purposes in Oregon since the organization of that Territory together with the amounts disbursed thereof, for what purpose, and the sums remaining yet in the Treasury, and why not paid out as per appropriation. Allow me to invite your early attention in answer of these interrogations.
Very respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Deer Creek O.T.
    Douglas County 18 December / 55
    General Joseph Lane sir after my best respects to you I am well & I hope these few lines will find you well and in good spirits. We are surrounded by savage Indians, which I have no doubt you have heard of the same before now, and the officers in the field is not worth a darn for the Indians has out-generaled them in all their attacks so far, and I have told them all I wish that you were here one month. They would not follow you and dare you for a fight as they have them. I was after a band the other day which came in west & south of me and burned 14 houses & granaries, 1 Indian killed and 26 head of horses taken from them which had been stole by them the day before. I was not in the fight or I think they would [have] been one more Indian killed. I and W. Stark were a little too late for the scene. N.B. I saw a petition the other day to Congress for Congress to appoint commissioner to assess the damage done by the Indians. I have heard some say they was damaged so much & others so much and I think if you do not select some good prominent men that won't be swayed you will see some of the hardest and the largest bill you ever seen. All men [are] out to have their just rights, but you know as soon as they have the advantage they will cry out for a large price. I hope for to hear of your name for the next President in the convention and that you will receive the nomination, for we want something to kill off what Know-Nothings we have in Oregon and I think that would do the work for them. N.B. I would like you would if not too much trouble to you you would send me a few garden seeds & one agriculture book and the news in general. So nothing more at present; all your friends is all well so far as I know. I remain your friend until death,
Thomas Owens           
General Jo Lane



Deer Creek
    Headquarters Dec 24th 1855
Hon Joseph Lane
    Sir I hasten to write you a few lines. The war drags along and in fact it has some time since become a serious matter. As you may readily suppose from your perfect knowledge of this part of Oregon, all the Indians in this and Rogue River is hostile except old Sam and his one band. I have been out all the winter so far without tent, cup or spoon and shall leave again in the morning for the head of the Coquille and west fork of Cow Creek, where I hope to find the Cow Creek Indians and clean them out. The snow is at this time from two to six feet deep on the mountains and storming every day. You can readily see what man has to endure in order to fight Indians. I have but small hopes of getting rid of the Indians until spring. In the meantime we have to watch all the mountains from Umpqua River to California or let the settlements be laid waste. For the moment anyplace is left the Indians pitches in and plays the very devil indeed. Now, Gen., we are going in; if you can't procure an appropriation to pay the expense of this war. I know you will do all you can for us, pay or no pay we have to fight and no mistake. We have already lost near one hundred men, and that is but the beginning of our loss. Now, Gen., you may rest assured that we have all the fighting we can do and rather more than we like to be compelled to do in the winter.
    Just imagine men in the snow and mud for twenty days at a time, sleeping in wet blankets, all to defend our firesides from the blamed redskins, who kills all they meet with without regard to sex, age or condition.
    This is not the time or place to ask what brought on the war; we are in for the war whilst certain gents is back by the fire crying war to the knife and the knife to the hilt. There will come a time when all these things will come out. You know my situation, compelled to leave a large family to fight Indians or let them come to my door and there fight the red devils. There can be no peace until they are all killed or nearly so, which will take a long time. Now, Gen., we all look to you to procure the means of paying of the expense of this war. If we don't have some money soon I fear it will be hard to keep the field. If we have to withdraw for the want of means to prosecute the war then Umpqua Valley will be laid waste. I will keep the field, pay or no pay, as long as I can support my family, and after that will move them to Yamhill and return to the field to remain until we get rid of the diggers.
    We must beg of Congress to furnish the monies to pay the expenses of this war. I wish you was here but for one day, that you might be an eyewitness of what is going on. Please write when you can and let us know what is doing in Congress. Your family I believe is all well.
    I am Lt. Col. of this regiment and have just received from Linn County the sword you took from Santa Anna [Martin wrote "St to Anny" or "Lt to Anny"] in Mexico and feel proud of it and will take special leave not to disgrace the sword whilst I live and will draw it for once in defense of Oregon.
    Yours truly
        Wm. J. Martin



Winchester, Doug. Co. O.T.
    Dec. 26, 1855.
Dear Gen.--
    Owing to the detention of the mails by high water, I have omitted to write you as often as I otherwise would have done. This winter has been a severe one. About forty days of rain, which has fallen incessantly, has been followed with a very large snow storm. The waters have been higher than formerly, and quite up to those of '52; in the smaller creeks it has been higher. The ground is prepared for this snow in such a manner that it will last some time. Never before have I seen here the ground so well prepared by being thoroughly frozen. Considering the devastation of the grasshoppers and the consumption of what little grain remained by the stock belonging to the volunteers, the stock will suffer exceedingly. Many must die. Our Christmas here was not "merry," but just as pleasant as circumstances could make it, not more so.
    In war matters, a word of news gossip will suffice, inasmuch as there has been no fighting. For colonel, R. Williams, familiarly known as "Bob" Williams, is elected. Mr. Mosher was his rival. Bob Williams and his friends were very free with their funds and favors. He was popular with volunteers from the south. Wm. J. Martin was chosen lieut. colonel. Dr. Drew has been appointed quartermaster general, in place of John F. Miller resigned. Stratton is Drew's clerk--also Boyd. J. F. Miller is running against Col. Ross in Jackson Co. for councilman. T'Vault is running for the House. Both of whom, that is Miller and T'Vault, will be defeated I judge from all we can get from the south. Some circumstances growing out of this war it is said will defeat them. I never knew a county so poorly provided for by active politicians, on behalf of the Democracy, as that county. Yet it is in fact Democratic--but Whig by good management--at almost every important election. The cause of the trouble is this, "that those men who made the attack near the reserve on Sunday morning, prior to the breaking out of the Indians on the following Tuesday at Wagoner's, etc.--made the attack upon Indians and squaws who were not hostile and killed them, men, women and children, which caused this war." This statement or a charge similar to it was published in the Statesman, and circulated by a few to the great annoyance of the people of Jackson County. Because some of her best citizens were in the charge, or attack, and in which Lupton was killed, every man therefore in that county is compelled to array himself on one side or the other. And most, if not quite all, have declared against the statement published in the Statesman, and have censured Bush also. Judge Deady has been blamed for entertaining similar views, or writing them. Miller is looked upon as a friend of the Statesman, and its past position, although I was informed by Dr. Drew that he denounces publicly the course it has pursued in reference to the war, and particularly the correspondent who has treated lightly the causes of the war, and censures the conduct of those volunteers who made the first attack. Miller has not been able to overcome the damage those charges produced to the Democracy, consequently Ross, it is said, will beat him badly. Why the party should be held responsible for those charges I know not. But such is the fact.
    The truth is those men who made the first attack, that in which Major Lupton was unfortunately killed, were fully justified in what they did, and are deserving of credit for it. A short time before, some men were killed on the Siskiyou Mountains by the Indians. Pursuit was made by Major Fitzgerald, a few regulars, and some citizens. No Indians were taken, but some of their encampments were found, I think some Indians seen. At all events they were traced to the ranch which was afterwards attacked, which as I have said, was made on Sunday before the outbreak. The Indians have for some time sought for a pretext for this outbreak, which is at this time a decided state of war. I have never heard of but two or three men denounce this war, or rather the cause of it. Bush has meant well, but he has been misled regarding the very important step of this whole war. He however has got right. The idea that the whites have got this war up, or that it might have been prevented, is perfect stuff. Friendly Indians I know informed the whites of this general war both north and south as early as August last. This knowledge to the settlers followed by the general and simultaneous outbreak is what caused so much excitement as first, and for the abatement of it we are more indebted to Bush than anybody else. He is the only editor that did not go into spasms.
    The election then in Jackson County will turn on the cause of the war--or the justification of it, which I think in a serious moment will appear to all as not having been disputed. People everywhere are jealous of their own interests. The war exists, and almost every man has turned over to government his horses, mules, oxen and grain, if he is not a volunteer himself, and anything that may arise to delay the payment for them would be equal to bankruptcy--or to arise to defeat the payment would be ruinous to him, to his neighbors, and to Oregon. Hence the sensitiveness. Hence it is that but one opinion exists. And hence it is that this war may actually retard the prosperity of Oregon for years. Could Congress be as prompt in making payment as the people were in making the U.S. their debtor, it would be a blessing to this people, and I have no hesitation in saying that your efforts and services will not be wanting to further their interests and their rights. Certain it is that your services were never before required in a cause where the peace, prosperity and pecuniary condition of a people were more at stake, or in danger of ruin. The fact that Oregon has to pass through this struggle has long existed, and a united effort, as of one man, is the only thing that will help Oregon through it.
    But the war still exists, yet nothing is being done in the valley except to prepare for the winter; in fact, the snow has prevented the army from participating in active service; want of clothing, want of subsistence and forage have added very much to the hardships endured by the army when last out, and which caused their return. The Indians are in the mountains, and will remain there until the weather will permit them to travel with ease and speed. Seven of them met and hailed the expressman a few days since near Wagoners' old place. They were well mounted. They asked the messenger if he was the "paper Boston," if he "potlatched paper." He told them no. They wanted to talk with him, and asked him to stop and come near them. He told them he would if they would send one of their number to talk with him. This they refused, when all pursued him. He escaped and went to Jacksonville. They knew he was the expressman as well as if they were whites; they know the mail and mail carriers. William Abbott, the mail carrier, was picked out of a party riding at full speed, and was shot at eleven times. They threatened him often, at last from a distance. There is no doubt that they have as correct an idea of the movements and intentions of the whites as they need to have--much better than that which the whites have of them. They have spies, and runners, undoubtedly. On the Coquille, 4 Indians were killed, and one hung--some houses burnt in an outbreak down there recently. Fifty men have been stationed at the mouth of the Umpqua River.
    Your family are well, that is they were but a few days since when I saw them.
    One thing I forgot, and that is since I wrote you last, or about that time, I have married. This is right, because it is natural, I know of no other ground of justification, however we were over to Mrs. Floed's to dinner a few days since, at which Mrs. Lane was present. She came in that morning from the farm, looking as healthy as usual.
    Royal P. Daniel, whom you will remember, and who is and has been your friend, requests me to send his application for bounty land to you, and state the apparent embarrassment under which it is made, which is as follows. His name is Royal P. Daniel; he was in the Black Hawk War, where he was called "Ryle Daniel." His discharge reads "Ryle" instead of "Royal." He makes his application for land as Royal P. Daniel. He has made a statement of the error, and has other proof of it as the papers show. Now what he wants is then to know if the correction is sufficient, and if you will ascertain for him? This may seem but a small matter, but to him it is considerable, and but a favor returned, which I hope he may receive if convenient at your hands.
    Some time ago I wrote to you and requested to draw on you, by paying the money at Winchester, and taking a receipt for it which I will forward to you. The amounts will be small. If this is agreeable to you, then I desire to have the Congressional Globe sent to Richard Smith Esq., Oakland, Umpqua County, O.T. Mr. Smith requested me some time since to inquire of you, and see if you would make the exchange. If you would, then to have the Globe sent to him with bill which he will cash here. Can this be done? There is no way by which money can be remitted, and the sums being so small that we are subject to individual favor for what we desire. The Congressional Globe for this Congress is what he desires to have.
    This morning--Dec. 28. Thermometer 12½ degrees below zero, with a heavy body of snow on the ground--also very much ice. No news, and nothing to talk of but the heavy storm which has just closed.
    Jesse Applegate has written to Gen. McCarver, commissary gen. etc., complaining of the illegality and unconstitutionality of his orders to steamsters [sic]. The letter is long, I am told, and closes by stating to the general his opinion of him as follows: Applegate says, "Although not entertaining an exalted opinion of your capacity to fill the station you occupy, I cannot but think that (one of steamsters named) misunderstood your order, etc."
    Applegate says or intimates that McCarver has ordered his steamsters to press forage on the road, and then in a long letter shows the unconstitutionality of such order. However, McCarver did nothing of the kind, but Jesse needed an excuse to write one of his letters, and has now got it. I hope it will be published. A copy of the letter has been sent to Bush.
    I have nothing further to write at this time. We have not heard from you since your arrival at Washington.
Yours truly
    S. F. Chadwick
To
    Hon.
        J. Lane



IMPRESSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
OF THE JOURNAL MAN
By Fred Lockley
    Recently I acquired a number of old letters and other interesting documents, among which was a letter from General Joseph Lane, Oregon's first territorial governor, dated at Washington City, January 2, 1856, and addressed to A. C. Gibbs.
    Addison C. Gibbs, Oregon's second state governor, succeeded John Whiteaker, who was governor from March 3, 1859, to September 10, 1862. Governor Gibbs was born in New York state, July 9, 1825. He graduated from the state normal school, after which he taught school, and while teaching studied law and was admitted to the bar. He went to California in 1849, but, not caring for mining, he went in the fall of 1850 to the mouth of the Umpqua River, where he laid out the townsite of Gardiner. He was the first representative from Umpqua County in the territorial legislature. He was appointed collector of customs for the Umpqua district in 1852. Moving to Portland, he was elected to the legislature in 1860 and two years later was elected governor. He died in London, England, in 1887. General Lane's letter to Governor Gibbs follows:
    "Washington City, January 2, 1856. Hon. A. C. Gibbs, Dear Sir: Your letter of the 9th October has been received. W. I. Martin has been appointed in place of Lawson. I had made up my mind to recommend Martin, before I left home. I came to this conclusion for the reason of his long residence. in the country, his devotion to Democratic principles, his honesty and his devotion to his friends. He had gone on L's bond and urged his neighbors to do likewise and in addition to this he is needy; it will help him.
    "I will be much gratified to have something done for our friend Chadwick, and will, as soon as possible. The Secretary of the Treasury has promised me to make out the nomination of our friend Winchester, and now, my friend, let me beg you to make returns often, or rather, report often, whether you have anything to report or not. Let the department know what you are doing, and they will be satisfied. I happened to be in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury, in company with Patton Anderson, when the secretary asked him to hand him the name of a suitable man in place of Ebey--that he had made up his mind to remove him. 'Why,' said Anderson, 'do you wish to remove him? I don't want him removed.' Mr. G. told him that he should remove him forthwith because he would not report. 'Well,' said Mr. A., 'he has nothing to report.' 'That is not the thing,' said Mr. Guthrie. 'I want his report, not his money, and I will have someone in the office that will report, whether he receives anything or not.' So, off went Ebey's head. Now, don't fail to report.
    "The House has not yet succeeded in electing a speaker, nor can anyone tell when this desirable object will be accomplished. The President on last Monday sent in his message. It is a first-rate message. The Black Republicans raised a devil of a fuss, or tried to do so. The President has done his duty. The message is a good one and has gone to the country and will be approved by all lovers of their country. Isms will go down. The nominee of the convention to come off at Cincinnati will be triumphantly elected and the country will be safe for four years more. Your friend, Joseph Lane."
Oregon Journal, Portland, June 25, 1938, page 4


Dayton January 5th 1856           
Hon Joseph Lane
    Dear sir--permit me to address you a few lines, and ere this reaches you you will have learned of the state of affairs in Oregon I have no doubt, and in such a conflicting a manner that you may find it difficult to make up a verdict upon the facts. The Legislature has thought proper to censure General Palmer in the most severe terms, in terms that would be unbecoming in a gentleman, much more so as coming from a legislative body. As to the premise, you know the country, the people and their habits as in the mining region and the Indian with his habits. Whether they can continue long in peace where there are no strong moral public sentiment[s] to restrain them but where the greatest incentives to vice are to be found. Intoxicating drinks like floods of water deluge the country, disport in disappointed hopes of fortune the white men, and Indian in confused amalgamation pursuing each one to gratify themselves, although marked by party lines as distinct as they are in color of their skin. And on such a state of things how is it possible to avoid the calamities of war. And then to charge that Palmer is the whole cause of the war is an act of as great injustice as if they were to charge him with being the cause of there being gold found in the Indian country and making it a crime. But General Palmer ain't alone under censure by the Legislature, all the offenses of the government have their passion meted out to the Governor Stevens of Washington Territory, General Wool of the army all have their passion, yourself not excepted, nor is this all but it seems to be the province of this legislature to excite the public mind to a spirit of extermination of the Indians and a surplantment of all the present offenses of the government. Here this state of things together with the burning of the statehouse at Salem and the loss of the territorial library in connection with the circumstances of that disaster seems to look toward the spirit of seventeen hundred and ninety-two and three of the French people as well as the greatest injustice and inhumanity toward the Indian to contrast the past with the present when the Indian had the power, to say nothing of the right at least to object and expel the white man from their country. I say how strikingly it contrasts, the one driven from all that he has and no place to go to by a power which he can't resist and which they admitted in their midst with the doctrine sounding in their ears that might make[s] right, and is this the return that the white man makes to the Indian for his forbearance? The Indian might ask for what were governments instituted if it were not to protect the weak from the aggression of the strong, and yet this doctrine is proclaimed on the floor of legislative council. But there is justice in the great American heart, and I ask you sir to save our country from such a foul blot upon its national history. Stain it not with such injustice, but let it go down to posterity in living proof that a free people are a just people and that their strength is in their love of justice, virtue and intelligence, having been guided by their sentiments to unparalleled prosperity. Let us not abandon them now in accordance with this view of the subject. I must say in all truth that I conceive that General Palmer is doing nothing but what I think the government in the possession of all the facts would heartily justify. The present point of difficulty between Palmer and the Legislature is the bringing of the friendly Indians from the Umpqua Valley over on the coast reservation, the object of General Palmer so to have the friendly Indians separated from the hostile ones, as the friendly ones can't be secure there; the hostile Indians will kill them. And the volunteers breathe the spirit of extermination, indiscriminately, friend and foe, male and female, old and young. We have been in a perfect state of frenzy for which there has been no justification, and I don't know how to account for it. The whole country has been a scene of the greatest agitation, but I am happy to say to you that it is becoming quiet and there is a reaction rapidly coming on, and I hope for the credit of Oregon that such a scene may never arise again. Please send me some of your surplus books for Clatsop County. I should like to have the Census, secretary reports, maps or what may be convenient. Small favors thankfully received, large ones in proportion. My voice is for Palmer, as will be the people.
Yours truly
    Joseph Jeffers



Salem, January 19th 1856.           
To His Excellency
    Geo. L. Curry
        Governor of the Terry. of Oregon
Dear sir:
    In compliance with your personal request, I hasten to give you such information as I possess. Much of the information that you desire is not in my possession, and in fact there is no means of obtaining the same.
    The first murder was in May last on Indian Creek, which occasioned considerable excitement. In the last of May, or first of June, John's band of Indians killed Philpot on Deer Creek. A few days afterwards the same band killed Dyer and McCue near the ferry on Applegate River. In July the Indians killed some seventeen persons on the Klamath and Humbug rivers, whose names I have not been able to obtain. On the 2nd of September Fields and Cunningham were killed on the Siskiyou Mountains, and 12 or 15 head of oxen; Sept. 3rd, Warner was killed on Cottonwood. In September Keene was killed some six miles from the Mountain House, and another man wounded; 8th of October Lupton and Shepard were killed; 9th of October, Goen. [sic] W. Hamilton, Isaac Skelton, Hague and a man name not known, John P. Jones and his wife, Samuel Belcher, Cartwright, Mrs. Wagoner and daughter, Mr. Harris, one other man, name not known, Frank Reed, Mr. Haines, Mrs. Harris and daughter [sic--they survived]; 10th of October, Saml. Grahame, John B. Powell and George Fox; 17th of October, Picket, Saunders, Ben Taft, J. D. Adams and John, a Chinaman; 18th of October, a Spaniard near Mooney's ranch; 23rd of October, Bailey and Charley Johnson; 30th of October, Mr. Wiley on Althouse. In Jany. 1856 Martin Angel, Hull and Dr. Myers.
    The foregoing is a correct list of those persons that were killed, except those that were killed in battle. There is but little doubt that many murders have been committed of which I have no information. The Indians also report that they have two white women prisoners and it is probable that they have. If so it is conjectured that they are Mrs. Harris and daughter, or Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Wagoner.
    In the meantime should I obtain any further information it will give me pleasure to inform you at an early period.
Very respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        W. G. T'Vault



LETTER FROM GEN. LANE.
Washington City, Feb. 3, 1856.       
    John O. Waterman, Esq.--Dear Sir:--The Hon. N. P. Banks of Massachusetts has, by virtue of the plurality rule, been elected Speaker by 3 votes over Aiken of South Carolina. This is the first time in the history of our country that a Speaker has been elected upon sectional grounds--may we hope that it is the last--I would that we could think so. Every man who voted for him is Black Republican; and seventy-five out of the hundred and three who voted for him are Know Nothings. Thus we see the workings of this secret midnight organization. Through their wigwams many abolitionists got into Congress that could not otherwise have reached there, and we have the result.
    The Democrats behaved nobly and are entitled to all praise. They have left a glorious record--no dodging--but a strict adherence to principle throughout this protracted struggle. We will have a clear record to go before the people in the coming contest for the Presidency. We have much to cheer us on--victory and the Union. How can we be defeated when it is apparent that the prosperity of the Union depends upon our success? Already the people in the free states see the mistake they made in '54 and are anxiously waiting an opportunity to correct it. It may therefore be set down as certain that the nominee of the Convention to come off in Cincinnati will be elected; mark this.
    I shall endeavor to pass a law for paying volunteers and expenses of our war with the Indians as soon as possible. I hope and trust that Kelly and his command are safe. I believe they are safe, for I do not believe that the Indians can defeat his force, composed as they are of Oregonians. I shall therefore say that I know he is not defeated.
    The weather for the last six weeks has been terrible cold, and is now as cold as it ought to be in Canada.
    Your friend        JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, March 15, 1856, page 2


Rogue River Indian War Proclamation

Port Orford, Oregon
    February 15th 1856
Dear Genl Lane,
    By last mail I received the message and other documents for which please accept my thanks. The message is an excellent document, and is worthy of a Democratic President. It is well received here.
    I think that it would be well to send to the following gentlemen documents. S. H. Lount, Peter Ruffner, John W. Sutton, R. H. Smith, J. Edson, Benj. Wright, Lieut. Jno. J. Chandler, of Port Orford. Also Major Reynolds and Mr. Blakeney, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Dodge, Mr. Dean, Capt. Davis, Mr. Flannegan and Jno. O'Brian,who get their mail matter at Port Orford, and when convenient a few in package, which I could distribute.
    Perhaps I may be thought to meddle in matters in which I have no concern, but I cannot refrain from speaking of things brought to my notice daily. I mean in reference to our relations with the Indians. On the coast we are at peace, though the war party of the south are known to be quartered about 50 miles from us. The certainty of this requires the most active vigilance on the part of the agents of the Indian department amongst us, while we are thus situated, liable and exposed to the danger of the now-peaceable Indians becoming disaffected towards the whites from their close proximity to the war parties. Lawless whites, who are more disposed to abuse the defenseless Indians amongst us than to meet those whose arms are raised against the whites, are constantly maltreating civil, peaceable Indians. All, or nearly all of the present difficulties in Oregon, north and south, may be traced to this cause. We have a low, miserable set of white men among us who prey upon the Indians, coax, buy or steal their women, and if they refuse they are beaten and abused. Many Indians beg for redress, and reason thus: "What would white men say if we took in this way their wives or daughters?" And, strange to say, many white men sanction or wink at this conduct, though there are some who do not. Two days ago 3 or 4 men who belong to a volunteer company, officers commissioned by the gov., came in from their camp on business, got into a drunken spree with others, went to a peaceable Indian's ranch and tried to take the squaws, and upon a refusal the head of the ranch was beaten. He applied to the fort for protection. Maj. Reynolds, U.S.A. promptly sent a file of men and warned the rowdies that he would put them in irons if they were found again in a like predicament.
    On the day previous some of the same, with others in a like condition, fell on an unoffending boy (an Indian), beat him and ran him out of town with clubs and a drawn pistol in the hand of one I am told holding the office of commissary in said volunteer company. Of course no great damage was done, as the boy got off as fast as he could, but what an example is this to the Indians, who are told that the white man is his friend. And what inducements for him to join the party now so successfully at war with the whites. The class above referred to act out the worst principles of their natures and seem to regard the Indian as having no rights. These lawless white men are running riot over the country, and are many of them throwing obstacles in the way of the removal of the Indians to the reservation selected for them, because they will be forbidden to go upon the reservation. Why, sir, it is a matter of serious concern that nearly every single man in this part of Oregon is living openly with squaws. It is lamentable, when every man of cool reflection knows that one of the principal causes of our present Indian difficulties grow out of this lawless conduct. A few of us the other day declared against the maltreatment of the Indians, but it was by others hushed up. Nothing is doing with the warlike tribes south, all are quietly lying still. I do hope that these coast tribes may be allowed to go onto the reservation at an early day.
Your friend
    R. W. Dunbar



"Confidential"
Port Orford, Oregon
    Feby 22nd 1856
Dear Genl,
    Since I last wrote you, Capt. Tichenor has returned from Salem; from him I learn that Congress has been memorialized, recommending that Coos Bay be made a port of entry. My opinion is that it is wholly unnecessary for a change to be made in this district, that no other member knew or cared whether such an act was passed or not, and that it was done solely with a view to his individual interest.
    As is seen by their acts, the members of that legislature did little else than parcel out the offices held by other Democrats, and lay places for the creation of new ones for themselves.
    Coos Bay I have already represented in as favorable a light to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury as its merits deserve. A small trade is done at Empire City. The coal mines, though extensive, are not attracting a very extended notice from men of capital. The coal company made arrangements, with gentlemen of San Francisco for a steam tug, to ply upon the bay and bar, for which certain landed interests were to be given. Also a certain tonnage tax, for towage etc. Early in January those parties brought a "steam tug," which upon trial proved unseaworthy, consequently another delay in the facility of their business must ensue. Add to this, the people of Coos Bay had no petition asking the change, and the absence of mail convenience at Coos, rendering it impossible for prompt correspondence between that place and the department is an obstacle. But, sir, waiving all these considerations, should the memorial referred to meet with favor by Congress, then I have a word to say as to the fitness of Capt. Tichenor for the post. It must be fresh in the minds of many that said Tichenor while owning a vessel on the Pacific coast, and at the mouth of Columbia River, in perfect disregard of the duties of the officers of the customs, and in violation of the revenue laws of the U.S., asserted the outlaw's authority by "slipping cable," putting to sea, and carrying off the proper officers of the customs, thus setting at defiance the laws of the U.S.
    At a later day, since my arrival within this district, he has voluntarily admitted to me that he had followed smuggling, on this coast, and that he would do it again. At another time, in a private conversation he used the following language to me: "You want to make some money, I suppose."--"I know how it can be done."--"Will you engage in it?" To which I replied that "If the scheme would not compromise me or my oath as an officer of the government, or a citizen--I say yes." Then he added that "No law would be violated or oath compromised, that it was a case only in which Congress had neglected to legislate." I asked what it could be then. I was asked at once, "Are you a Mason?" I said "No, I am an Odd Fellow," at which he hauled off, under promise to lay his plans before me. Up to this time I am in the dark as to the intended developments, which may have been but a visionary notion of his. Still those who know the man believe him competent for any lawless act.
    Further evidences of Tichenor's recklessness can be given, of his conduct in connection with the Indian department, to some of which I was a witness and stand ready whenever called upon to verify by oath or otherwise.
    You will excuse me for the liberty I haven taken in addressing you on this subject, as you know me
    Your friend
        R. W. Dunbar
To Hon Joseph Lane
    Washington



Port Orford Feb 22nd 1856           
Genl Joseph Lane
    Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt through your kind consideration of some public documents. Rest assured your kindness will not soon be forgotten.
    Genl., allow me to trouble you still further. I understand there is now in contemplation a move to organize a new regt.of mounted rangers for frontier duty, said regt. to be enlisted on this coast. I would like much a lieut. commission in such a regt., for a frontier life is what suits me.
    I came to California in 1849 as a member of Col. J. D. Stevenson's regt. Since that time with the exception of the last two years I have led a monotonous life. For the last two years I have been merchandising at this place.
    I accompanied Capt. Geo. B. McClellan in 1853 on the expedition of the northern rail route from Fort Vancouver to Fort Colville. I say with pride I believe I gave satisfaction. Should the regt. be formed I believe you can procure me the appointment I ask.
    As reference allow me to refer you to R. W. Dunbar, collector at this fort, Capt. Geo. B. McClellan and Lieut. Joseph Mintu of the army, Col. Nesmith, Judge Williams, Mr. B. F. Harding, Capt. Wm. Tichenor and Capt. B. Wright of this place.
    Trusting you will give this your kind consideration I have the honor to
Sign myself
    Your obt servt
        S. H. Lount



Corvallis March 1st 1856
Sir
    Yours of Feby. 20th with a copy of Capt. Wygant's letter is before me. In reply I have to say that Mr. Flett told me to contract for the transportation of two hundred or two hundred and fifty Indians, that the Indians would be ready to go in about ten days from the time he was here. On your instructions to him and his word for the number to be taken I contracted (verbally) with Capt. Wygant to take them at $2.50 per head, a much smaller rate than I could have contracted for only 100 head.
    On Theodoris finding that there was but 100 or less he refused to take them unless myself and Doc Wright would agree to use our endeavors to procure the payment of $400 for the trip. I told him I would write to you advising you of the circumstances which I did, but suppose the letter was miscarried, as you say you have recd. nothing on the subject. Now I think under the circumstances that the $400 should be paid, as I know he refused freight, supposing the full number of Indians would be on hand, and also the Indians could not at that time [have] been taken by land for less money. I hope you will think in your judgment that a settlement with Capt. Wygant will be best. I don't wish to be compromised in the matter. I did what I thought for the best, and my word in a contract I hold more sacred than a deed. I hope you and him will be able to come to a settlement.
Yours truly
    Nat. H. Lane
Joel Palmer
    Supt. Indian Affrs.
Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, No. 81.



Deer Creek March 3 1856           
Dear Genl
    An express has just reached here from Crescent City bringing us the sad news that the Indians made an attack upon the miners at the mouth of Rogue River on the 23rd February and killed over twenty persons, among whom was special Indian agent Capt. Benj. Wright. He fell at last by the hands of that foe whom he has fought so long.
    The news of this outbreak has created considerable alarm here for the safety of those white people who live along the coast between the mouth of Rogue River and the mouth of the Umpqua. They are in a measure destitute of arms and ammunition, and if these Indians once pass Port Orford I think they will desolate the entire coast, as there are at present no organized troops in that part of the country.
    Brig. Genl. Lamerick sent what men he had south today. Lieut. Col. Martin went to Cow Creek last week. Three companies have arrived here from the Willamette, one from Umpqua, and one from this county. The Genl. is very anxious to raise men to send down the coast.
    The war has now become general, and of a most serious nature requiring all the men and means that the people of Oregon have at their command. I must say, however, there has been a most commendable spirit manifested by the citizens, both soldiery and capitalist. Through the whole war men have come forward, and those having property to dispose of have at all times been willing to sell it on such terms as the proper office could offer. But I fear notwithstanding the patriotism of the people, if the Indians continue to enlarge their field of devastation that the entire population of Oregon will not be sufficient to keep the enemy in check without being able to conquer or subdue them.
    I suppose you have seen by the public prints that J. W. Drew has been appointed quartermaster general. I will also say that R. E. Stratton holds the appointment of asst. quartermaster genl. Mr. S. is here now. I see Mr. S. F. Chadwick a few days ago; he has opened a law office in Winchester. He spoke most kindly of you. I spent a month with our friend Gibbs this winter, an honest man and proud Democrat. "Uncle Ben," I mean Mr. B. Brattain Esq., shouldered  his rifle and enlisted, the first man in Umpqua County, and has been in the service ever since, a true patriot and an honest man. I am like many others at this time in the employ of government at this place. Genl. Lamerick will go south in a day or two. He means to give the Indians battle the first opportunity.I hope to hear from you soon.
I remain your
    Friend T. D. Winchester




Roseburg O.T. March 3rd 1856
Dear Sir
    I arrived here yesterday and found the volunteers en route for south of the Canyon, one company starting today. Genl. Lamerick has been busy in stationing the forces at several important points, keeping open the roads, and preparing for a fight. The volunteers express a great desire for fight and seem more sanguine of success than ever before.   
    Capt. Chapman's command is now in the street and has just given three lion-voiced cheers for Genl. Lamerick, to which the Genl. responded in a brief though appropriate manner. I find my department in a tolerable condition. I was fortunate in obtaining such supplies in Corvallis as was required.
    The Whigs and  KN's south are making some objections to Lamerick and myself.
    It is said that Belt is still claims [sic] and is Surgeon Genl. and you do not intend to remove Belt. This babble I do not regard but intend to discharge my duties impartially to the best of my abilities, consulting economy and general comfort and employing men of known capacity.
    In making appointments in all cases party friends will be regarded first if competent, but as yet few such men have been found. In fact I have found but two Democratic surgeons in the Territory. There is a rumor that Sam, chief of the Rogue River Indians, has been attacked on his way to the Grand Ronde Reservation, before reaching the Canyon, but the reports need confirmation. Sam was escorted by 100 regulars.
    I shall leave for Fort Leland tomorrow to establish a hospital at that point, as it will be more contiguous to the field of battle, should there be a battle where it is anticipated.
With high consideration I have
    The honor to be very resp.
        Your obt. servt.
            M. C. Barkwell
                Surgeon Genl. O.T.
His Excellency
    Geo. L. Curry
        Gov. O.T.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 3, Document 856.




Commissary Genl Office
    Company's Department
        Portland March 10th 1856
Dear sir
    The express is just in from the south and brings most startling news in relation to the Indian massacres between Port Orford and Crescent City. An extra from the Crescent City Herald states that the two Indian agents Wright and McGuire together with some twenty or more persons are known to have been massacred by bands of Indians on the coast hitherto regarded as friendly and numbering as stated in the extra about three hundred and sixty warriors. They have two white women as prisoners. Their success in this last outbreak has enabled them to arm themselves with guns and pistols, as the arms of Capt. Poland's company, who has been cut off, had forty-odd guns, and were generally provided with revolvers, all of which fell into their hands. They have also taken three stores where powder was kept. At last accounts the work of destruction was still going on and houses in flames. God knows where it will end! Genl. Lamerick of the southern division has called upon Govr. Curry for further volunteer forces. I am not advised yet what will be the response of the gov., though from present indications should he call for reinforcements, there is good ground for believing that the people of the territory would be loath to respond to his call, not from any disrespect to Gov. Curry, or for want of patriotism, but simply because they have through force had the burdens of the war thrown upon them by those whose duty it was to at least render them assistance, but who instead thereof have assailed and misrepresented them in the California papers, in the most vindictive and villainous manner that their high polished "West Point" education would allow them until the poor beggarly volunteer who is only allowed by our legislature (they having assumed the war debt) $2 per day, are offering them discharges daily in the streets for 25 cts. to 30 cts. on the dollar, and this is not the cash value for all the scrip issued by the company and quartermaster's department. Such is the value of the war claims of Oregon, on account of Genl. Wool's opposition to the volunteer forces and to the genl. govt. paying them for their more than successful winter campaign. Had Genl. Wool placed part of the 9th Regiment at Port Orford in the vicinity of the southern hostile tribes of Indians, or sent them into southern Oregon (where there was an abundance of all necessary supplies) for the protection of our citizens and the overawing of the tribes that were professing friendship, he might have made some show towards terminating the war. But the ball has now just opened and we shall have a war now for several years, and no mistake, and a much more bloody one than that of Florida, or there is nothing in the signs of the times. So far as the protection of our citizens by the regular forces, since the war has commenced is concerned they had better have been in Kamchatka, for then no harm could have been done to those who were willing to protect us. But as Genl. Wood is becoming daily convinced that perhaps there is a little war in Oregon, he may yet do good service and retrieve in some measure his lost reputation in this region: At least so I hope. The regular troops are now being moved in the direction of The Dalles and I learn will reach the Walla Walla and Yakima country by the middle of April. Col. Wright who is all right with the volunteers, has on the receipt of the news of the massacre at Port Orford dispatched one company of his regiment, all he could spare, to their assistance, but they are unfortunately yet detained at the mouth [of] the Columbia River on the steamer Republic. Unless we can have more assistance than we have at present or more encouragement that we are in the discharge of our duty while in the volunteer service, we had better abandon the country to the Indians and grasshoppers, as they are in a good way to take it.
I am very respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        W. W. McCarver
            Com Gen
                O M V
Genl Jo. Lane
    House Representatives
        Washington
            D.C.


By the Governor of Oregon
A Proclamation
    Whereas; in consequence of the renewed and continued attacks of hostile Indians upon the settlements in the southern counties of the territory, and the present force in the service in that quarter being deemed inadequate to successfully repel those attacks and to afford such protection as has been petitioned for and is essential to the safety and welfare of our citizens, it is judged advisable to increase the force already in the field by an additional battalion of three companies of mounted volunteers, expressly for service in southern Oregon. The gallantry and patriotism of the people have sustained the territory under the most trying circumstances, and it is confidentially believed that in the present emergency the same commendable spirit will be displayed as heretofore in the prompt enrollment of the companies called for. Time is pressing, and the utmost dispatch is desirable to enable Gen. Lamerick's command to be completely successful. This proclamation is therefore issued asking for three companies of volunteers to serve for three months, unless sooner discharged, each company to be composed of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, and sixty privates. Each volunteer to furnish his own horse, arms and equipments. Each company to elect its own officers, and the battalion to be entitled to elect one major to command.
    The following named counties are expected to make up these companies and the gentlemen hereinafter named to act as enrolling officers:
Marion County                     one company Capt. A. M. Fellows
Polk County                            "           "        Hon. Fred. Waymire
Lane and Benton Counties     "           "        E. L. Massey
Linn County                             "           "        Hon. H. L. Brown
    The companies as they are organized will report to the Adjutant General at Corvallis. Citizens of exposed localities in the southern counties should organize into companies for the protection of their several settlements, to be as "minute men" for special service as circumstances may require. Should the emergency demand the temporary employment of such companies of "minute men," the captains will report such service to the Adjutant General of the territory. The company of Capt. Thomas Whitted in the vicinity of Canyonville, Douglas County, will be so considered, as well as that [of] Capt. W. H. Harris of Empire City, Coos County. Such munitions of war as are at the command of the executive of the territory have been forwarded to the counties of Curry and Coos, in accordance with the prayer of sundry petitions from the people of said counties, and such practicable measures taken as may tend to their future security and welfare.
Geo. L. Curry                                       
Given under my hand, at Salem, in
the Territory of Oregon, this 11th day of
March A.D. 1856.
    By the Governor
        B. F. Harding
            Secretary of the Territory of
                Oregon


Port Orford, O. T.
    March 15th 1856
Dear Genl. Lane,
    I wrote you some days since in regard to the Indian difficulties around us. No further intelligence has been received from the fort at the mouth of Rogue River, except that in an exchange of prisoners our people recovered Mrs. Geisel, infant and daughter 12 years old! Whether the little band in [the] fort have since been reduced or not we have no means of knowing. They are in a fort built of "grass sods" breast high.
    120 men from Garrison here, under command of Maj. Reynolds, left yesterday for Rogue River to form a junction with other U.S. forces at the mouth of Illinois Creek, with the view of hemming in the war party of savages now in force at the mouth of Rogue River and to prevent their escape to the mountains. If they are successful in this movement I think a speedy termination may be put to this war south. The Indians are commanded by a Canadian French man named Aeneas, formerly of Hudsons Bay notoriety--the fellow who once traveled over California with Fremont.
    A letter was shown me some days ago addressed to you, asking a military commission by S. H. Lount of this place. I was referred to. I am sorry to say that I cannot back the recommendation in any manner.
Your friend
    R. W. Dunbar



Rogue River March the 16th 1856       
General Lane dear sir
    It may not be amiss notwithstanding my limited acquaintance with you to favor you with a few lines. Since I returned home from the Legislature upon reflection I thought it could not be out of place to remind you of some of the business entrusted to you from this region of Oregon in which the citizens here are most deeply interested, and there ought by rights to be paid, as many of them have been since '53 in a suffering condition, having had their all destroyed by the Indians.
    There is the memorial for the liquidation of the spoliation claims of the Rogue River War of 1853, also a memorial for the payment of the volunteers under Capt. Jesse Walker out on the plains to assist the emigrant etc. and last though not least a memorial for the relief of John Q. Tabor, who was wounded last fall before the date of our now existing war. I was one of the party when Mr. Tabor was wounded and know the facts set forth in the memorial to be correct and as he would be unprovided for by any law now existing I hope you will urge his claims as a pensioner. I might further state for your satisfaction that at that time we did not know that it was the intention of the Indians to be hostile. Our intention was to go to their camp and demand the horse they had stolen and not to molest them unless they showed hostilities, but as their camp was in the thick fir timber, and we was approaching it on a side that was open, they saw us and fired on us first. I then ordered the boys to take the timber that they occupied, which we did, and killed 2 of them, but in routing them from that place we only drove them into a stronghold where they had all advantage of us. This was about 250 yards from their camp. I saw that they had about 3 times our number and all the advantage so far as position was concerned and ordered the boys to get in a position for defense, but before they had time to execute the order we had one man killed and 2 wounded. One of [the] wounded was only stunned, the ball striking just outside of the corner of his eye and passing above his ear leaving the skull naked for about 2 inches. He was helpless and senseless for some time. He has got entirely well. Tabor was only about 10 steps from me when he was shot directly below where I was on the hillside. Our charge was up the hill, but we had passed a part of the Indians who had dropped off in the brush while the main body ran to the top of the hill. I had taken a tree for protection, but seeing Tabor bleeding to death from his arm, the artery being cut, he fainted and fell from loss of blood and the Indians approaching at every opportunity. And right at this critical time 3 of the men took fright, believe[ing] their fate was sealed if they stayed longer and left, leaving but 12 of us that was living and 2 of them wounded and nothing but the promptest and most daring act could save them. At this moment I left my tree with a man by the name of Hedden for the rescue of Tabor where he lay helpless on the ground. We got him and then commenced a retreat, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the men could be kept in a position for defense, there being but 6 left now to fight, as it took 2 to each of the wounded men. The Indians, seeing our position, seemed determined to take us. They was always ready at every point to take advantage of us, and at one point there we had a branch to cross and a steep hill to rise that had but one tree on it in the vicinity where we was. They opened on us from the other hillside, and strange to say out of some 50 shots we received no further injury though they made the little rocks bound around us, but we did not forget that we had a tree on our side. We crowded close by it and left a man who had a good gun and was an excellent marksman. We had not gone far before he got a shot and I had the satisfaction of seeing the red devil turn a somersault which appeared to throw them into confusion and stopped their pursuit. This was on the 2 day of Sept. 1855, something over a month sooner than our war is dated from and is a true statement of the commencement of it. I have wrote this that you might know something of the justness of Tabor's claims and I hope that he may be cared for by Congress if others of our citizens should be neglected, for they are able to work; he is not.
    I have received some public documents from you, for which I am obliged, and for which you will receive my thanks.
Thomas Smith                   



Jacksonville O.T.
March 20th 1856.
Hon. Joseph Lane--
Dear sir:
    This will be handed you by my friend Elijah Moore of Scotts Valley, California, who will visit his friends in Pennsylvania and Washington City next summer.
    I have given him a power of attorney to collect the balance due me under the act of the 17th of July 1854, according to the decision of the Secretary of War. The tobacco I suppose will not be paid for unless you can get a special act passed to pay it. I think equity and justice requires that it should be paid. I have also drawn drafts in favor of Mr. Moore for all of the balance due me for supplies furnished in the Rogue River Indian War of 1853, except the tobacco.
    Mr. Moore is one of the firm of E. McCarty and Co. who furnished considerable quartermaster stores in the R.R. War and there is a balance still due them for hospital stores. I hope you will assist him in getting his claim and mine both paid. He is a young California bachelor of high moral worth and sterling integrity. Any kind favors shown him will be reciprocated by him, and gratefully acknowledged by
Your humble
    Servant
        B. F. Dowell



Jackson Co O Ty
    March 21st 1856
My Dear Genl
    As you do not write to me I must write to you.
    To let you know, I have my scalp yet although I've had some close calls for it. Our country is still the scene of bloodshed, and we have no prospect of peace as yet, for the Indians have had the best of every fight yet. Oh, General, I wish you was here. I think there would be something done, for the people have confidence in you, more than any other man in the territory. We have at the head of our army one J. K. Lamerick, whom you are well acquainted with. The people and officers and men have no confidence in him, and there is a general dissatisfaction and the Indians not whipped. You have lost a many a good friend by the red devils in this country, among the rest Martin Angel, my neighbor. Now, General, please drop us a line once in a while, for we are always anxious to hear from you, and now Oregon's whole salvation depends upon your efforts in having this war paid. And among the many things that you have to call for do not forget the spoliation of '53, for among others I am interested slightly.
             

General
    Allow me to present to you my friend Elijah Moore, in whom you will find a gentleman and any kind favors shown him will be reciprocated by
    Your humble
        Servant
            John E. Ross


    I have had the pleasure of believing my friends or supposed to be such at Salem would deem it a pleasure to have the opportunity to confer upon me a favor, but if correctly posted up in regard [to] matters there, I have only to regret thanking aloud my friends to ask for my service as surgeon, since the Southern pillar of the Democratic Party has endeavored to brand me as a Know-Nothing.
    Having believed that the above pillar or Democratic standard by which the members thereof are gauged has been in the habit of taking a horizontal position in the gutter with Capt. Hall, my being destitute of this and many other alike qualifications I am weighed and found wanting and of course have nothing further to ask. Since we are all free born and of lawful age to vote being sound in mind and member we can serve as high privates.
    Let me be as free as they are that moves, performs and [are] known under the tongue of good report, rather than sacrificed to the shrine of party, or serve under General Aesculapius and his old backers.
    I have just reached Jacksonville and find that Barkwell has been misrepresenting matters in a most shameful manner for the purposes of working upon the sympathies of and misleading the citizens for the purpose of getting them to sign a remonstrance to counter the influence of the portion praying for the service of Barkwell, which has just been forwarded to the Governor. Unless said B. is so removed, it will serve to break up the Democratic Party in the south, as the more substantial portion of the party have thrown him off.
J. Braman
Jacksonville March 24 / 56
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 2, Document 619.



Deer Creek March 26th 56               
Hon Jo Lane
    Dear sir, times here have been so fluctuating since you left that I have never written I shall now give you a few items of what is going on.
    In the first place we have got a destructive Indian war. The devils keep in small bands dodging from hilltop to canyon, and in that way evade the pursuit of five times their number. So it is seldom they are seen unless when they see fit.
    You are so familiar with the country they inhabit; a description from me is unnecessary. Suffice it to say the scenes are in the Cow Creek, Grave Creek, Jump Off Joe and Rogue River mountains.
    The express arrived last night with news of a pack train being taken, four men killed, at or near Vannoy's Ferry. Five Indians were killed. The whites are gaining ground. [The] two last actions they have been victorious. The Indians have taken within 4 days 40 pack animals, 10 head of horses, 30 head of cattle and burned two houses and one barn. They took the horses, cattle and done the burning in 18 Mile Prairie.
    30 men pursued 70 Indians and run them out of the valley, killing one Indian and wounding several. On Cow Creek the whites [who] were pursuing the Indians had found three dead ones so you know it was a tolerable hot chase. The whites had one killed, several slightly wounded; among the wounded was Jim Burns.
    The matter of money I mentioned to you last fall I have deferred until now. If my brother from Delaware, Ohio should draw an order on you for one hundred dollars $100 you will much oblige me by letting him have the money on it, and I will pay it to your family or [Mr.] Floed by the first of June. My brother's name is Norman D. Perry; his residence is Delaware, Delaware Co., Ohio.
    If I should be able to spare more before you come home I will deposit it with your family and direct my brother to draw on you for it to the amount of four hundred dollars in all. It is for my sister that the money is to be used, which she needs.
    One week from Monday we hold an election for convention. We are doing all that lies in our own power to gain it, which I think we shall do. It is our only salvation.
    Martin's commission has come on as receiver of the land office. He got the bond filled without any difficulty and could have got as much more.
    We are looking forward with much anxiety for the President's nomination with considerable speculation on where it will fall.
    It is generally thought here that had you have been here to take the field at the head of the volunteers our Indian war would have ended long ago. God grant it may soon be done.
    The expenses of the war is reaching far beyond what was anticipated in the first start, but yet we cannot anticipate the end of it. No more at present.
I remain your
    Most obedient
        Svt
            Wm. T. Perry
Hon. Jo. Lane


 Jacksonville March [1856]
Gen. Jo Lane
        Dear Sir
                I received your favor of Jany. 11th for which I return you my best thanks. I have just arrived from a trip to Willamette (Corvallis). I had the pleasure of spending a few pleasant evenings with your family at Winchester. We celebrated Simon's birthday in due form. Your folks is all well and doing well Cap. Mosher included. Uncle Billy I met going down, I understood he was appointed receiver. That will suit him better than to be a soldier.
    I met Dr. Ambrose at Applegate's with Sam's people. [The column reached Jesse Applegate's house on March 13, 1856.] Ere this they have reached near their new homes I think it is a good move. The volunteers under Genl. Lamerick is still very inefficient to suppress the Indians; the people have but little hopes of their doing any good. It would be a great deal better for the country and the government if they would send us men enough and take the job in their own hands then it would be but a short one.
    Cap. Smith has gone down Rogue River with 150 men all on foot to meet Col. Buchanan and his men 200 at some point. Much good may they do.
    Convention or no, from what I have learned (no) by a small majority slavery prevails. I observe you have at last got a Speaker. Better late than never. I hope you will all make the best of it you can, and not weary in well doing.
    I hope the people in Washington will not overlook this remote corner of the world. Tell them we have no railway, have our steamboats hence the necessity of good roads for there is great room for improvements, that you know. The Indian spoliation bill of '53 I hear nothing about the payment of, that would do good to us now for what with a dry winter and supporting a force of volunteers we are nearly run ashore some are in hopes that a something will be done for us this Congress to defray some of the present expenses. We have full confidence in you, all we ask is for you to do your best.
    The weather still keeps dry and fears are entertained for the crops.
    I have wrote to Mr. Gaylord to send to you for the money.
    I have got my farm back again in its old shape.
    We hope to hear from you again soon and may you succeed in your efforts and keep good health is the wish of many. No further news of any importance.
From your sincere friend
    and well wisher
        John Anderson
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.



"Fort Miners"
    Gold Beach, O.T. April 7, 1856
To the Hon. Genl Joseph Lane
    Washington, D.C.
    We take the liberty to address you at this time in reference to matters pertaining to the interests of all persons who have been sufferers by the recent Indian outbreak in this territory and district, believing that your experience and the deep interest always manifested by you upon all occasions to redress the grievances of its citizens and point out the speediest as well as the most satisfactory course for us to pursue will meet with that prompt and efficient action from you that the case demands. On the 23rd, 24th and 25th Feby. last the Indians of this district raised the war cry of extermination against the whites, massacring large numbers of men and children and carrying helpless females off captive, burning and destroying houses, merchandise and in fact everything that it was feasible for them to destroy, also killing and driving off nearly all our stock, horses, mules, oxen, cows etc. etc. in this section of the country. The Indians were under the supervision of an Indian agent appointed by Genl. Palmer, and a treaty concluded by Genl. Palmer no longer ago than last August bound the Indians to an observance of its requirements. We for a long time apprehended an outbreak and frequently solicited assistance, but our appeals were never responded to. The fearful time came [that] our fears were more than realized, and many, very many, of us are reduced to extreme want, and circumstances require that the speediest as well as the most advantageous course should be pointed out to us. We know of no one so qualified by a long residence with us or so willing to assist us in our misfortunes. And then [illegible--one word's worth of paper missing] is to you we look for advice. Government without an assisting power is tardy in administering justice, yet we believe in her magnanimity. It has been suggested that commissioners would be appointed and selected from the residents of the district when the property was destroyed and supposed to be familiar with the losses sustained, thereby being enabled from their own knowledge of the facts and such other testimony as would be required to render such awards as would indemnify the sufferer for his losses.
    Will you have the kindness to give this your early attention and point out to us the speediest manner to bring our claims before the proper tribunal for adjustment.
Please to accept
    Assurances of high esteem
        Very respectfully
            Yours etc.
                Alex. Sutherland
                S. B. Blake
                Dennis Tryon
                Isaac Warwick


No. 13
Oregon Mounted Volunteers
Jacksonville, O.T. April 9th 1856
Commissary Department
    To H. A. Overbeck
Dr.
    1856
February 27: 526 lbs.   Five hundred and twenty-six pounds of Bacon @ fifty cents per                                         pound: $263.00  Two hundred and sixty-two Dollars.

Oregon Mounted Volunteers
Jacksonville, O.T. May 10th 1856
Commissary Department
    To H. A. Overbeck
Dr.
    1855
December 12th: 16 Sixteen pounds Candles $25 per pound: $32.
        "             "   : 50 Fifty pounds of soap 50 cents per pound [page torn away]
        "             "   : 20 Twenty pounds Saleratus 75 cts. per pound [page torn away]
                Seventy-two Dollars



Territory of Oregon
Jacksonville, O.T. January 5th 1856
Quartermaster Department
    To H.A. Overbeck
Dr
For the following hay sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon mounted volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry to suppress Indian hostilities.
(50,000) Fifty thousand pounds hay @ seven cents per pound . . . 3500.00
      Thirty-five hundred dollars . . . $3500.00



Territory of Oregon
Jacksonville, O.T. May 11th 1856
Quartermaster Department
    To James T. Glenn
Dr
For the following forage sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon Mounted Volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry, to suppress Indian hostilities
4656  Four thousand six hundred and fifty-six pounds Oats @ 16⅔ . . . $776.00
 Seven hundred and seventy-six Dollars
   
Territory of Oregon
Jacksonville, O.T. May 1st 1856
Quartermaster Department
    To James T. Glenn
Dr
For the following articles sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon Mounted Volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry to suppress Indian hostilities:
38  Thirty-eight grain sacks @ 1.00 . . . $38.00
       Thirty-eight dollars



Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 20th 1855
Quartermaster Department
    To Charles Williams
Dr
    1855
Oct. 12th: For finishing and setting (127) one hundred and twenty-seven horse shoes
                  @ $3 per shoe . . . $381.00
Three hundred and eighty-one dollars
     
Jacksonville, O.T. June 26th 1856
I certify on honor that Charles Williams served as expressman for John K. Lamerick, Brigadier General, O.T. from the 20th of March to the 25th of June 1856 inclusive.
Ninety-eight days @ $10.00 per day . . . $980.00
Nine hundred and eighty dollars



Empire City, Coos County, O.T. 13th April 1856
To Genl Joseph Lane, Delegate to U.S. Congress from O.T.
Dear Sir,
    I take great pleasure in sending the Genl. a few lines which I hope may be welcome and acceptable, even should the Genl's. official duties as our worthy delegate to the U.S. Congress occupy his whole time and attention in his efforts to obtain for Oregon her rights and for her people justice. The Genl's. speech made on the 2nd of last April has been received, and the Genl. may feel assured that the sentiments expressed by him in it are responded to warmly, both far and near, by the people of Oregon and felt to be just and due us, as a people, in order to silence the voice of our unjust and malicious accusers and denouncers who have said no war exists in Oregon.
    Let them live here, and know the number of good citizens, in almost all sections of our territory, where bones are bleached by the night dews of heaven, and searched by the burning rays of our summer sun, for want of Christian burial. See the farms, lying waste for want of men to cultivate them, the ashes and smoldering ruins of houses yet smoking and warm from the diabolic work and hands of the merciless and bloodthirsty savages, the horses, cattle, hogs and other domestic animals that make life pleasant roaming at large in the mountains and valleys for want of a master, who if asked for would be either numbered with the dead or in the volunteer forces of the territory. In face of all this let our denouncers and maligners say no war exists in Oregon, and when they do so, guile will be in their hearts and a perjury and falsehood on their lips.
    By yesterday's express from Port Orford, we received the most encouraging news we have had for a long time. On Rogue River (near the Big Bend) the U.S. troops under command of Col. Buchanan and the volunteers under command of Capt. B. Latshaw and Lieuts. Abbott and Lowe surprised and defeated a large body of Indians, killing some twenty, completely routing them, taking some prisoners and a large quantity of Indian provisions, only one white man killed and one or two wounded. Forty-eight canoe loads of Indians escaped and went down the river, and a number of Indians escaped to the brush. The above is the most signal defeat experienced by the Indians in southern Oregon up to this time, and will have a great and good effect for us, as it will not only dispirit the Indians but tend to inspire a degree of confidence in our soldiers, both regulars and volunteers, hitherto unfelt on account of the many unsuccessful and discouraging battles fought with the Indians under disadvantageous circumstances, in which numbers of our own soldiery lost their lives without having accomplished any signal success over the Indians for their country, but the memory of their actions, their deeds and their deaths is now, and will be, held in grateful remembrance and embalmed in the hearts of the hearts of the people of Oregon.
    Some three weeks since (near Big Bend of Rogue River) the Indians under pretense of making a treaty surrounded Capt. A. J. Smith's command of dragoons etc. and kept them two days without water, killing and wounding some twenty-nine men of Capt. Smith's command which would have been entirely destroyed had it not been for the timely arrival of Col. Buchanan with a sufficient force to raise the siege and put the Indians to flight. Genl. Joel Palmer was with Col. Buchanan's command and took part in the fight that ensued with the Indians on Col. Buchanan's arrival for the relief of Capt. Smith. It is said the Genl. had no arms but a revolver when the fight commenced, and remarked that he would like to have a rifle when someone answered there's a dead soldier; take his musket, which the Genl. done, and probably avenged the soldier's death with the soldier's musket. We are all extremely anxious that the war may be brought to a termination at the earliest moment, and have been doing all in our portion of the country (which has suffered less than other sections of the country by the war) we possibly could do to forward and accomplish the wished-for consummation--peace, and peace once more a permanent one and the great resources of the wealth of our country will be developed by capital, and the enterprise of our citizens. We have now three coaling operations under way and two large steam sawmills going up. We have an extensive farming country on Coos and Coquille rivers (almost unoccupied and unsettled, on account of the Indian war), and in the latter river a large amount of grazing and gold mining country, all of which must come to our place for to trade and find a market for their produce. The citizens of our place have drawn up a memorial to Congress asking for a little assistance to have our harbor and bay surveyed out etc., and although the war debt is one of the greatest importance to us and to Oregon, yet we feel sure the Genl., our delegate to Congress, will use his utmost endeavor to assist us in our petition and prayer to the Congress of the United States of America, knowing well that the peace interests of the country must not be laid aside more than is absolutely necessary for to promote the war interests of the country.
I remain as ever your
    Friend and obdt servt
        With respect,
            Dr. A. N. Foley
To Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Delegate to the Congress of the
        U.S. of America from O.T.
            Washington City, D.C.
   

P.S.  The Genl. if suitable and agreeable to him will please publish the above letter, and in doing so please to have the grammatical errors of said letter corrected and please send me answer upon the receipt of this, as I am extremely anxious to hear from the Genl.
Yours truly
    Dr. A. N. Foley
N.B.  Since the 20th of last October 1855, up to this time 13th June there has been 13 vessels of various drafts of waters in and out of this harbor. Out of the 13 vessels 2 was wrecked, 1 an old vessel of little value. The other vessel is only ashore and will be got off in a few days. The vessels in this trade are principally schooners, brigs, barks, and one steamer, The Newport, makes her regular trips between this place and San Francisco. The average soundings at low water is sixteen feet on the bar, so reported by the regular bar pilots.
Dr. A. N. Foley


[March 22, 1856]
Mr. Joseph Lane
        Dear friend
                The present is an important period in our history. The volunteers south has not been able to make an impression on those bloodthirsty savages in that part of our country.
    Col. B. Williams and Col. Martin has resigned. As it is Gen. Lamerick has the sole command in the South there seems to be a feeling that the war will be conducted with more energy and vigor. I expect to hear a good account of the Gen.
    The people have found out by dear experience what you told them in '53 was no joke or idle conjecture that when we exterminated those Indians south they would cost us some of our best and bravest citizens and not improbably man for man. Your predictions has more than been realized.
    The resources of this country has been nearly exhausted and without an appropriation by Congress for the expenses of this war or the speedy termination of it so we can get our beef and other products to their usual markets the country must suffer. The people has put into the quartermaster and commissary departments all they have to spare and many even more than they can spare without great inconvenience. Relief we must have either by an appropriation or a speedy terminus of the war, both would be very desirable.
    The Damned Know-Nothings and abolitionists as usual are a-kicking against the state government question. I think the best thing they can do is to move into some British colony where they can have all their officers appointed over them. They would be her most loyal subjects for they do not prize the elective franchise worth asking for.
Yours Fraternally
    Daniel Stewart
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.



    Mr. LANE. I am very much obliged to the gentleman from Tennessee for calling my attention to the paragraphs which he has just read; and I am very glad to have the opportunity to vindicate the character of the people of Oregon. And, sir, when the time shall arrive that I can have a full opportunity to do so, I shall be able to satisfy every gentleman upon this floor that the people of Oregon Territory are in no way to blame for the war with the Indians, which is now in progress in Oregon, and which has been going on since last October. We have, sir, in that Territory a Governor who has lived in Oregon since the year 1845. He is a peaceable, quiet, orderly, sensible and practical man, and in all the troubles which the settlers have had in settling that Territory, he has uniformly been found upon the side of peace, whenever peace could be had with safety to the people and security to the lives of families in that Territory.
    The people of Oregon Territory are a peaceable, law-abiding, orderly people, and they are also a gallant people. They have taken pains ever since I became acquainted with the country to cultivate the most friendly feeling with the Indians. They lived in the same valleys and districts of country with the Indians, and they were anxious to do all they could to maintain friendly relations with them, for we had among our earlier settlers many missionaries, who had been sent there for the purpose of civilizing and Christianizing the Indians, and of teaching them the arts of civilization, and the habits and customs of men in a higher and improved social position, as far as the dispositions and habitudes of the aboriginal tribes admit of their elevation to the social and moral attainments of the European races.
    To this end many devoted men labored with an assiduity and a zeal which attested the sincerity and earnestness of their desire to reclaim these untaught children of nature, and place them on the catalogue of Christianized and enlightened nations. Among those who thus labored faithfully and unremittingly, and with a singleness of purpose and self-sacrificing zeal which commanded the admiration and respect of all who observed his devoted and untiring labors, was the Rev. Marcus Whitman. Never, in my opinion, did missionary go forth to the field of his labors animated by a nobler purpose or devote himself to his task with more earnestness and sincerity than this meek and Christian man. He arrived in Oregon in 1842, and established his mission in the Waiilatpu country, east of the Cascade Mountains, and devoted his entire time to the education and improvement of the Indians, teaching them the arts of civilization, the mode of cultivating the soil, to plant, to sow, to reap, and to do all the duties which pertain to civilized man. He erected mills, plowed their ground, sowed their crops and assisted in gathering in their harvests. About the time he had succeeded in teaching them some of these arts, and the means of using some of these advantages, they rose against him, without cause and without notice, and massacred him and his wife, and many others who were at the mission at the time.
    I mention these things, Mr. Chairman, to give you an idea of the treacherous and ungrateful character of the Indians in Oregon. The blood of Whitman, their greatest benefactor, was the first blood of the whites which was shed by them in that Territory, and from that day to the present they have commenced all the wars which have taken place between them and the white settlers. This I say in justice to the people of that Territory, and to vindicate them from what I consider unfounded and unjust imputations upon their courage and honor. I regret very much, sir, that it is necessary, in defense of truth and justice, to place myself in opposition to the reports of General Wool. He is my old commander. I know him to be a good soldier, a gallant man, and an accomplished officer. But I know, as far as the reports are concerning relating to Oregon Territory, that he is mistaken, and that the reports are not true. The war was commenced in Oregon, as I stated the other day, by the Indians on the white people. It was not instigated by any act of the whites--not induced by any violence on the part of citizens of that Territory. As I then stated, the Indians commenced the slaughter of the white people, from the southern portion of Oregon to the northern extreme of Washington, at the very same time, the same week of the same month, the 8th, 9th and 10th days of October.
    In confirmation of this statement, I will send the following extract from the letter of Captain Hewitt, dated November, 1855 [in the Yakima country]:
    "After two days' hard work, we reached the house of Mr. Cox, which we found robbed. We then proceeded to Mr. Jones'. His house was burned to ashes, and Mr. Jones, who was sick at the time, was burned in it. Mrs. Jones was found about thirty yards from the house, shot through the lungs, face and jaws horribly broken and mutilated. The bones of Mr. Jones were found, the flesh having been mostly eaten off by the hogs. We found Cooper, who had been living with Jones, about one hundred and fifty yards from the house, shot through the lungs, the ball having entered his left breast. Proceeded to the house of W. H. Brown. Mrs. Brown and child were found in the well, her head downwards; she had been stabbed to the heart, also stabbed in the back and the back part of the head. The child was below her, and had no marks of violence upon it. Mr. Brown was found in the house, literally cut to pieces. His arms and legs were badly cut, and I should think there were as many as ten or fifteen stabs in his back. After burying the remains of the bodies as well as circumstances would permit, we proceeded to the house of Mr. King, which we found burned to ashes, and the most horrible spectacle of all awaited us--Mr. Jones, who had lived with him, and two little children, were burned in the house; the body of Mr. King, after being roasted, was eaten almost entirely up by the hogs. Mrs. King was lying about thirty yards from the house almost in a state of nudity, shot apparently through the heart, and her left breast cut off; she was cut open from the pit of the stomach to about the center of the abdomen, intestines pulled out on either side. We performed the last sad rites over the slain, and returned to our camp."
    Now, sir, but a few days before these massacres were perpetrated here, on or near Puget Sound, hostilities had commenced in southern Oregon, more than six hundred miles distant. Can General Wool or any other sensible man pretend to say that killing of Indians on Rogue River was the cause of these murderous outrages?
    I will present another extract of a letter from Rogue River Valley, a few days before this massacre occurred:
    "The greater portion of the enemy have taken to the mountains, carried with them a large amount of stock and other property. Thirty persons have been murdered by them between Jewett's ferry, on Rogue River, and Turner's, on Cow Creek. It is now ascertained that Haines' family have also been massacred."
    Now, to show you that General Wool is mistaken, that his judgment has been hastily formed and upon erroneous and false data--perhaps the willful misrepresentations of others, who thought by traduction of our people to subserve their own interests, or at least to gratify their passions--I ask your attention to the maps which I have caused to be placed in view of the members of the House, and upon which they can observe the relative position and distances of the several localities which form the seat, or more properly speaking, the seats of war. On the east of the Cascade Mountains, which you observe running parallel with the coast, at an average distance of one hundred miles, is the region or district called the "Yakima country." In this country, before hostilities had commenced in the shape of regular warfare, the Indians killed Mr. Mattice, a gentleman who was traveling through the country. The agent, Mr. Bolon, hearing of the outrage, went into the country to ascertain the facts and if possible bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further disturbances. Although an agent, personally known to them, and from whom they had received the bounties of the government, he was barbarously murdered; and to give the strongest possible manifestation of their hostility and exasperation against the whites, they made a funeral pyre of himself and horse, determined that not a vestige should remain to tell the tale of his savage and inhuman murder.
    When the fact of the death of Bolon was made known, the regular forces at Fort Vancouver were under command of Major Rains, who ordered Major Haller to proceed to the Indian country and chastise them for the murder of Bolon and others. In obedience to the orders received, he proceeded to the enemy's country, was attacked by them, surrounded, and narrowly escaped after a desperate and most gallant defense of several days' duration, with the loss of one-fifth of his command. Here was the first commencement of hostilities, not by volunteers, but by regular forces, who were defeated, notwithstanding the gallantry of their commander, and driven from the country. This country, you will bear in mind, lies east of the Cascade Mountains, and on the Washington side of the Columbia River.
    Colonel Rains, when he found that Haller had been driven out of the country, and had only succeeded in bearing away his wounded, leaving his dead behind him, called on the Governor of Oregon Territory for volunteers. It was a call for aid and assistance to suppress Indian hostilities, to punish the Indians; first, for killing our people and then for driving his gallant major and his whole force out of the country. To that call the Governor of Oregon promptly responded. He called for volunteers. They turned out immediately, and having joined with the troops they marched into the Indian country. The Indians on that occasion avoided the fight. They avoided a general battle. The force against them was rather strong.
    Now, Mr. Chairman, the position of Major Haller, at the time he was surrounded by the Indians and badly whipped, was up on the Columbia River here, on the northern side of this river, in Washington Territory, in the country known as the Yakima country. This country, till within a few years past, had not been settled by white people, but within the last few years the white settlement has extended east of these Cascade Mountains, into Washington and Oregon Territories. When General Wool arrived in Oregon Territory he found the volunteers up in that country, against the warlike Indians. Now, I will ask gentlemen and the writer of that letter which has been read, whether the troops ought to have been recalled at once from that country, leaving hundreds of defenseless women and children, scattered about on their claims, exposed to the attacks of Indians who had driven the regular forces out of the country? If they had, what would have been the condition of these people? Would there have been one single family left in that country? Would there have been one woman that would not have been burned at the stake, or one child that would not have been tomahawked? General Wool, when he arrived, took up his headquarters west of the Cascade Mountains, on the north bank of the Columbia River, or Fort Vancouver (pointing out the location on the map). He ordered the regular forces that were engaged in the Indian country to fall back on Fort Vancouver. The volunteers did not go up there of their own accord. They went out at the call of an officer of the United States Army. If they had left the country with the regular forces they would have exposed the life of every woman and child there to certain death. Ought they to have done so? Will any man say to the people of Oregon that these volunteers should have fallen back upon the settlements, or gone into quarters and put themselves under cover, leaving the women and children of the country to fall under the tomahawk of the savage? No, sir. It is a slander when it is said that the volunteers of Oregon went there with a view of making war upon any other Indians than such as murdered our people, and as were ready to bury the tomahawk in the heads of women and children.
    What would have been said of the Governor of Oregon, if he had acted as General Wool did, and ordered the volunteers out of the country, leaving it exposed to the savages? So far from doing it, he maintained his position. Those troops were commanded by a noble and gallant young man, by the name of Kelly, who went out to that Territory a few years ago from the state of Pennsylvania. He is known to some of the members of this House. He is a brave and gallant man, a lawyer by profession, and a peaceable, law-abiding citizen. He took the command of these forces in the place of my gallant friend Nesmith, who was compelled to quit the service on account of sickness in his family. Soon after his taking the command, the Walla Wallas, Yakimas and other tribes of Indians throughout the whole extent of country east of the Cascades made a general attack upon his command. And, sir, while fighting for life, when his ammunition had been expended, when he had fired his last volley, with ammunition almost exhausted, and scant of provisions--for he was for four days surrounded with these hostile Indians--I say while thus fighting for his life, under these circumstances, the regular troops, under the orders of General Wool, were marching to their winter quarters. And, as I am informed, when Kelly applied for powder and other supplies, that officer shut his magazines and refused the supplies.
    Now, sir, shall this man be quoted here against the people of Oregon Territory? Shall his evidence be used in condemnation of the people of that Territory, who volunteered to save the women and children of the settlements from massacre? Shall such an argument be introduced here against the appropriation now asked for? I hope not.
    Mr. ALLISON. If the gentleman will permit me for a moment, I desire to say a single word. He asks, why should we bring the evidence of General Wool here as testimony in a case of this kind, under such circumstances? Now, I am sure the gentleman from Oregon will not object to an inquiry, such as was propounded to him, for the purpose of giving him an explanation which he is now making to the House. We find in our executive documents here, official communications from the officers of the government which can alone speak officially upon the subject. How is it possible that we can disregard these communications thus officially made, unless some explanation were made to remove the difficulties with which we are surrounded in making this appropriation. If we are to take the statements of these officers, to which alone we can go for information, we cannot, consistently, make this appropriation. The gentleman from Oregon certainly cannot therefore object to such a statement being made by a member of the House, as it will afford him an opportunity of making such an explanation as will relieve us from the embarrassments with which we are surrounded in making the appropriation which he asks for.
    Mr. LANE. I am very much obliged to the gentleman. I have no disposition to cast imputations upon General Wool. I think as much of him as any man in this House, but I do not like his conduct in Oregon. Now, Mr. Chairman, these volunteer forces have been organized and maintained for the purpose of protecting the settlements in the Territories of Oregon and Washington, and nobly have they done it, while the regulars were comfortably housed in the snug barracks at Vancouver.
    By the last mail I have received a letter, from which I will read the following extract:
    "Will you please present our thanks to the Secretary of War for his dispatch in forwarding the Ninth Infantry. How much it is to be regretted that such promptness has been rendered unavailing. General Wool is now in California, and would have kept that regiment there had he been there when it arrived. He passed them at sea this side of San Francisco, and made unavailing efforts to have the steamer bringing them return to San Francisco. This, I am informed by Mr. Hoxie, of Jackson County, who was a passenger with General Wool. Mr. Hoxie was sent down by the quartermaster general, and succeeded in making his purchase, as he tells me, when General Wool's interference and influence caused the settlers to decline furnishing the powder, and Mr. Hoxie came back empty-handed. Had it not been for the Hudson's Bay Company, at Vancouver, we should have been unable to procure this, and other essential supplies."
    This extract I give with undoubting confidence in the truth of the statements it contains, knowing, as I do, the high respectability of the author, and simply from a desire to do justice to all concerned, either American citizens or British subjects.
    My friend from Tennessee (Mr. Ready)--and I am proud of having the opportunity of answering his inquiries--I have always known to exercise the soundest judgment upon all subjects except politics. (Laughter.) I say, in reply to his inquiries, that at the time these hostilities commenced in the north of Washington Territory, hostilities also broke out in the Rogue River Valley, and in one night the Indians traveled many miles and killed every man, woman and child on the road, with one or two exceptions; they burned every house but one; they killed every woman except one--Mrs. Harris--for whom I intend to introduce a bill granting a pension. The savages surrounded her house, killed her husband, and wounded her daughter. She defend herself in her dwelling nobly; she loaded and fired her rifle eighty times, and made her escape during the darkness of the night. Every man on that whole route was killed with the exception of Wagoner, whose wife and children were murdered, and who himself fell, on the 22nd of February last, at the mouth of the Rogue River. Since that time the Indians have proceeded to Umpqua Valley, and murdered people within a few miles of my own house, and yet General Wool says there is no war in Oregon! They have driven off the cattle of the country. Thousands are shot and left to decay upon the plains. The last steamer brought us the news that the Indians had attacked the settlements of the white people at the mouth of Rogue River, and destroyed every house and every farm. Every settler--men, women and children--was killed, except one, and he saved himself by hiding.
    It is said that the Indians are few, and that they will soon be forced into submission. Whether there are two hundred or one thousand of them, General Wool will not be able to hurt one of them. I know them. They will fight, but they will never permit themselves to be attacked by any considerable force. They will keep out of the way. The old General has passed the age when he could overtake the Indians. The country which is the theater of hostilities is mountainous, steep of ascent, and affords the best and most secure hiding places in the world. How is he to go there with his regular forces and punish these savages? Yet his friends said that it was for that purpose that he intended to start from San Francisco. He has not done so, and he is the man that has arraigned the people of my Territory!
    Sir, the people of Oregon occupy a remote and far distant part of our domain--a sort of terra incognita to the people of the Atlantic States. If their character was known here, as I know it, it would require no eulogium, much less a vindication, at my hands. For several years I have lived in the midst of that people, and I know them. I have seen them under all the vicissitudes and circumstances incident to this varied and checkered life--in prosperity and in adversity, in affluence and poverty, in the repose and security of home, in the din of battle, where the fight raged hottest and the bullets flew thickest. They are an enterprising and adventurous people, or they would never have traversed sterile and inhospitable wastes, scaled lofty mountains, and braved the perils and privations of the wilderness in search of homes on the shores of the Pacific. That they are brave no one can doubt who has read of their deeds of heroism in defending their families and homes from the tomahawk and the torch of the remorseless savage. Aye, sir, and they are a patriotic people. Think you that the men from Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky, who have made their homes in Oregon, have been so changed by distance that their hearts have ceased to pulsate with patriotic devotion to our country's flag and our country's honor? Believe it not. They are Americans still--not aliens and interlopers from foreign lands. Hear it, gentlemen of the so-called "American" party, you who oppose this appropriation, your countrymen--not foreigners--are imperiled. American blood is being shed--aye, sir, and on our own soil. Americans call on you for succor. Mountains rise and wide deserts intervene between you and them, but they are still on our own soil; they have but changed their chamber in the paternal mansion; the same banner which waves from the dome of this Capitol spreads its folds over them. Is it an emblem of protection which the government affords to all our people, or a piece of painted bunting--a rag spread to the winds in derision and mockery of their perils and their woes?
    One trait of character the people of the Territory of Oregon possess in common with their countrymen, but even this seems to be denied to them by those whose occupation appears to be to malign and traduce all that is generous and noble in a people or an individual--those professional scribblers, the vultures of the press, who feed upon character which has been first polluted and destroyed by their own poisonous breath, and who never soar except it be in an atmosphere of detraction, like those birds of ill omen which are found in no other country except where grows the upas. I allude to that trait in the character of the Oregonians so characteristic of the population of the western states--magnanimity; the chivalrous sense of honor, the pride, blended with innate generosity, which scorns a mean, a dishonorable, or a cowardly action, which revolts at the idea of oppressing or being oppressed, which is quick to resent an insult from an equal or superior, but bears with meekness and patience the peevishness, the taunts and even the deliberate insults of inferiors. In this spirit the people of Oregon have borne with patience and forbearance the injuries and insults of the inferior race by which they are surrounded. They have thought their mission to be to subdue the proud and intractable spirit of the savage by kindness, to soften his rude nature by manifesting towards him a friendly and paternal spirit, to reclaim him from his savage condition by example--the example of a life spent in peaceful industry, instead of unprofitable and wasting wars with each other.
    I am sorry that these humane efforts of the Oregon settlers have not been appreciated by the savage. Humanity has been mistaken by him for a tame submissiveness of spirit; forbearance for pusillanimity. The consequence has been that, instead of being benefited by his contact with the whites, the Indian has brooded over what he has erroneously deemed an unwarranted intrusion upon his domain, until at length a general uprising has taken place for the purpose of exterminating the intruders, or driving them from the land. Who that acknowledges the right of the white race to occupy and improve the lands of the natives (and I know of no one who will deny it)--who that acknowledges such right will deny to them the right of self-defense when assailed in their pioneer homes; and who will not go further than this, and say that, where their numbers and their means are inadequate to their defense, it is the duty of the government to afford them protection, and save them, not from destruction merely, but from a destruction by a refinement of cruelty, and exquisiteness of torture known only in the annals of Indian warfare?
    I will have an opportunity of explaining these things more fully at some future time. I will not consume the time of the committee now. I am prepared to go into the subject fully. I have anticipated, I think, nearly objection which can possibly be made to the conduct of the Oregon volunteers, or of the settlers in that Territory. I shall be prepared to furnish all the information on the subject which gentlemen may desire. I only ask what is right--nothing more--and if I do not greatly mistake the character and feelings of the members of this House, I am sure they will not refuse my just demand.
    The purpose of the appropriation as stated in the bill is "to restore and preserve friendly relations with the Indians."
    Another object of the appropriation is to furnish the means of ransoming the prisoners who have already been taken by, or who may hereafter fall into the hands of, the Indians. Already several prisoners are in their hands, men, women and children, liable at any moment to be put to a cruel death. Perhaps by a timely appropriation of the kind asked for the lives of these prisoners may be saved. Does anyone begrudge the application of the public money to a purpose so humane? Does anyone dare to say that the whole $300,000 would be an extravagant price to pay for the ransom of one--only one of those helpless infant captives, whose wailing cry is music to the ears of his cruel captors, drunk with the blood of his slaughtered parents. There went from Missouri, in 1853, a party of nineteen. In August of that year I saw, in Oregon, two boys, the only survivors of that party. Where were the others? They told me where they were--they had left them among the mountains, father, mother, sisters--all slain! At my request they undertook to give me a narrative of the massacre--to detail the fiendish barbarities of the murderers. I listened while, with the simple eloquence of truth--a pathos which only children can impart to a story of bereavement and sorrow--they proceeded with the recital of what they saw and what they suffered. But I did not hear them to the end; my heart sickened with the revolting details. I told them to pause; I could hear no more. Ah! sir, could the members of this House have stood around those friendless orphans, as they stood among strangers, relating the story of their sufferings and their wrongs, there would have been no occasion for me to speak here today. They would have heard a speech such as they never heard before, and such as, I pray to God, I may never hear again--the speech not of two untutored, friendless orphans, but nature, sir, nature speaking to the great heart of the American people, heaving it up, as with a giant's power, from its cold apathy into a burning thirst for revenge, a stern resolve to avenge the wrongs and defend the rights of outraged humanity. An attempt was made, as already stated, to punish the perpetrators of this outrage. Major Haller was sent forward with several companies of regulars, and succeeded in procuring the surrender of a few Indians, who were put to death as the perpetrators of the massacre. But whether the innocent were surrendered, and the guilty escaped, is a question I am unable to answer. From my knowledge of the Indian character, I would not be surprised if, in this instance as in others, they had recourse to vicarious punishment--shielding the guilty by substituting the innocent.
    Unless such means are taken as General Wool will not take--but such only as the volunteers will take--to put an end to these outrages, settlement in Oregon Territory will be retarded. Already thousands of acres, once cultivated and repaying the labors of the husbandman with abundant harvests, are now in the possession of the Indians--the houses burnt, the field desolate. The eighty thousand people of the Territory are scattered along the coast, from the mouth of Columbia River to the southern boundary, on both sides of the Cascade Mountains.
    Mr. BOYCE. How many warriors can these hostile Indians bring into the field?
    Mr. LANE. I am glad that I am asked the question. In my remarks published in Saturday's Globe, I am made by a misprint to say that the number is twenty-nine thousand. I meant to say that it was twenty thousand. There are fully that number in Oregon and Washington. They are not all at war with us, and we are thankful that they are not. If they were united, they could sweep off the entire settlements. A portion of them are friendly to us. It is the purpose of this appropriation to preserve their friendly feelings, and to secure amicable relations with such others as may not have joined the war parties.
    One word more, and I have done. My friend from Tennessee (Mr. Ready) read an account of a massacre which is said to have been perpetrated by the whites. Now, one word of explanation of that occurrence. In 1853 a general war broke out between the Rogue River Indians and the whites. That was brought on by the Indians. I recollect that, on receiving the news, I mounted my horse and joined the troops, and on the 24th of the month of August we fought the last battle that we had during that war. In that battle my friend, Captain Alden, while leading his men to the charge with that impetuous valor, so characteristic of the American soldier, fell, severely but not mortally wounded. It is due to Captain Alden to say (and I cannot permit this opportunity to pass without bearing my humble testimony to his merits) that, though educated at West Point, he combines in the highest degree the qualities which distinguish the American "citizen soldier" from the military automatons, the "fighting machines" of this and all other nations. Brave without rashness, accomplished, a thorough master of tactics, as taught in the schools, he has sufficient talent not to be trammeled by the antiquated ideas embodied in the moldy volumes which plodding dullness and octogenarian imbecility are wont to consult, as containing all the mysteries of the military art. In addition to these qualities, his warmth of heart and ever-genial flow of spirits endear him to his soldiers, as his valor and conduct inspire them with confidence in him as a leader. I rejoice that to the aggregate of mischief done by the Indians in Oregon they have not added that of destroying the life of this brave and valuable officer.
    But to proceed. The enemy asked for a talk. I entertained their application, and ordered the talk, and the result was, we made a peace. I then disbanded my troops for the purpose of preventing further expense, which was every hour accruing.
In this I was sustained by the people, who did not, and never have desired that troops should continue under arms longer than was absolutely necessary for the purposes of defense and protection. A few of the tribes would not come in and make peace, and they have been making war upon the whites ever since. Last summer they commenced hostilities against our people as they were going to or returning from California. Upon information of this outbreak being received at Jacksonville, Major Lupton raised a company and proceeded to the scene of trouble. He there found the bodies of the murdered, and pursued the trail of the perpetrators to their encampment on Butte Creek. These Indians did not belong to that portion of the tribe who had made peace. He found stolen property in their hands. A fight ensued, in which the Major himself was killed, and many of the Indians were slain. They were not peaceable, inoffensive people, as has been stated by some of the reports put in circulation, but a murdering, thieving set, who were in the habit of waylaying on the road, and robbing and killing, the unwary traveler.
    The Indians who were placed upon the reserve near Fort Lane were under the care of an agent who had done all in his power to maintain friendly relations, and was ably seconded by an able and gallant officer of the army, Captain A. J. Smith, in command of the fort. A portion of these Indians have not since made war upon the whites, and have not joined the war party. The bands which did not come into the peace terms have been waging war ever since, and Major Lupton was right in punishing them. That was no just cause of war.
    Now, let me give you an idea of the character of these Indians, their mode of warfare, and their ability to cope with our forces. Soon after the massacre of our people, on the 8th or 9th of October, Captain A. J. Smith, of the army, attacked the Indians in their position, with about three hundred and fifty men. The Indians had about the same number. He fought them from daylight until dark, but he was not able to dislodge them; and at last was obliged to fall back, leaving them in their position, and the same Indians, with reinforcements from other bands, have since attacked the settlements and destroyed many families, and they will continue to do so until they are met with a sufficient force to subdue them. That is the only way to secure peace with the Indians.
    I will here read, for the information of the House, an extract from the New York Tribune, presenting a graphic, but truthful, sketch of the condition of things existing in a portion of Oregon, and I will ask the apologists of General Wool, after reading this, whether a state of war exists in the Territory, whether it was provoked by the aggressions of the whites, and what plea they can offer in defense of the conduct of General Wool in leaving the Territory a prey to Indian rapacity and outrage? Understand me, sir, I am not the accuser of General Wool. The people of Oregon are his accusers. I will not say that he stands in the attitude of Hastings, when accused by the people of India of oppression and corruption in office, but I will say that he stands arraigned before the great tribunal of public opinion, and as one who was once his comrade in arms, one who followed where he led, I sincerely hope that no severer verdict may be pronounced against him than that he has committed an error of judgment. But here is the extract:
    "Yesterday (Sunday) morning we were favored with the perusal of a letter written by Robert Smith, a settler up the coast, to Mr. Miller, living in the neighborhood of Whaleshead, informing the latter that on the 22nd February, while William Hensley and Mr. Nolan were driving some horses toward Rogue River, two shots were fired at them by Pistol River Indians. Mr. Hensley had two of his fingers shot off, besides receiving several buckshot wounds in his face. The horses fell into the hands of the Indians.
    "The letter also contains a request to urge forward from Crescent City any volunteers that may have been enlisted.
    "From F. H. Pratt, Esq., a resident at the mouth of Rogue River, who arrived last night in the schooner Gold Beach, we received the startling news that the Indians in that district have united with a party of the hostile Indians above, and commenced a war of extermination against the white settlers.
    "The station at Big Bend, some fifteen miles up the river, having been abandoned several weeks previous, the Indians made a sudden attack on Saturday morning, February 23rd, upon the farms about four miles above the mouth, where some ten or twelve men of Captain Poland's company of volunteers were encamped, the remainder of the company being absent, attending a ball on the 22nd, at the mouth of Rogue River.
    "The fight is stated to have lasted near the whole of Saturday, and but few of the whites escaped to tell the story. The farmers were all killed.
    "It is supposed there are now about three hundred hostile Indians in the field, including those from Grave and Galice creeks and the Big Meadows. They are led by a Canada Indian, named Enos, who was formerly a favorite guide for Colonel Fremont in his expedition.
    "List of Killed--Captain Ben Wright, H. Braun, E. W. Howe, Mr. Wagoner, Barney Castle, George McClusky, Mr. Lara, W. R. Tullus, Captain John Poland, Mr. Smith, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Warner, John Geisel and three children, P. McCullough, S. Heidrick, Joseph Seroc and two sons.
    "Besides three or four, names unknown, Mrs. Geisel and daughter are prisoners, and in the hands of the Micano band of Indians, about eight miles up the river. Dr. M. C. White escaped by jumping into Euchre Creek and secreting himself under a pile of driftwood, remaining there for an hour and a half, and until the Indians had given up the search."
    I will say no more upon this subject, but beg the House to pass this appropriation, so that it may go out under the direction of the President of the United States, for the purpose of maintaining the friendly disposition which now exists among many of the tribes in that Territory, and to give security to the settlements, and safety to the women and children whose lives are now in extreme jeopardy.
Congressional Globe, Washington, D.C., March 31, 1856, pages 776-779   This speech was circulated as a pamphlet and widely printed in Northwest newspapers.



Grand Ronde Agency April 21st 56           
Dear General:
    In my previous letters I have refrained from mentioning anything that would have a tendency to impair the confidence you have had in Gen. Palmer, but facts are so palpable now that he is your worst enemy; I feel that I am doing injustice to you not to give you the information which will enable you to judge for yourself. There is no longer a shadow of doubt but he is a most virulent Know Nothing and endorses soul and body all of their views, and he is now using the influence his office gives him to destroy the Democratic Party, finding fault with all because some few have had the audacity to oppose his Know Nothing plans. There is no doubt but he is now against us with all of his untiring energies, aided by immense sums of money placed in his hands for disbursement. I will here mention a few of my objections to him and hold myself responsible for what I write.
    First, his appointment of C. M. Walker, a K.N., [Know Nothing] as special agent at five dollars per day, when he knew him to be a bitter enemy of yours and worked like a dray horse to defeat you last election, and whom I checked several times in crowds when making false statements in regard to yourself and other Democrats.
    Second, the appointment of Cris Taylor K.N., first to act as clerk for me at $1200 per annum, and now has gone to three hundred dollars expense government funds, building him a store house and given him license to sell goods to the Indians.
    Third, the appointment of Capt. Rinearson, a prominent K.N. as special agent at $5 per day to come and reside at the same agency with myself.
    Fourth, appointment of head carpenter here at $1500 per annum, K.N.
    Fifth, appointment of two friends here, one a president of a K.N. lodge, the other a prominent member of that order at $1000 per annum each.
    Sixth, his efforts to debase and oppress his agents whom he cannot subserve to carry out his designs, in fact every man whom he has employed (with one exception, Mr. Jeffers) to fill a lucrative post is a K.N.
    And I here make the assertion that there is not a prominent Democrat in Oregon who is not particularly hostile to Palmer. And you have lost one thousand voters in Oregon in the last six months by Palmer being held in office, whether he is supported by your influence or not it is charged to you and you are to be the sufferer. It is painful to me to write this letter, but it is just and true. And that you may know I have no selfish motive in writing this, I will under no circumstances receive any situation or involvement that might result from his removal. I have asked you for the appointment of a full agent, but Palmer will recommend that, therefore his removal would not better my situation, but he should be removed because he is injuring you, and the Democratic Party. The reason I have not written this long since is I could not see where we could better ourselves, but any man whom you know to be a sound Dem will better us.
Very respectfully
    Yr obt srvnt
        R. B. Metcalfe
Gen Joseph Lane
    Washington City



Port Orford, April [illegible] [1856]
Dear Genl
    We have had no [illegible] by mail since the 8th March and it [illegible] a furious gale. We are at a loss to [illegible] other than the war news. All around [illegible] is forted up yet, although a considerable [illegible] force is now in the field. The [illegible] under Col. Buchanan are at the [illegible] [Rogue] River, numbering about 240 men, [illegible] the women & children who were [illegible] for more than a month. [illegible] to the fort some days since in [illegible] Mrs. Geisel, infant and daughter [illegible] and have been recovered from captivity by an exchange of prisoners before the regular forces came into the field. The loss of the whites at R. River is about 40, the Indians but few as yet. The loss of property has been very large, everything between this and Crescent City has been burnt or carried off by Indians. The entire coast bands, with the Upper Rogue River Indians, were in league and unsuspected until the outbreak on the 23rd, 24th & 25th Feby. The regular forces have had one fight, about 10 miles up the river, killing many, with only one wounded on our side. [illegible] to concentrate, take Rogue River [illegible] mouth to its sources, and make a [illegible] the Indians, who are said to have [illegible] is up Illinois River.
    [illegible] Indians from this to Umpqua have [illegible] on to reservations and fed to keep [illegible] under the eye of agents. Those of Coos [illegible] Bay and those of Port Orford, Elk, Sixes, [illegible] and Coquille were brought on the [illegible] [Coast] Reservation here, but white men have [illegible] and the Coquille bands numbering [illegible] ran off, giving reason to believe [illegible] would join their people with the [illegible] company of volunteer "miner to [illegible]" numbering 35 men have [illegible]. An express came in Sta[illegible] in an attack on the first rancho. 10 Indians were killed, without the loss of any whites. [illegible] expect further news in a day or two. Our volunteers and indeed the citizens are without supplies. Even the regular troops have only 10 days provisions to start a campaign with.
    Unfortunately for Oregon, the quarrel between Genl. Wool & the citizen soldiery, in which all are under the genl condemnation alike, he acts as though he were careless of everything but revenge. Troops were not sent here until a month after the outbreak, and then only 140 men to repel a force estimated at [illegible] Indians, equal man for man with [illegible].
    To add to our dilemma the [illegible] upon which alone we are compelled [illegible] for the transportation of troops & supplies [illegible] at this post, when convenient, not [illegible] the United States pays her largely [illegible] contract to do so. Our postmaster [illegible] this mail. Special communications [illegible] of her failures to land, passing in [illegible] although heretofore unsuccessful in [illegible] of that Department.
    Now on the 17th March, 1856, the [illegible] Cap. Dall passed down was [illegible] above and by the men in [illegible] the reservation at 8 o'clock [illegible] fog. I could see to the mouth [of the] River, [a distance] of 30 miles across the bay, and on the [illegible] March, she passed up to Columbia River just as [illegible] was seen off R. River, very near, weather very fine, with only a light breeze, nothing to prevent her from landing the mails if she had been disposed. On the following day a small 9-ton schooner came from R. River (with the distressed from that fort) with the greatest ease.
    I do not like to complain, but this state of things has & does continue, and unless the proper department takes notice of it, they [illegible] contract with the Pacific [illegible] their own discretion, whether [illegible] will have any mail facilities and [illegible] answer for them, we will get none. [illegible] those is a reason for this neglect on [the part] of that Company. The government [illegible] hands only for carrying the mails [illegible] can be had at Portland every [illegible]. Crescent City supplies the mining region [illegible] [while] Port Orford is reduced to only a [illegible] trade, to permanent settlers and [illegible] whose all is here and who are [illegible] [build] up this country. Consequently [illegible] to afford a large trade [illegible], wishing to give such facts [illegible] the [illegible] of the case, and circumstances [illegible] conduct with this mammoth company [illegible] us with mail facilities.  But the [illegible] these carriers must or ought to be [illegible].
    I wrote to Mother Lane by an express the other day and to Simon--asking them if I could get for a time your large field glass (Santa Anna). I have much need of and cannot now get one.  I will take good care of it for you.
Your Friend,
    R. W. Dunbar
To Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City, D.C.



LETTER FROM GEN. LANE.
Washington City, May 3, 1856.
    A. Bush, Esq.--Ed. Statesman: I have received many letters from different portions of Oregon containing important information, for which I feel deeply obliged, but which my great press of business prevents my answering immediately, as is my custom to do. My correspondents will please continue their favors, which are highly appreciated, and very useful in enabling me to understand the true position of affairs in the Territory, all of which I will answer as soon as possible.
    I am sorry that it is not in my power to furnish Patent Office reports and other documents to those who have applied for them; they are not yet printed for the old members of the present Congress, but when they shall be, then I will, with pleasure, send them on. I have sent many speeches, and will continue to do so. And I believe that I shall be able to procure the passage of a law for paying volunteers and expenses incurred in our Indian war; at all events I will try. Our officers and soldiers have behaved nobly, gallantly, and they shall all be paid, and all expenses incurred in prosecuting the war.
    By this mail I send you a paper containing Gen. Wool's letter of the 2nd ult., in which he devotes two columns and a half in slandering the good people of Oregon, and enters his protest against paying our volunteers, though he must have known at that time that the Indians had taken and burned to ashes Cascades City, and killed many of our people, and that the Indians had attacked the settlements in Southern Oregon, on Illinois Creek, and killed our people. He says nothing on that subject, but goes on to abuse and slander our people. From this letter it would seem that he feels the deepest interest in the Indians, and cares nothing for the citizens of the Territories. What will the people of Oregon think? What will the American people think of a commander of the American army who can write such a letter? This old hero, who has been paid large salaries for years, who had grown rich and overbearing, who, instead of establishing his "headquarters in the middle," and affording protection to the settlers in their troubles and dangers, is employing his time in publishing long letters for the purpose of forestalling public opinion with the view of preventing Congress paying our gallant volunteers, who have in spite of him continued in the field from October to this time, without tents and without blankets, and scant of subsistence, baring their breasts to the enemy, laying down their lives for the defense of the unprotected women and children of the settlements; is he vain and weak enough to think that his conduct will meet the approval of the American people, or that he can prevent Congress paying our brave volunteers? If so, he is mistaken. Congress will pass a law approving the action of the Governors of Oregon and Washington by providing for paying volunteers and expenses incurred.
    I have written these lines in great haste, and have not time to revise. The mail will close in three minutes.
Your friend,
    JO. LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 17, 1856, page 3


Winchester May 6th 1856               
To Genl Jos. Lane
    Washington City D.C.
Respected sir
    By this time you have heard of our war in southern Oregon as well as that your humble servant has been made a Brig. Genl. of the territory. Well, I have just returned from a trip to the Meadows on lower Rogue River, which was intended for a campaign, I am happy to say, with considerable success. We met with the entire force of the Indians six miles above the mouth of John Mule Creek on a large bar on Rogue River, gave them fight and completely routed them, capturing some stock and other things taken during the winter. The command lost but one man during the action, the Indians quite a number. For further particulars I refer you to my report to the gov. of the territory or some of the papers of the territory for I presume it will be published. I came here to get clear of the congratulations of friends and the curses of enemies and having heard a letter read by Mosher from you about the war it came into my head to drop you a few lines [on] our mutual enemies. Drew, Ross and co. had endeavored to create as much mutiny in the ranks of the volunteers as possible, but I had with the assistance of some good men got a good state of discipline amongst some of them, at least enough to ensure success. My thanks are due to Major Jim Bruce, Capt. Jim Barnes [Daniel Barnes] and Major Latshaw, but you are well acquainted with volunteers and I may spare you this part of my description of their want of discipline. There is at this time no Indians in or near Rogue River Valley, and I have established a military post at the Big Meadows with some two hundred volunteers to guard it and fight the Indians whenever they can find them. Southern Oregon is at this time in a very bad condition, although it is better than at any time since the present war broke out. An organized force should be in the field under the same discipline of the regular army, otherwise very little can be done, for when commissioned officers are compelled to be subject to the caprice of their companies they are not apt to enforce discipline amongst their men. All commissioned officers should be appointed so they could act independent. I am sick of this present organization, but will do what I can to protect the settlers and whip out the enemy of both kinds in this part of the country, the K.N. faction of Drew, Ross, Abel George and Captain M. Bushey to the contrary notwithstanding. Your friends here are all well, Mosher and Cole, Bill Martin are now in this office talking about you. Aaron Rose is the Democratic nominee for representative for this county. I think him a good man and a patriot. You have now more friends in this county than at any time previous. All are anxious for to hear of your success, politically and personally. Your own good judgment will dictate to you the necessity of a disciplined force in this part of Oregon. The troops at present under my comd. are out of sugar and coffee and none to be bought on the credit of government. For god's sake exert yourself to get us assistance as soon as you can. No one but you can form an idea of our condition. I must disband most of the troops now in the field for want of provisions, but will keep the best men who will live without grumbling on bread and meat. If Genl. Wool would not act so d___d headstrong we could do better, but he is an old soldier and knows his business. With my best wishes for your present and future success
I am my dear sir
    Your obt servant
        John K. Lamerick



Winchester
    May 8th 1856
Dear Father
    About one week since the volunteers under Genl. Lamerick came upon and gave the Indians battle near the Big Bend of Rogue River. The Indians, being on the opposite side of the river, made it impossible for the volunteers to surround and cut them off from retreating as they would otherwise have done. The number of Indians supposed to be killed was fourteen or fifteen. The volunteers had two wounded, one since died. None killed dead on the field.
    It is to be hoped that Lamerick or somebody else will give them a genteel flogging soon and bring them to some terms of peace, as business is very dull here and no prospects of its getting better until the war is terminated.
    Mr. Floed has gone to San Francisco to lay in our spring and summer stock of goods. He will be back in two or three weeks. Last month we held the county convention to nominate candidates for the different county offices. A. Rose of Roseburg recd. the nomination [for] representative, who I think we can elect very easy at the next annual election.
    Mother and family all in good health.
Your son
    S. R. Lane



Memorial to Gen. Joseph Lane,
    United States Representative from Oregon.
Sir
    Your memorialists would respectfully inform you that they are volunteers, engaged in the Indian war, now raging in that territory, of which you are so faithful and active a friend. That at the date of these presents, we, your memorialists, are encamped in a small fort, created by ourselves, near the mouth of Rogue River on the north side.
    That ever since the 23rd of Feby. of the current year, which was the date of the first Indian outbreak in this vicinity, we have had to be constantly on duty.
    That we had gathered into our fort 8 grown-up women, a girl of between 11 and 14, 10 children and an infant; 106 men, and ten friendly Indians.
    That we had at first 74 guns, mostly fowling pieces, and the Indians were so numerous that we were, for the most part, obliged to keep within the fort for the protection of the females and those who had no guns.
    That on Sunday the 2nd of March 18 of us sallied from the fort to procure beef, and 6 of this number were killed by the Indians, thus depriving us of some of our best men and our best arms. The number of men left in the fort was now just 100, and the number of guns was reduced to 68, and the proportion of fowling pieces to rifles was greatly increased.
    That we were so completely hemmed in by the Indians and by stormy weather, that we had no means of communicating with our fellow citizens of our existence, either to solicit their aid or to inform them of our disagreeable and dangerous position.
    That we did indeed send the schooner Gold Beach to Crescent City, but on returning she dared not enter the mouth of Rogue River.
    That although we had sent from us three messengers by other routes, we still remained in the same uncertainty as before. We knew not what steps were being taken for our relief, if any, and we sometimes conjectured that the whole coast might soon be in possession of the savages.
    That we remained in this state of uncertainty until Thursday the [illegible--paper chewed away] of March, when a considerable body of men appeared on the side of the river, and we were relieved from our long and painful siege.
    That the men proved to be Col. Buchanan with the company of about 160 men and 31 volunteers.
    That these last had left Crescent City, previous to the arrival there of the regular troops, for the humane purpose of reaching and aiding us.
    That on Tuesday 18th March, this small company of volunteers crossed Pistol River and burnt the Indian village located on the north side of that stream.
    That they were there attacked by a very superior number of Indians, and compelled to withdraw to the south side of the river, where they had left their animals.
    That here they threw up a breastwork upon a sand hill, carried their provisions into it, picketed their animals  on the south side of the mound and kept the Indians at bay.
    That as soon as they had re-crossed the river they sent two couriers back to inform Col. Buchanan, who was encamped as they had heard at the mouth of Chetco River, about 20 and not more than 25 miles from Pistol River.
    That the regulars did not arrive until about half-past one o'clock p.m. on Wednesday 19th of March, although the courier of the volunteers reached Col. Buchanan's camp about 10 o'clock a.m. on Tuesday 18th. Had he (Col. Buchanan) sent on a detachment or hastened his pace a little he could have come upon the Indians in great numbers around us. We think his forces could have killed many of them, at all events they would have saved our animals, of which we lost 31 mules and horses.
    That instead of sending relief to the volunteers this [illegible--paper chewed away] the col. merely vented some oaths against them, said that they ought to have fallen back upon him, and that we would get our animals and our provisions taken, and some of ourselves killed.
    That when he did arrive at the breastwork, he blamed everything volunteers had done, said they had interfered with his plans by [illegible] down the Rogue River Indians to Pistol River where [illegible] not want either to fight or to kill them, and he advised the [illegible] should each go to his home, his farm or his trade, not [illegible] the fact that many of the volunteers had no home; the Indians had destroyed their dwellings and all they possessed.
    That when told that he had acted strangely in neither bringing nor sending relief to men who he had every reason to believe were in imminent danger of losing their lives, he replied that he belonged to the government, that such a step would have interfered with his plans, and that the government could not and would not alter its plans to relieve every self-constituted body of men who chose to get themselves into difficulty and that he neither could nor would recognize them in any way, shape nor manner.
    Your memorialists (those of them who were present on this occasion) would respectfully lay before you the following comments upon the language of Col. Buchanan, as embodied in the last written paragraph.
    1st--That it seems almost incomprehensible, how a little acceleration of power, to reach us sooner, could have interfered with the plans of the government!! The volunteers were literally in his (Col. B's) path.
    2nd--That we were not a self-constituted body of men, we were obeying, or rather responding to, a call from the governor of Oregon for volunteers, that we had started from Crescent City before Col. B. arrived there, and before we knew of his coming, and that our object was to reach Rogue River and bring relief to those who were there sustaining a long and murderous siege, some of whom were our wives, our children and our friends.
    3rd--That had we been a self-contained body of men, allowing that we had committed a fault in not consulting him when [illegible] heard of his arrival, had we even belonged to a hostile [illegible], had we been criminals of the deepest dye, we think that no civilized government on earth would have refused us succor under the circumstances. We cannot help thinking that no plan except one involving an equal risk of human life could have been of so much importance as the lives of so many citizens whose only alleged faults was their injudicious haste in obeying the impulses of humanity. Dearly we paid for this fault if [illegible] for we not only lost our animals, but one of the best [illegible] of our number was killed. Candor must acknowledge [illegible] Col. B. could scarcely have prevented this last calamity, as [illegible] man, whose name was Kirby Miller, was killed a little after [illegible] on the 18th, and unless Col. B. had sent us a detachment of light infantry, nothing else would have been in time to save our lost companion.
    That in looking back upon the 32 hours we spent in fighting the Indians from our breastworks there is one circumstance to which we turn with honest pride. We killed many of the enemy. We cannot exactly tell how many, as those who fell were quickly borne away by squaws and by Indians on their and our animals. The moon was shining brightly. We could take a good aim at 40, 50 and 60 yards distance. We were aware of the importance of making every shot tell. We had some of the very best of marksmen, and we fired just 110 [sic] shots. We think that it would be a low calculation to say that a digger was killed for every 5 shots. This would give diggers killed 42. Prisoners, both squaws and Indians, taken since confirm this calculation, a squaw saying that we killed 44 and [an] Indian that we killed 45.
    Your memorialists would now most respectfully direct your attention to the fact that a most unaccommodating spirit exists between the superior officers of the regular army and the volunteers. As far as we are concerned, we have [illegible] formally expressed our readiness to assist in destroying [illegible] in any way Col. B. might deem best, either in hunting [illegible] Indians, or in fighting them when found. Everything of [illegible] we have suggested has been treated not only with abrupt rejection but with a supercilious disdain which is most hurtful to our sensibilities and which we think is unbecoming and altogether out of play in a republican officer.
    That such a feeling existing between the two orders of [illegible] engaged in this war, viz., the regulars and volunteers, it is [illegible] evident to us that whatever power or influence Col. Buchanan [illegible] with the government in this connection will be exerted [illegible]. We have nothing to expect from him but the most strenuous opposition, and from all we can learn Col. B. acts in accordance with his instructions from Genl. Wool, viz., not to recognize the volunteers in any way, shape or manner.
    That in view of the foregoing facts, we have, sir, taken the liberty to lay before you this memorial, that when our claims come up before the government of the United States you may be our friend. Some of us who now address you have been your soldiers and have fought under you heretofore. And we personally know the interest you take in the welfare of a soldier.
    That we should not have troubled you with this long memorial but for the purpose of showing you to what extent the feelings of opposition exist towards us, when those who entertain them would not move a single step out of their way, nor hasten their pace in their way to save us all from being sacrificed.
    That in addition to the Indians we killed from our little fort amounting to at least 41, we have since killed 11, a party of us going up Rogue River, in the night, lying in ambush and surprising the enemy in their canoes in the morning. This makes 51 Indians killed by our little party since the 18th of March besides some 35 more or less killed previously. This we think is a number not equalled, and surely not exceeded by any equal number of men, volunteer or regular, in Oregon.
    We would be most grateful to you, sir, should you acknowledge [illegible] of this memorial. We would proudly follow any suggestions you might make, either in regard to conducting this war or dispelling this unnatural state of things between those who have the same object in view.
    We now commit the advocacy of our cause into your hands, well knowing that if you stand not up for us, influences will be brought to bear against us, which may injure us all and ruin many of us. We were first in the field, called there by stern necessity as well as by the governor of Oregon, and it would be hard indeed if our claims were disregarded.
    We see by what appears to be an official article in the San Francisco Herald that Col. Buchanan claims to [illegible] the Tututni rancheria, the Mikonotunne [illegible]. Now the former was destroyed by us, without either his knowledge or order.
    Forgive his long draft upon your time and patience. Many of us are absent procuring supplies, else all would sign this memorial.
We are respectfully yours
    O. W. Weaver
    L. S. Myers
    A. Barber
    Robert A. Forsyth
    John Chaduck
    G. S. Arnold
    I. S. Morrison
    Henry R. K. Lockman
    James G. Didway
    James W. Taggart
    F. Cliffton
    Thos. Calahan
    Seth Merell
    Joseph McVay
    N. McNamara
    Mathew Nolan
    Relf Bledsoe
    J. M. Lewis
    John G. Signor
    Joseph Hiester
    Charles H. Arnold
    E. A Lane
    Thomas McCormick
    Jas. McVay
    George Denef
    J. W. Wilkinson
    C. Brown
    Andrew Hunter
    S. B. Blake
    J. M. Alvord
    J. C. McVay
    David Libbey
    [illegible] Monaghan
    [illegible] Sutherland
    R. J. McKnight
    James Lowe
    L. J. Pierce
    E. H. Meservey
    G. S. Ramsay
    G. H. Abbott
    S. B. McCullough
    A. W. Sypher
    C. Haight
             
Fort Miner 11th May 1856
2nd Regt.
Company K Oregon Mounted Volunteers
R. Bledsoe, Captain
P.S.  Col. Buchanan has gone up Rogue River with the whole command. The Indians in this [illegible] seem to be eager to treat and we expect a permanent peace will soon be established. The individual who has been appointed to draw up this memorial was a soldier in the Yreka Mounted Volunteers under Capt. Goodall in the war in which you got wounded. He takes advantage of this postscript to sign his name to it and to state that he remembers with sincere pleasure your address to us when you first came to take the command. Your expression "fellow soldiers" contrasted so agreeably with the neglect and contempt which have lately been conferred upon us. If I can serve Gen. Lane in the territory of Oregon or in northern California, the General has only to make his wishes known.
With much respect
    I am, sir
        Your very obedt humble servt
            G. S. Ramsay
            Acting surgeon and physician in Company K, O.M.V.
 P.S.  By writing to the care of Dr. Mooney M.D., Crescent City, a letter will always reach me.  G.S.R.


Rogue River Valley O.T.
    May 11th 1856.
Dear sir
    I arrived home on yesterday from Dayton, where I had been on business connected with the removal of the Rogue River Indians. I left them all in peace and quiet, and in charge of R. B. Metcalfe and his brother, who is equally as good a hand among Indians as Robt. I tendered my resignation to Genl. Palmer before I left Dayton. It however was not to take effect until the 30th of June, which is now near at hand. I reserved until the 30th of June in order to enable me to settle the business of the agency.
    I trust you will have Robt. Metcalfe appointed in my stead, and a better selection or a more competent person than Robt.['s] brother James K. Metcalfe could not fill his place, and should a vacancy occur in which you have no particular person to fill, you could not confer it upon a worthier man than James K. Metcalfe. To his superior knowledge of Indian character I certainly stand indebted for much useful information and assistance while in the discharge of my official duties.
    The war still continues, but it is not prosecuted with much vigor. I do hope something will be done by the present Congress to relieve the wants of the settlers in the present emergency. It is futile and worse than that it is even folly to stop to inquire into the cause or origin of the war while the savages are at work spreading desolation and ruin on all sides. No alternative is now left but to fight it out, and in order to do so Congress must do something for us. I expect to be in the States this summer or fall. I am anxiously waiting for the war to wind up to start.
    I suspect Genl. Palmer will hardly recommend the Messrs. Metcalfe, but for all that they are good men for that position.
    In retiring from office permit me to return to you my sincere thanks for your kind patronage, which I trust I duly appreciate and shall remember with lively gratitude the more so from the fact that it was unsought and unlooked-for on my part
    Very respectfully
        Your obt servt
            G. H. Ambrose
Genl. Lane M.C.
    Washington City



Port Orford, O.T.
    May 15 1856
Dear Genl,
    I am happy to say that by last mail I recd. from Washington some "material aid," and will be able to pay on the note $500 which I shall send to Shelby--who has the note.
    I regret to know that this country is in absolutely a languishing condition on account of Indian troubles. How unfortunate it is that our regular and volunteer forces should occupy antagonistic positions and views of this war, when the whole energy of the U.S. and people of this territory ought to be united. The breach I fear is so great that no essential good can be done by either. There is not a proper thinking man in Oregon who does not deplore it. "But what shall be the remedy?"
    The regular army (I mean south) are in active service. I think Col. Buchanan has under his command now in Rogue River Valley some 400 men exclusive of officers, enough to whip out all the Indians, but can he find them in the mountain fastnesses. It will require many more than are actually engaged in the field. Positions ought to be taken and kept, which cannot be done with so small a force. How advantageous[ly] the volunteer forces could be used in this way, but for this quarrel. Much blame may be attributed to the people for bringing on this war, for speculation, etc., but some part of the want of success in its prosecution may reasonably be attributed to the course Genl. Wool has taken in regard to this perplexing question. The volunteer forces, by their own choice, refused to be placed under the rules of the regular army, claiming an independence which in my opinion has worked ruin and defeat on almost every occasion. Seeming to take advantage of their liberty, they have refused anything like obedience to their own officers. Who can take up the papers and reports made of their movements and not be convinced of this fact? It is but today news reached this place that Genl. Lamerick, having a large volunteer force under him south, was about to, or had resigned on the grounds of utter indifference of his men to submit to any orders. What is said of these may be said to some extent of all, better men never went into any field, but blind to their own interests. Whole trains of horses are taken by the Indians from our volunteers, and done too under our best officers, and this is of frequent occurrence.
    Genl. Wool, on the other hand, has manifested a degree of neglect towards Oregon in not actively placing a sufficient force of troops in the field until the patience of the people were worn out, their property burned or destroyed, and their wives and children murdered before their eyes, or belief relief could come. The stand he has taken in the unfortunate controversy between the territorial officers and himself has so far weakened the military arm of the territory that nothing is left for it but a dishonorable abandonment of the field. Its reputation gone, its credit bankrupt. This, too, has been accomplished by the exercise of an undue spirit of resentment, or revenge, which is to cost the government millions of dollars. I look upon it as the cause of the inability of the territorial officers to procure sufficient supplies and the exorbitant prices paid for those which could be had. "But the remedy." I am far from attempting to offer, or suggest, a remedy. I saw and conversed with Genl. Adair last week, who told me in a hasty manner on the steamer that he had written you fully on the subject, that he urged you to accept the command of the Pacific division, come home, and take the field. As to the correctness of this position, I am but illy prepared to give an opinion whether Oregon most needs your services in Congress, or in the field. Would your return settle the controversy; would it restore order and obedience amongst volunteer and regular forces, or would your services in securing the payment of the enormous war debt, upon which depends the credit or bankruptcy of the territory, be better applied in Congress are questions of the greatest moment to the people of Oregon.
    I have uniformly adhered to the opinion that no man in or out of Congress could carry this war debt through but you, if indeed it can be done at all, when the claims shall all be reduced to one grand total. Still I would say that if you shall decide upon assuming command of the Pacific forces against these savages and conceive it your duty to return in that capacity, you would carry into the field my best and warmest wishes. All I ask is that you may not be sacrificed to gratify the schemes of enemies.
Truly your friend
    R. W. Dunbar
To Hon. Joseph Lane, M.C
    Washington City


Jacksonville O.T.
    May 21 1856
Dear General
    After my respects to you I will inform you that I received my draft in due time, for which I am under many obligations to you.
    My beef account C. S. Drew made out and sent it by last mail, so he says, but as I have but little confidence in him I would not be disappointed if he has not done so. If however he has sent it to Washington it will be there before this reaches you. Please examine and if my voucher for my beef is not there let me know and I will provide some other way to get the same. Now, General, this is imposing upon you, but it is the only way that I know how to proceed to get my pay.
    Our county election comes off the first Monday in June, and as our county ticket is a good one I think we will be able to succeed.
Yours truly
    John F. Miller
Gen. Lane


Port Orford, O.T.
    May 29th 1856
Dear Genl.
    By last mail I wrote you some desultory remarks on the causes of, and management of, the present war.
    I am happy to be able now to inform you of the prospects of a speedy termination of Indian troubles in southern Oregon. As you will perceive by former accounts, Col. Buchanan, U.S.A. has been in the field for a few months. His presence has had the desired effect without the necessity of risking any considerable engagement, but in what was done was so well done without any reverses that the entire war party of Rogue River Valley, except a mere handful, have offered to make peace on any terms. Genl. Palmer is now with him at R. River, negotiating terms of peace, which are understood to be an unconditional surrender, cease fighting, give up their arms, and go at once on the reservation. This too has been done at the time when the volunteers south have had nothing but reverse and defeat from these same Indians. One company only, that of Capt. Bledsoe, formed at the mouth of Rogue River, have had any success. Acting under all the adverse circumstances of being shut out from the volunteer field officers, without supplies, illy provided for in every way, have acquitted themselves handsomely, fought gallantly, behaved honorably, and met with no reverses. I hazard nothing in saying that they have done more good service (this one small comp.) than all the volunteer forces south have done, put together.
    Our joy is great at the prospects now of peace, and the speedy removal of all the Indians from amongst us, giving our industrious population the chance to return to their legitimate pursuits, which they are doing with vigor. It will require the labors of many years before some of them will, if ever, recover from the severe blow caused by the sad havoc made with their property by this war. At Rogue River [i.e., Gold Beach] a handsome settlement had sprung up, was fast improving by the mining, as well as growing interests at that valuable location. Now not a vestige is left but the ashes of what was a busy thriving settlement!
    Much inquiry is made as to whether the U.S. will or will not reimburse them for the loss of the immense amount of stock and other property destroyed by the Indians.
    I learn with no small degree of surprise that your daughter Winnie is to be married at an early day. You will pardon me Genl. when I say that I regret it. I refrain from reasons, as I learn that matters have progressed beyond the point of interference. Believe me, sir, that I do not speak thus with any other motive than the very high regard I have for you and yours, evidence of which need not now be advanced.
I am always your
    Friend
        R. W. Dunbar
In haste
    To Hon Joseph Lane
        Washington City
            D.C.


Jacksonville OT June 1st 1856           
Dear General
    A line from me will doubtless be unexpected to you after the attack which has been made upon my character both as a private citizen and public servant by those professing to be your sincere friends.
    My reason for writing to you at this time is simply this: that having been a member of your staff in '53, I deem it only an act of justice to myself and to you to aver that the allegations set forth by an anonymous correspondent in the Oregon Statesman over the signature of "High Private," are utterly and totally false.
   
From the best information I have been able to gain relative to the authorship of the communication in question, and of those of W. J. Martin notoriety, belong to the same person.
    In the absence of testimony requisite to have the foul calumniations to a responsible source, I have deemed it impolitic both as regards myself and the payment of the Rogue River indebtedness of '53 to attempt to vindicate myself here or to heed in any manner the effusions of a licentious partisan person.
    At the same time, however, I hold myself at readiness to account to the department at Washington for my official conduct in not only this, but all other matters in which I have anything to do. If, therefore, you have any knowledge either directly or indirectly of the alleged frauds having been committed, I deem it your bounden duty as one of the representatives of the American people to adopt some policy by which an investigation may be made. For my own part I have no fear of the result, and such a course would doubtless procure new laurels for you by your political friends in Oregon.
    Do not understand me that I have any favors to ask other than those which strict justice to the Treasury of the United States may seem to require. I am not a politician nor the son of a politician, consequently I can approach you not as an humble supplicant for the bestowment of aught that would draw upon your beneficence, but simply as a private individual, or to use a common phrase, "one of the sovereign people."
    I should be glad to give you a correct history of the origin and prosecution of the present war south, but as it would necessarily differ from that which you have already received, I refrain from so doing. Suffice it to say that there are ingredients mixed up in the prosecution of the present war that you did not dream of during the war of '53, and from present indications it must terminate ingloriously so far as regards those in command.
    Col. Ross sends regards etc. Please accept for yourself my best wishes for your welfare and success.
C. S. Drew                    
Gen. Joseph Lane Washington D C



Jacksonville
    June 3rd 1856
Genl. Jo. Lane
Dear Sir
    Your numerous favors came safe to hand on the 1st inst., for which please accept my thanks. The election is over, A M. Berry been elected rep. jointly with Josephine Co., Jackson voting with that co. for our member J. S. Miller new rep. for Jackson Co. C. Nye, Whig representative of Jackson Co. 'Tis thought a Whig sheriff will be elected. There will not be more than 10 or 15 votes difference. The people are getting up a mass meeting in southern Oregon for the purpose of memorializing Congress in relation to the war and to place in your hands facts in relation thereto. The citizenry say they have not done their duty toward you in presenting you with such facts as to enable you to confront your opponents and prove the charges made against your constituents by gov. officials unfounded and unjust.
    There seems to be a suspension of hostilities at this time; a treaty is talked of. Most of the volunteers have been mustered out of service. New arrangements will be made; certain it is the war is not yet at an end. Crops are fine and health prevailing. Grasshoppers plenty. I am managing my department to the best of my abilities but have much trouble with Whigs and K.N.s.
    The war has rendered this country bankrupt. All I have is in war scrip, and many others are in a similar condition, all looking anxiously to Congress for action. Hundreds are saying Genl. Lane will see us righted. Times ahead look awful gloomy. Should the committee report unfavorably and you be unable to secure an appropriation, such poverty and want has never been witnessed in this county at any previous time as now awaits it.
    My kind regards to Hon. J. P. Dunn, also Gen. Willard. I am intimately acquainted with the former but not with the latter. For Maj. Dunn I entertain the strongest feelings of friendship, for I assure you he is a gentleman and a safe and confidential friend. I am, dear sir, your friend and fellow citizen.
M. C. Backwell                   



Jacksonville O.T.
    June 3rd 1856
Dear sir:
    I received yours of April the 19th today as I passed through town on my way to San Francisco, but as it may be very important to you to learn all the facts, I avail myself of the express for an immediate reply. While I am forced to admit that some acts of violence have been perpetrated by some bad, irresponsible and reckless white men upon the Indians, our population as a general thing are composed of good men. But a few irresponsible men will occasionally pass through the country, but I would like to know in the name of heaven if sensible men will pretend to justify hordes of savages in desolating whole settlements, massacring innocent women and children, from the fact that some transient, irresponsible white men had done them a wrong. I made a report to Genl. Palmer on August last over two months before the war which is charged the whites begun which will give you much of the information asked for. Again in Sept. my report will show what I thought of the matter. Copies of those two reports I send you; they may be useful. I have but little time to write and must be as brief as possible. The massacre took place on the Klamath on the 27 of July, the version which I give of it in my report was obtained from the Indians. I subsequently learned there were seventeen persons killed at that time. The murder on Indian Creek took place in May the 11th; but one man was killed. On the Siskiyou in the month of Sept. two men were killed who were teaming over the mountains, both unarmed, and of course not the assailing party. You will see by my report that Indians belonging to this reservation were on the Klamath at the time of the difficulties there. I afterwards got some of the stolen property from them and delivered it up to the relatives of the murdered men. No doubt exists of their being there and their participation to some extent in that affair, and some of those very same Indians were the principal actors on the 9th of October in massacring women and children. They evidently sought the war and actually carried on a predatory war all summer. Sam's and Joe's people were not implicated with them, as subsequent events have proven, and it was of these people I usually made my reports when I spoke well of the Indians. There are a large body of Indians in these mountains that never ought to be treated with, but I have advised General Palmer to treat with them from this fact [that] if something is not done with them they will take this country this summer if nothing better than United States troops are in the field aside from Capt. Smith. I know of none in this section of country of them but what have more sympathy for the Indians than the settlers. It is a foul slander upon the settlers of Oregon to thus accuse them. The people in this valley deserved peace and sought to maintain it by every means in their power until forbearance ceased to be a virtue any longer with them. I am speaking of the mass of the people, not of the acts of a few transient individuals. I will write you more in detail when I arrive at San Francisco.
Very respectfully
    Your obt servt
        G. H. Ambrose
    I suppose you have received my resignation before this time, but I will take occasion to say I would like well for Mr. Metcalfe to be my successor, if none should be appointed yet.       G.H.S.



Winchester (Wednesday night) June 11th [1856]       
Dearest Winnie
    I arrived at home safely last night, though somewhat fatigued, and have been busy all day in making arrangements for your return. This was a work of some little difficulty, but as I was in earnest I used all my diplomacy and have at length succeeded. Crane (Posey) is to start tomorrow and will arrange to leave Siuslaw on the morning of Saturday. This may make it necessary for you to travel a part of Sunday, but you must remember that it is a matter of necessity, and is the only way that Melissa could come, or you either, for a month at least. If your conscience smites you I will take the sin on my shoulders, but the truth is that now that I know that you are all my own I find it impossible to live away from you, and so you must come. I do not expect that we shall be able to enjoy each other's society so exclusively as we did during those four happy days, but I shall still have the satisfaction of being near you and seeing you constantly. This is the only arrangement that Mother was able to make, as it was impossible for Sedgewood or Creed to come. I would have come myself, but I did not like to make our affairs the public talk of the tattlers. I found all the family well, and still in a good humor with your humble correspondent. It would please you to see how attentive I am to Mother, and she treats me now almost as one of the family. She asked me today "what I intended doing in case I was removed from office." I told her I intended to follow my profession, that I had always made a respectable living and hoped to do so still, at any rate that you were willing to risk it. This seemed to meet her approval. So you see that she looks upon our marriage as a "fixed fact."
    There are two letters here for you, one from John and the other from your father. Emily told me that they had read them, that your father supposed that you were married to Metcalfe, that he hoped you were happy, that he knew him and liked him, &c., &c., evidently trying to make the best of it. Thank God no such calamity has befallen you. It seemed to me now that I could not live if such were the case. I cannot see how I even endured the thought of it. Your father has, of course, not received our letter. What he will think! I cannot conceive. I received no letter from him, only a few "documents."
    Our happiness was so complete at our mountain home that I could not help fearing some rude awakening from such a delicious dream. My forebodings have been, alas, too truly verified. On my return I found a letter from my sister in New Orleans which informed me that my dear father was lying sick of inflammatory rheumatism, and he never expected to regain his health again, and begging me to return home this summer if I wished to see him alive. This it is impossible for me to do, not only on account of our engagement, but for other reasons which I will explain when we meet. You can imagine how my heart is torn. Dearest, come to me and condole with me, and join your prayers to mine that Providence may spare to us a kind father, who would if he knew you be only too happy to call you daughter.
    May God bless you and shield you from all sorrow,
        Your affectionate lover
            L. F. Mosher
   

    Give my love to Melissa, and Mr. Barlow as well as to Joe and Andy and Virginia and Mary--(and Nelly).


Yreka, Cala. June 12, '56       
Dear General,
    Your kind letter of 3rd May is received, and I have to thank you for the information you give and the probability of the Hon. Secretary of War's approving my claim.
   
Genl. Wool certainly has been, in many respects, greatly mistaken in his ideas respecting the actual existence of war in Oregon and northern California. Why sir, recently two men have been murdered near Humbug Creek, and more recently still, two more at Willow Spring Ranch. Their bodies now lie in Yreka, full of arrow and gunshot wounds, awaiting burial.
    Being contiguous to Southern Oregon Territory, and under a state organization, I am now actively organizing a company of militia or volunteers to suppress hostilities, as from every recent Indian indication the settlers in the valleys about here will be subjected to depredations and war during the present summer. A portion of the hostile bands from Southern Oregon are undoubtedly mixed up in these murders and robberies of property.
    The two men murdered and first referred to were assassinated whilst mining at their sluices, and [the] latter were shot whilst herding stock, and in neither case could the whites by any possibility have been guilty of any aggression whatever.
    I respectfully suggest that our California delegation may be informed by you of these facts, and that they may thereby be prompted to aid you and act in concert in properly representing to Congress the wants of this our new and rich country, so full of resources, that only requires assistance and protection to develop them. California and Oregon, notwithstanding the difficulties under which they have labored (difficulties incident to new countries), will be yet gems on the Pacific.
            Your friend and obedient servant,
                James P. Goodall
Hon. Jos. Lane
    House of Reps.
        Washington D.C.



    June 14th [1856] "Sundown." "Military express" arrived from Port Orford with a letter from Mr. Nathan Olney, Indian agent, to Capt. W. H. Harris (captain volunteers) informing him that it had been pretty well ascertained that the Indians on Rogue River and on the coast were going to make another grand effort to exterminate the whites, and intended that Port Orford should be their first place of attack. Mr. Olney, Indian agent, [illegible] informed that Capt. W. H. Harris had orders to disband his "Company" of Volunteers, and requested that Capt. W. H. Harris would not disband his "Company" for the present, as he deemed their services absolutely necessary and requisite at this particular time.
    June 15th, 10 o'clock a.m. "Military express" from Deer Creek, O.T., brings news that all the Volunteers in Southern Oregon are to be disbanded (except two Companies), and the Commissary stores closed, by order of Geo. L. Curry, Governor of O.T.
                Dr. A. N. Foley



Pleasant Hill, Lane Co., O.T., June 9th 1856   
General Jo Lane, Sir,
    Yours of April 18th 56 [has] been duly received, and I must tender you my thanks for the information it contained. The K.N. [Know-Nothings] here last winter undertook [to stir] up an excitement for the coming spring [election] and they disputed my statement that there never had been but two Whig Speakers of the House, and brought up Clay as an instance and denied his ever being a Democrat and also that the Democrats in the Kossuth case undertook to make political capital of it. But this has all blown over, and our election has proven a complete Democratic triumph. So far as heard from, this is the first time the party has been thoroughly organized in this county, and the result is truly satisfactory. Your speeches were duly received and distributed. They were well received. Continue to send other speeches, documents &c., and I shall take pleasure in distributing them.
    In this connection I would state that a friend, Mr. Martin Blanding, wishes to be remembered to you, that his name may be put down on your list of friends. He is the principal in the academy started at Jones Mill, near Pleasant Hill, &c.
    The Indian war is the all-engrossing topic of conversation here at present. The rumor here is that the President has sent a message in to Congress sustaining Gen. Wool, and that the Oregon volunteers are not to be received. Surely this cannot be. I hope the rumor may not be confirmed. What--the volunteers not paid, [to men] who turned out in the midst of the [most] inclement winter that Oregon has [ever] witnessed, to protect defenseless citizens [from] the most brutal savage in existence, [while] Wool and the regulars were lying [safe in] Benicia and Vancouver. The Indians broke out for the distance of eight hundred miles east, west, north and south, killing, burning and destroying without discrimination, with a regular force of not over six hundred men scattered over the two territories. Then for Governors Curry and Stevens to stand back and not order out men to defend the country, to defend our wives and children, they would deserve the epithets of base craven-hearted traitors, but they have done nothing of the kind, on the contrary they have stood by the country like noble, generous-hearted men, as they are.
    Wool did make out to make a trip or two up to Portland on the steamer at government expense, making the empty boast that his headquarters would be in the saddle and then returning to San Francisco, after persuading some of our citizens and merchants to withhold supplies from the volunteers who were out in snow and rain, wind and weather, defending our women and children from the attacks of the most cruel, loathsome and despicable creatures on the face of god's earth, and the men who turned out their flour, bacon, sugar and coffee to feed the men who were [illegible] defending their country and also [their] wagons and teams and their pack animals [for] transporting purposes, are they to look [for] just compensation? Just because Wool pleased to be down on the Oregonians, you [illegible] very well know of the old prejudices [that] have been in existence between the Californians [and] Oregonians ever since the discovery of the gold mines. This prejudice still exists, and no doubt but General Wool has imbibed a portion of it, which is the real cause of his refusing to assist or cooperate in any way with the volunteers.
    But we will trust in your abilities to right the difficulties, knowing that if the thing is possible you will accomplish it.
    The general depression of the times is severely felt here; the people everywhere are crying hard times, hard times, and now on top of it, the grasshoppers are coming in swarms. The prospects now are that the late crops will fall a prey to that devastating insect, and the general remark is that the Indians, grasshopper and Gen. Wool have combined to starve out the Territory--but they have a hard set of customers to deal with, and they had best beware or some will lose their hair and others their standing.
    The spring is unusually wet, so much so that there is but little improvements going on in the country. The spring crop is not so good on that account--but an Oregonian won't give up, so we still hold up our heads in despite of all difficulties--but [perhaps] I tire you with so long an epistle, [so] I will desist.
            Yours with respect &c,
                E. Lafayette Bristow
To the Hon.
    Gen. Joseph Lane
June 12th '56
    P.S. I open my letter to inform you of the news from the south. The volunteers have taken prisoners of Old Limpy and George and their entire bands, and also a portion of Old John's, and are in close pursuit of Old John himself, and no doubt long ere this letter reaches you the war in Rogue River Valley will be at an end and brought to a close too by our noble, though much traduced, volunteers, and in fact one report says that the regulars were out on a tramp in the mountains when they were surrounded by the Indians and would have been cut off had not the volunteers come to their assistance and captured the Indians.
    Yours &c
        E. L. B.


Pleasant Hill, Lane Co., O.T., June 17th 1856   
Dear General--
    In my letter a few days ago I stated that the old [chiefs] Limpy and George were taken prisoners by the volunteers. Having now learned the particulars, I hasten to inform you of them. My information is from actors in the scene, and reliable.
    Col. Smith of the regulars went down Rogue River to the Meadows or below, and tried to make a treaty with them. They would not listen to him and gave him three hours to prepare for fight. He entrenched himself on the brow of a bald hill, and started an express to Col. Buchanan, who was down towards the mouth of Rogue River. At the appointed time the Indians, about 500 strong (I did not learn Smith's force), surrounded the trenches. Smith had unfortunately dug his trenches some ten feet back from the brow of the hill, which enabled the Indians to crawl up to that point and lie concealed, so that whenever a man showed his head above the ditch he was shot down. The regulars were so much cowed and the Indians so emboldened by their advantage that they took long sticks and hooked all their blankets and loose wearing apparel off one [of] them as they lay in the ditches. They had 20 men killed and 30 wounded. The Indians kept them in this situation three days, when the volunteers, who were coming down the river on a scout--not knowing where the regulars were--came suddenly upon the Indian encampment four miles above where they had the regulars surrounded and took the whole encampment except a runner who escaped and let the warriors know what had happened. The volunteers, learning from their prisoners--for the first time--of Smith's difficulties, started to the rescue. They got very near the place when they met the warriors. The Indians tried to gain a good position, but were crowded too close by the volunteers, when a running fight was kept up back to Smith's trenches. In the meantime Buchanan--who had made forced marches to relieve Smith--came up on the other side, when the Indians finding themselves hemmed ran into the trenches and gave themselves up. But Old John with Sam [and] two or three hundred warriors escaped to the mountains. Old Limpy and George and their bands were in the hands of the whites, numbering some 400 prisoners.
    The prejudice is growing stronger every day between the volunteers and regulars, so much so as to bring them into almost open hostilities, which has all been caused by the actions of Gen. Wool. But I must stop on the Wool subject, for it makes me feel too hostile to continue the subject.
        Yours ever
            E. Lafayette Bristow
To the Hon. Jo Lane
    P.S. Col. Smith was creased in two places while lying in the trenches, one ball cut him across the back and another across the back of the neck.
        E. L. B.


Kellogg's
    Umpqua Co. O.T.
        June 19, 1856
Genl. Lane
    Sir, you will pardon all my blunders when you know I am very tired, having labored exceedingly hard for several days past & a part of the time for U.S. departments, but to the subject. I doubt not but the most of the expenses of the Oregon war have been very justly called for, but there is one gum game now on hand here which when properly known & investigated may be the means of several honest claims either cut down or entirely defeated. It is this, several men (I suppose they call themselves), they're very much dissatisfied because the military road from Scottsburg to Myrtle Creek was not laid out through the great town of Elkton at the mouth of Elk Creek & have done & said all they could to bring into disrepute not only the military road but all who dare not [illegible] to adopt their measures. During the winter past the bridge went off at Elkton & some quartermaster purchased a ferry boat & rope & employed a man at government expense to tend the same.  A part of the time some of the ferries on the military road were not in a safe condition to run for want of a sufficient rope in the time of high water, which might lead to some justification for the expense of the boat & rope at Elkton. But sir, now in low water when the Elk is favorable & the ferries on the military road in good order & the m. road [by] four miles the shortest route & declared by teamsters to be the best road of the two, someone has employed all the hands they can get at government expense to erect a bridge across the Elk.  Now I am not interested in any ferry at all nor in the road on the south side of the river, but I very much dislike to have such a transaction as that come to the light of investigation as having been worked through by any of the officers of our county. Umpqua County paid nearly two thousand dollars to build that bridge two years ago & truly we are not able to build it now but the money laid out on the military road would render much more general good as the distance is full four miles shorter than the other way & many more persons would be accommodated instead of the few who worship the god Elkton & its votaries.
    Doubtless a bill will be presented for the payment of the funds thus employed.  Now the most of the men who live along the military road are very hard-laboring men & gave from one to 3 month's work on that road to enable the contractors to do the work as cheap as they could & have thus far [they have] been obliged to cross the river to Elkton District to do their highway work because that clique have so merged thus far that every petition for the location of a county road thus far has been evaded.  Now these are facts but I must close in haste. Can & will you see a little to it & get a little [i.e., appropriation] for the military road.  I wrote you once on that subject; I got your favor of garden seeds & some few pamphlets.
    By the by, can you do anything for my horses stolen by the Indians in 1853. All well. Mr. Floed stayed with us last night.  With much respect, yours &c.,
J. J. Kellogg.


                                                                    Winchester
                                                                        June 20, 1856.
Dear General
    It is with pleasure that I again take my pen to address you in behalf of our claims on Congress, and to thank you for what you have done. In my correspondence, I shall aim to direct you in the right direction touching affairs that are now transpiring here and endeavor to give the view of the people here of what estimate their rights are regarded at Washington, so that you can judge of the course to aid them and serve them. Things have assumed a serious caste here. No longer will you be addressed in our affairs as a Democrat simply, and receive none but the homage and applause of that party; no longer will you be regarded as the exclusive property of those to whom you have heretofore looked for aid and served when needed; but in this matter of defense of the people in this war, you will be addressed and looked to by the entire people as their defender in fact, and will be estimated according to your ability to do good. This is the light in which it is my pleasure to address you. The war speech made by you has been justly applauded everywhere. Political foes have awarded to you a full measure of applause and thanks for it and promise to stand by you as you by them. Your letter in the last Statesman strengthens this respect, and gives increased force to impressions of your ability to do good for us.
    In the matter of Lupton's party, I advise you to consult the report of Dr. Ambrose for August 1855, two months before Lupton was killed:
    "Quite a limited amount of labor has been performed on the reserve, on account of the surrounding country being involved in a war, and the Indians belonging to the reserve accused of aiding and abetting if not guilty of actual participation." Remember, this is in August 1855. I was personally acquainted with these facts, because I was at Dr. Ambrose's house and ascertained about them at the time. Those tribes with whom treaties were made in '53 have continued friendly, Sam, Jo and Jim. But old John has not made a treaty. Neither will he treat, so long as he succeeds as he has with the aid of other tribes. Rogue River was justly regarded in a state of war in the later part of July and month of August '55. I was present at Jacksonville and know it to have been so. The attack on Klamath River on the 27th of July last was made by six Indians from the reserve, who committed those murders, of ten persons; some of old John's band were implicated in it. As Dr. Ambrose is in the States you will get the facts from him. I might copy from the facts which I had published at that time, but his report is full and more satisfactory. I will here add that Dr. Ambrose did his duty like a true man, efficient and straightforward in behalf of the government as an Indian agent.
    The position you have taken, although against Wool and Palmer, is the correct one. The worst has been said against us, and now we want the proof. They can not get it, because they have stated falsehoods.
    I am in hopes yet to see Jackson County in mass convention on this matter of Lupton's; I shall urge it, and also one of the citizens will use his utmost to have the matter placed before you in its true light. The charges made by Palmer (for it is upon his statement that Greeley, Wool in part, have made their charges) are false; he has not been south until this spring since the war began, and could have known nothing as he has stated the case because it was not known here, and no one has talked or even suspicioned as Palmer has written. He passed down the coast a few days since in the full assurance that when the Indians found he was present they would immediately surrender. But it was quite otherwise. Old John attacked Capt. Smith, surrounded him for two days, without water, until Col. Buchanan came to his relief.--when lo, old John to save his ammunition had placed ropes over the limbs of the trees, and informed Capt. Smith that he wished him to "marmuck" rope--he was going to hang the regulars. Under Col. Buchanan, Palmer was obliged to take a gun and defend himself. A report of this affair you will see in the Statesman. The Indians are not afraid of regulars, and will fight them at any time, but it is not so with volunteers; they will not stand their ground with them. The result was no treaty with the Indians, and no prospect for any. The Indians are determined to fight as much so now as they ever were. Old John and Enos will make no treaty with Palmer, but will as soon as they can take his scalp. On Palmer's arrival among the Indians on the coast, the tribes on the reserves began to communicate with each other by sea; almost daily canoes were seen passing along the coast. Mr. Olney at Port Orford wrote to Dr. Drew, agent at Umpqua, that from the appearance and conduct of the Indians on the reserves, and their communication with those away, he judged that a general attack was at hand, and cautioned him accordingly. I saw a letter last week containing these facts. You will see by this that General Palmer's trouble has begun just where he egotistically supposed it would end. And he will further learn that regular troops are not the troops after all that can be very successful Indian fighters.
    Gen. Wool, in his letters in order to show the people here to be barbarous, says that extermination of the Indians has been advocated and practiced; this is true, and the cause he has overlooked. Old John and Enos both refused to talk, refused to treat, but declare that they are determined to fight until every last Boston is defeated. It is these bands that we are now fighting, and it is necessary to exterminate them, because according to their own declaration they will cease fighting only with death. Here you will see that the whites are driven to this necessity, and in self-defense act on it. Gen. Wool (if he knows anything about this matter) knows this to be the case. Yet he must slander the people and call them barbarous because they exterminate the Indians to save their own lives. It is a falsehood that they have exterminated alike friends and foes.
    You will see from Dr. Ambrose's report that war existed here before Mayor Lupton's death, and instead of the war being retaliatory of his attack, as Gen. Wool reports, it was simply an incident of it.
    Reports of meetings will be sent on to you, and get from Dr. A. such papers as bear on this matter, and the balance you have already. The people here look on this matter with great interest, and upon Gen. Palmer, for whom they have never exhibited but little respect, as [one] of the most miserable sycophants that moved among us. They think that although at Washington their case may appear bad enough, yet they invite investigation and trust by the aid of such lights as are placed in your hands we may yet make a just defense to the falsehoods heaped upon us by such a miserable thing as that man Palmer.
    The people look to you and expect, as I know you well enough to know, that now is the time when they may expect your aid in their behalf.
    In the position you have taken in this behalf, I can congratulate you upon your final success, you can have the proof to sustain you as you have the truth to protect you. The people of Oregon, General, now expect the removal of Gen. Wool and the immediate removal of Gen. Palmer. Delay in this last case will detract from the respect now paid to you, because your friends have promised that when his conduct comes to your knowledge you will use your endeavors to remove him. General, as a friend let me say to you, remember what I now tell you. If Palmer is not removed, the responsibility will rest on your shoulders. I give you the sentiment of the people, as I promised to, without offense. Palmer is not respected above the ground, and I fear for his safety should he go south. He has forfeited his last claim to respect upon this people
    Your family are well. Commodore is getting well. He was very low at one time. Capt. Mosher and Col. Martin are well also. Grasshoppers prevail to a great extent, yet people are contented, apparently.
        I am
            Yours resptly.
                S. F. Chadwick


                                                Headquarters Southern Army
                                                Fort Leland June 20th 56
Hon. Gen. Joseph Lane
Dr Sir
    I have read with great pleasure your speech in Congress praying for an appropriation of three hundred thousand dollars for the suppression of Indian hostilities in Oregon, and I very much regret that you are not in possession of some of the real truths in regard to the origin of this present Indian war. There appears to be a great many sympathizers in the eastern states for the poor Indian. If those persons spoke from experience and actually knew the real situation of things here they would talk very differently. It seems strange to me that correspondents of public journals that live hundreds of miles away should know more of the real character and movements of the natives than we do that have spent years here in the mountains. I have been a resident of this section of country as you are aware ever since the fall of 1851 and am personally acquainted with almost every Indian in the Rogue River and Umpqua valleys, and as there has been so many false statements in regard to this matter, I consider it my duty to make a few statements in regard to the real truths of the present Indian hostilities, and such as came under my own immediate observation. The origin of this war can be all traced back to a "Shasta Chief" called "Old John." He is the beginning, and until he is captured there will be no end to Indian hostilities in Southern Oregon. The general massacre that occurred in this valley on the 9th day of October 1855 was not as many suppose the impulse of the moment, but the continuation of a long-concocted and deep-laid plot. The spring of 1855 in the month of May, I think, the Indians had a general meeting at J. B. Wagoner's ranch on Inapoo [Louse] Creek. The tribes of Old Sam, George, Limpy, John and lower Rogue Rivers, Grave Creeks, Cow Creeks and in fact all the Indians in the whole surrounding country met there, as they said, to have a great gambling spin, when in fact the real object of the meeting was to lay plans and schemes for a general outbreak, as soon as they could agree on the time of commencement. They remained in council for several days, made great war speeches, but were careful not to let any of the women but a few old heads into the secret. The Grave Creeks were over for the purpose of gaming, they said, but seemed to be in bad luck, as they lost, they said, several horses, and even went so far as to get my partner to appeal to the Indian agent in their behalf, when in reality it was all a feint to lull suspicion of the real object of the meeting. In the month of June 1855 Grave Creek George was to work for us. One evening just at dark there was a number of horsemen came riding up on the jump. They halted and proved to be Indians. Ten of them was Cow Creeks headed by "Old Jack," and three of [sic] four Klickitats with their chief "Paul." They inquired for George and appeared quite warlike, said something about stealing horses, and they were going to kill him. I was aware that George and Jack were not on very good terms, and as George had no tillicums and [was] as it were alone in the world, I thought it my duty to warn him of his danger. I went to his camp and told him what was up. He appeared very much excited and slipped out in the brush and sent word that he would meet them at our house in the morning. And the strangers went down the creek and spent the night at the rancherie. In the morning George came up armed with a pistol and knife. Soon after came the others, and the scene of hostilities commenced. At it they come and in two hours the wind work [i.e., empty show] of a great battle was completed. Knives were drawn but no blood shed. About noon here comes "Tyee" George from Rogue River with several of his warriors. This meeting was purely accidental or at least they succeeded in making us think at the time (but since we have come to the conclusion that we were sold). The heads went out and had a long conference by themselves. The Klickitats were running heavy on trade of "Siwash Chickamin" [Indian money] for skins. All this looked quite reasonable at the time. Shortly after this Old Jack left Cow Creek and took up his abode with George. I could cite you to a hundred such instances that transpired in 1855. What I have special reference to in regard to false statements is in the correspondence of Gen. Wool with Gov. Stevens. Gen. Wool appears to establish as a basis to his argument a letter read by him from Capt. Judah, in which the latter advises him that the war was rather waged upon the Indians or something to that effect. And the general massacre that occurred on the 9th of October was only in retaliation for the wrongs committed on their people by a party of citizens led on by Maj. Lupton on the 8th. Now, sir, I beg leave to differ with Capt. Judah or any other man on that respect for I say and without deviating from the truth that the Indians were only anticipated. But do not think by this that I wish to cast any odium on Capt. Judah, for I believe him to be a gentleman, and he has the general reputation of being a good soldier. And at the time he wrote that I do believe he wrote what he thought strictly true according to the best information that he could get. But he had only seen one side of the picture. He was not aware that the day of the general massacre was all set, and that was on Monday morning, at daylight the 8th of October. But on Sunday evening the Indians stole a keg of whiskey from a pack train near Wagoner's place, and had a glorious jollification. This frustrated things and only delayed their putting into execution their hellish schemes for one day. The Indians killed by Maj. Lupton and party was of another and distant tribe. Capt. Judah I think at the time of the breakout was stationed at Fort Jones, Cal., and knew nothing of what was going on in this valley daily, only as reported to him by others. He was not aware that travelers were stopped on the road and compelled to take that from an Indian that no white man dare offer [i.e., death]. At that time, sir, the settlers of this valley done everything in their power to keep the Indians peaceable, for the country was very dry, and the people knew that the Indians had us in their power, and were anxious to keep them down until the wet season set in and then we thought the storm would blow over. And, sir, I do believe that if any man had dared to kill an Indian at that time, even in self-defense without the best proof, he would have been swung to the first limb without time to say his prayers. Such was the general feeling of the settlers of this valley at that time. But a war was inevitable, and it had to come, although it could all have been prevented in time by taking out Old John and five or six of his men and hanging them. But no, the poor Indian must not suffer in that way, before him and his followers had taken the lives of two or three hundred whites. I do not think that the tribes of Rogue River and Cow Creek wished for war, but were rather forced into it by Old John. All of the different tribes were afraid of him as they were of the devil himself. And then he pictured to them in such glowing colors the result of such a glorious campaign, such fine times as they would have killing the "Bostons." Then they would take possession of the country. And even went so far as to make a calculation on the net proceeds of the spoils and the manner of distributing them. At the time of the breakout Old George and his tillicums were camped at Wagoner's place. Some of Old John's band commenced the thing early on the morning of the 9th October, sweeping everything before them until they came to Wagoner's place. Here Old George and his men joined them, and the thing spread like wildfire, with death and destruction to everything that came in their range. There appears to be from all accounts some few Indian sympathizers here among us, but they keep themselves rather shady. And not a few in the States who advocate the cause of the "poor Indian" very ardently. Treat an Indian well and he will treat you well "in a hour.' For example, I will relate to you a short biography of one of the good Indians. Umpqua Jack or Riddle's Jack, as he is better known, was a brother of "Tipsey Bill." (This name was given him because he had a heavy mustache and goatee. The reason the natives assigned for this was in former days he had a white woman for a wife on the headwaters of Rogue River, and she caused him to shave. In proof of this there is a little girl belonging to him about twelve years old, and as white as any person exposed to the weather would be. And hair quite light.) Tipsey Bill was an accomplice of the old Chief Taylor, who committed the massacre on Galice Creek the winter of '52. This was as I presume you recollect seven men murdered in their beds and thrown in the river. Shortly after the waters were very high, and it was reported by the natives that the whites were at work on an island and that the river rose so high and so fast that they were swept off and drowned before they could help them. But "murder will out," and the Indians had any quantity of gold dust to prove their innocence. About the first of June '53 the thing leaked out in some way and a small company, headed by A. S. Baers, they soon succeeded in taking the chief Taylor prisoner. He had a fair trial and acknowledged himself guilty and gave the names of some that were implicated with him. Taylor and one or two others were stretched up right there. And then commenced Indian hostilities for 1853. We partly escaped for our natural enemy had not got a good [omission] ready. The chief Taylor implicated Tipsey Bill in the affair, and he was supposed to be among the Grave Creeks but could not be found in their ranch, nor would they give any information of his whereabouts. The whole band then were taken prisoners and marched in to this place. The chief was placed under guard and the consoling information given him that he had to have "Tipsy Bill" brought into camp that day or hang by the neck until he was dead-dead-dead. He immediately dispatched two of his warriors in search of him. About night they returned and said that they could find nothing of him. (Guess they thought the Bostons joking.) The awful sentence was then repeated in plain, clear language and a short respite granted. They were told they must produce Bill or his head by daylight or their chief must hang. The two warriors again sallied forth as if they meant something; this was legible in their countenances. At midnight they returned and reported they had found him, but he was not willing to come in, and they produced his head and a splendid rifle. Thus endeth a brief history of one of the bravest red devils in the country and a natural lover of the white man's blood. But I have rambled from my story, for which I ask pardon and will now proceed with my history of Jack. The spring of '53 he lived with Mr. Rice. A party of men were raised in Rogue River Valley to come over and clean out the Grave Creeks provided they would not come to terms. They took Jack along for a pilot, as he knew where they were camped. When they found the camp Jack was sent in to get some of the natives out to talk, but he never returned. There was a great bustle in camp, and the natives sang out to the Bostons that they were ready to receive them, and if they wanted to fight to pitch in. They were in a dense forest and in large numbers. There were but few whites, and they concluded it was no good thing and returned. Shortly after Jack made his appearance in Umpqua Valley on Cow Creek. Here he took up his residence with Mr. Riddle and family. He was a very intelligent Indian. The summer of 1856 Mr. R. sent him to Portland with his teams. He saw the whole Willamette Valley, spoke very good English and people thought him quite civilized and never suspicioned anything wrong from him. The spring of 1855 he made his appearance out here with a character [reference] from Mr. Riddle as being a good Indian. He took up his abode among the Grave Creeks for a season, said he had come over to see his tillicums and seek him a wife. Mr. Harris and family were living here at the time; he used to visit us here at the house almost every day, said that he had lived with the Bostons so long that he did not like "Siwash muckamuck" [Indian food]. And Mrs. Harris used to give him something to eat every time he came in. Mr. Harris and family left about this time and took up their abode 9 miles south of this place upon their farm. About this time or before, Jack left this section and went to the Rogue Rivers near Mr. Wagoner's place and accompanied his wife. He used to visit Mr. Harris' family very frequently. He was always well treated as if he had always been white, and when he asked for anything to eat it was freely given. But the ungrateful wretch instead of receiving his gratitude and friendship it only seemed to have a tendency to make him more saucy and impudent. On the morning of the general massacre he called around to see the family accompanied by his wife and several Indians. Mr. Harris was a short distance from the house. Jack came up, appeared friendly as usual, passed the time of day and started to go to the house, for Mr. Harris thought the natives looked somehow wrong. When they got to the house Jack noticed the timidity of Mr. Harris and asked him what he was afraid of in a laughing manner. Mr. Harris slipped inside of the door and was going to close it. At that instant Jack turned round and fired his rifle. The awful report was with a wild scream and instantly followed that hideous war whoop, and the whole surrounding country appeared to be literally alive with the red demons. At the crack of the rifle Mr. Harris and his daughter were both shot, he mortally in the breast and his daughter severely in the arm. Mrs. Harris caught her husband in her arms and drew him in the house and shut the door in the face of the Indians. In the meantime their little son David was gone to the neighbors, and they were fully aware of the horrible fate that awaited him on his return. What this mother and daughter suffered until a company of volunteers came up and relieved them the next day my feeble pen is incapable of expressing. These are a few brief outlines of the history of one of our good Indians upon whom no pains had been spared to instruct in the arts of civilized life. And, sir, I do believe in nine cases out of ten it is this good Indians, these pets, that have learned the manners and customs of the whites and have always been well treated, it is these very pets, sir, that are the ringleaders of these marauding parties. And then they have [a] peculiar way of expressing their thanks to their benefactors by shooting them down without a moment's warning. If the people in the States were really aware what grateful beings our good Indians are I don't think they would be quite so free in expressing their sympathies in behalf of the poor Indian. Meanwhile, believe me
    Your most obedient servant
        Jas. H. Twogood
            Fort Leland
                O. Ty.
Hon. Joseph Lane
Washington City


Dear Gen.
    Since the within letter was written, the Indians have burnt the house of Mr. Emery, and that of Mr. Hutson (member of last legislature from Douglas), and when approaching Jesse Roberts' house they were discovered and fired upon. You will remember that these houses are within five miles of Deer Creek. Today 23rd June a party of men are going out to fight the Indians. I have no doubt but that there is more danger now than formerly; almost every day brings news of the murder of some white men, the burning of property or depredations of some kind. A public meeting for Douglas and Umpqua will convene at Winchester on the 4th of July in order to memorialize Congress in the defense of our rights as citizens &c.
    June 23rd 1856.
                Yours Resptly,
                    S. F. Chadwick


Port Orford O.T.
June 25th 1856
Dear Genl
    I had the honor to receive your communication by last steamer.
    I regret to know that your labors are rendered so weighty by reason of the unfortunate controversy existing between the two departments in Oregon.
    It will be difficult for you to determine, situated as you are, upon whom the blame of this quarrel rests. I doubt if a fair and impartial history of this war will ever reach the public eye. Much is said and written, vastly too much, which should have been left unsaid on both sides. As is usually the case in similar controversies, the innocent parties, who take no part in it and are not consulted, are the sufferers! Now the whole thing is about to assume a new phase: The war is closed in Southern Oregon, volunteer forces are disbanded, the regular army are occupied in the removal of the Indians to the Coast Reservation, while the press and people are occupied in a jealous controversy as to "who did it," each claiming to have been instrumental in whipping the Indians and bringing the war to a close. In this however, those who wish for peace only have but little interest, save only so far as it may militate against the speedy settlement of this war debt. Without meddling further in this controversy, I may here state that the regular forces have done their duty to the country and honor to themselves,. While I am free to say this, I cannot pass the gallant conduct of the volunteer company raised at the mouth of Rogue River under Capt. Bledsoe, who being isolated from the command, and acting on his own judgment, I fear not to say, has rendered more service to the country than the entire southern battalion have done, never having met a reverse in all the hard-fought engagements in which it was his good fortune to meet the enemy! And they were not few; laboring under disadvantages such as only such men know how to bear; while others were provided for, receiving supplies only when the war was nearly closed. I should be glad to know that this company could be paid, if none other. By reference to Col. Buchanan's official reports, I feel sure that you will find a confirmation of my opinions on this subject. Genl Palmer was on the ground to receive the Indians treated with, has gone with an advance of 800 Indians--while Col Buchanan will escort 8 or 1000 more in a few days.
    By the way, Capt. Hedges passed on the Columbia, and a report is current that he is to succeed Palmer. I regret to hear this, and hope it is not true, as I do not believe that his place will be easily filled. If another takes his place, of course he will be bound to obey the will of the legislature; in which the designs of the government come in direct conflict with that body and in consequence the humane policy adopted by Palmer in the amelioration of the condition of these people will not be carried out. Genl, it is known to you that I assisted in making this treaty with these people. I have read it, studied it; and have traveled over this reservation, and the only wonder with me is how the Superintendent came to select such a place, of all others the most suitable--I have listened to the opinions of men and read the views of members of the assembled wisdom of Oregon against this selection, and what do they propose in lieu--nothing, absolutely nothing! but "annihilation," and these are the men who seek Palmer's removal; it is understood: he is said to be a Know-Nothing. This may or may not be true; of one thing I am persuaded, that his moral honesty is above reproach. I hope those who assail him may shine as bright.
                    Very Sincerely Your Friend
                        R. W. Dunbar
To Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Washington City.


Yreka Cal June 26, 1856       
Hon Jos. Lane
House of Reps.
Washington
Dear Sir
     I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 14th ult. enclosing Sec. Davis' reason for not allowing me compensation for services as mustering officer Rogue River War Oregon 1853.
    He evidently labors under some misapprehension regarding this claim of mine for services.
   
It was not only service performed by me, but my own personal expenses paid by myself the while in the performance of arduous & expensive duty I had had the honor of having assigned me by General Lane and Captain Alden in the faithful discharge of which, I may be respectfully permitted to say, that I was of great service to the United States as well as to the troops themselves.
    In no case have I desired to receive this amount of money as compensation for services. My services have been paid by Maj. Alvord on my muster roll, as other officers of the same rank were paid, and with which I am perfectly satisfied.
    But it is compensation for my actual cash disbursements in making out the rolls from chaos as it were--the incidental expenses of which in a country like Northern California or Southern Oregon are certainly modest & just, as you can attest, or any officer of the regular army, who has ever served here.
    There was never in the history of the United States a juster claim than this of mine.
    Justice & economy should prompt, in my opinion, the Secretary of War to order this claim paid, and were he conversant with all the facts he would not hesitate a moment. I appreciate his desire fully to administer with economy his department.
    And I have to reiterate to you my thanks for your attention to this matter, doubtless to the detriment of your onerous official duties.
    I have written to Hon. Secretary Davis, by this mail, a letter of explanation, as this claim of mine is rejected. I am sorry I ever made it.
    I would not for a moment desire that mercenary motives should be attributed to me in any services I may have performed to the country.
                                        I have the honor to
                                        be Dear Sir Your
                                        Most Obedient Servant,
                                        James P. Goodall



Lane County O.T. June 26th 1856
Dr. Sir:
    I have been laying off a long time to write you a few lines to see if I could get you to attend to a little business for me in the state of Virginia, distant about thirty miles from Washington City, where I was raised. I wrote to my agent Judge John W. Tyler over a year ago (and during the last session of Congress) that if he had collected any money for me to forward it by you, but he did not get my letter in time to attend to it before you started for your home in Oregon. I will now take it as a favor if you will write to said John W. Tyler (direct Warrenton Fauquier County, Va.) requesting him to inform you whether he has collected any money for me, and you will please inform me as I have written to him and [did] not again hear from him anymore. Though [I am] not personally acquainted with you I will ever thank you for your attention to the above, and if he has any means in his hands [illegible] and [if] he should want of you a power of attorney, let me know and I will forward it to you. It is useless, I presume, for me to say anything about our elections as I dare say ere you get this you will have recd. news from your better acquaintances, but for old Lane County I must say she has given the Fusions fits--not one elected in the county, the Democratic ticket elected entire. The Democratic Party is well organized in this county now for the first time.
    Your speech on the Indian war was highly appreciated in general by the citizens of Oregon, also your letter to A. Bush Esq. which I find published in the last Statesman.  Gen. Wool's letter is published this week, which paper I have not yet received. He is but little thought of here by those who are opposed to the Indians taking possession of our country.  It is thought the Indian war south is nearly over. Old John with his band I think from the best information I can get is the only contending chief. It is useless for me to say any more as I have no doubt your regular correspondents have given you all the news.
    A letter or any public documents from you will [be] highly appreciated. 
I am yours truly, in haste
    A. B. Florance
N.B. Direct to Starr's Point
    Benton County, O.T.


Yoncalla Umpqua Co. O.T.       
July 2nd 1856       
My dear friend
    I received your favor for which I am much obliged. You can now begin to see Palmer's plans developed on his coast hammock where there is no range to induce the Indians to raise stock or land to induce them to cultivate, and they will have to be supported by the government while they stay there. And if the government is not prompt they are liable to break out in a place where I fear they can never successfully be managed. I claim to have given the only plan, as you know, that would have been for the welfare of the natives and secured the peace and safety of the whites. My Democracy is for my country's good, not for the spoils of office only. An honest discharge of the duties of office would not only sustain the cause of Democracy but advance the public good.
                                Yours truly,
                                Lindsay Applegate
    P.S. I enclose a note to the editor of the Star. I design to get all the subscribers to his paper that I can. L.A.
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City, D.C.



Elamsville Patrick County Virginia
    July 5/56
Dr Sir
    I learned a short time since from Col. Crawford Turner that you had a power of attorney to sell a certain slave named Peter (belonging [to] Mrs. Kinsey & children).  The boy at the time had run away from Turner & I hired him then in the woods.  He has since come in & is now at work for me.  He is about 41 or 2 years of age, I learn (has his forefinger on his left hand shot off with a pistol & with that exception a likely negro).
    If you have the authority to sell, write me what you will take for him & if we can agree I will give you a check on either Richmond, Va. or Washington City for the amount.  Let me hear from you soon & oblige.
Yours respectfully,
    Jas. C. Moir
Hon. [Joseph] Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Deer Creek Oregon Territory   
July 22nd 1856               
Gen Joseph Lane
    Sir
    I herewith transmit you a memorial which was adopted at a public meeting in the town of Winchester on the 4th of July 1856 of which I had the honor of being secretary. We do not have the vanity to suppose that our humble effort will have the effect of revolutionizing the popular sentiment at Washington, but in the sincere desire of contributing our mite to the support of truth & justice in contradiction to the falsehoods and misrepresentations which have been published to the world we would respectfully submit the accompanying document.
    I am Respectfully
        Your Ob'dt Svt
            James M. Pyle Sec'ty

    In pursuance of previous notice, the residents of Douglas and Umpqua counties assembled at Winchester, Douglas County on the 4th of July A.D. 1856 for the purpose of memorializing Congress in relation to the war in Southern Oregon. Judge S. Fitzhugh was called to preside, and James M. Pyle was chosen secretary. On motion the following gentlemen were chosen a committee to draft a memorial for the object before stated: S. F. Chadwick, Dr. James Cole, Caleb M. Grover, L. F. Mosher and Hiram Smith.
    L. F. Mosher, being called upon, made a forcible speech sustaining the call and the object of the meeting, after which Mr. Chadwick, chairman of the committee, reported the following memorial, which he sustained in a speech of considerable length and ability. The memorial was then adopted unanimously.
                                        Solomon Fitzhugh
                                            Chairman
                                        James M. Pyle Secretary

    To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in congress assembled:
    The undersigned, your memorialists, recognizing the right to petition the representatives of the people in congress assembled in relation to their grievances, do on this occasion most respectfully call your attention to the unfortunate position in which they have been placed, not only by the visitation upon them of a merciless war with savage nations, but by the false and libelous statements of Joel Palmer, late superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon, and Gen. John E. Wool, commanding, Pacific Division of U.S. troops, concerning the causes of that war, and the measures adopted in carrying it on by the people of Oregon.
    In view of the history of wrongs inflicted upon the people of Oregon by hostile Indians, of the power and ability displayed, of the murders, massacres and property destroyed by them, more especially after considering the great publicity which has been given to all the facts concerning this present war of extermination commenced upon them and prosecuted for a season with signal success by one of the most formidable foes known in savage warfare, it appears to be the most innocent of pastimes for your memorialists to admit in soberness that it is necessary for them to prove that they are not guilty of these charges on which they have been arraigned, which charges have not been supported by a line of testimony.
    But your memorialists respectfully state that the accusation made by Gen. Wool that "the war in Southern Oregon is retaliatory of Major Lupton's conduct," and that of Joel Palmer that "the war in Southern Oregon is wholly attributable to the acts of the whites" are utterly devoid of truth, so much so that they have no claims to serious disputation. Having been placed in a negative relation to those unsustained charges, your memorialists beg by a resort to facts, to lay before your honorable bodies sufficient to remove the serious effect of those charges. The declarations of Joel Palmer which they beg to notice are contained in the following extract from his report.
[blank space left in manuscript]
    It is unfortunate for your memorialists that "civilization," when it blessed Joel Palmer, did not teach him the necessity of accompanying serious and criminal charges with the facts upon which they were based, if there were facts in existence to support them. In this case it would seem that the existence was abundant and at hand, judging from the charges made which could be obtained from a class of "reckless vagabonds" and a "numerous population" which is equally guilty with the vagabonds inasmuch as their acts as charged by him determine their culpability. But these charges are groundless; the people are ignorant of the first word of testimony upon which Joel Palmer falsely accused them. Here then the question arises: Does Joel Palmer know these charges to be true, and susceptible of proof? If he does not, then the imposition which he has practiced on the Department in making those charges becomes a falsehood and a libel on the people of Oregon.
    In the absence of any testimony on the part of Joel Palmer, your memorialists beg to make him their witness in explaining charges which he has preferred. Among the crimes that would disgrace barbarous nations, he mentions the violations of treaty stipulations with the Indians south, yet in this case, as false as it is, he furnishes no evidence to support him, not enough by contrast to show the absurdity of the position which he has assumed.
    The facts show this: allow that the Indians with whom treaties have been made were gathered onto a reserve prepared for them in Rogue River Valley. Their pledges of friendship became fixed, and as certain as they could make them, when they willingly took up their abode on that reserve and voluntarily became the observers, in good faith, of the treaties which they had made. By their remaining on the reserve it was a sure evidence of peace and of their friendly disposition. This was evidence that all could understand, and in consequence was one of the first objects secured by treaty.
    Those Indians who disregarded those treaties, also those who refused to make treaties, were not regarded as friendly Indians, and facts show, aside from reports to Joel Palmer, that those Indians who refused to become subject to treaties were numerous, disposed to war, and of a vigorous character, who having never assented to any treaties, the whites in their intercourse with them could have violated none. Those Indians placed on the reserve have been looked upon as friendly to this day, but all Indians living inimical to treaty stipulations have been justly regarded as hostile. After this war began, Limpy and George joined the war party from choice and not because they were driven to desperation by the whites. All the Indians joined that party except Sam's band, who, if that charge were true that others did so in fits of desperation, would have gone with them, subject to the same causes, the same fits of desperation, they having been in constant intercourse with Limpy and George before their apostasy.
    But there is another fact which, upon Joel Palmer's theory, needs as yet an explanation. If it is true, as he says, that those Indians engaged in this war were once friendly but now hostile, having been made so by the whites, "who have driven them to desperation by acts of cruelty," your memorialists would call your attention to the fact that at the breaking out of this war these hostile Indians were better armed and equipped than the whites have ever been. At the massacre at Mr. Wagoner's, at the burning of Cow Creek Valley, which was followed by the battle at Hungry Hill immediately after the uprising of the Indians, they not only displayed great courage and ability, so much so that at Hungry Hill both regular troops and volunteers abandoned the field after an engagement of two days, but they showed in large bands that they possessed the means and appliances for war in large quantities, which were undoubtedly the collections of many months. If what Joel Palmer says be true, how can this be accounted for, when, under treaties made with him, they were to have given up their guns and ammunition! Where did those Indians, if friendly but a few days before, obtain this outfit which has enabled them to carry on the war up to this time? If they had been friendly and their arms deposited with Joel Palmer, they would not have arisen because of their inability to carry on the war, and at this time the people would be rejoicing in a continued peace, instead of recording events of war.
    If you conclude, as your memorialists allege, that those Indians were hostile, and had been for a long time before, then the inquiry arises where are the Indians that were driven to desperation by the cruelty of the whites, which is assigned as a cause of this war by Joel Palmer. And if as General Wool alleges the war is retaliatory of Major Lupton's conduct, in what light must the previous acts of those hostile Indians be considered who caused the murders and the destruction of property of which we complain, and who the party of which Lupton was a member were ferreting out when he was killed.
    Considering all these facts, that the Indians were abundantly supplied with food, guns, ammunition and everything needful for a winter campaign, and that they were numerous and united, everyone familiar with these things cannot avoid the irresistible conclusion that this war was contemplated long before it came upon us. Here the charges of Joel Palmer when examined by the facts in the case appear no less vindictive than they do false.
    The commencement of settlement in Southern Oregon proper may be dated back to the year A.D. 1851, from which time to the present experience has shown that neither the life nor the property of the settler have possessed any reliable security from the destructive arm of the savage, although from time to time treaties have been made with Indians professing a willingness to remain in friendship, and yet they were but a small portion of the Indians, who have manifested on frequent occasions their deadly purpose towards the whites by murdering them and destroying their property.
    Of the six years that Southern Oregon has been settled, a large portion of the time, for five of those years, these Indians engaged the whites in an offensive war for the purpose of robbing them, destroying their property, and driving them from the country, if not to destroy them. In consequence of this, Rogue River Valley has been laid waste by them; property in large amounts and of great value has been taken from the settlers. In consequence of this, not so much labor has been expended in Southern Oregon as there otherwise would have been, and that which has been useful to the country has been made so by repairing and replacing, so far as possible, the property destroyed by these savages. The settler has had no assurances at any time, when he has put in his crops, that they would be harvested, and in the autumn of 1855 resistance to the encroachments of these savages was delayed by the settlers in order to secure as much of their crops as in their power to do.
    Owing to the vacillating and equivocal character of the Indian, there is no rule by which the guilty could have been readily detected or the innocent separated from them. In the absence of such a rule, the whites have suffered constant and repeated murders and robberies to pass, because they had not the means at hand of detection and punishment. Under pretended adhesion to treaty stipulations, Indians, both innocent and guilty, have claimed protection.
    Not since the execution in Feb. '54 of the murderers of James Kyle, who was killed in Jackson County on the close of the treaty of 1853, have any Indians been punished, and yet it is estimated that not less than one hundred whites have been murdered and several houses robbed and pack trains taken and rifled and their mules destroyed.
    There is scarcely a road leading from Jackson County or the Rogue River country but has [bones] bleaching upon it, not only the bones of the packer, but those of his mules, which have in large numbers fallen with him by the hands of the savages.
    Those Indians who have observed treaty stipulations have remained on the reserve, but this number does not embrace John's band, the Cow Creeks, the Grave Creeks, Tipsy's band nor any of the wandering tribes, who have never assented to the obligations of treaties. These Indians have always been unfriendly, and upon several occasions hostile in the extreme. George and Limpy apparently desire to hold a neutral position, and favor treaties only when the whites have the power to coerce them.
    While the white population of Southern Oregon have ever regarded treaties made with those friendly Indians secured upon the reserve, they have been obliged to defend themselves from the murderous designs of hostile Indians of whom we complain. The whites have never violated the rights of friendly Indians upon the reserve, nor have they disturbed or abused the privilege of those permitted to absent themselves temporarily from the reserve. The residents of Southern Oregon have not justified any wrong which has been visited upon innocent Indians, but on the contrary they have used the necessary means to bring to speedy punishment such as have elected to take the law into their own hands, and those detected have been punished by the laws of the land, as the records of the court will show. And yet in this large community of men from all parts of our country, devoted to agriculture, mining &c., the charges preferred against whites for depredations upon Indians will not exceed six in the last six years: and without boasting, the calendar of offenses of this people for the last ten years will bear most favorably to them by comparison with that of any other equal population, no matter where found.
    Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the horrible calamity of an Indian war, more barbarous than we have before experienced, was forced upon us in the fall of 1855. We say not unexpected because as early as July 1855 friendly Indians residing in this valley, one hundred and twenty-five miles south from Old John's country in Rogue River and Illinois valleys, and two hundred and fifty miles from the scene of the outbreak north, informed the whites that there was to be a general Indian outbreak north and south, in the fall of that year, 1855. This report was circulated generally, and the sequel shows that those Indians stated what has proved true, and under Providence the most severe and destructive calamity ever visited upon an innocent and guiltless people. By comparing events it is clearly shown that concert of action existed.
    From the murder of Major Bolon, Indian agent at the northeast, by Yakimas and Klickitats, and the surrounding of Major Haller in Simcoe Valley, followed by the outbreak at Puget Sound, there has been at the north a confirmed state of war. Compare the time and circumstances, and you will see that the outbreak at the north and at the south had both been made before the news of that north could have been received south, or that south received north.
    Upon the receipt of the news of these outbreaks, and upon the proclamation of the Governor for aid, the people promptly contributed their means to their utmost extent, and furnished men from their number obedient to that call, to go into the field in the fall of the year, when winter was upon them, with a scarcity of ammunition, of arms, of clothing, and in some cases of food, and pursue the hostile foe, over mountains rendered almost impassable by snow, a foe which by its numbers, ability and preparation for war baffled odds of both regular troops and volunteers.
    After the murders on Siskiyou, the Indians were pursued by a regular force under the gallant Fitzgerald, but without the success anticipated, and on the eighth of October Capt. Hay opened an attack on them, in which engagement Major Lupton was killed. After the battle, a white man's scalp was found in one of the squaws' baskets. Previous to this several whites had been killed by them, ten on the Klamath, two on Siskiyou, &c., and not an Indian punished or taken until the attack of Capt. Hay, owing to this state of things, and the early and increasing boldness of the Indians and their overt acts of hostility, the whites were obliged to place themselves on their defense. In August the country was declared to be in a state of war by the agent, and facts sustained the declaration; and all Indians disposed to peace should have gone and remained upon the reserve. Absence from it at that critical period was cause of suspicion, and all who were detected away from it were treated accordingly. From the scene of murder on the Siskiyou the Indians attacked on the 8th of October were traced to where that battle was fought. In view of these facts we allege that their absence was in fact a declaration of war, and from the circumstances under which they were found, they were justly regarded as guilty. Under such a state of things, that attack would have been justifiable in civilized warfare, and we think it should be so regarded in this case. An unmistakable evidence of their guilt is presented by the fact that their work has been continued by hostile Indians alone. Friendly Indians have never claimed them, nor remuneration for their loss; they have not expressed even wonder at their deaths, but the hostile Indians were prompt in their defense, and began with increased vigor their pertinacious attack upon the whites wherever found.
    Owing to the faithless conduct of Joel Palmer, some of the Indians who were to have gone onto the reserve refused to go there, and became embittered towards the whites in consequence of the deception practiced by him. He was to have met them in May 1855 and ratify treaties with them, but did not do it, and for nine months before the war broke out, up to the present time, he has avoided Rogue River Valley. General Wool has never visited it. Here is a violation of good faith by Palmer, not with one Indian but with numerous Indians, the first heard of under him as superintendent. If it is a violation of treaty stipulations that caused this war, then here is the act and the guilty party to it, who anticipating his just exposure, throws in advance the obloquy upon innocent settlers in Southern Oregon.
    Your memorialists, after laying before you these facts, can but express their utter astonishment at finding there is among them a man, and that man, even Joel Palmer, so reckless in regard to truth, so depraved in moral sentiment, as to utter unsupported the falsehoods contained in the extract made from his report. To Gen. Wool, who has made himself not equally guilty in detailing without measure that which is false and malicious, but has refused to Oregon aid when in need, and deprived the people of protection and the means of defense, and when solicited on their behalf, who were driven to desperation, and threatened momentarily with attacks which nothing but the mercy of Providence could avert or soften, found it convenient to reply in sentiment that the supplications of dogs at his feet would receive his attention as quickly, and so acted by denying everything to this people which was due them. Under these trying circumstances, to him we say in charity that his imbecility consequent upon the infirmities of declining years entitle him to our pity and commiseration rather than to censure, for doing that which he ought not to have done, or for omitting to do that which in duty he should have done.
    Your memorialists beg to state that there is scarcely a congressional district in the States but has in Oregon a former resident, and that in coming to Oregon they have neither become barbarous nor cruel, but have maintained in good faith the rights and privileges of good citizens in a peaceable manner, and they would further state that no people have in the brief space of six years suffered more than the people of Oregon by these Indians, notwithstanding which the people have defended themselves against them with limited means and force. This has been done under the infliction of a scourge of grasshoppers for two years which has laid the country bare and destroyed everything except here and there a small proportion of the grain sown.
    At the outbreak of the last war, settlers contributed cheerfully such as was in their power to contribute, in property and in services, confiding in the integrity of their purpose, and relying upon Congress to remunerate them as in justice they deserve.
    Therefore your memorialists respectfully invite your attention to the facts of their case, to the end that you may judge correctly of their rights, and with the assurance that you will ascertain the charges of their calumniators to be wicked and false. They remain your humble memorialists and will ever pray    [end]

John Brown
Joshua Barker
J. J. Whitsett
Daniel Miller
J. B. Cowles
Elias Muncey
Henry Shrum
Daniel Anderson
Thomas Shrum
Wm. F. Stark
Wm. McKiney [McKinney]
Saml. Stover
John C. Cannon
Thos. Smith
Alfred Stewart
James Cole
W. Churchill
W. A. Allen
Wm. J. Martin
Wilis [Willis] Benefield
E. A. Thomas
A. E. McGee
Felix Starr
T. W. Prather
H. Smith
William R. Singleton
Nicholas Day
Philip Peters
A. A. Matthews
A. S. Manning
D. Evans
Jesse Clayton
S. F. Chadwick
Isaac Jones
James Turner
John W. Noah
John M. Eberlein
David Noah
D. P. Barnes
T. R. Magruder
Jas. O'Neil
Royal P. Daniel
James Walton
Thomas Myers
James T. Hereford
Willis Jenkins
James Simpson
James Galloway
Thomas Jenkins
James Jenkins
James M. Pyle
Benj. G. Brown
Geo. A. Edes
J. L. Garrett
James Galling
Solomon Abraham
J. Marks
John M'Cullough [McCullough]
B. E. Simmon
Henry Yokum
Samuel Belieu
Henry G. Blanchard
Lester M'Cray "McCray"
William Grotts
Marks Abraham
Paul Jones
M. C. Knight
William Begg [Beggs]
Jerl Johnson
Thomas P. Buoy
John C. Clark
J. W. M'Culloch [McCulloch]
James Waters
John Case
John M. Harper
John Ogden
J. H. Short
W. H. Crouch
Saml. Handsaker
Wm. E. Weekly
Richard Jenkins
Wm. Slyde
Jack Wilson
William  H. Speake
E. Stephens
Robert M. McKee
T. G. Devens
Jephthah Green
J. J. Nickey
Robert Hinkle
J. L. Smith, Captn.
Wm. C. Doty
Wm. P. Skinner
Joseph H. Sharp
John W. Price
T. W. F. Paull
Joseph Embree
M. C. Barkwell
Saml. Gordon
R. H. Dearborn
John Kelly
Andrew Jones
R. J. Ladd
L. P. Brown
Martin Willis
Elijah Perry
[illegible--James?] Berriway
Richd. Shaw
Isaac N. Smith
M. H. Williams
David Bushey
Samuel Harkness
John S. Burnett
Stephen Marsh
James Watson
Aaron Rose
Jas. I. Patton
John Early
Enoch F. Anderson
R. A. Roper Esqr.
Jefferson Williams
J. A. Dryer
T. S. Crosby
T. J. Macguire
John Byron
Daniel Wells
William McColough [McColough, McCullough]
John G. Mynatt
J. B. Weaver
Joshua Wright
Wm. J. Beggs
S. K. Myers
M. B. Holmes
John Fitzhugh
John A. Freeman
Milton Huntley
O. E. Rilez [Riley?]
Thomas Croxton
W. H. Latshaw Major
P. C. Noland Capt.
L. B. Monson Adjutant
William Hutson
J. L. Moore 1st Lieut.
J. L. White Regtl. Qr. M.
O. Lehnherr
John Lehnherr
John C. Cannon
James N. Gale
Henry Pohl
Eli T. Evy
D. B. Cooley
Adam Day
Thomas N. Baker
Joseph M. Gale
B. T. Mount
G. W. Morris
W. P. Gardner
Josiah McGee
Silas Imbler
Thomas Herron
William Taylor
G. H. Baker
B. C. McKee
John Taylor
Jesse B. Sitton
Benjamin Miner
J. B. Riley
Robert Herron
John Bowyer [John P. Boyer?]
James T. Bouren
Wm. A. Wallace
R. B. [illegible]
Wm. Jenkins
M. Belien
J. M. Hay
S. Hamilton
Jas. H. Twogood
S. K. Myers
Wm. K. Stark
John Lieser
F. B. King
Henry Conn
E. F. McNall
G. S. Smith
C. N. Johnson
David Williams
J. M. Arrington
E. F. Whisler
F. S. Starr
John D. Bowen
Albert Sherrill
Steven Marsh
Josiah A. Burnett
A. J. Burnett
John S. Party
David Clink
James Wright
Jas. D. Burnett
Abr. A. Engels
I. W. Williams
N. Mitchell
R. Smith
John Cox


Winchester July 15th 1856       
Gen Lane
    Sir, having but little to do at this time I write you a few lines. The Indian war in Southern Oregon is just closed by Col Buchanan and Gen Palmer fairly begging Old John out of his boots. It is the first time in all my life that I ever knew the American people beg Indians to make peace. I am in hopes that it is all for the best; still, I feel confident of trouble ahead. I will now make the prediction that inside of two years we will have one of the most bloody Indian wars known. The Indians don't consider that they are at all whipped, but on the contrary consider that they have fairly whipped the whites.
    All the Indians wants is a chance to talk and unite all the tribes for one more desperate struggle, which is certain to come in due season. When it does come it will be a death struggle for certain. Oregon has got to lose many valuable lives, and if not well prepared must well nigh be laid waste. Enough of this; [I] shall wait and try to be prepared for what may come.
    Your old enemies is hard at work trying to lay you in the shade. They will move heaven and earth to beat you. It won't all do them any good; you are the only man that we can return to Congress, certain. The great mass is for you, notwithstanding Dr. Drew and all his clique is as usual down on you. Now, Gen, I have no doubt but you will be content to serve Oregon again in Congress when you learn that the great mass is for you and with you. I am not gassing; if you was here but one day you would not doubt it. Now, sir, if it is possible for you to consent to serve us again in Congress you will let it be known in due time. If it is out of your power to represent us in Congress again it is but a dark picture for Oregon certain. Still, you will consult your own interest in the matter. You have served Oregon long and faithfully. The more certain men tries to put you down the more friends it makes for you. For God's sake have Palmer removed if possible. He is playing the very devil with the party. If you can, help D. P. Barnes to the appointment of Indian agent; he is honest certain. Barnes won't accept of any situation under Palmer. All's well in and around here.
                        Yours with respect
                            Wm. J. Martin
Gen Joseph Lane H.R.


                                        Commissary's Office
                                            Portland July 21 1856
Dear Sir
    Since you left the Territory I have  a flying visit to the Indian reservation at the Grand Ronde, taking my old friend Palmer at Dayton on my way, and was at the latter place when the last mail steamer was at Portland. However much Palmer may have misled the Indian Department and the public concerning the Indian war in this country and the causes which led to it, the collecting together [of] these fragments of tribes and placing them upon a reservation where they can be taught the arts of civilization is a magnificent conception and reflects credit upon the mind which conceived it, and if properly carried out will promote the interest of both the whites and Indians. The friendly relations which Genl Palmer and myself have always borne towards each other enabled me to talk freely with him about the reflections cast upon the citizens of Oregon in his now-famous reports to Genl Wool and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington. He gave me free access to his books and official reports. Our conversation upon the subject was very free and sometimes spirited. He denied his intention to reflect upon the conduct of the citizens of Oregon generally or their officers, that his reports had been entirely misconstrued, that Genl Wool had seized upon them misquoting him to justify his want of energy in prosecuting the war, that his reports had not only been misconstrued but misquoted to prove this statement and to show that he had considered volunteer service necessary and that the war had been premeditated by the Indians. He referred me to several reports he made to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington during the month of October last which I think you will find useful as references in your interviews with the departments at Washington. The first communication was from the Rev Mr Gary, his clerk, on the 3rd of October 1855 and was continued on the 8th 9th 15 and 25 of the same month by Genl Palmer. These reports, with the exception of a few unnecessary reflections, convey a correct history of the state of affairs in Oregon, and they were continued in the same spirit up to the arrival of Genl Wool at Vancouver, when on the 7 or 8th of December after, as you will recollect, a protracted visit by Palmer to the General's quarters. He opens his batteries upon us indiscriminately in his famous letter to Genl Wool and has kept it up in his reports to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, almost as objectionable, through the month of April. These reports are ably written, and nothing could be better calculated in connection with Genl Wool's statements to mislead the departments at Washington or the public in relation to the commencement and progress of this war. Genl Wool has evidently used him. Those who know the history of the war cannot doubt this; his reports prove it. I inquired if he intended to reply to your note asking explanations as to his report to Genl Wool; he said that at first he had thought he would do so, but he now believed he should be removed on account of his reports and that the people of Oregon had nothing to expect from him. They had assailed him in the legislature and out of it, and now he had got them, that he would make no retraction or explanations about his reports to you or through the papers, that he would not alter a word or a line to accommodate any set of political demagogues such as was in Oregon, notwithstanding the misquoting and misconceptions given to his reports by the public prints which he had, he said, only intended it for a few lawless men in Southern Oregon. These statements was made in the presence of myself and Mr. Hiram Smith and others. Indeed, after examining his various reports I cannot see how he could make alterations in them without making himself more ludicrous than he now is, as he has sworn the horse was 17 feet high he must stick to it, and no person who was not acquainted with the fact can read his reports as I did without being misled as to the facts of the case. They was intended to deceive the public and they have done it.
                                        I am very respectfully
                                            Your obedient servant
                                                M. M. McCarver
George L. Curry
    Governor of Oregon
        Washington
            D C
P.S. Hand this to Gov Curry   M M M


(Copy)
Gentlemen
    Your letter of today referring to the dissatisfaction with the policy and acts of General Palmer as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and informing me that my name had been mentioned in the legislative caucus in connection with the nomination of his successor in office, has just been placed in my hands, and amidst many pressing engagements I hasten to reply. I have no personal or private considerations that would for a moment embarrass me in the frank expression of my views in response to any question affecting the public welfare, or the interests and policy of the Democratic Party, as relating to that end. I therefore frankly, though from necessity briefly, respond to your request for information in regard to my views of settling the Indians of other districts in this valley and the reserve on the coast &c.
    Humanity, as well as justice, dictates that every effort consistent with the well-being of our citizens should be put forth to protect the lives of such Indians in our Territory as are not implicated in existing hostilities, who have submitted to the control and management of the proper authorities, and in fact thrown themselves upon our mercy. But in such cases the limits of obligation must, in a great measure, be left to be defined and fixed by those whose interests and safety are most directly involved in the issues, and no attempt should be made to coerce them into measures which lack their approval and confidence. I therefore am prepared to say, in the application of this principle to the case in hand, that however proper the measures may appear to the apprehensions of the superintendent, he ought not, in opposition to the clearly ascertained public voice, and at the hazard of rousing the people to an armed resistance, to persist in bringing the Indians of other districts even to a temporary encampment in this valley.
    In a country like this, the superintendent is in virtue of his office preeminently a conservator of the peace. He ought not therefore to suffer his judgment or feelings to betray him into measures the immediate result of which threaten anarchy and violence.
    The Umpqua Indians are now believed to be en route to a temporary encampment on the farms recently purchased in Grand Ronde Valley. These Indians have ever been characterized as peaceable and unwarlike, and I believe no evil beyond the ordinary annoyance of their neighborhood would result from their stay at that point for a limited period, and it being expressly declared by the superintendent that they are to remain there only pending existing difficulties, I think it wrong to offer any violent opposition to their progress. As regards their permanent location, all things considered, I believe that the good of all parties requires it to be on the reservation provided and defined by the superintendent in his treaty with them of the 29th November 1854. The Rogue Rivers should also remain on their reservation defined in the treaty of 1853.
    In regard to the scheme of an Indian reservation on the coast, there can be no question that if it be desirable to colonize the coast Indians at all it should be on a suitable part of the coast, as it would be egregious folly as well as positive cruelty to remove them from the ocean and its inlets, from which their subsistence is mainly derived. So for the propriety of a coast reservation, if those Indians are to be placed under influences to ameliorate and elevate their condition at all, can admit of no question.
    The policy, however, of collecting all the Indians west of the Cascade Mountains on one reservation, to enjoy common benefits and under the benign care of the government, to be at no distant day brought under the laws & usages of civilization, is in my apprehension more beautiful in theory than easy in accomplishment.
    Without, however, questioning any further the feasibility of the scheme, I must in candor say that, while I believe as the superintendent has said, that no region offering as many facilities for an Indian reservation, with as few inducements to attract the white settler, can elsewhere be found west of the Blue Mountains; there are many & serious objections, both immediate and prospective, to the designation of so great an extent of coast to that object.
    Prominent among these is the fact that the reservation completely isolates a part of our Territory (Tillamook County), where white settlers have already located, upon a bay whose safety and fisheries even now render it important to the commerce of this coast.
    The interesting fact too, that the principal streams emptying into the Pacific within our Territory nearly all have their sources either in the Cascade Range or in spurs extending east of the coast chain of mountains, cutting the barrier oceanward from us into transverse sections, affording many routes for roads, the chief obstacle to the construction of which is found more in the vast amount of timber standing and fallen than in the nature of the ground, proves to me that in the unrestricted order of things the day is not very remote when almost every county in this valley will have its road affording easy egress to a neighboring bay or inlet, whose fisheries and other advantages may prove of immense utility. Again: the history of our Atlantic fisheries renders no conjecture respecting the future of this Territory more probable than that vast stores of individual wealth and a large amount of public prosperity will result from the employment of enterprise and capital in the development of those on our coast. It is, therefore, not politic to embarrass these interests by the planting of a perpetual colony of Indians there, governed by laws and controlled by a policy independent of our Territory (or state, as I trust it will soon be).
    It is, however, my duty here to say that the superintendent does not regard this reservation as absolutely permanent, but as a nursery, or place of preparing the Indians for being removed to an Indian territory, having its own local laws and municipal regulations--a policy to which other functionaries of the government also appear to have an eye.
    Should the present superintendent be removed on the ground of the unwarranted character of his plans embracing the purchase in the Grand Ronde Valley, and his designation of the coast reservation, his successor would thereby be virtually instructed by the authorities at Washington to change or modify the policy which avows these leading objects, and the democratic axioms that "the popular will, fairly ascertained, shall govern" and that "the officer should obey, within the bars of the Constitution and laws, his instructions," will leave no sound democrat any alternative, who may accept the position.
    Thus far on the points of policy to which you have called my notice.
    In regard to the inquiry referring to my personal feelings in regard to the position, I have to say that I know of no relations or obligations existing between General Palmer and myself that would render it indelicate or improper for me to accept the position if tendered me by the Executive of the U.S. on the recommendation of my fellow citizens of the Democratic Party, and would receive it only with the consent of the party to which I have ever been an unwavering adherent--as that consent may be, mediately or immediately, unequivocally expressed.
    At the same time, I never have been nor ever can be a solicitor for place or office. I hold it proper for the citizen to wait till he is asked before he seeks official position. I, however, recognize another democratic principle that the citizen should not lightly regard the call of the people to a place of responsibility or trust. In a free government like ours each and every man belongs to his country and should. in the absence of valid reasons to the contrary. obey the call of those with whom he cooperates for the promotion of the public welfare. I do not present myself as an applicant for the place in question, but submit myself to the discretion of my friends. At the same time, I tell you frankly that I would greatly prefer, so far as my personal feelings are concerned, not to be the nominee. I shrink from the weight of the responsibility of this especial trust and should you and other friends believe that the public interest and the harmony of our party will be equally promoted by recommending some other person, I shall feel perfectly satisfied, and most cordially acquiesce.
    It might indeed be best that my name should not be used for this office, as the bitter feelings that it could scarcely fail to engender among the friends of General Palmer would render its administration so peculiarly difficult as to more than counterbalance the advantages of my familiarity with the details of its operations and duties.
    I must, in justice to the Superintendent, say that he has in his treaty with the coast Indians made provision for the right of way for all roads and highways that may be deemed essential to the public interest of the citizens of Oregon, within the limits of the reservation, and also for the free navigation of all its inlets and streams; white persons may also reside on the reservation with the concurrent consent of the superintendent and agent, & the President of the U.S. may, at any time he may deem the public good to require it, cause those Indians to be removed with their consent to another location.
    I may also add that all the provisions for the welfare of the Indians are exceedingly liberal and humane.
    Of the motives of General Palmer, and his integrity and zeal as a public officer, I have a high appreciation, and in the private relations of life he is a man of most estimable character.
    I will only add that the flattering consideration expressed by you toward myself, as the representatives of Yamhill County and in the relations of private life, are gratefully appreciated, and I beg leave to assure you each of my sincere regard and friendship.
    You will regard this communication as not designed for publicity. I however confide it to your discretion. It would afford me pleasure to enjoy a conference with you and other friends, but this is wholly out of my power.
                                    Believe me gentlemen
                                        very respectfully yours
                                            Edward R. Geary
To the Hon Messrs
    Noah Huber of the Council &
    A. R. Burbank &
    Andrew Shuck of the House

July 27, 1856.       
Hon Jo Lane
    Dr Sir
        Having reason to believe that false impressions have been made in Washington and elsewhere in reference to the letter of which this is a copy, and which Gen Palmer in a letter to the Ind. Bureau erroneously alleges to have been addressed to the legislature, I enclose it to you with the explicit declaration that it now is as it was when written, my real and so far as it was proper for me in the position occupied, my avowed sentiments, and that I avowed no others. I read this original letter twice to Col Jennings with a request that he would communicate its contents to Palmer. Time did not then permit me to copy it.
        Yours sincerely Edward R Geary
    N.B. This is the only letter I have ever written on the subject to any persons in the Territory, nor have I written a line for the press.



Winchester August 4th, 1856       
Dear General
    Your letter of June 18 was received on last Saturday.
    You will have heard ere this reaches you that I have submitted with resignation to Winnie's "first choice," and that notwithstanding all the objections to it, we are both supremely happy. It would take a long time to relate the whole courtship, and would not be very interesting to you, but suffice it to say that I did nothing dishonorable to win her, or anything that I think you would have disapproved of. The whole family were consulted, and I am happy to say that they all approved, and still believe her choice a good one and the only one that would have secured her happiness. You did not answer the letter we wrote asking your consent, and I would not have married her without it, but you wrote she might take the one she preferred and she thought, of course, that meant myself. That she will never regret the step I am certain, and I hope that you will never have cause to do so.
    I am glad to see that you refuse to doubt my friendship, and place reliance on my honor. You have known me long enough to do me at least this justice. I may be too impetuous, and I presume I have many other faults, but I never betrayed or deserted a friend, or did a dishonorable act. I do not ask you to take my word for this. Pugh has known me intimately from boyhood, and can tell you the character I have always borne and whether I deserve it or not.
    I wish you would be more particular to state the particular charges and by whom made, not that I wish to say anything to them, but that I may understand their motives. You know that I have always been looked upon here as your friend, and one that could not be changed, so that the men who are secretly trying to injure you profess to me the same friendship for you that they would do if you were here. Now I am certain that there is a conspiracy to slaughter you, gotten up in the same style of the last one, but I imagine they have received some new allies and the scheme is laid deeper. Old T'Vault, who is now editor of the Sentinel, and thinks of course that he possesses great influence, although he is in fact just where he always was, went to Salem lately to get some of the spoils, and not being allowed to share, thought he was badly treated and came back a violent Lane man. He says the plan is to delay and complicate the quartermaster's accounts so as to delay or prevent the appropriation or, if made, that the people cannot be paid for a long time, and that you are to be made the scapegoat of the whole. He named among the leaders Dr. Drew, Stratton and Deady, and the backers Bush and Nes [Nesmith] with Judge Williams for their candidate. This, of course, by itself is very poor authority, but from what I can learn from reliable sources he has come much nearer the truth than is usual for him. Some of the men I know are doing all they can, and they expect to beat you through the war matters, though I do not very well see how they are to do it. For instance Stratton the other day came down from Salem (he is asst Q M Genl to Dr. Drew) telling at every place he stopped that the President and yourself had had a bitter quarrel, and that he had stopped you of misrepresenting affairs on this coast altogether &c. &c. Now you know that Stratton is the mere trumpet for other men [to] sound their lies through, and it shows that no effort will be spared by your enemies to injure you. Again Drew & McCarver are selling off the stock and supplies for cash at auction and refuse to take scrip, so that what would reduce the cost of the war, according to their books, at least a million of dollars, will probably not bring $200,000, which they can divide among them I suppose, for there is no other way to dispose of it besides giving a fine chance to speculators who are willing to divide. This of course creates great indignation among the people, and very singularly all this gang defend it. They are striving to put the odium of this on Curry, but how it can injure you I cannot see. I am almost ashamed of writing such nonsense to you, but you know what Oregon wirepulling is. But the best of it all is that as usual, the people do not go with them at all. You are now stronger by far than you ever were before, and nothing in the world can beat you, unless these men should unfortunately turn to be your friends.
    For myself, I have followed your advice in trying to make friends, and I have succeeded. Now that I am married, I am more cautious and prudent, for fear that any mistake I might make would be used against you, as you are unfortunate enough to have me for a son-in-law. I think I told you before that I had quit drinking entirely, and commenced the business of life in earnest. I am held in some estimation by my friends, who are of course yours also. And it is needless to say that any assistance I can render you will be cheerfully given. The family are all well. Mrs. Shelby is here on a visit with her children. Winnie has promised to write, and if she does so before the mail closes I will send it in this. They all send their love to you and John. Com. Lane is still detained sick at Grave Creek, but we expect him in soon, as he is reported better.
                    I am very affectionately
                        Yours
                            L. F. Mosher


Portland August 8th, 1856
    Dear General
        Yours of 19th April and 18th June were recd. two days since on my return to Dayton from a trip down the coast, for which you will please accept the thanks of your most devoted friend.
    You have learned before this of Mosher's marriage and of which it is painful to me to speak, but let us bury the past; you have shown beyond the possibility of doubt that you are my friend, and I am ready to lay down my life for you at any time, and no power on Earth can ever erase the strong attachment I have formed for you. My heart is now desolate, and if you too desert me then there is no longer any ties to bind me to a cold and merciless world. I hope things have been represented to you in the true light, and if so, I stand acquitted; I have no fault to find of any person and my earnest prayer is for your daughter's happiness and prosperity in this world, and if I can do anything in word or deed to effect that, it shall most cheerfully be done.
    I learn that there are three full agents to be appointed in Oregon and still hope to get one of those situations. We now have all the Indians west of the Cascades on the Coast Reservation, and we can hope for a permanent peace in Southern Oregon. There will have to be discretion used in getting employees, as one bad man in the present unsettled state of things on the Reserve may upset everything and involve us in a war in which our previous wars would be but child's play in comparison.
    The crops are good in this valley and promise a handsome yield. There is no news that is worth troubling you with. I see there is a call for two more companies of Volunteers north.
I have the honor to be
    Your friend & obt. servant
        R. B. Metcalfe

Oregon City August 10th 1856
Dear General
    The mail is reported will be up tomorrow. I will doubtless get my commission & instructions & shall enter upon the duties of my office immediately. I intend to appoint Mr. Geary Secretary, and every other place that be filled with good men & sound Democrats. I am well aware that I am shouldering a great responsibility in entering upon & undertaking to discharge the duty of Superintendent at this time, but I have no doubt I shall get along with it. I shall endeavor to secure the services of the best men in the country. I shall establish my office at Oregon City until I get advice from the Department. I think it the most suitable place in the Territory for the office. There will be some Indian agents to appoint soon; I will advise you about that matter as soon as I can that you may have good & true men appointed. I understand that about one half the men in the employ of Genl. Palmer are Whigs & Know Nothings. They must be removed & their places filled with good Democrats. It will require some time to get everything arranged to my notion, but I will have all right in a few months, you may rely upon that. The war up north still goes on. Gov. Stevens has called for 200 more volunteers to go up north. He is determined to prosecute the war vigorously until the Indians desire peace, then a treaty may be made that will be lasting. I am apprehensive that I shall have some trouble with Old John's band of Rogue Rivers. He is very stubborn & not well-satisfied. It will be very difficult to keep him on the reserve. 
My respects to Gov. Curry. Tell him that I have not heard from him since he left here.
Sincerely yours
    A. F. Hedges
Hon. Joseph Lane
Port Orford O.T.               
    August 12th 1856. 
Dear Genl.
    By last mail I received from the Secretary of the Treasury the appointment of Thos. D. Winchester as Deputy Collector at Coos Bay, a notice of which I at once forwarded to him. I am glad of this appointment as affording a better opportunity of carrying out the wishes of the Department and fulfilling the requirements of the revenue laws. Since I last wrote you the Indian war in Southern Oregon has been declared closed, the Indians removed, and in consequence, this military post ordered to be broken up as being no further needed now that the Indians are conquered. I have been kindly offered and have accepted rooms at the quarters, and it is proposed that as all the property and men will be taken away, that if not inconsistent with my position as a revenue officer, I will be given the care of the claim and buildings. I hope that this arrangement may meet the approbation of the Department, for its location is the best which could be had, as it commands a full view of the bay at a glance. I shall notify the Department and ask their opinion if I am put in charge.
    I have said that the war has been declared closed, which may be said to be substantially true, but there are fragments of bands yet in our mountains who are committing depredations upon all who they can meet not well guarded. Recently two packers on the way to Crescent City from this place were killed and robbed of what they had of value and $1500 in money by a party of Chetcoes; other depredations were planned--a company of men, 15 or 20 miners from Rogue River, watched their trail on the way as they intended to kill white men, entrapped them, killed 10 bucks and ascertained that there are yet out, in two separate bands, 52 bucks between R. River and Crescent City! No one is safe yet to pass over any of the country recently the scene of Indian wars in our vicinity!
    How does our ticket seem to take? I think it a very strong one. I should like to be where I could work for that ticket; I do hope it will succeed. Certainly the good sense of our people will rally to the support of Buchanan & Breckinridge.
    Genl--I have had a thought recently that I should like my son William, now 19 years old, to be placed at "West Point." Tell me if there is any reason to hope for the consummation of this object; I think he is fully competent to pass first examinations; he is now at Evansville. Do be kind enough to give it a thought and write to me. I should like to do something for him, but very much fear that I will not be able unless I can put him in a way to do himself and his country service.
                    I Am very dear sir
                        Your Friend
                            Truly
                                R. W. Dunbar
To Hon Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Lancaster Ky Aug 12th 1856       
Hon Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir. I hope you will think it no intrusion that I write to you being a stranger, but I am anxious to obtain certain information which I have no doubt you can and will cheerfully give. I returned to this place in March 1855 from Oregon intending to return by way of the plains last spring, but the Indian troubles in Oregon deterred me from the undertaking. I wish to know your views as to the probable termination of the Indian troubles by next spring. There are about 8 or 10 families anxious to go with me to Oregon, and I am under obligations to pilot them across whenever it will be safe to do so. I see that a bill was introduced before Congress for an appropriation to improve the road across the plains but I see no account of it having passed. Please inform me of any acts of Congress in favor of Oregon. Has the donation of lands been extended or not. The act was to expire in December 1855. Any late maps or documents of Congress in reference to Oregon you might send me would be thankfully received. I occasionally receive papers from Oregon. Affairs there look gloomy. All the information you can give will confer a lasting favor. Should I return by land it is my intention to take a large drove of cattle.
                    Yours Truly
                        O. P. Hill
Hon Joseph Lane


Winchester Aug 19th 1856       
Gen Joseph Lane
    Sir I merely write you a few lines to let [you] know a few items of news out here and what is the prospect ahead for Southern Oregon.
    We have had a kind of a peace made with the Indians, or at least with a portion of the warriors, and all the lame, blind and halt to be fed and fattened at the expense of Uncle Sam.
    There is quite a number [of] warriors yet out in the mountains, say from one to two hundred, bent on war. There was two men shot last Thursday near the house of Samuel Hadley some twelve miles from this place. All things together I think we are in a worse fix than if there had been no peace made. We are now out of credit, and will before long be compelled to turn out and hunt up the red devils. You would be perfectly surprised if you was here and see just what has been done.
    I don't believe it possible to raise any more volunteers to serve in Southern Oregon. The Quartermaster Gen Drew is selling off the most of the government property for cash. They have clearly repudiated all the war debt. There will be a loss of at least two hundred thousand dollars on the property. If Drew has sold for scrip the property would have brought about first cost, as the holders of scrip was anxious to buy for scrip. Drew and his clique is as dead politically as a salmon and still sinking. Capt. L. F. Mosher will post you in all the particulars about matters out here and men in general, at least some that would be great men and wants to be delegates to Congress.
                    Wm. J. Martin


Winchester Aug 24th 1856       
Gen. J. Lane.
    Sir, after my respects to you I must ask you to do a favor if it is not contrary to your own feelings of right. The favor I have to ask of you is this, that you will procure an order from the proper officer ordering Capt Smith of Fort Lane back to the States or in other words obtain leave for Capt Smith to visit his family. It is by the request of Capt Smith that I write you. He says that he feels confident that you can procure him leave at least to visit his family, if not an order for his return to the States. You are well posted in Capt Smith's service on this coast. Now, General, just think of a man being away from his wife for four long years and too poor to resign, and in fact his whole soul is for the army and he can't bear the thought of quitting the service. Capt Smith is one of your firm and steadfast friends under all circumstances. I do hope, Gen, that you will use your influence in favor of Capt Smith's request, and I hope in due season to hear that Capt Smith is ordered back to the western states, as he is a resident of St Louis. You will please excuse me for my bad style and my anxiety in Capt Smith's having a chance to return home.
    Your family is all well; Capt Mosher and myself is getting along well but little to do at this time, would like very much to receive some cash in the way of salary from the Secretary, as I can't pay out money received for land.
                    Yours with respect,
                        Wm. J. Martin


Corvallis O.Ty.       
Aug. 25 1856.       
Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Dear friend,
    Capt Walden, a friend of mine & yours, was severely wounded at the battle on Hungry Hill last fall against the Indians in Southern Oregon. It has disqualified him to perform the duties of a laboring man to a considerable extent. I am aware that the war in which he was engaged when he was wounded has not been recognized by any act of Congress. I wish that so soon as he or any other soldier who has been disabled in that war shall be entitled to a pension that you would send me the forms & instructions to procure them a pension.
                    I am your friend &c,
                        John Kelsey


Benton Co OT Aug the 25 56       
Hon Joseph Lane
    Dear sir I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines though a stranger to your face but not to your principles and a lover of my country. I have served 8 months and a half in the Southern Oregon war during which I [was] wounded in the left shoulder severely and am not able to follow the occupation I am accustomed to. When I got able to use my rifle I went into the field again and have the fatigue of a soldier again. [I] was wounded on the Hungry Hill on 29th day of Oct last. I was on my last campaign, elected to Capt of A Co and ask a favor of you that is to see whether I am entitled to pension or not. Colonel John Kelsey will write particulars to you. I sometimes read the remarks of Joseph Lane upon the subject of the war in Oregon and it is with the great pleasure. The eyes of the Oregonians [deplores] these remarks, but I am afeared that you will occasion to call the attention [of] the house again before peace is made in this county. If you could send some of them writers here to see the affairs here at this time I don't think they could ever lift up their pen [illegible] volunteers. Write a few lines in answer to this if you think me worthy of it. Direct yours to Corvallis.
    I am yours in heart
        Capt John M Wallan


Lafayette, O.T. August 30th 1856
Dear Sir
    We are still in hopes Congress will ere adjournment make an appropriation to pay our just claims in this Indian war. We are glad to see you meet with boldness Wool's corruptness in this war. Also your frank vindications of an honest and ever patriotic people. We see you are adoing all that you can for us. Your course is right, and the people will approve.
    Buchanan and Breckinridge must be elected. Where is Pennsylvania and old Kentucky! Where is New York! And Virginia! And where be Posa [Pasa?] and Pike!
We know that you will put your shoulder to the wheel in this canvass. So help, help, help. Mr. Robert Kinney (of Chehalem Valley) informs me that Indian Agent ----- Thompson, at the Dalles, O.T., has resigned and that Hon. ------ Humason has been in anticipation of said appointment. Now said Kinney wishes me to ask you for this office. If not, then ask you for it to be given him. He and myself anticipate moving east of the mountains as soon as a treaty is had with all the hostile bands. Gov. Stevens is at Walla Walla with a view to effect a treaty with the war tribes. Mr. F. B. Martin (of Yamhill) is just in from a visit south. He informs me that the people south of this valley are greatly impoverished and distressed on account of this war. Also that there still be small bands of savage Indians in the mountains, and men on the road and in their fields have been shot. Also one house burnt by these straggling fiends. A few of Old John's and other bands have not as yet been induced to come on to the reserve. Capt. Hedges will no doubt try to secure them and have them brought in. Mr. E. R. Geary is about to remove to Linn County and engage in his ministerial office. If you have not, then I think you had best to write to him. Although I don't think that he has any hard feelings toward you, I think he would have accepted of the secretaryship, but his family wished not. Dr. A. G. Henry voted the Democratic ticket and affirms that for the future he will be with us. I am of the opinion that he will need watching. There is quite a stagnation in business throughout Oregon and Washington Territories, which is the effect of war. Crops in this valley are good.  I like Oregon not with her misfortunes.
I am very truly yours,
    A. R. Burbank
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Washington City, D.C.


War Department       
Washington September 4, 1856       
    Agreeably [sic] to the authority given by the 11th section of the Act of August 18, 1856, making appropriation for certain civil expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1857, a commission, to consist of
        Captain Andrew J. Smith, 1st Dragoons
        Captain Rufus Ingalls, Qr Master Department, and
        Lafayette Grover, Esq., Salem, Oregon,
is hereby appointed "to examine into the amount of expenses necessarily incurred in the suppression of Indian hostilities in the late Indian war in Oregon and Washington by the Territorial Governments of said Territories for the maintenance of the volunteer forces engaged in said war, including pay of volunteers," and report the result of their examination to the Secretary of War.
    The commission is authorized to hold its sessions at such places in Oregon and Washington as may be most accessible to the claimants, and convenient for the transaction of its duties.
                    Jeffn Davis
                        Secretary of War


Sept. the 21 1856
    Siuslaw Lane Co.
Dear Uncle
    It is with pleasure that I sit down to write you a few lines. I received your kind note. It gave me great pleasure to receive one from you for the first time in my life. I never had better advice given me by my father or mother than what you gave me in your note, and I think I will follow it as long as I live. I have been going to school this summer. We expect to have another school soon & if so I will go all this winter. Pa killed a very large brown bear last Sunday evening. He was killing a hog when Pa heard him. He gathered his gun and ran down to where it was. It took two shots to kill him. Aunt Mary passed down by here one day last week from a visit to Grandma. Herself & children was well & looking well.  C[torn off] went down with [torn off] Corvallis. She [torn off] Uncle Joe has a son & they call him Franklin Pierce. We are all in tolerable health with the exception of myself. I am not very well. Write me soon. Little Mary is a-walking & talking some.
Your affectionate nephew,
    Joseph S. Barlow
John S. Lane
    In the care of Gen. Lane


Salem Sept 22nd / 56               
To Hon Jos. Lane
    My dear Genl. I have recd some favors from you by last mail, for which I thank you. I only wonder how you can remember so many of your constituents. I see by some of the late papers that Genl Wool has been giving you & the citizens of Oregon another of his grape & canister fires in the way of lying. He seldom writes or publishes anything but what is filled with untruth. His authority principally is rumor and I see he quotes John Beeson, a man who was drove out of Rogue River Valley for his lying. This man Beeson is an Englishman not naturalized, settled in Oregon in '53. He at one time of his life kept a station in Illinois in the Underground Railroad for negro stealing from Missouri to Canada. He is a monomaniac on the subject of slavery, considers the negro or Indians better than the whites. So much for Genl Wool's truthful informants.
   
The war north is not ended yet. The regulars are endeavoring to coax them into a treaty with success the future will show. They have been tampered with by the policy of Genl Wool that even if a treaty is made they will break out again as soon as they rest a while and get more ammunition. There is yet some few scattering Indians in the vicinity of Rogue River Valley who are committing depredations on the settlers, and the army officers are making no efforts to bring them to terms. The citizens are trying to get up a purse and offer a reward for scalps. They are forced to do this to protect themselves & families. I have been on the Grand Ronde Reservation twice since the war south has been ended, and I have talked with all the chiefs from R. River, and they are very much dissatisfied. They say Genl Palmer told them lies. Old Sam & Ben told me that Palmer told them that as soon as old Chief John & his people came down that he would let them (Sam & Ben) and their people go back again to the reserve at Fort Lane. So you see I expect an outbreak amongst Indians on the Grand Ronde reserve next spring or as soon as they can rest and get a little ammunition from the regulars. It will require great prudence and energy as well as firmness in the agents to keep the Indians peaceable and on the reserve. I am boring [you] with a long letter, which I hope you will excuse.
                    Respt. Yours
                        John K. Lamerick


Winchester Sept 25, 1856       
Dear General
    I have waited for some weeks in hopes of receiving a letter to answer, but as none has come I have to waive ceremony and write without one, although I have not much to say.
    Since I wrote last Fort Lane has been abandoned. Capt Smith was here with his company on his way to the reservation in Yamhill. He is anxious now that the war is over to return home, the more so as he understands his regiment is ordered to this country and he wishes to bring his wife out with him. He says he cannot afford to do it out of his pay, and he thinks you can get him an order. He certainly deserves it, as he has behaved very gallantly.
    I congratulate you on Palmer's removal; it has made you many friends, and no enemies, although your opponents would like to make some capital by your not having Geary appointed, but it won't work--he was quite as obnoxious as Palmer.
    And speaking of your opponents, I have become satisfied that there is a plan laid to defeat your nomination next spring, and that Deady is the candidate, but what the plan is I cannot find out. Jesse Applegate told me the other day that he thought they (your enemies) had the lever power under you this time. He is in their confidence, and he said that he was told in confidence that a fierce attack was to have been made upon you by the Statesman about the time that [Surveyor General John S.] Zieber's appointment came on. Whether this is on or not I cannot say, but I am keeping very quiet and watching them closely. Deady is getting very Republican lately, in anticipation I suppose of Fremont's election, although I always suspected he was an abolitionist at heart.
    James A. Ogle of this county wished me to inquire about his land warrant which he sent by you; he served in the Blackhawk War. Please to say when you write to me that it has been placed on file, and also acknowledge the receipt of Flournoy's application.
    By the way, Dr. Sheil of Champoeg was here some time ago, and seemed anxious to hear from you. He is a great friend of yours, and has a good deal of influence on the French Prairie, and a letter occasionally flatters him very much.
    Winnie sends her love to you. I am building a house which will be finished in about three weeks. The rest of the family are well.
                    I am
                        Yours affectionately
                            L. F. Mosher


Office Supt. Ind. Affairs       
Oregon City Sept 25th 1856       
Sir
    Your favor of August 3rd came to hand by last mail. I have written to Capt. Miller advising him of his appointment. His friends here think he will not accept, as he will be required to come up to the Grand Ronde Reservation. I hope he will accept, as his services are much needed in this department. The compensation of agents is not sufficient to justify good men engaging in the Indian service. Everything is moving along smoothly in my department. I am going day & night almost to provide the necessary shelter & subsistence for the Indians before the winter sets in (health permitting). Everything will be done in time. It will be absolutely necessary to subsist the Indians until after the next harvest. Under the present state of affairs it would not do to allow them to have their guns, and with[out] them they cannot subsist themselves. It will require a large amount of money to provide for their wants during that time, but it must be done or the whole project abandoned the moment that we withhold their supplies. The able-bodied and warlike will return to their homes to engage in the war again [illegible] and infirm left to starve or die [illegible] not be the case, and [end of letter torn off]
            A. F. Hedges


Deer Creek Oct. 2nd 1856
Dear Genl.
    I have just returned from Port Orford, where I have been to take the oath of office before entering upon the duties of my appointment.  Mr. Dunbar appears to enjoy himself finely. I think him much a gentleman. I think the Indian war closed in Southern Oregon for the present. The military post is removed from Port Orford to the mouth of the Umpqua.  I go to Coos Bay in a few days. While on the coast I see a paper in circulation asking the appointment of E. P. Drew to a full Indian agency. There is also one in circulation here. I signed the one on the coast. You will see what they set forth.  I can endorse those statements from my own knowledge in part & fully from reliable sources. I hope that his appointment will be made if it can be both as a matter of justice & policy. I don't know a more suitable man for the place. A sound Democrat & a working man in the party.
Yours Truly
    T. D. Winchester


Crescent City Cal. Oct. 8th 1856
Dear friend
    I have been informed that there has been charges preferred against the present incumbent Indian agent for the Klamath Reserve Indians, and as the general opinion here is he will shortly be removed, I have thought proper to ask through for that situation if it be consistent with your feelings. My experience with the Northwest Indians for the last thirty-six years has given a thorough acquaintance with their customs and manners together with their wants, rights &c. In the event of my appointment, my constant study would be to obey my instructions & deal out equal justice to the red men as well as the white.
    By assisting me, you will confer a lasting favor on an old and lasting personal and political friend. I would have made my request to Gen. Denver had I been personally acquainted with him.
    Buchanan is all the go in this place. The Know Nothings [omission] this county last year by their midnight conclaves, but this time they have either fled or are ashamed to show their heads. Their leaders even deny ever having belonged to any such party but look on them with a suspicious eye, nor can trust them until they [omission] something by their works. Black Republicans are few and far between in this part of the country.
Yours truly,
    Saml. C. Hall



Salem Oct. 19th 1856
Dear Father
    I received your very kind letter of Aug. 31st for which accept my sincere thanks. [I] am progressing with my studies very rapidly. [I am] very sorry that you do not approve of my studying [obliterated]. I have been studying
[obliterated] to quit it. And if [obliterated] follow any profession [obliterated] law or medicine I will have need for it. As for grammar I have only quit for a while [and] intend to take it up some other time. Geography I will study after [a] while. I am a-studying algebra [and] geometry. I think geometry is very useful as well as algebra, for if I ever want to study surveying I must understand it. You need not send those books without you can have a good opportunity, but you must be sure to bring them with you, for I do not have time to read any. It takes all of my time to get my lessons. Do not stay at Nesmith's now, but two of us have formed a club and hire a cook, which is a great deal cheaper.
    Have not heard from home or Andy for some time. Winnie has gone out home, will not return until you come back. I am afraid that Mother has a hard time of it out there without any boys to help her but Simon; he has to be at the store most all the time and
[obliterated] has moved [obliterated] claims [obliterated] blames the Governor for [obliterated] his proclamation, but that is noting unusual. Shelby has gave out the notion of moving out to Umpqua, will remain in Portland a while longer. He is too easy to get out of Port., for he can make money if he will but remain where he is.
    Creed and Simon makes some money. I had the exquisite pleasure of speaking to Mr. N. H. Lane's wife about a month since. She seems to be a very pleasant woman. If you go to Hoosier please give me a description of things back there and how the old place looks. I suppose it must feel considerable easier since it has changed hands again.
   
[obliterated] at present but write soon and often, long letters.
Your affectionate son
    Jno. S. Lane
To the Hon. Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Winchester                       
October 27th 1856       
Dear Father
    Yours of the 2nd ult. containing check for five hundred dollars has just been recd. I think we can get along without having to return it for the want of funds. We have on hand at present a small amt of money and fine prospects ahead for more. Mother will not want to use it before the last of next month, as the house will not be finished before that time.
    I have not yet made sale of any of your cattle, but hope to sell soon. They are in good order and gaining every day. The sale of government stock, which was the week before last, will have but little or no effect upon the sale of beef cattle, the stock sold then being thin in order. The crops throughout the Umpqua Valley very good. Considerable smut in wheat, which the old farmers are going to try to remedy by washing the wheat in a solution of blue vitriol before sowing. The grasshoppers though numerous did but very little damage to the crops from the fact that the cold weather killed off all the first that made their appearance. The settlers who had to flee for their lives during the war are now returning to their claims (their once-happy homes), erecting new houses and rebuilding their fences, which were partially burnt up, trying to make if possible a home and a living for themselves and family.
    Mr. Floed has returned from Portland; is now at Scottsburg. He is in good health.
                    Mother & family all well
                        Your Son
                            S. R. Lane [Simon Lane]
Joseph Lane

Winchester Oct. 28th 1856
Hon. Joseph Lane
    H.R. [House of Representatives]
        Sir, by last mail I received yours of Sept. 2 in which you state the order is made to pay my little comp. for services in the Rogue River War in 1853. That makes all right with the boys notwithstanding some of the discontented spirits would have it otherwise. I am truly glad that you are willing to serve Oregon longer in Congress. There is no doubt but you will be the nominee by an overwhelming majority next spring, as the masses is for you by an increased majority. Still, there will no doubt be a Black Republican candidate selected among the soft or abolition portion of the Democratic Party. Time will develop more of those movements.
    All the Scottsburg delegation as usual is hard at work to break you down. The more they work, the more friends it makes for you. You may rest assured the appointments of the commissioners renders general satisfaction in Oregon. I shall look for one grand effort this winter to injure you, but it won't win, certain, but it will be the final political death of the prime movers.
    The Quartermaster Department will delay the war matters as much as possible, hoping by that means to prevent you from getting the appropriation to pay the War Dept. through the winter. Captain Mosher can and will give you all the news much better than I can. All things move along about right. We all feel confident of Buchanan's election by a large majority. The Union and the Constitution must and will be maintained and no mistake.
    Palsied be the tongue and withered be the arm that will try to infringe or violate one single clause of the Constitution or violate one of the rights of the states or territories.     They must all be maintained inviolate to the end of time.
    All of your family is well and doing as well as you could expect or better.
    There is a friend of us out here having a cane made to send to the Hon. Brooks of South Carolina to replace the one he broke over Sumner. It will be sent by express to you to be by you presented to Mr. Brooks in the name of the donors.
    Myself and Capt. Mosher is having quite a pleasant time here in the office. We have moved both offices together and will spare no pains to render general satisfaction to the settlers as far as we can, holding to this principle that we are here to attend to those wants at all times without fee or reward from them, as the salary is all that we have any right to receive. There is but little cash coming into the office, and in fact it seems strange that anyone pays for their land under the present circumstances. Money scarce and only to be had at ruinous rates of interest.
    The Department it seems to me had better build an office here for the register and receiver, as it is not possible to procure a suitable house here to rent, and by all means we ought to have a secure building, one at least that will be secure against water at least.
I think if you could see the Commissioner of the Gen. Land Office that you might induce him to have a building erected here, say one that would cost about fifteen hundred dollars would be all sufficient.
Yours with Respect
    Wm. J. Martin


Crescent City Cala.       
Oct 30th 1856       
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        I have long wished to write to you, but I felt unwilling to intrude upon your time or patience during the heat and excitement of the presidential contest. By the time you receive this that contest will be over, and I confidently trust Buchanan & Breckinridge triumphantly elected.
    You will probably remember that some years ago I spoke to you about a claim I have against the U.S. govt for the destruction of my property by the Cayuse Indians, which claim I was unable to present at the time the appropriations were made by Congress to indemnify those who had suffered in that war. You promised your influence to get a bill through Congress for my relief. I took the necessary steps to bring the matter before Congress that winter.
    I wrote to John G. Bryant, then a claims agent in Washington, and employed him to assist me in the business. That winter I went to the mines on the coast where, having no mail communication, I did not get Bryant's answer until it was too late to present my claim to Congress that session. Since then I have been in the mines and have had no opportunity to prosecute my claim. I was at the mines at the mouth of Rogue River last winter when the Indians broke out. I with my wife and five small children barely escaped with our lives, and without a blanket or a change of clothing, and in this condition (with others) were surrounded for thirty-three days by a large body of Indians, we being in a mud fort which we hurriedly constructed. The Indians burned and destroyed our dwelling house and all that we had on earth. I understand that commissioners have been appointed to audit and adjust claims growing out of that war. I merely allude to it to enlist your sympathy and to show you that I have been stripped of all my property, and with a large family am reduced to utter poverty, and most earnestly do crave your influence and assistance to get my Cayuse claim allowed by Congress.
    I have taken steps to have an agent in Washington attend to the matter. Will you not lend me your valuable aid? You know my character and standing. You know my claim is just. And I most earnestly entreat you in the name and the memory of that friendship which has existed between us during our acquaintance in Oregon and in the name of "those other" sacred ties which bind us together, to do all you can for me.
    My petition to Congress is prepared, and embodies a statement of the facts which with the proper affidavits will be forwarded to Washington, and I know you can present it to Congress in such a manner as will be sure to result favorably.
    And now may I ask you to answer this letter? I have not had the honor to receive a line from you since you first went to Congress! Although I have always been one of your strongest friends and supporters through thick and thin.
    Will you do me the honor to answer this?
    My wife joins me in wishing you health and prosperity.
                        I have the honor to be
                            Most respectfully
                                and Fraternally yours
                                    Wm. J. Berry
P.S. Please direct your letter to Crescent City California.



Petaluma Sonoma Co Cal       
18 Decr. 1856               
Hon Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir,
        I wrote in Oct by express, and I presume you did not receive it in relation to my claim against government in Fort Lane, taken from me by government for a fort. I should be pleased if you would present it to the Secretary of War as soon as convenient, at least while you are at Washington, as I am greatly in need of it. If you will use your influence in obtaining it for me I will compensate you for your trouble. Write to me on receipt of this and also about a month previous to your returning to Oregon so that I may meet you on your arrival at San Francisco.
    You will perceive by this that I have removed from Rogue River and now reside at this place.
                        I remain very Respectfully
                            Your Obt Svt
                                Albert B. Jennison


Lane Co. O.T. Jan. 12th 1857
Gen. Lane
    Dear Sir. I have frequently thought of writing you a few lines, but knowing that your good old generous spirit is almost taxed to death with various communications from different parts of the Territory, that has caused me to put off writing from time to time until the present. Nor would I attempt to write at present was it not that I did not want to be put in possession of a few speeches and documents and general. I believe your generous old soul has never turned a man away empty when called upon.
    I know that your task is hard, but greater will be your rewards. I would like very much to write you the news, but I am sorry to tell you that I have not got any to write. You know, General, it is almost impossible for the mail to come regularly to Pleasant Hill or Eugene City (this time in the year), in consequence of the high waters. The mail is sometimes 2-3 & 4 weeks coming up and by that time, the news can almost go to Washington City. As it regards the Indian difficulties, Gen., I hear of nothing being done since the volunteers came in. Everything seems to be as tranquil as if no hostilities existed. I fear it will be some time before those hirelings will bring the savage redskins to cry out for peace, without the aid of volunteer service.
    Now, Gen., as it regards the change in the judiciary department--that of allowing courts to be held only in three different places in the Territory does not seem to go down very well with the free people of Oregon. After they have been at a great deal of trouble and expense in building the court houses and then to be deprived of the privilege of holding courts in them, and to be forced off some sixty, seventy or one hundred (as the case may be) to attend to attend to their business, or have it unattended to does not appear altogether right and just. It seems to me in this kind of light like as if you was to build you a house and some strong man would come along and force it away from you and say you should not occupy it.
    Though, Gen., I have no doubt but that it will have a good effect finally. It will force the people to assert their rights and assume the reins of a state government. And as the question of convention or no convention is to be submitted to the people again at the next June election, I have no doubt that convention will carry, as most everybody is now in favor of a state government, even to Old Tom Dryer himself.
    There is one great question, you know, Gen., that has to be settled by the people previous to assuming the reins of a state government; that is slavery or no slavery.
    I fear she (Oregon) will come in a slave state. Though for the welfare of the state, I hope not. Already, priestcraft and the abolitionists are beginning to appeal unto the sympathies of the people for the poor, downtrodden and suffering Negro. They seem to pity the poor Negro with their lips, whilst their hearts is far from it. Should any class of people cause Oregon to come in a slave state, it will be those above mentioned. Now, Gen., I have intruded on your generous old spirit longer than I expected when I took my seat. You will please to send the following named speeches, and such other documents and speeches on both sides of the question as you may think of interest and receive my best wishes both for your present and future welfare.
Respectfully,
    D. S. Hunsaker
Gen. Joseph Lane
Phipps, or Phillips, speech of Missouri, in regard to the difficulty in Kansas.
Senator Sumner's speech that caused the assault of Brooks of South Carolina upon him.
The report of the committee on the Kansas difficulties, &c. &c.
D. S. Hunsaker


War Department       
Washington, January 17, 1857.       
    Sir,
        I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a report of Captain A. J. Smith, Comdr Fort Lane, Oregon, dated May 10, 1855, which contains the information you requested in regard to Jennison's claim to the site of Fort Lane.
                    Very respectfully,
                        Your obt servt
                            Jeffn Davis
                                Secretary of War
Hon. Jos. Lane,
    House of Reps

Fort Lane O.T.       
May 10, 1855.       
Colonel,
    I have the honor to enclose herewith a map of the reserve of this post, with the following explanation. At the close of the Indian difficulties in this valley in September '53, I was directed to look out a good location for a military post. After examining the country thoroughly I selected this spot as the most eligible, being directly opposite the Indian reserve and between the Indians and the settlers of the valley.
    Lieut. Col. Wright, who arrived at my camp on the 25th Sept., approved of the selection and directed me to commence building at once.
    Mr. Albert B. Jennings [sic] had selected this half section (now forming the north part of this reserve), under the "Oregon donation laws" in the fall of 1852, and resided upon it with his family about one year previous to the war, but being in close proximity to the Indians congregated at Table Rock he was compelled to move his family to Jacksonville, intending to return to his claim as soon after peace was restored or was believed consistent with safety.
    The Indians burnt Mr. Jennison's house and some 30 tons of hay, which is to be paid for out of funds set apart by the Indian department. I found a small field of some three or four acres in corn & vegetables, under fence, with cattle yard &c.
    In the absence of Mr. Jennison I took possession of this, his claim, under the law of Congress passed I think during the session of '52 & 3, "limiting military reserves in this Territory to 640 acres and pointing out the mode of paying for improvements if taken" &c and immediately had the survey made to enclose 608 acres, intending to prolong the east and west lines to the river and include the islands which would about take up the 640 acres (see map).
    I most respectfully call your attention to the claims of Mr. Jennison, allowed by the law alluded to, for improvements made by him on his claim previous to the government's taking possession.
    I forwarded to your office a small map of the survey, with a similar explanation, in the latter part of October 1853.
                        I am Sir Very respectfully
                            Yr Ob St.
                                A. J. Smith
                                    Capt Dragoons
                                        Comds Post
Col. S. Cooper
    Adjutant Gen. U.S.A.
        Washington D.C.


Oregon City           
Jan 26th 1857           
Dear General
    Please pardon my long silence; I have been in very poor health for the last six months; and being located in an isolated portion of the country, I neither see nor hear anything that would interest you. Matters have come to an alarming state in the Indian Department: The Indians are all collected on the reservation, which has cost the government over fifty thousand dollars. Now are we to allow them to return to their native land, and thus have all this money and labor thrown away, or will the government place at our disposal the means necessary to raise a subsistence for them another year, and to instruct them in agricultural pursuits, which is the first step towards civilization. Supt Hedges informs me there is no money to defray the expense of farming operations, and it is impossible for me to do anything without aid from the government.
    Another war is inevitable unless something is done soon; for God's sake let us avert it if possible. I for one will never survive it, and hope to perish when our efforts prove a failure. There are many of the Indians now in a suffering condition, and will soon be in a perishing condition if the government does not afford them relief. There has been immense sums expended at the Grand Ronde, but the Indians have derived but little benefit from it. I know you will do everything in your power to aid us when you know a failure would be attended with the most disastrous consequences, and my reason for saying so much is that you may know the condition in which we are placed and call the attention of the government to the subject. Gen Palmer leaves on this str [steamer] for Washington. What he has in view I am unable to say; I understand he will prefer charges against me as being favorable to the killing of some Indians at Grand Ronde, which are as false as the archives of hell, and no one but a man pregnant with malice could make a charge so wholly unfounded and unsupported by anything resembling truth. Old Tyee Sam is his authority.
    Please let me hear from you soon that I may know something of your wishes or designs for the future. You deserve a better situation than Oregon can give you, and I hope to see your name enrolled as one of the Cabinet for [the] next four years, but if you return to Oregon there is no one who will welcome you with a warmer heart than myself.
                    Ever your most devoted
                        friend & Obt Servt
                            R. B. Metcalfe



Winchester Feby. 3rd 1857
Dear General
    I have forwarded by this mail to the Commissioner a special report on Martin's land claim. I wish you would see him (the Comr.) and if he cannot approve the issuing [of] a certificate (of which I have my doubts) I wish you would get a special act passed for his relief. The papers show fair on their face. He lived two years on it and made valuable improvements--he then made an arrangement to enter it and under the supposition that it was entered, he left it--shortly after the war broke out and then he was appointed Receiver and had to reside here. The proof of all this is his own affidavit which may not satisfy the Commissioner but would make it easy to get through Congress. If he could get his title it would help him out of his difficulties.
    There is no political news. Your opponents think since they have been compelled to withdraw their opposition to you, that therefore their friends should fill all the offices--as there is a future I do not propose to accede to this proposition. We have them where we want them and I'll try and keep them there.
    The family are well including Minnie & Charlie. Give my love to John & Fayette and all my friends.
Yours truly
    L. F. Mosher
I enclose a letter from Clugage--and fully endorse the plan.


Gardiner, O.T.       
February 12, 1857.       
Gen. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        It is some time since I received a letter from you, but I know you are very busy and cannot spend your valuable time in writing letters. "The Old Apostle," Fred Waymire, says every man has a right to address the "servants" of the people including the President, to whom he writes yearly.
    So if I cannot interest you with items from this locality, please consider me as standing on one of the "Apostle's" rights.
   
To begin with item No. 1, we now have a garrison at Umpqua four miles below here, on the north side of the river near its mouth, consisting of about 100 men under the command of Bvt. Capt. J. S. Stewart. The selection for a post was a good one--keeping the whites from and the Indians on the reserve. Peace cannot be preserved unless they are kept separate. We have rumors of dissatisfaction among the Indians up north, but on the south part of the reserve, under Drew, there is no trouble--the Indians are satisfied. They draw rations however, and if they ever cut off I fear there might be trouble. It is reported that the three hundred thousand dollar appropriation is used up and that the agents will have no more funds for six or eight months and perhaps not then unless Congress makes another appropriation. How rations are agoing to be continued to these Indians (south) I know not. Drew says he has been only half supplied with funds from the beginning, and he has had to buy on credit, and some credits are still standing over six months back. Under this state of affairs people will soon refuse to trust the agent, and he will be out of supplies--then will come the test. It has been published that there were nuts on the reserve on which Indians can live. This is not true of the southern portion, and I think not of the northern. There is plenty of fish in the streams and some game, though not very plenty, in the hills. On the whole I think a better place for a reserve could not have been selected; still, the Indians must be fed or there will be trouble, in my opinion.
    E. P. Drew has given very good satisfaction as sub-agent and kept the Indians in his dist. quiet during all the troubles, and I wrote a recommend [sic] for him to be appointed full agent. Still, if he is not appointed, there will be no muss and no one will be offended. Ned is not a very active politician, and he will not do much for or against anyone. It is also reported that Capt. Hedges has resigned and that Col. Nesmith has been appointed in his place. This is mere rumor; I have not heard it from anyone who is supposed to know. In fact I am so far [to] one side and our mails have been so irregular this winter that I am not posted up in political gossip. Still I think a better man for Supt. than "Ness" could not be found. I have no acquaintance with Capt. Hedges.
    The people of Coos County are complaining of you because they have no mail facilities by sea or land in their county. Winchester and I defend you as best we can, but when they say, "Has not Gen. Lane influence enough with the Department to have service put on from Port Orford to Umpqua?" We don't like to give it up. Can't you get the letting advertised again and have time enough given so that bids from Coos can reach Washington in time.
    At present I know but little of the political movements of the Territory. I think it is understood that you are willing to be returned again, and from what I can see you will be nominated again with about as much unanimity as heretofore. Chadwick, who has been about some, writes me so. There is still a soft movement here, but I think they can't do much, even if they unite with the Whigs. Leland of the Standard heads them, and it is said Kelly will join them [at the] first favorable opportunity. Still I have not been in a position during the last winter to know how matters are going.
    I shall go to Winchester first of next month and will thereafter send you a letter to meet you at San Francisco.
                            Very Respectfully
                                Your friend
                                    A. C. Gibbs.



At Home Oquawka Ill Feb 23rd / 57
Dear General
    It is with some anxiety I write to you, as I am anxious to know of your welfare and to know what prospects you have for doing something for Oregon, as my sympathies are stronger for Oregon than for any other part of the United States. The three years I spent with the high-minded, honorable and hospitable citizens of the Pacific shores will never be erased from my mind. I have been anxious to know what your success and prospects are in having appropriations for the Oregon war. Will anything be done for the volunteers of Oregon the present session? I had hoped to have been in Washington on the 4th of March next to have witnessed my old friend James Buchanan take his seat in the White House, but circumstances prevent.
    Honored Sir
        Permit me to ask you one other question. I turned over some property in the Oregon war and I would like to get the pay.
    As I am not a citizen of O.T. if I was to make out my bill and present [it] to Congress do you think there would be a probability they would order it paid? By my setting forth the facts that I was not a citizen of O.T. I was there on government business, in other words, surveying government land. The Indians became hostile; I could have stepped on a steamer and left for home, but justice demanded of every true-hearted American citizen when he sees his country invaded by an enemy, when the helpless women and children is scalped around me my mind would not have been at ease if I had not rendered all the aid in my power. I think when these facts would be laid before Congress they could not well refuse paying me for my horses and arms that I turned over to the service. I will give you a list of what property I turned over for the use of the volunteers with the valuation of each article as valued by men sworn and appointed for that purpose, viz:
    One black horse value        $225
    One roan mare value            225
    One gray mare value            220
    One mule              "               200
    One saddle and rigging          55
    One rifle gun                           65
    One holster pistols                  60
    One large size navy revolver 70
    One six-inch             revolver 40
                                                  1130
    Cash paid out for sundries    300
                                                  1430
    My own services of four or five months in a rugged winter campaign, half fed and without tents, suffering untold hardships. But if I get pay for my property the noble-hearted citizens of O.T. is welcome to all the protection I gave them. You know the commanding officer on such campaigns has greater hardship to endure than any soldier.
    Perhaps if I would come forward and present this bill before Congress it would show to some of the members that it was not a war of speculation in O.T., as I felt it my duty to turn this over for the defense of the country though not a citizen. Be so good as to inform me on this matter as soon as you receive this. I have no proof nearer than the adjutant's office in O.T. as it stands on the muster roll, all but the cash.
    My own affidavit would be all the proof.
                        Yours with Respect
                            A. N. Armstrong
    N.B. Sir I have wrote out and have it ready for the press A History of the Oregon War. I have taken great care to give it justice, giving the name and manner in which every person was killed in the territory. I have given the Oregonians justice, showing the position of Gen. Wool and of the two governors.
    It will contain about 300 pages octavo. I shall have about 30,000 copies struck.
    I am not situated to move to O.T. this spring, but I will be a citizen of O.T. before many years.
                                    A. N. A.
To Hon. Joseph Lane


Petaluma                           
Sonoma Co. Cal           
April 27th 1857      
Joseph Lane Esqr
    Dr. Sir,
        I see an account in the San Francisco paper of your return to Oregon. I wish to know whether you received my letter addressed to you at Washington in relation to my land claim. Please write to me what you have done with it. If you have done nothing about it, will you not lay it before the new Secretary of War.
    Can you give me any information in relation to the Indian spoliation of 1853? When it will be paid. Any information in relation to either or both will be thankfully received.
                    I remain very Respectfully
                        Your Obt Servt
                            Albert B. Jennison



Jacksonville O.T.
Aug. 10th A.D. 57
    Gen. Joseph Lane
        Dr. Sir
During your last visit to Washington City, I (in consequence of false instruction) sent to your honor's charge a power of attorney to collect moneys and to obtain a land warrant for services rendered by me as a volunteer to subdue Indian hostilities in the state of California. You returned the power to collect money but seem to have retained the portion to obtain the land warrant.
    If you obtained a land warrant for me and will forward it to the auditor of Jackson Co. (Hoffman), I will pay the charges and remain truly your friend and servant.
James R. Davis
To Hon. Jos. Lane



Fort Umpqua, O.T.
    August 18th, 1857
    Sir:
        My object in addressing you is to request the favor of your influence and assistance in obtaining an appointment or transfer into one of the infantry regiments. I was placed in the artillery much against my will, and have been trying for some time, but without success, to get a transfer. From your knowledge of army affairs, I am confident you can procure me a consummation of my wishes. I would prefer an appointment in the 4th Regt. of infantry to any other. Although by entering the infantry I shall lose rank, still I am willing to make the sacrifice, and enter as a new appointment.
    I again request that you will use your influence in my behalf, and earnestly hope that you may be successful.
    It would afford me pleasure to hear from you on the subject, before you leave for Washington.
    Mr. Faulkner, who procured me my appointment, will no doubt cooperate with you, as I wrote to him on the subject some time ago.
I remain sir
    Your obdt. servt.
            T. M. Saunders
                2nd Lieut. 3rd Artillery
                    U.S.A.
Hon. Joseph Lane, M.C.
    Winchester, O.T.


Jacksonville, O.T.       
Sept. 30th, 1857.       
Dear General,
    In one of your eloquent vindications of our people during the last session of Congress, I remember a reference to Mrs. Mary A. Harris of our county, eulogistic of her noble self-devotion in defense of her dying husband and her wounded daughter, at the same time expressing an intention on your part to endeavor to obtain for her a pension from the general government.
    In furtherance of this laudable design, I am induced to inquire if it might not be advisable to prepare a memorial to Congress, during the approaching session of the assembly, in behalf of the widows and orphans left destitute by our Indian difficulties and barbarities. There are many such among us, who deprived of the support and protection of a manly arm, are reduced to the humblest drudgery and toil for a subsistence, and though sharing largely in the sympathies and kindness of the communities by which they are surrounded, are, in many instances, quite destitute.
    They who have lost more than the world can again return to them--the companions of life's early joys and sorrows, many of whom fell in the front of battle, where brave men, the pioneers of our nation, upheld our country's flag--have a right to expect the only recompense a grateful land can give--the pittance of a support.
    Mrs. Harris, to whom you made reference, is at present a resident of our town and earns a meager support for herself and daughter by "taking boarders." Her daughter has never fully recovered the use of her wounded arm and is unable to perform any arduous manual service.
    There are several other unfortunates suffering of this class in our vicinity, all of whom are in great need of a generous provision from our government.
    Many of these brave women furnish rare instances of heroic sacrifice and self-devotion, and if the Trojan mothers were worthy of our administration and fit subjects of historic eulogy, the deeds of these noble matrons are not less so.
    In the lofty devotion of Mrs. Harris are displayed the finer attributes of humanity--Attacked in her home by a numerous band of savages and armed with a rifle, for nearly twenty-four hours she held her assailants at bay. The fears of the woman were merged in the devotion of the wife and the mother, till even the savage foe shrank back before the pale, determined brow and flashing eye of that noble woman.
    Through long and weary hours she stood the defender of her dying husband and her wounded child, and only in the hour of rescue came back to her heart the tide of anguish which nearly dethroned her reason.
    But you will pardon my extended and verbose epistle. I had only intended to briefly consult you in regard to the expediency of a memorial, and to assure you that all efforts in furtherance of this laudable design will be gratefully acknowledged, not only by the recipients of any favors your efforts may bring, but by the unanimous sentiment of the entire community. Answer soon--
    With a sincere appreciation of your many good qualities of head & heart permit me, sir, to subscribe myself,
                        Yours Very Truly
                            H. H. Brown
Hon. Jos. Lane


Portland
    October 4--1857
My dear wife
    The Commodore is in and reports that the Columbia will not be here till about this day week, but I will wait for her. She is much the safest boat.
    My friend, Mr. Jo. Burnett, will take my bay horse home. Now I wish you, my dear, to see Joseph and have him take care of him till I come home. He must be kept dry and well fed, and if he cannot take him, Simon must see to him, feed him well and let him run out in the pasture as much as he can. His shoes must be taken off, and run barefooted all winter. By feeding him and letting him run in the pasture where Mr. Martin lives he will get in fine order.
    Mary and her children are all well; Fayette is well.
Your husband
    Joseph Lane


Kerbyville O.T. 19th Octr 1857       
Genl J. Lane
    Respected Sir
        Your attention is so constantly summoned to the affairs of others that I have no doubt you have forgotten the individual who now addresses you. However, I was a soldier under you when you were wounded and in the last Indian war. I served as a surgeon in Capt Bledsoe's company of Or. volunteers.
    Our company was on detached service and we were all ignorant enough in regard to getting our papers regulated. Now I am told that I have been reported both as a private and as a surgeon. I really did perform the duties of both, but I am told that I can receive pay but for one office. If I am thus doubly reported can you have me struck from the private roll? If you can be so kind as [to] do so and [omission] I shall feel most grateful. You will get all the information on this head necessary from Capt Bledsoe. I not only performed all the duties of a surgeon, but for upwards of three months I furnished all the necessary medicines at my own expense. This, Dr. Barkwell says, will not be allowed me, as I have neglected to report in time. For this I care but little, but the other is a point of great importance to me. Will you be so kind as [to] write me and say if this business can be regulated and by whom.
        I am
            Respected Sir
                Yours to Command
                    G. S. Ramsay M.D.
    P.S. I took very copious notes in regard to everything that transpired in my vicinity during the war; should any or all of them be of use to you they heartily at your service.
    P.P.S. Genl. Lamerick knows what duties I performed.
                G. S. R.


Portland O.T. Oct 28th 1857       
    Dear General
        A short time after you left my agency where you found everything quiet, Old John started out with the declaration that his heart was sick seeing so many of his people die, and that he intended to kill some person--that he wanted to die by bullets and was not going to stay on the reserve and die with sickness. They were evidently going down to the lower prairie to murder some white men who I had sowing wheat, but on the road they met with a Siletz Indian, drew their revolvers and killed him on the spot, then returned. I called upon John to know why he had murdered the Siletz Indian, and he gave me to understand that it was none of my business, that he would kill who he pleased. I then told them they must give up their arms, when John told his boy (Cultus Jim) to keep his arms and fight with them. I then called upon the military to assist me in disarming them, but when we went to John's house he and his boys left for the brush, leaving word that they would give up their arms, which they did the following day; but Cultus Jim, who had been the principal man in the murder of the Siletz Indian, had to be arrested and punished. Lt. Garber and myself attempted to arrest him when he drew a concealed revolver and fired at me. The ball passed near my head but did no harm. I then returned the fire, shot him three times and killed him dead on the ground. Since that, all is quiet and they have given up twenty-five rifles, eight revolvers and nine single-bore pistols; notwithstanding Lt. Sheridan said they had but two or three guns. Peace must and shall be maintained in my agency if the military will cooperate with me. The [state] constitution will carry and a free state in spite of our efforts for a slave constitution. If there are any more appointments to be made in the Ind Dept please have Geo. H. Abbott appointed agent or subagent, and I will be responsible for his faithful performance of duty. He is a good Democrat, and one whose past services entitle him to the situation.
    No news of interest except I learn our friend Hibben is about to make a small investment in dry goods, which we will of course deny, but I am inclined to believe the report from the history he gave me of the old lady. (On a horn! Hibben)
                    Very Respectfully
                        Your friend
                            & Obt Servt
                                R. B. Metcalfe
Hon Jos Lane
Washington
    D.C.
The parenthetical line above was added in a different hand--presumably E. C. Hibben's.



Jacksonville, Sunday
    Night, Nov. 1, 1857
My dear Winnie
    I arrived here on last night in a very dilapidated condition, having suffered excessively from that boil. I find that there is no court to be held at Josephine and that Deady is to return in the morning. I would return with him but it is absolutely impossible for me to ride or scarcely to sit, but as soon as I can I shall return, for I am very anxious to see you and the baby. I now think I shall leave here Thursday morning so as to be home by Saturday night. God bless and keep you & our own dear Charles.
Your affectionate husband,
    L.F. Mosher


Crescent City, Nov. 12, 1857       
Gen. Lane--
    Dr Sir: The conversation that took place between us on our way to San Francisco in regard to the establishment of a mail route from Crescent City, Cal., to Jacksonville O.T. via Kerbyville, Sailor Diggings &c., which you promised through your influence to procure for us, since my return here, I have met and conversed with a great many citizens of Southern Oregon, and I assure you sir, they appeared to feel grateful to you when I informed them that you intended to have service put upon the route and thereby offer them postal facilities which they never before possessed.
    I have now a favor to ask of you (although you may think it presumptuous of me, being, I might almost say, an entire stranger to you). My friend and a very prominent Democrat in Southern Oregon (and commanding considerable influence), T. A. Jackson, Esq., wishes to get the contract to carry the mail over the proposed route, and a better or more deserving one you could not get if you was to look all over Southern Oregon. Mr. Jackson is a warm political friend of [omission] and done you good service in Josephine County during the last campaign. He has also filled some very important positions during the last Indian war. He was commissary to the 2nd Regiment during the whole war and discharged its duties ably and efficiently. You know him well if you could replace [sic] him in your memory.
    He wants to get this contract so that he can be enabled to bring his family from Texas to the Territory. And I know should he receive the contract that it will give universal satisfaction to the people of Southern Oregon, for which I will pledge my honor.
    He would have sent on a regular bid by this steamer to you, to have handed to [the] P.O. Dept., if he would have had the form to go by; he has sent to San Francisco for it, and I will send it to you by the next steamer, and if you will use your influence for him I will consider it a personal favor to myself, and should an occasion ever occur in which I could repay it, you will not find me wanting.
                Yours Truly
                    W. B. Freaner
    P.S. Col. Washington appointed me Inspector here as I expected. Dr. Watkins, a Black Republican and late member of the convention from Josephine Co., is here waiting for the steamer on the way to the States. No election news yet. W.B.F.



Portland, Nov. 12th, 1857
Dear General:
    I arrived back here on the 28th ult. from San Francisco, and the next day got from McCracken a letter written by Bush dated the 25th October, in anticipation of my return, in which he says that an immediate sale will be preferable to him, although he would like to retain the editorial control until the close of the present volume. However, if I wanted immediate possession to follow the purchase, he would give it. Thus matters stood until last week, when I went to Salem and called on Bush to close the matter at once. He surprised me by answering that he had since concluded not to sell. I said that I must ask a reconsideration of his last resolve, and wished him to state at what time he would give me a final answer. His reply was in just these words: "I can't tell yet; Nesmith is not in town." He then went on to say that he was bound in gratitude to some friends in the Territory for past favors, and that soon the most important political crisis ever known in the Territory would occur--that these friends were greatly interested in the results which could occur therefrom, and that since they heard of his intention to sell to me, almost all of them had either written to or called upon him not to do so until the full canvass was over. They would deem it desertion upon his part if he sold out to me, of them and their interest. These were about the reasons he gave for his change of mind in the matter.
    I have since learned something more of the meaning of all this. On the day of my return here, Nesmith called upon me and in a quiet way wanted to know what paper I was going to take hold of.  I declined telling him. That day at noon he started (in a fierce rain storm, too) for Salem. The next day, Bush dispatched a letter to John McCracken, in which he withdrew his offer to sell to me, but while this letter was coming to Portland, I was on my way to Salem. At Salem, I called to see Nesmith. His clerk told me he was not in although I know that he was, for I had seen him just before I opened the door, and he left so sudden that his hat and coat were lying upon the table still. I did not endeavor to see him again. Bush also acted singularly. He was to meet me at his office on Friday afternoon. I called four times and found no one in. I saw him once rushing over from his office to his house, and he turned and saw me, but only hurried on the faster. He is to send me written final answer here this week. Should it come before the mail steamer sails I will inform you of its import.
    On my way down from Salem, I stopped one night at Wm. Barlow's, a farmer living some ten miles from Oregon City. There I met a man who had overheard a conversation between Judge Williams and another gentleman a few evenings before while the two lay in bed in an adjoining room to him.
    Williams stated that Deady was positively in the field for Senator, and that he regretted it, for it might injure his own chances. He did not think the people would stand two ex-judges of the Supreme Bench, and the election was certain to come off for the Southern District first. Therefore, if Deady beat you, Nesmith would be almost sure to triumph over himself (Judge W.). (From Nesmith's clerk, I gleaned that some time since he intended to resign the Indian Superintendency, but he has since resolved not to do so.) Williams further stated that he feared Bush would support Nesmith in preference to himself, and that he would make every effort for Deady, because when he (Bush) first came to the country he was penniless and Deady assisted him more than any other man. Curry's name was used by Williams, but he spoke of him as Bush's and Nesmith's catspaw. He thought that for Congress, Bush would throw [off] Smith and support Grover, because the latter had managed to make his (Brook's) father-in-law Territorial Surveyor. You may know what this means. Of course I have not been here long enough to be posted. Smith was looked upon as reaching for the Senate certain, though his friends claimed only Congress for him.
    There is one matter I now wish to speak of to you in this, and I shall duplicate this portion of the letter by the Columbia, in order that you may know it without failure if the mail steamer should not connect at San Fran.
    I have not yet got Bush's answer. If it comes a negative to my wishes, I shall then purchase Carter's interest in the Times and assume control of it. I am positive I can do you greater benefit there than Hibben, for he has somehow got honeyfuggling with Bush, and I am not sure that he is sweet enough to fool Bush; therefore Bush must fool him. Then, the recent affair between Hibben and that poor wretch Leland has not added laurels to Hibben's reputation, so far as I can ascertain. Neither has his late course in following the usual abusive style of the Oregon press done him any good.
    I shall conduct the paper in a dignified manner at least. No man shall be abused by me in virulent personal manner, and I shall take good care that no one shall abuse me the second time.
    From the letter you wrote to Capt. Cain in my behalf, he does not feel himself at liberty to draw upon you in any other event than the purchase of the Statesman. I wish to know if you cannot, and if you will not, render me the same assistance in the purchase of the Times. The security shall be under the same arrangements, viz: upon the office together with one half of the building. I ask for no bequest. I request a loan and wish the whole transaction upon a strict business basis. In the event of your assent or dissent to the proposition here made, let me know if you please by first mail succeeding the receipt of this.
    Please remember me to Dr. Gwin, Mrs. G. and Miss Lucy when you see them, and to Gen. Denver, Gov. Stevens, Mr. Hibben, Broderick, and accept the assurance that I am
Truly Yours,
    Jas. O'Meara


Nov. 19th
I may as well send this.
It was written for last mail.
----
Portland, Nov. 12th, 1857
General Lane:
    Dear Sir: 
        I sent by the Commodore yesterday a long letter to you, of part of which this is duplicate.
    Last week I went to Salem to make fiscal arrangements with Mr. Bush for the purchase and conveyance to me of the Statesman. Before leaving this place, Mr. McCracken showed me a letter just then received from Bush, wherein he stated that he was anxious to make the sale at once, but would like to keep possession for a short time longer. But upon this latter point he would urge, if it were not agreeable to me.
    On my arrival at Salem, fully prepared to close the bargain and sale, I called on Bush, when after some hesitation he handed me a copy of a letter he had sent to McCracken but a few days previously, and which had passed down [the Willamette River] while I was on my way up.  It contained the withdrawal of his intention to sell. I instantly told him he must reconsider the matter; that he had offered to sell to me, in writing--that I had agreed fully to his terms--that he had accepted my offer to purchase, and that I was then prepared to close the transaction. He replied that he would again think of the matter, and would inform me soon of his final resolve. I pressed him for an answer that day. He at last told me he could not, for Nesmith was not in town. He then went on to say that since it was rumored that he was to sell the paper to me, most of his prominent political friends had either written to or called on him and insisted that he must not leave the conduction of the Statesman until after the approaching important canvass.  Some of them, he was free to tell me, were candidates for high positions, and they would deem him recreant to every principle of honor and gratitude if he were to now leave the paper, at the very crisis when they most needed his support. Therefore, he had concluded  not to sell, but would remain here until 1860.
    I think, General, that I can see through this movement. Nesmith and Deady are the chief two who have thus influenced Bush. Nesmith was in town the second day I was in Salem. I called at his office to see him. Before entering I saw him. When I entered he was not in, and his clerk so informed me. His hat and coat were lying on a table in the office. I did not again seek him. Bush was to meet me that afternoon at his office. I called four times, but found the door locked and nobody in each time. Once in going from the office I saw Bush walking rapidly towards his dwelling. He turned, saw me, and hurried faster homeward. All this sort of action I can well understand now. In good time I hope to be able to clearly fathom everything connected with this refusal to sell the Statesman. I ascertained one fact which is somewhat evidence in the premises: The day I reached here from California, Nesmith came to see me early in the morning, and endeavored to know from me what paper I intended to take control of. I declined giving any information upon the subject. That day at noon he left for Salem, which place he reached the next day, and the evening of that day Bush wrote the letter to McCracken of his determination not to sell.
    I have not yet received Bush's final answer. If it comes before I have to mail this, I will tell you what he says.
    Should he not sell, I will purchase Carter's interest in the Times. He owns one half of the office and of the building. I have his promise to the bargain. I desired Capt. Cain to let me have a portion of the draft you were kind enough to give towards my purchase of the Statesman, and upon the same style of security, viz: the office and building, but he seems to think it not in accordance with your instructions. I shall therefore make the purchase without assistance, but I trust, General, that by return of mail you will authorize me, through Capt. Cain, or whomever else you care to appoint, to draw against you. Or, to facilitate the matter, will you not empower Capt. Cain to let me have the sum you placed at my disposal for the purchase of the Statesman at once. I will give the entire interest bought from Carter in security. The office has more material and is of double the intended value of Bush's. Besides, the building is as much additional. With this aid I can get along handsomely, and I trust will be enabled to assist you proportionately. One thing you may rely upon. I shall never be caught in any clique at whose hands you are likely to suffer, neither by accident nor design. I am satisfied that in your absence a powerful organization is sought to be built up against you. Men who are really candidates for the highest places, but who declared while you were here that they were not, are working strenuously to form such combinations as will defeat you. Williams, Deady, Nesmith, Smith and Kelly are positively in the field for the Senate, let them deny it now much as either of them may.
    I shall see Curry next week. By next mail I will write you fully.
Truly yours,
    Jas. O'Meara
Hon. Jos. Lane



Jacksonville Nov. 13th 1857       
To Hon. Joseph Lane
    My dear Genl.
        Yours of Oct. 3rd from Portland [received] some time since, but waiting to give you some news of our election, I deferred thus long from answering.
    Full returns of this county have not all got in yet, but enough to show that the constitution gets a small majority of about twenty votes, for slavery seventy, which is hardly as much as I expected. Josephine County has gone against slavery by a large majority. I am afraid we will have a free state.
    The very kindly and flattering manner [in which] you are pleased to speak of my services as a Democrat and a soldier I must attribute more to your partiality than my own merits, but I will endeavor to deserve them by always using what little influence I have to the advancement of Democratic men & measures, and it will give me great pleasure to lend my aid to elect to the Senate the man who has above all others defended the people of Oregon, both in the council and in the field. Should the constitution be adopted (and I think it will) I will stay here until the June election and you may rest assured that this county will be instructed to vote for Jo Lane in joint ballot for US Senator.
    A petition has gone to W. City from Yreka, Cal. to appoint R. B. Snelling Indian agent for the Modoc Indians in Northern Cal. Part of this country is in Oregon. I understand also a petition has gone from the same source to appoint Geo. W. Heard to the same office. Snelling is the most capable and the best Democrat. He is pro-slavery also. I write you these items lest you may be called upon, and as Oregon is partly interested, you are of course.
   
I am glad to be able to inform you that should the constitution be adopted, you stand first in this county for Senator. Some of Deady's friends have sent out feelers, but it is no go; most of all the Democracy go for you first, then they are divided who shall take the next place. Grover D. Smith or Gov. Curry, all of them worthy. As for Grover he is young and can lay back a little. I am in hopes Smith will be sent to the Senate and Curry to the House.
    I am of the opinion that I will remain until you are elected U.S. Senator and then [head] for the States to see my friends.
    Wishing prosperous times this winter at Washington and the same next summer in this new state.
    I remain as ever forever your friend,
                                John K. Lamerick
To Genl. Jos. Lane
    W City DC


Yreka California Nov 18 1857.       
General,
    I have not written to you for some time, not having had anything of moment about which to write that would interest you & especially as both of us doubtless have had our hands full in our respective avocations.
    It occurs to me however that in regard to the settlement of the expenses of our Indian wars, in '55 & '56, as well as of '54, in Oregon & Northern California, by the United States, that it would be well to give you data which is reliable (as I filled an official station) in regard to our war here in the great lake country, and known as the Modoc War of 1856 under Genl. Cosby.
    There were 3 companies of 80 men in the field for 3 mo. and the pay of troops, on the muster rolls, together with all pay for service of horses & mules, including ordnance, forage (actually used), subsistence, medical stores, for most supplies & transportation, was only $200,000. The rolls & accounts were made out under my own supervision.
    The state government was settling & adjusting this amount having issued bonds & taken receipts of the parties.
    These bonds are without interest, and are simply an order on the United States.
    Now the question is will the United States accept the order.
    For the purpose of giving you full information, I have respectfully to say that in getting our Modoc War bill through, a general law was passed & bonds issued for Indian wars & depredation throughout the state, which amounted to $410,000, including of course the $200,000 appropriation for Modoc War.
    Now the question is will the next Congress pay it. They ought to do so--this coast has been neglected long enough, and the United States are the recipients of immense benefits already from the early settlement & development of the resources of this coast--with its necessary Indian troubles, and it seems to me that the justice of Congress will not be applied to in vain, if the proper course is taken by the Oregon & California delegation to lay the matter before them.
    Myself, together with many others here interested who have served in said war, have great confidence in your known energy & ability in properly representing our just claims at Washington, and it is at the instance of these persons that I respectfully address to you this note.
    Our California delegation--who are already advised as I am informed--will no doubt act in concert with you in this matter.
                    I am, Dear Sir, Very Respectfully
                    Your friend & Obedient Servant
                    James P. Goodall.
Hon Joseph Lane
Washington
    D.C.


Jacksonville OT       
December 2nd 1857.       
Dear Sir
    It is not my desire to trouble you often as I am well aware of your great press of business. Oregon has decided by an overwhelming vote that the people approve of their constitution and are opposed to having slaves. This is as I expected. Bush says slavery is not of itself a matter [of] which a national political issue can be made. This I think is a mistake, yet I am willing to admit it ought not to be the case.
    Young America and Democracy, the constitution and the decision of the Supreme Court are the truest work I fight by, and if any abolitive Black Republican attempts to elect a President or any other officer in opposition be it national or sectional I shall oppose him.
    Genl, I wish to have a regular semi-monthly correspondent at Washington during the present Congress. Try and get me one. I want young America, no old fogey.
    Will Congress admit us? Will Washington Territory give us our boundaries as stated in our constitution? Will the Chinese claim be stricken out? Is Burns [?--unclear] going to be elector at the Umpqua? Who is going to be judge in place of Olney? If Oregon is admitted will Deady be ousted [as] states judge for this district? The judge has lost popularity with the pro-slavery party since you left.
    Col W J Martin of Winchester is spoken [of] for Gov of Oregon. I'll be [illegible] if he is a candidate if I don't go for him.
    Grover, Williams, Delazon Smith and Deady are working hard for U.S. Senate. Smith & Williams will be hard to beat, for the free state men will urge their claims.
    Tell Keitt of SC to send me all the pro-slavery documents he can.
    What a left-handed lick the President hit Dreyfuss about his father-in-law. Stephen [Douglas] will have hard work to win the President. Breckinridge, if any man from a slave state can be elected, is the man for 1860.
    I saw Floed the other day; all was well.
    My family are quite afflicted but are getting a little better.
    I would be glad to hear a little from you occasionally to publish.
                        Yours truly
                            W G T'Vault


Jacksonville O.T.       
the       
Dec 3 1857       
Gen. Joseph Lane
Dear Sir
    I want you to assist me in collecting my war claim. I have sent the vouchers and affidavits of Cap. Jno. Miller, Col. J. E. Ross, Dr. Ambrose and Ruben Rynos by Mr. Wagoner of our valley, who went to Iowa last spring. He writes me he employed a Mr. Jones to collect them, which he has not, or cannot get the attention of the auditor. I will write to him by this mail to go through Washington and call on you. If you will please see the auditor, as you are aware of all the facts, you will confer a great favor for which I will feel under lasting obligation. If I can't get any money now with the depositions of the best men in the valley I want you to assist me, then if I can't get it I will give it up with the conclusion that U.S. is ungrateful. If I had only kept my wheat and potatoes I should not be heels over head in debt. I had but just commenced farming, and I let the government have nearly all I raised that season and never received a cent. It left me a hard row to hoe for a living. Please write.
            Respectfully Yours
                John B. Wrisley


Winchester Nov. 30, 1857
Dear General:
    Since I last wrote I have been to Jackson County, and everything looks fair for your prospects; in fact, the sentiment of the people all over the Territory are now decidedly in your favor, and I think with proper encouragement there need be no difficulty in your election. In this county, Old Sol Fitzhugh wants to be a candidate for Senator, and Col. Martin I think has the foolish notion in his head of resigning and running for the same office. If he does this, it won't do for me to run for the House, and I am undecided in my course at present. I think Martin is getting tired of being in one place. He is settled and apparently dissatisfied. This, however, is mostly my suspicions only. I shall take an opportunity soon and ascertain what his plans are. You know by this time that the Constitution has been adopted and Oregon is a free state; not a county voted for slavery. Even Jackson gave 20 free state majority. I was sharp enough to put myself right in time, and while I voted for slavery I believe that I have not made myself obnoxious to the free state men by any ultra views. I have just made considerable reputation by winning Mayer & Co's case, after a hard fight with Pratt & Campbell. Pratt came up in October and made a motion to dismiss, but slipped up, and when he found he had too heavy a contract he sent Campbell up. We had a hard fight but succeeded in getting a verdict. They say that I did myself great credit. At all events, I satisfied the people that Pratt was not the only lawyer in Oregon.
    R. M. Hutchinson wants two new post offices as follows: Oakland--this is an old office that is now at Lowe's. They want it moved to Baker's old mill, where they have laid out a town of Oakland. The office need not be changed except that Ethiel C. Lord [sic--Erastus C. Lord] be appointed postmaster. He is a brother of the Lord in Scottsburg; he has a store at the mill and the change should be made.
    Locust Grove P.O., Richard Smith, P.M. This will be a new office at the head of Yoncalla Valley, halfway between Yoncalla P.O. and Oakland. I hope you will attend to this.
    By the way, what has become of the military road?  We have no news of the officer detailed for the service.
    The family are all well, and Charlie is the finest and best boy you ever saw. Give my love to LaFayette & John, Pugh, Pendleton & all my old friends.
    I will keep you advised of the way things are progressing in this part of the state
And remain
    Your affectionate son,
        L. F. Mosher


Copy
Siletz Agency, Decr 10th 1857.   
Dear Sir:
    There has been considerable excitement amongst the Indians at this agency for the last six or eight days. The war dance & war whoop can be heard at all times--day or night. Shooting arrows into our horses, and burning our fences, are the strongest indications I have seen of their hostile intention, and it is to be feared they will make an effort to burn our houses and kill what few there are of us at the agency. They do not hesitate to declare their intention to kill me the first opportunity, believing if I were out of the way there would no longer be any opposition to their returning to Rogue River. I will be on the alert, and take no measures to arrest them until they have committed themselves, and then punish them in such a way as to deter them for all time to come. I have been out of beef for several days, and only enough flour to last about fifteen days. The river has been up so that it is almost impossible to get out to the Valley.
    My returns for the 3rd qr. have been completed two weeks, but I have not had a safe opportunity to send them. My returns for the 4th qr. will be completed by the 15th Jany, at which time I will go out to the Valley.
                    (Signed) R. B. Metcalfe
                        Ind Agent
To J. W. Nesmith, Supt
    Salem


Letter from Gen. Lane--
The Bill to Provide for the Payment of the Oregon War Debt.

Washington City, Dec. 17, 1857.       
A. Bush, Esq., Editor of Oregon Statesman:
    Dear Sir--Well knowing the deep interest 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 now look with anxious solicitude for tidings from the national capital, I 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 to the general government and freely shed their blood in defense of our frontier settlements, but they generously and without stint advanced their substance, relying upon the impartial justice of Congress for reimbursement. The debt of the general government, thus created, being large, and the people of Oregon and Washington territories being cramped in their business relations for want of a prompt adjustment of this war debt, it is but natural that they should look for tidings from Congress.
    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 adjust and settle the expense of the people of two territories arising from the late Indian war reached here at the same time, and to show what impression was made upon the Secretary of War, reached here at the same time, and to show what impression was made upon the Secretary of War, I will quote that passage of his annual report which treats on this subject:
    "By a law passed the 18th day of August, 1856, a commission was directed to be appointed for the purpose of ascertaining the sum of money fairly due to the volunteers of Oregon and Washington territories for their services in the Indian wars which threatened to lay waste those territories. In compliance with this law, Captain Smith, of the 1st Dragoons, Captain Rufus Ingalls of the Quartermaster's Department, and LaFayette Grover, Esq., of Salem, Oregon, were appointed to examine the accounts and claims, and to make a report 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 20th day of October last, when they were brought to a close. I 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 a more just or accurate result could be attained than these gentlemen arrived at. The amount ascertained to be due is a very large one, and Congress will have to make provision for its payment, if it is intended they shall be liquidated, of which I presume there can now be no doubt."
    The executive branch of the government having thus so promptly and acceptably met our wishes, I prepared immediately a bill, a copy of which I enclose, which I succeeded to introduce into the House, and which is the first bill introduced in the House during the first session of the XXXV Congress.
    I forbear to enter upon the discussion of national politics. The papers will furnish you an ample supply for your columns. Mr. Buchanan has the confidence of the American people; he is known to be a great and good man, a true patriot, and loves his country as ardently as ever any man loved his country, and certainly deserves the support of all Democrats--I may say of all good men.
    I am, sir, your friend,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 26, 1858, page 2


Salem O.T.       
Dec 21st 1857.       
Genl Joseph Lane--
    Dear Sir:
        Enclosed I send you an affidavit of the principal merchants of Jacksonville relative to the prices of army supplies from the first settlement of Shasta Valley to the present time. You know them to be as reliable men as any in Oregon, and I hope it will be of service to you. Show it to Messrs. Miller & Brandenburg and to Governor Stevens.
    The legislative assembly has called for all the correspondence and affidavits relative to the hostilities of the Indians and protection of the emigrants in 1854, and a thousand copies have been ordered to be printed. It contains much valuable information and as soon as it is published I will forward copies to Messrs. Miller & Brandenburg, Gov. Stevens and to you. Genl. Palmer has written me a strong letter in favor of the expedition, and Squire Steele and Rosborough, the Indian agent of Siskiyou County, have written to Drew giving a detailed history of the Indian hostilities in Southern Oregon from the time you were tyee of the whites and Indians in Scotts Bar to the present time. All of which were transmitted to the legislative assembly by Governor Curry on Friday last. Soon as they are printed I will send copies to all I know around Washington.
    I remain yours very respectfully,
        B. F. Dowell
   

Depositions taken before Wm Hoffman, a Notary Public, within and for the county of Jackson and territory of Oregon, at his office in Jacksonville, in said county.
   

John W. McCully aged 36 years, Daniel Kenney aged 35 years, W. W. Fowler aged 44 years, Sigismund Ettlinger aged 30 years, J. A. Brunner aged 35 years, Wm Hesse aged 37 years, John Anderson aged 34 years, Benjamin T. Davis aged 36 years, all merchants or traders and residents of Jacksonville, Oregon Territory, after being duly sworn state that Rogue River Valley is situated in Southern Oregon, and Shasta Valley in Northern California; that these valleys are surrounded with rough and rugged mountains which make them very difficult of access; that these valleys are bounded on the west by the Coast Range of mountains, on the east by the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges; that the Grave Creek Hills and Umpqua and Calapooia mountains separate Rogue River Valley from steamboat navigation on the Willamette River and Mount Shasta and the Trinity Mountains separate Shasta Valley from steamboat navigation on the Sacramento River, and Shasta and Rogue River valleys are divided by the Siskiyou Mountain which runs near due east and west and close to the dividing line between Oregon and California. The principal towns in these valleys are Jacksonville in Oregon and Yreka in California. These towns are noted for their rapid increase in population, the frequent changes and fluctuations in their markets, rich gold mines, frequent Indian wars and high prices, but it will be seen by the following prices that the government has not been asked to pay as high prices to prosecute these wars as individuals have frequently paid in time of peace for the necessaries of life, while pursuing their common avocations. Yreka was settled in 1851 and Jacksonville in 1852. The price of flour in Yreka in 1851 varied from 16 cents to a dollar per pound and sugar, coffee and salt from 40 cents to a dollar and twenty-five cents per pound. Since the settlement of Jacksonville prices have generally been higher in Yreka than in Jacksonville, and for the last five years these affiants have been merchandising or trading in the latter place, and the following are some of the prices which they or some of them have at different times sold bacon, flour, sugar, coffee and salt, and the price of beef is the price they have paid for their own use.

Commodity Prices 1852-53
Commodity Prices 1852-53

The above prices have been taken from the books and accounts of these affiants, and from them it will be seen that in 1852 and 1853 flour raised in Jacksonville from 16 cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents per pound, bacon from 40 to 75 cents per pound, coffee from 40 cents to one dollar, sugar from 30 cents to one dollar, salt from 35 cents to four dollars and beef from 25 to 35 cents per pound. These affiants are informed and verily believe that during the same time in Yreka, a distance of only sixty miles, flour sold from 16 cents to two dollars per pound, salt and tobacco from one dollar to fourteen dollars per pound, and that thousands of persons during the winter of 1852 & 1853 lived in Jacksonville and Yreka for upwards of six weeks upon beef, straight! that as late as March 1853 thousands of pounds of flour were sold in Yreka for cash, at one dollar per pound. In 1854, the roads and pack trails were better and prices lower and more uniform, flour varying from 14 cents to 40 cents per pound, bacon from 35 cents to 75 cents per pound, sugar from 20 to 40 cents per pound, coffee from 30 to 75 cents per pound, and salt from 15 cents to 40 cents per pound, and everything else in proportion. In the latter part of the summer and first of the fall of 1854 the Quartermaster General of Oregon was wholly unable to get flour at 40 cents, sugar 50 cents, bacon & coffee at seventy-five cents, enough in Jacksonville to supply Captain Jesse Walker's company of mounted volunteers ninety-six days, while in active service on the credit of the Territory and the faith of the United States, but was compelled to apply to the merchants of Yreka, California for the necessary supplies for the use of the company and the indigent immigrants who were then on their way to Southern Oregon and Northern California. We know this of our own knowledge, for we were applied to and urged to furnish the necessary supplies at the above prices. As late as December 1854 flour sold at 16 cents per pound in Jacksonville and as high at the same time as twenty and twenty-three cents in Yreka, but in the spring of 1855 it fell to twelve and thirteen cents, and this article has never been above thirteen cents since in this market, and now these affiants are selling an excellent article of flour for five cents per pound, bacon at thirty-five cents, sugar and coffee at thirty-three cents, and salt as low as twelve cents per pound; however, flour has declined more in price than any other article, owing to large and fine crops of wheat being raised in Rogue River, Shasta and Scotts valleys in the immediate vicinity of probably the best gold mines on the Pacific coast, while sugar, coffee, salt and dry goods are still transported here from San Francisco, California. Since the first settlement of these towns, to the present, the great body of merchandise which have been sold in Jacksonville and Yreka have been transported on the backs of pack mules, either from the head of steamboat navigation on the Sacramento River, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, or from the head of steamboat navigation on the Willamette River, a distance of two hundred miles, or across the Coast Range of mountains from Crescent City, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles. Freight upon whole stocks of goods and groceries have frequently been from fifteen to twenty-five and thirty cents per pound from these places to Jacksonville and sometimes as high as fifty cents on unhandy articles to pack. As late as November 1854, the said Fowler was compelled to pay fifty cents per pound for packing some billiard tables from Crescent City to Jacksonville, only a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, and as late as the fall of 1855, many of the merchants of Jacksonville paid upwards of sixteen cents per pound freight on whole cargoes of their goods, from San Francisco to Jacksonville, and as late as April 1856 they paid upwards of thirteen cents, but during the last summer it only cost them from five to six cents. The great change so recently in the price of transportation doubtless may be attributed to the removal of the hostile Indians to the Coast Reservation from the immediate vicinity of the roads and pack trails over which the Jacksonville merchandise had to pass. Now there is less danger of Indians, the pack animals are employed more constantly and more pack animals have come on the route from lower California, which has caused greater competition between the packers. From the first settlement of Shasta and Rogue River valleys to the time of the removal of the Indians to the Coast Reservation in 1856, the roads and trails leading to and through these valleys have been considered more or less dangerous, and many transportation animals that would have been employed on these trails owing to the hostilities of these Indians have been kept employed on other roads and trails where the Indians were considered less dangerous. These numerous fluctuations and high prices have been caused by a variety of facts and circumstances, such as hostility of Indians, scarcity of capital, high price of interest, muddy & snowy roads, rough and rugged mountains over which the merchandise had to pass, the scarcity of transportation animals and the high price of labor. Interest from the first discovery of the gold mines in Shasta Valley to the present time has been from three to five percent per month, hence merchants could only buy or sell on very short credits, and the miners have made from nothing to one hundred dollars per day to the hand. Under these circumstances, common laborers who have no claims will not work for less than from two to six dollars per day. Witnesses further state that they are acquainted from common reputation with the general character of the Shasta, Modoc and Paiute Indians and know something of the dangers, difficulties, trials and hardships that many of the overland emigrants have to encounter, and the hostilities of these Indians in the summer of 1854, at the time Captain Jesse Walker's company was called into active service--and they believe the company was actually necessary for the safety of the lives and property of the immigrants, that the regular army stationed in the vicinity of the emigrant road was small and wholly failed to keep the peace within the settlements between the whites and Indians.
    These witnesses have no interest in these claims for supplies, &c. furnished Captain Walker's company, but make this affidavit at the request of the claimants, that justice may be done.
    (Signed in duplicates)
        J. W. McCully
        D. W. Kenney
        W. W. Fowler
        S. Ettlinger
        J. A. Brunner
        Wm. Hesse
        John Anderson
        Benj. T. Davis
   

Territory of Oregon
Jackson County ss.
    I, William Hoffman, Notary Public within and for said county, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing affidavit was taken before me and reduced to writing by myself, on the 12th day of November A.D. 1857 at my office in Jacksonville, and that the said affidavit was carefully read to said witnesses and then subscribed and sworn to by them. I further certify that the said affiants are credible persons and that I have no interest in the claim.
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal at Jacksonville, this 12th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
        Wm. Hoffman
        Notary Public
    At the request of B F Dowell Esqr I hereby certify that I am acquainted with J. W. McCully, D M Kenney, W W Fowler, S. Ettlinger, J A Brunner, Wm. Hesse, John Anderson and Benj. T Davis, whose names appear signed to the foregoing affidavit, and William Hoffman, the notary public before whom the affidavit appears to have been taken, that I am familiar with the handwriting of said Hoffman, and believe the said affidavit and jurat was written and attested by said Hoffman, that I have frequently seen the signatures of the said affiants Benj. T. Davis, John Anderson, S. Ettlinger, and D M Kenney, and from the knowledge so derived believe their signatures affixed to said affidavit to be genuine and that the signatures of the remaining affidavit are genuine because the said notary has so certified, and that said affiants are held and esteemed in the community in which they live as credible persons, that there are no usury laws in Oregon and that for the five years last past money has been worth in Oregon from ten percent per annum to five percent per month, and in the valleys of Rogue River and Shasta it has generally been worth during said period from three percent to five percent per month. But as to the matters and things contained in said affidavit I say nothing. Witness my hand this 17th day of Nov. AD 1857.
        M P Deady Associate Justice
        Supreme Court Oregon


Jacksonville O.T. December 23rd 1857
Gen. Lane,
    Dear Sir:
        At the request of Mr. John B. Wrisley of this vicinity, I address you in relation to a claim he has against the government for supplies furnished during the Rogue River Indian War in the year 1853. Mr. W. employed me to prepare his vouchers, which were forwarded to Mr. Jacob Wagoner of this valley, who had gone to Iowa. Mr. Wagoner received the documents and had placed them in the hands of a gentleman who was about to visit Washington City from Iowa. We have not learned anything since in relation to the claims. Mr. Wrisley asks of you the kindness to assist him in having his claim allowed, especially as you are cognizant of the fact that he furnished supplies at the time. Should Mr. Wagoner return to Oregon before any allowance is made on the claims, he has been instructed to place the papers with you in the hope that your influence with the department would secure a speedy adjustment of the claims.
                        Very respectfully
                        Your ob'd serv't
                        Wm. Hoffman
P.S.
I am under obligations to you for "public documents" during the past session; may I ask a renewal of similar favors?


Douglas County O.T.   
December 25/57   
Mr. Joseph Lane Sir
    As I am losing all of my hair and there is no possible way for me to get a wig in this country, you will confer a favor upon me by getting one for me, one that will cost from $25 to $40. I will send the measure of my head, also some of my hair. If that amount of money don't get a good one go as high as $60. If it will be safe to send it by mail do so, if not bring me one when you come home. Your money will be ready for you when you return. Please to write if you will attend to it. By complying with the above request you will much oblige your
Mr. Dillard
Mr. Carland Booth says they will see that you are paid for your trouble. I wrote in haste; excuse all mistakes.
M. C. McLaird       
Gen J. Lane
Please to answer this letter.


Portland, Jany. 1st 1858.
Dear General:
    At last I am fixed in business. On Tuesday last I purchased the Standard office for six thousand dollars, and on Thursday next it will appear under my conduction. Capt. Cain loaned me $750.00 towards its purchase. Other friends assisted us further.
    I still have my suit against Bush, which shall or shall not be prosecuted agreeably as I hereafter conclude shall be for the benefit of yourself and my own interests. However, dollars shall not overcome policy in the matter with me. So far, he has kept his columns free from attack on me. The first offset by him will bring me out in a personal way. I can never stoop to reply to Billingsgate by Billingsgate. My paper shall never fall below decency, come what may. Hibben has acted scurvily in the whole transaction but was powerless for harm to me. I disregard him. I may lead, but shall never follow him.
    Avery, Kelly, Farrar, Quinsby, Brown, old Kinney and some dozen others owned the Standard. All of them acted handsomely with me. Farrar at first opposed, from having somehow heard in California that you had backed me in the proposed purchase of the Statesman. At last, Capt. Cain showed him your letter regarding the affair, and from that moment he became my warmest friend in the purchase. Capt. C. also showed Avery the letter after the sale was concluded, who was in time perfectly satisfied, as his liberal conduct best evinced. In fact, I am now certain that none of these men opposed you because of any other reason than from belief that you were an advocate of Bush & co. and the Salem Clique. Now they seem to be your friends, since Capt. Cain proved to them you had no faith in Bush.
    There is to be a successful attempt to throw overboard the platform and present apportionment, I believe from all I can hear. In my next you shall know all about it. At present, I am kept so busy in clearing up the office to get to work in good shape, that I am constrained to write you more briefly than otherwise.
    Capt. Cain told me he would write to you in favor of your sending him the $750.00 he loaned me. Let me ask you to make it $1500.00 for the following reason. Brown, one of the owners, declined to give me longer than three months to pay his $600.00 in, and he will be a troublesome fellow. Then there is another note of $217.00 made payable in ninety days, to a man who, I am told, will not wait. These are the only notes due under one year, or bearing interest. I wish to be rid of their pressure. There is not a penny of lien of any sort upon the office, and from debts due me on the books I hope to realize enough to pay off everything within the year.
    Capt. Cain declined taking a lien for the amount advanced, but Farrar has endorsed the note. If you will send me $750.00 more, making $1500.00 altogether, I will be relieved of all trouble. Do it if you can, for God's sake.
    In intrinsic value, the Standard office is worth double what the Statesman is. Type, press and everything in good condition. This much assistance to me now will be of paramount benefit, and you shall be well secured. But I must have it early, if at all.
    There is no longer any doubt that Bush's favorite candidates are Deady and Nesmith first, Delazon Smith second--for the Senate. That whole clique are certain to oppose you, save Curry, who is being fooled by them, I fear. He is honest, but unfortunately, not keen enough.  Of Boice, I cannot speak.
    I told Williams all about my affair with Bush, who had pledged him his word that there was never a word said by him to me about selling the Statesman, and a week ago he (Williams) started up to Salem fearfully angry at Bush. I have not heard from him since.
    Should the Territory be admitted as a state, I think you have nothing to fear. I have never met your son, Nat. He seems a strong Bush man, and I prefer to let his mind be disabused the natural way.
    Present my regards to Gen. Dawes, and say to him I got the pub. docs. he sent by last mail--also to Dr. Gwin, Broderick, &c. 
A long letter next time.
    As ever, yours truly,
        Jas. O'Meara
I shall not change the name of the Standard.
O'M.


Washington City       
January 3 / 58       
James O'Meara Esqr
    My Dear Sir
        Yours of the 22nd & 27th November have been read, and I thank you for them. That portion of your letters in relation to the disposition of our Indians I have referred to the Secretary of the Interior, that he may know the condition of affairs, and that we may be able if possible to avert the horrors of another Indian war. I shall urge the sending of troops to our frontiers to hold the Indians in check. I have no doubt but the Mormons will incite the Indians to take up the tomahawk. Brigham must be broken up!
    Now in reference to political matters, I cannot get my consent [sic] to believe that Nesmith has been playing the game that Davidson charges him with; it would be too barefaced; but if it should be found true, then I will take steps to prevent a fire from that quarter--but it cannot be possible that Nesmith, Bush or Curry can feel unkind to me! You know that I love Curry. I have always been a friend of Bush; have stood by Nesmith as no man ever stood by another, and why should they want to be at me? What have they to expect of Deady? I have under all circumstances been true to my friends and true to the interests of the people of Oregon--true to the Union; true to the Constitution and true to the rights of the States north and south, and would take with me to the Senate the kind wishes of the people of a large portion of this country.
    My Dear Sir, may not Mr. Davidson have misjudged the conduct, misunderstood the words, misinterpreted the actions of Mr. Nesmith? I am rather inclined to believe this than to entertain charges against a man whom I have hitherto so highly esteemed and the integrity of whose past life ought to be and really is to me a guarantee for his future honorable bearing towards me. Permit me to reiterate that I cannot even for one moment give room to suspicion, much less to act on such suspicion. I will however add that I accept your communication as a further proof of your kind feelings towards me, and allow me to assure you that I fully appreciate your friendship and hope that it will continue with increased vigor throughout life.
                    I am Sir with much
                        Respect yr. Obt. Svt.
                            Joseph Lane


Jacksonville OT Jan 6th / 58
Gen Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
         I write to you in regard to some forage scrip of [the] '53 war. This scrip I have spoken of before to you, when you were here last. I believe I told you something about the circumstances. I think it was not properly entered on the muster roll. This I think I told you about; it is made out in the name of my former husband Martin Angel. Now I want you to understand the matter fully, as I might have omitted something when I was speaking to you about it. Mr. Angel lost this scrip gaming and gave his bond for the payment when it was paid to him. After his death suit was entered against the estate to recover the amount, but those entering suit were nonsuited, as they failed to make out a case, and now I being the proper one to receive this money ask you as a gentleman and friend to use your influence for the purpose of trying to collect the same, and I am perfectly willing to pay you any reasonable charge for any trouble you may be put to in the collection of said scrip. Besides being under many obligations I shall muster up all the proofs I can and send by J H Reed, as he will leave here on the 20th of next month for Washington, and he is my attorney. I shall need your testimony in the case, as you are better acquainted with the matter than anyone else. Charley Drew's testimony will be about as strong as anyone's as he was acting agent or quartermaster. This is all of business matters. Now for a little friendly talk. I suppose you have heard long since that I was married again. I was married on the 27th August to Charles Williams. I had been living at Oregon City previous to my marriage and was married while on a visit to Jacksonville. I since went below and brought out my children and am sending them to school. We are all getting along as well as could be expected. This now is about all I can say, trusting this may find you in the enjoyment of good health. I remain your friend and well wisher.
                            Yours, Anna Williams


Winchester Jany. 6th 1858
Dear General--
    Allow me to wish you a happy New Year--I am quite unwell, having caught a severe cold lately that settled in my lungs, but am now much better, though somewhat troubled with the "blues." I am disgusted with everything and like Tittlebat Titmouse in the story, feel like damning them all. You of course are aware of the attack that Bush has made upon you; this provokes me much and the more as I am not able to go out, and the confounded mail has ceased to come. We have had no letter mail from the States since the 1st Nov. last and are not likely to get one until next June or later. The last letter I had from you was written before you went to Indiana. I know nothing of your wishes or what course you intend to take, or have taken, what our chances of admission are, or of the war-debt being paid--in fact, I know nothing. I can tell you something, however, of the effect produced by Bush's attack. With the state legislature it has made no change. With the Democratic masses, it is Bush's funeral sermon. The would-be politicians and aspirants for place are watching to see which way to jump. Their object is to elect Nesmith or Deady, whichever can command the most votes, to the Senate in place of the man who draws the short term, and as soon thereafter as possible elect the other man--so that it is decreed that Nesmith & Deady are to be our future Senators and Bush or Drew our next Congressman. You may say to Mr. Smith that they intend to put him to the sword, and I know it. He will recollect that I once before warned him, and he found it well timed. The only obstacle to the success of this plan is the want of votes, although they will come nearer success than they have ever done before. They count much on our having no paper; they expect to buy T'Vault and perhaps O'Meara. They make all sorts of promises, are giving away offices--Deady will not in any event qualify as State Judge; he threatens to publish your letter in which you tell him what Buchanan says of his opinions, &c. if he is not made Dist. Judge.  If he is appointed he is still a candidate for the Senate--Nesmith, however, will be the stronger man; he has more money and more patronage. To give you a sample, Lamerick, who is most undoubtedly a friend of yours, was in the Statesman office shortly after the article was published accusing you of preventing the admission of Oregon. Bush, Deady & Nesmith were there and Lamerick denounced their course pretty strongly. The next day Drew asked Lamerick if he would not like the appointment of Indian Agent on the Klamath Reservation! And it may be that they will recommend him; if Smith or Grover want the appointment, let them have it. I would like to see him appointed, yet if you were to secure the appointment for him they would call him a gambler. But they cannot buy him. This will show you the game they play--T'Vault says that he could do so and so if he had money. He wants money and if he don't get it from us, he will from them, I think. Col. Kinney of Benton is strongly for Nesmith. I do not know that he is as against you, but I fear so. Aaron Rose is with them as he always was, and is electioneering against you because the Land Office is not at Roseburg. I know of no other changes, but I have no doubt that there are others. I have no fears of the result, but it will require work, and they will crowd us. We must beat them in the convention this spring or the party is gone sure. Should your term expire in 1859, the present legislature will reelect you, but I wish you were here, or at least that I could hear from you. Of course, I'll give them the best fight that I can.
    Excuse this hasty scrawl, but you may get an idea from it of the state of affairs.
    I forgot to say that Barlow asked me to say that they had consented to Joe's appointment without consulting him, and that he does not want it. Joe is at Portland at school, doing well, I learn. Andy, Jr. has a natural love of fighting, and if he ever graduated would make a good soldier. Everybody neglects him for Joe until the poor fellow thinks that he is of no account, and if some care is not taken with him, he will be so. The family are all well. I suppose you know that Ella has another boy named LaFayette. I have forgotten how many grandchildren this makes, but it is upwards of a good many and a good prospect. Minnie, Charlie & Hannah send love. Give mine to John & Lafayette, Pugh, Pendleton & all friends.
Your Son,
    L. F. Mosher


Salem O.T.       
Jan. 20th 1858.       
Dear Sir:
    There is an important document for the interest of the war scrip now in the hands of Mr. Bush the public printer, but it will not be printed in time for me to send it in this mail. It is in reference to the claims of 1854, but it shows a variety of facts and circumstances that will be of great service to all the Indian wars.
    Having nothing of importance to do I have determined to write and send you by this mail a list showing as far as I know the number, places and names of citizens killed by Rogue River Indians and their allies in southern Oregon and northern California since 1851, including those killed during the existence of Indian hostilities, by Indians, supposed at the time to be friendly to the whites:
1851
May:
Mr. Dilly, killed near Camp Stuart
October:
Mr. Moffet, waylaid and killed on the road leading up Stuart Creek
June:
Calvin Woodman, killed in Scotts Valley. The murderer was arrested and hung in California.
June or July:
James L. Treaner, John Brando, Cayuse Jackson, John Adobe, a Mexican. This party was viewing a road from Sacramento to Oregon and they were all massacred in Pitt River. I suppose you know more of the facts than I do.
1852
August:
Mr. Coats, John Ornsby, James Long and 32 or 33 emigrants. These gentlemen were residents of Yreka and went to meet the emigrants, and all of them and the emigrants were all massacred near Lost River.
1852 December:
Wm. Grendege, Peter Hunter, James Bacon, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Bruner, Mr. Allen and Mr. Palmer were all massacred on Rogue River near the mouth of Galice Creek by Taylor's band of Rogue River Indians. The Indians reported a freshet washed them all away, but finally they acknowledged it after quite an amount of their money and clothes were found.
1853
Aug. 4th:
Edward Edwards, murdered in his house on Stuart Creek.
Aug. 5th:
Thomas Wills, killed within a few hundred yards of Jacksonville.
Aug. 6th:
Richard Nolan, killed in his cabin 1 mile above Jacksonville. These three murders were the commencement of the Rogue River war of 1853.
Aug. 17:
John Gibbs, Mr. Huggins & one more were shot and killed by the Stuart Creek Indians. They had petted, fed and clothed their murderers.
Oct. 6th:
James C. Kyle, killed at the Willow Springs about two miles from Fort Lane. The murderer, and the murderers of Mr. Edwards and Wills, were all three arrested in the spring of 1854, tried and convicted before Hon. O. B. McFadden and hung.
    Notwithstanding the various crimes that have been committed by whites and Indians against the natural rights of each other, and notwithstanding there has been a small dragoon force stationed at Fort Lane ever since 1853, these three Indians and one white man are the only criminals that have ever been brought to justice and punished by the civil authorities of southern Oregon.
1854
January:
Hiram Hulen, John Clark, John Oldfield, Wesley Mayden were all massacred in the mountains by Shasta & Modoc Indians while in pursuit of stolen horses belonging to Mr. Price, Lupper and Lupton.
April 15th:
Edward Phillips, murdered on Applegate Creek, about twenty miles from Fort Lane, by Tipsu Tyee's band.
June 15th:
Daniel Gage, waylaid and murdered on the Siskiyou Mountain near the summit, on the main road from Oregon to Yreka.
June 24:
Capt. McAmy, killed by Shasta Indians at DeWitt's ferry, on Klamath River near halfway between Fort Lane and Fort Jones.
1855
May 8th:
Mr. Hill, killed on Indian Creek by John's band of the Rogue River Indians about thirty or thirty-five miles from Fort Jones.
June 1st:
Jerome Dyer and Daniel McKew killed on the road from Jacksonville to Crescent City by the Illinois Indians and John's band.
June 2nd:
Mr. Philpot, killed by same Indians on same creek.
July 27th:
Mr. Peters, killed on Humbug Creek, by Klamaths & John's band of Rogue River Indians.
28th:
Wm. Hennessy, Edward Parrish, Thomas Gray, Peter Hignight, John Pollock, four Frenchmen & two Mexicans were all massacred by John's band and Klamath Indians on Buckeye Bar close to the mouth of Humbug Creek.
September 2nd:
Mr. Keene killed by Modocs on the southern Oregon emigrant road.
        "         24:
Mr. Fields and Mr. Cunningham, waylaid and massacred with fourteen head of oxen on the Siskiyou Mountain by John's or Tipsu's band.
Sept. 25:
Samuel Warner and an Indian boy mining with the whites on Cottonwood Creek, by the same band of Indians.
    These murderers were tracked by the citizens of Rogue River Valley along the mountain towards the camp of Jake's band on Butte Creek, which caused the attack upon Jake's band on the 8th of [October] 1855. Jake's band were a roguish thieving band of bad Indians, and the citizens believed and still believe the murderers were in the camp and that they were hostile to the settlers. This attack was reported to have been on the reservation, which caused the government's "10th order" to be issued. No Indian ever was killed on the reserve by whites.
Oct. 9th:
Mrs. J. B. Wagoner; Mary Wagoner, a little girl; Mr. & Mrs. Jones; Mr. & Mrs. Haines; George W. Harris; David W. Harris; Frank A. Reed, Wm. Gwin, James W. Cartwright, Mr. Powell, Mr. Burch, Mr. Fox & Mr. Hill were all killed by Rogue River [Indians] and John's band on the road between Evans ferry and Grave Creek, on the morning of the 9th of Oct. 1855. Soon after this news reached Col. John E. Ross, he on the 12th of the same month called out the militia of Jackson County, which was the commencement of the volunteer service in the late war. The citizens rose in mass, took up arms with a determination to avenge the death of their neighbors and conquer a lasting peace. Open war with all its horrors was preferable to pretended peace.
Oct. 10th:
Mr. Hudson and Mr. Wilson. Both were packers and traders. They were killed on the road to Indian Creek by Klamath & Scotan Indians.
16:
Holland Bailey killed on the road in Cow Creek Valley by Cow Creek and Rogue River Indians.
Nov. 6:
Charles Scott and Theodore Snow were killed on the road to Scotts Bar by messengers passing from the Rogue River Indians to Klamath Indians. The Klamaths soon after commenced hostilities.
1856
February 23rd:
Capt. Ben Wright, H. Braun, E. W. Howe, Mr. Wagoner, Barney Castle, George McClosky, Mr. Lara, W. R. Tullus, James Seroc and two sons, Capt. John Poland, Mr. Smith, Mr. Warner, Jno. Geisel and three children, S. Heidrick, Pat. McCullough & four other names unknown were all massacred near the mouth of Rogue River by the Lower Rogue River Indians, who at the time were under the charge of Indian Agent Ben. Wright. This may be termed the commencement of the war with the Saltchuck Rogue River Indians. They professed to be friendly to the agent up to the time they killed him and his comrades.
June:
Charles Green and Thomas Stewart were murdered on McKinney Creek, close to Fort Jones, by the Shasta Indians.
1857
January or Feb.:
Harvey Lockhart, Z. Rogers, Adam Boles, D. Bryant and John A. German were all killed by Pitt River Indians in Pitt River Valley.
    It will be seen from the foregoing list that upwards of one hundred and thirty of our citizens have at various times in the last six years suffered the extreme penalty of Indian treachery and barbarity. I have heard of several other massacres at different places that have fallen by the hands of the savages, who pretended to be friendly to the whites.
    I am credibly informed that as far back as 1834 a party of about thirty Americans under Capt. Smith were all massacred near the mouth of Umpqua River, and in June 1835 George Gay, a citizen of Polk County, informs me that himself and Samuel Miller, Edward Burns, Sanders, an Irishman called Tom, Dr. Bailey, John Turner and John Woodworth were all attacked near Birdseye's on Rogue River. Mr. Miller, Mr. Burns, Mr. Sanders and Tom were all killed. The others were all severely wounded. The Indians came into the camp friendly with salmon to sell one by one until a large band were all around them. And all at once they commenced shooting at them with arrows and beating them with clubs and tomahawks. He thinks they committed it for plunder, that they gave the Indians no provocation whatever. The Indians captured forty-nine horses and killed four, took all the provisions and camp equipage, clothing and one gun.
    Mr. Gay says the first cattle were brought to Oregon from California in 1838, and that he was one of the party that drove the cattle, and that in August they camped in the same prairie and the next morning he rode up the creek after the cattle alone, and he was again shot with an arrow in the back. This shows them to be inveterate enemies to the whites from the time the Rogue River Indians first saw a white man up to the close of the late war in May 1856.
    1850 or 1851. I am also informed that Col. Wm. G. T'Vault (who made his escape) and eight or ten others were attacked at the mouth of Coquille River, and nearly all were massacred, and that in 1851 a party of whites were killed on Grave Creek. The Indians killed them without cause for the purpose of taking their horses, which treacherous conduct caused Major Kearny of the U.S. army in the spring of 1851 to give them a severe chastisement, on Rogue River, at the time Lieutenant Stuart was killed.
    I have no memorandum of any of their names; doubtless Col. T'Vault can give you a full and accurate history of all these massacres and at some future time I will get the facts and send you a corrected list of names of those killed in times of pretended peace and also a list of those killed during the several wars in southern Oregon.
    I remain yours very respectfully,
                                        B. F. Dowell
Hon.
Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.
    Recapitulation of the whites murdered in Southern Oregon and Northern California by Indians pretending to be friendly,
In 1834 Capt. Smith party about  30
 "  1835 Mr. Gay's party                   4
 "  1851                                              7
 "  1852                                            43
 "  1853                                              7
 "  1854                                              8
 "  1855                                            39
 "  1856                                            26
 "  1857                                              5
            Total                                   169
    I have no doubt upwards of two hundred have been murdered.
                                                                            B.F.D.



Salem, Jan 20th 1858.       
    Friend Mosher
        At the request of Mr James Clugage, I write to apprise you of certain proposals for the conveyance of the mail between Portland & Winchester, which he has recently forwarded to Washington. He desires to make Winchester the distributing office, and his proposals provide for a mail twice a week between Corvallis & Winchester.
    He proposes to carry the mail according to the advertised schedule between Oregon City & Corvallis, i.e., to leave Oregon City on Mondays & Thursdays & arrive at Corvallis on Fridays & Tuesdays. Between Corvallis & Winchester he proposes to carry the mail as follows--viz--leave Corvallis on the Yoncalla route on Wednesday and arrive at Winchester Thursday evening--
    To leave Corvallis on the Eugene City route on Saturday and arrive at Winchester on Sunday. In this way the mail from Oregon City for Winchester which leaves the former place on Monday will go through to Winchester on the Star's Point and Yoncalla route, while the mail for Winchester which leaves Oregon City on Thursday will go through to Winchester direct on the Eugene City route. The return mails from Winchester will follow the same course, viz--those which leave Winchester on Monday will go direct through by the Eugene route, while those which leave on Friday will go direct north by way of Yoncalla, &c.
    Clugage wishes you to write to Gen Lane about the matter and solicit his aid with the department to have his proposals accepted & facilities increased. Clugage desires only two days on either route between Corvallis & Winchester.
    I write in a great hurry, as Bush & Nesmith are waiting for me to attend an oyster supper to the Legislature given by Bush, and Clugage wishes this to go by E. S. Kearney in the morning. No news on [sic] interest--
                    Yours truly
                        J. W. Drew
    (P.S.) Clugage wishes you would obtain the certificate of the postmaster at Winchester to show that the mails between Corvallis & that place are too heavy to be carried on horseback and also that a semiweekly mail is necessary &c--
                    Yours D.
    Enclose the certificate to Gen. Lane--letters to Gen. Lane on the subject have been forwarded by Hibben & others--who desire to encourage the plan.



Greenville Illinois Jany 23rd 1858
    Gen Lane
        My Dear Sir
I have just received a letter from Jas. Clugage Esqr of O.T. stating that when Major Alvord of the U.S. army paid off the volunteers of the Indian war of 1853 in Rogue River Valley, he refused to pay him (Clugage) the amount of my claim on account of some informality in the power of attorney which I gave to Jas. Clugage before starting home. Clugage writes me to apply to the 2 or 3rd auditor at Washington D.C. & he will send me the amount due me on my satisfying him that I am the proper person to receive it. Jim writes that T. McF. Patton has my certificate of discharge & service & that he resides in Salem, O.T., but that it is not necessary for me to have it in order to get the money that the proof of the fact of service is all that will be required. Therefore, Genl., I am troubling you with this letter in addition to your other arduous duties, as you are the only one there who knows of my having served under you from the first day till the last emigrant wagon arrived in on the Klamath route, where we were sent by you under Capt J. Miller to aid & comfort. I volunteered on the day that Thos. Wills was shot in August of 1853 & served under Capt J Lamerick during the whole length of the war until your commissioners effected a treaty when I joined Capt J. Miller's company & went out to fight the Klamath Indians, furnishing my own horses & etc. I have been kept apart of [sic] the thousand or five hundred dollars more or less now for a long time on account of the fact above stated. I have been dealing pretty largely in land since my return & need a few hundreds now badly to finish paying up. I have taken the liberty Dear Sir to ask you if you will be kind enough to call upon the auditor & collect whatever money may be due me. Take from it enough to pay yourself for all trouble & remit me a draft on St Louis for the balance. I will refer you to John P. Shields, an attache in the House of Reps. for the proof of this my autograph, also for any other vouchers of character or etc. I can also refer you to Hon. S. A. Douglas, Lyman, Trumbull of the Senate & Robt. Smith of the House, a gentleman with whom I have been long acquainted, especially the two latter. I was with you at the battleground in which you & Capt. Alden were so seriously wounded & in the carrying out litter service. You remarked, "Boys! If there should ever come a time in which I can do any of you a favor, don't fail to call on me & by thunder I'll do it." My dear & honored sir that time has come to me. With sentiments of real friendship & high regard I remain yours Respty. E. H. Blanchard



Salem O.T.
January 25th 1858.
General Joseph Lane:
    Dear Sir: Enclosed I send you the Governor's message and accompanying documents relative to the protection of the emigrants in 1854. Permit me to call your attention to it particularly. The affiant of Dr. McCully & others relative to the prices in Jacksonville may be of great service before the committees and A. M. Rosborough, Indian agent at the time in Yreka, shows conclusively the necessity and Genl. Palmer's letter to me and his official reports corroborates the statements of Mr. Rosborough.
    Mr. Bush recommends that Capt. Smith be appointed to report upon the necessity of the expedition. We know Capt. Smith has always opposed it, while all the Indian agents in the vicinity corroborates the necessity.
    On the 11th of September 1854, Genl. Palmer reports to Agent Culver, "I wish you if practicable to send a messenger to meet me at Klamath Lake between the 12th and 17th of August and inform me of the movements of troops relative to the southern road."
    Mr. Culver answers, "Fortunately, some volunteer troops were at Klamath Lake about the time you mentioned."
    I have no objection to Capt. Smith setting upon the justice of the claims, but not upon the necessity.
    I am anxious for an investigation, and if you can do no more, get a commission appointed like the one for the late war. The prices are high, but they are lower than the best business men would furnish them, which will be seen from the affidavits of McCully & others, page 37.
    It will be seen from the letter of Genl. C. S. Drew and others who got up the expedition. They are men of truth and veracity, and Dr. Cleaveland, McIntire and Judge O. B. McFadden never had a dollar in the expedition.
    There were 37 volunteers under Capt. Olney the same year that have not been paid a cent for their services. Justice requires that all should be paid, at least the prices allowed in the late war.
    I agree with you; all good men ought to support the views of Mr. Buchanan on the Kansas question.
I remain yours in haste,
    B. F. Dowell


B. F. Dowell's map of postal routes, 1858
Salem O.T.           
Jan. 27th 1858.           
Dear Sir:
    The citizens of Southern Oregon feel a deep interest upon the subject of the mails and new mail contracts, and to promote this interest upon that subject I have determined to send you a diagram of the mail routes from Oregon City to Yreka Cal., from which it will be seen there are two stage routes from Corvallis to Oakland and from Oakland to Scottsburg. Both of these routes ought to extend to Winchester, and then from Winchester to Scottsburg. This would give Winchester a tri-weekly mail, with as little cost to the government and more profits to the citizens and contractors. The passengers traveling in the stage to the land office at Winchester and on business to the town would more than compensate the contractors. The Umpqua River is frequently during the rainy season difficult to cross; by making Winchester the principal point and the end of both routes, the contractors could keep their coaches on both sides of the river. Then in times of high water the coaches would not have to cross the river, and the mails could be carried over in small boats, with but little danger at any season of the year.
    Again--if the bids under any circumstances possibly justify it, the mail ought to be carried in coaches from Winchester to Yreka. The mail is large now, and if it is made a weekly or tri-weekly route, it will increase the mail fourfold, and tend to destroy the express business. Uncle Sam is ten years behind the times. For the last twelve months there has been coaches running twice and three times weekly between Jacksonville and Yreka carrying the express, yet during the same time the United States mail has only been carried over the same route once in two weeks or only twenty-six times in a year. The consequence is but little of anything is carried by mail on the route, while the expresses run regularly and make fortunes at the expense of the public. You would do well for many of your constituents to make some of these suggestions and urge their adoption by the departments.
    It is a strange anomaly that express coaches can be seen daily, yet the United States mail is only able to go over the same route once in two weeks.
                    I have the honor to remain
                    yours very respectfully,
                                                B. F. Dowell.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Salem O.T. Jany 27th 1858   
Dear Sir
    I have sent bids to the post office department to run coaches & carry the mail from Corvallis to Yreka Cal. I wish you to act as my agent & make the changes suggested if necessary in Mr. Dowell's letter of this date. I will carry the mail for the same price with the change to run direct in both roads from Corvallis to Winchester. The distance is only 12 or 15 miles farther, and I am satisfied the passengers would more than pay [the] difference. Anything you can do for me will be considered as a great favor & I will try to carry the mails in a better condition than they have.
                    I Remain your most obt.
                            Jas. Clugage
Hon Jos Lane



Letter from Gen. Lane to L. F. Grover.
Washington City, Jan. 31st, 1858.       
    Dear Grover--I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 16th inst., and with it the constitution of the "State of Oregon."
    Of all the documents, papers and packages received from our Territory, none ever afforded me so much pleasure as this. After successive decisions of the people against the expedience of a state government, they have at length thrown off the badge of Territorial vassalage, and determined by an emphatic vote, or declaration of their sovereign will, to place our Territory among the great sisterhood of states, on an equal footing with the original thirteen. With Oregon, in her trials and sufferings, her isolation from the rest of the confederacy, her gradual progress from the condition of subjection to the savage, to her present advanced state of civilization and improvement, I have been perhaps as much identified as any man in the Territory, and in proportion to the prominence of the part assigned me by my confiding fellow-citizens, is the joy I now feel in contemplating the document before me, the constitution of the "State of Oregon." It comes without an enabling act. It comes without Congressional interference, or dictation from any foreign political organization. It is the solemn and deliberate expression of the will of a free people, the voluntary selection of their form of government, and is a triumph of the principles of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, illustrative of the capacity of man for self-government, full of promise and hope to those who shall come hereafter.
    By a singular coincidence, the constitutions of Oregon and Kansas arrived here the same day. But how different the circumstances under which they are presented. The one comes robed in peace--the other stained in blood. The one is the solemn and unquestioned declaration of a people's will--the other is denounced as a stupendous fraud. Who would not feel proud of Oregon; and who can think of the fraud, villainy and bloodshed that has marked the progress of the other, without sorrow and regret. Oregon can boast of an orderly, law-abiding, patriotic, intelligent population; and of Kansas it can be said, and truly said, that under the influence of foreign political organizations there are assembled or congregated in that unfortunate Territory a greater number of infernal scoundrels and bloody villains than ever before disgraced the soil of any portion of God's earth. To the one all will say "welcome." The other is met at the very threshold of the Capitol, with frowns and curses. The one is as oil on the troubled waters; the other the apple of discord, spreading around it strife and alienation, threatening the existence of the Union itself. In my judgment, the best thing that can be done is to bring her in. Let the people of that locality take care of themselves, and regulate their domestic polity according to their own wishes, and restore peace to the country. But enough of Kansas.
    As the representative of Oregon, it will be a proud day when I shall stand up in my place and ask for her admission into the Union on an equal footing with the proudest and oldest member of the confederacy. There will be no serious objection to the immediate admission of our state.
    In your letter you state many interesting facts, and present many valuable statistics, which will be of great use to me in arguing the expedience and justice of admitting Oregon. I trust the exhibit of these and other statistics and facts will be unnecessary, but should any discussion take place, I will avail myself of the very conclusive arguments contained in the facts set forth in your letter. I am proposing such other statistics, and collecting such other historical facts of information on the subject, as may be needed in debating the question.
    Our war claims are gaining strength. Almost daily I receive letters from persons holding claims for services rendered in the war, or supplies furnished--from all portions of the West and North these letters come, inquiring whether their claims will be paid. I answer all, and urge them to write to their members of Congress and set forth the justice of the war, and the duty of Congress to provide for paying the expenses. Many Northern members have called upon me to know what the prospect is for paying those claims, and to learn what has been done. In all such cases I furnish a written history of the whole affair, and wind up by saying that all claims allowed by the Commission are so manifestly just that we could hardly doubt the favorable action of Congress, and many of them have closed their letters as above. We think that we will be able to pass the bill.
    Thanking you for your interesting letter, and hoping to receive others from you,
        I am, with much respect, your friend,
            JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 16, 1858, page 2.  Later reprinted in the Oregon Weekly Times, March 27, 1858, page 1



    Joint Resolution relative to the payment of the volunteers called into service for the protection of the emigrants in 1854.
    Resolved, by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon, that the secretary of the territory be and he is hereby requested to transmit copies of His Excellency the Governor's communication of the 18th of December last and the accompanying documents, and copies of this resolution, to His Excellency James Buchanan, President of the United States, and to Hon. James B. Floyd, Secretary of War; also, to send copies of the same to Hon. Joseph Lane, delegate in Congress from Oregon, and that he be requested to present the same to Congress and urge an appropriation to pay the Oregon volunteers who were called into service for the protection of the emigrants in eighteen hundred and fifty-four, and all just and necessary expenses.
    Adopted in the Council
        February 3rd 1858,
                                                Ira F. M. Butler
                                                    Speaker of the House of Representatives
    Adopted in the House
        February 3rd 1858
                                                H. D. O'Bryant
                                                    President of the Council
A true copy.
   

Your committee to whom was referred the Governor's message and resolution No. ____ relative to the protection of emigrants in 1854, with instructions to report as far as practicable the number, date, places and names of persons killed by Oregon Indians and their allies in times of peace, and those killed in times of war by Indians supposed to be friendly, submit the following report. The deadly hostility of the Indians inhabiting the extreme northern and southern portions of our Territory may be traced back to a very early period:
    As far back as 1834, a party of about thirty persons under the control of a Captain Smith were massacred near the mouth of the Umpqua River.
    In June 1835, George Gay, Daniel Miller, Edward Barnes [sic], Dr. Bailey, Mr. Sanders, John Turner, John Woodworth and an Irishman called Tom. were attacked by Rogue River Indians near where Mr. Birdseye now lives in Rogue River Valley and Mr. Miller, Mr. Burns [sic], Mr. Sanders, and Tom. were killed. The other four were badly wounded, but made their escape.
    In August, 1838, as a party of citizens of Oregon were driving the first cattle from California to this Territory, they were attacked near the same spot where the party was attacked in 1835, by the same Indians, and Mr. Gay, who was of the party of '35, was again wounded.
    In the fall of 1846, a sick immigrant was killed on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road, near Lost River, by Modoc Indians.
    On the 29th Nov. 1847, Dr. Whitman, a Protestant missionary, his wife, two orphan children, a Frenchman, and about eleven emigrants were massacred at and near the mission in Walla-Walla Valley by Cayuse Indians. This was the commencement of the Cayuse War.
    In 1851, an exploring party of eight or ten men were attacked near the mouth of the Coquille River, in Southern Oregon, and six of the number killed.
    Early in the spring of 1851 two men were killed on Grave creek and one or two more on Rogue River, by Rogue River Indians, for which they were chastised by Maj. Kearny, U.S. army. It was in some of Maj. Kearny's engagements with those Indians that Capt. Stuart, U.S. army, was killed.
    In May 1851 Mr. Dilley was killed near Camp Stuart, in Rogue River Valley, by R.R. Indians.
    In October, Mr. Moffitt was killed near the same place and by the same Indians.
    In June 1852 Calvin Woodman was killed in Scotts Valley, California, by R.R. Indians.
    In June 1852 James L. Treanor, John Brando, "Cayuse" Jackson and "Adobe" John, a Mexican, were killed by Pitt River Indians, in the valley of that name, while viewing a wagon road from Sacramento Valley to the southern boundary line of Oregon.
    In August 1852 Mr. Coats, John Ornsby, James Long and thirty-three immigrants were murdered by the Modoc Indians on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road.
    In December 1852 William Grendege, Peter Hunter, James Bacon and brother, Mr. Bruner, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Palmer were massacred by Rogue River Indians on Rogue River near the mouth of Galice Creek.
    In 1853, Aug. 4th, Edward Edwards was killed by Rogue River Indians in his own house on Stuart Creek.
    Aug. 5th, Thomas Wills was mortally wounded by Rogue River Indians within three hundred yards of the town of Jacksonville.
    Aug. 6th, 1853, Richard Nolan was killed by Rogue River Indians on Jackson Creek, one mile from the town of Jacksonville.
    Aug. 17th, 1853, John Gibbs, William Hudgins, and three others whose names are not known, were killed in Rogue River Valley by Rogue River Indians.
    Oct. 6th, 1853, James C. Kyle was killed by Rogue River Indians two miles from Fort Lane and about six from Jacksonville. The actual murderer of Mr. Kyle, and those who murdered Edwards and Wills, were subsequently arrested, and were tried for their offenses before the Hon. O. B. McFadden, in the spring of 1854, and were convicted and hung. These three Indians, with those chastised by Major Kearny in 1851, are the only ones ever punished for crime by either the civil or military authorities in southern Oregon.
    In January 1854 Hiram Hulen, John Clark, John Oldfield and Wesley Mayden were killed between Jacksonville and Yreka by Rogue River, Shasta and Modoc Indians.
    April 15th 1854 Edward Phillips was killed on Applegate Creek, near Fort Lane, by Rogue River Indians.
    June 15th 1854 Daniel Gage was killed while crossing the Siskiyou Mountains between Jacksonville and Yreka.
    June 24th 1854 Captain McAmy was killed at DeWitt's ferry, on Klamath River, by Shasta and R.R. Indians.
    August 20th Alexander Ward, his wife and seven children, Mrs. White and child, Samuel Mulligan, Dr. Adams and brother, William Babcock, John Fredrick, and Rudolph Schultz, Mr. Amens and a Frenchman, name unknown, were massacred by Snake Indians on the Northern Oregon Emigrant Road near Fort Boise.
    September Mr. Stewart was killed by Indians on the middle route to Oregon, via the plains.
    May 8th 1855 Mr. Hill was killed on Indian Creek by Rogue River Indians.
    June 1st 1855 Jerome Dyer and Daniel McKew [were] killed by Rogue River Indians on the road between Jacksonville and Illinois Valley.
    June 2nd 1855 Mr. Philpot, killed in Deer Creek Valley by the same Indians next above mentioned.
    July 27th 1855 Mr. Peters was killed on Humbug Creek by Klamath, Shasta and R.R. Indians.
    July 28 1855 William Hennessey, Edward Parrish, Thomas Grey, Peter Highnight, John Pollock, four Frenchmen and two Mexicans, names unknown, were killed by the Indians next before referred to, at Buckeye Bar, on Klamath River.
    September 2nd Mr. Keene, killed by Modoc Indians on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road, near Rogue River Valley.
    September 1855 Mrs. Clark and a young man were killed in Yamhill County by Coast Indians.
    September 1855 Elisha Plummer and four others, names unknown, were killed at Grand Ronde, east of the Blue Mountains, by Cayuse and Walla Walla Indians.
    September 1855 Indian Agent A. J. Bolen, ____ Matteese and two others, names unknown, were killed by the Yakima Indians east of the Cascade Mountains.
    September 24th 1855 Fields and Cunningham were killed by Rogue River Indians on the Siskiyou Mountains between Jacksonville and Yreka.
    September 25th 1855 Samuel Warren, killed by the same Indians next above referred to.
    October 9th 1855 Mrs. J. B. Wagoner, Mary Wagoner, Mr. & Mrs. Jones, Mr. & Mrs. Haines and two children, George W. Harris, David W. Harris, F. A. Reed, William Gwin, James W. Cartwright, Mr. Powell, _____ Bunch, _____ Fox, _____ Hamilton and _____ White were killed by Umpqua and Rogue River Indians near Evans ferry on Rogue River. This is known as "the Wagoner Massacre."
    October 10th 1855 Messrs. Hudson and Wilson, killed by Rogue River and Klamath Indians on the road between Crescent City and Indian Creek.
    October 16th 1855 Holland Bailey was killed by Umpqua and Cow Creek Indians in Cow Creek Valley.
    November 6th 1855 Charles Scott and Theodore Snow, killed on the road between Yreka and Scotts Bar by messengers from the Rogue River to the lower Klamath Indians.
    February 23rd 1856 Capt. Benj. Wright, Capt. John Poland, H. Braun, E. W. Howe, Mr. Wagoner, Barney Castle, George McClusky, Mr. Lara, W. R. Tullus, James Seroc and two sons, Mr. Smith, Mr. Warner, John Geisel and three children, S. Heidrick, Pat. McCullough and four others whose names are unknown were killed by Indians in charge of agent Capt. Benj Wright near the mouth of Rogue River.
    March 26th 1856 George Griswold, Norman Palmer, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, William Watkins, James St. Clair and eleven others, names unknown, were killed by Cascade Indians.
    This is known as "the Cascade Massacre."
    June 1856 Charles Green and Thomas Stewart, killed on McKinneys Creek near Fort Jones by Shasta Indians.
    Jany or Feby 1857 Harry Lockhart, Z. Rogers, Adam Boles, D. Bryant, and John, a German, killed in Pitt River Valley, by Pitt River Indians.
    It will be seen from the foregoing list that prior to 1851, upwards of fifty citizens were murdered by Oregon Indians. Since 1851 upwards of one hundred and forty citizens have been murdered by the Indians of Southern Oregon and their immediate allies; and about fifty by the Indians of Northern Oregon and their allies, since 1851. Many more names could be obtained from papers and living witnesses, but your committee have not time to investigate any farther.
Recapitulation
Killed in 1834, thirty              30
Killed in 1835, four                  4
Killed in 1846, one                   1
Killed in 1847, sixteen           16
Killed in 1850, six                     6
Killed in 1851, six                     6
Killed in 1852, forty-seven    47
Killed in 1853, eight                 8
Killed in 1854, twenty-seven  27
Killed in 1855, fifty-one         51
Killed in 1856, forty-three     43
Killed in 1857, five                   5
Total, two hundred and forty-five
    Your committee report the resolution back without amendment, and recommend that it be adopted. All of which is respectfully submitted.
                        Nathaniel Ford
                        Chairman Military Affairs
Feby. 3rd 1858.
   

Endorsed Report of the Committee on Military Affairs. Adopted February 3rd 1858.
Territory of Oregon
    I, B. F. Harding, Secretary of the Territory of Oregon, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the original, now on file in my office.
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the Territory this 21st day of February, A.D. 1858.



Salem O.T.
Febru. 4th 1858.
Hon. Joseph Lane--
    Dear Sir:
        The enclosed resolution passed the Council yesterday by a vote of two to one, Wait, Drain, and O'Bryant being the only members voting against it, and it passed the House twenty-six to two notwithstanding Bush's opposition.
    The Legislature also passed the Salem city charter against Bush & co.'s whole influence. He is beyond a doubt a secret enemy to you, and his whole influence would be expected to defeat you if he thought there was the least possible chance. The city charter was adopted by the citizens by 15 majority, yet the vote was reconsidered afterwards and still the House again passed the bill.
    I suppose the secretary will forward a certified copy of the Governor's message of the 18th of December 1857, and the resolution for the payment of the Oregon volunteers to protect the emigrants &c. by next mail. I drew the enclosed resolution and passed it without any amendment. I hope the papers will be of service to you in obtaining the appropriation. I will also send you at an early day the report of the committee on military affairs upon the same subject as soon as I can obtain a certified copy.
    I leave for Jacksonville in a few days. Send me any documents you may have to Jacksonville, O.T.
Yours very respectfully,
    B. F. Dowell
   


Washington City       
February 4 1858       
My Dear Mosher,
    I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter; am much obliged to you, and with all my heart congratulate you upon your success in the great lawsuit in which my boys were interested. It was a great triumph.
    John's health is improving; the surgeon says that he will get his health and become a strong, healthy man. I hope his good old mother will cease to be uneasy about him. He will graduate with high honors if he can only have health.
    Lafayette is boarding at Dr. Schmidt's and going to school at the Catholic Institute in this city. He come very near dying, but is over his many attacks.
    I will try and have postal matters arranged as you request (all will be right).
    The Kansas Lecompton constitution will be admitted, Douglas to the contrary notwithstanding. The President's message accompanying this constitution is a strong paper; with it you will be pleased, but is it not strange that Douglas should lay his giant hand on the only organization in whose hands the country can be safe, and try to break it to atoms? Traitor that man must be who would do anything that would bring about a dissolution of this union. And I think that [it] is safe to say that should the Lecompton constitution be rejected that we will not have a union three months from that day.
    From all that I can learn from you and other friends, my chances for the Senate are good. Look well to it. Give my love to my Winnie and Master Charly, your mother and all the family.
                    Your father
                    Joseph Lane
    I am busy all the time. You will excuse short letters written as they must be in a hurry.



Winchester 8 February 1858
Dear Genl.
    Yours of the 19th Dec. / 57 was gladly received by last mail. We lament Douglas' unadvised course. It is another proof added to many past instances that "no mortal is always wise." There is this consolation accompanying the news of his fall: that he has not dragged many with him.
    Believe me that the confidence of this people in your exertions for their interests is unshaken. It is the rock on which you stand, and while your footing on it remains as firm as at present, trickery and intrigue cannot affect your position. As one of your old opponents but now ci-devant friends observed in speaking lately of the senatorships, "Lane's election will go by default." It is so. All aspirants to the other seat in the Senate tail on to you. Sometimes it is Lane and Smith, sometimes Lane and Curry, sometimes Lane and Williams, but a Democratic programme without your name would be regarded much in the same light as the play of Hamlet with the part of Hamlet omitted. Perhaps Delazon has at present the best chance to be your colleague, but it is our policy of the south to allow the Willamette to select their man, claiming for ourselves a similar right. Not but what you have hosts of friends north, but we regard you par excellence as our man.
    I might go more into detail on politics and politicians in Oregon but know that your extensive correspondence must present you with the subject in every phase as reflected by the mind of the writer, thus enabling you although at a distance to see more deeply into the state of affairs than even those resident here.
    For your attention to the pay of the clerks of land offices I thank you, as does also Walton very heartily.
    All your friends are on the alert, making assurance doubly sure.
Yours, very truly,
    Wm. J. Martin


Portland, Feb. 11th 1858.       
Dear General:
    Guthrie goes to San Fran. today. He talks of resigning his place soon. Gen. Lovejoy is a candidate for it. For God's sake, don't let him have it. You will alienate many warm pro-slavery friends of yours in Clackamas if you do--Officer Cason and others.
    Better news comes every day. The people of Salem sent me $100.00 worth of new subscribers day before yesterday with strong congratulatory letters. New names come in daily. I have gained 171 up to date--lost 9 and two moved away.
    I shall go through the counties every week from Thursday to Sunday until the contest is over. Bush has never attacked the Standard yet.
    At his "oyster supper" last given two weeks ago, Nesmith drank the following toast:  "Here's hoping that Douglas fights a duel with Buchanan, and that Douglas kills him."  Pretty good for a fed. officer.
    Hibben is tamed down again, but I shall not trust him anymore. Bush has got him dead beyond redemption.
    The new movement prospers in every county heard from. I am certain we will carry even Marion. Curry stays at home in quiet, and will remain so, he assured me. They now talk of altering the programme--offering Gen. Adair the governorship in place of Drew--heading us off by dropping Grover and nominating Kelly for Congress--and one or two lesser changes are named. This won't work. I wish they will do this. Kelly will not accept, and Grover will open on them.
    We can beat them working. Our people are full of spirits and sanguine of success. They are shaky. Williams don't know what to do. But I am certain he will be tamely for them.
    I shall not rest until the contest is over. After the nomination I shall stump the Territory.
    You need have no fears. They cannot beat you.
Truly yours,
    James O'Meara



Yaquina Bay Indian Station, O.T.  Feb. 12th, 1858.
To Gen'l. Joseph Lane
    Washington City, D.C.
        Dear Sir,    Since forwarding my communication to you concerning the difficulties at the mouth of the Coquille River in 1854, I have seen my friend Abbott, and have (from him) ascertained that I am correct in stating that two offers of peace were made to the Indians on the 28th Jan., subsequent to our action on that morning, and their coming to our camp. Hence my statements are correct and require no alteration.
    In the letter I wrote you privately, I stated that it was not my intention to be a candidate for any office in our next ensuing, and first state election, but since so writing to you, some of my friends and your friends have urged upon me that now was the time for every Lane man to exert himself, &c., and that in order to be certain and have someone go from our counties in whom they placed confidence, I have proposed to become a candidate for Representative. My platform: Gen Jos. Lane, first choice for Senator; second choice for Senator to be guided by the Dem. caucus &c. Other general issues will be easy, and the only thing in which there is a possibility of my being defeated would be upon some local county issue. You can assist me materially in my canvass. Could you have about 100 copies of my communication to you distributed in Coos & Curry counties. For Coos Co. 20 copies, Empire City, to Dr. A. N. Foley. To Coos River precinct 10 copies, to Wm. H. Jackson & William Bagley. To Coquille precinct 10 copies, to Jno. B. Dulley & Jno. J. Hill. To Randolph precinct 10 copies, to Lewis Turner & John Fleming. For Curry Co., Port Orford, 20 copies, to Postmaster, Geo. H. Lount & James H. Sanders. Rogue River precinct 20 copies--John Walker & Wm. Jewel. Cape Blanco precinct 5 copies Aaron Dyer & George Rogers. To Chetco precinct, via Crescent City, Cala. 5 copies to N. MacNamara & Peter Dougherty.
    If this could be done prior to the election, you are secure of having Coos & Curry counties Rep. for you, and pretty safe for our Senator in the District. I do not know what the price of publishing might be, but I will stand fifty dollars on the publishing of my communication which I will pay to any person the Genl. will name here, if the Genl. will advance a like sum for me to the publisher.
    I have spoken to the Genl. in the same manner as though I knew he would consent to become our Senator. I have done so considering him a purely National man, "i.e.," one who knows no North nor South, no East, no West, but labors for the good of all, and a man endowed with a noble sentiment, expressed by one of our statesmen, who speaking of the President's office, said it was one (an office) neither to be sought nor declined. Let me apply the same sentiment and expression to that of U.S. Senator.
    I will remain on the reservation until a short time prior to election, and would not have desired any haste in the publishing of my communication were it not that I desire to bring all my guns to bear, and let our people see that that which I have said in private conversations will be said fearlessly in public. Also that Genl. Lane is not the man to permit us to be wronged knowingly. The fair prospect of the war debt being paid will soften the feelings of many, but that is only remunerative justice--pecuniarily--and cannot affect or oblivionize the calumnious charges we have submitted to; they require the same vindication now as they ever did, though all the war debts in the world were paid.
Very respectfully,
    Your friend & obdt. servt.
        W. H. Packwood
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Del. to Congress O.T.


Salem O.T.       
February 14th 1858.       
Messrs Miller & Brandenburg--
    Dear Sirs: I send you by this mail a copy of a joint resolution of the Legislative Assembly and the report of the committee on military affairs thereon including as far as they could collect them the names of whites killed by Indians in times of peace and those killed in times of war, by Indians supposed to be friendly.
    It is a good document to show the necessity for all the Oregon volunteers and to contradict General Wool's falsehoods about the citizens of Oregon.
    Press the claim before Congress and get at least commissioners appointed to audit the accounts, and if possible get an appropriation to pay the claims. I sent you by last mail several copies of the Governor's message referred to in the enclosed resolution. The Secretary says he will send Genl. Lane a certified copy by next mail. Write and direct to Jacksonville, Oregon. Give me all the news. What is the prospect of Congress paying the Oregon war debt? What is the auditor doing with the spoliations of 1853? Give me a minute [omission?] of the prices recommended by the commissioners on the late war claims &c; you can get them from some of the clerks that have the papers in charge.
                    I remain yours very respectfully
                        B. F. Dowell



Dalles, Oregon
    Feby. 14th 1858
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir:
        Your esteemed favor of January 2nd, with nine land warrants and letters from the Commissioner, enclosed came duly to hand per mail, for which please accept my sincere thanks.
    I was satisfied before you left here that Neely was a dishonest man, and you may rest assured that I was glad to know that in all his rascality he did not injure any person who had entrusted their business to my care. I hope you will succeed in getting warrants for the other applicants and pay for the services of Lippert and Allen. If the papers are correct I am satisfied you will.
    I presume ere this you have received the memorial of the citizens east of the Cascade Mountains and a similar one from the Legislative Assembly of Oregon in reference to the division of the present Superintendency of Oregon and Washington Territories. I am very glad to know that you and the Governor both favor the division and hope you will succeed in having the line between the two Superintendencies the Cascade Mountains, as that is a natural one, and one that will be productive of more good both to the Department and the Indians than any other that can be made. It is my opinion that it would be an act of true economy on the part of the government. I hope that it will be accomplished this winter. You have also received ere this probably a letter from Genl. Nesmith and other Democrats recommending your humble servant for the office of Superintendent of the new district, which I hope will receive your favorable consideration. My district at present includes all the Territory of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains and a part of Washington. The eastern boundary of my district is Snake River. This district was formerly in charge of two agents, Thompson and Olney.  At present, I am the only agent, which makes my duties very laborious. The number of Indians under my charge I estimate at six thousand, and under the present arrangement this district receives but a very small proportion of the funds appropriated by the government for the amelioration of the present condition of the Indians within our Territory. For example, the outstanding and unpaid debts of the Dept. contracted between the 1st day of May and the 31st day of December 1857 for Oregon, as stated by the Superintendent, amounts to $204,077.89. Out of this large amount, only $10,220.01 has been contracted in this district. You can see by this that but little would have been done for the Indians east of the mountains in the period referred to. During the time the debts were contracted in this district, I made considerable improvements upon the reservation established by the treaty of 25th June 1855, and purchased twenty yoke of cattle and two fine wagons and raised a very fair crop.
    I could exert a deal more influence for good among the Indians in the interior who visit me if I had the means to purchase a small quantity of suitable presents for these Indians.  It would not require a large amount, but the embarrassment for want of funds under the present arrangement will not allow me to make such purchases. I do not make these statements to reflect in any manner upon our present efficient Superintendent, or to find fault, but for the purpose of showing the necessity of a division of this Superintendency. Then the Indians will receive directly whatever the government appropriates for them.
    The Indians treated with on the 25th June 1855 are good Indians and desirous to engage in agricultural pursuits, they learn readily, and if assisted by the government would in a short time be nearly if not quite able to subsist themselves. Their country is now almost entirely occupied by white settlers, which creates the most urgent necessity for the immediate ratification of this treaty. I hope you will be pleased to give this matter your early attention as an act of justice to these Indians.
    Hoping that I shall hear from you often, I remain,
Respectfully
    Your obt. servant,
        A. P. Dennison



House of Reps.
    Washington Feb. 17, /58
Hon. Chas. E. Mix,
    Acting Com. Ind. Aff.
        Washington D.C.
Sir,
    We would respectfully recommend that Congress be asked to appropriate thirty thousand dollars to defray the expenses of bringing a delegation of Indian chiefs from the Territories of Oregon and Washington to the States, the object being to take them to the principal cities and on great routes of travel, to the end that they may take back to the Indian tribes accurate information of the strength, resources and friendly disposition of our government and people.
    We are of opinion that ten chiefs should be taken from each Territory, making twenty in all, and that fifteen hundred dollars per chief, or an aggregate sum of thirty thousand dollars for the twenty chiefs, will be the least sum which will enable the service to be performed.
We are, sir, very respectfully,
    Your most obdt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
        Isaac I. Stevens
National Archives Microfilm Publications Microcopy No. 234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 611 Oregon Superintendency, 1858-1859.



Jacksonville Feby. 22, 1858
Dear General
    I came here about a week ago, on business, and to see how things were working, and have found that nothing could be better. There is but one voice here on the question of your election to the Senate. They don't like Drew or Bush, but Deady is rather popular; this is owing to his pro-slavery doctrines, and will soon subside.
    Just before I left home I received your letter in which you complain of my not writing. I think you will be satisfied with me by this time in that particular at least. I read to Deady that part of it that referred to him, of course leaving out the hard words. I did this for two reasons, first to show him that he could not play false without detection, and second, to give him confidence in my professions of friendship. I should not have done it, however, if I had not been satisfied beyond all doubt that he was sincere in saying that he was not a candidate. On that subject you may rest easy--the matter of your election is already decided, and no one knows better than he that if he did run it would be his political death. He read me a part of the letter he wrote you on the subject, which you have got before now.
    While I know he is not a candidate, I shall not neglect to nominate men we know are your friends, so far as it is in my power, not only to the Legislature but to the state offices.
    This county elected delegates to the state convention yesterday; they are all your friends and mine except T'Vault, and the delegation will "steamboat" him if he don't go right, which he will do, of course, as he only sustains himself now by ardent professions of friendship for you, and making some believe that the Herald is secretly opposed to you.
    There has been a heavy rain since I came, the first this winter. The whole country is afloat and Rogue River impassable, but I hope to be able to start for home in a day or two.
    The family were all well when I left. Give my love to John & Fayette & all my friends.
Your affectionate son,
    L. F. Mosher
That lost father you wrote me about is not in Umpqua.



Butte Creek, Jackson Co., O.T.
    Feb. 24th 1858
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Sir, you will perceive by the accompanying petition that the citizens of Butte Creek have petitioned the department for a mail route from Jacksonville to Butte Creek with establishing an office near Judge Reese's [?] place, known as the Manzanita post office. We hope you will use your influence in securing the route and offices. It is very desirable in many respects. There are two mills, a grist and saw mill, on Butte Creek and about one hundred and fifty voters in that precinct. A large reading community destitute of an office nearer than Jacksonville.
    If you cannot get a special route, get it attached to some other route. You are our rightful representative, and we hope you will attend to our interests.
Yours in great haste
    George Fidler
   

    To the Honorable A. Brown, Postmaster General of the U.S., Greeting
    Your petitioners, citizens of Butte Creek and Stewart Creek valleys in Jackson County, O.T., respectfully represent that they are destitute of a mail route and post office facilities in their portion of the country. That they have a rapidly increasing population of several hundreds and that many of them have a distance of more than twenty miles to the nearest post office. We therefore pray that you will remove the subject of complaint by granting us a mail route with a weekly mail from Jacksonville to Manzanita, and from thence to Butte Creek, a distance of about sixteen miles. That you appoint Mr. Wm. H. Merriman postmaster at Manzanita and Mr. Frederick Westgate postmaster on Butte Creek, and it shall be known as Butte Creek P.O. and we will ever pray

    George Fidler James W. Collins
John M. Nichols George Collins
John Riley B. Evines
James Miller George Evens
L. C. Ganey N. C. Langell
L. Rees Joseph Langell
C. B. Matney T. C. Jordan
C. Griffeth R. K. Crow
A. McNeal J. G. Crow
Peter Simons Joseph Starr
N. A. Young J. Huffman
J. W. Short J. W. Garris
David Mosier H. G. Shock
James Tatom W. C. Mathis
James M. Newlin S. C. Garey
A. W. A. McConnell William H. Beck
J. T. Raimey Ephraim Harrison
D. Lewis Daniel R. Somers
John E. Seyferth Jackson Reader
Carl A. Seyferth [name obscured by fold]
Sam McDaniel Ogden Barrett
P. W. Stow Joseph Swingle
Thomas Baley Wm. J. McClane
Dulen Giles F. Loos
John N. Young Joseph J. Charlton
Charles A. Charlton B. F. Newlin
Caswell Evans Josah L. Parsely
William Gates Wm. M'Clain
Thomas D. McClain L. Bradley
L. A. Rice A. T. Prouty
Iss Williams Samuel Hall
James Jordan
Haskel Amey [Amy]
J. Moon
T. Jones
Jack Forsyth


Salem O.T.       
Feb. 26th 1858       
General Lane
    Dear Sir
        Your letter written at Washington on the 2 Jany '57 has just been received, also the Globe & appendix, for which I am under the deepest obligations.
    The Indians under my charge are all quiet and seem to be as well satisfied as the most sanguine could expect; however, Sam and his people still claim that they should be permitted to go south to the land of their birth in the spring. This, of course, will be prevented peaceably if we can, but forcibly if we must. Everything will be done to get along peaceably with them, and I have a hope that all will be right, yet the future alone can tell. You intimate in your letter that you have received strange news from some of our people to the effect that reports have been circulated that you were in the scrip speculation. I have not heard anything of this, though it is not at all surprising if this and all other slanders would be resorted to to try to injure you, but they will be properly met and can and will be repulsed and will result in no harm. There is not a friend nor an enemy of yours in this country but what is satisfied that your chance is as certain for the first Senator from Oregon as anything of like kind could be. There cannot be a single shadow of a doubt as to this fact.
    I know there are many men in this country that occupy high places that would rejoice at your defeat, but they dare not avow those things to the public. If they did that [their] own career would end in double quick time.
                            Your Friend
                                John F. Miller



Corvallis Feby. 28th 1858
Dear Father
    I have just returned from San Francisco, and find the Democracy rather mixed. Avery, O'Meara, McIteeny Kelly, Farrar, Sep Huelat and other individuals claiming to be Democrats have called a (what they call Democratic) "convention" to meet at Eugene City on the 8th of April next, for the purpose of nominating a ticket for state officers and a representative to Congress.
    Now I would suggest to you that you do not allow yourself to be taken in and done for by this soft convention or any of its members. I think your best policy is to let the two conventions fight their own fight--and stand back and look on. There is no doubt but your chance for U.S.S. is better than any other man in Oregon, provided you don't have anything to do with Oregon politics as it now stands; for my part, I am a member of what they call the "Salem Clique wing" of the Democratic Party and have hopes that we will win over the soft Democrats and Black Republicans who will convene their convention at Eugene.
    I suppose you have been written to by many friends in regard to your course for U.S.S. Some are right and some undoubtedly wrong. I think this split is better calculated to injure you than any other member of the Democratic Party, from the fact that O'Meara and Avery claim that they are your friends and that you are identified with the Eugene movement. If those men can convince the true Democrats that you approve their course in splitting up the Party, they will succeed in beating you for U.S.S., for my honest conviction is they can't begin to elect a Legislature that will favor their movement or one that would support U.S.S. of their kind, so as above stated I don't think it would be politic for you to have anything to do with them. But you are an old hand at politics and probably understand yourself. I throw out the above as only suggestions, having every confidence in your good sense in these matters. I will say nothing further about politics.
    My family are all enjoying very good health. Business in our little place is extremely dull. While in San Francisco, I bought a stock of goods and will open store in 3 or 4 days and hope to do a good business. No local news of any interest. Winter has been very pleasant. I hope you will get the war debt bill through this session. It will do great good for Oregon besides be several feathers in your cap. What is our show for admission into the Union as a state?  That is another thing that we much desire. Our Constitution is, we flatter ourselves, as good as any constitution and fairly submitted to a vote of the people. Consequently, we hope you will be able to put it through without delay. Jane and the little ones wish to be remembered to you.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane



Portland, March 1st \ 1858.
Dear General:
    The mail steamer arrived this morning and goes away at 5 p.m. This gives me little time to write you. However, Col. Farrar goes on, and can tell you everything I fail to. I got no letter from you this time--regret it.
    Nesmith got back this morning--looks well, and has lots of cash. He saw all my old friends below, and is wonderfully pleased with them.
    The new movement is progressing every day. Bush is badly scared, and in his last number re-read Kelly out of the Party--also threatens to have Farrar removed from office for opposition to Salem.
    Hibben is at last convinced of the perfidy of the Clique towards you. Hughes of Jackson confessed to him that just after the House adjourned, Creanor and others approached him to ascertain if he would not consent to heave you overboard in favor of Delazon Smith. Hughes was firm for you. Col. Tilton of Olympia also states that last summer, during your election canvass, when Bush and Nesmith were at Olympia, he heard Bush denounce you bitterly--said you were a "damned old fool" and he "expected and hoped you would be beat." Tilton is a man of nerve and truth.
   The last shuffle to quiet Williams, who swears vengeance if Delazon Smith is put on his track for U.S. Senator, is: Grover for Gov. and Delazon for Congress. Of course this is all a sham. The ticket is as I gave it to you some time since.
    At the Clique primary meetings here last week in one precinct, out of only 15 of their stripe they had to nominate 9. They finally got the number by appointing some outsiders, as those named present declined to serve. In Hibben's precinct it was still worse. Out of 16 they had to select 14, and five of the first called declined instantes. These two, with Bybee's district, were the only precincts represented in county convention on Saturday--24 in all. Hibben, Ben. Stark and Waterman each got only three votes of all these, as delegates to Salem. Norris, Ritchie (not present), Riddle and another were elected. Williams spoke at night to a full house, a majority of whom were against his party. After he was through they called for me, but I declined to take any step which would smack of interference with their meetings. We hold a mass convention next Saturday.
    I went to Astoria (both places) last week. Everything is right for our side in Clatsop. Adair and I had a long talk. He is sound, when the time comes to act. It is advisable for him to keep quiet now. Moffat showed him a letter recently written to him from Del. Smith, in which he unqualifiedly announces himself a candidate for U.S. Senator.
    Bush's action about the Salem charter will kill him in Marion. The rowdies broke in the stores of merchants, Jews and others opposed to Bush again week before last. All the Hebrews will go with us. 
    They have let up on Capt. Bobby Thompson lately. They now want his influence, but he is against them to the end.
    I am fully announced now as a Lane man, and next Saturday will publicly avow it in my speech. Williams dodged the issue. I shall force Bush to come out positively in a few weeks.
    They are foolish enough to reaffirm and advocate the clinging to the Salem platform whenever they dare. We have got them dead in this.
    Capt. Cain is in town, and in high glee with the looks of affairs. He will yet control Hibben. I have no further confidential conversation with H., nor will I. Capt. C. will hereafter manage him, and he and I can talk confidentially. Now that H. has become satisfied of the rascality against you from their own men, through direct confessions to himself, he is tractable. He is angry, too, that he was not elected a delegate.
    Kelly is going through Polk, Lane, Linn and Marion now. He will be here on Saturday to speak, and return again upcountry. Cheering accounts come in from all sides.
    For God's sake, don't let them remove Farrar. It will injure you and our cause if it be done. Don't cut off our friends' heads while we are fighting your battles. If you do, of necessity, many now truly your friends will become opponents and seek out someone who does not punish friends to reward enemies.
I am as ever
    Truly yours,
        Jas. O'Meara
You never send me a Pub.Doc.



Salem, March 18th / 58   
Hon Joseph Lane.
    Dear General:
        I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind letter, forwarded to this place from Jacksonville, in reference to our mutual friend Mrs. Harris. I introduced in the Assembly last winter a memorial in her behalf, which I will send you by first mail--I was under the impression that the Secretary had forwarded all memorials and resolutions, or I should before this have transmitted it. I am just on the eve of my departure south, having stayed to attend the Democratic state convention. We have, I think, nominated a strong ticket for the June election, and although the varied and various oppositions are rampant, we will elect it by overwhelming majorities. Prepare your "Senatorial toga," for you will most assuredly have need for such a garment. The second choice will be between Williams and Delazon Smith, and with us south I think Smith is far ahead. North of Lin [Linn County] I cannot judge but am well informed that Williams will not get large majorities if any.
    Your own success is as certain as your existence.
    A petition has just arrived here from our county directed to Col Nesmith in regard to the Modoc Indians in the vicinity of the headwaters of Rogue River and the La Lacs, who are becoming troublesome. A contract is let for the survey of their country, and no treaties have ever been made with them. The welfare of the southern portion of our Territory is greatly dependent on our peaceable relations with these Indians, who are warlike and very numerous and of late, since the removal of the Rogue River tribes, have been making frequent visits to our vicinity. They possess a fine tract of country which in this section is of great importance and necessity in the production of supplies for the mines. I am well acquainted with many of the influential chiefs among them and am certain that if much longer neglected there will arise serious difficulties in their relations with our citizens.
    No one more than yourself is aware of the hardships and horrors we have already suffered from the want of proper attention by the government to the Indian tribes in our vicinity, and I am quite sure that you will do all in your power to have an agency established in that quarter.
    I have been requested to call your attention to these facts, and I feel assured that you will receive my communication without attributing to me any self-importance.
    I will have Gen Nesmith's reply published on my return and transmit you a copy of the paper. His reasons are, as far as regards his own power, very satisfactory.
    The Democracy were never in a more healthy condition. We have stripped the party of all excrescences and know our actual strength without the traitors who have heretofore been in the camp.
    There is no rancorous feeling on the Douglas and Administration difference, but we are confident that it will finally reach an amicable conclusion.
    You will be kind enough to decipher patiently this shameful scrawl. I would attempt to copy but my fingers are numb and I am sitting in a cold room. If I have occasion to address you in future I will endeavor to scrawl more legibly.
    With sincere regard,
        I remain your political
            and personal friend
                H. H. Brown
Gen. Jo Lane.



Washington, March 12, 1858.       
Chas. E. Mix Esq.
    Com'r. Indian Affairs
Sir,
    In regard to the Superintendency district composed of the Territories of Oregon and Washington, I have to say that in the present precarious condition of relations with the numerous tribes of Indians in these Territories, the district is too large, and I am well satisfied that the good of the service would be promoted greatly by creating an additional district, composed of the Territory of Washington with a superintendent in each Territory, and in fact, the service would be promoted by forming all that portion of the country embraced in the two Territories, east of the Cascade Range, into one district, and one in each Territory, west of the Cascade Range.
Very respectfully,
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane
National Archives Microfilm Publications Microcopy No. 234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 611 Oregon Superintendency, 1858-1859.



Kerbyville March 18th 1858   
Hon Jos. Lane
    Dear Sir
        Your favors of the last mail were received in due season, and were read with much satisfaction, as they are not anything of importance to communicate [sic--there is nothing of importance to communicate from Kerbyville]. I would ask your assistance in securing the contract for carrying the mail from Crescent City California to Jacksonville, O.T. I have been Postmaster and am yet, also have been at much expense to facilitate the passage of mail matter through this country, and is there to be a contract let some time this season. I would be under many obligations for your assistance.
Respectfully Yours
    Jas. Kerby
        Kerbyville, OT
To Hon Jo Lane
    Washington City DC


Salem March 19th 1858
    Dear General
    Enclosed please find a copy of a memorial passed last session of the Legislature, asking Congress to throw open the Table Rock Reserve to settlement, and allowing us to enter our claims. This I have already troubled you too much with, and only have to add that you must not embarrass yourself with it. The Territorial convention is over and we have a good ticket, one that is bound to carry by a large majority. Drew would have had the nomination had it not been for the influence I had with the southern members. I used every effort in my power to beat him in the convention and did so. With Drew at the head of the Democratic ticket [they] would have defeated us and given a Black Republican Legislature which would have defeated us in the U.S. Senate. I have canvassed freely with all the members from every part of the Territory, and their hearts are with you. Your election is certain unless something turns up more than can be seen at this time. The other Senator lies between Smith & Williams unless they compromise upon a third man. I will be in the valley most of the time from this to the election and will keep you posted if I see anything going wrong.
Very Respectfully
    Your devoted friend
         R. B. Metcalfe



Washington City, March, 18, 1858.       
    Ed. Statesman--I see, with much regret, that division and discord exists in the ranks of the Democracy of Oregon, threatening in its character, and if persisted in, will result in defeat and overthrow. Fellow Democrats of Oregon, division in the Democratic Party will not do. Permit me, therefore, to address myself to you, and to ask, Shall the opposition carry the election on account of feuds and dissension in our own ranks? Shall Oregon come into the Union under the auspices of a sectional organization, or shall she come in to strengthen the friends of the Constitution and the Union, and cheer the heart of every patriot with renewed confidence that both Constitution and Union shall be perpetual. If ever there was a time for every Democrat to do his duty, his whole duty, it is now. All Democrats should bear in mind that the Democratic Party is the Union. I appeal to the Democracy to bury all private animosities, and sacrifice ill feelings and heart burnings on the altar of the public good, and unite as one man in support of the regular nominees.
    The people of Oregon have honored me with their friendship and confidence, and I hazard nothing in saying that I am as ardently devoted to their interests as any man has ever been in the interests of those who placed their confidence in him, and I would be very glad to be chosen one of the first Senators from our new state, but I shall never desire it at a sacrifice of the harmony, honor and integrity of the party. In the Senate I could be useful to Oregon and the country, but the harmony and integrity of the party is more important to both Oregon and the country, and must be maintained.
    It is vain to talk of success with our strength broken, our majority cut down by unnecessary and suicidal divisions and dissensions. Everybody cannot elect precisely the man he prefers--such a thing never was heard of at any election. Let everyone, then, make all reasonable concessions as to men, adhering to the old motto of our party, "measures, not men." To everyone who has a single Democratic drop of blood in his veins--everyone who feels one throb of patriotism in his breast--I would say, "The country expects every man in Oregon, regardless of self, to do his duty." I have said to all that Oregon would come in a Union-loving state, free from sectionalism, and would stand by the Constitution and the rights of all the states. Have I deceived myself and our friends? The Democracy will join me in exclaiming, No.
    Respectfully yours,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, April 27, 1858, page 2.  Also printed, with comment, in the Oregon Weekly Times, May 1, 1858, page 2 and the Oregon Sentinel, May 15, 1858, page 2



Portland, March 26th, 1858
Dear General,
    Absence unexpectedly by last mail time and illness combined prevented me from writing to you. The latter cause will still preclude me from saying all I wish to now. I am under the torture of neuralgia, and next to crazy with it.
    Your kind and interesting letter of the 18th came this morning. In regard to national matters I endorse all you have said, and were it not for the urgent advice of your best friends here would have come out in my paper on the Administration side at the first outbreak. Policy for your cause alone restrained me. I am sound for the President and will always be.
    As to matters here, pardon me, but with all due deference, I say it, you and I think not alike. I cannot believe that men like Drew, Boise, Smith and Nesmith, whose antecedents are anti-Democratic (some of them Abolitionists) are at heart Democrats, or ever will be. They fight for spoils and spoils only. Neither would I like to trust Judge Williams in the U.S. Senate. He says now that he is a Buchanan man. But I will swear, and can find ample other evidence to prove, that for a month after the news of this imbroglio, and until after he returned from a trip to Salem, he was openly for Douglas. I can never believe any man a good national man who could pen such an abolition letter as Judge W. did in this Territory last year. My opinion of Grover can never have a change. He is a polished trimmer who will shift his political opinions as his interests lead. Deady is not to be feared taken by himself, but in the hands of others he may grow strong. Although nominated for a judgeship (which I am satisfied is all a blind) his bosom friends talk of him for Senate, and one of them in Josephine--John Piles--is now openly announcing him. I know these men will beat you if they can, and I also know that you are furnishing them the power to better accomplish this.
    In their convention they merely passed a complimentary resolution regarding you to please Waymire. At Eugene City I am determined to have a resolution passed endorsing you as our next first U.S. Senator to be elected, or I will break up the organization. This will show you whom are your real friends.
    I am still of the opinion that we will beat the Salem men, and this is the opinion of the best men I know in Oregon.
    If I can do nothing else by the course I have taken, I will have the influence to prevent these tricksters from swamping you, and this I shall do. I am ready to sink the state to gain a Democratic national administration representation in Congress. Even the germ of a success which we must have in 1860 is dearer to me than any issue under this in importance.
    But I must stop writing. My head is cultus today, and I cannot say what I wish in a proper way.
    By next mail I hope to be all right, and if so will give you as full history as possible of all that has transpired.
    For that draft I am grateful. About the other--all right. It would have helped, but its absence cannot effect. I have never committed an ingratitude. I will stand by you until you ask me to let go.
    Capt. Cain will go to Washington in a month. He will tell you all.
I am as ever
    Yours truly
        Jas. O'Meara


(From the Statesman.)
Letter from Gen. Lane to L. F. Grover.
Washington City, Jan. 31st, 1858.   
    Dear Grover:--I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 16th inst., and with it the Constitution of the "State of Oregon."
    Of all the documents, papers and packages received from our Territory, none ever afforded me so much pleasure as this. After successive decisions of the people against the expedience of a State government, they have at length thrown off the badge of Territorial vassalage, and determined by an emphatic vote, or declaration of their sovereign will, to place our Territory among the great sisterhood of States, on an equal footing with the original thirteen. With Oregon, in her trials and sufferings, her isolation from the rest of the confederacy, her gradual progress from the condition of subjection to the savage, to her present advanced state of civilization and improvement, I have been perhaps as much identified as any man in the Territory, and in proportion to the prominence of the part assigned me by my confiding fellow citizens, is the joy I now feel in contemplating the document before me, the Constitution of the "State of Oregon." It comes without an enabling act. It comes without Congressional interference, or dictation from any foreign political organization. It is the solemn and deliberate expression of the will of a free people, the voluntary selection of their form of government, and is a triumph of the principles of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, illustrative of the capacity of man for self-government, full of promise and hope to those who shall come hereafter.
    By a singular coincidence, the constitutions of Oregon and Kansas arrived here the same day. But how different the circumstances under which they are presented! The one comes robed in peace--the other stained in blood. The one is the solemn and unquestioned declaration of a people's will--the other is denounced as a stupendous fraud. Who would not feel proud of Oregon! and who can think of the fraud, villainy and bloodshed that has marked the progress of the other, without sorrow and regret? Oregon can boast of an orderly, law-abiding, patriotic, intelligent population; and of Kansas it can be said, and truly said, that under the influence of foreign political organizations there are assembled or congregated in that unfortunate Territory, a greater number of infernal scoundrels and bloody villains than ever before disgraced the soil of any portion of God's earth. To the one all will say, "welcome!" The other is met at the very threshold of the Capitol with frowns and curses. The one is as oil on the troubled waters; the other the apple of discord, spreading around it strife and alienation, threatening the existence of the Union itself. In my judgment, the best thing that can be done is to bring her in. Let the people of that locality take care of themselves, and regulate the domestic polity according to their own wishes, and restore peace to the country. But enough of Kansas.
    As the representative of Oregon, it will be a proud day when I shall stand up in my place and ask for her admission into the Union on an equal footing with the proudest and oldest member of the confederacy. There will be no serious objection to the immediate admission of our State.
    In your letter you state many interesting facts, and present many valuable statistics, which will be of great use to me in urging the expediency and justice of admitting Oregon. I trust the exhibit of these and other statistics and facts will be unnecessary, but should any discussion take place, I will avail myself of the very conclusive arguments contained in the facts set forth in your letter. I am preparing such other statistics, and collecting such other historical facts or information on the subject as may be needed in debating the question.
    Our war claims are gaining strength. Almost daily I receive letters from persons holding claims for services rendered in the war, or supplies furnished; from all portions of the West and North these letters come, inquiring whether their claims will be paid. I answer all, and urge them to write to their members of Congress and set forth the justice of the war, and the duty of Congress to provide for paying the expenses. Many northern members have called upon me to know what the prospect is for paying those claims, and to learn what has been done. In all such cases I furnish a written history of the whole affair, and wind up by saying that all claims allowed by the Commission are so manifestly just, that we could hardly doubt the favorable action of Congress, and many of them have closed their letters as above. We think that we will be able to pass the bill.
    Thanking you for your interesting letter, and hoping to receive others from you,
        I am, with much respect, your friend,
JOSEPH LANE.           
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, March 27, 1858, page 1     This letter was subsequently denounced as a forgery, then defended by General Lane.




Gen. Lane's Letter.
    The Standard affects to regard the letter of Gen. Lane we published in our last week's issue as sustaining the position of the disunionists. Mr. O'Meara prudently (?) avoids the publication of the entire letter, and contents himself with a pair of quotations--they, very little to his purpose, and asserting a want of space, he proceeds to a line of comment equal on the "space" question to the publication of quite three-fourths of the entire letter. If the Standard had no room for it, will he be good enough to spare the room next week, or week after, or at any time before the election? We are very anxious that the readers of the Standard should have an opportunity for reading that letter--judging for themselves of its contents. In the meanwhile we can assure the editor of the Standard that Gen. Lane is too good an old soldier to sanction mutiny anywhere. The letter in question, however, is before our readers, and it is as full and thorough an endorsement of the position held by the Democracy of Oregon as we desire at his hands, in entire harmony with the status of the Statesman and Times upon the subject in question, and a document withal, the Standard we fear will not find it sufficiently to the interest of his cause to publish for the perusal of its readers. It is reasonable to suppose that if the letter contained sentiments in justification of the Eugene movement, the editor of the Standard would find room for its publication, or know the reason why.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, April 3, 1858, page 2



Salem O.T.
    March 30th 1858
Dear General:
    By this mail will be sent to you a copy of the resolutions and memorials of the Legislative Assembly, together with the correspondence and messages pertaining to the volunteer service rendered for the protection of overland emigrants that year, duly certified by Secretary Harding.
    In the manuscript copy, thus certified, appears the resolution of the session of 1854-5, a memorial of 1856-7, and the report of the committee on military affairs and the accompanying resolution of the session of 1857-8, that is not contained in the council document sent to you some time since.
Very respectfully your obt. servt.
    C. S. Drew
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Washington D.C.
One hundred and twenty thousand dollars will probably cover the cost of both expeditions--Walker's and Olney's.
C. S. Drew


Winchester March 31 1858
Hon. Joseph Lane
    H.R. Washington City
        D.C.
            My Dear
                Sir, having lately returned from Salem and whilst at Salem helped to defeat Drew for the nomination of Gov. and likewise had a fair chance to learn many things and this among others that there is a deep-laid plan to beat you for the Senate, all their loud professions to the contrary notwithstanding their plan is this: to secure a legislature that some men can work to suit themselves.
    Now all this shan't nor can't win. Mosher is all this time in the Willamette, and all your old and tried friends is up and doing, and no man that is not sound and true can't nor shan't receive the nomination in this county. I have just returned from the south part of the county and all is right. I have to regret the letter I wrote you some time since in which I said your election would go by default, which is wrong. The Scottsburg delegation is as usual friends to your face, and behind your back enemies of the blackest kind. All such men will find their level soon, and after they find they can't hurt you then they will be all right, false friends as usual begging the crumbs that fall from your favors or in other words all the favors in the way of office.
    I hope yet to see you here before the present canvass is over, and at furthest by the time the legislature meets in July next. Now, Gen., do if possible be here at least when the legislature meets in July. Still, I will know that you never will leave your post as long as there is anything to be done. Still I hope to hear soon that Oregon is a state in the Union, and then I hope to see you back in Oregon.
    Nevertheless you can't nor shan't be beaten if in my power to prevent it. Your old friends is true to you as the needle to the [north] pole and will stand by your interests to the last. Mosher has written often to you. You will please excuse my bad style and bad hand. All is well in and about Winchester.
Yours truly
    Wm. J. Martin



Angel Ranch Jacksonville O.T. April 1st 1858
Gen Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir I have long thought of troubling you with a short epistle. I feel diffident on account that I know that you have more correspondents than you can attend to, but I hope you will pardon me as I am an obscure citizen of Jackson Co. But I claim to be a Democrat and a political friend of yours. I should have written sooner, for I will be absent during our primary meetings county convention and all, and I know there will be logrolling in our county convention. Still I am assured that Judge Deady will be a candidate for U.S. Senator at the first session of the Legislature, but I confess I have but little confidence in some of the would[-be] leading Democrats of Jackson Co. There is one thing and only one thing that will prevent them from making an effort to lay you on the shelf, and that is the whole people are for you. And [if] they do succeed it will be by fraud in the primary meetings & co. conventions. I do not know who will be the candidates to the Legislature from this co., but one thing is certain; this co. is reliable for you. The split in the Democratic Party will not affect your chances for the Senate. The Salem state convention is over, and they have given us a good platform and probably as good a ticket as could be made in the Territory. The Nationals failed to organize in this county, but it is said that they will organize. And if they do they will just as surely carry a portion of their ticket. T'Vault wants to go to the Legislature, but I fear he cannot get the nomination on the Democratic ticket. He will be elected, for the Nationals will support him provided he gets the nomination from Democratic county convention. S. Van Dyke is spoken for the Legislature. If he will accept he can be nominated & elected. This is as far as things has developed themselves as yet. I suppose Col T'Vault will keep you posted on matters as they develop themselves. For my own part, I am not in the confidence of the Bush faction, as they are familiarly termed, neither do I wish to be. I do not favor the national movement; as yet I do not think there exists just cause for a split in the Democratic Party. The Salem platform was odious to many of us, but we still had an opportunity for redress, and I for one believe that more good can be affected inside of the Democratic organization than outside. The odious part of the platform has been revised, and it is what it should be--Democratic.
    I should have written a few days sooner so that my letter would have went on the 5th inst., but it will go on the 20th, and probably by that time I may trouble with a line if matters should develop themselves. I should be pleased to receive a small share of congressional documents such as the agricultural division of the patent office report, also a copy of the geological report of O.T. & Washington Territory if it is convenient for you to send them. You will be entitled to my most cordial thanks & support for any position you may ask of the people of Oregon. I live in hopes that Gen Vallandigham of Ohio will oust Lew Campbell. Please give my best wishes to J. B. Steadman, public printer to Congress. B. F. Leiter of Stark [County, Ohio] is not at Washington this session. I believe he was a Democrat when I left Ohio, but I never had any confidence in him as a true-blue. He was raised a Whig; it was bred in the bone. Our county is prospering finely, and times are evidently much easier. Our plank road to Crescent City will be completed in May, which will be a great permanent advantage to the people of this portion of Oregon. I greatly desire that success may crown your efforts in Congress. The people of this country have been almost crushed by the repeated Indian wars, and it is high time that Congress did her duty by the citizens of Oregon & Washington territories.
                With great respect your obscure constituent
                    Jas. Kilgore
    P.S. If you have anything of importance respecting the admission of Oregon or Kansas I will be gratified to hear from you.
                Jas. Kilgore



Washington City       
    April 2 1858       
Dear Bush
    Your letter of the 23rd Feby has this moment been recd. By some accident it is several days behind the mail. It is now 9 at night and at 9 tomorrow morning I will be at the State Dept. and see if any attempt has been made to have the printing of the laws changed from the Statesman and Times. It will not be done.
    By last mail I wrote you (for publication) in regard to dissensions and discord that appeared to be springing up in our new state. I hope you will publish.
    I have all my life belonged to the Democratic Party. The principles held by that party are the true principles of the government, and must be maintained. This can only be done by the harmony and union of the party. I shall never abandon the party, or fail to give my most earnest support to the regular nominees of the party. I never have for a moment favored or in any way countenanced any movement calculated to divide or disturb the peace or harmony of the party, nor I never will. I could part with my wife and all my children as easy as I could do anything to weaken the Democratic Party, or disturb its organization, and I assure you that I shall do neither the one nor the other. My advice to all Democrats has been, and will be, to come together, act together and go together in support of principles that cannot be compromised, and bury all ill feeling, personal animosities and private grievances on the altar of the public good. This ought to be done, and I earnestly hope will be, and that the party may present an unbroken front and continue united and strong.
    I am anxious to be one of the first Senators, and I believe that I could be useful to the people of Oregon and also to the whole country. Knowing as I do that our Democratic friends in Congress and throughout the country desire and expect it, and also knowing well that my defeat would not advance the interests of the people of Oregon, I could not, would not, seek or desire a seat in the Senate at the expense of the party. I must be permitted, however, to say that I have not a particle of doubt about the feeling of the Democrats of Oregon in regard to myself. Nine out of every ten of them would if the question was presented to them go for me for the Senate, and the fears of many are that some unfair means is to be or will be resorted to for the purpose of defeating me. Now I desire to say that I have no fears of the kind who is the man that could be so base as to undertake to do that which his party almost to a man would regard as corrupt, dishonest, dishonorable and in violation of their wishes and interests in a matter so essential to them and to the peace, harmony and success of the party. No man of our party or set of men will undertake any such thing. I have no fears in regard to the matter, but this is a matter that I will not discuss. I want to be elected to the Senate, but as before stated not at the expense of the Democratic Party.
    You are aware that I look upon you as an able and faithful supporter of Democratic principles, an able defender of the principles of the party. As an editor you have done your duty. You are also aware of my confidence in your friendship. You said to me that Judge Deady would not be a candidate for the Senate, that you should support me. I know you meant what you said, and all letters to the contrary will not move me a peg. I am true to my friends; I have never deceived one, nor will my friends deceive me.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane



Hon. G. H. Williams
    Dear Sir
        I enclose you a copy of a letter addressed by Gen Lane to a voter in Oregon. I have reason to know that O'Meara has been addressed to the same import substantially.
Yours E. C. Hibben                                   
Washington April 4th 1858   
Dear Sir
    Your letter of the 1st ult has been received; from it and letters from other persons as also from the press, I learn that a queer state of things exists out there, I mean politically. I may not understand all about it, but one thing I do understand, that is: that no good can come of dissension and discord in the Democratic ranks. I have been a member of that party for many years, and never saw any attempt to divide and distract the party that did not result in injury to the organization. And though small at first, if allowed to grow the breach becomes wider and wider until the party is broken down. It is vain to talk of success with our strength broken by unnecessary and suicidal divisions and dissensions, and I must confess that I cannot understand by what process of reasoning anyone can be made to believe that the strength of the Democratic Party can be increased by a division in its ranks. Now I take it that some will agree with me in the conclusion that division would not strengthen the party but on the contrary would weaken it. If I am right in this conclusion, I submit whether it would not be wise to heal dissensions and discord in the party, and unite in support of the principles of the party. For they are the true principles of the government and must be maintained. But can we have success and maintain those principles so dear to every Democrat unless we unite and stand together? To do this the organization of the party must be maintained, conventions must be held, candidates placed in nomination; this done, and every Democrat should give them his hearty support. Such has been the usage of the party from the time of its organization, and in this way only can we expect to be successful, and if abuses exist in the Democratic ranks, if wrongs have been committed and injustice done to individuals, there is the place to correct them. The honest Democratic masses will always correct errors of their own and of the party, while they will take good care to preserve the organization of the party, defend its principles, and support its regular nominees.
    I know the Democracy of Oregon and know them to be as honest, as intelligent, as patriotic, and as devoted to the Constitution and the Union as any people in America, and I appeal to them to stand by the organization of the party. It is indispensable to success, indispensable to the peace, welfare and happiness of the country. I therefore beg of them to bury all ill feeling and personal animosities, and sacrifice all personal wrongs and prejudices on the altar of public good, and put an end at once to all dissensions among us. Present a united front and all will be well.
Respectfully
    Joseph Lane


"Copy" of the letter sent.
Washington, April 4, 1858
James O'Meara, Esq.
    Dear Sir,
        Your letter of the 1st ulto. has been recd. From it and other information recd. at the same time with your letter, I find that you have marked out a plan for yourself and those who think with you in regard to political matters in our new state. I am satisfied with your friendship, therefore may take the liberty of writing freely without any fear of offense. You are actuated by feelings of personal kindness as well as political considerations in the course you are taking in regard to the organization of the Democratic Party, with an honest and earnest desire to secure the election of such Democrats to the Legislature as will support me for the Senate. You can hardly know how kindly, deeply I appreciate your kind and generous feelings, wishes and efforts: but can any good come of a division of the party?  With two tickets in the field for Governor, member of Congress, &c., put in nomination by Democratic conventions, the party would of course become divided and defeat or perhaps defeat both tickets and place our new state in the hands of the opposition. Is this the view you take of the matter?
    It strikes me that union is indispensable to success and that everything ought to be done on all sides to conciliate, harmonize and strengthen the party, and if wrongs have been committed and injustice done to individuals of the party, there is the place to correct them. The honest Democratic masses will always correct errors of their own and of the party, while they will take good care to preserve the organization of the party, defend its principles and support the regular nominees. You are on the ground and ought to see and understand the true condition of things, and I have no doubt that you are pursuing such a course of policy as in your judgment is best. But I must be allowed to say that I am most decidedly opposed to a division of the party. I would therefore advise that steps be taken at once to settle all differences and meet together in support of the same great principles. They are eternal and cannot be compromised. Temporary dissensions and discord may beat us once, but our friends would soon rally and victory would again perch upon our banners. I look upon the organization and success of the Democratic Party as very essential to our state. We are about to organize a state government, and if we succeed in the election of sound, reliable Democrats to state offices, we will have success and prosperity. The party will become united and strong and all will be well, but on the contrary, should the opposition succeed in getting power, who can judge better than yourself of the consequences to the state and the Democratic Party.
[Joseph Lane]


Salem April 5, 1858   
Dear Hibben
    On my arrival here this morning I saw for the first time the General's letter published in the Times of the 27th March. I do not believe the General wrote it and if he did I think it was very bad policy to have published it. It is full of meaningless generalities and has been tortured into an approval of the Standard and is doing us much injury here. I regret that I did not know it while at Portland, but one thing is certain, the impression that the General has any sympathy with that party must be corrected at once. We shall of course receive such letters from him soon, but in the meantime we may lose much.
Yours truly
        L. F. Mosher

James Nesmith
James Nesmith

Salem Oregon April 6th 1858       
Dear Genl,
    Your friends and the Democrats generally were surprised and mortified on seeing in the Times a letter from you which the opposition construe into an endorsement of their bolting, and a repudiation of the action of the Central Democratic Committee. You will see by the proceedings of the Democratic State Convention that the action of the Committee is endorsed. Captain Cains in place of attending to his official duties is busy running about in Oregon swearing that you do endorse the bolters, and that you told him you never endorsed the Salem platform. A few such friends would damn any man. So far as the present editor of the Standard is concerned, he is an adventurer, with less character, principle or ability than his predecessor. Notwithstanding you had seen fit to characterize his disorganizing sheet as an "able journal," while old Cains swears that you endorse him, and shows a letter wherein you offered to furnish him with two thousand dollars.
    Every true Democrat here regrets that you should have written a letter and that Hibben should have published it, when its only effect could be to render your position equivocal. The letter of itself is a senseless mincing mess of trash, and I do not believe that you ever wrote it, nor shall I believe it until I see it in your handwriting.
Your Friend
        J. W. Nesmith



Yreka, California
8 April 1858.
Dear General
    Yours of 1st ult. is duly recd. & I thank you for the kindness you promise, of sending me the Report of the Secretary of the Interior; which I beg, however, that you will not trouble yourself about, unless it is perfectly convenient.
    I recd. a letter some month or two ago from Capt. Alden at Fishkill Landing, Highlands, N.Y., and he expresses approval of the justness & fairness of my claim.
    Under the act (17 July '54) full power & discretion rests in the Secretary of War to place a liberal construction on the act & pay it, or a part of it and, I think if the actual nature of the service was understood, its importance & the peculiar & expensive nature of such duty at that time, as well as the initiative I took with such alacrity in raising vols. in Cal., at that time under Capt. Alden's auspices--that Mr. Secretary Floyd, the Hon. Secy. at War, would order its payment without a moment's hesitation, especially if the matter was properly laid before him, & his attention called to it.
    Mr. Sey. Davis' reason for not ordering its payment was that "I was paid off as other officers of my rank," and this seems to me to be an unjust construction of the act itself, from the fact that I performed different, important & expensive duty from other officers of my rank.
    However I regret to be importuned on this matter of mere dollars & cents, especially as it looks mercenary & must let it "slide" unless you & Capt. Alden should personally call the attention of Gov. Floyd to it.
    It is useless to call the attention of the third auditor to it (to whom it seems the matter was referred).
    I regret that the administration in its recommendation of the army bill was defeated in the Senate, for I who have seen almost 20 years service in frontier wars am well aware of the necessity of well-disciplined troops, and an improvement of the morale & individuality of our army. There is a great necessity for that esprit du corps, as the French term it. 
    As for the Kansas Lecompton Constitution, I who am a Southern man sincerely hope the administration will be sustaining and in this state many a gallant spirit supports Mr. Buchanan & repudiates Broderick.
    I had hoped that if vols. were called for, that we out here might have a chance at the Mormons, especially as they are accessible to us on this side, and could be met, in a military point of view, to great advantage, as compared to the other side.
    I presume this or next Congress will pay off Oregon & Washington vols. of '55 & '56 as well as our own California war debt of some half million.
    And if a bounty land act, supplemental to the act of 3 March '55, were added to it, it would be just & promote the settlement of the vast domain out here, in Washington, Oregon, California & Utah.
I remain, dear General,
Your friend and obedient servant,
James P. Goodall
Hon.
    Jos. Lane
        House of Reps.


Washington City
April 18--1858
My Dear Mosher
    Enclosed I send you a copy of my reply to our friend Deady. He was very candid and so have I been candid. In another envelope I send you a copy of the letter from Deady that you may know all about the matter. You will of course treat the matter properly & kindly. I hope that hereafter there will be no misunderstanding between us. I want peace, but it must be upon honorable terms. It may be necessary for you to have these copies with you when the Legislature shall meet. Exercise your own good sense and if you need money before I can get home which may be about the first of August call on Floed and Simon and show this as my order for $500 or more if you need it. They will hand you five hundred on this you giving them recpt. for that amt., and by next mail I will write them on the subject. I am now very much pressed, worked all last night.
    The Committee on Military Affairs have agreed to a man in favor of my war bill except as to the price per day for service. We hope to get that put right.
    John is in good health, never better. Fayette has been sick again but will be able to go to school in a few days. Love to Winnie, Charly, my good wife and all.
Your father
        Lane



Washington City
        April 18th 1858
Hon. M. P. Deady,
        Dear Sir,
                Your letter of the 7th of February has been received and carefully read. And before I answer the preceding portions of your letter, I will say that I was very much pleased with the last paragraph. Your views in relation to the Kansas question are sound and sensible. I read that portion of the letter to the President and told him that was the language of the gentleman of whom I had spoken several times in connection with the judgeship of our new State. He was pleased with your sound national views of the question and said: "Your friend Deady understands Douglas like a book," and further that "The soundness of the judiciary was very important to the country."
    Now in regard to my letter to Mosher I will say that from the time of our conversation in Salem, I had not a doubt of your good faith in regard to the election of senators. You told me that you would not be a candidate for the Senate and that I might rely on it, that I might so inform my friends, and I did so inform my friends with much pleasure, and wrote to many of them, especially to my sons and family generally; and further said that the most friendly relations existed between us, and that I earnestly desired that nothing should occur to mar our friendly relations. Soon after my arrival here, I was informed by letters from several portions of the Territory that your name was being used as a candidate for the United States Senate, and that an effort had been made and was being made in the southern portion of the Territory and in the Willamette Valley to secure the election of members to the Legislature favorable to your election.
    I notified Mosher of these statements and if I recollect right, I said that I did not believe it could be so; for you had told me differently, and that you were an honorable man who would not deceive me. Now I wish it expressly understood that I am perfectly satisfied with your statement as made in Salem, and also in your present letter, and that I look upon you as a friend and supporter.
    But I must be allowed to say that one portion of your letter appears to me somewhat enigmatical and of problematical import. I will quote your words: "You must permit me to say what I and your best friend in the Territory know to be true, that among your correspondents in this Territory you have now, and always have had, a set of men who live outside of the Democratic organization here--men in whom the Democratic masses here have no confidence and never trust. Their prime object is, and has been, to produce internal discord in the local organization (which they call the clique) and thereby break it down and elevate themselves in its stead. One of their favorite plans in pursuance of this main design has been to represent myself as your rival for every position, which in the nature of things it was supposed you would aspire."
    If I apprehend the meaning of your words correctly, they contain a direct charge of grave import, both against myself and against some of my correspondents. As for myself I do not plead guilty to your charge, that I correspond with "a set of men who live outside of the Democratic organization here" . . . "men in whom the Democratic masses here have no confidence and never trust."
    Sir, if I prize anything highly and above price, it is the jewel of consistency as a Democrat. From Democratic principles, from the Democratic party organization, I have never swerved for a single moment and I am not likely to correspond with men whose "prime object is to produce internal discord . . . and thereby break it down." Such a charge against me, my dear sir, I know is not founded in truth, nor warranted by facts. Your words that my "best friends in the Territory know it to be true" to the contrary notwithstanding. So much with regard to myself! But the spirit of truth impels me also to repel your charge as regards my correspondents, who are good sound national Democrats, as loyal and true as Oregon or any other portion of our common country can boast of. They belong to the old guard of Democracy, who have never flinched one inch from the path of Democratic rectitude and honor. They may have erred in judgment for aught that I know; but that they were ever influenced by corrupt motives or were a Janus face I do most emphatically deny and repel!
    Now, my dear sir, it may be that you refer in your remarks to Mr. Applegate, if so, permit me to assure you that I have not received from him any communication since I received the one which I submitted to your perusal, excepting one on the steam mail service, in which not one syllable occurs having a political bearing and which I have purposely never answered.
    Let me furthermore assure you that in all my letters to Oregon I have uniformly urged and advocated the unity and integrity of the Democratic Party, stating that the continued ascendancy of the Democratic Party in Oregon was of more importance to the advancement of her best interests than my election to the United States Senate, and that I did not want an election at the expense of Democratic interests.
    Now, my dear sir, I hope you will receive this letter with the same good spirit as I received yours, and rest assured that I mean what I say when I reiterate what I have stated in the beginning of this communication that not doubting your good faith I earnestly desire that nothing should occur to mar our friendly relations. I have no doubt that you will willingly take back your charges against me and my correspondents and that henceforth we will be friends and colaborers, rivaling only in one thing, viz, who shall do most to enhance the glory of our common country and the welfare of our young State.
    I remain, dear sir, with great esteem
    Your friend and obedient servant
    [Joseph Lane]



Letter from Gen. Lane.
WASHINGTON CITY, April 19, 1858.
    A. BUSH, Esq.--Dear Sir: Nothing from you by the last mail. Kansas is still the subject of much feeling, all sides looking with the deepest interest to the action of the committee of conference. Action doubtful.
    The committee on military affairs hang on the price allowed by the Commission for services rendered; [they] hold that four dollars a day is too much. We don't think so, and we believe and hope that we will be able to satisfy the committee of the justice of this item; that done and all will be right. We have justice, truth and right by our side, and faithful efforts must be, will be, crowned with success.
    I hope that by this time all efforts that were being made to divide the party have been so rebuked that no similar effort will be made for years to come. You may bear in mind that I wish to be elected to the Senate, where I know I could do much for Oregon and our common country; but I don't want to go into the Senate at the expense of the peace, harmony, honor and integrity of the Democratic Party. I have not in a single instance in my life failed to support the nominees of the party, nor at any time failed to do all that I could to maintain and keep up the organization of the party, nor will I fail in either; I am opposed to all efforts to divide the party.
Your friend,
    JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 1, 1858, page 2



Winchester, O.T., April 19, 1858
Gen. Jos. Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        Our county convention is over, and the great excitement attending it is beginning somewhat to die away. We have succeeded in nominating one Senator and two Representatives who will be sure to support you for the United States Senate, and they have given a solemn pledge to that effect. The old Scottsburg politicians worked hard to nominate men who would oppose you in the Legislature, or in other words men of straw, whom they could bend and twist as they pleased. Myself and Captain Mosher have had to contend against all kinds of tricks of men who would profess to be for you to us, when in reality they were your worst enemies and were doing all they could to kill you off. This was their plea--"that the members of the Legislature should not commit themselves as to whom they would support for the Senate; and in fact that the people had no right to know of their Representatives whom they would support for U.S. Senator and that it was not democratic to ask them." Well knowing that if the Representatives would say they were opposed to you, the people would not elect them. Such democracy as that could not win. I contended that the people had the right of knowing who was the choice of the representatives and in fact the right to instruct them whom to support when it is presumed that they would not otherwise contend for the will of the Democratic Party. There has been all kind of chicanery used to defeat you in this county, and now that the prime movers are beat, they are as usual loud and lusty for you from the teeth out. You need have no fears. The people are wide awake and are consequently hard to trick. I will just defy any man who opposes you to get elected in this county on any ticket.
    The old Scottsburg set is nevertheless down on me and Mosher for not letting them deceive the people and thereby defeat you.
    If you are not here when the Legislature meets, your old friends will be on hand and see that things are kept right.
    You are more popular with the people now than you ever were before as the masses see the game of those opposed to you. Your old friend S. Fitzhugh has as usual been doing all he could for you, and is still hard at work to secure your election.   
    It is hardly possible to give you a history of all things, but I thought it would be well to give you a hint regarding these small matters which very important to you, perhaps will not be apt to be published.
Yours truly &c. &c.
    Wm. J. Martin


Oregon City, 19 April, 1858.
Gen. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        You will probably recollect that you were kind enough to assure me of your assistance in regard to obtaining land warrants for two Nez Perces, whom Craig brought to Portland last summer. I have received a letter from the Commissioner, stating that the claim was suspended, as their names do not appear on the rolls of Capt. P. F. Thompson's Co., and I find on examination at Salem that they do not, the reason being that as they enlisted near the Dalles, in the Indian country, and were only Indians, it was not deemed necessary to enroll them. I have, however, found their discharges, which I have sent to Mr. Whiting, and if you can sometime conveniently examine the papers, they are Nos. 283.705 & 283.706. I presume you can give such explanation as will be satisfactory. They both served & have been paid, and the obtaining of land warrants will have a good effect upon the friendly Indians, especially as they are entitled to them.
    Craig made application at the same time, and though he served for six months nearly in the most dangerous time, yet as he was only guide & interpreter, the Commissioner decides against him. And I suppose that you & I & all who know him have no doubt that his services as a soldier were more efficient than those of half or even nine-tenths of the regiment. I suppose, however,it will be useless to make any further effort in his behalf. 
    May I trouble you as to another matter?  Mr. J. T. Neeley of Washington, a pension agent, was employed by John Crawford of Champoeg, to obtain some warrants & writes him that he has them & wants ($60.00) sixty dollars. Mr. Crawford wishes me to arrange the matter through you, and I enclose a draft on my brother in N.Y. who will pay it immediately. Will you please to get the six warrants named in the enclosed & Neeley's receipt, and enclose them to me?
    The draft is for sixty-six dollars, because I desire to tax your kindness so much as to use the six dollars in subscribing for a copy of the Congressional Globe & appendix during the session to be sent to me, here.
    Now, General, if you will do all this for me, you will oblige the parties concerned and especially me, for which I shall be very grateful & will reciprocate in any way in my power.
    The Democracy in Oregon is becoming loose & shaky, though each faction appears to vie with the other in defending you: if anything, the softs seems to be most devoted to you. But as I am out of the ring, I am not thoroughly posted & as I feel at present, I shall not vote at all this year; if I do, it will be only for personal friends, on each side.
Truly yours,
    Amory Holbrook


Washington City
April 23--1858
J. H. Reed, Esqr.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of the 17th inst., enclosing copy of a voucher in favor of Martin Angel, was received last evening. I will this morning call on the 3rd Auditor and try to get a settlement of the claim, and will give strict attention to the matter.
    My bill (House Bill No. 1) providing for paying the expenses of the late Indian war in Oregon & Washington, including services, as allowed by the Commission, has not yet been fully agreed to by the Committee on Military Affairs. They have agreed to report in favor of all claims allowed by the Commission except for services rendered. They have been inclined to think that the price allowed for services (to wit four dollars per day) is too much. We know that the price allowed is not exorbitant, and shall insist upon that amount and hope soon to be able to satisfy the committee of the justice of the price allowed. This done and all will be well. I have not a particle of doubt of favorable action upon my bill at this Congress, if not at this session. The bill provides for paying the original parties respectively holding claims allowed by the Commission for expenses incurred or services rendered, or to their assignees, agents, or attorneys of them appointed. To this portion of the bill the Committee unanimously agree.
    Land warrants cannot be allowed to those who served in the late Indian war until they shall have been paid and a law passed granting bounty warrants.
    Oregon will be admitted without any serious opposition. In conclusion allow me to say that nothing will be left undone that is possible for man to do to procure favorable action on our war debt, and all other matters relating to the interests of the people of Oregon.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane


Kerbyville Josephine Co. O.T. Apr. 24/58   
Honorable Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir--wishing to obtain a record of the and each electoral vote cast for the different Presidents of this Union from Washington's administration up to the present with the number elected by the different political parties from each state &c and if you could without too much trouble obtain the same or put me on the track by which I might get it into my possession you would confer a favor not easily to be forgotten.
    There is considerable excitement amongst the politicians here owing to the split in the Democrat party. We had a few days since on a political tour from northern Oregon the Honorable Mr. Smith Grover & others of the nominees of the regular Democratic Territorial Convention & Col. Kelly & Omerz of the so styled Nationals to speak & describe their political technicalities &c. But we of Southern Oregon think it is a hatched up thing that somebody may spite somebody. Both parties claim Joseph Lane as their head so you see your chance is pretty good [in] the coming election.
Honorable General Joseph Lane
Orrin T. Root                       


Private & Confidential
At Home, April 26th, 1858.
Dear General,
    Your several favors have been duly received . . . be pleased to accept my thanks for your kind attention.
    I understand that it is the arrangement of Nesmith and others that Dr. Jos. W. Drew shall have the superintendency of Indian Affairs. You will not find my name among those recommending any such appointment. Indeed I write this as much as anything else to protest against such an appointment. It will not add at all to your popularity--the reverse if anything.
    He is one, if not at the head, of that gang of political adventurers and schemers who seek to possess all power and influence in the party to subserve their own plans and ends--who dare not openly oppose you, but who do not hesitate to do it if any opportunity offered that would ensure success. Let my mistake be a caution to you. You have the power and the influence--your name is the talisman of the party. Make no appointment that will have a tendency to strengthen those who love you not.
    I expect to take the stump in Clackamas for the good cause. We shall beat the "Nationals" and the Blacks if they do not "fuse." Our majority in the state will be the usual party majority.
    I don't think the "O'Meara" party will make a respectable front except in Yamhill, Multnomah and our county and possibly Benton.
    Ben Stark, Dennison or Berryman Jennings would do for the superintendency of Indian Affairs. Now Dennison is under the impression that both Bush and Nesmith favor his promotion to that position, because they signed the application or recommendation. He does not know that they afterwards wrote to you dissuading you from any such act as they had publicly recommended.
    Now it strikes me that that is a damnable way of doing business. It throws the whole burden of complaint against yourself. It ought not to be tolerated. And you would serve men right by holding them to their public acts and disregarding their private say so.
    Drew has not yet submitted his final papers to the commission. This procrastination will damn him politically and eternally.
    You know how you can strengthen yourself should fault be found in case you do not succeed in getting an appropriation this session.
    Delazon Smith's egotism may probably defeat him in obtaining the U.S. Senatorship. He is making desperate efforts. It will be the second senatorship between him and Williams--with the chances in his favor. It would be a great pity if the state should not be admitted in time to give the world assurance of extraordinary talent.
Yours always sincerely,
        Geo. L. Curry
P.S. Pownall never presented me his application for the registership or asked my signature.


Jacksonville Apl 27th, 1858   
Dear General
    I have been here now ten days and although very busily engaged at the trial term of the court, I have not failed to attend to your interests. There is a strong feeling here against Bush, but no enthusiasm for the National ticket. I have impressed upon your friends the necessity of supporting the regular ticket for Senator & Representatives, in order to increase your strength in the Democratic caucus. There is no danger in this county of not electing your friends, for everyone here is your friend, but if a county in the South so strongly for you as this were to go with the Nationals it might affect your standing with the regulars who are certain to be elected in Linn, Marion & Polk. I shall leave for home tomorrow.
    Give my love to Lafayette & John & all friends.
In haste
    Yours affectionately
        L. F. Mosher



Letter from Gen. Lane.
    We quote from the Statesman, of the 27th ult., the following note from Gen. Lane. It is in thorough confirmation of our construction of his meaning in the letter recently first published in the Times from the same source, and so disingenuously sought to be distorted to the aid and comfort of the disaffection. The language of that mission was to us and to all ordinary minds sufficient frank and explicit to leave no room for doubt, but when added to his history of more than a quarter of a century's devotion to the Democratic principles, Democratic measures and usages, and Democratic nominations, his position was apparent and clear beyond the shadow of suspicion. The "softs" have committed themselves to this appeal to Gen Lane, and he has, as was his duty as a true Democrat and a well-wisher of his country, condemned them. Let them now turn to that other and more potent tribunal, the people, and they will receive at the hands of the sterling masses of the Oregon Democracy the sentence of condemnation which shall destroy all desire for another appeal. Gen. Lane may, and he does regret, the existence of this seeming feud within our ranks, but he "cannot sympathize either with the movement which creates it or with the object of its authors," and if he has any counsels to give the movers of it, it is to "commend them to a course in the future more consonant with the harmony of the party whose principles they claim to advocate, and upon whose success so much depends the peace, prosperity and happiness of the country."
    But here is the letter, and nobly and well it speaks for itself:
Washington City, March 18, 1858.       
    Ed. Statesman.--I see, with much regret,  that division and discord exists in the ranks of the Democracy of Oregon, threatening in its character, and if persisted in, will result in defeat and overthrow. Fellow Democrats of Oregon, division in the Democratic Party will not do. Permit me, therefore, to address myself to you, and to ask, Shall the opposition carry the election on account of feuds and dissension in our own ranks? Shall Oregon come into the Union under the auspices of a sectional organization, or shall she come in to strengthen the friends of the Constitution and the Union, and cheer the heart of every patriot with renewed confidence that both Constitution and Union shall be perpetual. If ever there was a time for every Democrat to do his duty, his whole duty, it is now. All Democrats should bear in mind that the Democratic Party is the Union. I appeal to the Democracy to bury all private animosities, and sacrifice ill feelings and heart burnings on the altar of the public good, and unite as one man in support of the regular nominees.
    The people of Oregon have honored me with their friendship and confidence, and I hazard nothing in saying that I am as ardently devoted to their interests as any man has ever been to the interests of those who placed their confidence in him, and I would be very glad to be chosen one of the first Senators from our new state, but I shall never desire it at a sacrifice of the harmony, honor and integrity of the party. In the Senate I could be useful to Oregon and the country, but the harmony and integrity of the party is more important to both Oregon and the country, and must be maintained.
    It is vain to talk of success with our strength broken, our majority cut down by unnecessary and suicidal divisions and dissensions. Everybody cannot elect precisely the man he prefers--such a thing never was heard of at any election. Let everyone, then, make all reasonable concessions as to men, adhering to the old motto of our party, "measures, not men." To everyone who has a single Democratic drop of blood in his veins--everyone who feels one drop of patriotism in his breast--I would say, "The country expects every man in Oregon, regardless of self, to do his duty." I have said to all that Oregon would come in a Union-loving state, free from sectionalism, and would stand by the Constitution and the rights of all the states. Have I deceived myself and our friends? The Democracy will join me in exclaiming, No.
    Respectfully yours,
        JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, May 1, 1858, page 2



Office Supt. Ind. Affairs
Salem Oregon May 2nd 1858
Dear Genl.,
    By this mail I forward to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs my estimates for funds for the 3rd & 4th quarters for the present year, and it is important that the funds estimated for as well as that contained in my estimates for the 1st & 2nd quarters should be promptly remitted. If you and Gov. Stevens would call upon the Commissioner, examine the estimates and my communication on the subject, you could doubtless do much to hurry up the funds and relieve the embarrassment of the Office. By reference to the papers you will perceive that I have urged upon the Commissioner the necessity of sending funds for the erection of a flouring mill at the Siletz, and for the completion of the one commenced at the Grand Ronde. There are now good prospects of raising large crops of wheat at both places this season, and you know how worthless it will be to the government without mills to grind it. I had in my annual estimates included sums for those purposes but don't know what action has been taken on the subject by Congress. If the money has been appropriated have it forwarded at once, as it is now time that the mills were in process of erection. If Congress has failed to make the appropriations, try and have the Commissioner to authorize the building of the mills out of some other funds. I am waiting anxiously to hear from my deficiency estimates for the current year. If that appropriation is not made the Indian Department here had better be "dried up." I have also urged upon the Commissioner the necessity of sending the entire annuity funds for the coming fiscal year at once, as the expense and trouble of collecting the Indians, and making three or four issues, is not only expensive to the government, but causes great trouble and delays, besides when three or four issues are made it is in such trifling and dribbling sums that it does not amount to anything. The entire issue should be early in the fall, then the Indians will be provided with clothing for the winter.
    I have represented all these facts to the Commissioner, but judging from my former experience I am satisfied that your personal attention to the matter will be of great service to us. For God's sake, Genl., hurry up the funds. If they could only be induced to furnish them in advance and stop this damned credit system, how much cheaper and better it would be for the government! I have also to request that you and the Governor will attend to having the funds sent in small warrants, say from two to ten thousand dollars each, and on New York, as they can be cashed here more readily than on San Francisco. The last remittance was in drafts of such large denomination that I was compelled to go to San Francisco for the coin.
    The Indians in the neighborhood of Walla Walla have commenced to rob and murder, and have driven off some of the government stock. They don't appear to care much for the regulars, and will never have any idea of good manners until they are thoroughly drubbed. God grant that they may catch it soon. The few wild Indians about the mouth of Rogue River, whom Col. Buchanan reported as having captured and taken to the reservation, are also murdering and robbing the settlers in that neighborhood.
    We are now in the midst of an exciting election campaign, and as you probably know with three state tickets in the field, Democratic, Republican and National Soreheads. The two latter are trying to fuse and will doubtless accomplish it as their principles are the same, and consist only in opposition to the Democratic Party. But remember my prediction, Genl., the Democratic Party will triumph over both factions, by the triumphant election of the entire state ticket, and two thirds of both branches of the Legislature. Bush went south with the candidates and is now on his way back. I have been editing the Statesman during his absence. I regard your election to the Senate in July as a fixed fact.
Your friend J. W. Nesmith



Oregon City May 2nd, 1858.
Dear General,
    Finding myself at Oregon City, and the steamer being expected, I conclude to take advantage of the occasion to write to you. In reference to the last letter I received from you in which you say Delazon Smith had written to you, &c. &c., and said many things complimentary of myself, that he was my friend, etc., I have to say that judging from his action in the Territorial Convention wherein he done all he could to oppose my and prevent my nomination, I have come to the conclusion that he is hardly my friend. Indeed, I am satisfied he is nobody's friend in particular, but particularly a most cordial and steadfast friend of Delazon Smith. I have not yet come to the conclusion that he will be the man who will be selected to be with you in [the] Senate. That matter as yet is somewhat mixed. I stand better than either he or Williams in Polk, Yamhill, Clackamas and the northern counties generally, and I stand equally well in the South. But notwithstanding this, I am not going to beg the nomination.
    In Clackamas, we have nominated for the Legislature good and true Lane men--viz. Hedges, Jennings & Dolph Hannah--the Senator for the district we have conceded to Wasco. I am in hopes that candidate will be our mutual friend, R. R. Thompson. I don't want you to commit yourself in any way--and whatever men may write to you, bear in mind that unless it is by corruption and bribery, you cannot be defeated for the U.S. Senate as the first choice of the Democracy of Oregon.
    By the by, our mutual acquaintance Capt. John F. Miller is not so much your friend as he is that of Deady. Stick a pin there and bear  in mind what I tell you. By no means appoint either he or Drew to the Superintendency of Indian Affairs in case of Nesmith's resignation. Drew is no more popular in the South than when you were here. Not so much so. Friends may write you otherwise than I have written, both as to Drew and Miller, but remember that I have never deceived you.
    For the Superintendency of Indian Affairs, be sure to get the appointment for Ben Stark. For the Register of the Land Office here have Peter G. Stewart appointed by all means. This is a conclusion I have come to within a few days and it will be an appointment that will give general satisfaction and of which no one can complain.
    Peter G. Stewart is every way reliable and is the best appointment that could be made.
    Hibben may try to make you believe that Delazon Smith has the control of the whole Senate question--that he can make or unmake men. This you can never believe. He still has a winning way to make men dislike him. Delazon is a fast friend to Douglas. I am not, never can be. Bear in mind this is and should be a Buchanan Territory, and it will be such as a State. The Democratic Party will succeed by the usual majority.
Yours, always sincerely,
    Geo. L. Curry


Gen. Lane Repudiating the National-Wools, and Denouncing Them.
Albany, May 6th, 1858.       
    Mr. Bush--I take the liberty of transcribing and forwarding to you for publication in the Statesman the following extracts from a private letter from Mr. Lane, which I found here on my return from the South, to wit:
"Washington City, March 18th, 1858.       
    "Hon. Delazon Smith--Dear Sir: * * * With these terrible consequences before their eyes, will any considerable portion of our people set up opposition to the regular organization in our state? Such an effort is being made. Let it be met, and met boldly and effectually, and put down at once. Every good Democrat will join in rebuking such as may be engaged in so unholy a cause!
    "This day I wrote to Mr. Bush a short but strong letter on this subject for publication; and I am sure that you and all other good Democrats will endorse every word there written. I hope he will publish it without delay.
    "I am proud of Oregon. Her people are orderly, law-abiding, patriotic, Union-loving people. We stand high here, and deserve to stand high. Tomorrow morning the Committee on Military Affairs will take up my war bill. We have taken much pains in preparing for the meeting. We will go in strong, and I hope will be successful. Everything possible will be done. We have made friends and are much stronger than at the commencement of the session. But we may need the aid of a full representation before we get through. Let us have it as soon as possible.
    "Your friend and ob't. serv't.,
        "JOSEPH LANE."
    As the friend of Gen. Lane, I have everywhere done him the justice to say that if he were here he would rebuke and repudiate the "nationals" who are using his name without authority and for base and selfish purposes. Will King, Avery, Allen, Shuck, Lawson, McIteeny and other heart-enemies of Gen. Lane longer slander him by pretending that he approves and sympathizes with their efforts to disorganize the Democratic Party? O'Meara sought to deceive and is now seeking to betray the old hero. It is for the self-governing people to determine whether Oregon Democracy or California trickery is to triumph in the forthcoming election. Unless a majority of our people are blind to both principle and interest, they will administer such a rebuke to home treason and imported impudence, on the first Monday in June next, as will prevent the repetition of like efforts upon their credulity and good nature for many long years to come. The country is now being fairly warned. Who can doubt the correctness of Gen. Lane's position when he says, "Every good Democrat will join in rebuking such as may be engaged in so unholy a cause," as that of the "national" faction in their effort at disorganization?
    Truly yours,
        DELAZON SMITH.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, May 15, 1858, page 3



Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City, May 3rd, 1858.       
    Dear Sir--I received by the mail of the last steamer the proceedings of the Democratic State Convention, held at Salem the 16th March, 1885, as published by the Statesman and the Weekly Times.
    A document of so much importance, in which the concentrated wisdom of the Democracy of Oregon proclaim their principles and designate the men in whom they place their confidence to carry them into effect, received, as it deserved, a most careful and attentive perusal.
    If the enemies of the Democratic cause had based their hope of success upon a spirit of discontent and disloyalty, which they imagined was likely to pervade our ranks, they must feel sadly disappointed.
    The spirit of loyalty, harmony and good feeling which characterized in an eminent degree the Salem convention is most gratifying to me, as it must also be to the entire Democracy of our new state. The platform unanimously adopted will bear the most searching scrutiny, and even green-eyed jealousy cannot detect a flaw.
    My satisfaction with the doings of the late convention would, however, be incomplete if they had failed to designate trustworthy men as agents to carry out the principles and redeem the pledges set forth in the platform, men whose sterling integrity is universally acknowledged, whose private, social and political standing is beyond cavil, and whose capacity and prudence has been well tried and firmly established. Such men so well known to the Democracy of Oregon, standing on a platform of principles so just and true, nominated by a convention so harmonious in spirit and action, cannot fail to receive the hearty and whole-souled support of our good people, and of course will be triumphantly elected.
    Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
        JOSEPH LANE.
A. Bush, Esq.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 15, 1858, page 2



Jacksonville, May 9th, 1858
To Genl. Jos. Lane
    My Dear Genl.
The news has just reached here of the rejection of the Kansas Bill in the House. By the adoption of the Crittenden Amendment, every true Democrat here feels a just depression on the account of it; not only as it places the administration in an awkward position, but it prevents other business from engaging the attention in Congress. Still, I think the President  will yet turn out like Jackson and ride the storm triumphantly. So mote it be. Amen.
    We also see by the papers that the Committee on Territories has at last reported on the Oregon Constitution and by this time I doubt not will have acted upon it. Some men, enemies to Oregon and not friends of yours, would like to see it rejected, as also the defeat of the bill to defray the expenses of our war, but in both cases, I feel confident they will be disappointed.
    The Democrats of this county held their convention last Saturday and nominated their ticket, which on the main I think is very good, the convention instructed for you for Senator. The resolutions I drew myself. They are also some of them privately pledged to the Hon. D. Smith as the Senator north of the Calapooia Mountain.
    My opinion is there will be enough of good Democrats elected at this coming election to elect you and whoever they conclude to send with you upon the first ballot, but should the Nationals carry one or two counties and, with the Blacks, hold the balance of power in joint ballots, then their cupidity might be made to answer a good account and made to serve honest men. As the Bible says, "The wrath of man shall praise the Lord and the remainder of his wrath shall be restrained." Should there not be a majority on joint ballots of good old line friends of yours, would your presence not be of some service; you will have time enough as soon as you hear the returns of the election to come and be at the organization of the Legislature. I merely suggest this to your better understanding. You know what Shakespeare says, "The presence of the King is a host within itself." By the time this reaches you, Oregon will I hope be admitted as a State and your bill to pay the expenses of the war passed. As I have bored you with a long, foolish letter, I will conclude by subscribing myself, as ever, your friend,
J. K. Lamerick
   
I forgot to thank you for public docs., which if not too much trouble, please continue and I in return for your good service will send a long letter of nonsense.
Again yours,
    Lamerick


Jacksonville May 10th 1858
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        I write to you for the purpose of getting your influence in an undertaking. It is this-- there are here new regiments to be raised, as I am informed, and from what I can find out from the military laws that the officers of these new regiments are made by appointment from Lieutenant up. If this is the case, I would present myself before the department for the appointment of Capt. or First Lieutenant. I was engaged in the Oregon Mounted Volunteer Service during the War of /55 and /56 as Capt., Company (C) in 2nd Regiment, and as for my conduct while in office both as soldier and man I will leave to others who know me to speak for me. I will refer you to Judge Deady, L. F. Mosher and Asahel Bush. I am a thoroughgoing Democrat and have been from the time of my first embarkation into politics. Now Genl., if this thing is consistent and right, I beg of you as a friend to intercede for me and obtain, if possible, for me the one or the other of the offices mentioned. I need not mention the place you occupy in [the] hearts of every true Democrat in Oregon, as you have many friends and correspondents in our town. With the strictest regard for you both as gentleman and officer, I subscribe my name,
W. A. Wilkinson


Letter from Gen. Lane.
Washington City, May 18th, 1858.
    Dear Sir--As it is not certain that a letter by the next mail would reach you before the legislature of your new state will assemble for the purpose of electing United States Senators, I have concluded to write you briefly in reference to the matter. I am, as is well understood by the whole people of Oregon, a candidate for the office of Senator, and all will believe me sincere when I say that I would be much gratified to be elected. In the Senate I believe I could do much for the promotion of the interests of our people, and be useful to the country at large. Now if the legislature shall believe that the interests of the people would be successfully represented and advanced by my election, I shall ever feel most thankful, and will promise to labor as heretofore, constantly and faithfully, for the promotion of the interest of the whole people, and will use every means in my power to procure favorable action upon all matters touching their welfare. I must, however, be allowed to say that I do not wish a seat in the Senate at the expense of the peace and harmony of the Democratic Party. I look upon the maintenance of the organization of the party as essential to success, and the success of the party as indispensable to the happiness and prosperity of Oregon, as also of the whole country.
Very truly your obt. servt.
    Joseph Lane.
A. Bush, Esq.
----
    Dear Bush--The bill for the admission of Oregon has this moment passed the Senate, 35 to 17. All right in the House.
Your friend,
    Lane.
May 18, '58.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 29, 1858, page 2


Port Orford May 23rd 1858.
Dear Genl.
    I have delayed writing to you until after the action and doings of a pretended county convention in Curry County, styling itself Democratic. I wish now to expose some of the doings of certain men about us; from this statement, you can draw your own conclusions.
    In July last, "Tichenor" came from the reservation [illegible] to have authority from J. W. Nesmith 
[illegible] to collect the remnants of [illegible] and living in Southern Oregon. [illegible] a certain discretion in [illegible] The correspondence [illegible] published in Port [illegible] page 66 [illegible] acting under the letter of [illegible] dated August 11th, 1857, Tichenor hired a few men, taking pack animals and supplies, he repaired to "Chetco" and there located; no Indians were under his control except a few squaws in his camp. All roamed at large, going and returning as they pleased, until late in the fall. The Department, becoming impatient, sent a special messenger, Mr. Jas. Flanagan, to look after Tichenor. They had a conference; Tichenor, having no Indians in yet, sent to the commander at Fort Umpqua for troops to assist in getting them in. Flanagan returned to Umpqua, representing to Ind. Agt. Drew that the Indians would be speedily got in, Flanagan being the owner of a pack train, the arrangement was made between them, Tichenor recommending Drew to employ Flanagan and team to pack the Indians from Chetco to the reservation.
    Major Scott as asked by the 
[illegible] Loraine with 16 men while Drew dispatched Flanagan with his mules to get in and [illegible] the Indians. This now [illegible].
    Well, 146 Indians [illegible] at this time, and were removed to the Coast Reservation [illegible] March 1858 [illegible] the letter of instructions merely. One would not have supposed that the plan of Tichenor would have been addressed, but so it was, and at a cost to the Department of over $21,000$, being an average per head of $140 from Chetco to the Reservation, whilst those which were removed in 1856, from Rogue River via Port Orford to Portland by steamer cost but $10 per head for adults. Flanagan's bill alone is over eleven thousand dollars for packing only. Nor is this all of this iniquity. By an examination of the vouchers in the Ind. Dept., it will be seen that Flanagan put in 42 mules for 90-odd days, while I am assured by parties who were along with them that at no time was there over 34 mules in the service. And still darker things than these can be learned by investigation here and at the Department.
    That some men faithfully & honestly earned that which is charged to them is true, but a glance will show that great peculation and wrong has been perpetrated upon the Department by these managing parties.
    I propose now to show the connection of the whole business, with the elections about to take place in this part of Oregon. 
[illegible] in doing so I may reflect upon some parties in which you may not agree with me. I think that this man Tichenor has been and is now kept under some sort of license by a set of men for a purpose, and if it does not reach very near to the head of the Department, I am much deceived.
    We heard the solitary declaration in the fall of 1857 that Tichenor was determined to represent Curry County in the coming Legislature. No more was heard of him in that connection until the 13th Feby. 1858 when a call having been made for a Democratic precinct meeting at Port Orford to select delegates to attend a Democratic County Convention to elect one member to the Democratic State Convention at Salem 16th March 1858. Tichenor was at this time moving up the coast with the Indians, and the whole train of packers & men by him employed for that purpose were brought into this meeting of a single precinct and broke it up so far as by illegal votes by men of other counties, other precincts, & even of other states; he had a set of men elected to suit his own purposes, one of whom was an avowed Know Nothing.
The fraud was so glaring that instead of his name being placed as the Delegate a friend of his was and then transferred his authority to Tichenor, who went to the Convention. I was unexpectedly [omission] to him at Salem, 16th March, found him and Thos. D. Winchester working hand in hand. Drew I had little to say to. I learned from a friend that he (Drew) said that Dunbar was there in opposition to him because he was opposed to Genl. Lane.
    Tichenor began at Salem to abuse Genl. Lane in the most shameful manner, having delivered up the 146 Indians to the agent, and the 20-odd thousand dollars of accounts to the Super Int. Tichenor came to the agency at Umpqua and thence to Coos Bay, making the declaration that he had further orders from Agent Drew to go after the remnants of bands of Indians yet in Southern Oregon.
    He selects a train of such men as would suit his private purposes and before leaving Coos Bay calls a mass meeting of all the fag ends of parties who were always opposed to the Democratic Party and after slandering Genl. Lane, in the most vulgar manner, declared himself a candidate for the two counties to the Legislature, secured at that meeting a delegation favorable to himself to make a joint convention of both counties at Port Orford. Wm. H. Packwood, who represented Curry Co. in the constitutional convention, an honest man and a sound Democrat, came to Coos Bay at this time and announced himself a Democratic candidate for the Legislature, subject to a fair and sound Democratic  convention of the two counties. He openly repelled Tichenor's slanders of Genl. Lane. Tichenor continued his abuse, making an issue of that kind, being backed by the men in his employment, either real or under pretense by the Indian Department, and all enemies of yours and of the Democratic Party. At Port Orford the same crowd attempted, but could not carry a similar mass meeting. At R. River, in consequence of a promise to have the county seat removed from Port Orford to that place, he had the matter all his own way by a meeting at which everybody was allowed to participate. The course Tichenor pursued is by distorting Genl. Lane's public acts and by invading his private business. He has sought to make capital by perverting the history of the purchase and sale of the Island Mill, charges Lane with gouging those parties and then appointing them to office to get his pay as also that of my appointment, which was made for the same reasons.
    Tichenor's train went to Chetco, from where the Indians had driven about all of the white men, held a meeting & sent a delegate of his own making to the convention.
    On the 15th May, the joint convention met at Port Orford; from the credentials the following facts were shown:
"Coos County"
Empire City precinct:
   
Voters present 54    Whole number in precinct 80    No. of delegates 2
Coos River precinct:
   
Voters present 20    Whole number in precinct 20    No. of delegates 1
Randolph precinct:
   
Voters present 13    Whole number in precinct 23    No. of delegates 1
"Curry County"
Port Orford precinct:
   
Voters present 53    Whole number in precinct 53    No. of delegates 2
Somerville precinct:
   
Voters present 25    Whole number in precinct 25    No. of delegates 2
R. River precinct:
   
Voters present 47    Whole number in precinct 66    No. of delegates 4
Chetco precinct:
   
Voters present 6 or 8    Whole number in precinct 12    No. of delegates 1
On a motion to equalize the representation by striking off two delegates from R. River, 4 voted affirmative, 9 voted against.
    All the delegations from R. River voting to retain themselves. After the results, the delegates from Port Orford, Coos River & Chetco withdrew from the convention. Amongst those who remained, upon the nomination for Representative, two voted blank. Coquille precinct was not represented.
    Upon such a statement of facts, together with another fact, that in all this there was not made by Tichenor or his friends any attempt at anything like a Democratic organization or a Democratic voice, but they were choked down by the odds and ends of all factions who would go for Tichenor. Packwood at once repudiated the action of this meeting and announced himself "the Democratic" candidate, subject to the people and for Genl. Lane, and in support of the state ticket and platform of 16th March 1858.
    At R. River, Packwood made Tichenor declare his choice for U.S. Senator, which was "J. W. Drew." This is another evidence of the game being played by a certain set, from whom Tichenor has received his cud.
    Amongst this real "clique" I find our friend, T. D. Winchester, who upon my writing to him to get up a Democratic organization, excused himself, referring me to Flanagans, who are of Coos Co. and friends of Tichenor. These men, wherever you find them, condemn any of Lane's friends, for as they say, raising the question of Lane for U.S. Senator, while they give countenance to Tichenor and others who have all along made that an issue through abuse.
    From the foregoing, I draw these deductions: that there is an underground secret movement of the gang to try quietly to defeat Genl. Lane for the Senate and at the same time lull suspicion on the part of his friends by the open declaration that "It is a foregone conclusion that Genl. Lane is to be one of the Senators from the new state."  No sir, these men are playing a deep game. I saw it at Salem in March, and much more recently, in this quarter. To this end I understand the movements of the Indian Department at Umpqua in endorsing and keeping Tichenor in a service for which he has shown himself unfitted. What else can the billet given him by the Indian Department mean: he has overstepped all bounds in the recklessness of his conduct as an agent. I read the matter in this way: upon the visits of the messenger Flanagan to Chetco last winter, he found nothing done and a large bill run up by Tichenor against the Department. Tichenor corrupted Flanagan (easy done) by the plan of getting the contract to pack the Inds. up the coast instead of sending them by steam and gets such an order from Drew. Tichenor says to Flanagan, give me Coos Co. for the Legislature. I will have those large bills recognized by Drew. He can't refuse to sanction our claims, because to receive it, if elected, I will support J. W. Drew for U.S. Senator, who if elected will see that our bills are paid by the Department. Now to this end we must work or never expect these large claims to be paid while Lane is in Congress. Besides, by Drew's election, we will secure such places as we wish. This is their incentive to action now. All here understand this. I can't support Tichenor, though I shall give a party support to the state ticket and the administration of Mr. Buchanan, but such Democracy as Tich I can't go. Why, it is but a little while since he was cussing the "Salem Clique," and a few days ago he made a flaming speech against Mr. Buchanan, using all sorts of hard terms of him and his cabinet. Is such a course to pass for Democracy.
    I am exceedingly anxious that you should not be defeated by these schemers, and I yet feel confident of your success. If returned to the Senate, I shall bring to your notice the conduct officially & otherwise of T. D. Winchester, who is tampering for the Drew faction whilst receiving favors from us. I should prefer to have associated with me Wm. H. Packwood, who I find every way qualified and a sterling Democrat. I have trespassed upon your time and patience I fear already too far and will for the present stop.
Your friend and
    Obt. servt.
        R. W. Dunbar
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Jacksonville Oregon
May 28th 1858.
Genl. Joseph Lane:
    Dear Sir--I send to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by this mail authorizing you or me to collect the spoliation claim of Nicholas Klopfenstein, for the sum of 400 dollars. I learn the departments have finally decided to pay the 15,000 dollars pro rata to each claimant. Please call on Mr. Mix and get the draft and forward it to me by the first mail. I send the power of attorney to the Commissioner because possibly you may return to Oregon after the adjournment of Congress, and before this may reach Washington.
    Friend Bush recently visited this county, and in his speeches he advocated the payment of Capt. Walker's company and all necessary expenses. There is considerable feeling here against Bush, yet I believe the whole state ticket will be elected.
I remain your friend,
    B. F. Dowell


Washington City
        May 31st 1858.
Dear Genl:
    Your letter of the 6th ult. has this moment been recd., and I must in candor say that I was never more surprised in my life than upon the perusal of such a letter coming from such a source. The style, the matter and the manner of your letter as a whole are very peculiar and if I had not the strictest confidence in your friendship, honor and integrity, I would infer from its tone that you had been, for a time at least, anxiously waiting for an excuse or opportunity to "pitch into me," that your comments and criticisms upon my letter to the Times were a prelude to a system of operations to be carried out to my prejudice, and that that communication, notwithstanding the obvious purity of the motives which prompted it, was to be made the pretext or subterfuge for disparaging comment. Knowing, however, or believing you to be an honorable man, and a true friend, I at once discarded from my mind the impressions produced from its perusal, and, as an excuse for the severity of its comments, took it for granted that you had not very carefully read the letter to the Times which elicited your animadversions, and that, as you were sometimes in the habit of doing, you had "gone off half-cocked." You say that the letter is a "senseless unmeaning mess of trash." This wholesale denunciation of that production is enough to satisfy me that you had not read it with that care which you should have done before entering up so harsh a judgment, for it is certainly such an one as one good friend should not pronounce upon the production of another without assigning specific and particular reasons.
    You know, as well as you know anything in this world, that there is no man in the Union who has stood by Democratic principles, and the organization of our party, more faithfully than myself. In the course of a somewhat protracted public life, I have never, in a single instance, dodged a regular party nomination, or failed to give my earnest and cordial support to its nominees, nor have I in a single instance done anything to disturb the organization of the party or thwart its purposes, or to encourage, aid, assist or countenance any man who set himself up in opposition to its principles or its organization, and I am sure I never will. I am, sir, a Democrat, true as steel, from principle and conviction, and have therefore never flinched, and never shall, from the support of its principles. Looking upon the success of the Democratic Party as essential to the glory and honor as well as the preservation of the Union, no public position, no amount of wealth or earthly consideration, could induce me to swerve from or abandon its principles or to give aid, or comfort, to anyone who would, and hence it is that neither you, however much I may esteem you, nor any other man, can, with impunity, question my fidelity to those principles which have ever been the polar star of my political life.
    Now, in regard to my much abused letter to the Times I have a word to say. On receipt of the first Standard editorial by O'Meara (or the first that reached me) I found an article upon the Democratic Central Committee, which surprised me, and I also discovered an article in the Times defending the action of that committee, the spirit of which met with my approval. Apprehending that the course of the Standard might lead to trouble and the disruption of the party, I concluded that a letter from me might do good, and with this motive drew up the letter in the Times which has elicited your pointed criticism and severe animadversion. In writing it, I took much pains to enunciate correct general principles. It is mine--was written with the purest motives; and upon a reperusal in print I assure you I do not regret or feel ashamed of its views--your opinion that it "is a senseless and unmeaning mess of trash" to the contrary notwithstanding.
    As soon as I found that O'Meara had taken ground against the Democratic Party and its organization, I refrained from corresponding with him, and have not written him for several months, but have written many letters urging our people to stand by the Democratic Party, its organization, and its nominees, and in many of these communications have said that I would be much gratified to be chosen one of Oregon's first Senators. Whilst saying this, however, I have said that I would not have a seat in the Senate at the expense of a single principle of the party, or of its organization, that I could not in any way sympathize with disorganizers, or have anything to do with them. And if O'Meara has undertaken to use my letter to the Times as in any way justifying him in bolting, or has construed it as endorsing him as a bolter, or as endorsing his disorganizing sheet, he has made a great mistake, and done me great injustice. It was not my intention to endorse him as a bolter, nor his paper as a bolting paper, nor can any sensible man give such construction to the letter. I say that no honest sensible man can find one word in the letter that can be construed as in any way endorsing bolters or disorganizers. I have no respect for any man's sense or understanding who can so construe it.
    With these facts, explanations and reviews, I trust you will be satisfied with the motives which prompted my letter to the Times and if not it will not be my fault.
    As for me, I will not shrink or move one inch to the right or left from the path of duty for the sake of any office on the face of the earth. I have, as a public servant, attempted faithfully and honestly to do my duty, my whole duty, to my constituents and to my country; and upon this and my devotion to Democratic principles and to my whole country, I shall stand or fall, "sink or swim, survive or perish."
I am, sir, with much respect
    Your friend and obt servant
        Joseph Lane
Genl. J. W. Nesmith
    Salem
        Oregon



St. Louis Mo.   June 1st 1858
Dear General
    I arrived in this city this morning & learn with regret the death of Paymaster B. Walker, which creates a vacancy in the Pay Department. Now, my dear sir: if you can procure me that appointment, I shall be rewarded for the long & tedious journey that I am about to undertake and shall ever feel grateful for your action in this matter. You may recollect I spoke to you on the subject before my departure from Washington.
Respectfully, sir,
    Your obt. servt.
       A. J. Smith
            Capt. 1 Drags.
Hon. Joseph Lane M.C.
   Washington
        D.C.



Washington City
June 2 1858
Dear Mosher,
    Your letter of the 6th of April from Salem has been recd. I herewith enclose a copy of my letter to Nesmith. Read it; it is an answer to yours of the same date, or the only answer that I think it necessary to make. I must, however, be allowed to say that I thought you were too good a soldier to be frightened at trifles. The letter to the Times is mine, written with care and for a proper purpose, and if it did not answer the purpose intended, it was not my fault.
    I wish very much to be one of Oregon's first Senators, but would not do one single dishonest, dishonorable or improper thing for the sake of a seat in the Senate. I am a Democrat, and in all matters as true as steel and would not submit to an insult or indignity for the sake of a seat in the Senate.
Your father,
    Lane


Washington City, June 3, 1858.
    A Bush, Esq.--Dear Sir:--The Senate rescinding resolution, fixing Monday 14th for adjourning, has just been amended in the House by inserting Tuesday, 10th; on that day Congress will adjourn. The Senate Committee on Military Affairs will report favorably upon our war debt. Col. Jeff. Davis is decidedly for us, and within the last fifteen minutes Col. Faulkner, of the House Committee, informed us that the House Committee would report favorably upon my war bill, fixing first week in next December for its consideration.
    Oregon will be admitted; the state government should go into operation as provided by the constitution, and never take a step back.
Your obt. servt.,
    Joseph Lane.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, July 20, 1858, page 2


Jacksonville O.T. June 8th 1858       
Dear Sir;
    Your favors of the 19th & 25th April are before me; with the latter I recd. the letter addressed to you by Mr. Myers of Eureka, Ill., in relation to his son; I have learned that young Myers resides in Josephine Co. and shall forward his father's letter to Kerbyville. Yesterday our general election came off and in this county we had not only the "National" state ticket to contend with, but what was called an "independent Democratic" county ticket. Our poll books have not all come in, but enough is known to render it probable that Barnum has beaten Whiteaker, O'Meara, Bush and two of the independents for Representatives, over the regular nominees. The prejudice against Bush was very strong in this county; the old line Whigs siding with the "Nationals." Dr. McCully of this place is one of the successful representatives to the Legislature; he is an old line Whig, but is understood to be in favor of yourself for one of our U.S. Senators.
    Genl. Barnum and Judge Williams addressed the people at this place last Saturday; the Genl. remained here until today and naturally feels much elated with his sweep in this county. Mr. John B. Wrisley has learned through Mr. J. Wagoner that there were strong hopes that his claim for supplies furnished the volunteers during the Indian War of 1853 would be allowed, but lest there may be some difficulty in the matter, Mr. W. concluded to procure some additional evidence in relation to his claim. At his request I now forward the testimony of several individuals, among others, of L. F. Mosher, Gen. John F. Miller &c. Should you deem it necessary to do so, please place the documents in the proper bureau or department.
    These claims would have been presented long before they were, but Wrisley depended on C. S. Drew to attend to the matter and they were neglected. It is hard on Wrisley to lay out of his money so long; he cheerfully furnished the supplies for the use of the volunteers, as you are aware, and ought in all honesty & fairness be fully remunerated. Mr. Wrisley has the utmost confidence that you will render him any aid in your power in relation to the claims.
With great respect
    Your obdt. Servt.
        Wm. Hoffman


Jacksonville June 10th 1858
To Genl. Jos. Lane
    My Dear Sir our election is over and the full returns of this county have just been made out by Wm. Hoffman. The Democratic state & county ticket have run ahead with but one or two exceptions. Grover leads Kelly 385 majority, Bush is behind O'Meara 185 in this county, we also elect three out of the four members to the state Legislature, H. H. Brown being defeated by Doctr. McCully, who ran as an independent Democrat. McCully is pledged and the others are instructed to go for you for the U.S. Senate. Josephine County has given a large majority to the regular Democratic ticket, Bush beating O'Meara some over 200 votes, the balance of the state ticket running even ahead of Bush, the Nationals had made calculations to go north through [the] Canyon with five hundred majority but how will they be disappointed when they hear the news. My own opinion is Bush will pass north over the Calapooia Mountain with over three hundred majority over O'Meara, and the rest of the state ticket still larger majorities.
    The defeat of Biggs for county judge may be attributed to himself more than to politics.
    You will see by the papers that the Indian war north has commenced again and I fear will not soon end. For particulars see Oregon papers.
    I am also apprehensive that there will be trouble with our Indians out on the Klamath Lake country. A part of surveyors are now in that country under a Mr. Thompson. Some of them came in to town last week who said the Indians were very troublesome. A military post and agency should be established out there as soon as possible which would prevent collisions between the whites & Indians and encourage emigration coming in at the head of R. River Valley.
    The citizens of this part of Oregon are under many obligations to you for many favors of pub. doc., amongst them is your humble servant. The speeches on the Lecompton constitution and more especially your own have been favorable & well received by the whole community.
    Hoping soon to hail you as a Senator from the new State of Oregon, I am as ever
Your Friend
    J. K. Lamerick
We have rec'd. the news last Saturday of the admission of the Lecompton constitution which caused the hearts of many to rejoice I can assure you
Yours
    J. K. Lamerick
To Gen. Jos. Lane
Washington City D.C.



Baltimore, 18/6 1858
Hon. Jos. Lane
    M.C.
        Dear Sir
            At the last interview with you, you have been so kind as to offer me some letters of introduction to some of the officers & your friends in Oregon. The time for the starting of our pioneer party is fast approaching (beginning of August next), and as you might not be in Washington at that time, I would request you to send your letters whenever it is convenient to you, to the address of the undersigned.
    As far as I can ascertain, there will be a good many families ready to emigrate next spring--all good & old citizens mostly of this state, with a sprinkling of our mountaineers, too. I know many of the latter are ready to exchange the Alleghenies for the Oregon mountains, and in a few weeks I shall see myself how many will join our party next spring.
    We all hope you will succeed in taking your brother & family & other parties from Indiana along next spring, so that you have no cause to change the intended overland route, which incident would sadly disappoint our party here and deprive it of your excellent command.
    I shall take the liberty of informing you of our arrival & success in Oregon, and during the winter session of Congress, someone of the emigrant party from here will be in communication with you--and whenever you should think proper to send a communication, please address to my name.
    With a grateful remembrance of your kind offices towards me & others, I shall ever remain
Yours, sincerely & obedient
    H. Hermann
        104 W. Fayette Str.


Jacksonville O.T.
    July the 1st 1858
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir--you will excuse me for addressing and asking a favor of you.
    I have some claims against government for horses lost in the war with Mexico, and you will do me a great favor by examining at the proper offices and see what disposition was made of them. They were sent up to Washington City in the fall of 1848 and I never have had any returns from them.
    I was a member of Capt. McWilliams' Company (D), 2nd Regiment Missouri Mounted Volunteers and afterwards a member of Capt. Armstrong's Company (C), Santa Fe Battalion Mounted Riflemen, and lost horses while in both companies. Any information you can get and communicate to me will be very thankfully received by your friend and humble servant.
Yours most obt.
    T. S. Harris


Treasury Department
    Second Auditor's Office
        13 July 1858
Sir,
    You will receive from the Treasr. U.S. the sum of $79.10/100 in payment of the pro rata of your claim of $277.80/100 against the Rogue River Indians. When the remittance reaches your hands, please advise this office.
Very respectfully,
    Your obt. servt.
        W. Mechlin
            Acting 2nd Auditor
Mr. Nicholas Klopfenstein
    Care of Hon. Jos. Lane
        City of Washington


Coxsackie, Greene Co.
    New York--July 15, 1858
General Lane
    Dear Sir
        Through the ordinary newspaper channel I learn that there was an appropriation made by the last Congress to defray the expense of the late Indian War or that part of said expense incurred by the Territory of Oregon and Washington. My friend, Capt. Jas. O. Van Bergen having left a considerable portion of his scrip with me, I am anxious to learn the particulars with regard to the matter. Will it be convenient for you to give me a brief statement covering the important points in the case. I see by the public prints that there are important movements under consideration, in which you are to take a prominent part, and it is possible your time will not admit of your replying to this note. A few words will suffice and if you can give the requisite time you will gratify me and add another to the already outstanding obligations.
Very respectfully
    Yours
        Roswell Reed


Eugene City, Ogn, July 18
Dear Sir:
    I trust that you will excuse the liberty I take in addressing you, though not having the honor of your acquaintance.
    I purpose writing a "History of the Indian Wars on the Pacific Coast," which will include a complete history of the Rogue River and Cayuse Wars, and aware of the distinguished part you took in the former, I believe it my duty to address you in regard to the work, and hope that you will afford me materials in the shape of documents and any information respecting thereto that you may deem fit.
    Such a work, I have reason to believe, would be received favorably both here and in the Atlantic States (where it would be published), depicting, as it would, some of the most noble achievements ever performed by man.
    I am the translator of a work form the French (Ryan's de Marles' Life of Mary, Queen of Scots), which is published by Donahoe of Boston, and flatter myself that I am competent for the preparation of the work.
    The book will be dedicated to yourself, if you will grant me permission so to do.
Very respty. yrs.
    M. J. Ryan
Gen. Jos. Lane
    Winchester, Ogn.


Near Eugene City, Oregon
    July 19th 1858.
Dear General
    I have not been in the habit of boring you with my effusions but feel disposed to drop you a few hints at this particular time. You are doubtless well posted in the politics of Oregon. You cannot fail of discovering that a great change has taken place in the oppressed feelings of many of the leading Democrats of our State or Territory within the last few months.
    A strong opposition to yourself had been manifested by some of the present appointees here; but you will discover you are sustained by the people as was manifested in the organization of the House of Representatives in July last. This feeling has been carried so far as for some of your warmest friends to propose the establishment of a "Lane organ" at Eugene City which I do not approve, as I have always opposed those "man parties." There is a prospect for our friends to buy out the little paper that is published at our place and make it a Democratic organ, which I approve and will support believing that it might do much good for the Democratic cause if properly conducted.
    The failure of our admission is regretted by many--nearly all. Some few are pleased thinking there will be another chance to "make Oregon a Slave State." I am a warm supporter of the institutions of Slavery but do not think the failure of the bill for our admission will or would add anything to the prospects of the adoption of the institution in Oregon.
    There is much speculation here regarding Curry's appointment to the registership in the land office at Oregon City (he declines) as we see no successor appointed, has he resigned? Is he removed? Or could he hold both the office of Governor and register? In the event of our failure in the House--the bill for our admission is Curry to continue & if Curry has resigned or is removed is Ben F. Harding to be acting Govr.? Or who is to succeed him? Many Democrats think the Gov. elect (Whiteaker) has had a sufficient endorsement to entitle him to the place. What do you think Gen.?
    Thank God I never asked for an office in my life without its first having been tendered me. I have a little farm upon which I make a very comfortable support and it keeps me above the necessity of begging for office.
    I shall close by asking you to respond to this note when you can find leisure, and rest assured that your real friends are as warm in your support as at any time heretofore. Meantime believe me your personal and political friend and
Obedient Servant
    John Whiteaker
Hon. Joseph Lane


Port Orford, July 27th 1858.   
Dear Genl.
    I have not the pleasure of a letter from you for many months, and I suppose that your hands have been full of the business of this Territory, and laboring hard under the many disadvantageous circumstances with which you have had to contend.
    You have seen the result of the election here, and the action of the Legislature in the selection of U.S. Senators; it is gratifying to see this result after the efforts of many to bring about a different state of things.
    I wrote you some time since, the course of persons in this corner of the Territory--where a strong effort was made by parties, led on by Capt. Tichenor (who was elected to the Legislature) to disparage yourself, publicly & privately in the public estimation, and an attempt made to get up such a prejudice as to defeat you for U.S. Senator, this to it succeeded in Tichenor's election could not be carried through by the Drew faction; the manner of Tichenor's abuse of you and myself was such as to preclude the possibility of my voting for him; I voted the entire state ticket--and for all running here known to be Democrats (the question of Nationals, or Softs, was not known or at least no ticket offered nor any of their candidates voted for) it is the first time in my life that I could not support a nominee for the Legislature; I had however sufficient reasons, as I conceive; even outside of the personal abuse heaped upon me, for in fact Tichenor predicated his claims before the people, upon a perversion of all your public and private acts known to him; as well as my own. In the first place, the meetings gotten up by him were so disgusting as drunken brawls, and controlled by such men that old and true Democrats would not participate in them; being for the most part a set of all sorts and stripes--Knownothings &c., men who have tried ever since I have been in Oregon to break down the Democratic Party, and now by Tichenor's ranting and promises to crush Jo Lane: these men advanced Tich's interest in the hope of giving Lane a stab--some of them in Coos Co. voting the Black ticket, after assisting old Tich to get the nomination. But this is not all from Tich--for a man who says so much is sure if watched to trap himself.
    In a public meeting prior to his nomination and while replying to a competitor, Mr. Packwood, speaking in reference to yourself Tichenor said that James Buchanan was an old granny; and holding in his hand a newspaper containing the flaming account of the defeat of the Lecompton constitution in Congress, declared boldly that that measure was a swindle; that he rejoiced that the President was defeated; said that he was a usurper and tyrant; that the day of such tyrants and usurpers was numbered, that all such as Buchanan & Lane ought to die and give place to younger and better men! Such speeches passed with those who listened to them, but the old Democrats looked first with astonishment at each other then said if that is Democracy it is not such Democracy as they had learned.
    For myself I weighed the matter carefully and came to this conclusion: that Mr.  Buchanan, selected by the assembled Democracy from every part of the Union, in convention at Cincinnati, standing on and having subscribed the platform, made & sanctioned by that convention, is the leader, head & standard bearer of, and is a Democrat; and that the truest test of a Democrat is the support of his measures and his administration; and he that don't do it is no Democrat, but a disorganizer! Believing thus I and many good Democrats refused to vote for Tichenor; nay sir, though he were nominated by a fair Democratic convention, making such declarations I could not support him! I have been thus particular because on Tichenor's return from Salem; he loudly asserts that he has the recommendation of the whole Legislature for the place occupied by R. B. Metcalfe, that he has a similar recommendation to have me removed and the known renegade Whig-Black Republican and abolitionist A. E. Rogers, of Coos Co., put in my place, charging me as a "bolter." All I ask is a chance to prove what I assert of Tichenor, and if I am then branded as a bolter, so be it. I am content, I shall be a Democrat--but not of Tichenor's stamp--from Tichenor's boasting I had hoped that he would cause me to be published as a bolter, but he would not risk that; I wished for a chance to vindicate myself on the premises alluded to.
    An old friend of yours at Coos Bay, Dr. Foley--requested me to ask if you received a letter from Mr. Gibbs--asking the place of post office at Empire City--he thinks that his request was never conveyed to you, because he was known to be a warm friend of yours.
Very Respectfully
    Your Obt. Servt.
        R. W. Dunbar
Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Washington City


Private and Confidential.
At Home, August 1st, 1858
Dear General,
    I received your favor of the 19th ult., a few days since. As to the office of Register of the Land Office, as you will already have learned through our Territorial papers, I made up my mind to decline accepting it before receiving your letter or being aware that the state had not been admitted. I am much obliged to you, nevertheless, for your kindness and friendly consideration. If it be agreeable to yourself and "the powers that be" at Washington that I should continue to administer the duties of the executive of the Territory until the State of Oregon shall be admitted, or the period for which I was appointed shall have transpired, I should like it very much, on the score of pecuniary consideration more than anything else.
    Does the act of the President appointing me Register remove me from the office of Governor?  Will you be kind enough to ascertain definitely and surely as to this, and have me reinstated if it should be so. You will much oblige me by attending to this at once. It may save save some mortification and trouble, which delay would only augment.     Whether I be retained as Governor or not, I must be permitted to decline accepting the office of Register.
    Well, General, as I have always assured you would be the case, you have been elected to the United States Senate. Accept my congratulations thereupon.
    I should have stood a better chance to have been with you in that exalted position, but for your family influence, which, excepting Shelby, who is a noble gentleman, was entirely against me and for Smith. As it was, I could have come within six or eight votes of getting the caucus nomination--leading Williams anyhow two to one. I have no complaints to make, however. If the party be satisfied, I certainly ought to be. Whatever influence Hibben had, if any, and I am inclined to think he had none, was exerted for Smith. There were some features of this senatorial contest, or rather election for it proved no contest, which I do not comprehend. Can you? Smith was the first choice of those who were against and most hostile to you. If there had not been a firm and reliable Northern delegation in that Legislature, the complexion of the result so far as your name is concerned might not have been so complimentary and gratifying. I suppose others of your friends will have given you the details. A word only upon that point.
    Your friends desired that you should be first nominated--singly and alone--as the first choice of the party. The Linn County delegation desired the nominations made jointly--that is Smith and yourself. Prior to the caucus, we fought them on this and won and they yielded, but a few hours before going into caucus, Mr. Mosher, who was on the ground, and said he was your representative, agreed to the joint nomination.
    Except that the excitement about the northern mines is somewhat subsiding on account of their difficulty of access to them and the exaggeration as to their richness, I have no items of news to communicate.
Yours always sincerely,
    Geo. L. Curry



Corvallis O.T.
    Aug. 2nd 1858.
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        The unanimous opinion of the good Democratic voters of Oregon concentrated and expressed in our late special session of the Legislature "for the purpose of electing two U.S. Senators"--done my friend Genl. Joseph Lane the distinguished honor of electing him Oregon's first United States Senator.
    I would have according to promise forwarded you a dispatch instanter--but for the general hope and belief that you would have been here in a few days after the decision. However, all things considered, with the flattering result--all's well--
    With the modus operandi of producing that result, your friends have and doubtless will, and particularly Nat will, this day inform you clearly.
    Enough for me. My early, ardent hopes and action have been crowned with success by that result--and its associations with the present--and its relations and bearings on the future of Oregon and the Union--the glorious introduction of Oregon as a Pacific Democratic State into that already brilliant galaxy that illuminates the world--all this, I beg you, will admit is sufficient to render your humble servant as happy morally and politically for the remainder of his days as the most favored are ever permitted. "That my joy may be complete" your approval and congratulations are necessary. I will then beg leave to withdraw in toto from politics--and concentrate my attentions on--and communicate my joy to the very amiable & accomplished Madame Sheil (this is to be).
    I wrote two letters not answered previous to this, but I know the extent of your duties towards the close of the late session of Congress--the interim will however give you an opportunity to perform that agreeable duty that you so kindly spoke of in your last of a few months past.
    Govr. Curry declines the Registership at Oregon City. If the choice were at my option I would prefer the Receivership by all means.
    I am for the present in Corvallis, where I intend to remain--at all events until I hear from you.
    Utah, with all its late concomitants, have vamoosed as far as we are concerned, and I sincerely rejoice that it is so. Kansas, ditto. The late British aggression (my last hope), ditto. And peace--harmony and prosperity prevails.
    Oregon not admitted, nor its war debt paid. I am satisfied that when the facts are fully known it could not be otherwise--all has been done that under the circumstances could be done by one man.
    I have recd. from you very important speeches during the session--particularly your own and Govr. Stephens of W.T.--for which I thank you.
Truly yours
    Edward Sheil
        (not Shiel)
This letter was placed with the August 1859 letters on the microfilm.



Corvallis August 3rd 1858
Dear Father
    I will set out by saying Isaac N. Smith of this place desires the appointment of Register at Oregon City. He has the recommendation of Senator Smith and I think Rep. Grover, and a few other Democrats. Mr. Smith is a sound and consistent Democrat, and is poor.  The appointment would be a godsend to him. Yesterday eve your old friend Dr. Sheil requested me to say to you that in the event of a vacancy in the Receivership at Oregon City, he stood ready to take the appointment and take upon himself the task to fill that place should the place be tendered him. So you see if those gentlemen get the appointments, they will qualify and serve.
    I should have written you immediately after the Senators were elected, had I not supposed you would come home this summer.
    Of course you know you and Delazon Smith are the favored ones, notwithstanding Ben Harding, Old Tichenor and all the Salem influence were brought to bear against you. I was in hope you would come home and see how things look. You can see by the Statesman there is a deep-seated hatred to you by the wireworking would-be great men about Salem and who spread or try to spread their poison throughout the land. I have come to but one conclusion, that is this: They intend to put you down. Now it resolves itself into this: You or the Salem central power have to sink. Which is it to be. You can crush them, but to do it you must spend as much of your time as is possible in Oregon. You gave them a good cudgel to use against you by writing so positive about our admission. They are using that now, saying you didn't want Oregon admitted until you knew whether you was elected to the United States Senate or not. Say you wrote that and about our war debt for Buncombe.
    Below I give you some extracts of a letter from Bush to me. I give them verbatim et literatim.
    "The old man," as you irreverently call him, offered a resolution this session to pay me that $6,000 statute and printing bill, and had it referred to the Committee on Territories, and up to the last dates it remained there. It was too late then to do anything with it. I can't believe, Nat, that he would have any trouble in getting it through, if he desired to. I really believe if it had been for O'Meara, he would have got it through this session. Perhaps I do the General injustice, but I think not. I would be sorry to do so. But, with the facts and knowledge of the matter I have, I should do violence to ordinary sense to believe that I have had fair play in this matter. However, I complain to you and if the old man comes back, I'll have a talk with him, on your account if not on his. I have not the slightest disposition to injure him.
    I'll try now to get the claim through Delazon and Grover, and if I can be convinced that the old man has not played off on me, I shall be most glad to be.
    Nes says he got a copy of that letter the old man sent you and will reply to it the next steamer if he don't come on it. He wants you to send yours down, as he wishes to reply to the copy and the original at once.
    I got a letter from him, too, of the same kind. I shall reply next mail if he does not come back on this steamer.
    Bush wrote the above in Nesmith's office. It was read in presence  of a dozen persons and quite a hearty laugh had over it. Before mailing it, Nesmith had been telling what he had written to you which drew out your letter. I heard it frequently before you sent your reply. Consequently, I told Bruce Kinney and others of your reply. That is what Bush alludes to when he says, "I'll have a talk with him on your account." They think they are licensed to write abusive letters to you and read them to everybody they meet, and tell the balance about them, and you must submit like a whipped spaniel. My fault lies in showing your reply to some of your friends, the same that they had boasted to, of the letters they had written to you. I wish to let these ungrateful dogs know that there isn't a Lane of pure blood that will ever bow the knee to them.
    You must shape your course so as to sail clear, knowing you will have this Salem pack of hounds yelping at your heels. I hope to see them sink so d----d low using D.S. language "that it will require the arm of Omnipotence to elevate them sufficiently to challenge the contempt of a decent man."
    Family all well.
Your obt. son
    Nat. H. Lane


Corvallis August 4th 1858
Dear Father
    Since writing yesterday, Mr. Avery handed me thirty-eight dollars, which amt. he wants you to pay to John Y. Bryant in Washington City. I hope you will attend to it and send his recpt. to me. I will pay the money to who you order. I thought I would say to you in regard to the lists for the Washington Union that Capt. Smith sends you, that he don't pay me for them, and I presume don't intend to pay anyone for them. I have refused to send the lists from the fact that I thought he was getting some cheap buncombe for himself in Linn County.
    You will see by the Statesman of Aug. 3rd a letter over the signature "Metropolis." That letter, purporting to have been written at Washington June 17th. I am informed was written by Bush & Deady at Salem while Deady was attending Supreme Court. Grover says they wrote it, and I presume he knows. Grover will go on in September. He is anxious to see you before the breach between you and the Salem oligarchy gets too wide to be closed up. He thinks you had better purchase half of the Statesman office, as Bush is controlled entirely by pocket interest and selfish motives. Think of that, and act as you see proper. I don't know whether it would pay to buy his good will or not. So far as I individually am concerned, I wouldn't give a snap of my finger for the good will of the whole posse of them. I would be afraid they would sell me out to someone who would bid higher for them.
Your obt. son
        Nat. H. Lane


Eugene City Aug. 6, 1858
Gen. Jos. Lane
    Dear Sir--It has been deemed necessary by certain parties here to accuse me of having written letters to prevent the payment of our war claim. The authority given when pressed to the wall was Gov. Curry, who it was stated was in possession of the letter or copies. Knowing there must be some mistake or something worse, I wrote to Gov. Curry on the subject. He says under date of June 17, 1858, "When in Washington during the summer of 1856, I was informed by Gen. Lane, our Delegate in Congress, that Mr. Edie, a member of Congress from Pennsylvania, I believe, was in possession of information directly or indirectly from you which was calculated very much to prejudice the interests of the Territory in regard to the Indian War of 1855 & 56."
    As I have publicly denied writing any such letters & as you are now referred to as authority, I feel justified in calling on you for the authority you had for making the statement to Gov. Curry & I shall expect you to forward to me the letters (or copies in full) which have communicated this unfavorable "information." Such an accusation against me is wholly gratuitous and without shadow of foundation & I am not willing to rest quietly under it.
    I sent you petition long time [since] for relief of Mrs. Elizabeth Breeding of this county. Have you had anything done for her?  I hope to hear from you by first mail.
Yours respy.
    S. Ellsworth



Salem Augt. 7th, 1858
Dear General
    I should have written you long since, but I relied upon your return, as you wrote me, in August. I wrote to you at San Francisco, and did not learn until my arrival here that you would not return. I came here to attend to the Supreme Court and have been very busily engaged, and so far successful. The case in which Creed & Simon were interested has been affirmed, and so ends that matter.
    In regard to affairs, I have only time now to say that war has been openly declared by Bush & Co. I shall write you a long letter upon my return home, giving you all the items. One thing I think it necessary to be done to ensure your own interest and the interests of the party--Nesmith must be removed, so must E. P. Drew; so ought Zieber. As to Deady, I will write more fully, but do not commit yourself. 
    John F. Miller is false. You are stronger today than ever, and if you have lost a friend, it has been by allowing your enemies to retain their positions. I received your letter accompanying Nesmith's and acknowledge the justness of the rebuke, but you misunderstood me. I gave the same explanation that you did, but I regretted that the letter was published as it was liable to a misconstruction, and this I knew they would give it. I don't believe that you for a moment doubted my fidelity, and I regret that you should lose confidence in my judgment or discretion. I was anxious that you should return in order that you might see with your own eyes, and form your own judgment as to the proper course to be taken. Everything depends on taking the right step now. As you will not return, I will give you a full history by the next mails to enable you to compare it with other letters you receive. Don't remove Gen. Adair for God sake.
Your affectionate son,
    L. F. Mosher



Fort Vancouver W.T.
    August 12, 1858
Gen. Joseph Lane
    My Dear Sir
        Your two letters of date June 4th I received in due time and with much pleasure. The indications relative to the great measures pending the action of Congress were very gratifying. We all regret much that those indications have not been realized, as far as Oregon is concerned more particularly. We still hope, however, for the best. You have long since been informed of our state election and organization. It resulted as I advised you it would several months ago.
    If our state is not admitted at the next session, and something done by way of the payment of our war debt, the Democracy of Oregon will have a heavier tide of public opinion to stem than ever before.
    These two measures must be consummated at the next session, and Oregon will be safe for the Democracy in 1860. She is small, it is true, but may be needed.
    The failure of our state bill at the late session rests rather heavily upon the minds of our people--they had set their hearts upon the measure--all claim, believing that it would to a great degree afford opportunity of disabusing the national councils of the harsh sentiments which have been entertained in relation to Oregon. It would give opportunity of being heard in the Senate and of being felt by a vote in the House.
    I am here at Vancouver with our mutual friend, Capt. Ingalls. We are closing up the property accounts of the Oregon Volunteers--nearly through. Everything in that direction will appear in good condition, although it has taken much time to accomplish the result.
    The existing hostilities in Middle Oregon and Washington Territories, I have hopes, will not involve our settlements. The Indian Department here has been able thus far by careful and prompt peace measure to restrain the Indians on the reservations and keep them in quietude. Those powerful tribes about the Upper Columbia and its tributaries with whom treaties have been made and not ratified are the only tribes now at war.
    The Indians who engaged and repulsed Steptoe on the 17th May were friendly during the war of '55-6. They maintained a confidence in the early ratification of the treaties which had been made with them. They had sent a delegation three times to the Dalles of the Columbia to ascertain whether the treaties had been ratified. Every time they were disappointed. When the exodus from California to the northern mines commenced, these Indians, believing that their lands were about to be taken by the whites without compensation, put themselves in a hostile attitude and opposed the passage of all whites through their country.
    Col. Wright is now beyond the Snake River with a thousand troops, and Maj. Garnett is in the Yakima with three hundred--both in the field. We have no late news of their progress.
    We cannot settle our Indian relations until there is peace on a thorough basis at Salt Lake. I fear the advisers of the administration relative to the Mormon question are blunderers.
    We have lost no population by reason of the gold mines north. We have rather gained. Many from California, being pleased with Oregon, have settled in our midst. Our people have behaved very sensibly. They say if there is much gold north we will make more on our farms than in the mines. If not, we gain nothing by going. The northern mines will not equal those of California in former days, but there is quite an extensive gold field there which will pay well for careful, industrious labor.
    The commission will send the balance of the war papers on next steamer.
    I shall be in Washington in November.
Yours most truly
    L. F. Grover
P.S.    My remembrance to Gov. Stevens.


Jacksonville Oregon           
Aug 12 1858           
Genl Joseph Lane
    Dear sir I have been anxiously waiting to hear from the Treasury Department since Mr. Wagner's return; as yet I have heard nothing from it. I have taken the liberty to write you on the subject once more. If you will please assist me to collect my claim and send it here to me at Jacksonville you can keep enough to satisfy you for your expense and trouble. I am not at all unaware of the voluminous correspondence and business you have to attend to which is the reason I have not written before nor do I want you to attend to it gratuitously I am perfectly willing to pay you. It will be by your assistance if I ever get any of my pay from the government. That my claim is just you are aware of the fact. The facts are simply these: I was told by some person, I don't recollect who, that you wanted to see me I went to you. You said you wanted to buy my potatoes (and get my house for a hospital) I told you you could have them but I wanted it fixed in a shape that I could get pay for it. You appointed Cap. Miller & Dr. Ambrose and had them both sworn to render a true and faithful account of the amount of potatoes they used, what they--Ambrose & Miller--appraised and some more and the sick in the house had their horses brought there and fed them hay & wheat. Their acquaintances that came to see them did the same. A great many of the volunteers carried [hay] away to their horses I went to you, stated facts to you. You appointed Jesse Adams to assistant quartermaster Mason had them qualified as you had the others before. They appraised the hay at two tons at $200 per ton and the wheat at eight bushels ($12 per bus.). The amount of potatoes I don't recollect but not many. I have the account. I asked Mason if he was not going to give me a receipt. He said yes but he would attend to it and hand it in to the commissioner which I supposed he had done until Drew told me Mason never had done it I tried for two years to get Drew to make out vouchers for me. He would always promise me he would but I could never get him to do it, until those you got I have taken the affidavits of none but the first man in the valley. Unfortunately for me, Mason is dead and Adams is somewhere in California I can't learn his whereabouts I cannot do anything more as I know of unless I send Drew's affidavit that Mason told him he never presented my acct. I saw Cap. L. F. Mosher and requested him to give me his affidavit. He said he would cheerfully, that all they wanted to know at Washington was that it was not a trumped-up claim, and everybody here knew it was just. I can prove that the volunteers got more than I charged for if necessary; in fact they had everything I raised and I never have had a cent for it. Please write the earliest opportunity.
Very respectfully yours
        John B. Wrisley
P.S. We were all greatly disappointed in not being admitted into the Union but am in hopes we will be early the next Congress.


Salem, Oregon
    Aug. 16th 1858
Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir;
        Yours of June 2d, in which you indulge in a harsh judgment of my letter respecting your Times and Standard letter has been recd.
    You say "no honest sensible man" will say that your letter to Hibben and O'Meara countenanced disorganization and disorganizing sheets, &c. I'll not quarrel with you about my "honesty or sense" but I'll leave that to be settled between yourself and a good many men who said they were the especial friends of you and that as such, they went into the "National" movement. They said your letter directly & expressly sanctioned the "National" party and they industriously proclaimed that you intended that it should so so--that you approved of the movement and would support it. Upon the recpt. of your letter, I hear that J. K. Sheil showed it with great glee and declared that it expressly endorsed the "Nationals" and their organization. He said that he was an attached friend of yours. Capt. Cain, who said he was a friend also, who is understood to have been brought here as such, and who possessed your confidence to such an extent that you authorized him in a letter which he showed in this place during the canvass to draw upon you for O"Meara for $2000, said that you and your letter endorsed the "Nationals." Report says that Cain did draw upon you for $700, & that you now substantially own that interest in the Standard. Your own son and namesake presided at the first "National" meeting held in the Umpqua, and voted a part of the "National" ticket. Mr. J. B. Wagnon of this county said he lived near you in Indiana--that he had your confidence there and here, and that as your friend, he ran on the "National" ticket for county judge. He stated everywhere that he ran as a "Lane man." O'Meara claimed everywhere upon the stump that your letter endorsed his paper and his movement, and he read from your letter to prove it. It was claimed that he ought to know its meaning as you requested Hibben to submit it to him before publication. These and many others said you and your letter endorsed the "Nationals." With you and them I leave the questions of "honesty and sense."
    But, if I recollect, I did not say that your letter directly endorsed the "Nationals." I think I said it was capable of being thus construed, and predicted that it would be, a prediction which the result verified. You were writing upon the action of the Democratic Central Committee, and a controversy which had grown out of it between the Times, a Democratic paper, and the Standard, a sheet which the last prior Democratic convention had resolved was "opposition." If you had approved of the action of the committee, it was very easy to have said so, and thus placed misconstruction and perversion out of the question. But you expressed no opinion upon the question in dispute. Indeed, I think your letter meant nearly anything one would have it, or nothing, as one would have it. It consisted of unmeaning generalities, which had little or no connection with the case. It could possibly do the Democracy no good, and did do us much harm. I believe that that letter, with what was claimed to be your equivocal position between the parties, lost us from 500 to 1000 votes in the late canvass. And I but express the opinion of numerous Democrats. You say your subsequent letters set your position right, if I published them. I did publish every one of them, although you seem to imply doubt about it. But I am told your friend Wagnon said you never wrote those letters--that they were forgeries, and that the "Times letter" which he said endorsed the "Nationals" was yours, and the only one that was.
    You say "when you found that O'Meara had left the organization, you dropped him, and had nothing more to do with him." Your "dropping" did not extend so far as to cut off political correspondence with him, for he read upon the stump a letter from you under date of April 4th [transcribed above] which must have been written after you heard of the calling of the Eugene convention, and of O'Meara's endorsement and support of the movement. That letter O'Meara read from in support of himself and his party. I myself have seen in your handwriting a copy of a letter sent to O'Meara as late as April 4th, which was certainly a month after news reached you of his open connection with the opposition. In that letter you devote considerable space to thanking him for his friendship and devotion to you, though you close it by deprecating division and dissension. But you do not say who or what you refer to, and it might be claimed (though I think not fairly) that you had no reference to the "Eugene movement." In none of your public letters did you name the "National Party" and deprecate its organization. You said it was the duty of Democrats to support Democratic organization, and the "Nationals" said they had the "Democratic organization" and what you intended was to counsel men to support them. I don't think that was a fair construction of your language, but it was one they put upon it. If the party sought to be denounced, had been characterized by name, there would have been an end to perversion. You did not at any time so characterize it.
    The letter of Apl. 4th to O'Meara, of which I saw a copy, would have enabled anyone to read the first half of it, and convince an audience that you felt under great obligations to him, and looked upon him as your devoted friend.
    You say you "attempted to heal dissension and prevent disruption in our party." With whom were you going to reconcile us? Avery, Leland, O'Meara, Holbrook, Logan &c., men with whom we wanted no connection, and with whom we could have none, except at the peril of being corrupted and disorganized. The Democracy certainly asked no body to "heal those dissensions"; they would quite as soon have thought of invoking aid to "heal the dissension existing between them and the Argus and Oregonian."
    In convention they had classed the Standard with those papers, and on the day you addressed your note to it, treating it as a Democratic paper, it stood classed with the opposition by the deliberate judgment of the Democracy of Oregon, expressed through their delegates.
    You say, and repeat that you "have never in your life neglected an opportunity to vote the 'Democratic ticket'." I have not impugned your Democracy, and it does not become me to do so. Your allusion doubtless is to my absence in Washington Territory at the election of last year. Well, I was absent, and much has been said by your immediate friends about it. It has been frequently intimated that I left to avoid voting for you. I will not condescend to a denial of it. I will simply say that I availed myself of the only opportunity I knew I should have to visit Puget Sound for the first time. I left after talking with the county candidates and receiving their assurance that they would not need my vote, and at a time when it was not generally thought that Lawson would get against you 1000 votes in the Territory, and at a time when you would not even deign to speak of him as a competitor. If I had desired to vote against you I should have done it in the nominating convention where I voted for you. Had I so desired, I could all the more readily have voted against you in the convention, as the county I represented in part (Marion) would have preferred some other Democrat, had there been one in the field, as I firmly believed.
    But you say, by way of contrast with me, that "you never neglected an opportunity to vote the Democratic ticket." I'll tell you what I never did, I have not at every election failed to vote the Democratic ticket in Oregon. I was never claimed by the opposition to belong to them, and my position toward parties was never so equivocal that the Democratic Party was forced to declare that I was with it, while the opposition party as stoutly affirmed that I was with it. The opposition never charged that I privately, to members of it, denounced the Democratic platform, or any portion of it. And my especial friends were never found running upon or voting the opposition ticket, and averring that they did it as friends of mine and by MY SANCTION.
    I have written this letter in very much the spirit I conceived yours to be dictated in; I don't think my first letter called for the suspicions it evidently engendered in your mind. You have undoubtedly been constantly informed by "GO BETWEENS"--that this and that man was untrue to your personal fortunes, and I have come in with the rest. It was from this source, I think, that you derived your opinion that I was unfriendly to your further promotion, or longer continuance in office, and not from my letter. The letter was written in a friendly spirit, and with no purpose of unfriendliness.
Yours Very Truly,
    Asahel Bush
Thinking you might find difficulty in reading my penmanship, I have had the above copied.
A.B.



Jacksonville O.T.
    August 31 1858
Genl Lane
    Dear Sir
        It is with some misgiving that I write you as I have not had a letter from you for the last five or six months; in all probability your other friends engross your time. Yet I have done my duty as I discern it. I have supported you with a zeal and a success hitherto unknown. It is truly gratifying to me that I have never made a political promise to a friend but what I have redeemed it to the letter. Southern Oregon has done her duty manfully in your support. Your friends Mosher, Martin, Shelby & hosts of others could tell you how successful I have been.
    The Jacksonville Herald expired at No. 52 Vol. 1. I am the owner of the entire press & material and now without a rival journal in Southern Oregon. I have not called on Lane's friends or the Democracy to contribute the first farthing nor do I expect to do so, but on the contrary as soon as that paper was started at this place the land office advertising was taken from me and contributed to the support of an arch Lane paper.
    I am under obligation to you for your kindness in paying Edwards $120 also Mr. Topping $25 for Lane correspondence during the last session. I will repay you at the earliest moment when you return.
    The Portland Times is ably conducted and I suppose you may depend upon its support. The Statesman you know all about so it is unnecessary to say what it will do.
    I am truly thankful to you for the many kind favors received during the last session in the way of speeches & books. Hoping that you may triumph as long as your political course merits the support of the Democracy I now am truly your friend
W. G. T'Vault
I leave tomorrow for Salem; shall visit your family on my way down. I believe Mosher & myself are on good terms again.
T'Vault



Kerbyville Josephine County O.T.
    August 25th 1858
General Lane
    Dear Sir As there is a good deal of attention drawn towards the overland trail routes I wish to draw your attention to one of the most important and practicable of all of them with the exception of the great middle California route from Placerville to Salt Lake which is to leave the Humboldt and pierce the great artery of trade and travel between California and Oregon at Jacksonville on what is called the southern emigrant trail to Oregon. The distance from the forks of the road on the Humboldt is a trifle less than from there to Placerville and would accommodate all of Northern California and Southern Oregon south of the Calapooia and indeed I believe the time from the Willamette can be made sooner than by the great northern route. The distance from Jacksonville to the forks of the road on the Humboldt about one hundred miles above the Sink is about 350 miles which is nearer than from that point to Placerville and indeed you can see by the map that Salt Lake is almost directly east of Jacksonville. If you will see the proper department and get a route established to connect with the Cal. route and get the contract for me you will lay me under great obligation.
    There is no political news of any importance here. The Buchanan Democrats will carry the full election in Cal. beyond a doubt and there is not a corporal's guard of Douglas men in the Territory. The course of Mr. Douglas here is very much regretted as he was considered an able friend to Oregon. I do not know if such letters as these bore you or not; if they do I hope you will frankly say so in your return. Out of the 89 Democratic votes in this precinct to 14 opposition we cannot count but one Douglas man. As you are well aware that I have been living in Southern Oregon several years and am familiar with all the routes I would not urge this matter if I did not think that it would be a great public as well as private benefit.
Very respectfully yours
    R. B. Morford



Wilbur, Oregon, August 25, 1858
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Dear Sir
        Permit me as agent of Umpqua Academy to address you in behalf of this institution and the interests of the surrounding country, the home of your choice.
    We are now finishing up the upper part of the building, and making an effort to furnish the school with suitable apparatus, library and cabinet.
    We have a charter from the Legislature of Oregon, and have made a commencement toward securing the above requisites, but the supply is as yet very meager. Rev. J. H. Wilbur presented a melodeon, Davis S. Gould Esq. of Long Island, N.Y. presented two globes and a planetarium, and others have contributed to the cabinet and some to the library. And you will please accept the thanks of the Trustees for the volumes you have from time to time added to our little library.
    If you could spare us a little of your valuable time and bestow some attention in this direction, we think you could in some way render us very valuable service by replenishing our library, ornamenting our walls with maps, charts or portraits, or adding to our apparatus, or by sending us valuable curiosities from foreign countries for our cabinet.
    For assistance in any or all of these respects, you would receive the grateful acknowledgments of the Trustees and the public generally.
    Hon. M. P. Deady is pres. of the board of Trustees, A. R. Flint Esq. secretary, Rev. E. Arnold principal of the school, and A. R. Flint prof. of mathematics.
    Anything sent to my address or to either of the above gentlemen for any of the purposes specified or for the benefit of our young and flourishing institution in any respect will be properly acknowledged and faithfully applied.
Respectfully yours
    T. F. Royal, agent
        for Trustees of Umpqua Academy


Jacksonville Aug 29th 1858       
Dear Sir
    You must excuse my again troubling you in reference to a spoliation claim in favor of Martin Angel's estate, but you must attribute it to my being importuned by Mr. Charles Williams. He was desirous of having testimony taken in relation to the matter and forwarded to you. He finds this to be impossible without the voucher or a copy thereof to recall the facts to the memory of the witnesses. He has been unable to procure another copy from Genl. Drew, and requests you to send him one. You may remember that I sent you the voucher from Carlisle sometime in the latter part of last winter. The claimants state that all the circumstances in relation to the transaction are within your own knowledge.
    If I close my letter by referring to some of our grievances in Oregon, it will be with the consciousness that you have done everything in your power to alleviate them, and from the conviction that nothing but a stern and earnest clamor for our rights will ever succeed with our "stony-hearted stepmother," the general government.
    This is the 29th of Aug. The mail from the United States (a republic in opposition to us, situated on the Atlantic side of North America) which arrived in San Francisco on Friday the 13th day of Aug., has not yet reached here. If our county was but half as populous and prosperous as it really is, it would seem that in strict right and justice a government which claims our allegiance, and affects to protect us, should afford us some means of hearing from that country which we formerly regarded as "home," and with which we are still connected by some ties both of consanguinity and policy.
    Even a more generally felt evil than the deprivation of the mails is the nearly total obstruction of justice which now prevails all over the territory. You are aware that under the present organization, in a community of all others where such a thing is needed, we have no grand jury. Our courts of justice are held at Roseburg, at the distance of one hundred miles, and in another county. Criminals go unwhipt of justice, and business men cannot collect their debts. I do not jest when I say that there is a widespread feeling of disaffection to the federal government, which feeling is nurtured and strengthened by the belief that our own good citizenship and law-abiding disposition have brought upon us the contempt with which we are treated. The vagabonds of Kansas & the rebellious Mormons consume months of legislation & millions of treasure, but for us no fatted calf is killed, not the commonest justice is done to a people conspicuous for their energy & fidelity, and to a country worth Kansas & Utah put together. Without any pretention to superior intellectual endowments, the people of this coast have at least the use of their senses, and can be guided by observation & experience. They can see that they are dutiful--and are neglected. They can see that others are undutiful, and are cherished. The temptation is too great for anything human to withstand so that we will be compelled either to hang some federal officer in order to attract attention, or else we must establish a separate organization on the Pacific in order to enjoy the commonest conveniences of civilization--which last consummation may God grant & that right speedily--"if this be treason let them make the most of it."
Very truly yours
    J. H. Reed
Hon. J. Lane
    Washington City
   

    P.S. Since writing the enclosed I have been solicited to ask your attention to another little matter of business. In case I trespass too much on your time, I beg you to hand the matter over to some attorney of energy and good standing who can investigate it.
    Dr. Chas. Crane of the army when stationed at Ft. Lane was ordered to the field. During his absence the post would have been without a surgeon, but at the solicitation of Dr. Crane, Dr. Chas. B. Brooks took his place and attended to his duties for some months. These facts were duly reported both by Capt. A. J. Smith and Dr. Crane. Nothing has been paid for the services of Dr. Brooks, although I believe there is some provision for payment in such cases. The fact is that the claim of Dr. Brooks, who has returned to the Atlantic, was purchased by Mr. Frank Brown of this place for some $800 or upwards. Dr. Brooks lives at Kanawha in western Virginia & Dr. Crane is in New York. I am solicited to attend to this matter by Mr. Brown, and by your attending to it either in person or by procuring an efficient substitute, you will confer an obligation on me.
Yours truly
    J. H. Reed
Hon. J. Lane



Jacksonville, Oregon
August 30th, 1858
Genl. Joseph Lane--
    Dear Sir:    I send by this mail a power of attorney authorizing you, myself, and W. C. Griswold, or either of us, to draw Sylvester Pease's pro rata distribution of his Indian spoliation claim in the R.R. War of 1853. I have directed the power of attorney to the 2nd Auditor. Please call and explain it to the department, and have the warrant forwarded to me by return mail. Mr. Pease is poor and needs the money.
    Notwithstanding the Fraser River gold excitement, Jacksonville is improving rapidly.
I remain yours very respectfully
    B. F. Dowell



Corvallis Septr. 10th 1858
Dear Father
    I am going to ask an accommodation of you and after hearing the following statement, you can do as your judgment dictates.
    Last January I took an inventory of my property, both personal and real, and found myself worth above all indebtedness $14,000.00. Fourteen thousand dollars. I have two storehouses, both wooden buildings, one of them is rented for $500.00 per year; the new one I am doing business in. I am purchasing all my goods in San Francisco. Consequently, I employ all the capital I have in my business.
    Recently I have become much troubled about fire, and if a fire was to break out in the center of the town I would be entirely ruined, would have to begin the world anew. Day before yesterday J. C. Avery's residence was consumed by fire, but it being located at some distance from other buildings, no other damage was done.
    Now I wish to know if I could get a loan from you of $4,000, four thousand dollars, to build me a fireproof store with. I am willing to pay 10 percent per annum for that amount and would want the use of the money two years.
    I will give my note for that amount and a mortgage on the store when it is completed. I would want the money by next March and your reply as soon as possible. If I build, I must get my lime, iron doors, plaster pans and all heavy material up the river before the boats quit running in the spring.
    Now you have heard my statement. What think you of it?  If you feel secure, do me the favor I ask. If you don't, feel secure & refuse it. I reopened business in this place on the 9th day of last March, six months yesterday. My net profits since that time have been $2,300.00. So you see I am not doing an unsafe or losing business. I could borrow all the money I want in this country from my old farmer friends, but I don't want to pay the interest they ask in this country for money. Please let me know by the first mail what I may depend upon.
    No political news. I saw Delazon the other day. He is down on the Salem movement against you, says he is your friend and will cooperate with you in everything. I hope you and him and Grover will be able to get along well. If you do, all the "Salem Cliques" this side of Jordan can't prevent your reelection. Delazon will give you Linn County and that will elect you, in spite of Marion.
    I heard from Salem yesterday. Bush has concluded to let up on you, says he was mad because Oregon was not admitted, but thinks probably it was not your fault. But I don't think any of the Clique are to be relied upon, especially their good feeling toward you. But I think if I was you, I wouldn't let any of them poison me against Smith and Grover. You will undoubtedly be getting letters to look out for Smith, and he will I have no doubt be set upon to go into you, and if possible make a rupture between you. I would not allow it if I were you. No news. My family are all well. All send their love to you.
Your aff. son
    Nat. H. Lane
To Joseph Lane
    Washington
        D.C.



    The first regular session of the House of Representatives of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon, begun and holden at Salem, the thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, being the second Monday in September, the day fixed by the Constitution for the meeting of the Legislative Assembly of said State:
    The Hon. Wm. G. T'Vault, member from Jackson County and Speaker of the House of Representatives, appeared, took the chair and called the House to order, at 2 o'clock P.M.
    Whereupon, Chester N. Terry, Chief Clerk, and J. H. Brown, Door Keeper, appeared and entered upon the discharge of the duties of their respective offices.
    The following members appeared and took their seats, to wit:
    Messrs. Burch, Cochran, Curzan, Crooks, Dryer, Hannah, Hedges, Jennings and Tichenor.
    And there not being a quorum of members present,
    On Motion of Mr. Hedges, the House adjourned until tomorrow at 10 o'clock, A.M.

Salem Sept. 15th 1858.
Col. B. Jennings
    Sir
        In accordance with my promise, I herewith forward to you enclosed a copy of the Journal of the two day session of the House.
Yours truly,
    Chester N. Terry



Jacksonville Oregon
Sept. 20th 1858.
Genl. Joseph Lane--
    Dear Sir:    I received, by last mail, Mr Nicholas Klopfenstein's treasury warrant for seventy-nine dollars and ten cents for his spoliation claim of 1853. He requests me to say to you he is under many obligations to you for procuring it for him.
    You have secured his vote for life. He says it has been so long that he never expected to get a dollar.
    There is another subject that deeply interests me. I have reference to the expenses of Capt. Walker's company of 1854. I drew up a petition to Congress last fall, and had it left in Jacksonville with Mr. Burke to be signed by the claimants, and caused a notice to that effect to be published in the Sentinel. It was numerously signed and forwarded to you, but I have not heard whether you ever received the petition. I wish you to present it at the commencement of next Congress, if you did not present it last Congress. It will prevent members of Congress from opposing it on the ground of lapse of time without passing it, even if nothing is done but to refer the petition and documents to an appropriate committee. I think the committee at least would authorize the appointment of a commission to investigate these claims. If the same commission could be appointed it would be satisfactory to me, or if Mr. Grover goes out of the commission on the ground of his being a member of Congress, if Oregon should be admitted; then in that event I would be in favor of a new commission. As it is well known, Capt. Smith has spoke and wrote against the expedition. Capt. Engles has not been connected in Southern Oregon with the army in any way and I had as soon see him on the commission as any man in Oregon, and Mr. Gibbs, Judge Williams or any other good, sensible man that is unprejudiced would be very acceptable to me and I have no doubt they or any of them would give general satisfaction to the claimants.
    Write and let me know if you have received the petition, and if you presented it what was done with it. I am here practicing my profession, and I am willing to get you any documents that would assist you to get these claims paid off.
I remain yours very respectfully
    B. F. Dowell



Jacksonville Sept. 20th 1858   
    Hon. Jos. Lane
        Dear Sir
            At the risk of being considered troublesome I enclose a deposition in the case of the claim in favor of Martin Angel's estate. Whether it will be of any efficacy or not it is impossible for me to conjecture, as I do not know what rules the departments have established even for the mode of taking or the manner of authenticating powers of atty. or other papers.
    Our territory is under the influence of chloroform--whether it is a mere temporary suspension of vitality--whether it is a trance or whether it is death or dissolution, remains to be seen.
    I was at Winchester a few days since & left Mosher and all the members of your family very well.
Very truly yours
        J. H. Reed
Hon. J. Lane
Washington City


Washington City
    September 26 / 58
My Dear Son,
    I have just returned from my tour to Indiana, where I went into the canvass and did all that I could for the success of the Democratic Party, made 17 speeches in Hughes' district and 6 in Niblack's--was at your uncle Simon's found him and family all well, saw the twins Kate & Winnie, they were well as was also the balance of our friends & relatives.
    I shall have to go to Pennsylvania tomorrow where I will make a few speeches and return to the city. I hope to hear from you on my return, don't fail to write, let me know how you are progressing, how you like the school, how you are pleased with the course of instruction, and tell me about your health, and all about yourself; what you wish me to do, whether you will continue to study during vacation, or whether you wish to visit this city. I saw Capt. Miller & Dr. Schmidt today they both send their love. Have you heard from John? Have you written him?
    In conclusion my dear Lafayette allow me to hope that you will lose no time in obtaining a good education, you have talent, as much as any boy of your age, and will be anything you please. May Heaven bless you in your efforts & give you health and prosperity--God bless you my son is the prayer of your
Father
    Joseph Lane
Master Lafayette Lane



Port Orford Oregon
    October 5th 1858.
Genl. Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Some time has elapsed since I wrote to you. During that period much has occurred, some in relation to yourself, and much regarding me. And I know not but that it is of so serious a nature as to give you some trouble. This I shall regret on your account, but first let me speak of that which concerns yourself:
    In September we had a term of the District Court in this county. R. E. Stratton was here acting as state's attorney. Stratton knew that I was a friend of yours, and he sought the occasion to make an attack upon you in a public place and manner. The subject was the failure of Congress to pass the war bill, and the admission of Oregon as a state. He began by asserting that there was neglect or design in some quarters, and that your political existence depended upon the passage of those bills at the next Congress. He said that you had written that the bill for the admission of Oregon could not be reached, but that there was a letter in this Territory from a reliable source, stating that it could have been reached but for you, and to this opinion he was disposed to assent. I did try to avoid the controversy but finding it intended for me, I asked what possible interest you had to subserve in the delay or defeat of these measures, that if we were a state, and you not chosen one of the Senators, as you had taken your chances for that position there was an end of that matter, and if we were not a state, Grover having once been elected to Congress, it was likely that the next convention for a Delegate would not overlook him for any other person, so there was an end of that matter also, at which he said that that was the consoling fact, but he urged that you, fearing your chance for the Senate wanted to pocket the amount of salary to the close of the next Congress. I told him that your antecedents were known to me, and that I did not believe that for the paltry sum you would at this late date tarnish a fame so enviable. I referred to the fact that Smith and Grover were going to Washington, and it was not likely that they would let an opportunity pass without looking after these reported suspicious circumstances, and why not wait the confirmation or refutation of them. Why seek to forestall public opinion on a matter easily cleared up? He said that one of their first cares would be to hunt it up! that he should soon know it, but that he was satisfied as to the result. His manner was more bitter than his words, and I could see the impression which he made, and see too a similarity in the manner of Tichenor's personalities and this attack upon yourself.
    I might say more, but you know my opinion of some of the politicians up country, and it would seem that I am not far wrong in my estimate of them, for even now I find a settled determination on the part of these men to sustain Capt. Tichenor in all his corruption and bad deeds.
    Immediately after the June election Tichenor left for Salem to attend the session of the legislature; he swore that Jo Lane should be defeated, and that he would publish me as a "bolter" because I did not vote for him and that if I could not be got rid of in one way that I should be in another, that by God I should not stay here.
    What influence he has brought to bear I know not. The disclosures I am enabled to make will to some extent shadow forth the programme.
    After Tichenor's threats in regard to yourself and me, I wrote to Col. Martin, Gov. Curry, N. H. Lane and A. D. Shelby--detailing to them the course of Tichenor during the canvass, and making allusion to his conduct with the Indians, and his abuse of power under that Department; this I did for the sole purpose of placing him in a proper light with those gentlemen, and as far as possible to weaken his influence to accomplish his declared purposes. By the extract of a private correspondence given below you will see what use is being made of one of my letters, and upon and through that means an array of charges may be brought against me, which if sustained may cause me to be a greater weight to you than will be pleasing or convenient; let me assure you that though I may be immolated by it, still in all candor and honesty do I declare that whatever use may be made against me by those letters, I can prove every fact stated in them. But no matter for that, if you believe I have done wrong sufficient let me go by the board; if otherwise, I hope you will see justice done me against such odds in numbers and weight of position.
    You are aware that a commissioner has been sent to examine into the accounts of the Indian Department of Oregon--first of all, I am charged here with being the cause of his appointment, by having written about the private bills of parties here. I have copies of all I ever wrote dating back to 14th May 1858 in which not an individual account is referred to. I have referred to Tichenor in but general terms, which is [a] fact known to everybody here, and for the purpose indicated.
    The Superintendent of Ind. Affairs, Hon J. W. Nesmith, writes in a letter to Peter Ruffner of Port Orford, Tichenor's friend, backer and one of the principal claimants against the Ind. Department under cover of "privacy"--which in Ruffner's ignorance he read to four reliable gentlemen who were friends of mine, and detailed the following as the contents and words used.
    "J. W. Nesmith writes to Peter Ruffner, September __ 1858. That a commissioner had been appointed to examine into the affairs of the Indian Department and was expected on the next steamer. . . . Dunbar has been busy writing letters, one of which will be placed in the hands of the commissioner, regarding the Indians' claims in the Chetco Expedition under Capt. Tichenor. . . . It would be advisable for you (Peter Ruffner) to have some reliable person or persons present before the commissioner to refute Dunbar's damned lies!"
    Nesmith further said that he did not think that life or property was safe in that community while such a damned villain was allowed to run at large!
    Ruffner's answer shown to my friends was that he was a little surprised to think that Dunbar would be guilty of such conduct, yet from the company he keeps he was compelled to believe that he would be guilty of such conduct.
    Have we fallen upon such evil times that a public officer of the government, holding high and responsible trusts, whose duty it is and whose pleasure it should be to give every facility to a full investigation of the business entrusted to his hands, and that of the agents under him, instead of this course will for political purposes lend his aid to "darken council" and shield wrongdoers.
    Suppose that I had written or said what I am charged with, would it not be creditable at least in a high functionary to have given the fullest investigation first, if the matter was deemed worthy of notice at all. But no, the objects sought could be better attained by a different course in a secret manner by the help of the parties interested.
    The commissioner remains at Salem. I am not called upon, nor should I be, for I could detail nothing of myself and parties who do know of any wrongs unless legally called upon would not come forward, so that under the plan of the Superintendent [of Indian Affairs], as far as the development of any wrong is concerned the commissioner might as well have remained in Washington. But enough of this; I enclose the certificate of two parties as to what kind of language Tichenor used towards the Administration, which will put at rest the charge of "bolter."
    The Messrs. Dyer have unasked written to you in regard to myself. [See next letter.] They are farmers & miners. Mr. Aaron Dyer was a county commissioner and county treasurer for two years; they are men of undoubted veracity and honesty, not even my bitterest enemies or theirs will for a moment question their truth on any occasion. I might add that the very best men of the country agree with them in regard to myself, all of which can be shown if necessary.
    I wish you would be at the pains to write me your opinion upon the various statements which I have made and anything touching my interests at Washington.
    Had I better be in Washington by the adjournment of Congress, or had I better abide the issue where I am?
Your friend and
    Obt. servt.
        R. W. Dunbar
To Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Port Orford Oregon
    Oct. 5th 1858
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        Sir
            We have taken the liberty to address you relative to the conduct of Mr. R. W. Dunbar. We have known him intimately since 1855 and have found him to be an honest man, a good citizen, an efficient officer, and to be correct in his intercourse with this community. We also know there is an attempt being made by certain interested parties to displace or prevent his reappointment to the office he now holds. That Mr. Dunbar is a true Democrat, and that he has supported that party and the administration of Mr. Buchanan & faithfully and impartially discharged the duties of his office since arrival here no one can pretend to deny, and we do earnestly hope that he may be reappointed, as he justly deserves, to the office he now holds and that government will not displace a good man and officer to gratify the avarice of any clique or party. Hoping the truth relative to his unjust persecution may appear before you we will add no more.
Very respectfully
    Aaron Dyer
    Geo M. Dyer




Washington City
October 19 / 58.
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have just finished my Oregon mail, that is to say I have got off all the letters that can go by the steamer that will leave tomorrow, and as I have hardly been out [of] my room for the three days last past, I have concluded to write you before I quit my desk. I am well, but very tired.
    On Sunday, I wrote & sent you a two & a half piece; did you get it. The watch will come after a while & I suppose you do not care how soon.
    Dr. Schmidt has been quite sick for several days and is not well yet, but is some better & I hope will soon be about. Indiana. The Democratic state ticket has been elected, but we have lost two members of Congress. Last election we had six and now but four. In Pennsylvania, the opposition have 19 against 6; in Ohio we have lost two members & in Iowa we have gained one.
    The Indian war in Oregon and Washington east of the Cascades bids fair to be a long one.
    The overland mail has made the trip from San Francisco to Saint Louis in 23 days & four hours.
    I hope you are still very happy and progressing well. My strongest desire is to see you thoroughly educated; should I be permitted to live to see you and John finish your education, how happy I shall be.
    I wrote home that you were the best student in all New England.
    Give my respects to Mrs. & Mr. Huntington, as also their daughters.
    God bless you, my son, is the prayer of you
Father
    Joseph Lane



Jacksonville O.T. Oct. 24th 1858
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Washington City D.C.
Dr. friend,
    Since your letter of Feb. last I have heard nothing from you in relation to the reserve. I am still residing on it with a hope that we can shortly enter our claims. If there is not [omission] than 40 claims already taken, if you will use your influence to have the land come into market by spring, you will do us a favor that shall not be forgotten by your sincere
Friend
    I. B. White



Winchester Oct. 29, 1858
Dear General
    I have the pleasure of informing you that you have a new grandchild. Winnie was delivered of a fine girl on the 17th of September. She named her Hannah in compliment to my mother. She is a very healthy child and is doing finely. Winnie recovered rather slowly and at one time gave me much uneasiness. She has, however, regained her strength. While Winnie was still very sick, Charley was taken with a very severe attack of cholera infantum, and we came very near losing him. In fact, I never saw a child recover who was so low--for three weeks he was scarcely out of my arms day or night. Dr. Fiske stayed with him constantly for a week, and it was only owing to such constant attention that we saved him. After he was out of danger, he recovered slowly and required much nursing, and as I could get no help, I have not had much time to attend to anything else. This will account for my not having written, and you can imagine I have given but little attention to politics. I can tell you in short how matters stand. Delazon and Grover are endeavoring to retain the confidence of your friends and Bush, and in order to do this will endeavor to make some compromise, as for instance making Ben Harding Dist. Judge. Of course, you will not fall into any such a trap, for you to consent to this would be to lose your friends who are now too deeply involved in the fight to back out, and you know you have nothing to expect from their friends. Besides, we have the power and mean to use it--Grover cannot be re-nominated nor Smith reelected unless he yields entirely to you. Williams will probably fill Smith's place, and I do not know who will beat Grover, but as it is not improbable that the South will want to use my name, I want you to tell me whether to allow it to be done or not. I shall be governed by your advice. It may be that I am in no danger but if it should happen, I do not want to be at a loss to know what to do. I am in no hurry and if you think the time too soon I will willingly wait.
    I said that we had everything our own way. This is true now, but these men are working constantly and are injuring you by conveying the impression that the war debt was not paid either by your neglect or inability, and as they expect that it will be paid this winter, they intend to claim the credit of it for Grover & Smith. If you could get the war debt paid and then Oregon admitted, you would have them just where we want them. You must return in the spring--your absence at this critical period is a great advantage to give them and although I still think we could beat them at these odds, yet I don't like to take the risk.
    Your wife is well and so are the most of the family. Simon has a boil under his arm and complains a good deal, but this is to be expected. Floed is in San Francisco. Winnie sends her love to you and John and Lafayette and so does your
Affectionate son
    L. F. Mosher



Jacksonville O.T. Nov. 4th 1858
Dear General,
    Our friend John B. Wrisley was in town today, expecting to have heard something relative to his claim against the government for supplies furnished the volunteers during the Rogue River War in 1853. Your letter of the 16th July informed me of the receipt of mine of the 8th June with additional evidence in relation to his claim. We have been looking for the decision of the property authority on his claim and if a decision has been made, Mr. W. will be under many obligations to you to be informed of it.
    Political matters are very quiet at present in our section of the Territory.
Very respectfully
    Your obedient servant
        Wm. Hoffman




    John F. Miller--Indian Agent for Grand Ronde Reservation, Oregon Territory, 1858. To Doctor Edward Sheil, Sept. 27th and 28th, &c.--To Reducing Fore Arm and Medical Attendance & Medicine for Indian John's wife: $50.00
   

Corvallis, Benton County, O.T.,
    Nov. 10th 1858
        Edward Sheil
   

Territory of Oregon    )
County of Linn            )  ss.
    Personally appeared before the undersigned, a Notary Public within and for said County and Territory, William C. Clemmens, William Miller, who being duly sworn according to law depose and say that they were personally present and know and know of their personal knowledge that the above and foregoing services were rendered by Edward Sheil, M.D. as above stated and that the same according to the ordinary charges of the country was reasonably worth fifty dollars.
   

Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 22nd day of
February, A.D. 1859
   

Wm. Clemmens
William Miller
Isaac N. Smith
    Notary Public



Washington City
    December 1--1858
My Dear Shelby
    Yours of the 25th October has been received. In regard to the note I hold on Stark, which is in your hands, I have to say that you did right in taking the interest and allowing the principle to run for a time. I wrote to Stark in answer to his letter telling me that he had paid the interest only and wished further time, that it was all right, that on my arrival at home I should most likely want the money, in which event he would be expected to pay it to me, and if any accident should happen to me, he would pay the money over to you for the benefit of my family. Now should anything occur, then you will collect the money and hand it to my wife, that she might educate my Lafayette, and John, should John fail at West Point, and get some books for them should they choose to take a profession.
    I am very glad that you have had the kindness to bring Jo Barlow to your home to go to school; with only a moderate education he will be a respectable man, and be a good and perhaps useful member of society. Education makes the man. I thank you with all my heart for the part you are taking in behalf of a poor boy, and hope you will keep him and my little grandson Eugene at school for such length of time as will be sufficient to prepare Jo for business. I know that you will continue Eugene until his education shall be complete.
    Oregon will be admitted early in the session. Hon. Delazon Smith is here, Grover is still in Maine, where he has been sick but is getting better, and will soon be here.
    Oregon will not only be admitted, but you may set it down that the Delegation will on all matters touching the interests of the people of that new state be a unit, act together, vote together, and stick together, pull together for the common good of the common people.
    In regard to B. F. Harding, I wish it distinctly understood that he will not be appointed district judge for Oregon, nor will he be appointed to any office by this Administration, nor at any other time, while I shall be at Washington City. My friends may rest satisfied on this subject.
    I will do all I can to get pay for Guthrie.
    It will be well to bear in mind that I may draw out, with the close of the coming session, go out, on the 4th March next. Now if you will stand by the friends of Smith and his friends in that event will stand by me, all will be right. Smith will stand by me; he is my friend. Together we can succeed, Bush to the contrary notwithstanding.
    Love to Mary and all the family.
Your true friend
    Joseph Lane


Washington City
    December 1--58
My Dear Lafayette,
    The Oregon mail is in, all well at home--Shelby has taken Jo Barlow to Portland where he is sending him to school. I am very glad of it. Jo will learn fast and with anything like a chance will make a good scholar.
    On next Monday Congress will commence its labors & I hope Oregon will soon be admitted, that done and I shall be the proudest man in the world.
    I hope you are enjoying good health, and that you are progressing well with your studies.
    May Heaven bless & prosper you is the earnest prayer of your
Father
    Joseph Lane
Let me hear from you.



To the Honorable the Senate of the United States of America
    Your Memorialist the undersigned, a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and for between twenty and thirty years last past both a resident therein and a minister of the Gospel in the Protestant Episcopal Church, begs leave to represent to your Honorable body:
    That your Memorialist has learned from the newspapers that a treaty has been negotiated between the United States and New Grenada with reference to the calamitous affair, which took place at Panama April 15, A.D. 1856, and that said treaty contains no provision for the allowance of damages to any of the sufferers, but simply the reparation of their personal losses; and as that treaty will probably be placed before your Honorable body for ratification during the present session of Congress, your Memorialist respectfully presents a statement of his case.
    Your Memorialist would inform your Honorable body that he was the rector of a Church in South Carolina, from whence he left to become a missionary in Oregon; he was accompanied by his brother and family, his brother being also a clergyman of the same Church and a naturalized citizen of the United States.
    Your Memorialist would state that from the commencement of the calamitous affair at Panama till the R.R. Depot was broken into by the armed police of the city, he was in the building, with the exception of a very few minutes; he went outside the building to his brother and family who were alongside of it to bring them into it, thinking it might be a safe place of protection from the mob, being wholly unarmed, and relying for protection on the Authorities of Panama. A number of other passengers likewise took refuge in the same building. The expected protection was not afforded; on the contrary, after being a considerable time in the building, it was attacked by an armed party who, after firing upon it, broke into it. The passengers in the building had given no cause for the attack on them that your Memorialist is aware of; during the whole affair, not a single shot had been fired from within the building, by anyone, to the best of his knowledge and belief, and he was certainly in a situation to know.
    The part of the building where he and a number of passengers took refuge was in darkness, it being in the night; in another part of the building, where passengers had also taken refuge, there was a light burning. It was into this part that the attacking party broke, where they murdered as your Memorialist has learned, all they could lay hold of. Your Memorialist heard the cries of the murdered persons, but could render them no assistance.
    As soon as the police had finished the work of murder in that part of the building, they began to come into the part where your Memorialist was. Expecting that quickly the same would be the fate of the whole party where he was, it was proposed by someone that all should rush out of the building, by which means, possibly, some might escape with life. Accordingly, your Memorialist went out of the building, when he was quickly surrounded by persons who wounded him in the head and also fired a pistol at him, the ball passing through the body, close to the heart, when he immediately fell to the ground. In addition to these wounds, both hands were severely injured. Your Memorialist lost a considerable sum of money, besides other valuables; he likewise lost a considerable sum of money which was entrusted to his keeping by friends of the Oregon mission in South Carolina, and also a sum of money belonging to his brother.
    Your Memorialist is persuaded that he is most justly entitled not only to a remuneration of the personal losses sustained by him, but also to a claim for damages, and likewise that the expenses for medical attendance, nursing, food and other necessaries in Panama, which kind friends provided for him, should be refunded to them. Previous to his leaving Panama, where he was confined some five weeks, he made a deposition before the United States Consul respecting his personal losses--since ascertained to be greater than he was then aware of--and also put in a claim for ten thousand dollars damages for injuries received, and also a claim for repayment to the proper parties of his expenses at Panama.
    Your Memorialist after leaving Panama proceeded direct to Portland, Oregon, but was utterly unable to attend to his duties as a clergyman; he needed nursing and medical attendance. The pistol shot wound kept discharging daily, a great deal for eleven months from the time of the affair; during that period he suffered much pain in it, often almost unbearable agonies. Although now it does not discharge any, yet he often feels pain in it. The blows he received on his head caused such a concussion of the brain as to injure him greatly. His intellect became enfeebled and he felt incapacitated for a proper discharge of his clerical duties. The most trifling occurrence would cause a most intense excitement of the brain.
    Your Memorialist commenced trying to discharge a portion of his clerical duties to the congregation in Portland in the month of November succeeding the sad affair. After trying for several months to fulfill only a small part of his duties, he felt himself compelled to resign his situation, having no prospect of his head ever being sufficiently recovered to enable him to discharge properly the duties of his office, and suffering greatly from only the little he did.
    Your Memorialist has now recovered a degree of bodily health and strength, and does not suffer so much in his head as formerly, and tries to do a little for the congregation, the clergyman who has been called from the States not having yet arrived to take charge of it. He is, however, probably injured for life, and even should the time ever arrive, when his brain will completely recover, yet he will always bear about with him most conspicuously the marks of the injuries received, his face being greatly disfigured.
    It being the duty of all governments to protect their citizens when engaged in their lawful pursuits, and to obtain redress for them, if, while peaceably traveling through the territory of another government, they receive injuries--your Memorialist has felt it his duty to address your Honorable body, having while engaged in traveling in the most peaceable manner through the territory of New Grenada, sustained great personal losses and received irreparable bodily injuries; and he is moreover fully persuaded that all his losses and injuries have befallen him in consequence of the gross dereliction of duty of the then Governor of Panama who, he has been informed, instead of directing his armed police to protect the peaceable and defenseless passengers who had taken refuge from the hands of the mob in the R.R. Depot, ordered them to take the building, which they did in the most savage and brutal manner.
Very respectfully yours
    John Sellwood
Portland, Oregon Territory
    December 6th, 1858



Salem, Dec. 6th, 1858
Dear General,
    I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 18th ult. I was glad to hear from you after a silence so long. At the request of our mutual friend, Judge A. E. Wait, who was elected a judge for the state at the last election, I write to request that you will do all that you can consistently to secure his appointment as U.S. District Judge. You have, of course, received his application for that office some time since. We in the North all desire that he may be so appointed. There will be a number of applicants to select from. You know them all and it is therefore needless for me to say aught in reference to them.
    We look for the admission of Oregon by at least the middle of the session. If any contingency should occur, however, to prevent that and we are to continue as a Territory, which heaven forbid, pray have Wait appointed to the place made vacant by the resignation of Judge Williams. The members of the bar in the North so desire. Williams has had the northern district since Boise's appointment.
    The legislature will organize tomorrow. I expect to transmit a message. It will be something new, and although it may startle and surprise at first, I know that in the end the main principle will win, although it may take time to establish it. I am prepared for all that may follow. I shall defend my ideas to the best of my ability, as I may have opportunity and as occasion may require.
    I have not the vanity to suppose that my theory is altogether perfect. But I do believe that the party will approximate somewhat towards it one of these days.
    I have not been here since September last, and consequently know nothing of the plans and moves about the place as to political matters. The quiet of my country life secures me doubtless from much annoyance in this respect. You see being "laid upon the shelf" I am in nobody's way, and therefore not entitled to any notice or the trouble of consultation.
    As to the future, I shall pursue the even tenor of my way, work hard on my farm, as I have been doing since spring, to get somewhat better off in this world's wealth, take care of my county politically, and try to serve my friends as I have always tried to do.
    You have many friends and they will take care of your interests. Write to me, never address to me at Salem, but always as usual at Butteville. My respects to the members of the delegation. In haste
Yours always sincerely
    Geo. L. Curry



Jacksonville Oregon
    Dec. 15th 1858
Gen. Lane
    Dear sir--I received your letter to Mr. Dowell enclosing the communication of Charles E. Mix, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, about the claim of Marcena McCombs. I send you the power of attorney and the affidavit of Mr. John Anderson showing A. M. McCombs and Marcena McCombs is the identical man who the certificate of award No. 38 was made to. These ought to be enough for you to get the draft for the money and when it comes I can get McCombs to endorse the draft and if drawn payable in New York it will be worth the amount in cash here. Yours in good health
B. B. Griffin to
General Lane




    To the Honorable, the Senators and Representatives of the United States in Congress Assembled.
    The undersigned, your petitioners, members of the Legislative Assembly of Oregon Territory, would respectfully present to your Honorable Body the case of H. H. Howard and solicit upon it your kind consideration.
    H. H. Howard, a citizen of this Territory, was among the first to volunteer to join his countrymen in repelling the ruthless savages from our homes after the first call for volunteers by Governor Curry, in compliance with the request of Major Haller, U.S.A.
    While marching into the enemy's country, during a night march in almost total darkness, an accidental discharge of his gun, while mounting his horse, took effect in his foot.
    For nearly a year he endured the suffering of the wound in a vain effort to save his limb. At length this was found impossible and the limb was amputated, but not until his long confinement and suffering had undermined his constitution and made him, we fear, an early candidate for the grave.
    All this is the result of a wound received while in the service of the United States as a soldier, and we therefore respectfully and earnestly beg your Honorable Body to aid him by pension or otherwise as may seem proper, believing him to be a worthy and deserving object of your attention.
    And we also would further represent to your Honorable Body that he has never received to the amount of one cent for his services, &c.
    And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.
Salem, Dec. 16th 1858
    Signed by every member and officer of the Legislative Assembly who has taken his seat this session.



Winchester Dec. 17, 1858
Dear Genl.
    W. W. Fowler is trying by some means at Washington to set aside the certificate of Clugage. As no objections were ever made to this office I am anxious to know how and by what means he expects to effect it. Please inquire at the office and let me know.
    The family are all well. Everything is working itself clear in politics. Bush's party have this territorial legislature but it is their last one.
Your son
    L. F. Mosher
I have not heard from you for an age.




At Home, Enchanted Prairie, Coos Co. O.T. Decr. 17th 1858.
Hon. Joseph Lane, U.S. Senator, Oregon
    Dear Sir, Permit me as one of your constituents, and friends, to congratulate you on your election as U.S. Senator, and to express the hope that it will only be the prelude to other deserved and more distinguished honors in your service of the American people.
    I was not fortunate enough to be elected Rep., so as to secure our county vote for the Genl. However, "all is well that ends well" and you received our county vote, much against the anticipations of your friends.
    I perceive that the Genl. has obtained the establishment of a mail route from Empire City to Roseburg, "via Coquille Valley."
    I understand that some persons from Empire City have forwarded to the Department a map of distances, suggested places for post offices, and recommended persons for post masters.
    In the event of no such map having been received, I would say the distance is between one hundred, and one hundred and ten or fifteen miles, suitable for weekly service, or half-monthly. That there is but one route from Empire City to Roseburg, "via Coquille Valley", that Fort Kitchen would (on the Coquille River) be a suitable place for a post office, and Ephraim Catching a suitable person for post master, or that Georgetown "two miles above Fort Kitchen" would be a good place for a post office, and John A. Harry a proper person for post master. I should prefer Georgetown. In Camas Valley, it might be Camas Valley post office, and Adam, George or Wm. Day, or Mr. Martindale for post masters; any of them are proper persons.
    We are having some new settlers on our river this fall direct from the States, and mail service is needed and cannot fail of being of much service to our country.
    Moreover, to speak out plain, I am anxious that service should be put on as soon as possible as I desire to become a bidder, and intend in order to get mail service to bid low.
    If I could obtain the contract, it would give me in addition to what I am doing, "farming &c.," steady employment at decent wages, and an opportunity of making some money to stock our place.
    If the Genl. can send me some of the first advertisements for bidders from Washington to Roseburg direct, I will be much obliged.
    I take this means of trying to get an advertisement in time. It would only be a possibility for me to get it in my Oregon papers as they are overhauled at Port Orford and Empire City generally before reaching me--and on leave of myself.
    I trust the Genl. will not forget his friend and my friend, Abbott, George H. For any business where courage, honesty and firmness of purpose is requisite, he is the man. More particularly fitted for the Ind. Dept. or Military.
    For myself, I am digging away at Enchanted, hog, cattle & horse raising on a small scale, and if my writing should be almost illegible, excuse it as chopping and hauling rails is not calculated to supple but honestly strengthen the fingers.
Respectfully & truly your friend
    W. H. Packwood
Hon. Joseph Lane, U.S. Senator, Oregon
    Washington City, D.C.



Washington City
    December 23, 1858
My Dear Lafayette
    Herewith I send you a small Christmas present with my earnest wishes for your health, happiness & prosperity together with a happy Christmas.
    There is still some doubt about our admission, but still I think we will be admitted.
    Both houses of Congress have agreed to take a recess till the 4th Jany. This in my judgment is wrong, but as I could not control their action, it must go so.
    Kindest regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington, and their daughters. Don't be uneasy about your watch; you shall have her. I have not yet got mine; when I do, yours shall go to you.
    Heaven bless & prosper your efforts is the earnest prayer of you
Father
    Joseph Lane



Portland, OT
    December 24 1858
Dear Genl,
    You may think it rather astonishing to receive two letters from me by the same steamer, but as the honorable members of the Territorial Legislature have come to Portland to spend the holidays. I have come too and on yesterday wrote you a letter giving the names of certain gentlemen who I looked upon as your opponents or siding with the "Bush" attack. While coming down here on the steamer Messrs. Jennings & Hedges of Oregon City while in conversation with me expressed some doubts as to the reliability of Wait; at least Col. Jennings did--from everything that I could learn I put him down as siding in his cool manner with the opposition, and so stated the matter in my letter to you. Col. Jennings & Hedges thinking I would write you from this place and in all probability do what I did do express my opinion of his position in relation to you went to Mack and desired to know of him how he stood in relation to you. They then came down here today and requested me to so write you. Therefore upon their request I write you that they say Waite is a Lane man but I have not learned enough to say that I would trust him. There is [an] office to be filled by appointment and it becomes your duty to leave them filled with voluble "Lane" men.
    I have not yet visited Mrs. Shelby my business preventing but I shall on tomorrow take my "Christmas" dinner with her by special invitation.
    Act discreetly in all things of a political nature and your friends will do their duty--[illegible] is finding fault with Jennings' appointment.
Yours truly as ever
        W. G. T'Vault



Barracks Benicia Cal. [1858]
To
    Maj. Genl. Joseph Lane
        Genl., 1st Sergt. Nash of my company was sorely wounded in the Rogue River War, Southern Oregon. He can hardly walk and never can recover the entire use of his legs. He was wounded while helping along an exhausted comrade shortly after I had burned a village on Rogue River, and left eight dead Indians on the ground where they attacked us--with every advantage in their favor. There were many more killed and wounded--"Enos" among the number. Sergeant Nash behaved very well here, and deserves well from Oregon's delegate who knows something of the wounds and perils of war--and what is due a brave man. My company was cooperating on more than one occasion with the volunteers both in Northern and Southern Oregon, and they gave us credit of fighting with a will. Can't you help Nash to something better that the private soldier's pension--of eight dollars per month. He has a wife and family, and ought to get at least forty dollars the month and as some of the soldiers of the volunteers were wounded on similar occasions his case will be a precedent.
Yours Respectfully,
    Edward O. C. Ord
        Capt., 3rd Artillery


Washington City
January 1--1859
My Dear Son
    A happy new year to you, to Mr. [and] Mrs. Huntington, family and all the students, many returns to you and to all of them.
    I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 30th last evening, and thank you for it. Your views in relation to political matters are good, and especially so as to Douglas, but my son we must not drive any from us. We must succeed in the election of President, and Douglas has many friends. They must if possible be brought to the support of the nominee of the Charleston convention.
    With you I agree that Douglas' course towards the Administration has been very unfortunate to him, the Democratic Party and the country. I look upon the views of Douglas upon the territorial question, that is that the people in a territory have the right to establish or prohibit slavery, as the very worst doctrine that can be held, first the rights of nearly one half the states would be excluded from an inheritance that belong equally to all, and next and not least, if his doctrine should be sustained it would lead to much trouble, bloodshed and civil war, should the opinion prevail that the people in a territory had this right then as soon as a territorial government should be organized there would be a rush for the territory by armed men to shoot down all who would not agree that slavery should be excluded, to take the polls and prevent any but free state men the right of voting, so that the first legislature should be free state men, that slavery might be excluded by law. War would follow and dissolution of our union would be the result, thus you see that I am no friend of the views of Douglas, but I am not inclined to drive him or his friends from the Democratic Party, but if possible bring them back to a sense of justice & right & duty.
    May heaven bless you and prosper you in your studies is the earnest prayer of your old father.
Joseph Lane           
Lafayette Lane (write often)



Jackson County Oregon Jan. 5th / 59
Dear
    Sir, these few lines will inform you that we are well at present. We had rather an unpleasant trip coming out last fall on account of rain and we have had one of the worst winters here so far that I have seen. Since I have lived in Rogue River Valley it rained or snowed every day through Dec. with the exception of three or four days about the first and then it was so cold that it couldn't snow. But we have never had snow yet this winter to lay more than 2 inches deep, or more than 24 hours at a time. This month has set in fair and I hope we will enjoy a few days of sunshine before another storm comes on.
    Well, Mr. Smith, about next May you may begin to look out for that mover [sic] you prophesied that you would see some of these days, for I have sold my place and expect to go back there someplace and try my luck again. I want to either buy some good piece of land or rent some lazy man's farm and I don't care much which. I want you if you know of any good piece of land for sale write to me and let me know what terms it could be had on, but if you should hear of a grub farm for sale, say nothing about it, for my boy is too small to grub and I have been too old ever since you & Cruize trotted me through up in the corner of the field. I want you to let me know if Mr. Palmer has got home or not. I have heard several stories about what has become of him but I believe none. Harriet sends her best respects to you all and all inquiring friends. Hoping that these few lines will come to hand finding you all in the enjoyment of good health, I will close, so no more from
Joseph J. Charlton
Andrew Smith, Dayton O.T.



Washington City
    January 7 / 59
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have been waiting to receive the letter you promised to send to me to be forwarded to your mother. Don't forget it--she would be so glad to have a letter from her youngest son.
    I now think that we will get Oregon in next week. The main or principle opposition will be from the North.
    Write and let me know how you are progressing in Virgil. I feel satisfied that you have talent to accomplish any task in study, however difficult.
    By your letter of the last day of the year, I find you have been philosophizing upon the past and the course you will pursue in the future. Well, this is sensible and you will profit by such reasoning. Your future will depend upon your own efforts. I am determined that you shall have a good chance.
    I wrote Mr. Huntington yesterday but you can give my respects to him and his family. Write me before long.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Salem, Jan. 13th, 1859
Dear General,
    Friend Hedges and myself propose to make bids to carry the mail on the following routes, viz:
Route No. 12763--Fort Colville to Coeur D'Alene Mission
Route No. 12770--Steilacoom to Fort Walla Walla
Route No. 12715--Salt Lake City to the Dalles
Route No. 12716--Salt Lake City to Roseburg
    We desire that you should know our intention to bid in order that you may assist us so far as may be proper and right, should you be so disposed, by saying a word for us that may introduce us to the good graces of the Department. The bids of course will not be opened until late in the spring, probably after you shall have left Washington. Please assure the Postmaster General, or the proper officer of the Department to whom is assigned such business, that whatever we shall agree to do shall be consummated satisfactorily to all concerned.
    We have not yet prepared our bids; they will go on by and by.
    You know of this world's wealth I haven't much to boast--rather behind my fellows maybe in that particular, and it is necessary that I should engage in something whereby I may be able to secure an honest penny, and I prefer to engage in these contracts (at paying prices or else not at all), or do something else rather than to continue longer to be supported by the salary of a public functionary.
    Be kind enough to continue to my address, Butteville, the Congressional Globe (the quarto form).
    Don't give yourself any uneasiness about the enemy in your rear. Your friends are numerous and determined. They are able to take care of your interests in your absence. However, as soon as your duties are done at Washington, return, post haste, by all means to Oregon, not overland with an immigration, but by the quickest route.
Yours always sincerely
    Geo. L. Curry
Gen. Jos. Lane, M.C.
    Washington, D.C.



Jacksonville O.T. Jan. 17th 1859
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Dr. Sir:
        I received your favor of the 24th Nov. with the accompanying land warrant for Mr. Wm. A. J. Moore; Mr. Moore has not been in this vicinity for a year or more, nor do I know his whereabouts; I have had a notice published in the Sentinel, which may apprise him of the receipt of his warrant.
    I addressed a letter to Hon. Mr. Grover a short time ago at the request of Mr. Wrisley in relation to the claim of the latter against the government, for supplies furnished the volunteers in the Indian War of '53, requesting him to confer with you on the subject, with the hope that some final action may be had on the subject. I can well conceive how much you must be burdened with business of this kind; I know also, that you are at all times willing to aid your friends in any business they may have with the Departments at Washington.
    I am happy to say that the course of the Statesman towards yourself does not meet with favor among the Democrats of this region; the opposition, as a matter of course, are chuckling over it--and would gladly see a breach made in our ranks. I am satisfied myself that Bush is "gnawing against a file."
    We are looking with intense interest for news from Washington.
With great respect
    Your obdt. servt.
        Wm. Hoffman



Corvallis Jany. 21st 1859
Dear Father
    Mr. R. M. Hutchinson of Umpqua Valley has just mailed a big for the Salt Lake and Roseburg mail contract; he requested me to write to you, to go to the P.M. Genl. and speak a favorable word for his bid. I hope you will do so and do all you can for his bid; he is a worthy man, sound Democrat, and will carry the mail faithfully if the contract is awarded to him. His bid is $88,000, eighty-eight thousand dollars, which is as low as it ought to be let.
    No news, family all well; the Statesman still fussing and firing away at you. I don't think he is having much effect, except to confirm many in their former belief that he must control or distract the Democratic Party. His days are numbered. A general turning out of his friends from office must be attended to soon.
Your aff. son
    Nat. H. Lane



Jacksonville Oregon
Jan 22nd (59
                                    Dear General
    I wrote you some 2 months since relative to the probability of the establishment of a military post & Indian agency in the Modoc country & have since deemed it proper to consult with some of our mutual political friends & not having met with a single reverse I have grown more zealous in the enterprise & herewith send you a petition, which has had but a limited circulation & only been presented to those with whom I thought you & your associates (Messrs. Smith & Grover) were to some extent personally acquainted. The impracticability of our roads has prevented its further circulation, however I do not anticipate a remonstrance & feeling confident that I could obtain the endorsement of a large majority of the people and unity of the Democracy I am willing to entrust the matter with you.
    As to the absolute necessity of an agent for those Indians I will merely say that unless some provisions are made to prevent them from obtaining munitions of war as they are now doing another bloody time in Rogue River Valley is inevitable. I do not wish to be understood as Clarendon of Forest Dale in days of yore but visiting Jacksonville today for the first time for about 3 months I was forcibly impressed with the complexion of its inhabitants. About one fourth I should think are white, the remainder equally divided [among] Indians, Chinamen, Kanakas & Mexicans. The Indians' superiority for dickering on firearms are enabled through the more enlightened colored friends to obtain them for a trifle & no one criminally responsible, but enough of predictions & criticisms.
    We are all anxiously expecting the admission of Oregon notwithstanding the effort that is being made to induce the people to believe that it will be delayed until the close of the session.
    I can hardly refrain from a short sentence or two before I close on the position of our leading political journalist but believing that you have correspondents whose indignation is more easily expressed I will content myself by assuring you that the reverse of his intent is the exact effect with the people. Hoping to hear favorable return I pray you believe me
Your true friend and advocate
        Thos. Pyle
Gen. Jos. Lane



Washington City
    February 8 1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your note of yesterday enclosing your last Sunday's report has been recd., and with all the affections of a kind father I thank you for them.
    You can hardly know how delighted I am at your progress; you are indeed progressing finely. I am proud of you, and if it shall please kind Heaven to favor you with good health, you will with proper industry and application become a fine scholar, a very learned man. Oh, how rejoiced I should be to see you thoroughly educated. I most earnestly pray God that you may be blessed with health, and you may grow in knowledge, in wisdom and learning. Herewith I send you a two & half piece.
    Mr. Hibben is quite sick. John is well and progressing well.
    Oregon will be admitted within the next ten days.
    My love to Mr. Huntington & family.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Treasury Department
    Second Auditor's Office
        12 February 1859
Sir,
    The Treasurer of the U. States will transmit to you the sum of $354.66/100, being the amount allowed of your claim for property destroyed by the Rogue River Indians, during the war with that tribe in 1853, under award No. 38 by the Commn. &c. as allowed by the Comr. of Indian Affairs.
    When the remittance reaches your hands, please to advise this office.
Respectfully &c. &c.
    T. J. D. Fuller
        Second Auditor
Mr. Marsena McCombs
    Care of Hon. Joseph Lane
        Present



Nashua, New Hampshire
    February 15, 1859.
Dear General:-- I notice by the newspapers that the Oregon war debt is likely to be referred back again to the auditing offices of the Treasury to be audited at the prices paid by the regular service on similar account at the time the debt was created. If this is so, it cannot be otherwise than unfortunate for the people of Oregon and Washington; for the Third Auditor, to whom the great bulk of these claims are rendered and acted upon, is violently opposed to the allowance of anything like fair rates for supplies furnished or for service performed.
    I know this of my own personal knowledge. During a conversation I had with him on this subject just before I left Washington, he took occasion to say that the people of Oregon thought the Treasury of the United States at their own disposal and that it was necessary only to make a charge against the government, present their claim and it would be promptly paid. This is his exact language. He said a great deal more at the same time and in the same strain, all going to show that he is prejudiced against these claims to such an extent that he cannot deal justly or equitably in the premises. Is there not some way to effect his removal and to procure the appointment of some honest and impartial man in his place?  I hope so, and that it may be done before the adjournment of this Congress.
    I am confident that Mr. Grover has seen enough of Mr. Atkinson to see the absolute necessity of his removal before justice can possibly be meted out to the Oregon & Washington war claimants. Your own experience, of course, must lead you to the same conclusion.
    I make these remarks because I believe Mr. Atkinson has expressed his feelings on this subject more freely to me than he has to any other person, except such, perhaps, as are under his control.
    Please send documents, &c. direct to Nashua, New Hampshire.
Very respectfully your obt. servt.
    C. S. Drew



Washington City
February 17 1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have had the pleasure of receiving your note of day before yesterday, and thank you for it. I am very glad to learn that you are progressing well in your studies, application will bring you up. No one ever reached distinction without industry, and earnest and faithful study. Should your health continue good, you will come out, and as you say be able in a few years to commence reading law.
    Oregon is in the Union, and I shall be here one more Congress. That will give you till March 1861 to stay in the country. That will give you in all between three & four years in this country.
    Love to all.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Another Change in the Line of Defense.
    From the last number of the Jacksonville Sentinel we copy the following letter, entire; that it may not be said we have garbled. Some letters published over the signature of our Delegate were not written by him, but the subjoined one was:
House of Representatives,
    WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 1858.
    Editor Sentinel:--Herewith I send you a copy of the Senate admission bill, and also a copy of Bingham's amendment. Upon this amendment, the entire or nearly the entire Republican Party were organized to make battle at the last session, and are now prepared to oppose us; and he who has been saying in Oregon that he had a letter from a distinguished Senator stating that there were not forty members of the House opposed to the admission, has been guilty of circulating erroneous information. If the Senator wrote such a letter, he was guilty of falsehood. The probability, however, is that the letter was fabricated in Oregon; another forgery.
    The committee on territories have this moment agreed in favor of reporting our admission bill, with a recommendation that it pass. The Black Republican members of the committee voted against us, as they, almost en masse, will do in the House. They object to the free negro clause, contend for negro equality, and are determined that we shall have negroes as our fellow citizens. As odious as this doctrine is, a portion of the press of Oregon are playing into the hands of these negro worshipers by opposing our admission, either directly or indirectly. The Democrats will generally vote for admission, and, as I have heretofore said, my opinion is that we will be admitted--Black Republicans and the above named press to the contrary notwithstanding.
Your obedient servant,
    JOSEPH LANE.
    Our Delegate in Congress is ever changing the line of defense respecting the matter of the non-action of the House upon the Oregon admission bill. Every letter brings a new explanation and a new defense. But we will let him speak for himself.
    Immediately after the adjournment of Congress, Gen. Lane wrote to the Portland Times as follows:
    "Congress has adjourned and the Oregon state bill remains not acted upon in the House. You will not, however, attribute the failure to any indifference or opposition upon the part of the majority in the House to our admission, but to a want of time."    *    *    *    "There is no reasonable doubt entertained here of the ultimate admission of Oregon. The bill as it passed the Senate will be taken up early in December, and our members will take their seats within the first or second week of the session."
    Later, under date of November 1st, he wrote to the Times:
    "And here I must be allowed to say that it would have been well if our state organization had taken place last winter, in which event Oregon would in my opinion have been admitted, and the two Senators and Member would have made full and complete preparations for the coming session. Whenever I urged our friends of the Committee on Territories to whom the bill for our admission had been referred to report it, I was met with the reply: You have no state organization."
    On the 17th of December, as will be seen above, he wrote:
    "Upon this (Bingham's) amendment, the entire Republican Party were organized to make battle at the last session, and are now prepared to oppose us."
    Why these varying reasons, and very varying defenses? Here are three direct and irreconcilable grounds of defense. The first--want of time. The second--want of organization. The third--combination of the Republican Party on Bingham's amendment.
    We think we can show that these letters conflict with one another, and that they do not argue straightforward action. Is it not singular that so many and differing reasons are given? The facts do not change, and the real reasons cannot.
    In the first place, the Republicans do not at this session ground their opposition on Bingham's amendment; that amendment was simply an enabling act for Oregon. Kansas was not named in it. Now the Republicans resist on the ground that Kansas ought to be placed on an equal footing with Oregon--that if the latter is admitted with less than 93,000 population, provision ought to be made for the former on the same terms. The N.Y. Times says on the 7th of January "the Republicans in Congress held a caucus to consider their course relative to the admission of Oregon. It resulted in a general understanding that they would oppose it while the English bill of prohibition stands in reference to Kansas." The Congressional Reports, for the 18th of January, also say:
    "The majority and minority reports of the committee upon the Oregon bill were presented. The latter, offered by Mr. Grow, contends that Oregon should not be admitted on conditions, as regards population, more favorable than those allowed to Kansas."
    Nothing is said about Bingham's amendment, and it [is] very evident that the Republican Party is not "organized to make battle upon" that.
    December 17th, our Delegate writes that the Republican Party was organized at the last session to make battle against us. Yet, immediately after the adjournment, he wrote that the bill would be taken up and passed early in December, and that the Senators would be in their seats the first or second week of the session. If the "Republican Party were organized to make battle against us," how could he have expected to go in the first or second week? If he then expected such an organized opposition, how could he have expected us to go in without delay? He could not have expected it, and his earlier letters corroborate the general evidence that there was at the last session no organized opposition to our admission--that the plan has since been formed. It has since been formed, and the consequence is we did not go in either the first, or the fifth week of the session. On the 17th of December, when an organized opposition had been developed, Gen. Lane writes about it. If it existed before, why did he remain silent about it, when giving the reasons? It would have been an important reason, and a much stronger one than any he gave. And, if there was such an organized opposition at the last session, was our Delegate warranted in repeatedly writing back here that we were certain to go in--that there were no obstacles in the way--all right in the House, &c.? And was he warranted in expecting our admission, if he knew of such combination, the first or second week of this session? Would any man familiar with legislation, and aware of such fact, have so written?
    A large class of Democrats in the Senate had voted against the bill there, and there was reason to suppose that some Democrats in the House would likewise oppose it; and if there was a union of the Republicans in that body against it, instead of there being no obstacles to its passage, as our Delegate's letters represented, there was certainly some danger of its defeat.
    It is manifest from his own letters that our Delegate was not at the last session, nor on the 1st of November, aware of the general Republican opposition to the admission which the present session developed. And to say that there was such an understanding at the last session and that our Delegate was wholly ignorant of it, is not to compliment his intelligence. That such an understanding on the part of the Republican members could exist and he not know it, is improbable to say the very least. They would have no occasion for making their determination a secret, and would not have done it. At this session they formed such determination, and it was announced by the Republican members, the party and its presses. To say that our Delegate did know of it, and still wrote here that there were no obstacles in the way of our success, is to reflect upon his candor.
    And, too, Gen. Lane advised the people of Oregon to proceed with its state! government. If he had been aware of the organization of the entire Republican Party against our admission, he must have been aware that there were, in that House, doubts of our success at all. Under such circumstances would he have been warranted in advising the people of Oregon to incur a heavy expense of going on with a state government, to say nothing of the embarrassment and trouble which would have succeeded such a movement, in case of the final rejection of the state? We think not.
    We think the general evidence tends to the conclusion that there was no organized Republican opposition to the admission of Oregon at the last session, and that the determination to oppose was formed after the Kansas election on the English proposition, and consummated after the meeting of Congress last December; and our Delegate's letters corroborate this conclusion.
    But, admitting, for the sake of argument, that any or all of these reasons existed, does it excuse our Delegate's utter non-action respecting the admission bill? If it is said that he knew of the existence of these obstacles and knew that they could not be overcome, and therefore is excusable in not trying to get the bill passed in the House, was he then excusable in writing here on the eve of the Senatorial election that we were sure to go in, and that there was no trouble in the House? If he did not know of the existence of formidable obstacles, he ought certainly to have urged the passage of the bill. If he did know of their existence, he ought not to have concluded and written that "we were all right in the House."
    The reference to a letter from a distinguished Senator, in the letter of December 17, we do not understand. We never before heard of any such letter. "Another forgery" is likewise inexplicable to us. Our Delegate has perhaps had an erroneous story of that kind written him by some tattler.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 1, 1859, page 2



Senate Chamber
    Washington March 3 1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your letter of yesterday has this moment been recd. I thank you for it, and I can say that I wrote you since I received your last letter but this, so you will see that you were the delinquent, not me. I have, my dear son, been very busy for the last ten days. The Senate has been in session generally from 11 o'clock till 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning. I have not been out of my seat for an hour during the time, and tonight we will be in session all night. And tomorrow at 12, Congress will adjourn, and at the same moment the Senate will under the proclamation of the President assemble for the purpose of executive business & may be detained a week or two, but I shall go and see you before I go home.
    I am well nigh worn out, but a little rest will bring me up.
    Now, my son, bear in mind that every man in this country must be the artificer of his own fortune. Education makes the man, then press forward, and victory will crown your efforts.
    Regards to Mr. Huntington & family.
Your father
    Joseph Lane
Received Mar. 5, 1859




Copy.

Treasury Department
    Third Auditor's Office
        March 14th 1859.
Hon. Howell Cobb
    Secretary of the Treasury
        Sir,
            By resolution of the House of Representatives, adopted on the 8th ultimo, the Third Auditor of the Treasury is directed to examine the vouchers and papers now on file in his office, relating to the claims of citizens of Washington and Oregon Territories, for expenses incurred in suppressing Indian hostilities in said territories in the years 1855 and 1856, and upon certain principles indicated in said resolution, to report thereon to the said House of Representatives on the first Monday of December next, &c.
    In the report of the Commissioners, appointed by the late Secretary of War, accompanying the claims, it is stated that during the investigation, "frequent conferences were had with officers & agents who originated these vouchers, and with the parties claimant, in all cases admitting of doubt in the regularity and integrity of the claims, and when necessary, the sworn statements of disinterested persons have been taken. In passing upon the rates of compensation and allowances, the Commission took into consideration the various market prices of the different sections of country embraced in the field of operations during the late Indian War, and on the statements and testimony of the most competent witnesses, carefully adjusted prices current of the various local markets &c."
    On examination of the papers transmitted by the Commissioners with their report, it appears that the statements, testimony, prices current &c. referred to, have been retained by them. It is important, in discharging the duty imposed on me, that I should be in possession of all the information available on the subject; and as it is presumed this evidence is still in the possession of the Commissioners or some one of them, and subject to the order of the Secretary of War, and as it would seem proper, at any rate that it should be filed with all the other papers now in this office in support of said claims, I have the honor respectfully to request that you will procure from the Secretary of War an order to said Commissioners to transmit said evidence &c. together with all other papers pertaining to said claims to me. As considerable time will necessarily elapse in consequence of the great distance, it is desirable that the said order may be furnished me in time for transmission by the next steamer.
I have the honor to be
    Your obt. servt.
        R. J. Atkinson
            Auditor


West Point
April 5th 1859
My Dear Father:
    I was very happy to receive your letter of the 4th inst. I have expected a letter from you nearly every day since you left the Point & had come to the conclusion that you did not intend to write till you arrived at Aspinwall. The course is changed back to five years beyond a doubt. The order is on the Point. I sent you a telegraph dispatch this morning, I was under the impression that you sailed today and it would be the only way of letting you know of the proceedings at Washington.
    The professors and most of the officers are very indignant, it was changed without asking their advice on the subject, I may say, without so much as giving them a hint that it would be done for when the news came they were more surprised than we were--
    Mr. Floyd is in my opinion an old granny--Col. Delafield says that there has been a good deal of influence used by some persons on the Point in favor of the five years course. He mentioned no names, but everybody knows that he means Prof. French & Mrs. de Janon. I suppose Davis has done all he could in favor of it. Several of us have entered into a compact to take the stump & use all our influence against Davis, Floyd or Buchanan, if either should ever run for the Presidency & for my [part] I shall most certainly fulfill my agreement if ever an opportunity occurs--I never have heard of greater weakness in my life than Floyd has displayed on this occasion. He is not fit for the occasion he occupies. If it is ever in my power to send French & de Janon from this Point I most assuredly will do so. I will try to stay here a few years longer although I expect I will be gray headed before I graduate. I have never wanted you to be President before this and now I hope from the bottom of my heart you may be just for the purpose of ousting a few gentlemen from the positions which they occupy--you can say to Mother that in the course of time I will be out there to see her. Give my love to all the family--I think I will spend most of my time on furlough in Stamford with Lafayette. I hope you will have a pleasant trip.
    Write before you leave--
Your affectionate
Son John


New York
    April 7--1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    Herewith I send you Dr. Schmidt's letter; you will find a Latin quotation you will understand and answer as to you may seem right.
    I wrote you fully yesterday and enclosed receipt for the weekly day book, which paper you will receive.
    Press forward in your studies, but be sure to take exercise, preserve your health and obtain a good education and you will be more than a match for any boy that may graduate when you do.
    May heaven bless and prosper you.
Your father
    Joseph Lane
Write every mail.


New York
    April 7--1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have just recd. a letter from John informing me that an order had just been recd. from Washington reinstating the five years course, instead of the four years, so you will see that John will have to stay three years more. I have written him that he need not be uneasy that I would have it altered once more and brought back to the four years term so that he would graduate in 1861 & so I will.
    I wrote you that you could get any clothes you want at Devlin's, you will call or send it will be all the same.
    Now my son I look to you to become a learned and able man this can be done by hard study, go ahead, press forward and all will be right.
    Goodbye, I will come again.
Your father, Lane           




Winchester Oregon
May 18--1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    I arrived at home on the 11th inst. quite sick with a bad cold and now I am not able to be out, but I am getting better and will soon be all right. Your mother is well as also all the family. Simon is quite low spirited but I hope he will soon recover from the depression that he is laboring under.
    Many of your acquaintances have called to inquire about you, all express much gratification at your success in your studies and request me to say that someday they hope to find you one of the leading men of this country.
    Political affairs are in a perplexed condition in our new state. Bush, Nes. & co. are determined to rule or win & if allowed will break up the Democratic Party.
    I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Stout at Roseburg on yesterday and of hearing him & Logan speak. I was pleased with Stout, he is a good Democrat & will if elected make us a good member.
    Now my dear son don't fail to put in your time to the best advantage; you have a future before you, and if you are true to yourself you can & will be a useful man,. Then my son go ahead, study faithfully, constantly, and you will get up the ladder to the top. Keep no bad company, let your associates be worthy honest people.
    Oregon is looking well. Though the winter past has been a hard one, the mountains have been very much washed, our old claim much injured and looks bad. Roseburg is improving, gold is being dug on the South Umpqua above the Canyon. Miners are making money, and business is good.
    Kindest regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington & the young ladies.
    Mosher, Simon, Floed, your mother & all send their love to you.
    God bless you & prosper you in all things.
Your father
Joseph Lane
Write often.



Stamford Conn.
    June 20th 1859
My Dear Father:
    It is impossible for me to give an excuse for not writing oftener. I arrived here day before yesterday & am very much pleased with the village. It is indeed a lovely place. I have no idea how long I shall remain here, nor have the least idea where I will go when I do leave. I left West Point on the 15th inst. At the examination, I "fessed" pretty cold in math, but in English & French made maximum recitations.
    I have a great notion of visiting Indiana & Kentucky in a few days. John Stanly sent word to me a few days since to come & spend my time at his house and I have a notion of accepting his hospitality. I took tea day before yesterday at Mr. Huntington's & dinner yesterday with Mr. Ferris. I was treated very kindly at both places. They are very nice people indeed. By the way, Miss Ferris is going to be married next month to a preacher of New York. Mr. Huntington was very anxious for me to stay at his house with Fayette, but I declined the offer for the simple reason I was afraid of bothering him in his studies. Hibben was one of the board of visitors. He appeared to be very well satisfied with the examinations. Also Col. Herr of North Carolina was on the board. There were two persons in my class found deficient. Mr. King, son of Dr. King of Washington, was one of them--he will be turned back in the next class. Mr. Lancaster of Kentucky was the other. The next year's course has the reputation of being the hardest and still the most interesting of the whole 5 years--by the way, do you think you can do anything towards having the course changed back to four years?  It appears that Floyd & Buchanan waited until you got away before they did anything towards changing the course back to five years.
    I am very sorry for Simon's loss. Write soon and give me all the news. Let me know everything about the family. Lafayette is in good health & from all I am able to learn he is studying pretty hard. My health is very good. Give my love to Mother and the rest of the family. I will write to them in a day or two. Write soon.
Your affectionate son
    John
To
    Gen. Joseph Lane
        Winchester
            Oregon


Winchester
    July 2 1859
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters from you, and most sincerely do I thank you for them.
    I have just returned from a political tour of the state--I made speeches in all the counties of the Willamette Valley and in Douglas, Jackson and Josephine, visited the mining towns and spoke to the miners, was four weeks in the saddle riding some days fifty miles, and over our rough country, and except Sundays made from one to two speeches per day urging our people to vote the Democratic ticket, to save the state from going into the hands of the Republicans. I did all I could, I did my whole duty. Some of my speeches were able and would so have been regarded in any portion of our country. The result is yet uncertain. Jackson, Josephine and Douglas give 900 majority for Stout (the nominee of the Democratic Party) but Bush and his satellites have worked hard against us. Marion County, heretofore Democratic, has given Logan 700 majority. Still I think Stout is elected, but it is not certain. Before the mail will go from Portland that will take this letter, the returns will be complete and you will see by the New York papers who is elected. Should Logan be elected then I suppose that Oregon may be set down as a Republican state. Bush and his gang have prepared the way for going over to that party.
    Your mother is enjoying good health and sends her love. Caroline is a fine little girl, smart & handsome. Creed & family all well, as also are all your brothers & sisters. Nat is on a visit to his wife's sister out in the Rogue River Valley. I have not yet seen Ledgerwood's family but shall go up in a few days, that is as soon as my horse can rest, for he is well worn out.
    Now my dear son, work hard, give your every thought to study, learn all you can. Education makes the man, now you have a good opportunity improve it, and all will be well.
    Give my best and kindest regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington and their daughters, as also to your school mates. Now in conclusion let me say again study hard & may God bless you.
Your father
Joseph Lane


LETTER FROM DOUGLAS COUNTY.
ROSEBURG, OREGON, March 24th, 1859.
    FRIEND BUSH--I observe by the last number of the Arkansas Traveler [a contemptuous name for T'Vault's Oregon Intelligencer] that the editor of that sheet takes exceptions to a letter which I addressed you some weeks ago, relative to the state of politics in our county. The old gentleman seems to be quite warmly enlisted in the cause of Gen. Lane, considering the position he occupied a little more than three years ago. Then, he was supposed to be "furnenst" Lane and "fur" T'Vault; and as Lane's family and friends couldn't brook opposition to the General then any more than they can now, Mosher, who happened to be cognizant of one of the Col.'s little peccadilloes, resolved to make it the instrument of his punishment. So he persecuted him for perjury. The intensity of the Colonel's feelings upon his escape from conviction was such that he never found vent for them until two or three weeks ago, when he inserted them into the Traveler, in a little paragraph commencing "There air times," &c. While the trial was in progress, it was suggested by a member of the bar that the indictment should have been headed "Territory of Oregon vs. W. G. T'Vault. Indictment for not supporting Jo. Lane." After the trial, the Col. indulged in some animadversions against his prosecutor, which resulted in hostile feelings between the parties, which subsisted, I believe, until quite recently, when Mosher, thinking the Traveler's influence might be useful to the Lane interest, opened negotiations with a view to a pacification. I am gratified to say that the result was highly satisfactory. The first interview between this now very cordial pair, is said to have been deeply very affecting. The meeting of David and Jonathan, or of the Emperors Nap. and Aleck. at Tilsit, wasn't a circumstance. What happy concatenation of circumstances combined to produce this entente cordiale, of course I don't know. Do you?
    I observe that the Col. don't take the trouble to dispute the facts which I stated in my letter, but contents himself with a few little paragraphs--intended either to be very funny or very serious--written in his "usual happy and effective style." One of them might, perhaps, be tortured into a denial that "Burnett preferred Deady to Lane," last spring. So I'll just reiterate that statement again. Burnett was for Deady, at that time, in preference to anybody else; and for that reason, and no other, it was decreed at the land office at Winchester, that Burnett should not be elected to the Legislature--and he wasn't.
    At the same time, an attempt was made to extend the land office influence into Coos and Curry counties. By the advice and approval of the tenants of the land office, a Lane man was brought out against Tichenor, the regular Democratic nominee, and anti-Lane. This man, who was merely a tool in the hands of Lane's friends, and who ran altogether upon the Lane issue, received just the opposition vote, and of course was not elected. The land office influence was not powerful enough to control the sturdy Democracy of the coast.
    If Lane's friends do not succeed in making the Democracy of Douglas County shoulder the General for life, it will not be for want of untiring exertion. The tenants of the land office, who depend upon Lane for their means of livelihood, show a lively appreciation of their obligations to him; and one or the other of them is generally traveling about the country, strengthening the weak and comforting the faithful in the cause of Jo. Lane. One of their strongest catches is to awaken a feeling of county pride, on the ground that the General is a citizen of Douglas County; but it is well known that Lane considers Washington City as his home, and has no intention of residing in Douglas County, or anywhere else in Oregon, unless he is obligated to.
    The Traveler wishes to know if "Douglas pretends to say that Gen'l. Lane has no principles, or that he has violated the rules and regulations of the Democratic Party?" I admit that Gen'l. Lane has this advantage over the editor of the Traveler, that he has some principles, although he has a peculiar way of laying them very quietly to one side when they are likely to prove troublesome, or to make a vote against him. I do say, however, that the has most assuredly violated the rules and regulations of the Democratic Party, in procuring the appointment of grossly incompetent persons to responsible offices (of which we have an example in our own county), and in countenancing and encouraging bolters and disorganizers, and retaining them in office, contrary to the expressed will of the party.
    Notwithstanding the combined influence of the Traveler and the land office, people in these parts are beginning to do their own thinking. The sentiment is fast gaining ground that Lane and his favorites have fattened long enough at the public crib, and that they ought to give place to others.
DOUGLAS.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, April 12, 1859, page 2


Letter from Gen. Lane.
Winchester, July 5, 1859.
    EDITOR SENTINEL:--Sir:--Returns received today from the north satisfy me that Stout is elected and the true principles of Democracy triumphantly sustained by the people. Permit me to use the language of the gallant Perry--"We have met the enemy and they are ours."
    Logan, the Black Republican Party, and the traitor Bush--the same coward Bush, who did write the Metropolis letter, who with treason in his heart deep and black as ever prevailed in the heart of a Benedict Arnold--he who attempted to sell out and transfer the Democratic Party to Logan and the Black Republicans--yes, the very same--Bush who did slander the good people of Oregon when they were engaged in a bloody war with the Indians--have met with that rebuke justly due to such political traitors and disunionists.
    Thanks to the true Democracy, who are always governed by principle, traitors have not prevailed and cannot prevail against them; they have maintained the party organization; have observed the party usages and elected the regular nominee.
    All hail to the Democracy of Oregon. The Union is safe should the election of President go to the House of Representatives in 1860, traitors and Black Republicans to the contrary notwithstanding.
    Thanks, ten thousand thanks, to the Democracy of Oregon will go up from the heart of every true Democrat from Maine to the shore of the Pacific.
Yours,
    JOSEPH LANE.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 30, 1859, page 2



Winchester Oregon
    July 17--1859
My Dear Lafayette
    I have just returned from Ledgerwood's where I had spent a week. Your brother Simon went with me; we hunted together and the first day I killed three deer, one doe & two bucks. Simon killed one large buck, the next day I killed a large fat buck, and after that I killed grouse & squirrels every day, for we had a great surplus of venison. I heard the mail was in & I came down to get a letter from you & John, but failed. Up to this time we have received two letters from you and none from John. I find you are not inclined to write much & John won't write at all. Well I must wait till it may suit you to write. I hope and pray that you are studying hard and learning fast.
    Election returns all in, Stout is elected [by a] close vote, the traitor Bush did all he could to defeat us, but in despite of him and the Republicans we have succeeded, though Marion County (heretofore Democratic) gave 766 majority for Logan. Bush and his Republican allies have been beaten and the honor of Oregon has been maintained, and should the election of President go to the House, the country will be safe.
    I have never before in any election worked so hard and so anxiously as in the late election, and had I been idle a single day we would have been beaten. On the day of election away in the mines on Althouse I saved, or made, for Stout more votes than is his majority, only 45 or 48 to go on. Did I not do well?
    Your mother & Caroline are still at Ledgerwood's, health good. Emma, Winnie, Simon & all well. Learn fast make yourself a scholar and may God bless you is the prayer of your
Father
Joseph Lane
Love to Huntington & family.



Jacksonville Aug. 20th 1859
Dear Genl.
    After a long time I have succeeded in getting the money you advanced to Mr. Edwards at Washington for two land warrants, one to Capt. Hugh O'Neal and the other to David Griffith. I have but recently ascertained that our townsman, D. M. Kenny, Esq. was the agent of those parties for procuring the warrants, and I have delivered him the warrants upon payment of the twenty dollars. There was another warrant in the hands of Mr. E. issued to Henry Klippel, for which Mr. Kenney has forwarded Mr. Edwards' fee (ten dolls.) twice--and Mr. Klippel once or twice. Mr. Kenney has requested me to place ten dollars more in your hands for the purpose of getting the warrant on your return to Washington. You will oblige all parties by doing so and sending the warrant to me. And if Mr. Edwards shall have received any of the former remittances for Mr. Klippel's warrant, you will in that case retain the ten dollars now paid.
    I send to Captain Mosher thirty dollars for you.
    Political matters are quiet here; we are getting a good list of advance paying subscribers for Mr. Smith's paper.
Very respectfully,
    Your obedt. servt.
        Wm. Hoffman



    LETTER FROM SENATOR LANE.--The Washington Constitution publishes the following extract of a letter from Senator Lane, relative to the recent election in Oregon. He fully confirms the accounts we have heretofore published in regard to the great revolution which has taken place in public opinion in that young state. He has only to persevere in his support of the Administration, its pro-slavery policy, and the Dred Scott decision, to ensure the permanent triumph of Republicanism:
    "We have just now received the official vote cast of our election for Congress. Stout, the nominee of the Democratic Party, is elected--a hard fight and close vote. For four weeks I was in the saddle or on the stump; averaged from forty to fifty miles a day travel, and made from one to two speeches daily. My late colleague, Mr. Smith, made the round with me. Our triumph is the more glorious, as the battle was fought strictly upon Democratic principles. We took high national ground; stood upon the Constitution and the rights of the states under it, and their equality in the territories; defended the policy of the present able Administration, as also the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case. Our triumph was glorious because it is a victory over the united Republican Party, aided and assisted by the traitor Bush, of the Statesman. This man, who owes so much to the Democracy, turned the whole power of his corrupt sheet against the nominee of the party. As an evidence of his treason and efficiency as a traitor, Marion County, in which his paper is published (heretofore Democratic by 400 to 500), at the late election cast 766 majority for Logan, the nominee of the Republican Party; and, as an evidence of his cowardice, after laboring constantly for Logan, and persuading Democrats to vote for him; and although his co-editor and all in their employ voted for Logan, Bush turned round and voted for Stout, that he might still claim to be a Democrat, and be the better able hereafter to destroy the party or to do it harm! Thank God, and the true, pure, and unterrified Democracy, we have triumphed over all opposition; the honor of Oregon has been maintained, and the Administration of President Buchanan fully endorsed; and, what is of vast importance, should the election of President in 1860 go into the House, the Union, so far as Oregon is concerned, will be safe. Therefore, all hail to the true and pure Democracy of Oregon!"
The National Era, Washington, D.C., September 8, 1859, page 3



West Point, N.Y. Sept. 17th 1859
My Dear Brother,
    I have once more got into the regular routine of duty at this place.
    I assure you it came very hard at first for me to get in the way of studying. We have the hardest year's work before us that we have while here. And moreover, I study harder than I ever did before--
    I have not been reported since I came back & that is doing well for me. Now, Lafayette, I have to tell you one thing, viz. that I have taken a pledge not to touch one drop of intoxicating liquor during my stay at West Point. I would give anything if I had my furlough to go over--I do not think I would touch a solitary drop of liquor. Never have I felt as bad in my life as I do when I think of my conduct on furlough--It is perfectly shameful. I have treated Father in a bad manner. Lafayette, do not spend any more money--do not drink--study hard. I have spent about the last dollar of Father's money.
    I am not agoing to ask him for a solitary cent more while here & after I graduate, my pay has to support me or I will resign & go at something else.
    Lafayette, will you be kind enough to let me know how much money you have spent during the time Father has been gone--Garnett & I are living together again.
    Garnett, Watts, Young, White, Henry & Harris wish to be remembered to you--write soon and for God's sake be careful how you spend money--Father is not rich enough for us to be too extravagant.
I remain your
    Brother John
Lafayette Lane
   

    Do not go to New York anymore--give my respects all friends.
John



Jacksonville
    Sept. 27, 1859
Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir: Enclosed please find Mr. Hoffman's receipt for ten dollars ($10).
On my arrival here, I was questioned by many of your friends concerning your health, when you was agoing away, &c. &c. Many of your friends were disappointed on learning that you was not coming through this place on your way to San Francisco. I told them the reason why you did not come.
    I have sent you a late San Francisco paper, giving in full all the details of the late duel between Judge Terry & Mr. Broderick, which may be interesting to you.
    Wishing you success in the coming contest for the nomination at Charleston,
I am, sir, respectfully yours,
    E. S. Kearney



Camp at western base of Coeur d'Alene Mtns.
October 1st 1859
Hon Judge Stout
    My Dear Sir:
        In order to keep you apprised of the movements of my expedition that is now so replete with interest to the people of the North Pacific I write to state that thus far we have progressed with complete success--are now 267 miles from Walla Walla and have at this point reached the Rubicon of our difficulties--the divide of the Coeur d'Alene Mtns.
    This once crossed--and this will be done by 15th inst.--our principal work will be ended and the problem of a northwest emigrant road solved. Let therefore the friends of our [illegible] route then relax not their energy or their hopes--for I believe we are on the eve of success--and if success--then too on the eve of our great political & commercial results. Already has the enterprise & energy of the Chouteaus of St. Louis added 500 miles to the steam navigation of the Missouri and landed merchandise at Ft. Benton (the very terminus of our road) direct from the storehouses of St. Louis and already has steam plowed the waters of the Columbia to Walla Walla. Thus are the termini of our route already tapped by steam--and it needs no superabundant amt. of wisdom to see what link--and an important one too our route must form in the train of connection from the Atlantic to the Pacific Slope. I [have] been having a line of lines run through this mtn. pass & thus far the maximum grade is only 40 feet to the mile.
    I have just addressed a lengthy letter to the friend and advocate of the route--Jeff Davis & Mr. Rice and told them they cannot say too much in its favor. When completed for an emigrant route it can have no better.
    We shall reach the Bitterroot in good season & winter--resume operation in early spring. My mind now turns to exploring a new route from Bitterroot Valley to Ft. Laramie on the Platte--with a view of turning off the emigration destined for Oregon & Washington at that point & thus save 400 miles travel. I shall start to explore it when spring opens--if it proves practicable it thus will be Oregon's golden egg I trust my dear sir--you will see that our appropriation is renewed. We shall need from $50,000 to $100,000 to complete properly our work & hope the friends of the bill will not allow it to slumber.
    I shall endeavor if possible to reach Washington myself by 1st of May & will then lay before you many facts and many points of interest but look forward to the development and material progress of the North Pacific. I wrote you a letter in Portland some time since which I suppose the press of business on leaving did not enable you to answer. But once more I am glad to know that we have not a Black Republican Representative. I wrote to my brother Louis at The Dalles some time ago and told him you had promised him the appointment to West Point. I trust my dear sir the many duties of your position will not allow you to forget him--whom I am sure will do credit to the appointment. I trust a return mail will signify your good wishes in his behalf and the conferring the appointment on time for which you shall have my thanks & cooperation for all time--address me via Fort Walla Walla Washington Territory
Truly your friend
John Mullan U.S. Army
Org. Mail Road to the Missouri



Mail Road Expedition to the Missouri River
Camp at foot of Divide of the
Coeur d'Alene Mtns. W.T.
    October 4th 1859
My Dear General,
    You have doubtless been kept apprised of our movements through the Oregon papers--all of which take a lively interest in our progress and final success, but now that you are about entering upon your legislative duties and knowing that you are keenly alive to those things that look forward to the development not only of Oregon but the North Pacific I drop you an official line so that you may know our whereabouts & may have something truthful to say in our behalf when our wagon road appropriation bill comes up. We are now 267 miles from Walla Walla and have reached the Rubicon of our difficulties. This camp we made 28th Sept. and our whole working force [of] 110 men are pushing forward over the Divide. We have made a new discovery in the Coeur d'Alene Range, a low pass, and the 12th inst. we shall be across the Divide, our work becoming lighter and our wagon road problem successfully solved. This is the difficult point between Walla Walla & Ft. Benton and I am straining every exertion & energy that success shall crown our efforts. Well can I appreciate the great results to flow to Oregon & Washington Territory in opening this line.
    Already has steam plowed the waters of the Missouri to Ft. Benton and already reached Fort Walla Walla, yesterday in the wilderness, and the woods and wilds of a mtn. fastness are being made give way and assume a milder and more civilized aspect by the aid of our axe, our pick and our shovel.
    In a word our success is almost complete and when completed truly shall I review and enjoy the exertions and labors of the last six years of my life that have been mostly spent in this bed of mtns. in endeavoring to open up this new line across our continent. If successful I have then in view another project that must prove to be one of inestimable value. I propose exploring a new route from Bitterroot Valley to Ft. Laramie on the Platte with a view of shortening the Oregon line 400 miles and turning off from that point all the emigration destined for the Northwest. This once done, general, our population will increase at a rapid rate and soon shall we feel thriving in our numbers and our wealth. I feel all the interest of a citizen of the Northwest for here have I spent my time for the last seven years in her interests and in her behalf and soon I trust my severe labors will have ended and I can not only view but enjoying [sic] the fruits of my toil. Therefore General let my friends still know that I am as determined and sanguine now as ever, and shall leave no exertion untried nor stone unturned that will tend to add success to their views that you, Gov. [illegible] and myself have so much at heart in opening of this new line. And let me ask you General that you will press before the Senate with all your well known ability & force a renewal of our appropriation in order that we shall complete successfully our work--our appropriation will be expected in April and it should be renewed $100,000. Let me also ask of you General not to forget your promise to me in behalf of my brother Charles N. Mullan whom you promised to have appointed a purser in the Navy. Oregon is entitled to an appointment and I trust you will at your first leisure see the Sec. of Navy and press his appointment and address him at Dalles Wasco County Oregon--Wasco County is entitled to her rights, and I have now three brothers on the Coast--all devoted to the interests of the Democratic Party--whose influence together with my own is always devoted to your interests. I have heard that some man by the name of Carpenter--who had never even been in Oregon was an applicant. If he gets it General over the heads of good bona fide citizens I should not hesitate if I were you in exposing this outrage on the part of Sec. of Navy should he dare do such a thing I should be tempted to take the matter up myself. I hope then General that you will see that my brother may yet receive the appointment. Wishing you long life & every success (even Presidential) General I am truly your friend
John Mullan U.S. Army
Org. Mail Road
Address me at Ft. Walla Walla W.T.



Headquarters 9th Infantry
Fort Walla Walla W.T. Oct. 15th 1859
My Dear General,
    I regret exceedingly that you could not find it convenient to visit The Dalles, and even this valley before your departure for Washington; the great changes you would have met with since your first coming to this country would have astonished and delighted you. The emigration, both to Oregon & Washington, has been large, but not nearly so great as it doubtless will be another year, as the route may now be considered perfectly safe so far as regards the Indians. The Snake Indians who occupy a vast extent of country must be looked after next season; they are a rascally thieving set, not formidable against troops, but they must be taught a lesson which they will remember; as for the other tribes east of the Cascades, we have nothing to apprehend; by a firm and judicious course they can be easily managed.
    It is rumored here that the four comps. of dragoons are to be ordered to New Mexico. I trust that the department will replace them with other mounted troops; as a force of that description is indispensably necessary; we do not require a heavy force of horse; our main reliance must be our foot troops. It is also rumored that an effort is being made to have the 4th Infy. and possibly my own regiment sent to Utah; so far as regards my Regt., I am deucedly opposed to leaving this country; we have been here nearly four years, occupied most of the time, either in the field or building new garrisons which have either been abandoned or not yet completed and at this moment 7 comps. of my Regt. are in the field. I have a pretty thorough acquaintance with all the Indians in Oregon & Washington, east of the Cascades; they all know me, and I believe I can be of more service here than in any other department. I believe I can say, without vanity, that my campaign of last year has proved a great blessing to this country; everything is now quiet, and our people travel singly and safely in any direction. I certainly felt highly gratified with the complimentary notices of the War Dept. and the General-in-Chief, and although the efforts of my friends to have conferred on me the "buff sash" was unsuccessful, yet I did not grieve over it; perhaps as I have already three brevet commissions, conferred for services in war, that was considered enough.
    As your approaching session is to be a long one, it is possible that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you in this country for some time, but when you do return, I hope to see you in this section, or wherever I may chance to be.
    My son is at West Point, and by last reports was doing well.
With great respect
    I am, Genl., very truly
        Your friend
            G. Wright
                Col: 9 Infy.
Honl. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Senator
        Washington
            City
                D.C.

Yoncalla, Orgn
    Oct 16, 1859.
Dear Sir,
    Since you have kindly promised to call at the Pension Office on my behalf I presume it necessary to put you in possession of such facts as will enable you understandingly to be serviceable to myself and others who have applied for land warrants for the same service.
    When news reached the Willamette Valley of the massacre of Doct. Whitman and others at Waiilatpu and that a number of women and children were held prisoners by the Indians, a body of troops (volunteers) were promptly raised and sent into the Cayuse country under the command of Col. Neil Gilliam. This body received a check at the Tussie [sic] and were forced to fall back upon the Dalles, from which point Col. Gilliam sent an express to the Governor urging the necessity of immediate reinforcements.
    From this state of affairs the authorities of Oregon were of opinion that the Willamette Valley was in imminent danger of invasion from the Indians of the upper country combined unless an imposing force was immediately dispatched to the seat of war.
    The people, having almost exhausted their means in equipping the first body of troops for the field, were under serious apprehensions that means could not be procured in Oregon either to send forward the required reinforcements or defend the white settlements.
    It was known that the U.S. had a small force and an abundance of military stores in California, but there being no vessel in port bound to San Francisco nor any probability that we should be able to send by sea for aid until it would be too late. The only hope for timely aid from California was to convey an account of our critical condition to the commanding officer in California by land.
    It being in the midst of winter and the whole of the southern Indians (since so troublesome) known to be hostile, to pass through them as well as over the pathless mountains then deep in snow that lies between Oregon & California made the undertaking extremely hazardous as well as uncertain of success.
    The service however was undertaken, Levi Scott being placed in command and myself and fourteen others constituting the rank and file.
    After a month of persevering effort in which the party underwent great fatigue and some suffering it was forced by the great depth of snow in the mountains to return to Oregon without accomplishing the object of the expedition.
    Though having been as known to you on several warlike expeditions, I regard this one as most meritorious, and for it I have claimed the "old soldier's bounty" of a quarter section of land.
    Upon application to the Pension Office on my own and some others' accounts, engaged in this service, I was informed "no muster roll" of such an expedition was found by the auditor.
    Having myself made a list of the members of the party which I intended to be a muster roll and returned it to the proper Oregon authority upon receipt of the auditor's letter, I addressed Mr. Harding, then Secretary of the Territory, on the subject. (His reply I herewith enclose.)
    Though Mr. Harding could find no more at Salem than the auditor had found at Washington, I was more successful, having while attending the state convention found the original paper filed away as a voucher among the papers of the Commissary General. As the original paper was not in the form of a muster roll as prescribed by the War Department, Gov. Curry (who was present when the paper was found) caused his private secretary (Mr. Terry) to make from it a formal one which was duly forwarded to Washington.
    In due time I received notice from the Pension office that the paper forwarded by Gov. Curry was "not recognized as a muster roll" and parties claiming bounty lands upon it must resort to other prescribed modes to establish their claims.
    The letter of the Comssr. seeming to insinuate a fraudulent intent in the applicants and somewhat to reflect upon the Governor, I immediately enclosed the offensive letter to him, and requested him to remove these suspicions by forwarding the original roll with an explanation of the reasons why it had not been found and forwarded with the other muster rolls of the Cayuse War, and why he had sent a copy instead of the original.
    And further to satisfy the Comssr. that we were honest, by sending him a certified copy of the resolution offered by Col. Martin (now Receiver of the Land Office at Winchester) and adopted by the Oregon Legislature by which the soldiers of Levi Scott were placed on a footing with other soldiers of the Cayuse War. (See Oregon Archives page 313.) And also to show from the books of the Comssr. on Cayuse War claims that they were paid for their services by the United States. From hearing no further from the Commissioner I suspect the Governor did not write--he was not certain whether he had or not when he called to see me a few days ago.
    You now know as much of the subject as I do. If the Gov. has not sent the desired information, you are sufficiently acquainted with the handwriting of Mr. Terry to inform the Comssr. whether or not the muster roll is a forgery.
    If a copy of the Oregon Archives has found its way to Washington, at page 313 you will find Col. Martin's resolution. By an inspection of the roll you will find you are personally acquainted with most of the men, and from the vouchers of the Cayuse War account you will find they have been paid for the service.
    If by your attention to this matter the bounty land of myself and the two Scotts are obtained we will feel ourselves under additional obligations to you.
    If such proofs as may be found in Washington will suffice we wish not to trespass on your valuable time but will cheerfully pay for the service of such person as you may employ to collect the same.
Very Truly Yours
Jesse Applegate
Hon. Joseph Lane
P.S. My application is numbered 225,419.
        Jno. M. Scott's                       225,413
        Wm. I. I. Scott's                     225,414




Washington City
    November 16/59
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have been here since Sunday morning, hard at work; have had good success with the Third Auditor in regard to our war debt. I have now strong hope that we will be able to get a law passed providing for the payment of these debts.
    Things begin to look favorable for the Charleston Convention. Signs of the times are favorable.
    I was much pleased with the success and appearance of John. He is a fine-looking boy. I feel proud of him, and after hearing his explanations in regard to expenses during his furlough I felt satisfied. I am very proud of him and you and love you as much as ever father loved his sons. John says that he will remain in the Army. Consequently, you are my only hope for the Law. Now, my dear son, take good care of your health, be prudent in your studies, do not overtask yourself, but study all that you can safely and no more. You have as much intellect as any boy of your age. My hope is in you. My faith is in you, and you will work fully up to my wishes should your health hold out. Therefore, my son, be true to yourself and all will be right.
    Write me often. Give my regards to Mrs. Huntington, the Doctor, and all the family.
    My hand is improving but is still in bad condition for writing. Send me your essay on England.
    God bless you in your efforts is the prayer of your father,
Joseph Lane




November 18th, 1859
Most esteemed sir,
    I take my pen in hand to drop a line to you touching things as I view them, and a number more concur in the same. In the first place, our state convention went off. I need not give any of the proceedings as you will have them ere this reaches you, but this much--your name stood firm while ashes and brush were discarded.
    Next place, times are heavy at this juncture in Oregon and therefore we expect your influence to urge and procure our war debt on demand--
    And secondly, we look for some permanent plan or fixed decision in regard to the Pacific railroad, and now I touch a delicate point, viz. which route--and where the outcome or terminus on the Pacific should be. Now we do not see things alike; a portion think it ought to come direct to the Columbia or a branch of it. I think not. I contend for only one direct and that in the Southern route, but to terminate at San Francisco. My reasons for this Southern route are as follows: I have been contractor on railroads and in state employ as superintendent of the Columbia and Philadelphia road, traveled all seasons of the year on them. I therefore contend that in my opinion, none but the southern route will be susceptible of travel in the winter in consequence of the snows that fall in those elevated mountain passes, it would be nugatory for me to go into a detail of all the barriers the melting of those snows in summer create torrents of water in all the ravines, &c. &c.--and still further, the southern interests is of vital importance. The north know that the southern route is the only feasible or practicable one and will take hold of it in the finale. And a third reason for a southern road is that there will be a likelihood of a road from San Francisco to Portland or Puget Sound which would benefit Oregon broadcast. We then could reach the mining regions and then we could reach San Francisco, the emporium of the Pacific, but should it come direct into Oregon, it would not benefit only a few--again, we insist and ask you to urge the necessity of government appropriating funds for the construction of some forts in our rivers or harbors as we are open to the ravages of an enemy.
    I have to come to a close by asking you if you please to send the agricultural document and such as convenience will admit of yours respectfully,
Enos Ellmaker
    Direct Long Tom Post Office
        Lane Co., Oregon
Joseph Lane, Esqr.



Phila. No. 1119 Citron Street       
Nov. 18th 1859       
Dear Genl.
    I came over in the cars on Monday morning last, and found my brother's family with whom I have taken up my quarters till my brother's return from Savannah Ga.--I having telegraphed to him my arrival.
    I left Maj. McCulloch poring over a novel & arranging with the Yankees his contract for patenting arms. We had an interview with Genl. Henningsen--who is bent on filibustering--but who is I think a little dilapidated by reason of former expeditions. He is however a gallant man, but not practical. I called on Mrs. A . . . . s on Sunday, and found her flirting with Capt. Graham of the Army. She was quite agreeable, and was anxious to go with me to Tiffany to buy some jewels--she had lost her fine diamond & pearl ring going to the opera with Capt. G__ and cried all night. I shall be in Washington shortly, as soon as I see my brother and the good things to be seen in Phila.
    I shall do myself the honor to call on you and to go with you (if other engagements don't interfere) so that the Zouave may see our President and bore him for at least 10 minutes by Shrewsbury clock.
    Your avocations no doubt are important, and so please pardon this letter, which is one of badinage, rather than anything else, and give my regards to Judge Deady & Hon. L. Stout.
    Maj. McCulloch recommends me to buy a Moss rifle if you will put me in the way of it it and I must do so to kill bear in Oregon.
Very Respectfully Your
friend & obt srvt
James P. Goodall
Hon. Jo. Lane
    U.S. Senate,
        Washington
            D.C.



Washington City
    November 23rd/59
My Dear Lafayette
    I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 20th inst. and am very glad to hear from you that you are well and progressing well with your studies.
    In regard to Col. Williams, I desire that you should say to Mr. Huntington that I handed Mr. Williams the account that he gave to me and that Mr. W. said that he would be able before long to settle with Mr. Huntington and bring his children away and that he would do so as soon as possible, and I think he will. He also told me that he had purchased a house and lot (here) in this city and had gone to housekeeping [and] that his expenses would be much less than heretofore. Now I am not able to say whether Mr. Huntington would be able to do anything to hurry payment by
visiting this city. I cannot say what he could accomplish by coming. I can only say that Mr. Williams says that he will pay as soon as possible.
    You did not tell me whether or not you had completed your essay on England. I shall be glad to see it. I hope you will study composition as thoroughly as possible; very much depends upon being able to commit thoughts to paper with ease and force. While I would not have you bend over the desk more than is necessary and indeed not at all if it hurts you, be careful of your health and study only when you are able. I have as you know a strong desire to see you have or acquire a good education. I love you much and have great pride in you.
    My regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington & children and for yourself accept my best wishes for your health and success.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Dayton Oregon
    3rd Dec 1859
Sir
    You may decide that I am presumingly arrogant in disposing my opinion in the affair that will form the substance & design of this letter to [illegible--water damage] time, I hope, your letter & more correct view over the matter, will weigh the affair in the most favorable & just light. To come then to the point. It is governmental care over the Snake Indians from their most western border to the Utah Lake or Territory. You are aware that last spring our army (a company) from Fort Dalles was ordered in pursuit of the Snakes, that made a descent upon the Indians at the Hot Springs Reservation. Now the fact is that in that affair the Snakes done nothing more than any nation would have done under similar circumstances. You will recollect that last year a party of the Hot Springs Indians, accompanied by a few white barbarians, entered the Snake country! robbed them of their horses! & massacred some women & children & this act of the Snakes was to revenge (fair enough withal) that outrage. You will recollect that the Snakes made no attack upon any white person at the Hot Springs. You are aware that the character of very many of our white citizens is such that you cannot trust them among the Indians. And now that there is safety among the Cayuse, Nez Perce & Walla Walla tribes (with whom this kind of trash accumulates) these reckless & traitorous persons will avail every pretext for spoil or carnage against the Snakes. To guard against which and to give protection to one of the most innocent Indian tribes in North America, I propose that an agency be extended over them. When I say an innocent tribe, I do not speak at random or from hearsay, but by actual observation and experience of six consecutive years residence among them, and I can say that during the whole time I never knew a crime or injury committed by them against a white man (or an Indian who was on terms of peace with the whites). On the other hand I have known them to extend the most important & timely aid to the white man traveling alone among them, without the hope or expectation of reward. The injuries that they have done of late years they done in revenge of more serious injuries to themselves--& should be pardoned. But now that we are establishing a line of travel & communication between our state & Utah Territory, is it not important that such terms of intimacy & friendship be established between that nation & ourselves to ensure safe & undisturbed passage? This can be done with honor to the government & a blessing to those poor creatures.
    We know that from the confluence of Burnt River into Snake River to the Salt or Utah Lake (with the exception of a few patches on Raft River) there is no part of their country (or the intermediate between those points) that is of any value for agricultural or pastoral purposes. All the use that these natives [illegible] periods, to collect the kow oose (a root) crop and avail the periodical run of the salmon from Louis' River. Now by the establishment of an agency near the mouth of Burnt River, or the nearest abundant timber, these people can be congregated semi or quarter annually--when can be passed to them such things (although trifling in reality) that will secure their constant friendship & material service & at [the] same time be to them the most important blessing. Besides so tractable are these people under the custody of a just agent the lawless & unprincipled white men can be kept from among them & brought to proper justice. The necessity of such an agency becomes more important from the fact that the present unlimited search & discovery of gold and other mineral places are becoming common & important.
    You may decide that I am actuated in this matter by a warm regard for this people. In this you will be correct, for really--gratitude for the kindnesses on a very many occasions received by myself & witnessed the receipt of others, prompts me to say what I do. And although the incoherence of this letter (knowing you can discover the mainspring of the [illegible] late kindness for them that [illegible] by a sense of dues really belonging to them. For their protection last spring I addressed E. R. Geary the Indian Supt., but if my remarks to him produced the least effect I have not had the pleasure of seeing it.
    The news of the state the Gazette will record. You have the voice of our state for the nomination of the Presidency--God speed & aid your success--
    Accept my honest & candid prayer for your prosperity & long life.
Your obt humble svt
    C. M. Walker
P.S.
    I am sorry to report that Genl. Palmer has turned ½ way & a ½ Republican, my God! how age & experience without impelling promptings of earlier predications decide this is a mystery. Bush I have ever suspected to be such, and much worse. And now at heart I believe his strong sympathies are with your Harpers Ferry Brown & his aiders. Nesmith is somewhat alike a summer coon--neither suited for "meat or fur." Geary plays bass & treble--Chapman is fond of pot liquor (a healthy broth common in our country, Ky.) a healthy beverage; but has a decided aversion to collect materials for its composition. Grover plays lawyer & politician--but has mispleaded & is good. D. Smith is where he always was in the estimation of the mass--out of [the] Ring--a complete mess of bombast & hypocrisy. Our Governor is alike a nursing mother--requires a good share of apple toddy for weakness of stomach & nursing qualities. Our ex-Gov. has adopted a great liking for Douglasology & Republicanism. O'Meara--a wandering albatross. Ed. of Dalles Journal up to present, perfectly right. Times ed.--God knows where--Logan a Democrat but (d--- him) ashamed to own up. Kelly the soundest man in the state. If you are not to be our President you will be our Senator.
    God keep your eye single to state's rights--stand as firmly as you did with our President Buchanan in the Kansas affair. If we lose state right authority--all is gone.
    I do not believe we can be too ultra in this respect--witness the Douglas discord & the Harpers Ferry outrage. In truth--Douglas' conduct was more outrageous than the fool Brown--for the latter must be excused for folly--when the former made a studious attempt for selfish purposes to divide the sentiment of the mass to accomplish his ends. I would as soon undertake the union of fire & water, as the two political ends he attempted--he is mistaken in his person. He is neither a Jefferson, a Calhoun or a Jackson--but unless he soon repents he will discover himself an Arnold.
----------
    I have written today Mr. Stout about a steamboat conveyance of our mails--directed or requested, rather, your aid--hope you will lend us useful aid--I never made, Genl., an extravagant or misplaced request in my life--look over the matter--
    Jesse speaks of resigning as postmaster of this place. I learn that a Blk Rpb. wishes it--see that it is not given, give to me rather & in my absence I will appoint a suitable deputy. I am very poor, still not so poor but that I would give the last rag of a shirt to carry out pure Democracy.
Walker               



Jacksonville Oregon
    Dec 4th 1859
Hon Joseph Lane
    Washington City
            Dear sir I wrote you sometime previous to your departure from Winchester for Washington City, in regard to the claims of the present settlers on the Rogue River Reservation.
    It is useless for me to enter into an explanation of the nature of our claims on the reserve, as you are as well posted on that subject and perhaps better than any of those who are now interested in the final disposition of those lands.
    You doubtless remember that previous to the war of 1853 there were a few persons who located claims on the north side of Rogue River, and when the treaty was concluded between the whites and Indians that there was a commission appointed by the government consisting I think of Messrs. Gibbs, Grover and Dr. Ambrose to assess the damages sustained by those persons, and they all without any exception were allowed a very reasonable sum for what little improvement they had made on their claims, and Congress afterwards made an appropriation to pay the same but it was not sufficient to cover the whole amount, and they have refused to reserve it, and now they are contending for their claims.
    Well, after the Indians had been removed from this reserve to Grand Ronde Reservation quite a number of persons, myself among that number, went onto to the reserve and have made considerable improvements on them with the expectation of holding them under the preemption laws.
    Now I will go back to the original settlers. They have all with the exception of Robt. Metcalfe taken claims elsewhere under the donation act.
    Now the question is will it be right and just to allow those persons the privilege of locating two claims under the donation law besides paying them an exorbitant price for just spreading their blankets on the land and sleeping under a pine tree for a few nights? I think not.
    Well Genl. I know that if you think it is just for us the present settlers to hold their claims under the preemption law that you will use your influence to that effect. If it is not right for us to have them I do not wish it, although I have expended more time and money on my claim than any other man on the reserve, and if we could hold them the old claimants would be nothing loser by it. I will write to Mr. Stout on the subject and hope you will explain all to him as you understand it.
    You will and doubtless heard of the political movements in Oregon. So far as Jackson County is concerned she is all O.K. You will see by the Oregon Democrat that Delazon is a full match for Bush. Delazon is gaining ground every day; I think he has got the inside track of Bush and hope he may keep it.
    I wish you would send me the Congressional Globe or order it sent me and I will send the amount of it to you. I want the debates of Congress.
    I hope to hear a good account of your friends at Charleston in May next.
Respectfully your obdt servant
        A. M. Berry
Hon Jos Lane




Rushville Ind
        Dec 13 1859
Dear Bigger:
    You will accept my cordial acknowledgments for your generous favor of the 6th inst. As of old and as ever you have been and as ever to a ripe old age I hope you may be and I believe it away down to the heels of my boots--you are my friend, true, tried and always to be implicitly trusted. If sometimes a little enthused with a favorite architecture of hollow numbers--sometimes a little seemingly negligent you never fail to come up at "milking time."
    I note what you say of Gen. Lane, and I am glad you do not misunderstand my feelings in reference to him. That he is [as] just as he is unsuspecting, that he is as generous as he is brave, that he is devoted and true to his personal attachments I know to be all true. Indeed I have known him to cling with tenacity to those he had every reason to more than suspect, and who were constantly and incessantly plotting for his destruction. Nesmith, Bush, Boise and others of Oregon are instances. There is no room to find fault with Gen. Lane for any of the evil peculiarities common to men. His fault is beyond the pale of selfishness and consists only in an excess of noble generosity. Too often his magnanimous and liberal disposition prompts him to do too much for those to whom he is under no obligations of friendship or otherwise and from the effect of such action he is sometimes unable to watch the corners and meet the requirements arising nearer his heart. He has no error of composition except it is found in the misapplication of his favors; and often his own interest have suffered from the fact that appeals to him for favors are so frequently made and answered by those who have neither the ability or disposition to reciprocate his acts of generosity.
    Politicians are human and it chances to be too much our nature to look upon our own fortunes when as we deserve them they are good and therefore welcome to our hearts as the result of our own merits and exertions. Men rise to position by the aid of the assiduous and wearying labors and solicitous watchfulness of their friends. From their eminence of position naturally they look down upon the rounds of the ladder and are apt to forget the elements which have contributed to their fortunes. The conductors of that engine so potent for good or evil--the press--guard and protect men, aid, advocate and support them at every step they take aloft. And yet of all the community they are less frequently than any other class of men the recipients of political favor.
    I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have been devoted and true to the political interests of Gen. Lane; that both in Washington I served him with all the energy and ability at my command. No man has ever been more watchful of another's interests, none have more earnestly and persistently sought to do, under all circumstances, more than I have done for Gen. Lane. If now in an hour where I want aid and assistance he finds himself unable to afford it to me that is not my error but my misfortune. What he cannot do must remain undone. He alluded in his letter to me to a purpose to secure me official position. If he would abandon the practice of wasting his influence by nearly indiscriminate aid to all who make application to him to favor and urge their claims I should have some hope of his being able to give me a lift worth mentioning. Floating around the various departments are hosts of ripe contracts, special transactions &c. he might secure, with the proper attentions, for me; and this to say nothing of official preferments. I fear however that in the mass of business, claim-pressing and office hunting with which he is always surrounded he will forget my case and at last my appeal will be drowned in louder ones. However I shall wait and hope; in the meanwhile wherever and whenever I may [be] striking a blow for Gen. Lane for President. In this week's issue you will observe I am at this thing now. If any man from the North is nominated Gen. Lane will be that man; and had our friends three months ago pressed his name upon our people the little Douglas could not have boasted a corporal's guard in Indiana in his favor. The true sentiment of Indiana is for Joe Lane and but for Bright and Nitch's influence and management I believe the mice would [not] have been so outspoken. I have no evidence that they have interposed but the work looks so much like their mode of doing business I am very much inclined to suspect them. They are always you know very active and noisy before a nomination and quiet as mice be after the nomination is declared. Please learn from Lane how matters stand in Oregon for his reelection to the Senate in case he should desire it. His hand is so sore that I will not ask him to write it and so you can be his amanuensis. I think Bush, the rascal, has gone under. Ask him what ground Deady occupies as to himself & Bush?
    I have not used any of your letter in the Jacksonian.
    Your second edition knocked your Davis speculations upon the head and therein was your foundation. You will observe that I imbibe its contents though I use it in another form. I shall be pleased with contributions from your pen for the paper and hope you will spread yourself to gratify me. If you come across Zouave Denny's feeler for the gubernatorial nomination be sure and read it so that you appreciate my burlesque of the precious document.
    Will it be possible for you and yours and Bob and Franz to come here in the region of Christmas? I shall probably send for you about that time and if you cannot come be sure and send your blessing.
    Geis' boy, Theo, is very ill at Sidney. Geo. left last night for Sidney to see him having been sent for by express. He is very low and must probably [be] no more of earth now while I am writing you. We shall probably know tomorrow. Your folks and Mrs. R., Gert & all are well and the village is very quiet as usual. My regards all around. Your copy of Robinson's letter rec'd. Please write.
Yours Truly
    E. C. Hibben




Darbyville, Ohio
    Decr. 15th 1859
Dear Sir:
    My dear friend: I take the liberty to address you a few lines to let you know I ever shall hold you in grateful remembrance. After my arrival here at the entreaty of my friends I was induced to purchase land in Missouri with a view of remaining in the Atlantic States, but time soon convinced me that there is no country like Oregon. I have sold my property in Missouri and am waiting here endeavoring to settle my business with a view of going to Oregon again, but owing to the present hard times here I am unable to say when I shall leave, not short of a year at any rate.
    I would take it as a great favor if you would send me such documents as relate to Oregon during the coming winter, as I feel a deep and abiding interest in the future welfare of that state, and if convenient and not too much trouble, send me anything suitable for a good Democrat to read as I have a devil of a hard time here in combating the errors of Black Republicanism. All that is required to secure the vote of Ohio is a thorough canvass. The Republicans of this state have a thorough organization and work industriously. The Democrats have but to follow the example, organize & work and success will crown their labors.
    I have quite a good deal of leisure time and spend the greater part of it in behalf of the Democratic Party, and if the friends of that great party will only furnish me the necessary documents, I will see they are distributed and in the right place to effect good.
Very respectfully  yours,
    George H. Ambrose
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.
I think I shall visit Washington in the latter part of the winter. G.H.A.




Stamford, Dec. 19, 1859
Dear Father,
    Yours of the 16th inst. is at hand. I do assure you that I was not a little surprised to read what you said concerning my going to school many years more. Not understanding the reasons of your making that remark, I desire that in your next you would explain fully your meaning so that I may realize the situation in which I am placed. If it is that you desire my assistance in any sense of the word or if your exchequer is low, and if the fates so decree it, I will most cheerfully leave my studies and use all of my exertions in your cause, even if it is to chop cordwood. On the other hand, my dear father, if you will only assign me three years dating from the 1st of Jan. 1860 to the 1st of Jan. 1864 in which I may be able to pursue my studies, I will say (although people may consider me conceited for saying it) that at the end of that time I will not need any more schooling and can then begin the study of the law. I was not only surprised but astonished to notice in the papers that the Indiana delegation had been instructed to vote for Judge Douglas at the Charleston Convention, when I thought surely that they would be instructed to vote for you, "but so goes the world." I suppose that the office seekers of Indiana knew that you were too honest to gratify their wishes. My wish is that if Judge Douglas is nominated by the Charleston Convention that he may be beaten even if he run against Wm. H. Seward or Wendell Phillips or the devil himself. Mr. & Mrs. Huntington & family are well and send their regards. Hoping that you will answer soon, I remain most affectionately your little boy--
Lafayette Lane




Confidential
Decr 19th 1859
Genl Joseph Lane
        Dear Sir
                There is much speculation in political circles here as to the probable nominee of the Charleston convention. The claims as well as the availability of various Democrats both North & South are being canvassed--and it will be quite an ordeal through which they will pass before the nomination will be conferred upon anyone. The course of the Black Republicans and their sympathizers, the opposition party of the South, have produced in the minds of many of our best men serious apprehensions as to the perpetuity of our government and fears are entertained that we are on the very verge of dissolution. But for the conversation of a few of you at the North we should look forward to the future with the most fearful forebodings. The defection of Douglas (and others) has done more to excite distrust as to the firmness & faithfulness of Northern men of our party than any other incident. Douglas is politically dead in this part of the country and almost the entire South. About Memphis & a few other localities he has some friends. The question is now freely mooted whether it is best to take a candidate from the North or to solicit a Southern man. I think if the South could be satisfied that a Northern Democrat could be elected there would be no difficulty in the way of his nomination. I think that Dickinson and yourself are now the most prominent before the people of Tennessee.
    Your friends here (myself and many others) are particularly anxious to be furnished with such biographical and political sketches of yourself as would further your popularity in the South which are doubtless at your command. We wish them for publication. I have here no sketch of your personal, political or military career published except a brief one in the Memphis Avalanche some two or three months since. Such of us who were with you in Mexico will take special pains to further your prospects and could do so with much more efficiency and success if we had such data to go upon as is no doubt in possession of yourself and friends at Washington. There are several papers in Tennessee much inclined to take you up and I think the publication of a pretty thorough political & military biography of yourself just at this time would have a most happy effect in turning the scabs in your favor in Tennessee perhaps in the entire South. It seems to me that it would be entirely proper for you to see that such a publication is made at this particular juncture. The biographies of several aspirants to the Presidency are now being circulated among the politicians of Tennessee, and especially among the members of the Legislature (now in session). The Democracy of our state have a convention in this city on the 18th of Jany. (next month) for the purpose of appointing delegates to the Charleston convention & electors for the state. I think it very desirable to have a sketch of your life here for circulation at that time. I do not think that the convention will nominate a candidate but that the delegates will be left free to act as circumstances dictate and my policy is to prepare [that] which have the minds of the delegates to act in your favor.
    If you will send such articles in regard to yourself as you would like to have published to me, I will see that they are put forth in some of our best papers. Some of the Tennesseans who were with you in Mexico are now prominent Democrats, and they I know will be very active in your behalf when an occasion offers. Perhaps a pamphlet copy of your life might be successfully circulated through the state if we had them here at the convention.
    I submit the foregoing suggestions for your consideration and hope you will promptly adopt such mode in the [illegible] as your better judgment will approve.
    Very Respectfully
        Your friend
            John Lucian Brown
P.S. Geo. C. Anderson the P.M. Genl. & B. F. Cheatham also Genl. W. J. Bates (who was with us at the taking of Zacualtipan) and many of the most prominent politicians here and in other parts of the state will most earnestly cooperate with me. Let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.




At home, near Butteville, Oregon
    Dec. 19th, 1859.
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington
        Dear General,
            Some four or five months ago, I wrote to Comptroller Medill in reference to the subject of a balance which I claim to be due me for my salary as Governor of the late Territory of Oregon. I have received no answer from Mr. Medill. May I trouble you to give me a little help in this matter?
    The government paid me up to the 14th of February last, the date of the admission of the State. While I performed the duties of the office up to the 31st day of March when the State authorities assumed the functions of office and the Territory [illegible] is due me my salary for one half quarter, namely three hundred and seventy-five dollars (375.00). This money is equitably due me and ought to be paid.
    If the department will not pay, can you get through an act of relief?
    If I am so fortunate as to get this money, I will at once remit the draft to you as part of an unsettled balance still due you or I will pay it over to anyone whom you may please to designate to receive it.
    I desire you to regard me always as your friend, whatever may be insinuated to my prejudice otherwise. Although it is painful to me, somewhat, whenever I permit myself to think of it, that your own influence as well as that of your family and some of your intimate friends should be against me in my political aspirations. My success could never do you harm. Nor shall it if I have the good fortune to succeed. Whether I am successful or not, I shall fight the manly fight and by so  doing prove myself deserving of success. I could have been elected to the Senate last spring had I chosen to have been less scrupulous.
    I wish you would have the kindness to tell the publishers of the Congressional Globe to send me quarto form, with a bill 
[illegible] them the amount. I don't know what the price is. Send to Butteville P.O.
    My wife joins me in regards to you.
Yours, always sincerely,
    Geo. L. Curry



Salem Oregon
    Decr. 21st 1859
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        You may remember you bought some forage, hay & oats of Martin Angel in September, 1853, which has never been paid. The claim has been offered to me for sale, but before I buy it I would like to know something more about it. Perhaps Charles S. Drew has never made any returns of the articles that was bought of Mr. Angel, although he has given vouchers for over $1,000.00 for hay & oats purporting to have been for 
[illegible] Mr. Angel. I have written a few lines to your friend Judge Deady concerning the above. You will oblige me very much by giving him all the necessary information concerning how to procure the money and the vouchers.
    I saw Mrs. Lane a few weeks ago at Winchester. She and all your family were well.
I am respectfully yours,
    E. S. Kearney  [signed "E. S. Kearny"]



Jacksonville
            December 26th 1859
Dear Genl
    I avail myself of this moment to write you a few lines. Our families have been sick during the winter, thought by many the sickness has been occasioned by the cold dry weather, as we have had very little rain within the last few days; however, it has clouded up and there is a prospect of rain. Mr. Kearney, my son-in-law, is lying very low and there is doubts about his recovery. The disease has been most fatal among children, some families losing three and four of their children with a severe cold & a putrid sore throat stopping their breathing. We have hopes that the crisis has passed & from this time the health of the country will improve.
    Politically you no doubt are aware what the state convention done in the endorsing of the Stout vote as [to] the ratio and the sending of delegates to the Charleston convention. What do you think of J. F. Miller? Will he do or will he go for Bush? Many of the leading Democrats have fears of him.
    James O'Meara, the present editor of the Oregon Sentinel, is no friend of yours; rest assured of that fact, and there is many of the Democrats who have him spotted.
    I fear a split in the Democracy of Jackson & Josephine and should such be the result it will require good management to secure the election of such Democrats as will do to depend upon.
    I have strong hopes of your nomination at Charleston, but if such should not be the result, we must elect men to the Legislature that will return you to the United States Senate every effort of mine from this henceforth will be to carry out the above policy.
    In the event that the Sentinel fails to support you I have the plan matured that will forever prostrate all its future prospects and will start another paper endorsed by all the leading Democrats of Southern Oregon that is Jackson & Josephine counties.
    By the bye, what the devil is the matter with Stout? No man in Oregon [has] done more to secure not only his nomination but his election for sure.
    If I had not arrived at home just in time he would have been beat, and now my dear sir I look upon it that he is more indebted to me for his seat in Congress than any other one man in Oregon, and still he treats me with contemptuous silence. I [illegible] have received the first scratch of a pen from him and consequently he does not deserve the support of Jackson County. I would write to any man alive before I would write to him, but I think I know Mr. Farrar is his prompter and he wishes to be a United States Senator, hence Stout's silence & O'Meara's opposition to you.
    Genl. I am as ever your devoted friend and will so arrange matters that if you should not be the nominee of the Charleston convention that you will receive the support of Southern Oregon for U.S. Senator.
    It is important that the war debt should be paid also that the Pacific railroad should receive Democratic support. Something should be done to establish military posts on the Klamath Lake country; an agent should be appointed for the Klamath Lake district and I know of none who would give more satisfaction than your devoted friend A. M. Berry, present Senator from Jackson County, but he will not accept until after the meeting of the next State Legislature, as he is with me distinctly in re-electing you to the Senate if circumstances require it.
    Delazon Smith has taken bold ground and his paper is popular in the South.
    Whenever there should be a move on the political chess board worthy of note you shall be informed but do not trust O'Meara, Farrar or any of their stripe as I do know that it is their intention to defeat you even if they have to affiliate with Bush.
    Bush is politically dead himself but Nes, Harding, Waymire, Haydon, Boise, Gordon & co. with Grover & Drew are still hanging to him as a forlorn hope yet the people are with us.
    Let me have all the news; yours as ever
W. G. T'Vault            



Washington City
December 27 / 59
My Dear Lafayette,
    You had promised me a letter once a week. I hope that you will bear this in mind. I am always glad to hear from you, or in other words I am at all times glad to receive a letter from you.
    The mail is in from Oregon but not a word from any one of our family. I have, however, letters from many friends, giving me a full account of the proceedings of the state convention, sixty out of the seventy-six delegates were straight out for me for Charleston convention. You see that the Bush faction have grown small, and are becoming beautifully less.
    I hope to hear from you soon, study faithfully, and be an honorable good man.
    Your father,
        Joseph Lane



Roseburg Ogn
    Decr 28th 1859
Dear Father
    Your letter of Novr. 18th has been rec'd. I am glad to hear that your health is good, and that John & Lafayette are in good health and well pleased with their schools, hope that they may both succeed in their studies and leave their respective schools learned men and well qualified to discharge the duties of any office.
    Business for six weeks past very dull, cash sales limited, we are selling some goods to good men on thirty & sixty days time. Work on farm progressing slowly; we have about 200 fence posts set, will get the balance set in sufficient time for the lumber. Mr. Swan is as steady as a clock, he wishes to know if you forwarded the money to his family.
    I will leave tomorrow morning (if weather favorable) for Oregon City, which place I intend visiting to consult your old friend Dr. Barclay in relation to my health. I go to ascertain if possible the nature of my disease, not that I am feeling any worse but simply from the fact that I [am] tired of living in ignorance of my disease. I think that I can make my arrangements so as to be able to go on the farm with Mother next spring.
    Mother & families are all well excepting Flora's children who have the whooping cough.
Your Affectionate Son
    S. R. Lane




State of Oregon      )
County of Benton   )  ss.
    On this twenty-eighth day of December, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, personally appeared before me, Clerk of the Circuit Court within and for the County aforesaid, Edward Sheil, aged forty years, a resident of Benton County, State of Oregon, who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical person who acted as President of the Board of Commissioners of Military Affairs for Northern California and Southern Oregon during the Rogue River War of 1853 and appointed by Captain Alden, Captain of the 4th U.S. Infantry then in command though he volunteered at Jacksonville in Jackson County, Oregon on or about the 10th day of August, A.D. 1853 for an indefinite term and continued in said service in said war for the term of fourteen days and was honorably discharged at Jacksonville in Jackson County, Oregon on or about the 10th day of October, A.D. 1853.
    He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the Act of Congress approved March 3rd, 1855 and subsequent acts. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
Edward Sheil
   
    We, Philip O. Reilly and Isaac D. Smith, residents of Benton County, State of Oregon, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Edward Sheil in our presence, and we believe from the appearance and statement of the applicant that he is the identical person he represents himself to be.
P.O. Reilly
I. D. Smith
    
State of Oregon      )
County of Benton   )  ss.

    I hereby certify that the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons [and] that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court for the County aforesaid this twenty-eighth day of December, 1859.
Thomas B. Odeneal
    Clerk



Corvallis, Ogn, Dec. 28th 1859.   
Dear General,
    I beg leave to call your attention to my claim for surgical and medical services for Indian boy Tom, in Oct. 1856, which you presented at the proper department, I think the winter following, and obtained some favorable action thereon, as you afterwards informed me; but, owing to matters of greater importance I fear further attention has been precluded.
    Also--included, another claim for similar services, properly vouched for &c.
    Both Indians being absent on leave of Miller, Indian Agt. Grand Ronde Reservation at the time the accidents occurred, the first near Champoeg, and the second near Corvallis, and both being utterly destitute, and none under the circumstances willing to render necessary aid, I volunteered and saved the first--as formerly shown, contrary to the opinion of those who witnessed the extent of his injuries--by making him several visits 4 miles distant and furnishing medicines &c.
    And the second--with both bones of arm broken--and in that condition, accompanied with high fever lay for 7 or 8 days outdoors without aid--and by proper means restored her--and risked payment from the department on whom I depend for relief.
    Also--my claim for land warrant for services during the R.R. Indian War of 1853 that you believe is justly due and will be granted.
    These are small matters compared with those to which your duty constantly solicits your attention. It is the last time, however, that Congress or the Department will be called to act on any claim of mine--
    Yourself and friend Capt. Alden, at the close of that war in which you were both distinguished and suffered, called and publicly thanked me, as president of the Board of Military Affairs & Supplies, for the energy, dispatch and integrity with which its whole business was conducted from its inception to its completion--and both voluntarily assured me that our general government would notice and acknowledge those services rendered under peculiar circumstances in a suitable manner. (Some of those circumstances were bitter pills to me, the loss of the best house, with certain mining operations, on Applegate Creek--also a good house and a section of land with improvements & stock in Green Valley, Umpqua County.) But "our government" is a republic, and like others is afflicted with simply a bad memory. I will not suggest the old maxim "ingratitude."
As ever your friend
    Edward Sheil



Draft of a Speech on the Slavery Trouble
and Brown Raid
(in hand of General Lane)
   
    Oregon, recently admitted into the Union, owes a debt of filial gratitude to that paternal government which fostered her infancy & spread its aegis of power over her feebleness. Its people will be the last to forget her allegiance to the flag that covers the whole confederacy & among the first to lend her aid in its defense. Distance, instead of weakening, intensifies our devotion & we look with singleness of heart to the interests of the whole country.
    I thank you, Senators, in her name for the confidence manifested in her admission in this Confederation of States & I pledge her to a faithful performance of all her duties & a full & unequivocal allegiance to the laws & compacts which are established as the safeguards to State sovereignty, federal rights & the guarantees of the Constitution.
    On the field of battle I have felt strong & unconquerable when I saw the flag of the Union floating about me. Its stars & its stripes spoke of the past history & the chivalry of every State & also of the glory of a boundless future. Incited by the memories of the past, moved by the ideals of the happy future in store for the States united by a brotherhood of feeling, our army of volunteers achieved apparent impossibilities. If in the midst of the conflict it had been announced that distrust had taken the place of confidence, that hatreds had been engendered & that a dissolution of the confederacy was imminent, let me ask of every patriot whether every arm would not have been paralyzed & if our invincible courage in view of having no country to fight for would not have quailed before the enemy. What is it that makes our country, not men, not cities, not prosperous agriculture, manufactures or commerce, but our laws that secure to every State & every citizen freedom & equality in the pursuit of happiness founded on equality & justice. Deprive us of these & our country dies.
    The convulsions that threaten our peace all grow out of the defiance of law by a very large portion of misguided men. A high crime has been committed against the sovereignty of Virginia, the highest it is possible for anyone to commit. Her soil has been invaded, the government arsenal taken, her citizens have been captured & some have been slaughtered in the defending of their homes. A provisional government was contemplated sought to be established & she was told we do not come to slay you unless you resist but we are here by right of divine justice to sweep your State institutions from power as having been weighed in the balance & found wanting. You are tyrants We have arms, we have thousands of confederates & sympathizers. Yield peaceably & your lives should be spared; resist & you must perish. So astounding was the event that it took days before the people could realize its reality.
    The leader & his myrmidons were captured, troops flocked to the scene of confusion, the whole people were in alarm, not knowing what else of invasion was to follow this strange beginning. Then came the outcry of thousands of sympathizers in New England & other States. The leader was compared to the greatest of heroes, nay more blasphemously likened to the Saviour himself. He was said to be the Moses who was to lead the captive Israelites, that, the Negroes, from Egypt to Canaan, that is, from Virginia to New England, only the Virginians, those wicked but modern Egyptians, would not let him.
    Unfortunately for the parallel, Moses was a Hebrew slave himself & one of the people whom he was instrumental in delivering, whilst John Brown was not a Negro slave but an interloper whom the Negroes would have lynched had they had the opportunity. That the movement was not sanctioned by Heaven is also apparent from the fact of its entire defeat & the ignominious hanging of the traitor & murderer. The Moses that is to deliver the Negro slave is the Christian teachings of their Southern masters. This has been efficient so far in converting the savage African into the useful, orderly & faithful population of Negroes we see in the Southern states.
Heads--
    1st. To resume, such are the facts with which we have to deal on this opening of the session & the Senator from Virginia properly asked the passage of a resolution of inquiry into this sad affair--how was met by the Republican Party--did they cooperate--or did they try to obstruct--
    2nd--There are different degrees of sympathizers, those who boldly denounce the actions of Virginia as the murderer of a heaven-commissioned leader & also those who, while they condemn the action, strive to cover the crime by obstructing an inquiry into its baseness & a development of its proportions aiders & abettors.
    3rdly. An army is composed of many corps of actors in the drama of war--There are forlorn hopes (the John Browns), then there is heavy & light infantry the artillery (Abolitionists), then the dragoons & horse troops (the Tribune & its like), then the riflemen, infantry, scouts, spies, &c. All these are necessary to the organization of an army The party on this floor to organize ambuscades & cover retreats. I should say the gentlemen here seem to be acting the part now of covering the retreat after an unsuccessful attack.
    4. Examine the positions taken on slavery for the Territories & the Fugitive Slave Law--are they not part & parcel of this very conflict which John Brown waged
    5th Has not the Constitution guaranteed the return of fugitive slaves & has not the Supreme Court defined the rights of the citizens of States as to slavery in the Territories--These are res adjudicata as lawyers say & no good citizen has a right to put himself in conflict with them. To do so is treason--hence a party that teaches the people to disobey these edicts counsels to treason & is at incipient war with the United States.
    6th  I have too much respect for the judgment & lawyer-like ability of the gentlemen in the opposition not to think that they are fully aware of this & I am obliged to suppose that in raising these issues & declaring that no Territory shall ever be settled by slaveholders & that fugitives shall not be restored, they have in view a dissolution of the Union, for it cannot be supposed the South will submit to the domination of any such principles.
    7th. Grant that they succeed in this apparent object & a division of the free from the slave States takes place--on the north we have Canada, on the south Mexico--what will follow soon as the confederated power of the States is broken. Why Canada will be erected into a monarchy with a scion of royalty as king & Mexico also will be compelled to receive a king. What power can prevent it?  Perhaps many gentlemen who are loudest in driving on this dissolution will be glad to annex the New England States & New York to this new Kingdom of Canada either by conquest or peaceful annexation & will figure they & their posterity as dukes & lords. Whether such be their present intentions or not, such things may easily occur when the power of the confederacy is broken which alone keeps the machinations of Europe in check on this continent.
    8th. Our laws of freedom of speech & publication of opinion are favorable offer an easy access to the intermeddling of foreign governments in our affairs. They may establish journals among us, send lecturers & emissaries to mold public opinion & lead on forays on our institutions.
    We should therefore be very careful what support we give these emissaries. We know not what foreign support any of the journals that are so reckless as the Tribune &c. may have power abroad. Forbes was confessedly an emissary of the Anti-Slavery Society of Great Britain sent to teach military strategy to the outlaws who infested Kansas & so of others, Garrison, Phillips, &c.
    How many of the noted men of the irrepressible conflict school have been in England plotting against our existence as a nation; we know by the papers which chronicle their reception by kings, queens & emperors. What took place in the secrets of their conferences we know not & will not charge upon them--but this we do know--that Greece, unconquerable by Persian arms, yielded to Persian blandishments & that their Greek leaders sold their country for Persian gold & Persian favors support. It behooves us from the light of history to beware of men who are conducting a conflict which all must know will lead to the dissolution of our power as a nation, when we find those men deriving comfort & support from foreign despots courts & aristocracies & who are favorably received at those courts on the very ground that they are anti-slavery & fighting what they are pleased to call the battles of freedom but which are in reality battles for anarchy & dissolution.
    9th. This question concerns the North more than the South--let the South be driven out & the only obstacle to the subjugation of the North will be removed.
    10. What then is the duty of the South in this conjunction--To disappoint these traitors & stand firmly in the Union, to refuse to be driven out & to do as in the war of the revolution--assist the Northern patriots to preserve their rights against a Tory plot--& what is the duty of the North--to rouse & defeat the machinations of the common enemy, to turn a deaf ear to the serpents charm they never so sweetly who would beguile their minds & refuse to be turned out of Eden to reject the proffered fruit of the forbidden tree & determine to grant to their Southern brethren without cavil & not grudgingly all the rights that legally belong to them.
    11. Everything concerning slavery has been adjudicated & there is no issue before the people except what is kept up by faction & incipient treason agitators. The Supreme Court has decided that all Territories are open to the introduction of slavery & that not till the formation of a State can it be excluded. The Fugitive Slave Law has been pronounced by every court which has entertained the question to be constitutional & legal. There is nothing left for agitation unless the people of the North determine to resist the laws. Will they do so at the peril of the Union--And what is there in all this for the North to lose in quietly submitting to the law--It is clearly nothing in this question by an abstract right. The North may be sure that slavery will not go in northern regions for it would not pay & if it goes into southern regions the people of the North do not wish to labor in tropical climes & the products of those regions--cotton, sugar &c.--add materially to the comforts of the northern laborer. There is nothing to quarrel over but an abstract idea.
    12. If a Territory should legislate in a hostile manner against these rights of the South--why should not our Northern fellow citizens cheerfully enact laws for their protection. This is the dictate of honest & fraternal feeling.
    13th. The duty of the North is further to see if they cannot by legislation prevent incipient treason in their abolition element. If John Brown's act was treason, why should not a law be enacted to prevent the inciting to treason?  This, however, I would leave to the State legislators who as good neighbors should not allow hostile armaments to be raised against their fellow sovereignties.



Washington D.C
    Jany. 5 1860
J. J. Bingham, Esq.:
    Dear Sir
        Your note with a copy of your paper was handed me yesterday while the Senate was in session. I looked over your comments on my remarks, hastily, & intended to read them again, but somehow have lost the paper. Now, sir, in relation to my views on the Territorial question, I beg you to bear in mind that I speak for myself; and, in the remarks which I made in the Senate on the 19th ult., I expressed my views in terms so plain that I supposed they could not be misapprehended. For them I alone am responsible, and by them will stand.
Very respectfully
    Your obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane


Washington City
    January 6 - 60
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your note of yesterday has this moment been received.
    I am glad to hear from you, but you did not tell me how you were standing the cold weather. In your next you must tell me about the cold. It has been severely cold here, and I suppose of course that it has been very cold where you are.
    Now, my son, in relation to the action of the Convention in Oregon, in appointing me as one of the delegates, with instructions to use all honorable means to procure the nomination of Genl. Lane, I will say that such action is not very common, but you are aware that the trip from Oregon to Charleston is a long and expensive one, and by appointing Stout, Deady & myself, all [already] in this country, expenses would be saved, and that if I should not wish to attend I could authorize either one of them to cast the vote of Oregon, that is, either one of the three could cast the vote of the State, if authorized by the other two to do so. Thus you see I can attend, or not, as may suit my convenience. Now as to reelection to the Senate, I can say that I neither desire nor expect it.
    I have not had a letter from John in a long time, but I had one the other day from Garnett who said that John was well.
    I have nothing of interest to communicate; health good, but very busy. No Speaker yet, and we can't say when one will be elected.
    Write often, and take pains to write well. I desire that you shall give much attention to composition.
    I am glad to learn that you are progressing well in mathematics. May heaven bless and prosper you is the prayer of
Your father,
    Joseph Lane
Write soon.


Roseburg Jany 11th 1860.       
Dear General
    Allow me to wish you a very happy new year and to hope that the year 1860 may be a fortunate one for you as I believe it will.
    I have no political news, there seems to be a suspension of the excitement the result of the convention was satisfactory to the people generally and I think Grover has quietly "winked out."
    I have been confined to the house for nearly a month with boils, like Job, from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. They have given me a resting spell for a while and I have a little hope that they have left for good. Winnie and Hannah have both been unwell and are not well yet--Winnie caught a bad cold, and Hannah had convulsions, caused I think by teething. I hope that nothing serious will result from it. Hood's children all have the whooping cough. The land office has been removed to this place and Mother is living overhead, and expects to until spring. I ride out and back every day, and I think it will be good for my health. I shall have it to do whether it is or not, as I have no money to build with.
    I wish you would see that Martin gets his claim. Attend to this immediately, as he wants to sell it to pay his debts, most of which are due Floed & Simon.
    "James D. Burnett, Round Prairie Douglas Co. Ogn." paid me $2.00 for one year's subscription to the Constitution, will you have it sent to him.
    How about the Umpqua Agency?
    Give my respects to Stout and all my friends and hoping that the House will have a Democratic Speaker.
I remain
        Yours affectionately
                L. F. Mosher
   


La Crosse Jan 14th 1860       
Gen Joseph Lane
    Sir, not personally acquainted with you, I have only to say I have been a resident of Rogue River Valley, Jackson Co., Oregon about 5 years. I returned last summer with my family to my former state, Wisconsin, as I happened to come into Oregon too late to get a piece of land worth having under the land grant, in connection with the enormous prices the settlers wanted for their claims I concluded not to make Oregon my future home. The first settlers have good land but the remainder is very indifferent owing to the barren and mountainous condition of that country.
    I was there during the Indian war and is interested in that concern for about eight thousand dollars, principally my own operation with James R. Peeler's Assistant Quartermaster General, Southern Division Oregon Militia. My papers I have here and should desire to draw it in Washington whenever an appropriation is made for it by Congress. That claim however have been formerly met with ridicule and contempt of Congress, owing to the slanderous and false reports about the just origin of that war. But in the struggle for independence with Great Britain we only had one Arnold. We had I dare not say how many in our struggle. My family came very near being massacred once in my absence from home. The Indians entered the house with knives in hand and I think nothing but a severe and favorite dog saved them. Sir, accept my highest esteem for the true and valuable service you have done to Oregon, as a soldier in need and a true statesman and a Union man. I sincerely trust and hope that the fanatics of the North will soon come to [the] Constitution, that a disunion will not be so pleasant [an] affair as they anticipate.
    I have noticed that some of the Northern states are getting their eyes open and have commenced organization of Union meetings.
    It is our opinion here that the suicidal Cuba question should be left alone at present, because it might be pregnant with war. I see from the report of the Secretary of War and also from General Scott that the standing army of the United States is inadequate for the arduous and extensive service required on our extended frontiers. If the people of the Pacific Coast could get Congress to aid in a Pacific railroad, that all important inter-oceanic highway would meet the hearty approbation of the whole country. I have crossed the plains 3 times and none but those that traveled the plains know the necessity of that work.
    I had report from Oregon that Lansing Stout only had 16 majority over his opponent and it's going to be contested in Washington. Is it possible that the Democratic star is dropping so fast in Oregon? Should it meet your approval I would be happy to receive some documents from you and especially about the war and Pacific railroad, as I have spent most of the last 10 years on the Pacific Coast. Such things would be of great interest to me.
    I am well acquainted with Cadwallader C. Washburn, Representative in Congress. He resides in our place.
Yours Truly
    K. Knudson



Canyonville Jan. 15th 1860
Dear Gen.
    After my compliments and best wishes for your welfare, I enclose to you a certificate pertaining to the claim of my wife for bounty land accruing to her through her former husband, Jas. P. Day.
    Her application has been received at the pension office, but the result of the examination of the claim has not yet been communicated. I thought you might be cognizant of the facts connected with the service of said Jas. P. Day, and might be able to expedite the issue of the warrant to which he may have been entitled.
    The claim is made by Mary Ann Gordon, No. 300,213. Whatever assistance you can give in this claim will be most thankfully and gratefully acknowledged.
    We are looking with anxiety to the political events which are soon to be developed, both here and throughout the nation. There will be one more struggle made by the traitors and opposition combined to carry this slate in the next legislature, but their efforts will certainly prove futile.
[Samuel Gordon]
   
Dayton, O.T. 16 Oct. 1855
Territory of Oregon  )
Yamhill County         )  ss.
    This is to certify that James P. Day served under my command as a private soldier in the Rogue River War of 1851--in [illegible] day of June 1851 until the 1st day of September (1851) ensuing, and was honorably discharged.
Courtney M. Walker
    Acting Captain under
        Command of Genl. John P. Gaines
            Governor of Oregon Territory



Senate Chamber
    Washington Jany. 16 1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    Not having had the pleasure of hearing from you for ten days last past, I desire to know whether you are well? and if so, why don't you write? I have a right to expect a letter from you as often as once a week. I am uneasy when you fail to write, therefore my son be sure to let me hear from you often.
    Clingman of North Carolina is now making a speech upon the rights of the states, and the bad faith of the Republican Party in relation to the rights of the South, who he says steal the Negroes and besides pass laws in many of the states annulling the fugitive slave law and the Constitution itself.
    Judge Deady left here this morning for New York on his way to Oregon, he will go out on the 20th inst.
    I have not had a word from John for a month.
    Let me hear from you.
    Regards to Mr. Huntington and family.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Washington City
    January 22 1860
My Dear Lafayette
    Your note of the 19th inst. has been recd. I thank you for it, and can say that you are improving in penmanship and composition. One great beauty in writing is to make plain letters, no flourishes for instance in writing your name, make it plain. If one is proud of his name, then write plain, that all may see and know the name, plain capitals are beautiful. Your good brother Simon writes his name very indifferently, his L. instead of being plain is like an S. at least to some extent, and at any rate a very poor L. I have not advised him about it, but will the next time I write him. In composition no more words should be used than are necessary to make good sense. You have the habit of condensing your thoughts into as few words as can well be. This is well. Mr. Monroe's great fault was that of using too many words, though it must be admitted that he was a fine scholar and a great statesman. Yet Mr. Jefferson had greatly the advantage of him in condensation.
    Now my dear son I propose to take you with me to Oregon because I could not be happy without you, not, however, to deprive you of an education, on the contrary. I will take out, say a fine law library, and after you shall take a hunt of a few weeks I will put you under our good friend Hoyt or some other good instructor and have you complete your education. Now my son be steady sober and industrious, keep good company, converse with sensible men, much is learned in conversation. Be moral upright and just, use strict economy, be strictly honorable and truthful, study all that your health will permit, and Heaven will reward you.
Your father
Joseph Lane
I sent Mr. Huntington (on the 19th inst.) a check for $94.00--request him to acknowledge receipt.
Lane



Roseburg Oregon
Jan'y 25th 1860
Dear Father
    Yours of 15th ult. containing drafts has been recd. $5000 of which I will have cashed immediately and pay to Mr. Imbler. The bal. or $700 I will apply as per instruction. Yours of 16th ult. addressed to Sam & Floed has been received for which permit us to tender you our sincere thanks. We have about ¾ mile of posts set, ready to receive the boards. I hope the boards will be on hand at time agreed upon. I am having plowing done on the west side of the first or smallest hill for garden. Will have fenced and ready for planting by spring. Jas. has rented his farm out for one year, seems desirous of selling, his price $3,500. I do hope that he will not find any bidders, for once converted into money it will soon be gone.
    I have concluded (under the advisement of Dr. Barclay) to go and remain upon the farm for one or two years. He says that there is nothing the matter with me that will prove fatal suddenly. My diseases are these, weakness of the nerves, an infection of the liver, sympathy with the spleen, and rheumatism in left shoulder. I am now taking medicine and am feeling better, hope that I may yet be able to maul my hundred and fifty rails per day. It is my design to place the west string of fence upon the line all the way through, but may not succeed. Business is duller than I have ever before seen, it appears that there is no money in either Northern or Southern Oregon.
    Mother's health is good. She is desirous of getting on the farm. Floed, Mosher, Jas. and families are in fair health.
    Mr. Swan sends his most pious regards to you, says he feels well only when angry at the black and sticky mud.
Your affectionate son
    Simon R. Lane
Please excuse ½ sheet, it got torn after the letter was written.




Washington City
    January 26--1860
My Dear Fayette
    You are not so prompt as you ought to be, and I am sure that you will not complain at me for saying so. I requested you to let me know whether Mr. Huntington had recd. the check for $94.00 that I sent him now over a week ago; he has not acknowledged the receipt of it, nor have you written to let me know if he has received it. Will you, my dear son, have the kindness to write at once and let me know whether or not you have heard him say anything about the matter? And if you have not, then ask him if all is right and let me know without delay.
    I have just had a letter from John; he is well and getting along quite well. I hope you are in good health and progressing well.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Washington, Jany. 28, 1860       
My Dear Sir:
    I have just rec'd. and read your very kind letter of 17th inst. I had previously received your paper and observed the distinguished name of Col. Davis at the head of your columns as your choice for the Presidency, with my own for the Vice Presidency. For this mark of your esteem, this manifestation of confidence, I return you my sincere thanks. To be thought worthy by one of your intelligence to fill the second office in the gift of the American people is an honor of which any man might be proud. The honor is greater, and I esteem it as a special mark of your friendship that you have thought fit to associate my name with that of Mississippi's gifted and favorite son, Jefferson Davis. I have known Col. Davis many years, in peace and in war, on the tented field, in the legislative halls of the nation, and in the position of Secretary of War during Mr. Pierce's administration. On the bloody field of Buena Vista I was an eyewitness of his gallant bearing as commander of the Mississippi regiment. No man knows better than I do the prominent part he took in that desperate and sanguinary conflict; no man knows better than I do how much his valor and skill contributed to the success of our arms on that memorable day. My presence at the seat of government every winter for nine years enables me to bear testimony, from a thorough personal acquaintance, to his ability as a statesman, his honesty and patriotism. As delegate from the Territory of Oregon, I had much official intercourse with him as the head of the War Department. I ever met a courteous and kind reception; and I can recollect no instance in which I had cause to complain of neglect or inattention, however trivial the matter submitted to him. Brought into closer official relations to him by my present position, I feel proud in being recognized as the peer (in position only ) of one so distinguished for talents, eloquence and learning; and I here acknowledge with pleasure how much I am indebted to him in the discharge of my official duties for information on important subjects, or directions for finding the information I desired. You may well say that "Mississippians are ardently attached to Col. Davis." They have cause to be; for I can truly say that he is an honor to the state, as he is an ornament to the body of which he is a member. I think it no disparagement to any of the distinguished statesmen whose names have been mentioned in connection with the Presidency, to say that I know no one of them who possesses to a greater degree the great requisites for that office, "ability and honesty," than my old friend and comrade in arms, Jefferson Davis.
    While I fully appreciate the honor open to me in thinking me worthy to be placed on the ticket with Col. Davis, I must repeat what I have often told my friends, viz: that I am not an aspirant to the Presidency or Vice Presidency. I will seek neither position by any means, direct or indirect. If my name can be used in any way to promote the harmony and success of the Democratic Party, I could not deny my friends the privilege of using it. But, believe me, sir, when I assure you that I am better satisfied with my present position--better satisfied in the service of the generous people who have so often honored me with their support, than I could be in any office in the power of the American people to bestow.
    Again thanking you, my dear sir, for the high compliment you have paid me and your kind wishes for my health and prosperity, I remain
Very Truly Yours
    Jos. Lane
W. H. Worthington Esq.



Washington, Feb. 4, 1860
Dear Simon,
    You may be desirous of knowing how or why I have come to Washington. I am only here on a short visit and intend to return to Stamford and my studies in a few days. I think, dear brother, that it was anything but kind in you to so far forget your little brother (who you know loves you as much as brother can love brother) as never to write nor send any message to him by Father. But I must acknowledge that I did match it in a degree inasmuch as I have not answered your last letter written in 1858. You may ask my reasons for not answering your letter. The facts connected with the case are as follows. When I received your letter I was in a very great hurry on some account or other. I do not now remember what, but at any rate I had only time enough to see that your name was signed and that it was dated from San Francisco. When I arrived at the place where I was then residing, I looked for the letter & could not find it, and not knowing what you had written, I of course could not answer it.
    Now, dear brother, since we understand each other, I propose that we keep up a regular correspondence until 1861, and then it is my intention to return to Oregon. From the present aspect of political events, I should judge that Father stood the best chance to be the nominee of the Charleston convention inasmuch as all of the conservative papers of [the] north have his name at the head of their columns for president and in the South if he is not their first choice, he is invariably their choice for vice. Now, dear brother, I must close inasmuch as I have business to attend to. Desiring that you should present my regards to family and hoping that you will answer soon, I remain your affectionate brother,
Lafayette Lane



Portland, Oregon Feby. 4th 1860
Dear General,
    I have but a moment to drop you a word at the close of a busy day and before I set out on a visit of inspection to the Nez Perces, Yakimas, and other parts of the middle country.
    All things seem to be moving along smoothly in the Indian affairs of this country, though I fear that I will have to ask for a small appropriation for deficiencies; of this, however, I will be able to speak more definitely hereafter.
    Dennison is, I suppose, ere this in Washington. Beware of him--he is a lineal descendant of that old god whose temple is seldom short in this turbulent world--I don't mean that he is belligerent!
    There is great activity among the Bushites--and no little gall and wormwood. Nesmith is very active in canvassing for the U.S.S.--has been here at Ogn. City, Vancouver &c. & has now, I believe, gone south to Jackson & Douglas counties. He is sanguine of success, and speaks very confidently. Col. Hooker has his headqrs. in Portland this winter, & is doing his little best for the Bush faction. Barnhart is here, too, doing I presume his usual quantum of dirty work. Heaven and earth are to be moved to secure victory or at least our defeat--which would be half a victory to their revenge.
    We have a hard battle to fight; but I think we can and will win the field. Fully one half the members of the two branches of the legislature will be with us, I think, in joint convention, even allowing them to carry besides these, theirs certainly this co., Clackamas, Wasco & Yamhill.
    But I have sanguine hope of carrying Yamhill & Wasco and we will make a hard, possibly a successful, fight here in Clackamas.
    Capt. Miller is sanguine of carrying Yamhill and has concluded that it will be best to decline going to Washington & the Charleston Convention. He wields great influence in Yamhill, and I feel confident is now decidedly with us. In order to stimulate his efforts I have pledged him my influence in the way of a reappointment--which he much desires. He has made a pretty fair officer, and I think might be continued with advantage to the service. In the event that he carries our banner to victory in Yamhill, I recommend his reappointment.
    I am attempting some retrenchment & reform in the Indian service, with what success time only can determine.
    We have here concluded that next June is the time to elect a Congressman. We also have a judge to elect in this Dist. in place of Judge Waite who I think will be a candidate for reelection. This is an element of strength and gives prestige of success.
    I also hope to see your name at the masthead in the Times next week for the choice of Oregon Democracy & I believe of the national Democracy for the Presidency. I can say no more.
With true regard and friendship
    Edward R. Geary
To Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Senate
        Washington
            D.C.
   

    We must stand by Smith. Any other course will work out our defeat. He has a firm grasp in old Linn. Chapman is too ambitious--I fear his zeal for personal success will prove a source of weakness. But we will hope and do our best.
    Please send me as early as practicable the report of the Comm. Ind. Affairs. I hope you will press now appropriations for the newly ratified treaties as early as practicable.



Eagle Mills, Polk Co., State of Oregon
    Feb. 5th 1860.
Genl. Jos. Lane,
    In my last letter, I made a brief statement of the movements of certain would-be great men of this State. There is but little taken place since then, nothing worthy of note unless it be the very powerful effort now making [illegible] and his friends to secure his election to the Senate of the United States. There is a feeling among certain individuals that a "Black" Republican & a man from the Bush wing of the Democracy will be our next Senator. I had hoped to see you before you left, but was disappointed. I desired to get your assistance to procure for me the appointment of Superintendent of Indian Affairs here & in the Territory of Washington. The facts & circumstances of my have equal "if not superior" claims on the govt. with others was fully & fairly pointed out in a former letter. My entire manhood having been spent on the western frontier, my early migration to Oregon, my long and intimate acquaintance with the Indian character, and the many hardships & privations suffered in pushing the settlement of 
[illegible] Mississippi to the Pacific does seem to me that I am entitled to the consideration of the govt., and if my friends will feel willing and will advocate those claims, I shall feel ever grateful for their kindness & confidence. I have an old friend in Congress from Mo., in the person of Hon. John B. Clark, who, I think, will aid in my case. I would remark for your information that so far as parties is concerned, that I am decidedly pro-slavery in the broadest sense of the term, and do believe that property from the slave-holding states taken to a Territory is equally entitled to protection by the laws of the Territory, with other species of property from the free states. My views correspond precisely with Mr. Buchanan, as laid down in his message to the two houses of Congress. My object in writing this was partly for fear you may not have received any former letter, but mainly on account that I see the President has recommended organizing the Territory of Arizona. Should that take place, and I should not be appointed over the Indians here, I would then ask the appointment as Gov. of Arizona. All this I ask without having the slightest smallest idea of your views in respect to my qualifications for either of the situations.
    In conclusion, I will say that it will give me much pleasure to serve your interest here in any & all honorable means.
I remain your friend
    and humble servant
        John Thorp


Washington, D.C.
    Feby. 14, 1860
My dear young friend:
    I had, some days since, the pleasure of receiving your esteemed favor of 7th instant, in which you give me no opportunity to criticize except perhaps in this one particular: that you ask me not a single question, whilst if my memory is faithful I think you promised or threatened to ask me a thousand. But I am glad to find that this prominent New England trait has not taken such full possession of you. You encourage me with your remark that "the Republicans are rather losing ground." Pray hard and strongly that they may lose every foot and never gain an inch.
    I think your father looks rather favorably upon your proposition to go to Charleston. But he is so much more engrossed with hope and desire for your future success than he is with almost any other subject, that it is perfectly apparent the indulgences you will obtain are to depend in a great measure upon your close and devoted attention to your studies. Of
[illegible] I am not endeavoring to stimulate you in your pursuit of knowledge. You need no stimula or encouragement, walking straightforward as you are under the impulse of your own strong sense of duty. My own judgment is well convinced and perfectly satisfied that you will well and truly perform your promise to "progress more in the ensuing two months than you have heretofore in any six," and you cannot very readily imagine the pleasure I saw expressed in your father's face when I read to him that portion of your letter.
    I have no political news to give you more than you have probably seen in the newspapers. The House makes but slow and sorry progress with the business of the country. They will not consent to abolish the franking privilege--and 
[illegible] to favor the proposition as offered by the Senate.
    In the Black Republican caucus, a candidate (Defrees) for printer to the House proposed to give the half of his profits to the Republicans as an electioneering fund. They passed a resolution rejecting the proposition, but they voted for the man, gave him the nomination, and supported him in the House. This transparent piece of rascality is but another specimen of Black Republican political morality. It is evident, of course, that though by resolution they rejected the proposition, in nominating and supporting its author, they privately acceded to his terms, and are ready to receive and use for the purpose mentioned the half profits referred to. This is but a preliminary, an outline, a foreshadowing of what we may expect if in an evil moment they should succeed in getting 
[illegible] of the Government. And yet, in their foul embrace, the pious politicians of New England would tell us there is a "Holy of Holies.".
    I have written much more than I expected to when I commenced, for really I did not think I had anything to say. Dr. Schmidt and Mr. Moore (of Wisconsin) have called and talked a little. Of course, you were not forgotten. Your father has been troubled with a severe cold, but I think he is improving.
    Kind regards to Mr. Huntington--I hope he is well, and yourself also. Let me hear from you often, and believe me
Your friend,
    Simpson P. Moses
Lafayette Lane
    Stamford, Connecticut


Washington City
    March 3--1860
Dear Mosher,
    Our friend Guthrie goes out by the steamer that will take this. He has behaved very handsomely towards me in all parts of the country where he has been. He expressed much kindness to me and has said upon all occasions as I have heard from many persons that next to his uncle that Lane was the man, and the strongest man in the country.
    In relation to our war debt everything is being done that is possible.
    If we fail in the Pacific railroad, the fault will be with the opposition.
    Now in relation to Martin's land claim. The commissioner promised me that he would write an official letter in regard to the matter. He holds that there is nothing before him upon which he can act. Now my opinion is that you had better make out a full statement of the case, that will of itself amount to a certificate, and write to me and I will have it attended to at once. From my statement of the case Wilson told me that there would be no trouble. Please send up the papers.
    Douglas will not be nominated, but it is not possible to say who will be the man. Many think that it will fall on Oregon. I don't want it, but would not refuse it.
    Keep a good lookout to windward, be sure to see good Democrats nominated and elected.
    John & Lafayette were well when last heard from.
    My love to Winnie and my little grandchildren, and to my wife & all the family, and accept my best wishes.
Joseph Lane           



Portland Ogn. March 12, 1860
Dear Genl.
    I avail myself of the opportunity afforded by the Pacific about to sail to most respectfully urge your instant attention and every effort to have the mail services restored between Ogn. City and Eugene. The curtailment of service on this route is felt to be a serious slap to the country and is deeply resented by the people who feel that their rights and convenience have been disregarded for the paltry saving of a few hundred dollars. This intelligent and candid men know to have occurred without your knowledge or concurrence, but notwithstanding your political opponents are ascribing the change to you and are very seriously affecting the popular mind.
    Have the service restored as it was before if at all practicable, and I would suggest that the public interest and convenience will be immensely advanced by the establishment of a triweekly mail route from Portland overland to Cala. There are many ways all of which will readily suggest themselves to your mind in which such an arrangement will benefit this country and it is now felt to be an indispensable necessity. To have this effected will be to achieve a benefit which all will perceive and appreciate and will add much to your personal popularity and the success of the Democracy.
    Do not think that I am unnecessarily alarmed about the excitement occasioned by the change of the mail service alluded to. What I have expressed is the common sentiment of your warm, true and tried friends who feel it hard to stand up against the pressure it has occasioned.
    Excuse this hurried note. I hope a timely word will suffice to correct the evil in time which this [illegible] affair has occasioned.
    I will go up to Ogn. City tomorrow and see if the P.M. can be induced to assume the responsibility of authorizing additional service without delay.
Most truly yours
    E. R. Geary
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S.S. Washington, D.C.



West Point N.Y.
    March 15th 1860
My Dear Father:
    I have received both your letters & also the Globe, for which I am very much obliged. Also allow me to thank you, for the Corps, for the effort you made in our behalf. We were of the opinion that Davis would let the bill pass without making any objections to it whatever. And as soon as I saw he opposed it, I from that instant gave up all hopes of having the four-year course. I think there may be still one chance left, viz. that appropriation bill for the Academy has to be sent to the House in consequence of the amendment that was made in the Senate, & now if the amendment changing the course should be attached to it in the House, through which it would undoubtedly pass--and when presented to the Senate, they will let it pass rather than close the bill entirely. Davis says that a board was assembled, by order of the Secretary [of] War, at this place for the purpose of arranging a programme of studies & also to enquire into the expediency of changing the course of studies. It is true, a board was ordered on here for the purpose of arranging a programme--but as far as the course is concerned, they had nothing to do with it whatever. So much for the course. I am absolutely sick of the subject. And I suppose you must dislike to hear it mentioned.
    By the way, Professor Bartlett left here today for Washington City--herewith enclosed I send you an extract of a letter written by Mr. Sandidge to his son (L. D. Sandidge) who as you know is in my class. It may have some interest for you.
    By the by, I expect Cadet Sandidge will write you in a few days to thank you for the effort you made for us. What are your chances at the Charleston Convention? I am getting along very well in all my studies with the exception of drawing & I think I stand a very good chance of being [illegible] on it in June. There is no use of trying to learn it, I have done all in my power. It is something that must be given to a person by nature. One cannot acquire it by practice, as I have found out by experience.
    I am very happy to learn that Simon is better. I received a letter from Lafayette a few days since. He was very well & appears to be studying pretty well.
    There is a rumor making its rounds on the Point today to the effect that Hardee is to be succeeded as Comdt. by Major Emory. Have you heard anything of it? I for one will not be very sorry to lose Hardee or any other officer connected with the Academy. I am down on them generally.
    Write soon.
I remain your affec. son
    John
To Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Washington City
March 20--1860
Hon W L Yancey Esqr
    Dear Sir
        Your note of the 6th inst. has been received. I am obliged to you for your approval of my views in relation to the territorial question.
    I approve most fully in every word contained in the Davis caucus resolutions and so stated in caucus, and further said that it was so clear to my mind that the Territory is the common property of all the states, that if every man from the South could appear in person and express a willingness to surrender their constitutional rights in the territories that I should stand if necessary solitary and alone protesting against it.
With much respect
    Your obt srvt
        (Gen Joe Lane)



    1914 Plymouth St.
Philadelphia March 22nd 60
Hon Joseph Lane
    Washington
        Dear Sir
            The following is a copy of a dispatch from Oregon in the New York Herald of the 10th inst.
    "Gen. J. K. Lamerick a prominent politician in this state was mortally wounded by a man named Berry on the 7th Feby. There had been an old quarrel between the parties. Berry shot Lamerick, the ball entering under the left eye & passing out the right ear. Berry was held in $2000 bail although Lamerick did not wish him to be prosecuted Lamerick was armed with a Deringer pistol but did not draw. At last accounts Lamerick was sensible, conversing with his friends, but no hopes are entertained of his recovery."
    My object in trespassing upon you is to know if you have any later news from Oregon & if my poor brother is still alive. I looked for him to be on at [sic] meeting of the Charleston convention. We have not met for twenty-four years.
    I recd. two papers from him dated Jacksonville Feby. 4th, three days before the sad occurrence. I would also like to know if my brother had any property in Oregon, or held any of the war scrip &c &c. This may seem premature on my part, but my intention is to leave for Oregon should I not hear from him by next mail or the one after.
    I am the only brother he has in the U.S. & the only one he ever corresponded with. I had always 4 papers from him by every mail & looked forward to our meeting in April with a pleasure that only long parted brothers can feel. Any information you can give me will at this sad juncture be gratefully remembered by me. You were kind enough to answer a letter addressed some two years ago by me, to you. Hoping you will be no less kind on this sad occasion as I know my poor brother was your political friend. Awaiting your reply with much anxiety I am, dear sir, very truly
Thos. K. Limerick           
P.S.
    address
        1914 Plymouth St.
                Philadelphia
My brother spells his name Lamerick but our family name is Limerick.



Washington City
March 24 / 60
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have been so constantly busy that until this moment I have not had time to answer your letter.
    I was very glad to hear that you were recovering your health. Still I am sorry that you are afflicted with the ear ache. I am always so afraid of deafness, but as that is something that has never happened to any one of my family, I hope you will not suffer in that way.
    Politics are running high among the President makers, and Douglas has a host of them in this city who blow and strike daily & hourly for him and hold that he is the only man in this country who can be elected, but all their efforts will prove of no avail for it is quite certain that Douglas cannot be nominated. Hunter stock seems to be going up at this time. Breckinridge is also gaining. They are good men and if either of them should be selected and elected the country would be safe.
    You must write when you wish me to send money to bring you to Washington & when you start come on as soon as you can. Should you stop over in New York be sure to keep none but good company & avoid all that are suspicious. Make the acquaintance of none but good men, or good people & in crossing those crowded streets try and keep your eyes open.
    The above hints may not be acceptable to you but still I know that they are sensible & proper. There is nothing more proper than for every young man to keep good company and none other.
    I recd. a letter from your brother Simon dated 9th February; all well, weather fine, grass good, cattle fat and everything looking well.
    Bob Metcalfe left here for New York the other day. He went off without my knowing that he was going. I wrote him at N. York and requested him to call and see you and hand you money to bring you to Washington, but he may not get my letter so you had better write me and I will send the money.
    May God bless you is the prayer of your
Father.
Joseph Lane
Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington & family.



West Point N.Y. April 16th 1860
My Dear Father,
    I have no news to give you. Everything goes on about the same as usual. The Potter & Pryor affair has created some excitement. It is my opinion (although I have not expressed it to anyone) that Pryor should have fought him with the "bowie knives" or any other weapon the gentleman should have chosen.
    I have a few questions to ask you which I wish you would answer as soon as possible. Do you think Douglas will receive the nomination of the Charleston Convention? If not him, who do you think will? Also let me know what your chances are--I suppose you see by the monthly reports that I have nearly my number of demerits--I have four to get before I am found. I suppose I can get along; however, I think Lieuts. McCooke & Dodge & Col. Hardee are three of the meanest men on earth. They are very poor excuses for men. Is Lafayette with you? Are you going to Charleston? If so, why not come  by here & see me--I am getting along very well in my studies. I have been measured for those pants; $25 will be sufficient.
    Write soon.
I remain your
    Affectionate Son,
        John
To
    Gen. Joseph Lane
        Washington City
            D.C.

Rock Point Ogn
April 16th 1860
Gen Lane
    Dr. friend, I have waited patiently to hear something from you in regard to the Rogue River Reservation, but waited in vain! I noticed in a Black Republican sheet from the States that you had introduced a bill for the benefit of Metcalfe & others, which we hope may include all the settlers on the Reserve, for it is now settled from Table Rock to Evans Creek & to give you some ideas of the improvement in this quarter: I have sold over $30,000 worth of goods this year, or since you passed my place last May. I intended to have gone with you to Jacksonville but when I got over the river you were gone, then my train came & I was compelled to stay & receive my goods. You usually send me something in way of speeches & documents, which was always gratefully recd.! I have recd. nothing this year. Our county convention come off last week, Col. Keeler, J. N. T. Miller & C. B. White recd. the nomination for representatives to the Legislature. The Republicans have not organized yet, but will shortly. I assure you this much, that the four members from this county including Senator Berry are your sincere friends! It is hard to tell what Josephine will do, but I think she will be all right. Your friends here are generally well & prospering. Do the very best you can for us & Jackson Co. will never throw you off. If you will write direct to Rock Point, I keep the P.O.
    As ever your sincere friend
        J. B. White
I enclose a small piece of quartz from Gold Hill 3 mile from my store.



West Point N.Y. April 24th 1860
Dear Father--
    Herewith enclosed you will find the order that was published here when the course was changed from 5 to four years.
    You may judge from the order whether Davis' statement is correct or not, viz., that the course has never been changed since he changed it while Sec. of War.
    The board that he spoke of as being on here for the purpose of judging of the expediency of changing the course has nothing to do with it whatever. They were only sent here for the purpose of arranging a programme of studies for the five-year system. I suppose the bill will be brought up in the Senate in a few days.
    Professor Mahan thinks we may succeed if we write to our Senators. Do what you can for it. Write soon.
I remain your
    Affec. Son
        John
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.



New York April 24th, 1860.
Genl. Joseph H. Lane
    Washington City
        My Dear Genl.
            I have just returned from the South, where I have been for the last year. I have somehow a presentiment that you will receive the nomination at Charleston, in which event I think it would suit to renew the question of your biography, which we broached more than a year ago in Washington. I flatter myself that with the data which you could furnish, we could get out a book in proper form. If you have not made recent arrangements on the subject with some other friend, I hope you will let me try my hand. I will finish it in a month and entirely at my own expense. I think I could make an attempt on your life without murdering you, and yet affording complete satisfaction to your friends in the manner of the execution.
    I suppose you desire it written by one who is somewhat posted in military and political matters, as well as by one who is in the habit of writing for publications. Therefore, I might suit for the undertaking. Bennett of the Herald thinks your chance excellent, as he informed me yesterday. He spoke of the news from Charleston, where it was said that all you wanted was a good political engineer. Bennett thought that was not unfortunate, inasmuch as many "engineers" for other candidates would soon find their favorites out of the ring and would the more readily unite to give you a helping hand. I told Bennett that in the event of your nomination, I would give him some of the leading incidents of your campaigns to serve as an editorial comment on the nomination. You can easily carry Pennsylvania by twenty thousand majority.
Your friend,
    Albert C. Ramsey


Washington City
April 26 1860
My Dear Mosher
    For some time past I have been so constantly engaged in the discharge of official duties, together with a constant draft on my time day & night by the thousands who have thronged our city on their way to Charleston that I have not had time to write, and even now the excitement is so great in regard to the anxiously looked for action of the Charleston convention that I am interrupted every five minutes. I am the only person that I am acquainted with that remains cool and unconcerned. I cannot to save my life want or desire the nomination, the only wish that I have on the subject is that a good sound trustworthy man may be selected such a one as can be elected.
    The news from Charleston is rather favorable to Douglas, and very many think that he will be nominated, but I cannot believe that he can by any probability be nominated, certainly the convention will not make a man the standard bearer of the party that he so lately betrayed. He did as you know make an open attack upon the President, his measures and his Administration and he managed to weaken and divide the party; he procured the defeat of Hughes and other good Democrats, he consulted and cooperated with the Republicans for the purpose and with the view of breaking down the Administration and dividing the party, and placing it in such condition that none could get the nomination from the North but himself, and now his friends say nominate him and all the anti-Lecomptons will go for him and that the sound Democrats will be found to take him as against a Republican. I don't intend to take him if I can help it.
    There are thousands of good Democrats will not take him if they can help it but we will see what we shall see.
    Love to Winnie and the children.
Your friend
    Lane

Telegram to Jo Lane, April 30, 1860, part 1
Telegram to Jo Lane from the Convention, April 30, 1860.
Telegram to Jo Lane, April 30, 1860, part 2
The second half of the telegram.

Charleston, Apl. 30, 1860
Received Washington, May 1st, 1860
    To General Joseph Lane
        Browns Hotel
Ten Southern states have withdrawn. We have stood by the South in defending their rights but were overpowered. It is my judgment that Oregon should now withdraw and refuse to participate with either wing of the party. What say you? Let us stand on side I say. The South is right--and I would rather never hold another office than to withhold their rights from them. I will then go to Oregon after Congress adjourns and meet the issue and stand or fall by it. We must not pander in any manner to black Republicans, as the Northern states now propose to do.
Lansing Stout
Telegram to Jo Lane, May 2, 1860, part 1
The telegram offering Lane a position on the 1860 ticket.
Telegram to Jo Lane, circa May 1, 1860
Charleston May 2nd 1860
To Genl. Jos. Lane
    Browns Hotel
        I have received your dispatches. Told Virginia, Kentucky & Tennessee that I would withdraw with them. They stayed & each presented their candidate. I then presented your name. Douglas cannot be nominated. If we all remain, you would have a fair chance of a nomination. Those who withdraw have adopted the same platform that the majority recommended to our convention & I am asked if you will accept a position on the ticket to be nominated by those who withdraw. Please answer immediately, as they meet again this evening to nominate. I will do as you request. I hardly know what to advise. I am trying to do my duty to the country first & to you next.
Stou


Hon Lansing Stout
May 2, 1860--       
    My strongest desire is for the peace, harmony & success of the Democratic Party if it can be had without a sacrifice of the principles of the equality & the constitutional rights of the states.
    You know the condition of things better than I do, act in the premises as in your judgment may seem best for the country. Everything for the country & nothing for self is my motto.
Jo Lane--       



Kerbyville May 4th 1860       
Honorable Joseph Lane
    We are about entering the field of political labor, and we like all other great men are aspiring for office, and the support of the public; and knowing you have a powerful sight of influence in Congress and elsewhere; we thought it would not be rude nor out of the way to ask a favor of you. We would like you to do all in your power at the Charleston convention to secure us the nomination of Squire and Constable, and the boys on the creek say you have a powerful sight of influence there. We know it is a big leap for our first attempt in political affairs, but the boys on the creek say we are competent and we sorter think so ourselves. I will now take this opportunity to post you on political affairs in Oregon, as I hearn yesterday that the mail affairs from here, to Washington, is very dubious. The Republicans or confounded abolitionists are trying to raise a fuss about our nomination, but if you, Jo, will stand by us we have nothing to fear.
    I guess we will soon hear from you being elected President, as there is going to be an election here tomorrow, and all the boys on the creek are going to vote for you. I don't think you need fear Douglas, for a mighty sight of the folks are down on him; they sorter think he is a turncoat.
    Marshall's claim is paying very well now, he gets a right smart sprinkle of gold when he cleans up; and what would seem strange to you, he uses lots of quicksilver, he just squirts it into his sluices.
    Cornelius & Patton's claim is paying five dollars per day to the hand, but they don't go to the bedrock, one of their sluices leaked just like a riddle, but tore up one of their old shirts (and it wasn't such a very old one either it would have done them a right smart while to wear yet) and corked it. Butler he left his claim, darned fool went to Canyon Creek. Smith's reservoir broke last night, and played particular thunder which caused him to sell out for two hundred dollars. Wasn't that cheap?
    Excuse haste, but remember us your most affectionate friends
Timothy Tugmutton
Peter Pipple  [apparently pseudonyms]
P.S. Give our compliments to Buchanan and tell him that Henry is digging ditch to take water to Patton's and Cornelius' Bar.



Stamford, May 19, 1860       
My dear Sir,
    I herewith send my bill for Fayette's school quarter from May 1, 1860.
    I am happy to report your son's improved health & his progress in learning as well as in years.
    I think he suffers no abatement in his interest in politics during his stay in Washington; but I think he feels relieved after escaping from the excitements of the city. He studiously avoids leaving the house or grounds & reads & inwardly digests both the Herald & Tribune six days each week--& devotes his school hours to Latin, a review of arithmetic, Spanish & writing.
    I send you his exercise in composition of yesterday afternoon--a specimen of the ease with which he will write if he only continued to use his pen habitually. It is, as you see, more playful than serious, yet contains elements which developed will make a successful writer.
    There is much more in Fayette than any critical examination of his scholarship, according to the formulas of the schools, will ever show.
    My family desire to be remembered to you.
    We shall all be most happy to see you here at any time.
    Yours most sincerely,
        E. R. Huntington



Washington City
    June 2 1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have not had the pleasure of a letter from you for some time. Please write and let me know you are progressing in your studies.
    I have just recd. a letter from your brother Simon. Allwell at home. Business is going on well.
    You have seen by the papers that I succeeded in passing the Oregon war debt bill through the Senate. I was very much gratified at the result. The vote stood 31 against 17--it was indeed a great triumph and I most earnestly hope it may pass the House.
    Let me hear from you and how you are getting along.
    Regards to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family.
Your father Joseph Lane



Stamford June 6, 1860       
Dear father,
    Yours of the 4 inst. has just been received and I hasten to inform you, as per request, that Mr. Huntington has received your check for seventy five dollars, and will acknowledge receipt as soon as possible.
    Yesterday I endeavored to read Mr. Sumner's speech but was unable to do so, in as much as I could not suppress my own feelings of indignation. I consider Mr. Chesnut's reply much more lenient than it should have been, I wish that I could have been Senator long enough to have told that man "how God, and good men, hate so foul a liar."
    I am getting along well in my studies. Mr. & Mrs. Huntington are well and send regards.
    Desiring that you should give my respects to all friends.
    I remain very affectionately your son
Lafayette Lane                               
    Mr. Huntington just now requested that inasmuch as I was writing to you that I should enclose his receipt, which I herewith do.
                                                                                        L. Lane



Washington City
June 10 1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    Some two days ago sent you two little dollars in a letter, it was all I had at the time to spare but before long I will send you some more. Please let me know whether you have recd. the letter containing this little present.
    Many of the delegates to the Richmond convention have been in this city, the last of them left for Richmond this morning. I have begged them not to use my name neither at Richmond or Baltimore, I don't wish to be nominated and would be very reluctant to accept if nominated, and I will say to you in all candor that I am very tired of public life. I want to retire and spend the remainder of my days in quiet, surrounded as I would be with my children and grandchildren. I think I could be happy. Go ahead, my son, learn all you can and be ready to go home with me next spring. We will take a law library and you can prosecute your studies at home, and I now feel like I would like to have John resign and go with us, he too could prosecute his studies and become a very learned man. What think you of these plans?
    As soon after Congress adjourns as I can clear up my rooms, answer letters, and send off my documents, I will go up to see you, and then go and see John.
    I have nothing from home since I last wrote you.
    May you have good success in your studies, and may the blessings of Heaven be with you is the earnest prayer of your
Father
Joseph Lane



Five o'clock
Baltimore Md June 17th 1860   
My Dear Gen.
    I am in the midst of excitement. The crowd is great. Douglas is on the tongue of three-fourths of all here; unfortunately they are not all delegates. Douglas will get 187½ on the first ballot. Now as I [am a] great friend of yours let me beg you to come out for Douglas. You will be on the white horse. Let me hear from you by return mail, direct to John Finch, Barnum's Hotel. Now Gen. let me close this letter by asking in the name of all that is good to give Ind., Ill., Ohio a lift by giving your support to the man that the great majority [of] the people want and the only man that can beat Lincoln. If you find any mistake please correct. I remain a good and warm friend of yours.
                                                                                John Finch



Baltimore, June 18th 1860.       
My dear genl.
    Convention adjourned till five this evening after having sat about two hours. Southern states not yet admitted. Proposition pending to refer the matter to a committee on credentials. Convention opened little stormy and ugly. Are indications of the New York delegation endeavoring to preserve the convention from splitting. Talked with Genl. Green and others of North Carolina delegation. Still disposed the same for you. Understand also Tennessee delegation is friendly still. Not heard much yet. Write you in haste as mail closes.
Yours Respectfully
    W. B. Phillips



Private
    Baltimore, June 18th 1860.       
Dear General--
    You will see in the papers that we have been squabbling all day so that the convention is just where it commenced.
    Gilmore of Penn. introduced a test resolution with regard to the admission of the seceding delegates & Montgomery made a speech which from its bad taste & bad temper caused a good deal of bitterness. It did Douglas no good on the contrary a great deal of harm. If he has any strong desire for success he will telegraph Montgomery to come back to Washington. He is a regular bull in a china shop & will make a complete smashup of all the Little Giant's political crockery if he is not noosed & led off home. All this however you will see in the papers & [you] will thank me for giving you the trouble to read it again. What I had to say is this & it is not known to scarcely anyone outside. The New York delegation will vote as a unit--& will vote down the test resolution & will vote the seceders in--I set that down as a fact.
   
If you ask how I know it, I will tell you "sub rosa"--I got it from Rynders a few moments since in a confidential conversation. I have scraped quite an acquaintance with him & I intend through him to keep perfectly posted up in all the secret dredges of that particularly slippery delegation. If I don't put me down as no diplomatist.
    I will write you every night & give you all the items behind the curtain.
    The N. Yorkers are dead against Dickinson. They say that his friends are trying to keep up the split between the North & South for a certain time & then come in with him as a compromise & they swear it shall not win.
    Douglas has the grandest opportunity that has ever been offered to a public man by coming forward & saying that [being] satisfied the withdrawal of my name would tend to promote harmony I decline allowing it to be further used. Such a course would not only reinstate him in the party but would enshrine him in the affections of every man belonging to it as a patriot in the best sense of the word.
    As one who rose superior to the ambition of the individual when the benefit of the whole country is concerned--I am afraid he is not equal to such magnanimity. The age of heroes seems to have gone by.
Yrs sincerely
Henry R. Crosbie
    We are all at the Eutaw House.
    Let me know if there is anything that you would particularly like to find out.



Baltimore, June 18th 1860.       
(June 19, 2 a.m.)       
My dear general,
    Everything looks well for the union of the party. Douglas can in no possible event be the nominee. Tomorrow (today), the convention will be organized. The southern delegation at Charleston will have their seats. On Wednesday the ballotings will be had. We shall act on your motto, everything for the country and nothing for men, and we trust there may be minds enough to agree with us (in the matter of the nomination) that our preference is the choice of the country. I do not feel much like writing. I feel more like working, and when the work is done, then to write. But be assured, everything looks well. The above is the judgment I have arrived at, in regard to the convention.
Yours, Isaac I. Stevens               



Washington City
June 19--1860
My Dear Lafayette
    I have had the pleasure of receiving your note of yesterday and am obliged to you for it. I believe that I answered your letters of which you make mention in your last note, but I have been so very busy that I hardly know whether I answered or not. I know that I received them, and now I answer the last one, and if I did not the others I will make it up by a visit as soon as I can get away from this city.
    I cannot even undertake to guess what the result of the convention now at Baltimore will be. Should they harmonize and make a good nomination, we will succeed in electing the ticket. I am not a candidate nor do I want the nomination, as you say, I would rather be right than to be President by yielding to any wrong. I shall see John before long, and I will find out how he feels about going home. I do not however intend to bring his mind too sudden to the matter lest he should slack his studies, and you know how anxious I am to have him prosecute his studies with energy. I want to see him a good scholar, but should you and I go next spring to remain in Oregon I think he would go with us, indeed I am sure he would.
    Now my son prosecute your studies with all the energy of your nature, you have only nine or ten months to study and then we will set out for our home.
    Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington and family & love to yourself.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Baltimore, June 20, 12½ a.m. 1860   
My dear General,
    We sat in committee after eleven o'clock on the cases of the Southern delegations. Got through with the evidence in the cases of Georgia, Alabama, Miss., La., & Arkansas. We meet at 8½ o'clock to consider the cases of Del., Texas, Florida and the contested seat in Mass. After which there will be discussion in the committee and the agreeing upon a report. It is not probable that we can report earlier than two or three o'clock. There will be two reports. The decision in com. will be very close. I do not see the way to a favorable report on the part of the majority of the committee. I am inclined however to the belief that the committee will stand 12 to 13.
    I hope Stout may be well enough to be over Thursday morning. I am confident there will be no balloting till then. Recd. your letter by Pres. Rynders. "Them's our sentiments," but I have confidence we will carry the Southern delegation through the convention. I will drop you a line tomorrow afternoon.
Your friend
Isaac I. Stevens
N.B. Will you try to see the superintendency through?



Baltimore, 11 p.m. June 20th 1860   
My dear General
    Govr. Stevens has just come in from the prolonged session (all day and evening) of the Committee on Credentials. He is about to draw up a minority report to be submitted with the majority report tomorrow morning to the convention. The majority report is to exclude the seceding delegations from Alabama and Louisiana and to admit the bogus delegations from these states; to admit a mixed delegation from Arkansas; the seceding delegations from Mississippi, Texas and Delaware to be admitted; Georgia not decided upon; Florida and South Carolina not before the committee.
    I need not comment on this state of things to you. You will see the object is to divide still further the South and to give Douglas votes enough in the convention for a nomination. Can such a flagrant, unjust scheme as this be tolerated by any Southern state? Tomorrow morning will decide. I will telegraph you immediately any result [that may] be reached. The feeling here is intense among Southern men at the proposed outrage.
Yours Truly
    W. B. Phillips


Democratic National Convention       
Baltimore Md. June 23, 1860       
Sir
    I am directed by vote of the Democratic National Convention to inform you that you have been this day unanimously nominated by it as the candidate of the Democratic Party for the office of Vice President of the United States and in their behalf I request you to accept the nomination.
    I beg leave at the same time to enclose to you a copy of the resolutions adopted by the convention as the political platform on which the party stands.
    I have the honor to be
        Very respectfully
            C. Cushing
                President
Hon. Joseph Lane



Washington, 25th June 1860       
To the Senators of the United States, respectively
Sir,
    An extraordinary occasion rendering it necessary that the Senate should be convened to receive and act on such communications as have been or may be addressed to it on the part of the Executive, you are requested to attend at the Senate Chamber for that purpose at noon tomorrow the 26th instant.
                                                                                        James Buchanan



Washington City               
June 27 1860               
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your letter congratulating me upon my nomination has been recd. What the result is to be I am sure I can't now undertake to say; time will soon pass, November will be here and then we will know. I can see no way that our country can be saved from misrule and trouble but by the election of the Breckinridge ticket.
    Enclosed I send you check for twenty dollars, be prudent, and you may be able to let your brother John have a dollar or two, and when you return home to Stamford, go straight to work and study hard. You will go with me next spring, and I am so anxious to have you succeed in getting an education.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Washington, June 30, 1860.   
    To the Hon. Caleb Cushing--President: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication you make in behalf of the Democratic National Convention, at which you inform me that on the 23rd I was unanimously nominated by that body for the office of Vice President of the United States, with the request that I should accept the nomination. The platform adopted, and of which you enclose me a copy, meets with my hearty approval, as it embodies what I have been contending for as the only means of stopping sectional agitation, by securing to all equality and constitutional rights, the denial of which has led to the present unhappy condition of public affairs. Compromises of constitutional principles are ever dangerous, and I am rejoiced that the true Democracy has seen fit to plant a firm foot on the rock of truth, and to give the people an opportunity to vindicate their love of justice and fraternal regard for each other's rights.
    Non-intervention on the subject of slavery, I may emphatically say, is the cardinal maxim of the Democracy; non-intervention by Congress, and non-intervention by territorial legislatures, as is fully stated in the first resolution of the platform adopted. In vain should we declare the former without insisting upon the latter, because, to permit territorial legislatures to prohibit such slavery, or by unfriendly legislation to invalidate property, would be granting powers to the creature [sic] or agent which it is admitted do not appertain to the principal or power that creates, besides which it would be fostering an element of agitation in the territories that must necessarily extend to Congress and the people of all the states. [If the Constitution establishes] the right of every citizen to enter the common territory with whatever property he legally possesses, it necessarily devolves on the federal government the duty to protect this right of the citizen, whenever or wherever assailed or infringed.
    The Democratic Party honorably meets this agitating question, which is threatening to destroy and sever this brotherhood of states. It does not propose to legislate for the extension of slavery, nor for its restriction, but to give to each state and to every citizen all that our forefathers proposed to give, viz: perfect equality of rights; and then to submit to the people the kind of institution best fitted to their requirements, in their constitutional limits, and declaring as a fundamental maxim that the people of a territory can only establish or prohibit slavery when they come to form a constitution preparatory to their admission as a state into the Union. If, happily, our principles shall prevail, an era of peace and harmony will be restored to our distracted country, and no more shall we be troubled with the agitation of this dangerous question, because it will be removed as well from the territorial legislatures as from the halls of Congress, when we shall be free to turn our attention to more useful issues--the motives of our growth in national greatness.
    Our Union must be preserved, but this can only be done by maintaining the Constitution inviolate in all its provisions and guarantees. The judicial authority, as provided by the Constitution, must be maintained and its decision implicitly obeyed, as well in regard to the right of property in the territories as in all our matters.
    Hoping for success, and trusting in the truth and justice of the principles of our party and in that Divine Providence that has watched over us, and made us one of the great nations of the earth, and that we may continue to merit Divine protection, I cheerfully accept the nomination so unanimously conferred on me, and cordially endorse the platform adopted by the convention.
    I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your friend and obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE.       
Cincinnati Daily Press, July 7, 1860, page 2


The above and below are differently edited versions of the same letter.


Washington, June 30, 1860.   
    Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication you make in behalf of the Democratic National Convention, in which you inform me that on the 23rd instant I was unanimously nominated by that body as the candidate of the Democratic Party for the office of Vice President of the United States, with the request that I shall accept the nomination.
    The platform adopted, and of which you enclose me a copy, meets with my hearty approval, as it embodies what I have been contending for as the only means of stopping sectional agitation, by securing to all equality and constitutional rights, the denial of which has led to the present unhappy condition of public affairs.
    Compromises of constitutional principles are ever dangerous, and I am rejoiced that the true Democracy has seen fit to plant a firm foot on the rock of truth, and to give the people an opportunity to vindicate their love of justice and fraternal regard for each other's rights.
    Non-intervention on the subject of slavery, I may emphatically say, is the cardinal maxim of the Democracy--non-intervention by Congress and non-intervention by territorial legislatures, as is fully stated in the first resolution of the adopted platform. In vain should we declare the former without insisting upon the latter, because, to permit territorial legislatures to prohibit or establish slavery, or by unfriendly legislation to invalidate property, would be granting powers to the creature [sic] or agent, which, it is admitted, do not appertain to the principal, or the power that creates; besides which it would be fostering an element of agitation in the territory that must necessarily extend to Congress and the people of all the states.
    If the Constitution establishes the right of every citizen to enter the common territory with whatever property he legally possesses, it necessarily devolves on the federal government the duty to protect this right of the citizen, whenever or wherever assailed or infringed. The Democratic Party honorably meets this agitating question, which is threatening to sever and destroy this brotherhood of states. It does not propose to legislate for the extension of slavery, nor for its restriction, but to give to each state and to every citizen all that our forefathers proposed to give, namely: perfect equality of rights; and then to commit to the people, to climate and to soil, the determination as to the kind of institutions best fitted to their requirements in their constitutional limits, and declaring, as a fundamental maxim, that the people of a territory can only establish or prohibit slavery when they come to form a constitution, preparatory to their admission as a state into the Union.
    If, happily, our principles shall prevail, an era of peace and harmony will be restored to our distracted country, and no more shall we be troubled with the agitation of this dangerous question, because it will be removed as well from the territorial legislatures as from the halls of Congress--when we shall be free to turn our attention to more useful issues, promotive of our growth in national greatness.
    Our Union must be preserved! But this can only be done by maintaining the Constitution inviolate in all its provisions and guarantees. The judicial authority, as provided by the Constitution, must be sustained and its decisions implicitly obeyed, as well in regard to the rights of property in the territories as in all other matters.
    Hoping for success, and trusting in the truth and justice of the principles of our party, and in that Divine Providence that has watched over us, and made us one of the great nations of the earth, and that we may continue to merit Divine protection, I cheerfully accept the nomination so unanimously conferred on me, and cordially endorse the platform adopted by the convention.
    I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your friend and obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE.       
Charles Mercury, South Carolina, July 9, 1860, page 3


Galveston July 1st 1860       
    Gen Lane
        Dear Sir
    I hope you will excuse the liberty taken by me in writing to you but it is from an old camp mate and brother miner who in old times had the pleasure of your acquaintance at Redding's Diggins and at Howlett's Store and also I was in company with you in a fight with the Pit River Indians. To call your mind to me you must recollect what happened [to] me at Howlett's Store in my shooting a partner of mine by accident in an Indian fight by name of Yard. General it gives me much pleasure in hearing of your nomination for Vice President. You can rely on Texas for many of your old friends has not forgotten and have concluded to fight hard for you. I assume you stand No. 1 in our state.
    I would like General to be honored with a few lines from you on account of old times. Let me know what has become of your Indian boy you got from his father at Rogue River. My reason for writing this way and making those inquiry are you might please me and also being a brother in law of an old friend of yours James L. Freeman alias Mustang Gesart and me. More of your old Shasta friends send their kindest regards to you.
General Lane
        Believe Me
Dear Sir an Old Friend
    C. L. McCarty
    Galveston, Texas



Stamford July 2nd 1860
Dear Father
    Yours of the 27th ultimo containing $20 has been received for which allow me to return my most grateful thanks. I will leave for West Point tomorrow morning and will return next Thursday at which time I will write you a good long letter. Therefore, desiring that you should excuse the shortness of this, I remain your ever affectionate son--
Lafayette Lane



Washington City
July 15 1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have just this moment received your letter of yesterday and am glad to find that you are well and that you have been studying hard. Continue your studies, by industry and close application you will become a scholar and a useful man, therefore go ahead, press forward, be true to yourself, be prudent, honorable, truthful and just, and God will favor you in your search for knowledge.
    Give my respects to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family and accept my earnest wishes for your health and success.
    You will receive a letter the day after this, attend to the business mentioned.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Washington City
    August 3--1860
My Dear Lafayette
    Your note of the 31st ult. has been recd. I am glad to hear that you are well and that you are studying faithfully. I can say that your letter was well written, smooth, and better done than any letter that you have written to me, and I hope that you will continue to improve in composition. It constitutes a beautiful and important portion of education. Therefore, study and practice composition, and be faithful in your studies. This is your time for acquiring knowledge; make hay while the sun shines. Next spring we will go to Oregon, and then you may commence reading law, and directly commence business for yourself.
    Tomorrow I will get some money [and] on Sunday will mail a letter to you containing some few dollars to you. You will get it on Monday morning. This will be as early as you can get it.
    I am now inclined to think that I will go to West Point, perhaps on next Monday, and if I do, I will try and get a few days leave for John and have him go with me to see you, and whether I succeed in this or not I will not stay long at West Point, but will go and see you.
    Kind regards to Mr. and Mrs. Huntington, and for yourself accept my kindest wishes for your health and success.
Your father
    Joseph Lane


Washington City
August 5 1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    Herewith I send you a five dollar Connecticut bill Phoenix Bank Hartford. I hope you will find it all right. As for myself I know nothing about paper money.
    I hope to see you before long. Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family.
Your father
Joseph Lane
I have no doubt but North Carolina has gone Democratic. The reports of the opposition to the contrary notwithstanding.



Roseburg August 10, 1860       
Dear General
    I have not written to you for some time, not because I have no interest in your success there or here, but because everything was in doubt until we heard the result of the Conventions, and I thought it of no use to write without I could tell you something definite. The news of the nominations of Breckinridge and yourself was received with much enthusiasm in the part of the state lying south of the Calapooia Mountains and in Lane County. As I have not been north since, I cannot speak except from hearsay, but from what I can learn the feeling is the same all over the state. Of course, your friends would have preferred that you had been put first on the ticket as you should have been, but in the present state of the fight I think your chances for the Presidency are better than those of Breckinridge.
    Your letter of July 28 I received yesterday, and would be glad to follow your suggestions in regard to our electoral ticket, but I have no expectation of being able to effect such an arrangement. We have had news here up to the 20th of July by pony express, and from the action of the Douglas committee and Douglas' speech and letter of acceptance I infer that there is to be a war to the knife. Bush is of course in close correspondence with them and will carry out their plans. It may be well to make such a proposition in our state convention, which will meet to nominate electors about the middle of September, in order to show that we are willing to avoid a split in the party and thus gain the conservative men of the Douglas wing, if there be any such. There is no doubt however of our carrying the state if there should be a Douglas ticket nominated. The Douglas men are aware of this, and I have heard from pretty good authority that before November Bush will come out for Uncle Abe, as the only chance of preventing our ticket carrying the state.
    You may be sure that the senatorship will receive due attention. It is conceded that one shall be from the south and that it will be either Deady, Reed or myself. I think my chances are the best. The only danger is that there will be no election. Our friends say that they will not elect any if they have to unite on Nesmith, and I do not now see whom they can unite upon. But "we shall see what we shall see."
    I shall make every exertion in my power to carry the state for the regular ticket, and I would be glad if Benjamin or Cushing who I see are coming to California would go through this state. It would gain us many votes.
    The family are all well. Mother is still at Portland. I have a farm across the river (the Huntley farm) and my house is moved on it and nearly completed. I shall be very comfortably situated when I get moved. We are now stopping over the land office. Buying the farm and moving has used up all my money and a little more. I regret it, as at this time I could invest a little money in the canvass to a good advantage. But I will try and "worry through."
Your Affectionate Son
    L. F. Mosher
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Washington


Roseburg Sept. 3, 1860       
Dear General--
    I have the pleasure of informing you that on the 27th August Winnie was safely delivered of a daughter. Mother and child are both doing very well. The child we have named Winifred.
    Your certificate would have been issued before this but that we have not yet received the maps of the final surveys. The claim surveys have I understand been approved, but the Sur. General declines to furnish special plats until the maps are completed. I have obtained the plats of Col. Martin's as it was ordered by the commissioner, and his certificate goes out by this mail. I will obtain yours also as soon as I can, and send you the certificate.
    The Breckinridge and Lane ticket is gaining ground every day in this state, and I think we shall succeed, but it will require every exertion to be made, as it is now certain that the Douglas men and the Republicans will unite. We offered to compromise as you suggested, but they refused, declaring that they preferred the election of Lincoln to Breckinridge. We will try to get Latham and Benjamin to stump the state. If they consent or either of them it would help us out very much.
    I have very little hope of electing any senators, although I am pretty sure that we can prevent the election of Nes and a Black. I shall go down to the meeting of the Legislature next Monday, and will see what can be done in that regard as well as to make some arrangements for the Presidential campaign. From what I can learn my chances are good if any Democrat can be elected.
    The family are all pretty well. Mother is still at Portland. Simon has commenced moving the house onto the farm. My house is moved and ready to go into as soon as Winnie gets well.
    You may rely upon my making every exertion in my power for the good of the country.
Your Affectionate Son
    L. F. Mosher
P.S. I forgot to say that Jack Burnett has received a letter from the P.O. Department requiring him to get a petition for his successor, or he will be removed and the office discontinued. He has named James D. Burnett (Round Prairie P.O.) but is very justly indignant at such treatment. I wish you would inquire into it and let me know the reason and who is the cause of it. Jack is a good postmaster and sound for B&L and so are all the family. Jack has been our assessor this year and is deservedly popular, so that his removal, especially without any cause being assigned, might hurt us very much.



(Copy)
(Confidential)
Nat. Dem. Ex. Com. Room
    Washington Sept. 29, 1860
John A. Greene, Jr. Esq.
    Chairman, Nat. Dem. State Committee
        Syracuse, New York
My dear Sir,
    I am in receipt of your letter of the 27th September, and answer as follows:
    When in New York, my mind was definitely made up on several points. First, the only regular and authorized organization in the state having any right to act for the friends of Breckinridge & Lane had made extraordinary concessions, rendered necessary by the stampede and folly of a large portion of our party, particularly in and about the city of New York. 2nd, That the action of the Cooper Institute Committee of Fifteen was highly injudicious and injurious to our party in the state of New York. 3rd, But for the mad folly of our friends outside of the organization in their desperate efforts to bring about fusion on any terms, thereby to a great extent demoralizing and disorganizing our party, we should have been enabled to carry out in the state the plan laid down by Mr. Dickinson in his speech at the Cooper Institute on the ratification of the nominations of Breckinridge & Lane. I do not hesitate officially to advise and request that the so-called fusion ticket as agreed upon by the Cooper Institute Committee of Fifteen may be supported by the Breckinridge and Lane organization and leaders of our party in the state of New York--satisfied that those claiming to be our friends have brought us into position which for the good of the party in other states seems to require this concession on the part of our organization in New York. Rest assured that in taking this course you will not only do a great service to the party and the country, but will be justly entitled to all the consideration that honorable men could ask for having made such great sacrifices.
    In regard to the second question, I have to say that the right to determine what organization we regular [sic] and alone authorized to act for our party in the various states is clearly one of the implied powers of the National Executive Committee. On this I have to say, first, that the state committee of which you are chairman are the regular and only representative agents of our party in the state of New York, and that the Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson is regarded as the great popular leader of that party. In stating that I have no specific authority from Mr. Breckinridge in relation to the subject of your second question, I beg leave to transmit the following extracts from his letter to me of the 17th September, written at Lexington, Ky.:
    "I have had no advice to give. My friends in Washington have the means of judging questions as they arise better than I could possibly do." * * * "It seems to me that all honorable means should be taken to save Northern votes enough to defeat Lincoln."
    In conclusion on the second question, I will add that a regular and only authorized state organization and a recognized popular leader such as Mr. Dickinson must necessarily be fully recognized by the administration, should our candidates be elected. You need have no fear that they would reward their enemies, and punish their friends.
    In reply to your third question, I will forward copies of this letter to our candidates for President and Vice President and ask them to transmit to you their approval or disapproval of the views and intentions above expressed.
    It may be well in conclusion to state that on Tuesday evening last and before our conference of Wednesday morning, I carefully considered the whole question and prepared a memorandum containing my views in relation to the general subject. It was my intention to have presented this memorandum to you, but I did not deem it essential. I have, however, preserved it for future reference. It is as follows:
    "In view of the existing state of affairs in the Democratic Party of this and other states, I have as Chairman of the National Democratic Executive Committee to request that you will, if it can in your judgment be done without sacrifice of honor, waive all other considerations and unite in the combined movement recently initiated against Lincoln and Hamlin.
    "By so doing  you will probably prevent the electoral vote of this state being cast for the Republican candidates, thus defeating their election, a result which all admit cannot be accomplished without your earnest and hearty cooperation with the other opponents of Lincoln and Hamlin. In disclaiming all intention of interfering with matters pertaining to your local organization, I have in addition to the above to make the further request that there shall be no concession of the principles of our party, no abandonment of organization. But on the contrary, keep your house in order, ready to assume your proper position in the line of National Democracy and assert and maintain after the November election your unquestionable rights as the only regular, recognized and authorized organization in this state supporting the principles of our party and our candidates for President and Vice President, John C. Breckinridge and Joseph Lane."
    This memorandum, prepared previous to our conference of Wednesday morning and before you had resolved upon your course, shows conclusively how fixed was my judgment that your organization and yours alone could be recognized by the administration in the event of the election of Breckinridge and Lane.
Very truly yours
    Isaac I. Stevens
        Chairman, Nat. Dem. Ex. Com.


Stamford, Sept. 24, 1860
Dear Father--
    There is at the present time a vacancy in the New York Custom House, and our mutual friend Capt. Sluyter is an applicant for it. If you would write a letter simply saying that you was acquainted with him and felt that you could commend him to all the world as a sound Democrat, a zealous supporter of the present administration and as a firm & true friend of Breckinridge and Lane (all of which I do assure you he is) and that you thought him worthy of the position, he thinks, and so also do I, that he would most certainly receive the appointment. If you should see fit to write this letter you will please forward it to him and he can hand it to Augustus Schell, who I believe is the Collector of Customs. His address is Capt. S. S. Sluyter, 122 Broadway, New York City. I hope, dear Father, that you will not fail to comply with this simple request, for I do assure you that you will not only oblige him and your many friends here, but you will also confer a great favor upon your most affectionate son,
Lafayette Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Nat. Dem. Ex. Com. Rooms
Washington City, Sept. 29, 1860
Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Indianapolis,
        Indiana
Dear Sir,
    New York affairs are in a vexed and complicated condition. Our organization there has had to contend with scheming and artful foes, and with deluded and frightened friends. The result of the election in Ky. undoubtedly did much to increase the troubles necessarily resulting from the action of the two conventions at Charleston and at Baltimore. Smith came on from New York last night, bringing a letter and other advices from our friends in New York. We have conferred fully during the last eight or ten days, and agree entirely in regard to the necessity and propriety of my letter of this date to John A. Green jr., copy of which is herewith enclosed. Please write confidentially to Mr. Green without delay and communicate the substance of your letter to both Smith and yourself.
Very truly yours,
Isaac I. Stevens
Chairman, Nat. Dem. Ex. Com.



Roseburg Ogn
        Oct 12th 1860
Dear Father
    Yours of August 29th containing check on Riggs & Co. for five hundred & sixty one dollars is now at hand. The money I will invest in improvements upon the farm so far as I think it necessary and hope that my endeavors will please you. Work has been progressing slowly, but I think that I will have things so arranged by the time that you return next spring that it will be light work to make alterations or other improvements as you may see proper. I have not yet moved Mother upon the farm, but will in two weeks. Our business this fall is better than any heretofore.
    Mother & families all in good health. My love to John & Lafayette.
Your afftn son
        S. R. Lane



Washington City
October 18--1860
My Dear Lafayette
    I have just returned from my trip out West [to Indiana], health good except my arm, for two or three weeks suffered very much from the wound in my shoulder and if it had not improved I could not have come home, for I could not stand the jarring to which one is subject on railroad cars. Well, I am at my post again and am inclined to think that I will remain and work for the people that I represent.
    Your uncle and family all well and send their love. The Stanleys were all well. I did not see your Aunt Lily nor did I see any of her family.
    Breckinridge is strong in Indiana but if the Douglasites shall continue to refuse to make a joint ticket Lincoln will carry the state. Things are looking very bad just now.
    I will write in a few days and send you some money.
    I have not yet gone to the post office at the Senate chamber, consequently do not know what may be in the office for me.
    When I received your letter asking a commendation for Capt. Sluyter I could not write let me know if he still wants the letter if so I will write.
    Love to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington and family. Write on receipt of this and accept my best love for yourself.
Your Father
Joseph Lane



Stamford, Oct 20th 1860.       
Dear Father,
    My mind was greatly relieved by reading yesterday in the papers that you had returned to Washington City. Not hearing from you for over a month I had begun to fear that you were sick or that some accident of a serious nature had occurred to you.
    The papers stated that you had returned from your Kentucky estate. Please explain. You have not surely been buying more land. It appears to me that you have enough in Oregon. What you will do with it even is more than I can conceive. I suppose however that you will inform me that you can manage to take care of your own property without any advisory remarks from me.
    I have come to the conclusion that the report must be false and no doubt originated from some person saying that you had returned from your old Kentucky home, meaning the home of your boyhood.
    Although I have written frequently to Simon I have not received a letter from him for nearly six months. I have done nothing purposely to merit such conduct and am unable to account for it. Of course you have received letters from Oregon lately therefore please inform me how all are getting along and have Moses or somebody else to send me two or three different numbers of the Roseburg Express for even to read that little, insignificant paper is a source of pleasure to me in as much as it is published at home.
    In view of the certainty of Lincoln's election I have become utterly disgusted with humanity, politics and everything else, and have come to the conclusion that we might as well
"Lay down the shovel and the hoe,
 Hang up the fiddle and the bow--"
 For into the White House old seven feet
 "irrepressible" is bound for to go
    Now Father after this grand display (one half of which is borrowed) of my poetical talents you cannot any longer say you have not a genius in your family. Oh! no doubt I will be a man yet if I continue to read the musty, fusty works of the hosts of antiquity from which I have acquired this taste for poetry. But enough of this.
    Some time ago being in want of money and not knowing where you was I wrote to Dr. Schmidt stating circumstances &c. requested he should send me some money & he very kindly supplied my wants to the amount of ten dollars. Do me the favor to repay him and if you see fit send me a few dollars.
    Desiring that you should present my regards to friends
    I remain your ever affectionate and obedient son
Lafayette Lane               



Stamford Oct. 20th 1860
Dear Father,
    Yours of 18th has just been received before receipt of which, however, I had written and mailed a letter to you.
    In regard to Capt. Sluyter, I can only say that he has heretofore been very anxious about the appointment and very desirous of getting a letter from you and I suppose still wishes one. If you write a letter, you should mention the fact of your being unable to write before on account of your arm, lest it might appear that you did not properly appreciate one who you know is a good friend of yours and who is truly an earnest supporter of the cause of Democracy and consequently the cause of the country. Impatient to learn that you have written and sent the letter requested, I remain your most affectionate and obedient son--
Lafayette Lane



P.O. Department
    Appointment Office
        October 26th 1860
Sir,
    The application for an office at Coquille, Oregon having been referred to the Contract Office, it appears that the mail route, by which only such an office could be supplied, has never been let. Until it is let, therefore, no action can be taken on the application for an office.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt.
    Horatio King
        First Assistant P.O.D.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington
        D.C.


St. Nicholas Hotel
New York Oct. 30--60
Dear Simon,
    I have just returned from a visit to John & Lafayette, they are both well and doing well, and send much love to their mother you and the balance of the family.
    I have now spent nearly a week in this state, and though the fate of a great nation depends upon the vote of this state, no one can say with certainty how it will go. I am not without hope but it is only a hope. The city is right but the rural districts are wrong. Some days I think that Lincoln will be defeated and then again I feel discouraged, but we will soon see what we shall see, and sometime before you receive this you will have heard all. If Lincoln shall be elected, then the Union will be broken up, and of this I have not a doubt.
    The coalition between the Douglas members and the Republican members of our Legislature, by which Nes. and Baker were elected, is most dishonorable and will consign those concerned to infamy. No honorable man would take a seat in the Senate upon the terms that Nes. has got his.
    I shall go to Washington in a few days, and will remain till March. Write often & fully.
    Love to your mother and all the family.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



St. Nicholas Hotel
    October 30--1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    I enclosed to you on  yesterday ten dollars. Did you receive it? Please write to this city and let me know.
    Day after tomorrow your school will commence. Keep your mind on your studies; leave the fate of the country to others whose duty it will be to attend to the affairs of state, but as I said yesterday, take care of your health. Exercise is indispensable. I have, however, so much confidence in your good sense that I feel satisfied that you will manage just right; [I] only make suggestions because of my great love for you, for you don't know how strong is my love for you, and how my hope is centered in you.
    Love to Mr. & Mrs. Huntington and family. God bless you.
Your father
    Lane



Washington City
    November 11--1860
My Dear Simon,
    I have directed some of my books to you and will send you some more from time to time. I shall send to you such books as I want for my library, and I desire that you will take care of them, and under no feeling of friendship or otherwise give one of them to any person. Save them all. I will be at home next spring and go to work, and try and enjoy life without public care.
    John & Fayette were well when heard from.
    The South, or southern states, are kicking up, and my opinion is that Lincoln will not be President of the United States as they were before his election.
    I am inclined to think that a fair division of the Republic would be best for both sections.
    Love to your mother and all the family.
    Write often up to the 15th of February.
Your Father
Joseph Lane



Washington City
November 12--1860
My Dear Lafayette
    This is your birthday. Eighteen years ago I had the pleasure of looking on your little, innocent but bright face. My mind goes back to that moment and I can see you as you were. Since then I have had many ups and downs in the way of service, much anxiety and labor. Your road has been onward toward manhood. Your struggle has been for knowledge to fit you for that struggle in life that all must or ought to be prepared for. May Heaven in his mercy grant you success, and that your road through life may be smooth and successful. To ensure this you must be true to yourself, faithful in your studies, determined to succeed, honest, honorable and truthful. Let nothing turn you from a fixed purpose, but press forward, onward and upward. Learning, knowledge and usefulness can be reached, can be obtained, and you will surmount all obstacles, and triumph will perch upon your banner.
    The southern states will go out. They ought to go.
                    Your father, Joseph Lane


Headquarters of the National
Democratic General Committee
of the City and County of
New York--No. 8 Union Square
November 15 1860
General Joseph Lane
    U.S. Senator from Oregon
        Dear Sir,
            The General Committee of this city and county have by unanimous resolution directed us as a special committee to communicate with you in regard to the impending crisis brought upon the country by the election of a sectional candidate to the Presidency of the United States. We would [be] pleased to have your views thereon and to receive such suggestions as in your judgment would tend to preserve our institutions and our government. With sentiments of esteem and regard we remain
Very truly your friends
Gustavus W. Smith
Chm. Nat. Dem. Gen. Com.
Philip W. Engs
Jonathan Trotter
Stephen P. Russell
    Resolved. That the chairman of this committee together with the chairmen of the executive, finance and corresponding committees, constitute a special committee to communicate with Messrs. Breckinridge & Lane on the subject of the present crisis.
Private
    Dear Gen. I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience--give my regards to Stevens--Mrs. S. joins me in kind regards to yourself.
Very truly your friend
G. W. Smith
Our address is published in papers of this morning.



Washington City
November 16--1860
My Dear Lafayette
    With all my heart I thank you for your letter of the 12th. inst. I believe I told you that if Lincoln should be elected the South would not stand it. The principles represented by the Republican Party as set forth in their platform were so sectional, so insulting and so wrong, and so clearly in conflict with the Constitution and equality of states, that secession would follow. You recollect that I said that I was inclined to think that other national congress would not assemble. Mark ye, the present Congress will close on the 4th of March. After that we will have no more National Congress. The Southern states will go out and they will stay out unless the North shall back down from the position they now occupy, and agree to live up to the Constitution in all things. But my dear son, don't trouble yourself about the matter. The revolution we hope will be a bloodless one and much good may possibly grow out of it.
    I enclose a letter just received from your brother Simon. I received but few Oregon papers, I send you some.
    On your birthday I wrote you, did you get the letter? Take good care of your health, and study all you can, and may God bless you is the prayer of your old father.
Joseph Lane



Washington City
November 17--1860
My Dear Simon
    I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 12th ult. and thank you for it. I am very glad that you recd. the check, and trust that you will see that your mother shall suffer for nothing. But my son you did not tell me all about your progress in fencing, nor about the grass in the pastures, the crop, cattle &c. You know how much I have my heart on my farm, cattle &c. I will be very industrious when I get home. Can I make a living? Well I tell you that I will try.
    Dissolution of the Union is staring us in the face, and my opinion is that the cotton states will go out, and finally they will be joined by all the other southern states. This is the natural result of the success of Black Republican principles. The Southern states cannot nor will not remain as unequals. Equality of States must prevail or they can be no Union.
    John & Lafayette were well when last heard from.
    Love to your mother & all the family.
Your Father
Joseph Lane



Washington City
November 19--1860
My Dear Lafayette,
    Since I wrote you nothing new has transpired in the political world that you have not been able to see in the Herald and other papers. It is quite clear to my mind that South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama will go out and I think Georgia. The question that now gives some concern is whether Mr. Buchanan will come out in his message against the right of secession. It is said by some that he will take ground against secession, and ask Congress to afford him the means that will enable him to coerce any and all states that shall undertake to go out. Now mark ye, I don't believe that the President will do any such thing or make any such recommendation. If he should, if he does, then we part company for I never will by my vote give one cent to be used against a people who are contending for their rights, and if they cannot have equality in the Union it is clearly their right to go out, and to peaceably go out, or in other words I believe in the right of peaceable secession, and for years I have held that the Union can only be held together by maintaining the equality of States and dealing honestly and justly by each and every one of them. But now see how the matter stands. Eight or more of the Northern States have passed laws fixing such penalties as renders it impossible to execute the fugitive slave law, though that law was enacted expressly to carry out an express provision of the Constitution. Not content with that, they have elected a sectional man upon a sectional platform that imposes inequality, injustice, insult and degradation upon fifteen sovereign States depriving the people of these states the right of going into the common territory, though that territory was acquired by the common blood of the South and of the North, and further that no other slave state shall ever be admitted into the Union.
    With such a condition of things, how can there be peace and good feeling between the states of the two sections? Under such circumstances there can be no peace and it is not worthwhile to cry out peace, peace, when there is no peace. The country cannot be held together on such terms. But my son, while I want you to answer my letters, I don't wish you to give yourself any trouble about these matters. Leave them to those whose duty it is to look to the condition of the Union. The trouble has been brought on the country by the sectional Black Republican Party. They are responsible for all the trouble and suffering that will grow out of the condition of affairs that now surround us.
    Regards to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family and all your friends. May Heaven bless and prosper you is the prayer of your
Old father
    Joseph Lane


Olympia, W.T.
    November 20, 1860
My Dear General
    The enemy in our town are having a grand jubilee over their victory in Oregon, and while they are exulting I take the liberty of writing a note to you.
    I have no doubt myself but what Lincoln is by this time known to you to be elected President for the next four years. The question with us Democrats is, What course shall we pursue in the future. I say let us keep the National Democratic Party full organized and let us keep up an incessant war upon Republicanism, and as sure as 1864 rolls around we shall rout them, "horse, foot and dragoons."  In 1864, I am in hopes that Gen. Joseph Lane will be our candidate for the Presidency.
    We will put off the election of delegate in our Territory next year, until in the fall, which will give Gov. Stevens plenty of time to come home and see the people before the election. Tell Stevens to be of good cheer; a good time will come yet.
    When you return home next spring, I am in hopes you will visit our Territory. Our people will be glad to see you and besides, the visit would help us in our election.
    We intend to keep our Territory Democratic if possible and I think we will succeed.
Very truly
    Your friend
        W. W. Miller
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Roseburg, Ogn.
    November 24th 1860
Dear Father
    Yours of 19th ult. is now before me. I regret to learn that your arm still continues to remain afflicted. I fear that you will always feel the effects of the wounds recd. in your arm.
    We have just learned of the death of the Hon. Delazon Smith; it is rumored that he died from the effects of poison, but I have no doubt but what he was much exposed during the canvass which possibly caused his death. I have not learned whether his physicians held a post-mortem examination or not.
    Before receiving your letter, had purchased four bushels of timothy seed from Mr. Aaron Rose; he warrants it to be clear of all foul seed. I have sowed about three fourths of a bushel and on the recpt. of your letter I concluded not to sow any more fearing that it may have sorrel in it. Mr. Ledgerwood has not yet delivered (nor will not this winter) all the 
rails. He has hauled here about eight thousand and about one thousand on Jas. place. The balance he cannot deliver before next spring. The weather at present mild and pleasant but most too frosty for grass to grow much. If it continues so, I shall feel truly thankful. Next week I expect to get the wheat sowed. I am somewhat bothered with hogs running in the pasture but hope to get rid of them in a few days as I shall try and purchase them and if I cannot I will try and relieve ourselves of them in some way or other.
    Carry & Jos. Ben are both at Mr. Floed's attending school.  Ratliffe is here with us; he rides to and from school every day.
    The order on Mr. Johnson for fifty dollars has been collected.
    Mother is in fair health. My old complaint of the breast is not bothering me very much.  More anon.
Your Son
     S. H. Lane



Washington City
    Novr. 30th 1860
Mr Pliny Thayer
Arrow Rock Mo
    Sir
        Your letter of the 21st inst. has been received and in answer I have to say that I cannot comply with your request. You ask me to use my influence to bring on civil war in our country, for the course you advise or wish the Administration to take in regard to the states that you think will secede would bring about civil war. In my judgment the man who shall inaugurate such a war in our country will be the foulest murderer that ever disgraced the form of man; and will go down to his grave covered all over with the curses of heaven to say nothing of the curses of widows and orphans that would follow him to his death. Our Union was not formed by force nor can it be maintained by force; if we would preserve the Union we must maintain the Constitution and the equality of the states and be just to every position of our country; every man of every state must have the right to go to the common territory with his property and have, hold and enjoy it; whilst the territorial condition remains, stand firmly by these constitutional provisions and rights and you have discharged your duty. The President will discharge his.
Respectfully
Joseph Lane
Attest: R. B. Metcalfe


Washington City
December 2--60
My Dear Lafayette,
    It is now nearly 12 at night, company have just left my room, and I have concluded to write you a line.
    Tomorrow Congress will assemble, and I think for the last time that a National Congress will ever assemble. This is a melancholy reflection, but I am so fully impressed with the fact that I have concluded to give to you my convictions. Equality has been refused, degradation cannot, nor will not, be submitted to. I shall be on the side of right. I would ask nothing for the North that I would not grant to the South, each section of our country are entitled to equal rights under the Constitution, and if they cannot have it, or obtain it, in the Union, it is their duty to go out, and I should not, could not, respect them if they did not go out.
    If the southern states had the control of both houses of Congress, and should adopt any policy that could infringe the rights of the Northern States, I would not submit to it, nor would the northern states submit to it, or if the South were largely in the majority in voters, and should continually encroach upon the North, and then elect a President upon a platform of principles that clearly denied to us the right of the North, the right to take our property to the common territory, I say that every state of our section would withdraw and set up for themselves, and such as would oppose it would be regarded as degraded wretches, and ought to be.
    A settlement of these matters must take place now, and will take place without delay. Hesitation is wrong, and would be ruin and death to the South. Time is precious, and delay is death and desolation to the parties concerned.
    Entertaining these views I shall act with such as shall contend for the right, and will be with them while they contend only for the right, but no longer, nor no further. As you remarked I say that if the Southern States withdraw from the Union, God be with them, for they have abundant cause.
    On Friday I wrote and sent a $2 piece did you get it. Write, and I will withdraw all I said about giving yourself no trouble about the condition of the country, and if you wish, write fully on the subject.
    May God bless and prosper you is my prayer.
Your father
    Joseph Lane
    I will send you some money in a few days. Don't fail to answer when you shall receive a present.


West Point N.Y.
    Dec. 4th 1860
My dear Father:
    I wrote you a long letter last evening on the state of the Union generally and other political matters & after reading it over I concluded that it contained nothing new, nor neither would it assist in preserving or destroying the Union & the consequence was I burned it. And now I take my seat for the purpose of writing you a few lines to let you know I am in good health & am getting along very well in my studies. You promised in your last letter that in case of disunion you would take care of me. Whatever arrangements you may make for me be sure they are of a military character. I am bound to be in some army. If I fail in getting a commission in the army of the Southern Confederacy I shall offer my services to Garibaldi in case he begins another campaign & if he does not get into a war with Austria, then I shall go to Russia. The army forever. As our country stands at present I cannot serve her with that zeal, devotion & patriotism which should characterize a soldier. I think the North or rather some portions of the North begin to feel some repentance. They see where their blind fanaticism is leading them; they also see that in case of disunion they will come out the little end of the horn. I think it is the duty of the South to separate as soon as possible from them for whatever concession the North in her [illegible] may make in order to allay the present danger which threatens her, she will in a few years return to her old way of acting & the consequence will be another row & which will be kept up as long as they remain together. Therefore separate as soon as possible and put an end to this everlasting quarreling.
    After we have a Southern Confederacy if they still object to our institutions, let them send an army down & destroy them if they are able. Write soon & let me know what is going on. I would like to be in Washington this winter. You will have an exciting time of it. Send me the Congressional Globe. You may also send me some money if you are particularly flush. I received a letter from home not long since, they were all well.
I remain your
    affectionate son
        John
To Genl. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Arrow Rock, Missouri
    Decr. 6th 1860
Honl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir--
        I am requested by many citizens of our town to address you on a subject in which we are all deeply interested, and to make some inquiries in regard to a letter received by a Mr. P. Thayer of this place from you. It seems that he showed one of our citizens a letter from you in reply to him, in which you used, in substance, the following words:
    "I have received yours of the 21st ult. and must say that I cannot comply with your request. You wish me to produce civil war in this country, or to use my influence to bring about civil war, which I cannot think of doing, &c." The object of this letter is to inform you that we have regarded this man as a suspicious character for some time, believing him to be an abolitionist of the most ultra character and are at a loss to determine what could have been the nature or object of his letter, which has called forth such a reply from you. You will therefore greatly oblige us by sending us the original letter, in his own handwriting if possible; if not, please send us a copy of the same, that we may know the contents of it and also that we may ascertain whether or not our suspicions are well founded. There is a great deal of excitement in our border counties at this time, of which you have doubtless been informed, and it is absolutely necessary that we should keep a strict watch over all suspicious persons in our midst. By complying you will confer a great favor, not only upon me, but many of your political friends in this community, and we promise not let Thayer know that we have written to you or received his letter from you. We only wish to protect ourselves by driving from amongst us any such characters as we suspect him to be.
    Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible, allow me to subscribe myself
Your obedient servant
    L. J. Gaines


LaGrange Ga. Dec. 10th 1860       
        Dear Cousin,
                To be faithful to my promise I take this opportunity of writing, and even the anticipation of receiving a reply in a short time from you will be a great source of enjoyment. We arrived safely at home last Sunday. I found my little girl so well, enjoying so much better health than I expected, I was sorry I did not remain longer with you in Washington City, but here in the sunny South is the garden spot of all creation, it matters not where I may be I always long to see my happy home in Georgia. It is awful just to think that a lot of fanatics are now to disturb the peace and comfort of our domestic circles.
    It is true we have had many political storms in the history of our country and bright sunshine soon followed the storm, but I am afeared the time has come when the darkest clouds are fast gathering over our country, and it will be many a day ere long the great king of day will spread his bright and gentle beams over the face of our country.
    The spirit of Secession is growing stronger and stronger, not only in Georgia but throughout the South the great popular heart is stirred, immoderate Secession and a Southern Republic is the watchword. Flags are floating in the breeze from every housetop; the popular cry is let's dissolve the Union, let's tear ourselves forever from such a lot of traitors, murderers, thieves. Go on noble sons of the South, let come weal or woe, have your rights and all your rights now or never, and if necessary we daughters of the South will give you a helping hand (one that you can rely on) and will ever whisper a cheering word in your ear, but for fear of taxing your patience I'll bring my letter to a close.
    Annie sends her love and says she will certainly look for Cousin Fayette next spring. My mother sends much love and says she would be delighted to have you visit us. My brother sends his kindest regards and says be sure and send him the letter you promised.
    Write soon dearest cousin to--
Carrie E. Poythress                   
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City.


Washington City
December 14 1860
My Dear La Fayette,
    This is my birthday. I am now fifty-nine years of age. My life has been an eventful one. I have had many ups and downs, hard struggles, much anxiety and hardship, more than ordinary success, so far as political matters are concerned. At the start I was poor, had no wealthy or influential friends or relatives, without education, and a family to support. I have worked up, and I can say that in all positions [in] which I have been placed I have faithfully and honestly discharged my duty. In battle, and the councils of the nation, I have honestly discharged my duty and with some distinction. Now I am willing and anxious to quit and retire from care and anxiety. I need and want quiet and repose (and unless the war cry shall be raised by the Northern sectional party to coerce seceding States) I will retire from public life and enjoy that repose that I need so much, but if war shall ensue then I will not retire till peace shall perch on the independence of the Southern States or in other words upon their banner and their independence declared and acknowledged, but while I believe secession is certain and necessary, I don't believe war will grow out of it, peaceable secession will be the result and the sooner it takes place the better.
    Do you get the daily Globe? I ordered it sent to you. Tell me what you think of my remarks on the condition of the country.
    It is reported that Genl. Cass has resigned, if so I have no idea who will be appointed, nor does it matter much. The Union will break up & it ought to break up.
    Enclosed I send you two & [a] half.
Your father
Joseph Lane




Barnesville Pike County Georgia       
Dec 15th 1860       
Gen. Joseph Lane.
        My Dear Sir.
                It may be proper to premise what I have to say by telling you that I am the son of your father's sister, whose maiden name was Winnefred L. Lane.
    The old lady is yet alive, and is perhaps your only living aunt. Although she is about four score years old, her mental faculties are yet unimpaired, and her physical strength extraordinarily good for that age, she being tall and perfectly erect in her body. She has been a great woman in her time and way. Great in everything which is an honor to her sex. Great in industry, fortitude and virtue. But for kindness of heart, and benevolence of soul, the world has but few equals for her. Her days are well nigh numbered on earth, but I believe she has a better and enduring substance in heaven, into which I think her heavenly father will soon bid her welcome. One of her greatest desires on earth is to see Gen. Lane. We were all greatly disappointed at Marietta, as we went thither expecting to see you, with the thousands assembled there, to be equally disappointed. The pageant on that occasion was the greatest I ever saw, and your appearance there would have produced more effect than all the speeches that could have been delivered by all the great men of the United States.
    I hope you will pardon my candor, for I utterly discard all flattery and pandering in what I have written or shall write.
    But surely you will permit me to thank you for your former, but especially for your recent defense of Southern rights; both by letter and by your speeches in the United States Senate. Truly have you uttered in your place and published to the people of the United States that without the principle of equality among the states, that [there] can be no permanent union.
    If the people of the United States had sustained this principle in the recent election for President and Vice President, all would have been peace and prosperity. But having through fanaticism and demagoguism failed to do so the glorious fabric erected by our fathers is already tottering, and is as good as rent asunder and the people are now realizing some of its incipient consequences.
    For myself I have loved our government and our Constitution. But when it fails to answer the purpose for which it was created to wit to protect the rights and property of the citizen, fails to acknowledge and guarantee their equality; and even threatens now in the name of law to make war upon the peace, rights and property of the citizens I am for resistance in any manner, shape or form to all invaders.
    I am informed by my venerable mother that my uncle Charles Lane endured a seven years' campaign without ever once returning home, in our Revolutionary struggle to obtain our rights and liberties, as embodied in our present Constitution, and I am willing or at least ready to endure a like campaign rather than give them up, and that they may be continued and committed unimpaired to our children and our posterity.
    The South expects war and they are prepared for it. And to you Gen. Lane all eyes are anxiously now turned in this trying crisis. We have not forgotten Buena Vista, in you we can repose; and with you to head our armies, we shall be invincible to the abolition cohorts, traitors as they are to our liberties and Constitution.
    General, you are a southern man by birth, by education, by kindred, by political sentiments, and you must be by destiny. Come then to the rescue of your downtrodden nativity. Come to our homes, our hearthstones. Come to our hearts, and it may be that you shall be our second Washington to continue the liberties which he never would compromise or forsake.
    I hope you will pardon me though personally unacquainted for this frank avowal of my sentiments. Accept the love of my mother and believe me your true relative and most faithful and ob't ser't.
A. C. Rogers M.D.           


Stamford, December 16th, 1860
Dear Father
    I have been so busily employed at my studies during the last week that I have been unable to answer yours of the 9th inst. until today (Sunday).
    I thank you for the clear exposition of the secession question contained in your last, which, although sufficient for thoughtful, candid men, fails however to have the desired effect upon these infatuated Yankees, by whom, unfortunately, I am surrounded.
    If the South intends to withdraw, I wish they would do it quickly so that we can have an end to this irritative and unprofitable debate both in the Senate and House. Supposing secession to be inevitable, it appears to me then the sooner separation takes place, the sooner will each section be able to regain its equilibrium or as near as possible its former position. I thank God that Oregon "quae mihi vita mea multo est carior" "which is dearer to me than life itself" is so remote from the scene of action that the disastrous effect of this affair will not be so severely felt there.
    I received a letter from brother Simon a few days since; all well at home. I will answer before the California mail goes out.
    I neglected to inform you my last letter that notwithstanding what I said to you while you were in Stamford, concerning my wardrobe, I have been compelled to buy more clothes, from Devlin  & Co. The bill, however, is not large and the cold weather demonstrated to me the existing necessity for what I bought.
    In my studies, I flatter myself I am making fair progress and think beyond doubt I will be able to commence studying law as soon as we arrive in Oregon.
    My respects to friends and please send Oregon papers to your affectionate son,
Lafayette Lane
Senator Lane


Senate Chamber
    Washington City Dec. 24--1860
Mr. Hawkens
    Gunsmith St. Louis
        Dear Sir,
            When I left St. Louis for Oregon in the year 1848, I purchased second-hand a rifle of your make. I found her a good gun, but it was lost in a battle with the Indians in Oregon. The young man that had the use of her was killed, and the rifle lost. My object in writing is to know if you can make for me a good rifle, say of the following description: barrel 3 feet 1 inch or 3 feet 2 inches, to shoot the round and the long or conical ball, to weigh about eleven pounds complete, stock and lock included, hind sight a little open or in other words not as fine as a younger man would have it, to be just as good, complete and true a gun or rather rifle as you can make, and if so when you can send her to me at this city. You can send by Adams & Co., and the money will be paid instantly. I want her for my own use in Oregon, and may leave in February, and would be glad to have her as soon as such a one could be made.
    Please write and let me know about ti.
Very respectfully
    Joseph Lane
   
Rifle to carry about sixty round balls to the pound, with complete molds for running the round and conical ball, with all the tackle complete, charger of the right measure. You know what I want, and your price will not be complained of. As above stated I want such a rifle for my own use, in a country where a reliable rifle gives confidence and protection.
Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington D.C.
    December 28--1860
My Dear Simon
    Your letter of the 24th ult. has this moment been received and I thank you for it. I am glad to hear that all are well, and I am glad to learn that my grandchildren are going to school. Keep them at it till I come. But I am sorry to hear that your breast is out of order; you must be careful. You are dear to me and I hope that you will soon get better. Be careful of yourself.
    In regard to the grass seed, I would risk them upon the word of Mr. Rose if he says they are clean. I would sow them. So if you can, you may have them sowed.
    I am sorry that the rails could not be brought to Joe's farm, but you will see that it shall be done in the spring. I am anxious to have his place put in good order, and it must be done. I hope to be to be at home in the spring, and then you know that I will be busy.
    Things begin to look squally. The government  will break up, and of this there can be no mistake. My object is if they can't stay together, that they may be allowed to part in peace. Peace is my  motto, and for it I shall work.
    Drive on, do the best you can, but don't expose yourself. Be sure to rid the pasture of hogs.
    John & Lafayette are well and progressing well. Love to your mother and all the family. I am always so happy to receive a letter from you. God bless you and your mother and all the family is the prayer of your father
Joseph Lane



    The claptrap declaration that "Americans shall rule America" is too shallow, too weak to find a resting place in the American heart. It is indeed flimsy--for there is not a Democrat in the nation that does not hold that Americans shall rule a America [sic]--that is that no power or government of the world or all combined shall in any way interfere with our government. Against such interference the father of our country in his farewell address took care to caution us. I hold myself ready as does every Democrat to resist any such interference, to the death. But while I would do this, I would not deprive any man--whether a native born or adopted citizen, of all rights guaranteed by the Constitution: The right of worship, the right of voting and holding office are sacred and shall never be infringed by me, nor will they be by any good American citizen--and the charge that our adopted citizens are not true to our country to the Constitution and to the union will not hold good and a [paper torn--"march"?] upon Catholicism or the rights of conscience is [damnably?] wrong; opposition to their right to vote & to hold office as provided by the Constitution and laws of the land cannot be justified by a free and enlightened people. I have witnessed in many hard-fought battles the noble & gallant bearing of our adopted citizens. I have witnessed the daring and good gallant bearing of the native-born soldier

Undated fragment in Lane's handwriting



    In all forms or systems of government, it is a correct political principle that the ruler should so discharge his high duties as would best promote the interest of his people; their welfare, and happiness is his strength and safety and especially does this maxim apply to a monarchy. The prince who carefully studies the welfare of his people [and] governs with such a wise & beneficent system as will conserve their happiness and advance their material prosperity strengthens himself in their affection, promotes his own happiness and enjoys a security not otherwise to be obtained. The monarchs of Great Britain, however, did not observe or carry out this wise principle in the management of the affairs of the thirteen American Colonies who owed them their allegiance. Descended from a common ancestry, proud of a common history, speaking a common language, bound together by the most sacred memories, justice and justice alone was requisite to preserve the power of the it was only necessary to extend to them the rights and justice that British subjects were entitled and that it was the duty of the sovereign to bestow to hold them to the Mother Country. The people of the Colonies were attached to the institutions and forms 
of their government of their Mother Country loved and required the British Constitution. It secured protected all its subjects in person and property. Representation and taxation were inseparable, and it is safe to say that if the monarchs and Parliament of the Mother Country had governed themselves according to its wise provisions and had not attempted to impose taxes without upon four millions of their best subjects without representation, there would have been no Revolution or separation from the Mother Country, at least not at the time that separation took place. But the monarch George the 2nd and George the III, their ministers and Parliament, notwithstanding the admonitions of Pitt, Burke and others, without regard to the Constitutional rights of the people of the Colonies, undertook to impose duties upon a system of taxation that aroused the spirit of liberty and finally separated that resulted in final separation. When poor and feeble they Colonies had been neglected, but when they become strong and now the ministers of George 2nd had not only asserted the right of taxing the Colonies but asserted it exercised it by laying duties on various imported articles.
    The question of right and power was freely discussed throughout the Colonies, and in Mass. the patriotism, talent and genius of Saml. Adams, of John Adams, of Otis, Hancock and Quincy were developed in strong opposition, and the duties were evaded in every conceivable way. In Virginia, Washington, Patrick Henry, Lee, Jefferson & others were aroused. On the accession of George 3rd in 1760, stringent measures were taken for the collection of revenue. Sheriffs and other Then as before and since and now, the officers and minions of power were ready to strike down the people, crush the spirit of liberty and strengthen oppression. They broke open and searched houses and cellars. The people denied the right to force and search their houses. The Supreme Court directed that the question should be argued in Boston. Otis distinguished himself; his speech was the ablest defense of popular rights yet put forth and confirmed the patriots of Massachusetts in their resolution to resist even by force. In North C., the people organized to resist but were overpowered by Gov. Tryon's forces; many were killed, others died on the gibbet and their property estates confiscated. Others applied to the
[page missing]
Cherokees who were more humane than Tryon and his minions of oppression and obtained permission to settle in Tennessee. Then it was that Patrick Henry distinguished himself in the celebrated clergy-tobacco case as the great orator and champion of liberty and popular rights. Next come the impost on wines and increased duty on sugar.
    In 1765, the famous Stamp Act was passed. The Virginia Legislature was in session when the news was received. Patrick Henry was the youngest member of the House and he waited for a time for some other to move in the matter, but no one doing so, he hastily drew up on the blank page leaf of his a law book his celebrated Resolutions which upon reading created great consternation among the loyalists and in the midst of a most powerful speech exclaimed, "Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the Ist his Cromwell, and George IIIrd"--"Treason," shouted the speaker; "treason" was heard in different parts of the House. And George III replied. Henry, with unfaltering voice may profit from their example. "If that be treason, make the most of it."  The young Virginian triumphed; the Resolutions were carried. They were circulated throughout the Colonies and everywhere excited the same determined spirit that they breathed.
    Early in October, 1765, delegates from nine Colonies assembled in N. York and drew up a Declaration of Grievances and Rights. A petition embodying their views was forwarded to both King and Parliament. Difficulties could now have [omission]
    In 1766, duty on tea, paper and other things. In 1768, Parliament had determined to send troops to Boston to reduce the people to submission. On the first of October, the troops landed, &c. Not well received.
    In 1770, Lord North having become Prime Minister, duty was removed from all articles except tea. This was retained to show that Parliament still claimed the right. The colonists still determined to use no tea. It was against this right, this alleged right, that our forefathers had contended and still contended. They refused to use tea and would not touch it. Finding the authorities determined to force the tea upon them, the people settled the question for themselves. On the evening of the 16th of December 1773 a party of fifty men boarded the vessels in the Boston harbor and emptied the contents of 340 chests of

Undated fragment in Lane's handwriting. Joseph Lane Papers, Lilly Library.



    Upon examination you will find by that the declaration of rights of October 14th, 1774 it was declared says that the people of the several Colonies "are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures in all cases of internal polity." This was refused us by the Crown but was and reasserted by our forefathers. Upon this principle issue, the battles of the Revolution were fought--by the blood of our fathers, the principle of self-government was established. This right refused by the King was consecrated and established by the best blood that ever flowed in the mortal veins of man. Would you now refuse to the people of the Territories the rights your noble [word torn off] Democrats of the [word missing] by our glorious revolutionary and established won by their blood, and thus placing yourselves in opposition to the right of self-govt. in the Territories and thereby occupying the very position occupied toward the Territories that King George did to the Colonies.

   

    Upon examination you will find that the declaration of rights of October 14th, 1774, asserts that the people of the several Colonies "are entitled to a free and exclusive power of Legislation in their several provincial legislations in all cases of internal polity."  This was refused by the Crown and reasserted by our forefathers. Upon this issue the battles of the Revolution were fought--by the blood of our fathers the principle of self-government was established. This right refused by the King of Great Britain was consecrated and established by the sacrifice of the best blood that ever flowed in mortal veins. Would you desecrate their memories by refusing to the people of the Territories the rights your noble sires demanded of the Crown & won by their blood--thus placing yourselves in opposition to the rights of self-government & thereby occupying the relative position to the Territories that King George did to the colonies

Undated fragment in Lane's handwriting



Private War.
    Applications were made from parties to raise companies for service on the northern frontier, looking for compensation entirely to the plunder of the enemy. These were not only discountenanced, but strictly forbidden, and General Order No. 10 and several special orders were expressly directed to the suppression of everything like private war. 
   
Mustering into Service.
    General Wool's letter to Col. Nesmith furnishes the highest evidence that the propriety of a preservation of distinct military organization of the volunteers was too apparent to be overlooked. No act of Congress authorized the mustering of the volunteers, and with the views entertained by Genl. Wool, had they been mustered, he would have been constrained to disband them. He did disband the companies raised in pursuance of Acting Govr. Mason's proclamation. Gov. Stevens to Genl. Wool, in a letter of March, puts this case forcibly. The instant necessity for a force and the immediate prosecution of the campaign is testified by Withers' letter (Ex. doc. 26). It is simply a matter of opinion between Genl. Wool and Gov. Curry as to this point, and the whole history of the war confirms the accuracy of the Governor's view,
Undated fragment in Lane's handwriting



    We have extended our territory south and west. The Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and California all attest it. We passed desert and forest and scaled the Rocky Mountains to extend the Union to the Pacific. The Alleghenies nor the Rocky Mountains are no longer barriers to speedy communication between the Atlantic, Western and Pacific States. Highways ascend them everywhere, and the railroad now climbs their summits and spans their chasms or penetrates their rockiest sides. The electric telegraph follows and stretching its connecting wires along the clouds, there mingles its vocal lightnings with the fires of heaven. 
    Our growth and prosperity very far exceeds anything heretofore known to the nations of the earth extending from ocean to ocean, from the Canadas to the Gulf of Mexico, embracing almost every variety of climate and soil and therefore of production. Variety of production is the parent of the earliest commerce and trade. Our cotton has set in motion three-fourths of the spindles of New England and given employment directly or remotely to nearly half of the shipping trade and commerce of our country while our wheat finds ready market in many of the ports of Europe. Add to these certain artificial ligaments which nearly ninety years' association under a common government have most fully developed. Chief among these are canals, steam navigation, railroads, express companies. The post office, the newspaper press, and that terrible agent of good and evil mixed "spirit of health and yet goblin damned." If free, the gentlest minister of truth and liberty; when enslaved, the supplest instrument of falsehood and tyranny. The magnetic telegraph-- All these have multiplied the speed or the quantity of trade, travel, communication, migration and intercourse of all kinds between the different states and sections of our country. Add to these the numerous voluntary associations, artistic, literary, charitable, social and scientific. All of these properly used and directed are strong ligaments of union and strength. We have much, very much, to be thankful for. In less than one century, we have increased in population from four millions to forty millions. It may be truly said that ours [omission]
    In Prussia, the new empire is beginning to show want of solidity. In Russia, there is the dead quiet of despotism--a despotism that is likely to continue. And here in our own country there is as believed by many a degree of corruption that ought not to exist.
    And everywhere religion seems to be decaying or in other words the peoples and nations do not live in the fear and love of God. Materialism prevails to a fearful extent. Who can undertake to say what the fate of nations and empires is to be. Who in 1812 would have believed that Napoleon, the great Napoleon in three years Napoleon would have been a prisoner and [in] exile on a lone island or in the days of Cromwell that the son of the king that had been beheaded would be restored to the crown? The fate of nations is uncertain. Let us look well to the success and happiness of our own, see that honest men shall hold places of honor and profit. Guard well the institutions formed for us by our Revolutionary Fathers. 
    Let us love our country, cherish the Union, revere the Constitution as our fathers made it. Honor, defend and protect it. Allow no sacrilegious hand to be laid upon it. It was the work of the greatest and purest minds that ever created a form or system of government for man, liberty, equality, justice and the right of conscience is secured to all. Under it we have grown, prospered and flourished as no other people have done, and while we continue true to ourselves, our country and the Christian religion, we will continue to grow and to prosper. Live always and all the time in the fear and love of God and we will be rewarded as heretofore.

Undated fragment circa 1861 in Lane's handwriting. Parts of this speech were plagiarized from one of Clement L. Vallandingham's speeches.



. . . [Mas]sachusetts as those of South Carolina or California (loud cheers). If every American citizen had that feeling, that love of country, that love of the Constitution, of the Union, of the rights of the States & of the principle of allowing the people to regulate their own affairs, we should have had peace & quiet among the states. Your John P. Hales would not then be found in the Senate & your fanatical abolitionists would soon cease to figure as such in the councils of the nation.
    But, gentlemen, I have said enough. I am too hoarse to address you at any length & there are other gentlemen here, who, I have no doubt, will interest you far better more than I could hope to do even if I were in good voice. Permit me to say, then, in conclusion, that this visit has been to me a most pleasant & agreeable one. I [believe] much good has been done here today. [paper missing] [who] have addressed you have given you their views [and their] principles--principles which may be discussed & 
[paper missing] in every state of this Union. Our friend from South Carolina has talked to you today as he talks in South Carolina, & our friend from California has spoken exactly as he speaks in California. Democratic principles are the same everywhere throughout this country. My trip, therefore Democratic principles are the same throughout the length and breadth of our common country. They are the principles upon which the Constitution rests. They cannot therefore be compromised. Upon this maintenance rests the perpetuity of the Union of these states.
    My trip, fellow citizens, has been a pleasant one. I have had the pleasure of listening to these gentlemen & the pleasure also of looking in your faces & of taking many of you by the hand. In one month & four days, you will go to the ballot box & I will close with the expression of my earnest hope that in that election you may be successful & bring the old "Granite State" once more on the side of true Democratic principles (applause). Thank you, gentlemen, for your kind attention.
    (The president [of the meeting] called for "three cheers for the Marion of the Mexican War," to which the audience responded enthusiastically.)
Undated fragment of New Hampshire speech, not written or edited in Lane's hand


leave it with the states, where it constitutionally exists, and with the leave the people of the Territories perfectly free to prohibit or establish the institution as the to the of slavery as they please to them may seem right, and my conviction is that the people of the non-slaveholding states should in no way interfere with the question as it exists, nor with the Territories
Undated fragment written in Lane's hand on back of paper used to edit New Hampshire speech, above



Washington City
Jany 1--1861
My Dear Lafayette,
    I date [this] the first because it is now 1 o'clock on the morning, and I have concluded before I go to bed to write and to send the enclosed little new years present, and wish you a happy new year and many returns. I have nothing new to communicate. Our once happy country is fast crumbling to pieces. It will break up, no power can save it. It must first break up, and the rubbish must be cleared away and the foundation must be made solid and the fabric reconstructed before we can have peace and prosperity.
    When you have time write and let me know how you are, and how the people up there look upon the condition of affairs.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Washington D.C.
January 8--1861
My Dear Simon,
    You will see by the papers that all my predictions in regard to dissolution of the Union are coming to pass--Florida, Mississippi & Alabama are out, Georgia will be out in a few days. North Carolina and Virginia, Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas will soon be out, the balance of the slave states will go out directly. Thus you see that the Black Republican sectional, hypocritical, fanatical party have broken up our once happy and great Union. They are responsible for the whole of it. Upon their heads let the curses of an injured people fall, as also the curses of Heaven. They did it and they alone are responsible. May the curses of God follow them to their grave.
    A residence in Washington is not as pleasant as in former days. I am not sorry that my term of service is drawing to a close.
    Go ahead and have my farm made as comfortable as you can. I will be with you as soon as I can.
    Keep my grandchildren at school, and give my love to your mother and to all the family.
Your father
    Joseph Lane
Simon R. Lane


Washington City
    January 8--1861
My Dear Mosher,
    I have not had a single line from you for the last ninety days though I have written you often.
    This country is tumbling to pieces as fast as possible; dissolution is inevitable. Before March, all or nearly all the slave states will be out, and unless peace shall be maintained, a reconstruction can never be had, but if wisdom shall prevail, and peace be maintained, a reconstruction may be had and our government placed upon a basis that will endure forever. That infernal Black Republican, sectional, hypocritical, fanatical, Negro-loving party have broken up and destroyed our once happy and great Union. The responsibility rests on them. Let the curses of injured people and an offended God fall on them and follow them to their graves.
    Now I beg you once more to send all the papers relating to my claim that I may get my patent. Do this for me and I will promise to trouble you no more about any matter relating to my interests.
    Love to Winnie and the children.
Your obt. servt.
    Joseph Lane


Stamford Jan. 10, 1861
Dear Father,
    Capt. Lewis arrived here this morning. He informs me that you have been very much troubled about me. Believe me, dear [Father], I regret very much that I should ever be the cause of pain or uneasiness to you. You will, however, admit that in this case at least, I cannot be blamed, as I continued to write as usual. The fault, of course, rests with the Post Office Department, and I have an idea that your correspondence is very carefully watched by the government, for what reason, however, I know not. Hereafter, do me the favor to feel no uneasiness about me even if you should not receive letters from me as usual, for if I should ever become ill, Mr. Huntington will make known the fact to you by telegraph. For fear you may think Mr. Huntington remiss in his duty, I will state that on the receipt of your first dispatch, Mr. Huntington delivered a verbal message to the telegraphic operator which he (the operator) evidently misunderstood, for I remember having heard Mr. H. say to the operator to telegraph you that "I was here and well and that he had answered your questions concerning your letter by mail." But the operator, however, says that he only heard him say that he (Huntington) had answered your questions by mail. I make this statement because I feel it due to Mr. Huntington, yourself and myself that I should do so.
    Please send me a little money and present my regards to friends.
    I send this letter by Capt. Lewis to whom our thanks are due for the trouble he has taken.
Your affectionate son
    Lafayette Lane


        General Lane
    Sir, I take the liberty to address a note to your excellency. I was a resident of Milwaukie O.T. for fourteen months and worked on the steamer Lot Whitcomb built at that place and named after our much lamented friend. Getting the gold fever I took an ox team and started for Scotts River, upon the way we had trouble with the Rogue River Indians, then hostile to the whites. A body of United States mounted men under Col. Kearny followed in our rear. We a party numbering 40 escaped but the troops were attacked and Col. Kearny called for volunteers. Your excellency and Col. Applegate raised a party of volunteers to aid the troops and defeated [the] Indians, taking 33 prisoners with the loss of the brave and noble. Capt. John Stuart. The prisoners were delivered over to your excellency's charge and returned to Rogue River Ferry where a treaty was formed with the Indians and set free. I being a volunteer under your excellency and knowing your noble spirit wish to address you to see if I cannot like many others obtain a section of land for services rendered the U. States government under your command. The fever and ague caused me to leave the territory and return to the States but I have often regretted that necessity. I was happy to see your own excellency's name on the list of candidates for the Presidency and hoped there would be no choice by the people that you might stand a chance of election by the House. No such good luck however and they have caught up a man whose only merit seems to be that he has split rails, while the brave old general who has fought battle after battle covering himself with glory and never sheathing his sword except in victory should be voted down, is outrageous.
    If your excellency will answer this letter recognizing my services you will confer a great favor upon your humble servant
John S. Learnard
    South Boston
Jan 12th 1861


Central City, Illinois
    January 14th 1861
Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir:
        In the Indian war in Oregon, William C. Andrews, a private in Company I (of the First Regt. of Oregon Mounted Volunteers, Capt. Montrous, Col. Nesmith, Lieut. Col. Kelly, officers), was killed. At the time he was killed, our information is he was alone near Fort Henrietta, or some such names & under the immediate command of Lieut. Col. Kelly.
    His mother resides here, and desires to ask whether the gov. has made any provision for the payment of the expenses of the war, and where application can be made if any for an adjustment of what would be due for his services and whether he would be entitled to bounty land.
    Knowing you to be advised on these subjects, I have in her behalf taken the liberty of writing you.
Yours respy.
    H. K. S. O'Melveny



Stamford, January 15, 1861
Dear Father
    I hasten to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 13th inst. which I had the pleasure of receiving last night, at which time Mr. Huntington also received a letter from you containing a check for a hundred dollars.
    I will hold myself in readiness to leave Stamford whenever you may call or send for me notwithstanding the fact that I do not understand the reason why you should notify me to do so. I do know, however, that it is my duty to hear and obey, which you may rest assured I will do so.
    I earnestly desire that you would buy and send to me a first-rate flute. My reasons for wishing one are as follows:
    First, if properly played, no musical instrument can discourse more agreeable music than the flute. Secondly, that all accomplished young men of this age are able to play on some kind of instrument. Thirdly, that after hard study, it is a good recreation and a very pleasant and useful one, too. Fourthly, because none of your sons are able to perform on any musical instrument and I think you should have at least one that could. Last but by no means of least importance, I feel confident that you would like for me to learn music. I do not wish a poor flute--I wish a good one, that is if the price is not too great.
    If you conclude to buy one, permit me to assure you that I will never allow it to take me away from my studies.
    This is the first time that I have ever asked for anything of the kind save perhaps a jew's harp when I was quite young. Send it per Adam's Express, directed to the care of Rev. E. B. Huntington, and it will reach me.
    My health is indeed very good and I am progressing very well in my studies.
    My regards to friends and believe me your
Affectionate son
    Lafayette Lane


Senate Chamber
    Jany. 18--1861
My Dear Lafayette
    I received your letter, at the same time recd. Mr. Huntington's acknowledging the receipt of check.
    Enclosed you will find receipt for flute. The gentleman from whom I purchased [it] will send [it] by Adams & Co. Express. You will find the box unlocked and the key inside. You will know how to put the joints together. If you fail to get the box containing flute, return the receipt to me that I may get the money back, as he agreed to pay back if he failed to deliver safely to you at Stamford.
    Things are still in a very unsettled condition but still I have hope that something will be done to bring about peace and security to all the States.
    Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family. God bless you is the prayer of your
Father
    Joseph Lane


Washington D.C.
    January 24--61
My Dear Lafayette
    Yours of the 21st inst. was duly received. I am glad to learn that you are pleased with your flute and I trust that you will be able to make it discourse music. But I will not advise you to neglect any of your studies for the purpose of practicing on the flute. Still, I am anxious that you shall learn to play and to play well.
    I was gratified with your letter. You write with ease & force. It is very desirable to write well; to discuss great questions well on paper is a rare quality. It is well, therefore, to practice in composition at least one lesson a day.
    I have succeeded in getting my amendment for extending the road to Portland on the Railroad Bill. The fate of the bill is still doubtful.
    Now, my son, my hope is in you. Be true to yourself and to me and you will realize your expectations to the fullest extent. May God bless you is the prayer of your
Father
    Joseph Lane


Washington City
    January 24 1861
Wm. S. Hawken, Esq.
    No. 31 Washington Avenue
        Between Main & Second sts.
            Dear Sir,
                When you wrote to me in relation to an order for a rifle, which I had forwarded to you, it was your opinion that you would have one ready to send to me by the 20th of this month. I am anxious to get her. Therefore you will pardon me for writing and requesting you to send her as soon as you can. I have confidence that you will make for me a good rifle, and just such a one as I will keep for my own use. Let her be good and true and when ready send by Adams & Co. express and get your money.
Your obt. servt.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Washington City
    January 28--1861
My Dear Winnie,
    Herewith I enclose a letter from a granddaughter of my father's sister Winifred for whom you were named. I know you will appreciate the letter and that you will take care of the letter and the moss [sic].
    We are having very much excitement at Washington about this time. Genl. Scott is here and is ordering troops from all portions of the country. Cannon are being arranged all round the Capitol, and troops quartered in different portions of the city and besides he is arming the militia and raising a big muss generally. He is an old booba, and the President ain't much better.
    I have written a dozen letters to Mosher begging him to send my land papers but he won't answer or send my papers ain't it hard.
Your father
Joseph Lane



Washington D.C.
January 31--1861
Dear Fayette
    I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter, and herewith enclose a 2½ piece, with the request that you will acknowledge receipt.
    One month more and my political career has ended. In retirement I shall expect much pleasure, and some hard work for with all my care I shall not be able to get away from here with much money.
    I am nearly worn out, constantly on duty sleep but little and eat but little. This morning I am so feeble that I can hardly walk.
    The railroad bill has passed the Senate, two branches to Oregon. Baker voted against both of them. God bless you is the prayer of your father.
                               Joseph Lane



Roseburg Oregon
    Feb. 1st 1861
Dear Father
    The books spoken of in your last letter have been received and distributed according to direction. I find that you have not a complete set of any of the public works of importance, except the Globe. It may be possible that Mosher & Martin will be able to complete the sets. Up to this time we have not been able to sow grain. The weather has been open, but very rainy. At this time, the bottom between this & Mr. Jones looks very similar to lakes. By looking out of my window where I am writing, I see the Indian sign of rain, "Cloudy on all sides & raining heavy in the middle." I hope that we will be able to get the grain in in this month.
    My love to John & Lafayette. Mother & all the families are in good health.
Your affectionate son,
    [Simon?] Lane



Washington City
    February 7--1861
My Dear Lafayette,
    I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of yesterday--and thank you for it. You have concluded properly in regard to my duty towards Johnson. I will pay my respects to him someday next week and I will not spare him. He is not a gentleman, and shall not be treated as a gentleman, but as a low contemptible wretch that deserves the scorn and contempt of all good men. I will not spare him. But after you shall read Wigfall's speech made this day you will feel almost sorry for him (Johnson). I can say that no man ever received such a castigation. Epithets were applied that no man can get over. And now to strike seems like striking a dead man, but I shall treat him as he deserves. Write when you can.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



West Point N.Y.
    Feb. 11th 1861
My Dear Father;
    I received your letter of 8th inst. & must admit that it dampened my ardor somewhat.
    However since you wrote I think things have taken such a turn as would justify me in resigning and taking my chances for a commission. I think it beyond the efforts of the "fossil remains" which compose the peace convention, now in session at Washington, to bring the seceded states back in the Union again. And since Davis & Stephens are elected President and Vice President of the Southern Republic, I believe if you would use your influence with them I could get a good position--and once I get it I shall not lose it on account of not doing my duty.
    Father I want to ask a favor of you viz. be careful in your reply to that man Johnson. I am afraid that there will be a difficulty between you.
    I have not heard from Kelly yet. I suppose I will swear tomorrow & if he reports favorably you may expect me in Washington in a short time.
    If I get into the army of Alabama it is equivalent to being in the regular army, for the appointment made by the governor of that state will be confirmed by the Confederacy. I have a friend in the corps from Alabama, who intends handing in his resignation tomorrow. I expect he will telegraph to you requesting you to have his resignation accepted immediately.
    I know that the cadets have been more bother to you than any set of people on God's earth, but I want you to have this done for my sake, for he is [a] particular friend & is doing all he can for me in Ala. I expect I will resign in a day or two and take my chances if I fail I can go home & go to work.
    Write soon
Your affectionate son
    John
To
    Gen'l Joseph Lane
        Washington City
            D.C.
The name of the young man who intends handing in his resignation tomorrow is John Pelham. He has his father's permission. He is a first classman.



West Point Feb. 13th / 61
My Dear Father:
    In looking over the Washington Union of Feb. 12th, I was very much surprised in reading the "bill to fix the pay & regulate the allowances of officers of the army," which was reported to the Senate by Hon. Jefferson Davis & especially was I surprised when I read Section 4 of the bill, which reads thus, "And be it further enacted that officers having brevet commissions shall not be entitled to any increase of pay or emolument because of the exercise of command according to their brevet rank."  Now Hon. Jeff. Davis must certainly know that each graduate of this institution goes into the army a brevet, and according to the above section he will "be entitled to no increase of pay." Consequently, the pay of each graduate will be the same as the pay of the cadet, viz. $30 per month, which pay he receives until he gets his brevet off, which, according to the manner of promotion in our army is frequently a very long time.
    Now does Davis, Floyd or Buchanan or anybody else think for one moment that they can find any person, a graduate of this place, that will act in the capacity of army officer for $30 per month?  If they do, I can inform them that they are entirely mistaken. Although the epaulets are very nice, and make a person look very well, but still an army officer must eat & drink like other persons & especially while he is a brevet 2nd lieutenant.
    Father, I wish you would see to it. I can assure Jeff. Davis that of all the persons here at present, not one will enter the army under such conditions.
    Give my respects to Hibben and tell him that I think I am in no danger of being found deficient next June, also that I am very much obliged to him for his note and will answer it in a few days.
    Ward was down to see me last night; he seems to think he will not be successful in getting an appointment as cadet.
    Father, don't you think it will be a good idea to get Jos. Barlow an appointment as cadet when Adair graduates?  Do you intend to take Lafayette home with you next March?  I see Bush still continues to abuse you. I am afraid that I will be under the painful necessity of cowhiding him when I meet him. Write soon. I hope you will get the Oregon bill through.
I remain your affectionate son,
    John
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City


San Francisco Feby. 15 1861
H. Gordon Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        I enclose slip from a St. Louis paper containing an extract from a private letter written by "Joseph" to a friend in Georgia on the subject of secession. By last accounts from Washington he is strenuously opposing the passage of the Pacific R.R. bill, while Col. Baker is urgently supporting it. The late news seems to favor the idea that a compromise will soon be brought about which will forever settle the sectional difficulties which now distract the country.
    I had a few lines from Col. Nesmith at Acapulco; the weather had been very fine, and he was enjoying the trip down very much. Shall probably hear from him by the overland mail now due at New York. Mr. Barnhart leaves this evening for Sacramento. There was no statement of the 21st recd. at the post office here. "Probably they got lost in crossing some stream in the vicinity of Jacksonville." There is no local news of importance to communicate from this place. Our legislature will probably not elect a U.S. Senator this winter.
Truly yours
    D. W. Porter
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.


Washington City
March 1--1861
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your note of the 27th has been received. I am sorry to say that I have not yet had an opportunity of replying to Johnson, but I will try on to the end. I got the floor today but the Senate adjourned. Should the matter come up on which I had the floor, to wit the amendments to the Constitution proposed by the peace congress, then I will have the floor and will answer the Tennessee man in full. I hope to have a chance and believe I shall.
    Enclosed I send you 2½. I will let you know in a few days about a visit to this place.
    I have recd. a dispatch from John, he had arrived safe in Montgomery and will write me soon.
    Kind regards to all.
Your father
Joseph Lane



General Land Office
    March 1, 1861
Sir,
    I have the honor to enclose herewith a patent issued upon Oregon Donation Certificate No. 125, in favor of Joseph Lane.
    Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt.
    With great respect
        Your obt. Servt.
        Jos. S. Wilson
        Commissioner
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Senate


Washington D.C.
March 5 1861
My Dear Lafayette,
    I wrote to you on Friday the 1st inst. and sent you a little present of 2½--hope you recd. it. I had the good fortune to get the floor on Saturday (the day after I wrote you) & replied to the coward Johnson, it (my reply) will as I understand at the Globe office be out in the Globe of Friday of this week--and when you shall read it I think you will be satisfied that I did my duty--but I will let you speak for yourself. The Tribune as you have seen says that I was badly used up.
    The inauguration went off without trouble or accident, great pains had been taken by poor old Scott to bring out the military--consequently the different [omission] or corps were out, artillery, cavalry, infantry & dragoons, and the  poor old man [had] soldiers posted on the housetops all along the avenue and in other portions of the city with instructions to shoot down any disturbers of the peace. And for the first time in the history of our country a President has been inaugurated under the cannon's mouth. It augurs no good for the future of our confederacy. The inaugural as I understand means war, bloody terrible war, and I would not be surprised if it commences before June. Lincoln does not understand the principles or framework of our government and the consequence will be war, fierce bloody & destructive. The fact is he is no account, he is a miserable creature, and will be a mere tool in the hands of a miserable, corrupt, sectional party that will destroy and break the country.
    I shall be very busy for a few days and at this moment I am not certain when I shall be able to leave, but I will let you hear from me in a few days. In the meantime press ahead and learn all you can.
    Write soon. Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. H. and family.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Washington D.C.
    March 8--1861
My Dear Lafayette
    I thank you for your letter of the 6th inst. Now, my son, I am very anxious to get away from this city. It has no charm for me and I hope to be in New York by the last of next week. Now, if I can work up to that, then it would not be worthwhile for you to come here; it would cost us fifty dollars at least and had we not better save that amt. I know you will say yes.
    I have recd. a letter from John. He has not received any appointment, nor does he know whether he will.
    You will find my speech in the Globe of this day. Read and write me.
God bless you is the prayer of your father
    Jos. Lane



Montgomery Ala.
    March 16th 1861
My dear Father;
    Since my arrival in Montgomery I have been treated better than I ever was in my life before & none has been more prominent in showing this kindness to me than Capt. R. J. Thom of the artillery. He served under you in Mexico. Upon my arrival in the city he had my trunk & other articles taken to his quarters, where I have been during this time. He wants a theory [of] artillery--can you send him one? I would like to have one also--direct Capt. Thom's to this place & mine to Lieut. Lane Pensacola, Fla. I am afraid you will not receive this before you leave Washington & consequently you will not be able to procure them. My health is good. I have gotten a hard place--we will have fighting. If I should act any ways badly I hope some friend will kill me. Everybody wants you to come down here. I will write home soon. Tell Mother I am engaged in a good cause & if killed I hope it will [be] at the post of honor & doing my duty.
    Write soon.
Your affectionate
son John
To
    Gen'l Joseph Lane
        Washington City
            D.C.
P.S. The heavy artilleries can only be procured at the War Department.



Montgomery Ala.
March 16th 1861
Dear Father;
    My orders have been changed since I wrote the last note. I go to Fort Pulaski, Georgia. It was done without my knowledge & by the instrumentality of Col. Hardee who expects to command there & it appears he wants some West Point boys under him. I am only a second lieutenant of artillery--pay about the same as in the U.S. Army. Write soon & direct to Fort Pulaski, Ga.
Your affectionate
    son John




Montgomery Mch. 17/61
Hon. Gen. Joseph Lane
    My Dear Sir
        I am in receipt of your esteemed favor of 8th inst. and letter of Mr. Baldwin, and I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you took for me, and write to say that I am utterly surprised at the letter Mr. Baldwin writes you. I do not owe the man Smith a cent on earth. I talked with him about getting some additional improvements to my patent and left with him $5 to pay postage & look into the matter immediately. He detained me at home for some time & by & by wrote me he must do the business differently from what I wanted, but I thought he did not understand me at all & neglected to attend to it for him. I certainly do not owe him a cent. The young man Baldwin did some little writing for me in connection with my two last patents & he charged me $150 for it. I paid him $50 and thought that too much as I got my patents myself and he only did some writing for me. When I get plenty of money I'll pay him $100 if he asks it, but his charge is treble.
    I have been very happy to meet with your son and I observe he is very popular and I hope he will get a handsome appointment here.
    I wish you would tender your services to President Davis and if you did, I think he would give you a fine position.
    I would write making the tender, but I would suggest in a separate letter what you would like or would suit you, that is, I would write the President confidentially.
    As regards my papers, I am very well satisfied since I know Baldwin has them. I did not know much of Smith, and I was afraid he might run off or something. So I will write further to Baldwin.
    It is not my opinion there will be any war. Should the United States commit a single act of war, I know that a large number of privateers would obtain letters of marque, and in 30 days there would scarcely be a Yankee merchantman left upon the ocean or seas, and indeed I am not certain if they let matters remain in the state they are in long, but that President Davis will be compelled to yield to the pressure made on him & allow them to set out on their cruises. I was introduced to a captain the other day, and he said, "if the Confederate States would allow him, he could start an army of 50,000 men who would find themselves [omission] & agree to invade the North if they might have the booty they could take." And I am told a good many of his men are already at the North. So we could have many others besides the 75,000 brave fellows who have already underwritten services.
    Money is very abundant in our cities and the country. We have sold 3,000,000 bales of cotton already & obtained $150,000,000 for it & spent nothing scarcely & the president of one of the Louisiana banks says at least $50,000,000 of paper less has been on the New Orleans market than usual, and no prospect of its coming, so that the capital in New Orleans seeking investment would take $50,000,000 of bonds, at 6 percent, if they could get it. So we are pretty well fortified. We know too there is at least $30,000,000 being hoarded in Alabama & doing nothing, which is the case in others of the Confederated States.
    Our cotton crop brings about $200,000,000, sugar & molasses $35,000,000 & say agricultural productions of the Confederate States $250,000,000 per annum, of which not over one fourth is to be deducted for expenses & which on this item bears us $189,500,000 to reinvest or spend for war purposes. Should be most happy to see [you] & believe me, [your] most [illegible]
Geo. G. Henry
Write me at Mobile what you think of war.
This letter misfiled on microfilm with 1860 letters.



San Francisco Mar. 18 1861
H. Gordon Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        The day after my last I was called out of town and did not return until the morning of the 17th. By the last steamer I recd. a few lines from Col. Nesmith dated Washington 3rd Feby. He states that he arrived three days prior to that time and found matters in a deplorable condition.
    Enclosed you will find an extra Herald with a synopsis of President Lincoln's Inaugural, with the action of the Pierce Congress and its adjournment, also the proceedings in Congress with regard to the Oregon war debt etc.
    At Jackson, Amador County, I met A. C. Russell, who attempted to figure in your state for a time. He was on a visit to that place, trying to purchase, through a friend who is the clerk of that county, an interest in the Amador Ledger. I asked him how he liked Oregon; his reply was "Not at all; the people in that state have no 'enterprise,'" and in particular down on all Southern men, and myself being of that number, I was of course obnoxious to them. In speaking of the late senatorial contest he charged that the election of Nesmith and Baker was brought about by the most corrupt means, that neither possessed any strength among the people, but had purchased votes in the legislature by the wholesale, that Nesmith was a Black Republican of worse stamp than Baker, but that being a very wealthy man he was enabled to control sufficient votes with money to bring about his and Baker's election, that Elkins' casting vote in the Senate was purchased for $5000, that Ben Harding had pledged his word of honor as Speaker of the House, that the Douglas Party would not cast a single vote for a Republican, that Nesmith also solemnly pledged his word that if the absconding members would return he would not accept of a seat in the Senate with any Republican, with much more abuse of the Douglas Party and all who opposed the Joe Lane faction in your state. Having pumped the "apology for a man" dry, I bid him good morning. At present he is no position to exercise any influence, but should he succeed in getting any foothold in this state I will inform you, and you can use these points as you see fit.
    While at Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, I met an old friend, C. A. Clark Esq., who in 1855 being proprietor of the Calaveras Chronicle and sheriff of the county, employed Dennis O'Meara to edit the paper. On the nomination of John Bigler Dennis bolted and refused to support him, whereupon Mr. Clark politely informed him that his services were no longer required. Dennis prates frequently of fealty to party, supporting the regular nominee &c., but seems to forget his own proclivities in that line. Our legislature have made several attempts to elect a Senator, and but for a mistake of the tellers and the leaders off of the Republicans on Friday last McDougall would have been elected. There are 24 Republican votes, and it required 50 to elect. McDougall actually received 32 votes from the Democratic side, and the tellers only called 31. The leaders off on the Republican side, men ready whenever their whole strength would united with the Democratic vote be sufficient to throw their entire vote for McDougall, but unfortunately fell into the same errors of the tellers and withheld their vote. They then adjourned until tomorrow, when if McDougall can hold his former strength he is sure of an election, provided the Republicans do not make other arrangements to deprive them of their vote. In the meantime the Breckinridge men will bring forward some new candidate which may divert some of the Democratic votes from McDougall, so you perceive it is extremely doubtful after this slipup if anyone can be elected.
    John Nugent is making every endeavor to obtain the position, but I cannot see where his strength is to come from. On the 9th he expressed the firm conviction that he would be the man or there would be no election. He has as yet received I think but 21 votes on any ballot.
    Hon. B. H. Harding has not yet arrived. The Golden Ass with the [illegible] in tow is looked for every moment. He will undoubtedly come up on her; shall pay my respects to him on his arrival. The Telegraphic reports to the Alta were very meager, the Herald, Times & Call seem to have got the inside track of the others this time. There is no news of a local character worth mentioning; business remains very dull both in the city and interior.
Truly yours &c.
    D. W. Porter
P.S. Enclosed I forward the Inaugural in full, issued by the Alta & Bulletin, just in time for today's mail. Its tone I think is firm, moderate and conservative at the same time. How it will be received by the seceding states yet remains to be seen.
Yours
    D.W.P.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Washington D.C.
    March 19--1861
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your letter of yesterday has been received. I will leave here on Thursday eve, and if I meet with no accident will be in New York on Friday morning. For the sake of quiet and to be with some good friends, I have concluded to stop at the Everett House. You recollect that it is at the north end of the Union Square; from there we can take the car, I mean the horse car, and go down in the city and attend to any business we may have daily and return without trouble or much expense. I may not go to Stamford before Saturday morning. I wish you to pack up so that we may return that afternoon, and we can spend our sabbath quietly in New York.
    Kind regards to all. I have two rifles, choice for you. We will go to Oregon whether we stay or not.
Your father
    Joseph Lane


Washington D.C.
    March 20th 1861
    Received of Genl. Joseph Lane of Oregon the following claims for collection:
A note of Wm. Lewis to him for seventy-five dollars, dated Feby. 7, 1861.
A note of Mathias Martin for thirty dollars bearing date March 22nd 1856
A note of Joseph L. Williams for two hundred & twenty dollars dated 21st Decr. 1857
A note of Vines Harwell of Georgia for fifty dollars dated June, 1860
A note of E. C. Hibben for one hundred dollars dated 17 Jany. 1860
A note of Finley Bigger for two hundred dollars dated Jany. 6, 1860, also a mortgage from said Bigger on lands in Indiana to clear the payment of said note & to receive the payment of a note in the hands of I. H. Strain for six hundred & thirty dollars & 16/100 on which the said Lane is endorser.
John S. Edwards



Letter from Mr.
[Asahel] Bush
San Francisco, April 5, 1861.
    I arrived here night before last, after a disagreeable voyage of six days from Portland and four from the Columbia River. We lay one day at Astoria detained by stormy weather and then crossed the bar at a rough stage and had an unusually rough passage down. As usual, I was confined to my berth with seasickness almost the whole passage, but suffered more in that respect this time than ever before. The sea was continuously rougher than I ever before found it, and I had a stateroom far aft upon the Panama, whose pitching propensities gave me more motion than my predisposition to seasickness could stand. The consequence was I "went in lemons" and got most thoroughly "squeezed." I yielded up everything inside including my "innards," as I supposed at the time, but since coming ashore I've concluded that to be a mistake. They are undoubtedly still "thar, or tharabouts," prepared to full duty.
    The Panama is a very uncomfortable passenger ship, as at present arranged. She has four staterooms on the upper deck. Those off the dining saloon are scarcely ventilated at all, while they are necessarily filled with the indescribable concentrated odor which penetrates every nook and corner of a thirteen-year-old steamship dining saloon. If the landsman's stomach withstands the rocking and pitching, the disagreeable perfume sent forth by bilge water, the smokestack and "greezed" machinery, the hides, chicken coops, horse pens et cetera, it is bound to yield to the conglomerate scents of the dining saloon. Also, the weather down was cold and rainy, and yet there was no stove anywhere upon the ship where a passenger could warm her or himself, and no means of warming the feet except by planting them against the smokestack. Every portion of the ship accessible to passengers was cold and terribly uncomfortable and every part in addition wet, except the. And among her passengers were quite a number of women and children, shivering from Astoria to the Gate. This was certainly inexcusable. It may be said that the steamer was only put on for that trip and put on in a hurry at that. But it would have taken but little time to have put a stove in her dining saloon and have cost but a trifle. It is true its heat might have aggravated the stench & smells perfume, but notwithstanding I think it would have added more than it detracted from the comfort of such passengers as could stand it. Personally it was a matter of no concern to me, for I was not below decks after we left Astoria. The officers and attendants upon the ship were obliging and attentive enough. Capt. Hudson was most accommodating and agreeable, while no ship ever carried a truer gentleman than Mr. Wyman, the Panama's purser. All credit is due her officers, but notwithstanding, the ship was full of discomfort to the passengers who came down on her on her last trip. This makes the third time I have sailed upon the Panama; in 1850 I took passage on her at Panama for the Columbia River--the first voyage she ever made to Oregon; in 1854 I went up on her from Panama to San Francisco. On my return I shouldn't be surprised to find the old veteran at Panama ready to bring me up again. If I do, here is one passenger who will "miss the steamer" and spend a couple of days weeks in visiting the site of Old Panama, sacked by the buccaneers some two hundred years ago, and the gold mines worked in those days of "auld lang syne." I have sworn "by the Eternal" never to take passage on the Panama.
    The sea route between Oregon and California is at best a bad one; at most seasons it is very likely to be rough, and at none inviting. I regard the land route in the stagecoaches decidedly preferable. San Francisco is reached ordinarily from Portland as soon as by sea, while from all points south of Portland the stage makes quicker time than the steamer. If you come to California don't fail to patronize the stage line.
    Full one half of the present San Francisco has been built since I was last here, in 1854. And the improvements and additions are of a most substantial character. Its destiny is unquestionably to be precisely as important a town as the Pacific Coast is a country. It is already a considerable town--55,000 inhabitants, Mr. Buchanan's news had reported, but the people here say 80000. I should think the census return was too low, and that if there are not 80,000 souls here, there at least [are] many thousands more than fifty-five, many thousands more than the whole state of Oregon contains, supposing Dolphes to have been correct and Joseph mistaken. The town is a miniature (not so very small though) New York. It is far more like New York City in all its appertainings than any city of its size on the other coast.
    Speaking of census returns reminds me that the legislature of this state has under consideration an apportionment bill for members of state senate and assembly based upon the U.S. Census of the past season. There ought to have been such an apportionment made in Oregon at our last session of the assembly, and there was no reason why it was not made except that the reform of the existing unequal representation would bear against the Lane faction. The census was all completed when the legislature met, and might have been placed in possession of that body and an apportionment made upon it in compliance with our constitution. As it is, it cannot be made until 1862, and the first legislature under it cannot be chosen until 1864. By this delay, counties retain representation they are not entitled to, while others to which it honestly belongs are deprived of it.
    The senatorial question has finally been disposed of here by the election of Gen. James A. McDougall as successor to Gwin. McDougall was [illegible] of the straight Douglas caucus, and an uncompromising Union man--a Union man without conditions or qualifications, ifs or ands. His election is a thorough prostration of the secession or "chivalry" party here, and was accomplished by the votes of the original Douglas men in the legislature and the Republican members, who supported him as a Union man against a quasi-secessionist. He was opposed by the regular Breckinridgers, and the "Douglas men" who looked Douglas and vowed Breckinridge. Mr. Gwin follows Lane, and Douglas' prediction is fulfilled. Early last year Burlingame reported him (Douglas) as saying "I have got Joe Lane's head in a socket. Baker will be Senator from Oregon, and McDougall from California."
    Gen. McD. arrived in this city last night by the Sacramento boat, and was greeted with a most flattering reception. One hundred guns were fired from Telegraph Hill, fireworks displayed, many buildings illuminated, and much uproarious joy expressed in other similar ways. A procession of military, firemen, brass bands and citizens met him at the wharf and escorted him to his dwelling. The celebrated Sam Brannan, of Mormon notoriety, who it is understood has been McDougall's financial "backer" and most efficient friend, provided a barouche drawn by six grey horses, in which was seated the newly elected Senator himself and J. J. Papy, another zealous friend of "the cause." When the procession came to a halt, Mr. Papy addressed McDougall as follows: [blank left in manuscript]
    McDougall replied as follows: [blank left in manuscript]
    As the procession was proceeding at a lively pace, Sam Brannan said, "I say, Papy, we are marching at old Gwin's funeral." "And to lively music," responded Papy.
    I find here the bill to pay the Oregon and Washington war debt and enclose it for publication in the Statesman. It appeared to me that there is likely to be a good deal of delay in the payment of a portion of the appropriation made. Mr. Stout has labored zealously and persistently for the passage of this law, and to him is due much credit for its enactment. The fact that its passage was obtained at the late session in the present condition of the country, shows how easily Gen. Lane ought to have procured the passage of an act in former years, when the country was not distracted, the attention of Congress not absorbed, and the treasury not bankrupt. And it is strange if an act to pay the debt could not then have been got through and on more liberal terms than the present law.
    I learn here some gossip audits in regard to the Oregon appointments. Dryer has been appointed Commissioner to the [Hawaiian] Islands. His health is said to be poor, and his Oregon friends in hash. If such is the present programme, it is not unlikely to be changed by events which may transpire during the summer.
    Another proclamation calling for upwards of 80,000 men, in addition to the 75,000, has been made, to be mustered into service for three years or for the war (a portion of them to be permanent additions to the regular army and navy) has been issued, and they are being rapidly furnished. A regiment of present and former residents of the Pacific Coast has been raised in this city, and Col. Baker chosen to command it. The Colonel of another city regiment last night informed me that Col. B. would this week be tendered the command of a brigade, to be mustered in for three years, if not sooner discharged, and that he had promised to accept.
    The hope of the traitors to inveigh, or force, California and Oregon into a Pacific rebellion and a "Pacific Republic" has not been abandoned, notwithstanding the unpromising reception its early disclosure received, and I am informed that the last three or four steamers to the Pacific took out emissaries of the scheme. The people of California and Oregon will do well to watch them.
    The son of Gen. Lane, who was at the West Point Military Academy, has left there and gone south and joined Jeff. Davis' "army."
    Among the army resignations is Capt. Jordan, late Asst. Qr. Master at Dalles. The Washington correspondent of the morning's Times invokes the following allusion to it:
    "I understand that an officer of the United States Army, who is a native of Virginia, and who was to have been court-martialed for failing to account for funds or property entrusted to him by the government, drew his month's pay yesterday and resigned today. I am not informed whether his resignation will be accepted, but if it be not, he may find Jordan a hard road to travel."
    I learn that the Oregon appointments have not been made, with the exception of Adams, but that they will be within the coming ten days. There is likely to be some change in the list Turner gave me at San Francisco. Ankeny will not be Superintendent [of Indian Affairs]. He had been pretty much decided upon when charges from Republican sources caused him to be set aside. Wm. H. Rector of Salem is now likely to have the appointment. Pengra still stands for Surveyor General, and will almost certainly be commissioned as successor to the meek-mannered shoes [sic]. Henry Smith gets nothing. Other appointments are probable as follows: Briggs of Josephine and Kelly of Roseburg for Mosher and Martin's berths; Biddle or Hovey of Benton for the Siletz Agency; Condon of Lincoln Co. for the Yamhill Agency; Dr. Wm. Warren, of Salem, physician to one of the agencies; Starkweather and Matlock for the Oregon City land office ("Weeping Jeremiah" owes his appointment to Holbrook's opposition to him); Wm. Logan, of Dalles for the Dalles Agency; Maj. Barnhart for the Nez Perce Agency. Dr. Watkins I think has not been certainly concluded upon for the surveyorship of the port of Portland, the place successively filled by Col. King, Col. Dryer and Judge Waterman. Other appointments have not been fully determined upon, or if they have I am unable to learn the names of the parties selected.
    An appropriation of $50,000 was made by the last Congress for protection of emigrants overland to the Pacific. And the train will leave St. Jo. about the 20th inst. under an escort of one hundred men. Medorem Crawford, of Yamhill, heads the escort. Dr. Thompson, of Jacksonville, who has just been married, goes as physician. Stephen Coffin, of Portland, has gone back to purchase supplies for the train on the other side. I cannot learn whether the emigrating party is likely to be large or small.
    Much opposition was made to Dryer's confirmation by Republican Senators, but he squeezed through. The charge made against him by them was habitual intoxication. Douglas, Nesmith and Latham voted for the confirmation.
    Mr. Kizer is here, but leaves today for his father's, in the western part of the state. I shall go east tonight or in the morning, but shall not unlikely return here in a week or ten days.
    Day before yesterday illustrated Daniel Webster's saying that there were "no Sundays in revolutionary times." The Park and Battery were full of soldiers under drill, and the drum and fife greeted one on every side. Many of the pulpits were draped with the American flag, and sermons were exhortations to arms.
A. B.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.  Apparently Bush had included in the envelope clippings with the speeches referred to.



Fort Pulaski Ga.
    April 16th 1861
My Dear Father,
    The ball has opened & civil war is inaugurated. Fort Sumter was taken after thirty hours of fighting--nobody killed on either side. Don't you think that war is reduced to a science? We are expecting them here soon. We are making every preparation possible to give them a warm reception--working night & day. I have not slept two hours in four nights. I am in the ordnance & performing the duties of artillery & infantry duty besides. Consequently there is no rest for me--
    The first Columbia, N.C. Mounted we named the "Gen. Joe Lane." It will do good execution. Col. Williams has been relieved from command & Col. McLane succeeded him.
    Lincoln has come out in a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers to coerce the South, he also commands us all to retire to our homes within thirty days. If we do not obey he will make us take the consequences. I do not think many will go. Ft. Pickens is to be attacked to be attacked today.
    Give my love to all the family & tell them to write me. Tell Mother that if I get into a battle I hope I may conduct myself in such a manner as to make her proud of me.
    Move to Texas, do not stay in any country that is opposed to the equality of the states.
Your affectionate
son John Lane
2nd Lt. Artillery
To
    Gen'l Joseph Lane
        Roseburg
            Oregon



    Equality of states, equal and exact justice to each and all of them are the fundamental principles upon which our Union was formed, and upon which it so long reposed. The maintenance of those principles would have preserved it forever, but unfortunately those great fundamental truths have been denied. Equality has been refused, and Justice hooted and trampled under foot. Consequently, the Union has been broken up. War will not restore it.
    My dear daughter, teach your children to love, honor and respect the great principles upon which our Union was formed, and to be honest, truthful, virtuous, patriotic and just. And may Heaven bless you and yours is the prayer of your old father.
        Joseph Lane
An undated fragment.
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.



Letter from Mr.
[Asahel] Bush
New York May 7, 1861
    I arrived here by the Northern Light on the 3rd, thus making the passage from Aspinwall in eight days. It was known that some of Jeff Davis' pirates, with the half river and half ocean steamer Matagorda, were out seeking to capture the Light for the million of treasure upon her, and much solicitude was felt in this city for her safety. Some of the parties resident in the city who had treasure upon her paid insurance companies ten percent to insure it. And had the Northern Light not arrived in her usual time the rates would have gone much higher, if indeed insurance had not been refused altogether. We exchanged papers with the down steamer, four days from Aspinwall, from which we learned that the Matagorda had been sent after us, but we saw no pirates and encountered no difficulty. There was no danger of any of their craft going far enough at sea to lose sight of a friendly port where they could run in in case a U.S. man of war chanced to espy them. Now the mail steamers carry heavy guns, and an ample supply of rifle muskets and other small arms. War vessels too are cruising in the gulf seas, and it is arranged that by the last of this week every rebel port where a vessel drawing six feet of water can enter will be effectively blockaded. This, with the proclamation that any vessel sailing under Davis' "letters of marque" will be treated, and their crews executed, as pirates, will probably close up that business before it has begun.
    The pony and wires will have informed you that the country is involved in a terrible war long ere this comes to hand. Those two institutions make it impossible to communicate news
by the slow process of mail and render letter writing by that mode superfluous, if not a bore. There are at present 20000 men under arms and in camp in this city, rendezvousing here preparatory to their being ordered south. The city is one vast military camp. The Battery is lined with tents, the park is filled with barracks, and the public halls and buildings are converted into soldiers' quarters. Everywhere are floating the glorious Stars and Stripes now, and it is supposed with a passion amounting almost to idolatry. It is estimated that not less than 100,000 American flags are displayed in this city. What the emblem of the cross is to the Christian, the tricolor to the Frenchman, the Stars and Stripes are to the American. Here, turn your eyes wherever you will, its ample folds greet them, and your ears are saluted with the exultant and defiant shouts of aroused freemen, involuntarily bursting forth in its presence. The insult committed upon it by the rebel traitors at Sumter has surcharged the American heart with recollection of the history it symbolizes and sentiment of the civil and religious liberty it represents and protects. And awaking as from a dream to the realization of the wicked attempt to destroy this government and extinguish the last hope for the liberties of mankind, the nation has sprung to arms with an enthusiasm and alacrity the world never before witnessed. Seventy-five thousand men were at first called for, and twice that number offered to go. And those who volunteered are of the best men in the country--young, strong men--sons of farmers, mechanics and representatives of every inclination, calling and class. The regiments in this city are composed of as fine and noble-looking men as eyes ever rested upon. Their like has never before been seen under arms on this continent. The money of capitalists, large and small, has been poured out in the common cause like water, and the government can command at call any sum its necessities require. The people stand in solid array at its back resolved to sacrifice everything in defense of free institutions. The self-sacrificing patriotism manifested by the American people since the ruthless inauguration of civil war by traitors in the cotton states, its ardor, its promptitude, its unselfishness and its entirety presents the grandest scene which ever honored and ennobled mankind. If this devotion of the American people to their form of government has been doubted, none doubt it today. The uprising has dumbfounded and paralyzed the traitors. They had counted on a divided North to assist them in their unholy work and embarrass the government. But the voice of no traitors from extreme to extreme has mingled with the deafening shouts of patriots. The leaders they relied upon were the first to hasten to the standard of their country when the rebel guns at Sumter heralded the commencement of sanguinary civil strife and raised the curtain upon the yawning abyss of treason. There are no [political] parties in the North, now everybody is for the government. Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson traveled two hundred miles to be present at a Union meeting in this city, and he then made a speech worthy of him, worthy of any American. He was counted upon as an ally of treason. But though he has sacrificed as much as anyone in defense of the rights of every section, he is a devoted patriot, and when the treason of traitors was revealed he hurried to bear testimony of his resolve to stand by the old government and the old flag and pronounce the duty of every patriot to do likewise. If you have not published that speech, I hope you will lose no time in doing so. A speech made by him last summer in support of the Breckinridge ticket was scattered broadly over Oregon under the frank of Lane and [illegible]. It was sent there by the card and [illegible] of the Lane faction who could read failed to read that, while others who could not had it read to them. Let them see where the noble Dickinson stands today, and if any [of] them do not now stand by them, let them feel the full force of the contrast.
    The importance of this conflict is not second to the Revolution; it is to determine whether or not free institutions can stand the shock of formidable rebellion and insurrection. If they fall now, they fall forever, and the world goes back a thousand years. Upon the war just bursting upon the nation rests the hopes of mankind, and the treason which has inaugurated it constitutes the blackest crime against human liberty and humankind that history records or tradition perpetuates. There was never under heaven so causeless a revolt, and such men as Dickinson have awakened to the realization of the fact that the damning treason was long ago predetermined, and that the slavery question has been used as the is the occasion, and no part of the cause. Under this head, Senator Douglas said in a speech in Chicago the other day: [space left blank]
    I believe that our government is worth more than the continent without it, and that the nation had better have a fifty years' war than permit its destruction and the consequent relapse into anarchy and tyranny. And such is the sentiment which actuates the American mind, for, with the loss of government, everything else is lost. In a letter written since the delivery of the speech above referred to, Daniel S. Dickinson expresses substantially this idea in the following language: [space left blank]
    The plan of the government is unknown, but shrewd speculation conjectures it to be as follows: to immediately, actually and thoroughly blockade every secession port to afford military protection to Union men in the border states who desire it, and subject to military occupation such localities in them as are made rendezvous of armed treason, and at the beginning of winter, after the fever season is over, to turn their attentions to the cotton states. But [remaining pages lost or not filmed]
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.  Apparently Bush had included in the envelope clippings with the speeches referred to.



Letter from Mr. [Asahel] Bush
Springfield, Mass., May 20, 1861
    Since my last from New York the smoke of the fierce excitement consequent upon the first call to arms has moved away, and we begin to see things more clearly. Then it was believed that the government must succeed in quelling the wicked rebellion, but the confidence in the abundant power and irrepressible determination of the loyal people to do it and do it thoroughly and effectively has increased a thousandfold. Then some feared the issue. Now none do. The question "Have we a government?" is answered so emphatically that there is more confidence this day in the perpetuity of our institutions and the preservation of our Union than there has been since it was formed. The American people have registered their resolve that the Union shall be preserved, and it comes with it all the stern meaning and inflexible will of Gen. Jackson's "by the eternal God." Wherever I have been I have witnessed the same universal purpose: to maintain the government at every hazard and sacrifice. The priceless value of government has been fully considered and the opinion has been reached that the war cannot be prolonged long enough or become terrible enough in its consequence to make it desirable to ever close it by letting any state out of the Union. The time can never be reached in the progress of the war when the government will not be worth sacrificing, suffering and fighting for. The loyal portion of the nation feel that it is worth all else in this world, and the unbroken sentiment is "I would rather give to the cause the last dollar of property and follow the offering with my life than to give up the government or see one star crossed from its glorious flag." This sentiment and this resolve is intense and all-pervading. The extent and its completeness astonishes all; the government is stronger than any supposed; so deeply rooted is it in the affections of the American people, as manifested in the events of the last month, that public confidence is fully restored and the government regarded as invincible and the Union perpetual. Even cosseted, timid and cautious as it is, [it] is now without fear. Last winter, before a state had "seceded," and when it was not known that one would, the government was forced to sell its bonds at twelve and fifteen percent discount. The device of making them draw twelve percent interest instead of six was resorted to for the purpose of escaping the humiliation of depreciated bonds, but they could not be sold at par with that unusual interest. Now it's six percent. Loans are readily taken at par, and the government can have on call all the money it wants; $200,000,000 a year would be furnished it as readily as $200,000--while of men there is in every state a sharp contest going on between rival segments for acceptance. Five times as many as called for are offered, and if the government wanted them 1,000,000 of men could be had in the field by the middle of July. Everywhere in the North, states, towns and cities great and small have appropriated large sums for paying (until mustered into service, and in numerous instances afterwards), arming, equipping and supporting the families of those who volunteer. The legislature of this state, now convened in extraordinary session, has appropriated $3,000,000 to arm and equip her volunteers and $7,000,000 to be furnished the federal government as a loan. And notwithstanding the war the bonds of the state are selling above par. The federal authorities will not lack for men or means so long as they conduct the war with a vigorous and determined purpose of crushing out rebellion, enforcing its authority in every state and maintaining its flag on every foot of its soil and every drop of its waters. I firmly believe that the government will triumph in the end if it maintains its resolve to this end. It will not be done in one hour, but it can be as surely done at last, or that day follows day. The rebels have no other prospect before them. With 6,000,000 against 20,000,000, without sufficient arms or means of constructing or purchasing them, without ammunition, without money or credit, it is impossible that they can ultimately resist an affluent and powerful nation. The war may last for years. I think it will; terrible battles may be fought and thousands of lives may be lost; that is probable. Reverses may sometimes come to the federal army; that is not impossible. But after all this, the triumph of the government and the bloody enforcement of its authority over every portion of its jurisdiction is as certain as that it obeys the will of the masses and perseveres to the end.
    At this place is the only armory of construction for small arms in the Union since the destruction of the one at Harpers Ferry, in Virginia. Since the preparation for war the force here has been augmented to the utmost capacity of the works, and they are now turning out one hundred complete rifle muskets per day. One attempt has been made to burn the buildings, and an active guard of fifty men are now kept about them night and day.
    Some arrests have been made for treason; more will follow. Among the former is Ross Winans of Baltimore, a secessionist and the wealthiest man in the city--said to be worth $12,000,000. He is charged with furnishing the rebels with munitions. Traitors are very scarce and quiet nowadays in the North, and in Maryland. Senator Bayard had to leave Delaware to save himself from a Union mob. Many of the leading traitors are now caught--men who last winter spouted their treason in the U.S. Senate, and who the present spring, as late as two months ago, were permitted to depart from there unmolested--they will be speedily dealt with. Even pretended "Union men" who at heart sympathize with the traitors--who will declare they are "for the Union," but convince you that they are against it by complaints of the resort to means necessary for its preservation--find "treason a hard road to travel" just now. A short time since Rev. Chauncey Burr, one of the editors of the N.Y. Day Book, crossed the ferry to Brooklyn on Sunday. Making himself obnoxious by his proclaimed sympathy with treason and rebellion, on his arrival in Brooklyn some N.Y. Zouave firemen who had listened to him took him to a saloon, made him order champagne for the party and propose and drink to the sentiment "eternal life to the Union, immediate death to all traitors." A few days ago, at Wales, a small town in this county but a few miles from here, two men suspected of disloyal proclivities were directed to raise the American flag, and on refusing were ridden upon rails, being violently bumped up and down the while, until one of them yielded, hauled up the flag and cheered heartily for the Union of thirty-four states. The other, still refusing, was lashed upon a blind horse, head towards the tail of the animal, and driven in disgrace about the town. I do not mention these species of mob patriotism to either condemn or commend them, but to show the temper of the times.
    I this week met Mr. Holman, of Salem, Oregon, in this city. He has purchased a house at Wilbraham in this county, and with his family will sojourn there for three years for the purpose of educating their children. There is an academy there, under the patronage of the Episcopal Methodists. One of Mr. Holman's children died quite recently, of typhoid fever. Mr. H. said to me "We are awful homesick, but have got to stick it out three years."
    I this week made a visit to the Monson foreign pauper house, in this part of the state. It contains between six and seven hundred inmates, of all ages from the infant of a month to the old man or woman of seventy. They are mostly of Irish birth. The establishment is complete in all its details, and pretty nearly perfect in its workings. A visit to it is well repaid. I noticed among other features the school rooms, where over four hundred children were being taught the elementary branches. A few negroes were scattered here and there over the motley crowd of unfortunates, and all mixing on perfect terms of cordiality and equality. Under what head of "foreigners" they come I can't imagine. They certainly are not native Africans. Possibly they were South Carolinians, and the Mercury says that is a foreign nation. Massachusetts has three of these institutions for her foreign peoples, the other two containing as many inmates as this.
    The state has also a complete lunatic asylum, at Northampton, recently established, and containing all the modern improvements which experience in taking care of that class of unfortunates has suggested. It is said to be the most perfect insane retreat in the world. I shall pay it a visit the coming week.
    Among the contributions to the war fund I find one hundred dollars credited to "James Buchanan, late President." It was first published $5000, but afterwards corrected. If Mr. Buchanan had at the proper time reinforced the forts in the rebellious states, and had exhibited the teeth of the government when treason first reared its hideous head, there would have been no trouble; not a drop of blood would have been shed. For all that flows, he is responsible.
    One of his secretaries stated at a war meeting in new York that Buchanan was now fully committed to the support of the government, and in favor of the exercise of the most vigorous means in quelling the rebellion and retaking the forts and public property. He also stated that had the rebels fired on Fort Sumter during his administration it was Mr. Buchanan's intention to have done as Mr. Lincoln did--call out the militia and put down the traitors. Whatever may have been Mr. Buchanan's reason or motive, whether the timidity and fear of an imbecile, vindictive personal hates, or corrupt treason, history will record that he inflicted greater injury upon his country and countrymen than any who ever lived before him.
    But there is no party now--or but two parties, one supporting the government against a wicked attempt to overthrow it, and the other marching under the banner of treason--one loyal patriots and the other vile traitors who would destroy the noblest fabric of human government the wisdom of man has ever devised. We hear of no sect or party now. Democrats, Whigs, Republicans are all ranged under one banner, and past politics are never heard. All are patriots or all are traitors. The voice of party is hushed while the government is in danger. When through this stern arbitrament of ours that shall be placed on an undisputed basis, the political parties may return but not till then. And when they do return I trust this generation of voters will recollect every man who has connived at, sympathized with, excused or in any way palliated this treason. Let no man be placed in position of trust who was not from first to last, heartily and entirely, for the government and for the Union. For myself, I will never support one for place of trust and power whose loyalty has been equivocal in this hour of trial. Treason in power has brought the government of the United States to its present peril. Let the electors guard well the future. Let traitors and tools of traitors enjoy the quiet of private life.
    The telegraph reports that Mr. Breckinridge has turned a short corner, and now declares for the Union, and his willingness to take a commission in its armies under Maj. Anderson. The announcement, though not generally believed (I don't credit it), is considered probable enough. Mr. Breckinridge has been an active secessionist and foremost in the endeavor to turn Kentucky over to the traitors, in spite of her loyal majority, but foiled in that, it is regarded as quite likely that he deems the course of the rebels hopeless, and if so, he is the man to take an early train out of their camp. He is a trimmer, and when satisfied that his secession coworkers are destined to succumb, they will cease to number him in their ranks. That is John C. Breckinridge.
    Congress meets in July. Thayer will be on hand to take his seat. I don't know where that other fellow is--like enough gone to Montgomery, or been run over in a dray.
    I mentioned the N.Y. Day Book above. We find that paper in Oregon, but one never sees it in the city where it is printed. I never saw a copy of it in New York; when last there I tried to find it to see what its position concerning the war was, but was unable to get a copy. The newsboys do not sell it, and it is not to be found anywhere. Apropos to this, I noticed that in the discussion of a resolution before the board of aldermen to take the city patronage from the Day Book and News, on account of their treasonable course; one member of the board stated that he never saw but one copy of the Day Book in his life, and another said he had never seen it at all. So of the Banner of Liberty, another paper of the same sort. You never see or hear of it in the state where it is printed, but in Oregon it is found. Such papers belie and misrepresent public opinion at home, for the purpose of pandering to the prejudices of dupes abroad.
    I have not tried to communicate any news; if I were to do so its prior receipt by pony & telegraph would make it old when it reached you.
    I have not yet seen Col. Nesmith, but expect to in the course of a few days. He is visiting relatives in Maine and New Hampshire.
    Gen. Harney is doing yeoman service for the Union and Constitution in Missouri. He is the man to thwart treason in that state.
A. B.
    Private--Jo. Holman says he does not get the Statesman. Send it to Wilbraham, Mass. I shall go to N.Y. in a day or two. I was in Springfield yesterday and this morning. Shall go then with Nesmith when get track of the "cuss."
Yours
    Bush
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Albany June 5th 1861
Friend [Harvey] Gordon,
    Dear Sir, it is now 5 o'clock p.m.; the disunion meeting has adjourned. They met at 11 o'clock and organized. Old J. H. Douthit in the chair. The chair appointed five to draft resolutions. The 5th man appointed was Ira Dickey, Douglas Democrat, who upon hearing his name called arose & very respectfully declined to serve. Douthit then substituted Samuel Jones, Douglas Democrat; he also declined to serve. Dickey & Jones are all right, "you bet." That was a regular setback on the damn cusses. The chairman then looked over the crowd, I suppose to find a Douglas Dem. who would serve, but "nary a one" could he see. He then appointed old Clabe [Claiborne] Hill. They then adjourned till 15 minutes of one o'clock.--met pursuant to adjournment. The first thing on docket was a speech from old Jimmy Douthit, which was very light and chaffy. I paid but little attention to it. The next thing was the reading of the resolutions which was unanimously adopted by the Breckinridgers and Jimmy. Then came the reading of a letter from Ben Stark addressed to the committee--John Chinaman and Jimmy--the letter was read by the Chinaman; it was a reply to one written by them to Ben, inviting him to appear before their mass convention and address the people. Then Beefy was called for to spout. He responded to the call; he pitched into the Administration white-eyed. He used up Lincoln about as bad as he did the cold grub that he carries to the niggers. He said the North might overrule the South, but they couldn't override them. He got very dry about that time and called for a glass of water--they had failed to furnish water for their speakers--the Jay Bird started for water. Beefy then pitched into Lincoln and the North for everything you could think of. He said they were trying to subjugate the South &c.
    The next was a speech from Burnett of Corvallis (a young lawyer). He rallied and frothed considerable, but said nothing. Then came one of your own countrymen, little whiffet Avery of the Waldo Hills. In his remarks he said, "We have had the reins of government in our hands for more than a half century. Our course has been onward and upward, but now the opposition has the reins in their hands, and where are we?" The crowd was aroused when he said "and where are we?" Him and three others came up in a kind of a hack with a little flag flying. It was about 2½x3 feet, and the only flag on the ground at the time of speaking. The next thing was a speech from Bill Haley. Himself nor anyone else knows what he said or was trying to say. Then a few more remarks from old Jimmy Douthit and they adjourned, without a cheer from the crowd. There was not a cheer given nor a hat swung the whole day. I don't know of a Douglas Democrat in this county (except Jimmy) who took a part with them; if there was any I don't know who they were, or where they came from. I will put the number of people that was here today from the country at the highest notch, say 200, not one more, and I know it. About one half of them are of the right spirit, not Breckinridgers. The day went off quiet, no fights nor foot races.
Yours &c.
    Looney C. Bond
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.  "The Chinaman" was the nickname for a prominent white Democrat, whose name I've lost.


Corvallis July 9th, 1861       
Dear Father
    Yours of the 6th inst. has come to hand. I am very sorry to learn that your arm is still giving you pain. I had hoped as had all your friends that you would be well and able to take a ride through the state by this time, and see and talk with your many warm personal and political friends. I certainly did not deserve the accommodation and kindness you showed me by giving the note credit by $300.00 at the time you assigned it to Floed & Co. but here let me return my thanks for this as well as thousands of other favors shown to me, an unworthy son of a noble sire. You may say to Simon that if I fail to send the $700.00 by Shelby it will be because I can't get the money to send and not because of neglect or indisposition to send it, and I will send so much of it as I can, and will continue to send by express as I can until it is all paid. I am using all the economy I can, have sent my clerk away, and am doing my own clerking. I hope to see you down this way soon, give my love to Mother, Jo, Ben & Mary, Caroline and all the children. Jane and the children send their love to all.
Your obt son
    Nat. H. Lane


Washington D.C.
    August [illegible] 1861
My dear General
    Your interesting & welcome letters of the 11th & 24 June last were duly received & it is hardly necessary to say that I was delighted to receive them & thus know that your wound, which has afflicted you so much, has not prevented you from writing as well as ever. I most sincerely trust & pray that you will entirely recover from the wound & that the evening of your life may be so peaceful & tranquil as your earlier days have been useful, distinguished & honorable. Oh, if the politicians of our country possessed one tithe of your honesty, patriotism & practical sense, our unhappy country would not now lay prostrate, bleeding at every pore.
    The newspapers will give you all the particulars, &c. of the great battle of Bull Run in Va. when the Federal forces met with a most disastrous defeat. I had three brothers & nephew in that battle. The elder, who is the surgeon of the 8 Regt. of Virginia Infantry of the Confederate Army, the second a lieutenant of cavalry & the 3rd a private of the Loudoun Guard & my nephew the son of the surgeon also a private of the Loudoun Guard. I have not had a line from any of my relatives since the battle.
    The newspapers state that the Loudoun Guard were the first in the action & behaved most gallantly, that my nephew, after killing his man & about bayoneting another received a severe wound in the thigh from a musket ball, that the wound though severe was not considered mortal.[He was taken] from the battle field to
[illegibleto Culpeper Court House, where he was doing well. As none of my brothers are mentioned in the papers as being either killed or wounded, I presume they passed through the fiery ordeal uninjured. The 8th Va. Regt., of which my eldest of the brothers is the surgeon, was in the hottest & thickest of the fight. I got from the post office your letter to W. B. Phillips giving the particulars of your accident. I called on Breckinridge & read him your letter to Phillips. He expressed his deep regret at your misfortune & his warm regard &c. for you. I have not collected one cent yet for you on the claims you left with me & I fear I never will. Williams made many promises but has done nothing. He has been appointed one of the judges of Nebraska by Lincoln & is as false & corrupt in my opinion as poor human nature can be. Bigger, who I believe is an honest man, will pay if he is ever able. He is here doing nothing & I suspect poor indeed in money. I send you the receipt of Revis for two dollars, the subscription for the Daily Globe for you & Solomon Fitzhugh. It is but a trifle & let it stand as it is, for it leaves me still your debtor for many acts of kindness which I have received at your hands which I shall ever remember with gratitude. My business in the Oregon war claims has proved almost an entire failure. I have not received a solitary claim from Washington Territory & only one claim from Oregon from Saml. T. McKean, the commission on which will not [pay] for my advertisements in the Oregon newspapers [but should] have made enough to make me comfortable & easy in my circumstances the remainder of my life. The Revolution has nearly broken up my business, & it will [take] all my efforts & energies to keep my head above water until the times get better which will not be until the Revolution is over & when that will be God only knows. From what you say, the times must be hard in Oregon, but it must be a land of plenty & comparatively with the times here a land of peace.
    If I was there with my family on a farm where I could get bread, milk & meat in plenty, I would be far happier, & easier in mind than I am here amid the surging billows of Revolution, not knowing where they may throw me, but with others stern fate keeps me here & I must trust in God & do the best I can under the trying circumstances. Never were crops of every description so abundant as they are now all over the United States. The wheat & oat crop here was better & more corn meal was made than will be this fall. Throughout this month we have had abundant rains & for the last two weeks we have [had] the most intensely hot weather I ever felt, never did the corn crops look more flourishing & the hay crop is most abundant & the grasses & pasture as green & flourishing as they can be. We have war, but thank God, so far no pestilence & there will be no famine here. Governor Stevens [is] pushing to obtain the nomination for Congress in Washington Territory, put back to Washington & appoint his enemies to Lincoln to fight the South for [illegible] for those principles for which he so sternly contended at Charleston [illegible] & during the last presidential canvass as chairman of the Breckinridge & Lane committee.
. The papers chronicle that he has been appointed by the President Col. of the Regiment which Cameron, brother of the Secretary of War, commanded at the Battle of Bull Run when he was killed. I understand that the regiment rebelled at the appointment & swear that they will not serve under him. I have not heard since whether he will act or not as the colonel of that regiment.
    I wrote to you some time since to learn what land warrants can be sold at in Oregon & if you could recommend some reliable & responsible man to whom I could send them for sale. I have not received an answer to that letter. Give my kind regards & best wishes to your good wife & all your family & Mrs. Edwards & Mac join me in the same.
    Tell Fayette I have never had the pleasure of receiving a letter from him, that I would be glad to do so. I hope I shall receive a letter from you every now & then as long as you live. You are one of the dearest & most valued friends on earth & if we shall never be permitted to meet again in this world of care, anxiety & trouble, it is my earnest prayer that we may strike hands on the shores of Canaan where parting will be no more forever.
Yours truly
    [Benjamin F. Dowell]
Hon. Joseph [Lane]


Home near Roseburg
    August 20--1861
My Dear Sirs,
    Yours of yesterday informing me of the resignation of Col. Baker, and of the unanimous wish of such Democratic friends as you had consulted that I should be appointed to fill the vacancy, and that you desire to know if I would accept, has this moment been recd.
    In answer I have to say that if the Governor shall be pleased to make the appointment, I will accept.
    For this further evidence of respect & confidence I tender you many heartfelt thanks.
With much respect
Your friend & obt. srvt.
Joseph Lane
Dr. Edward Sheil
Hon. J. S. McIteeny


Corvallis, 26th Aug. 1861.       
Hon. Joseph Lane,
        Dear Sir,
                On receipt of yours of 21st inst. we started for the Governor's, and found him in his mountain fastness some 15 miles above Eugene City--and in due time and form submitted the object of our mission.
    The result of the interview in brief was--He has received no official communication of a vacancy in the U.S. Senate--and until he did--although he had already received several applications by letter he would not intimate his preference for that delicate and important position, but, when it became his duty to act he had laid down two rules that should govern his decision, 1st That the appointee must be sound, thorough and inflexible in genuine Democratic principles--2nd That the gentleman that could best promote the good, and increase and combine the Democratic forces in Oregon would be distinguishable by his choice--opposed to Lincoln's war &c.
    We improved the occasion to demonstrate the possession and adaptability of those attributes in the person of our candidate in an eminent degree--and that he, the Governor, had fortunately adopted as his "rule of action" in the premises--to which he did not demur by word or sign, but adhered to his resolution of not intimating his preference until he was ready to act--when the claims and character of our common friend would be duly considered.
    In Eugene City and Corvallis we previous to our visit learned indirectly that Grover was or would be his choice--but as he, Grover, lacks in the most essential elements of "backbone" &c. that form the base of the Governor's "two rules" our friend Grover cannot possibly be the recipient, if the Gov. be true to his own imposed conditions.
    We offered, if necessary, to forward him, the Govr., long files of signatures to petitions by the genuine Democracy of Polk, Linn and Benton & urging the appointment of the favorite of the people as the "right man in the right place" but he assured us that he would make appointment irrespective of petitions.
    We would most respectfully suggest that you would communicate as soon as practicable with Judge Deady and other influential Democrats North and South on the important subject--and they would gladly interest themselves with the Gov. to this end.
    Wishing you a complete restoration to your health--and hoping to hear from you soon,
    We subscribe ourselves
Your friends--
Edward Sheil
J. S. McIteeny
P.S. I acknowledge with thanks the receipt of Explorations & Scenes for Rail Road Across the Continent--also Reports on Finances and Military Academy & on 24th inst. Those are much esteemed and valuable documents--the first I have received from you for the last few years.
    You perceive that I am anxious for you to return to the Senate in order that you may fill the chasm.
                                                                        E. S.


Cottage Grove Ogn. Sept 25--1861.   
Dear General,
    After a long and protracted silence, I take the liberty of addressing you a few lines in which I shall ask you to give me your views upon a subject concerning which your long service at Washington and your otherwise sound judgment qualify you to judge.
    We learn through the papers that Baker has been appointed to a brigadiership in the army. We also see reports that he declines to accept. We are very certain that he holds a commission as col. in the army. We understand his col. com. to have come from Gov. Morgan of N. York, and that he is engaged in active service. I know also that I have not received his resignation as Senator, or of the seat he held in the U.S. Senate. Now what I wish to know is: is it good policy to appoint a man to go on to Washington, and contest Baker's right to a seat in the Senate? Would he, with the present complexion of that body, stand any chance to obtain a seat? Whether it would not be better to let Baker's friends take the responsibilities of keeping one of Oregon's seats vacant than to run the risk of going there and failing, and thereby subjecting ourselves to the charges that would naturally be made by our own Black [Republican] opponents are matters upon which I am not fully satisfied. So far as my own opinions may go, I am inclined to think the seat is vacant, that is, under the Constitution and the usages of that body. But at times like the present, when the Constitution can be suspended, of course we can tell nothing about what will be the action of a body composed of the material which now constitutes the U.S. Senate. I should much dislike to make an appointment and thereby draw odium on the party, and I should equally regret a failure to appoint if we would thereby oust Baker, and get a good Democrat in his place. No Democrat can hope to do anything in the U.S. Senate this winter. If the people do not rise in their majesty and stop this horrid war no Democrat from Oregon can do it in the Senate next winter.
    I have received many letters urging your appointment to what was supposed to be a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. Indeed it was no more than natural to expect your name to be urged. You are naturally looked upon as the head of the party in this state, if not in the entire North, and your great experience in which you have served Oregon so faithfully, naturally point you out as the person of all others best qualified to represent our state in this our time of need. While these urgent solicitations in your behalf were no more than the reflection of my own sentiments, I was cursed to reflect upon the propriety, the policy and justice or injustice it might be to yourself to ask you to take the charges of a seat in the U.S. Senate as they now appear to us; from reading a portion of a letter from yourself to Col. Stark, which he had the kindness to show me at your request. Upon my soul I believe it would be doing you an injustice to insist upon your going to Washington at this time for the purpose of contesting Baker's right to a seat in the U.S. Senate. I have no doubt, I know you would make almost any sacrifice to serve the Democratic Party and your friends! But  upon consultation with many of your friends North, we have concluded that it is not necessary that your name shall be used at this time, even if an appointment should be made.
    I hope you will call and see me when on your way to Portland.
Ever yours truly
John Whitaker
Hon. Jos. Lane
Roseburg Oregon


Portland 6 Decr 1861   
Dear Genl
    Yours [of] late date was duly received and contents noted. And I am truly sorry to inform you that the high waters of the Willamette has done an immense amount of damage, viz. the Island Mills and contents as well as the bridge have been swept away. McLoughlin's mill and contents have gone. The foundry at Oregon City, the Oregon Hotel, the Clackamas bridge, Gov. Abernathy's dwelling with contents, the steamer Onward reported lost, the saw mill at Milwaukie floated by this place last evening. The flouring mill at same place reported gone. The dwelling opposite has gone. I have simply specified what we have heard reliably, but as yet no news from the upper Willamette. Coln. Kelly has sustained a loss of $25,000 on the Canemah side. Guthrie is broke. I had spoken to him relative to your note on Monday last and he had made an arrangement to get the money and would have paid the entire amount of note on Thursday had this freshet not have occurred.
    I think my warehouse and contents at Albany has gone, but you will doubtless hear through the papers of the immense amount of damage that has taken place, so I will close on that subject.
    R. R. Thompson is not in town, therefore have not seen him since the recpt. [of] your letter, but will as soon as he returns.
    The boys do. Barlow and do. Ben say that you speak of going to the mines in the spring. If such is the case you had better go north. All the accounts you hear from that quarter are correct, and even more than you have heard.
[A. D. Shelby]



----

The Great Flood of 1861-62 inundated the entire West Coast, with Oregon particularly hard hit. It turned the Rogue Valley into a shallow lake. It washed away the town of Champoeg as well as Lane's Island Mills at Oregon City--part of which was recovered on Sauvie Island, downriver from Portland. Water levels were so high on the Willamette that the steamer St. Clair successfully ran the 40-foot Willamette Falls.

----



Peoria Linn County Ogn. Dec. 17 1861
Mr. Peter Ruffner
    Dear Brother, your letter of October came to hand in due time and found us all well and glad to hear from you.
    I wrote you a letter a short time before I received yours and give you all the news to that time. I have nothing very good to write; the high waters have almost cleaned this valley out. We had two washings just a week between them. The newspapers will tell you more than I can about them. The water was up to James Wood's barn sills, and it took all his rails [illegible] of his house. The water did Riley but little injury. It washed down considerable of his fencing, but the rails lodged on his own land.
    The water did not touch me; it will have to cover the whole valley before it can do me much harm. The water come to the north end of my garden, and most all the land east of me for a mile was covered with water. Peoria is the only town that I have heard of on a stream that has not been under water. The newspapers will give you the particulars of Abe's flood.
    You wished to know something about the abolition Methodists in these parts. I can give you but very little information in regard to them more than [that] with but very few exceptions they are a set of damned abolition disunion thieves and I believe they are no better than highway robbers; at any rate I would not trust them any further.
    The Democrats talk just as they please here. The cowardly blacks [i.e., Black Republicans] are almost scared to death. They are afraid there will be a draft in Oregon. But the Democrats don't care a damn if there is.
    I have heard a number of the fighting cowards say they wished they had an opportunity to enlist in Abe's army, but now [that] there is an opportunity to do so they have nothing to say about fighting, and when it is named to them (which is done every time they are met by a Democrat) you can hear their teeth chatter as if they had the ague.
    I think Oregon will be minus male inhabitants in two or three months; two thirds of the men and boys are going to Salmon River. I have the Salmon [River gold] fever awful, and I think it will prove fatal if I don't get better soon.
    Jim Wood is talking of going in the spring to Salmon to seek his fortune; the connection [sic] are all well as far as I know. Jeff Davis is almost large enough to shoulder a musket. You did not tell us what you named your girl. Jeff is just one day older than her, and I will wager a bottle of corn that he is as large as two like her.
    Maryann wants me to go to the mines and seek my everlasting fortune. She says she thinks I would do well, that everybody is good for something, and I am fit for nothing else.
    I think wheat will be a good price here this spring, as there was not a great deal in the country and that there has been a power destroyed by high water.
    Tell Mother that we have all been looking for her this fall and would be glad to see her once more. I sold three of her cows last summer and five of my own, and I don't know when I will get the pay for them. Hers were so old that I did not think they would live another winter, and I had more than I could keep. I sold them for ten dollars a head; it was the best I could do. Riley sold some to the same man, but I don't know how many.
    Cows cannot be sold for cash at any price. I could buy for cash the best of cows at 6 dollars. I sold 2 of her steers for 14 dollars cash, and I will pay her interest on it until I can see her or get a chance to send it to her.
    James Wood and Betsy went to Vancouver when Polly Gales went home and had Father taken up and buried in the new graveyard at Vancouver.
    I have wrote all that I can think of and a good deal more, and I think it is time to stop. Please answer on receipt and believe me to be as ever
Martin Koontz
To Peter Ruffner
P.S. If the damned Black Republicans, abolition thieves and mail robbers reads this they will know what I think of the damned cowards, and they can take me up for a traitor if they feel like it.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Oregon City Feby. 25, 1862.       
Capt. Mosher
    Roseburg
            My Dear Capt. and Beloved Son in Christ
            Enclosed please find a copy of the regulations for Lent beginning on the 5th of March next. Please after a good reading pass them to Mr. Sheridan that all the Catholics of the town may have the contents and know the rules. I wish that copy should be kept for the town, and if you had the goodness to have a copy drawn, you or Mr. Sheridan might pass it to our people in the French settlement, for their cognizance.
    I have also sent to your address a book of prayer. I address also to Mr. Sheridan some numbers of the Annals of the Propagation of the Faith, to be read by turn in every Catholic family. These are very interesting lectures. If there were a possibility to form a decade of ten persons, paying 1 cent a week or 50¢ a year, that would help the Society. When I receive other numbers I will continue to send to Roseburg.
    Now, how are you and your little family? I long to hear something from you. For you, no doubt, you are, you have been well. I saw you traveling during the flood to Eugene after that to Scottsburg. I am afraid you [illegible] yourself. Please tell me, how are the little children; how is the good mother, how is Genl. Lane and lady and young Lafayette. Please do not delay any more to make me acquainted with these interesting subjects. I was very near to lose my life, but was saved thank God, as well as Father O'Reilly.
    When I was so well received at night at Genl. Lane's I asked him for a set of books from Washington for my house and college. Would you have the goodness to receive them and send to Mr. Sheridan with my address.
    I hope I may be able to send a priest to Roseburg as soon as the roads are good. I regret to see you and other Catholics so long deprived of church services. How to keep the first fervor in such a situation. The most fervent are supposed too loose to relax themselves. But let it not be so. You and your good lady, keep your hearts always warm, always burning with the love of God, and fidelity to your duties of a good Christian, remembering what profit a man to gain all the world if he lose his own soul--all should be lost. In all your business and activities and prayers remember these holy words of our Blessed Savior and you may be sure they may keep you in the right way. My respects for your lady, for her father and mother, my remembrances to the smart and young Lafayette a good kiss to the little children for me. A blessing for you all. With much regard and esteem and hearty wishes for your happiness--I remain
My dear and esteemed friend
    and spiritual love
        yours very truly
            F. N. Blanchet
                Archbp. of Oregon City
P.S. My good compliments to Mr. Sheridan's lady, Mr. Depaty and lady and all others of the French settlement. F.N.B.



    Resolutions adopted at the Constitutional Union Democratic county convention of Douglas Co., Ogn., held at Roseburg, April 5th 1862.
    Resolved, That we declare our unalterable devotion to the Union, which we believe can only be preserved by following the letter and spirit of the Constitution as our forefathers made it, and to the support of the same "we pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honors."
    Resolved, That the present Administration by the course pursued in the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, violating the freedom of the press, the supervision of private correspondence through the mails, its flagrant robbery, through its agents, of the public funds, and other gross violations of the Constitution, merits the censure of every free man.
[remainder lost]


Tolerable close to Richmond
    May 24--1862
Dear Nez [J. W. Nesmith],
    I received your short note--also my Indian--I am going to swap him off for a nigger (girl) when I get farther south. I do not think he took poor Lizzie Steinberger's $20; still tell her that if I have pretty good luck and do not lose another trunk I will set her up again. Some lewd woman is awriting here about a baby--who is she?
    I think you must have had the letter written!! However, I turned it over to Rankin, with my name torn off, and he now flatters himself that he is a father--says he must now stop drink, play and women and lay up something for educational purposes.
    I have had the weight of a mountain on me since March last. Great God, I have performed labors that hundreds of men have failed to accomplish. It is marvelous how well I have succeeded. The work has been stupendous, as you know, but I believe everything has gone on successfully and satisfactorily. Never before was an army taken up bodily, transported by water and land and so well supplied as this.
    Still, Nez, I am only a lt. colonel, while lots of fellows who have done nothing, who cannot do anything, are at least brig. generals!
    Can you not give me a lift? Will not Senators Fessenden and other do anything for me? I am known to everybody in the army. It is easy to learn what my reputation is. What can be done, my dear friend? I prefer duty in my own dept. of course.
    Do your new bills give an opening?
    Excuse my bad letter, for I am very [illegible] hurried--very, very much.
    Write me and tell Asher Eddy to do the same thing.
    Will you see Mr. Cutts and his family and say "I still live," and do not propose to discontinue.
    We all send love.
Yrs.
    Rufus Ingalls
    It is sure we will have Richmond within a week. I cannot believe they will stand, but most of the army look for a terrible battle--Clunas [sic].
    Mrs. Weeden must always be able to give me a room.
R. I.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Washington June 5th 1862
Dear Bush,
    "Judge" Sweet's letter of April 23 with your endorsement on the back is just received. Why the hell do you ask me to do a thing that you would not do yourself if you were in my place? Imagine yourself [and?] Deady holding court at some one-horse town, where heads were scarce, and he and your candidate for dist. attorney having to sleep together! There may be important business arising in our courts under the general laws, and those providing for the collection of taxes, and it is important that the district attorney should at least have some claims to decency. I am sorry to hear that Hane is sick. Hope he won't die if he is elected. How are you getting along with your new house? I have not seen a Statesman since I can remember. Hooker, Ingalls & Rankin are all with McClellan near Richmond. Hooker has done some splendid fighting lately and has a fine reputation in the army. Rankin is anxious for the fall of Richmond and says that he intends to ravish some secesh man's nigger. I guess he will.
    The election is over, and I suppose that about next December I will hear the result.
    Will write again in a day or two. Congress I think will adjourn before July. Address me here, and if I am absent my letters will be forwarded to me.
In haste
    J. W. Nesmith
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.


Washington D.C.
    June 8, 1862
Friend Bush,
    Since I wrote to you on the 1st the Secty. of the Treasury, Mr. Chase, has ordered the issue of bonds instead of cash for the payment of the remainder of the Oregon war debt. However, it is due to Nesmith for me to say that it was through his intervention that the bonds are now being issued in place of sight drafts on New York.
    I have just received about $14,000.00 in bonds. The remainder, $20,000.00, will be issued next week.
    I will leave New York on the 16 or 24 of June.
Your friend
    E. S. Kearney
Nesmith has just finished a letter of 8 pages to you. It is a good letter. His distant friend O'Meara is not forgotten--"Abe Lincoln" is the best Democrat in this city or anywhere else, is he not?
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.


Washington June 9th 1862
Dear Bush,
    Your letter of the 29th of April came to hand three days ago. The ticket nominated at the Union convention has disappointed me some. It is not as strong a one as might have been selected, but I suppose that it is the best that could be done under the circumstances. You will be sorely disappointed if you expect anything like honesty or liberality from the abolition portion of the Republican Party. If I were in Oregon I would do all in my power to elect the ticket, as its success or defeat may involve the peace of the state, which is higher than all mere party considerations. I hope however that circumstances will not again force us into a coalition with the abolition element.
    "Old Abe" has thus far behaved nobly. I have seen but little in his administration to concern and much to praise. No man was ever surrounded with such obstacles. Traitors upon the one hand, and abolitionists upon the other, have both failed to drive him from an upright, straightforward course. So far as he maintains it he shall have my support.
    Your have doubtless seen notices in the papers of an effort to organize the Democratic Party under the lead of Vallandingham, Ben Wood and others. Though invited to participate in the movement, I have studiously avoided having anything to do with it, for the reason that it contains too great an element of treason to suit my tastes. Stark and Sheil attended their meetings, but I think it will turn out a fizzle. When a Democratic Party can be organized which can make pretensions to something more than the mere name, and is not opposed to suppressing the rebellion, and don't embrace within its folds all of the traitors in the northern states, then and not till then will I cooperate with it.
    There are now no practical questions about which conservative men need to differ. The old issues not exploded before have been lost sight of since the rebellion commenced, and the only benefits to be denied from anything like a Democratic organization now would be in cooperating with a Republican President in putting down treason, upon the one hand, and restraining fanatical abolitionist upon the other. In accordance with this theory I have tried to act and vote; my judgment, or rather the want of it, may have misled me. The only vote about the propriety of which I have any doubt is the one which I gave in Bright's case, and think that if it was to do over again that I might cast it differently. It however could have made no difference in the result; besides, I voted with the ablest lawyers and statesmen of the Republican Party in the Senate.
    In relation to the justice of my vote in Stark's case, I have never had a doubt, yet I am aware that many good people in Oregon condemn it. The only thing that I do, or ever have, regretted about it, is the fact that it meets the approval of those in Oregon who sympathize with treason. I saw a letter from little Dennis O'Meara, to Stark, in which the dirty cur said with his usual pomposity, "I have an irrevocable quarrel with Nesmith, but the manly vote he gave in your case disarms me of resentment"! The only desire that I could have of "disarming" him of his resentment would be to shoot him in the as----e with it, as Dillinger did when he "disarmed" him of his pistol. I want nothing in the mildering form of approbation from that source. I am as indifferent about his good, or ill will, as his "learned pig" was of the opinion or sentiments of the unlearned pork of his youthful associations.
    So far as the interests of Oregon are concerned, I have devoted my best energies to their success. In addition to the ordinary appropriations I have succeeded unaided and alone in getting bills through the Senate for the following sums.

    Protection of overland emigrants $   25,000
Defense [of the] Columbia River 100,000
Nez Perce Treaty 50,000
Shoshone Treaty     20,000
$195,000
Besides, I have attended to more details of business at the departments than most any other member of Congress. In addition to this I have served upon four important committees, some one of which has met daily, and I have written a fair share of their reports.
    I mention these facts not in a spirit of self-laudation, but merely to show that I have been able to accomplish quite as much for the good of the state as my illustrious predecessor, who professed to be all-powerful in his influence.
    The telegraph and newspapers keep you advised of the events of the war, and it is useless for me to mention what has or is likely to occur. I cannot however refrain from referring to Ben Butler. He deals with traitors at New Orleans as summarily as though he was presiding at a police court in Boston. The way he whacks it to them (as Dennis would say) "disarms" me of my resentment of his conduct at the Charleston Convention. I see Paddy O'Sheil occasionally. He has simply done nothing. Several bills [that] unbid I got through the Senate sleep in the House. The poor devil is incapable of doing anything, as he runs with the traitors in the House. Look at the Globe
and you will find a sorry record. It is said that he sprees it a good deal, though I have never seen him drunk. The other day the Indians appropriations bill was up in the House, and he was absent in New York. When it came up again he was present but did not open his mouth. He is here just what he was in Oregon, a bigoted, self-important, bloviating, sleepyheaded, worthless damned fool, and what he always will be anywhere. Oregon would have been infinitely better off with no representative at all in the House. A friend of yours from Westfield by the name of Shaw was here the other day inquiring after you.
    By the way, if I have time when I [am] up east with Pauline this summer perhaps I may take Westfield in my route. I hardly ever get the "Statesmans," and wish that you would when it issued post it in a letter envelope for me, as it would then reach me sometime in the letter mail. Write often and let me know how things are going. Who will be elected to the Senate; are you a candidate? I think that it will be you, Ben Harding or Boise, and I should be glad if it could be all three of you.
    Of course you will understand that this letter is not for the columns of your s---t cart.
Yours truly
    J. W. Nesmith
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873. While the spelling for the Congressman of "George Knox Shiel" is used on Wikipedia and by the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, an affidavit in the Jo Lane Papers, signed by his brother Dr. Edward Sheil, uses the spelling "Sheil," a spelling also vastly preferred by Oregon newspapers of the 1860s. See also Edwards' letter of August 2, 1858, above, which he signs "Edward Sheil (not Sheil)."


Corvallis June 19th, 1862   
        My dear father;
                Eight days since we left home and aside from the losses which we sustained at the Umpqua River and Wilbur of which no doubt Joe had given you full information, we have been very lucky. We arrived here this evening and I believe the count shows a hundred and twenty-three head of cattle. Nat has returned from Walla Walla and informs us that beef (butchered) was selling at from 40 to 50 cents per pound in Salmon. He furthermore states that the mines are good. Hence I think we can hope for a good sale, but still I fear there will be too many cattle up there. Next year will be the time for heavy profits. We will cross the river here tomorrow and purpose leaving Salem to our left.
    I stand the trip so far very well. Simon is in very good health. With this I  must close. Hoping too that you are well I remain your most
        affectionate Son
                Lafayette Lane
    Nat and family are very well and send respects.




Louisville June 27th 1862.
My Dear Genl.,
    I am in receipt of yours of the 22nd and am sorry to find the prospect so gloomy, though I see that the mill is still grinding, and my time may come some of these days. I cannot see the gent who sent the papers to Mr. T'Vault; think they must have had sent some ten days or more ago. I did not know anything about them until they had gone. If you are acquainted with him you might speak to him on the subject.
    I have read your remarks about increasing the Adjt. Genl.'s dept. with much interest. My view of their duties has long been those you take. They have near all the power and want to assume all the rank.
    The trouble is they are in that position [where] it is hazardous for other officers to tell the truth about them. By referring to the 451 par. of the Army Regulations, you will see that nobody can approach the throne except through them. I have felt my position has most embarrassing and the consequence had been that although Q.M. Genl. of Buell's army, I have never seen him officially except when specially summoned into his presence. The intercourse of the chiefs of the Genl.'s staff with him should be constant, and like the members of a family, and should not be through a third person. In all our operations I have had to grope my way the best I could, as I have had no time to dance attendance in the anteroom to find out what was going on, or what to be done, or to write an official dispatch to the Adjt. Genl. on any little matter that came up.
    Well, I suppose you understand this, as well as the other matters relating to the clerical dept.
    Should anything of interest take place, will you send it to me. I look over the telegraphic dispatches in the morning, but do not have time to read the papers through.
    Hoping that all may yet be well and the country redeemed,
I am, my dear Genl.
    Yours truly
        T. A. Swords
Oregon Historical Society MSS 1146, Lane Letters



Roseburg October 7th 1862   
        Editor Union;
                Time serves many good purposes. It teaches us wisdom; he that will not learn from that severe instructor, experience, cannot be taught; it corrects error, vindicates truth and discloses stern realities and it has at last revealed unto us the base hypocrisy of this Administration and the real object of this war. A year ago when true lovers of their country, cool, unimpassioned and far-sighted, demonstrated that this was not and simply could not be a war for the restoration of the Union but that it manifestly had for its object the entire abolition of slavery, the "sweet patriots" of this country whom we must needs believe are most "chaste and immaculate in very thought," for of such is the kingdom of . . . Pluto visited upon their devoted heads the most opprobrious and indecent epithets. Such arguments[, which] they exclaimed could not but emanate from [a] traitorous brain, were the base fabrications of rebellious minds intended and calculated to injure the "glorious cause and to give aid and comfort to the enemy"; in fine it was nothing less than treason and deserved adequate punishment. Clamorously they demanded and joyfully hailed the building of bastilles for the reception and incarceration of those that dared impute such sinister designs to our sweet master. There in cold, dark, loathsome cells let the traitorous prophets rot, there let them waste and die in expiation of so foul a sin (as truth telling) was the unanimous and universally expressed wish of a certain class of people in this country. The President himself who we thus see will lie, sir, with such a volubility that "you would think truth were a fool" denied the vile charge against his honor and with the appearance of external abhorrence rejected the idea of an abolition war. And Prime Minister Seward in his instructions to our minister to France, Mr. Dayton, on this same subject also said, "moral and physical causes have determined inflexibly the character of each one of the territories over which the dispute has arisen, and both parties after the election harmoniously agreed on all the federal laws required for their organization. The territories will remain in all respects the same, whether the revolution shall succeed or shall fail. The condition of slavery in the several states will remain just the same whether it succeed or fail. There is not even a pretext for the complaint that the disaffected states are to be conquered by the United States if the revolution fail; for the rights of the states and the condition of every human being in them will remain subject to exactly the same laws and forms of administration whether the revolution shall succeed or whether it shall fail. In the one case, the states would be federally connected with the new Confederacy; in the other they would as now be members of the United States, but their constitutions and laws, customs, habits and institutions in either case will remain the same."
    "It is hardly necessary to add to this incontestable statement the further fact that the new President, as well as the citizens through whose suffrages he has come into the administration, has always repudiated all designs, whatever and wherever imputed to him and them of disturbing the system of slavery as it is existing under the Constitution and laws. The case, however, would not be fully presented if I were to omit to say that any such effort on his part would be unconstitutional and all his actions in that direction would be prevented by the judicial authority even though they were assented to by Congress and the people."
"O, Shame, where is thy blush!"
    But little more than a year after the above declaration of their policy the base hypocrite (I regret no milder term sufficiently expressive can be used) whose very slaves we are, finding that there was no longer any necessity for deceiving the people who he did not fail to discover were both lost to reason and dead to liberty, boldly declared his real policy and proclaimed "That on the 1st day of January 1863 all persons held as slaves within any state or part of [a] state, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be thenceforth and forever after free." That this was the original object of this war I scarcely think a sane man will now doubt. And that it is a most flagrant and unjustifiable violation of the sacred charter of our liberties, I have the authority of Seward and through him the authority of the President to prove. "The case would not be fully presented," observes Mr. Seward, "were I to omit to say that any such effort on his part would be unconstitutional and all his actions in that direction would be prevented by the judicial authority even though they were assented to by Congress and the people." Pardon the digression, but I must say the honorable Secretary of State was evidently in a merry mood when he made that allusion to the judicial authority. O, what bitter mockery! There was a time, in the halcyon days of the Republic, when the judicial had some weight, when the decisions of the court were regarded. But now "Othello's occupation's gone." As with everything disposed to protect the rights of the people and impede the course of tyranny this very virtuous "state necessity" has demanded its suppression and the transfer of its functions and powers into the hands of a military tribunal composed of Lincoln's meanest toadies and vilest slaves.
    Judicial authority! Good God, sir, how sarcastic! Did not the judicial authority of the United States interpose its most solemn protest against the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by the President and what was the result? The court was once the guardian and vindicator of our rights and liberties, but now scarcely a vestige of civil law or order remains to tell of other and better days or to remind us of our most wonderful degeneracy.
    Now, sir, notwithstanding the fact that this act of the President is clearly proved to be unconstitutional by the highest Republican authority not a Republican voice is heard in its condemnation. They endorse it, of course. Indeed it is with them the consummation devoutly wished for. True, it was wrong a year ago but "Massa Abe" has said it, and consequently it is right today. O, sweet, good Consistency, hide thy poor head, thou hast no admirers among that herd. Yet although they may attempt to defend this unprecedented usurpation of power, they cannot in this instance, thank God, deceive the people with that weak, fallacious and damnable plea of "state necessity." For they must confess, with much regret no doubt, that Mr. Seward has very unwisely destroyed all that thunder. He, we see in the above quotation, can conceive of no condition of affairs that would justify such a course. There can be no doubt about the language. It is fortunately as clear and explicit as I could desire it. "The condition of slavery in the several states" he says will remain just the same whether it (the revolution) succeed or fail. And then, in order to prove that this war was not waged in a spirit of conquest, he goes on to say that the rights of the states and the condition of every human being in them will remain subject to exactly the same laws and forms of administration whether the revolution shall succeed or whether it shall fail. Then the question logically and irresistibly assumes this form, either this act of the President is wholly unjustifiable, without a semblance of right about it, or this war is waged in a spirit of conquest.
    In the former event only the most despicable or depraved can defend Lincoln's course, in the latter none, none will have the temerity to approve so unholy a war. Do the people of Oregon fully appreciate the existing state of affairs? Can it be they are aware that our Legislature has by almost unanimous voice committed itself to the support of every measure be it good or bad which this administration may see fit to adopt. They have, using the language of the tyrant himself, declared that "It would be better to violate even the Constitution in one instance than all the institutions built upon it be destroyed." One instance! Gracious Heavens! It would be well if we could but say one instance. But even in that event and under any and all circumstances that doctrine is most pernicious. It is as false as hell; it is a lie fraught with the greatest mischief and most ruinous results. Crimes lead to crimes, and it is a principle of law and of common reason that the right to disregard one law carries with it the same right to disregard all laws. If we fail to condemn and rebuke the former we certainly cannot in consistency condemn the latter. Let the people of Oregon remember that "Liberty and union are one and inseparable." Separate liberty from union and there is no such thing as union; on the contrary we have a government just as oppressive as any other absolute despotism. But, sir, if we but keep the old Constitution ever in view, if we but guard, support, maintain and preserve its supremacy we can rest assured we will have a good government, as good as can be devised, whether it be of one state or of all the states.
    In conclusion let me urge that every man owes a sacred duty to posterity. For its sake as well as our own we should neither submit to a measure violative and subversive of our Constitution, nor support a war waged for conquest and abolition. Let not the course of future generations rest upon our heads. To our shame let it no longer be truly said, "O, judgment, thou hast fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason"!
Veritas
[in handwriting of Lafayette Lane]



Barlow's Gate, June 4th 1863    
Dear Father;
    Dick Stevenson leaves us tomorrow for home and I avail myself of the opportunity presented to advise you as to the condition of affairs with us. After leaving Silverton where I last wrote you we passed through the most brushy country I ever saw; the weather was excessively warm and the cattle disposed to leave the road and seek the brush and shade before them. Thence we had some difficulty and I regret to say lost six head of cattle. This was on the Clackamas and after reaching Foster's we went back to hunt for them and succeeded in finding two head--a cow and calf belonging to me--the remaining four which belonged to Ledgerwood we could not find and after a day spent in hunting were compelled to give it up. Well on the morning of the 31st May we boldly advanced upon the mountain with a hundred and twenty-nine head of cattle and on the evening of the 2nd inst. arrived here with our complement complete. While it was stated to us that the trail over the snow had been broken by a drove of cattle we saw no evidence of it, the snow since having covered and concealed the trail--Hence we claim the honor of having opened the trail and at the same [time] of having made the quickest time with cattle ever put on record. We made the entire distance of 80 miles and through all the difficulties of unbroken trails in three days--never was it done before (bravo). I have not a word to say about [the] market having no opportunity of hearing from Powder River since we left. We will procure our supplies at this point and will start for Grand Ronde tomorrow--where I expect to arrive in about ten days.
    Has there been any more great battles? Is Jackson really dead and is there any hope for peace soon? I find that this portion of Wasco County is unanimously Democratic and I have no doubt this whole country is largely so.
    We are all in most excellent health and I [was] never so stout in my life.
    I will write you next from Grand Ronde. In the meantime I have to request that you present my love to Mother and all the family.
Affectionately your son
    Lafayette Lane
P.S. I have handed Dick $10 as directed by you to defray the expenses of the two horses--mine and yours and told him if that was not sufficient to use his own money and you would make the proper statement with him. I have no doubts but what the above sum will answer the purpose. My horse I imagine is one of the best, stoutest and hardiest in the state and I would like that you should have him broken to work in harness.
    Joe has grown very fat on this trip and looks much like an alderman or possibly more like old Jack Falstaff.
Your son
    Fayette



Ranch--
Grand Ronde, July 23rd, 1863
Dear Father--
    In my last in reply to yours of the 3rd inst. I fear I said many things in the excitement of the moment which perhaps I should not have said. In my ardor & enthusiasm I considered the subject wholly with reference to myself and my heartfelt wishes and did not view it in all its bearings as it deserves. Now, as then in answer to the question--ought we to go? I answer Yes. But can you go? is the question which troubles me. As far as means is concerned I rest easy. Simon owed you three thousand dollars aside from the cattle debt. Ledgerwood owes still $300--and I provided you assume the $500 drawn upon Simon owes you something near $1200. Your cattle that are here will bring say $800. Besides I expect to sell the new band so as to realize nearly a $1000 so that together we will have at least $6000. While one thousand will be amply sufficient to defray all our expenses inclusive of everything--animals, outfit &c. &c. But can you stand the trip? Will not that disease with which unhappily you are afflicted render it almost impossible for you to ride? It is this consideration which has caused me to almost though not entirely regret that I wrote so hastily. There is another matter that should be remembered.
    Will Mother be willing? Under any circumstances I would dislike to leave her but much more if she be unwilling. Can we so arrange it that she live easily and comfortably until we can provide a home in some more congenial climate? If you are satisfied that you can endure the hardships of such a trip and Mother be willing I repeat let us go. There is but a short time left us to act in and we must not lose a moment. In the first place we must have four mules--a gun apiece and a revolver or two apiece. A pair of pants similar to those sister Melissa made for me if fixed with buckskin would serve the entire trip. We can make our outfit, flour, bacon, sugar, coffee &c. at the Umatilla landing. As far as a company is concerned I have not any fears. I have no doubt if what I hear be true that you could raise a thousand men in Bannock City in twenty-four hours that would follow anywhere (in the promotion of such a cause) you might lead. Commodore is at Boise now but I know would be glad to accompany us. He is acknowledged to be brave and would be useful both on the road & there. We will thus arrange it. You come up with Simon as soon as you can ostensibly to take charge of the cattle. Go on to Boise and make all necessary arrangements and at the same time dispose of the cattle and Tom & self can deliver them in almost two weeks from here.
    We could then be ready to start by the first of September. Later than that and I fear all would be lost. I know that you have considered this subject as it is meet it should be considered and hence I trust will not be influenced by what I have said. I present my views & wishes and hope they will not be taken for more than they are worth. To whatever determination you may arrive at I will assent.
    Although Joe promised to write and keep me advised as to the prospects on Simon's claim he has not done so. I will postpone writing Simon until I hear from him.
    Love to Mother & to Simon (if he be at home) and all the family--
Your affectionate son
    Lafayette
Vicksburg capitulated--another Antietam in Pennsylvania--Prospects gloomy--There is but one place for brave men--



Corvallis Aug. 20, 1863.
Dear Jo. & Ben
    Since you & Carrie got in the stage to go to Roseburg, I have not heard anything from you. I wish you would write to me and let me know how you & all the folks are getting along. Has Floed come back from "Frisco." How is Carrie. Is she well; does she stay at Grandpa's or at Floed's. Is Grandpa & Grandma Lane well. Do you go down and see them very often. How is Barlow & Aunt Melissa. How are they getting along. Do you think if you were to come down here & stay in the store with me that you could get along with your stepmother. Would Floed be willing for you to come. I would be glad to have you if you think you could get along here. Please write to me on rect. of this and answer all the questions put to you. May God bless you & Carrie & help you to be good & virtuous & honorable.
Your father
    Nat. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Catharine Creek, Sept. 15, 1863   
Gentlemen:
    It pleases me to apprise you of the rapid improvement in my health. The fever, typhoid in form, is of a procrastinating nature yet my improvement has been very great--beyond my best hopes and certainly beyond my expectations. I am afflicted now only with sweats but I am overcoming them as I gain strength--and trust in a few days to be myself again physically. I fear I never can regain my intellect. That I lost however some time ago when I entered into the cattle business. There is a good deal of sarcasm in Mr. Guthrie's remark that working with cattle begets sweetness of temper. I have failed to discover such to be the case.
    There is a great deal of noise just now about Wallula and I guess it will end in noise and smoke and sound portending nothing. At present there is but very little travel and teaming on the road, and hence I presume there is but little business anywhere. There is some little packing from Wallula owing in a great measure to the grass. This will not last more than two months, for it will be almost impossible to keep the trail open during the winter. Umatilla will have the winter and consequently the spring trade, Wallula and Dalles to the contrary notwithstanding. There will be packing all the winter because of the fact that there cannot be got at the mines a sufficient amount of subsistence, stores &c. to do during the entire winter. Indeed there has been at no time through the summer more than twenty days' rations ahead. This excitement about Wallula is bound in my opinion to be short lived.
    Mr. Ledgerwood will start for Boise this week to make sale of the cattle. I hope to be able to get away from here by the last of November when I will join you in the store and enter upon my duties--a greenhorn--
    Accept the assurance of my esteem and kind regard and believe me
Very truly
Lafayette Lane
I am nervous & weak or I would write more.



Umatilla Sept. 27th 1863
Dear Father
    Your letter of the 17th inst. is now at hand. Since writing you I have received a letter from Lafayette which I forwarded to you. Also have seen Dr. Stockton who attended Lafayette during his illness; he says Lafayette has been dangerously sick and much reduced but is now entirely out of danger and able to sit up. He, I think, has had every care that could have been given him. Had I known of his serious illness, I certainly would have gone to see him. But thanks to the all-wise Being, he is once more recovering and I trust will soon be himself again.
    I am glad to learn that Creed's children have all recovered from their sickness; trust that their illness has not impaired Emily's health. Hope that Charley Mosher's sickness will not be severe and of short duration.
    And I am very glad to learn that my good Mother has entirely recovered from her sickness to which she is so much subject and which is so painful. I have written to Shelby relative to the forwarding of money to Edwards. I think there will be no trouble about it. Say to Mr. & Mrs. Akin that I am well and will write them soon. My love to Mother & all the family.
Your son,
    S. R. Lane
   
    You will see by Fitzhugh['s] letter that Jas. is in Auburn. He was with Lafayette during his sickness; he has not written me since I have been here. Hope that he has done well. Certain that he has made wages.
Your son,
    S. R. Lane
   
Dear General
    As Simon is writing, I thought I would add a line. So far, our business has been fair though we labored at first under the disadvantage of being without the produce of the Willamette. I think I could tell how trade had been by hearing Simon talk if I had been absent all day. He always talks of the ladies when trade is good, but when business is dull, he don't mention the better half of humanity. No sure judgment can be formed of the trade here but I trust in a year we will do well. We occasionally hear of someone here who avoids us because they think Simon is a son of Jim Lane, which is to me truly amusing. It would look as if business must nearly cease during the winter months. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Lane & the family.
Your Friend, J. Guthrie, Jr. 


The Hon. Gen. Joseph Lane
Dear Sir
    At a meeting of the Vallanding[ham] Club of Eugene City, Lane County, Oregon a committee of three was appointed for the purpose of soliciting a speaker for the occasion. Dear sir, after conferring with the committee & a vast no. of Democrats you was the unanimous choice of all present. We therefore in obedience to the vote of the club & the voice of the Democracy of Lane County we now fulfill that request, hoping you will not fail to respond favorably to that request. The Democracy of Lane County would give you a house full of attentive auditors. We would very glad to hear from you and would give you a reception worthy of the day on which our great Jackson won the Battle of New Orleans. Dear sir I hope you will come out on the 8 day of Jany., A.D. 1864, and let us once more hear your voice on the political themes of the day. Sir we have long since been looking for you and anxiously hoping to see you in our county but thus long in vain. Hoping that you will let us hear from you as soon as you receive this also let us know by what conveyance you wish to come & we will furnish that conveyance at your request. If by stage you shall have as pleasant a ride as the nature of the weather will admit &c. Hoping you many years of happy life & prosperity yet laid up in store by the Democracy of Lane County for you
Your Obedient Sevts. &c.
    December 12 A.D. 1863
Andrew J. Babb  )  Soliciting
James Monroe   )  Committee
Jesse Cox           )


[in Joseph Lane's handwriting]
    Please make known to the Democracy that I deeply regret not being able to meet them but in heart I am with them in every honorable effort to restore our country to its original purity and prosperity and the people to the liberties that our fathers fondly hoped and [had] been secured to them by the adoption of the Constitution. This can only be accomplished by the success of the principles of the Democratic Party.


Eugene City, April 9, 1864.       
Dear General:
    The Democracy of Lane County propose to get up an old-fashioned, rousing ratification meeting in this place on Saturday fortnight, the 20th inst., and as chairman of the committee of arrangements, I am instructed to tender a pressing invitation to you, asking that you will honor the occasion by your presence and an address.
    Permit me to add that it is the express desire of the Democracy of Lane County that you should not be put to any expense in responding favorably to their warm and unanimous invitation.
    With profound respect, I have the honor to be
Truly Yours,
    Jas. O'Meara
for the Com. of Arrangements
Gen. Jos. Lane

Dear General:
    I have on the preceding page performed my duty as one of a committee in tendering you the invitation, per instruction. Permit me now, as a true and devoted friend, to beg that you will come to participate in and lead our intended grand rejoicing time, on the 23rd. I am aware, my dear sir, of your physical infirmities--the consequence of severe wounds--and of the hardship even the journey hither must impose upon you; but notwithstanding all these adverse causes, I repeat the earnest solicitation for your presence. It is but simple candor when I assure you that there is no man in the country more honored by a people who have tested and do know him than are you by the Democracy of Lane County at this day. Let us have the assurance that you will be with us, and on the appointed day the legions of the [illegible] great and honest Democracy, all of them, will rally to greet, honor and cheer you, and hearken to your counsel. These are no times for aught but sincerity among Democrats, and I tell you that as one having the weal of our torn but rising party deepest at heart, I say in this only solid truths. Of all men in the state, our Democrats look to you in this dark hour, promising to break away in brightness however, and words of counsel and good cheer from you can now effect more benefit than is possible from any other source. Come, and Lane County can be reclaimed from the enemy. Come, and hundreds of warm hearts and honest hands will welcome and grasp you. At least we will use your name, but will you not give us also your presence and speech? Pray do, if by any means you can make the journey.
Truly Yours,
    Jas. O'Meara
Gen. Jos. Lane
Pray give me timely notice of your coming.

[According to the Oregon State Journal of April 30, 1864, Lane was announced as the speaker, but failed to arrive in time.]



Umatilla Oregon
    May 9th 1864
Dear Father
    Our delegation to the county convention returned last evening. Lafayette was unanimously nominated for Rep.--It was not with his consent or ours, it will I think injure our business, but it cannot now be helped. He is the nominee and must be elected. When his name was proposed in convention all other candidates withdrew their names and went for him to a man. The feeling of the party can well be imagined. I go to Portland tomorrow, Lafayette not yet returned will be down tomorrow. Business dull as ever. Nothing yet from Jas. or Chas.
Your Son
    S. R. Lane
   
Umatilla May 9, 1864
Dear Genl.
    We are all quiet here at this time. I have to [write] a word about La Fayette. He is the Democratic candidate for the legislature. Simon nor I did anything in the nomination but advised against it yet as he is nominated I think he has a fair chance of an election though elections are uncertain. Indeed I trust & believe we will be able to carry the county. The test oath is not regarded here, after thinking over it we have come to regard it pretty much as a test of a man's opposition to the present federal military rule as endorsed by the last state legislature and it is a question whether we shall not go to the polls early and have all the Blacks over to support the Constitution, a thing they have never done in the past. We are not doing a very brisk business this spring but have done about as well as our neighbors. The vote of this county will depend on the mining vote of Granite Creek. You may rest assured that if the junior of this institution is defeated it will not be our fault.
Respectfully
Your Friend
Jas. Guthrie jr.



Kerbyville Ogn. May the 14 / 64       
    Dear Gen.
        After coming here I found that the stage does not arrive here on Thursday the 2nd of June until about 6 o'clock in the evening, so if it will suit your convenience I will meet you at Jump off Joe at Mr. Wallace's on Wednesday morning the 1st. The people are elated at the prospect of hearing you once more. Do not disappoint us, we will have the turnout of the season. Please let me know whether to meet you or not at Wallace's. If you go to Jacksonville let me know. Believe me sir
Your Friend & Servant
    J. A. Abbott



From Ladd (1864 folder)*
Editor Statesman
    As the Copperheads still industriously circulating the lie "that the Democratic ticket in Eola precinct received no votes but those of good, honest and disinterested voters," I will send you the names and some information concerning those whom we think [are] spurious voters in this precinct: S. R. Stone, sheep shearer, left the county immediately after the election, residence Salem. J. A. Riley, residence Salem, engaged in painting at Saml. Goff's. Came into the county 14 days before election day. S. Hays, residence Salem, occupation unknown, supposed to be addicted to the Democratic vice of gambling, guest of Mr. Saml. Goff, left immediately after election. Next Mr. Goff's distinguished friends from Portland, viz., J. Thompson, R. L. Adams, C. Davis (one arm, did not vote), J. K. Clifton, N. H. Arnett, all of whom left the evening of the election for Portland. All of the men named were challenged. Many of them are known by our citizens as men of bad reputations. They never have voted in this county before.
[unsigned]
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.  *"From Ladd" and "1864 folder" are written in two hands, both different from that of the text of the letter.



Bivouac near Richmond Va.
    June 17th 1864
        My Dear Father--
                Here we are once more near Richmond. I have just returned from the Capitol this evening & while there I met a friend that starts for Bermuda next Monday. He promised to get letters through for me. The opportunity is too good to lose--I have written frequently but from your continued silence I fear none of my letters home reached you. It is so unsatisfactory to write by flag of truce--Well, I expect that you have concluded from the northern journals that Grant has completely demoralized Lee & his army--but I assure you that we hardly consider that we have been doing any fighting during the past two months. We have been fighting behind breastworks & Grant has been pushing his men up against them. The slaughter of Yankees has been terrible. Grant has lost out of his army since crossing the Rapidan River at least eighty thousand men & I think it will not fall short of one hundred thousand--while our loss will not exceed twelve to fifteen thousand. If Grant only continues his present tactics we will kill off the whole universal Yankee nation. We have lost some of the brightest men of the South since the war commenced. Do you remember young [Edward S.] Willis, a classmate of mine, from Savannah Ga.--He was killed a few days since whilst gallantly leading a brigade of which he was temporarily in command. He was the most promising young officer in our army. He had the confidence of all his superior officers. He was the best friend I ever had--Lafayette remembers him--Tell Lafayette that his old friends still inquire about him. Young is a brig. genl. of cavalry--Garnett is a lieut. col. of artillery & Henry is a major of artillery. Young is badly wounded in [his] right shoulder--he has recovered sufficiently to walk around. I met Col. Garnett, Jack's father, today. He told me to remember him to you every time I wrote. I am still a maj. of artillery but I understand I have been recommended for promotion. I have tried to do my duty & I believe I have succeeded very well. I am not ambitious, if I can only discharge my duty properly I am satisfied. Artillery is a slow branch for promotion. It is my favorite arm however.
    This letter I presume will have to go by way of London, it is a long trip. We are all very much pleased that Lincoln has been renominated, he will bring this war to a conclusion soon after his election--he is getting sick of it. The Yanks are making a stupendous effort at present & it will fail, as all their former efforts have failed, as sure as the sun shines.
    We have just received orders to be ready to move at daylight. There has been heavy fighting on the south side today. I have not heard the result--I sincerely hope we have whipped them badly. We will, I expect, cross over tomorrow morning. There is not a day but what I think of all the "dear ones" in Oregon--Tell Mother that she knows not how anxious I am to live to see her once more to thank her for all that she has done for me & also to prove by a life of kindness & filial obedience that I am not ungrateful. My sisters, brothers, nieces & nephews, God bless them--I want to see them once more--and you, my dear father--have no son that loves you any more than myself & the height of my ambition is to live such a life as to reflect credit upon you & that I hope & in fact I know I shall never be guilty of any act that will bring disgrace upon your good name--
    I will also state that my frolicking days are over. I drank considerably at the beginning of the war, but I have not touched a drop for nearly a year & I never intend to drink any more--
    My pay is insufficient to support me. I am getting one hundred & sixty-two dollars per month--but our currency is pretty badly depreciated--a suit of ordinary clothes costs nearly one thousand dollars--an ordinary horse will readily sell for two thousand dollars. So you see I must be pretty hard up for money. Is there no way by which I can get some money from home--I think my brother could make up a sum & send me without missing it much. If you could only have about one hundred & fifty pounds or seven or eight hundred dollars deposited in London England & send me a certificate of deposit you would put me under everlasting obligations. I live as economically as I can but I cannot live on my pay, nobody can. I never leave camp & truly I am in a distressed condition. Don't Simon want to take a trip to Europe, if so he could find some method of sending the money. I will have to close--we move at daylight in the morning & it is late now--I expect we will be in a fight before tomorrow night. I hope I may be as fortunate as usual--God bless you all. Let me hear from you--soon
Your affectionate son
    John Lane



Umatilla
    August 4th 1864
Dear Father
    I have not written you for some time, feeling as I have, dissatisfied with myself, and also uncertain as to how our business would wind up. I could not write satisfactory; we have not made money as I supposed we would. Profits on goods are too small for a merchant to even live well without. I think that Mr. Guthrie & Lafayette will leave here without loss or a little ahead. My loss sustained by Jos. [Jas.?] operations is $1,400. Our house also lost $1,200 while Jos. [Jas.?] lost of his own about $900, sum total $3,500. I hope that he may be more successful hereafter. We have canceled his acct., and he is free from all encumbrance in this quarter. My reason for purchasing Mr. Guthrie's interest in [the] store was that I thought I would be able to close the business with a smaller expense than otherwise. He had but little to lose in the event that a fire should burn us out. I expect to join you this fall or winter and take charge of the farm. I trust that you do not expect me to work hard. I am not able. I am so afflicted with piles and rheumatism in the back that I am scarcely able to do the ordinary work of the store. Lafayette will leave me in about three weeks for Salem, after which I will be alone. Mr. Guthrie left here last week for Portland, where he will operate in wheat, produce, &c. I fear that I will not be able to close business before November. We are shipping nothing but flour, bacon & groceries which are ready sale at any time. My kind regards to Floed, Mosher, Haynes & all friends. Also love to Mother and all the families.
Your afft. son,
    S. R. Lane
Remember me kindly to Mr. & Mrs. Aiken & family.
S. R. L.


Grand Ronde Indian Agency
    Aug. 17th 1864
Ed. Statesman
    Sir: I see by the last issue of the Arena my name with others who are reported to have voted unlawfully at the last election in Douglas precinct, Polk County. I will say the whole charge is a slander and a falsehood from beginning to end.
    There was not a single vote polled at that election by an employee at Grand Ronde Agency that was not lawful and bona fide, and I defy the editor of the Arena or any other man to prove to the contrary.
    Mr. Jackson had gained a residence in was a resident of Polk County while engaged in the mercantile business at Fort Yamhill which having been engaged in mercantile business in said county before he was employed by government. He did not lose his residence by being employed by government afterwards. Mr. Miller has been a resident of Douglas precinct for a number of years, which will not be disputed by the vilest Copperhead in the precinct. Mr. Shannon was not in the employ of the government previous to nor at the time of voting, but he did reside some three or four weeks previous to election in Douglas precinct, Polk Co., with bona fide intentions of remaining in said precinct, and would still be here but for circumstances beyond his control.
    As to myself, I have gained a lawful residence in Douglas precinct which is "bona fide," and I shall continue to do my voting at said precinct (it being but seven miles from my residence) while I am employed by government at Grand Ronde Agency, and I hope at the next election I will live to kill a Copperhead vote at the same polls I did at last election. Believing as I do that a Union vote in Oregon is equal to a Union bullet in the South, I shall at all times, when lawful, use my ballot for my country, "right or wrong."
    The Arena must be driven hard sorely belabored or it would not resort to falsehood and slander to cover up its infamy.
Yours &c.
    J. H. Huffer
Aug. 20.
    W. Sherman in last Arena is the W. Shannon mentioned in this letter. Huffer's statements are reliable. R. P. Earhart knows all about these matters. Williams and Knight will both do well to see him.
Huntington
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.  Strikeouts were made to accommodate the edits of the editor at the Oregon Statesman.



Umatilla, Oregon
    August 22nd 1864
Dear Lafayette
    Mr. J. M. Moore has just handed me three dollars for the Eugene City Review which I trust you will please order for him addressed to this office. Yesterday, I made one coin sale, amt. $250. Today sales light, quite a demand for flour. Yesterday, I suffered very much from fever, headache, &c. Today no better. The doctor says that he will be able to break the disease in a few days. He has changed the medicine. Tonight I am to take a ½ oz. or less of blue mass; tomorrow morning a large dose quinine. Yesterday was disagreeable. Another one of our sand storms, which completely enveloped the city of Umatilla in sand. The str. has not yet arrived. If I receive anything from Father, I will let you know. If you should be wanted here I will write you, but think that there will be no necessity for your return.
    Give my love to Shelby, Mary and the young folks. Kind regard to Squire Davis, Warren and other friends.
Your affectionate brother,
    S. R. Lane


Umatilla
    Sept. 5th 1864
Dear Father
    Yours of Aug 28th has just been recd., for which I feel truly thankful. I am glad to know that you have got your grain, hay, &c. all housed and the heavy labor of the season over, that you may be able to have rest the balance of the year. I will join you at as early a period as possible and relieve you of your labors. I will endeavor to make you and Mother as comfortable as possible. I feel confident that there will be no necessity for either you or Mother working. You are both too old and should have been relieved long since. I do not feel that I am sacrificing anything by leaving this place. Money making here is uncertain and my health has not been, during this summer, as good as when in old Umpqua. Merchandising is not suited to me. So you will see that I will willingly to give up merchandising for a place on a farm. I am [desirous] of your opinion relative to stock raising, believe that money can be made at it. I trust that Lafayette will get home in sufficient time to purchase calves this fall. If you think it advisable, I will settle up the business here as fast as I possibly can, confess that it appears slow work. Good many goods on hand not suited for this fall trade, think that I will be able to work them off with a slight loss. Give my love to Mother, Melissa, Emily, Winnie & all the families. Trusting that you all may be blest with good health,
I remain your affectionate son
    S. R. Lane


Roseburg September 9 / 64
My Dear Lafayette
    A few days ago I wrote to you addressed to Portland and for fear you had left or would leave before the letter would arrive, I wrote to your sister Mary requesting her to forward the letter in case you had left. From a conversation had with Chadwick a day or two ago, I am inclined to think that it is expected by some that an effort will be made to first exhaust the strength of Williams, Gibbs and Pearne and after they are disposed of to bring that thief Harding on the track with fifteen or twenty bought-up Republicans and with the aid of the Democrats elect him. I know that you will be a party to no such arrangement. Harding is the very worst man in the state. Williams, Gibbs & Pearne are low down but Harding is still lower, let them and all of their kind go to the Devil. You know that I am not pleased with the nomination of McClellan nor am I with the platform, but the least of the evils will be my choice. Lincoln and his villainous thieving set must be put down. Mc has been presented by a Democratic convention composed of some very good and some very bad men, and should he be elected he will be surrounded by old line Whigs, Know-Nothings and all shades of Democrats. We must take the chances any change will work for the better. In case we succeed I suppose the prisons will be opened and the liberty of speech and the press will be restored, and the war stopped, though I am inclined to think that if Lincoln finds that he is agoing to be defeated that he will make peace with and acknowledge the independence of the Confederacy. The Senate won't go with him, and the opposition could not help themselves, but we will see what we shall see.
    Now my son if your health permits be at your post constantly, never absent for a moment, wide awake & duly sober, give the Blacks all the trouble you can and do as much good as possible, burn all the letters you receive from me, let nothing fall into the hands of thieves.
Your father
    Joseph Lane



Home Sep. 24 1864
My Dear Lafayette,
    Your letter of the 18th inst. has this moment been recd. I am very glad to hear from you and to find that you are well. I have been the more anxious to hear from you, because of ill health. I am quite feeble and hardly know the reason but so it is. I can barely get about. The machinery is well nigh worn out or at least is very much out of order. How hard it is that we have to get old.
    I read Williams' speech upon his election to the Senate. It is worthy of him and the party that elected him. In less than ten years there will be none so bold as to do him honor or acknowledge that they voted for him or advocate the doctrines held by him in that speech.
    I have read your resolution as published in the Statesman and am pleased with it. It is as far as you can go at this time. I find that the word "the" before "dignity" &. has been left out in publishing.
    I have also read Lawson's Union resolutions and with poor old Judge Dewey can say grand, grand as a saw log, and in the language of Rhodes, "Kneeling my prayer shall be this, God pity a fanatic, but God damn a fool."
    I think it would be well for you to speak at as many Democratic meetings as may be convenient, and show up the usurpations, outrages and violations of Lincoln and his minions, and reasons why Mc should be elected. As Vallandingham said in the Chicago convention his election will bring peace, a cessation of hostilities will result in peace. The Democracy will not support him in renewing war, nor will the Blacks.
    I have no suggestions to make as to your legislative duties, other than close attention and opposition to increase of taxes, salaries, bounties and Black Republican measures generally.
    Your sister Winnie has another daughter and is doing well. Mother has been spending some time with her and is well. Give my love to Fay and thank him for attention. I will write him before long. The fact is I have been so feeble and low spirited I have not felt like writing or I would have written before now. Kind regards to all Democratic friends. Write often.
Your father,
Joseph Lane
Lafayette Lane Esqr
    Salem
        Oregon


                                                                                Portland Oct 14th 1864
My Dear Lane
    I have been in almost every shop in town in pursuit of a cane, but cannot find such an one as you desire.
    There are two at Randalls, but neither one of them reliable.
    If you wish it, I can send to San Fran by a friend of mine--purser of the Bro. Jonathan--and procure a good one.
    A letter from Miss B last evening gave me interesting particulars of the Tuesday evening gathering at the Salem Theatre.
    I fear that Ohio & Ind. are lost to us, but the Keystone State may yet come out on the right side, which will be wonderfully consoling.
    In haste
Yours Sincerely
    J. N. Jordan
L. F. Lane Esq
    Salem


Roseburg Feby. 23--1865
Dear Malone;
    I have after much reflection concluded to take a look at that portion of the Mexican Empire over which Dr. Gavin as Napoleon's viceroy is to rule and for that purpose will sail from San Francisco about the last of April. It is not necessary to say that if I should find the country all that I expect I will hardly return to this portion of Abraham's dominion but will try to procure suitable homes for my children and such friends as may desire an asylum where they can enjoy peace and quiet and protection of person and property and where the country is not cursed with Methodist preachers and Yankee schoolmarms, where that infernal nasal twang will not ring in the ear and where we will be free from fanatical, puritanical, hypocritical domination and oppression. Such have ruined the best government ever created by the wisdom of man and I want them not to have another chance but let them stay and suffer from the ruin they have brought upon our once happy and great country. How unfortunate that the innocent have to suffer with the guilty. I will not stay to bear even a portion of the burden so wrongfully, ruinously and unconstitutionally brought upon us all, nor to witness the final overthrow of our system of government and despotism firmly established upon its ruins, as will in all human probability be the result. Indeed I have no hope of anything better for the country that I have loved so ardently and labored so earnestly to preserve and maintain in its integrity and purity. Unfortunately such as been the fate of all republics. I have one consolation; I thank God I had no hand in the ruin. I did not aid in pulling down or destroying our country, but did all I could to prevent the calamity.
    Lafayette will go with me, and the balance of my family will follow, provided as before stated the country shall suit, and of that I have hardly a doubt. I write merely to let you know my plans. My resolution is fixed and I will work up to it. Though I must say to you that I have not come to the determination without a struggle. Now my friend if you wish we will inform you from time to time of the country and its capacity for if we locate there we will want you there also. Let me hear from you.
Your friend
Joseph Lane
I shall advise none but good friends of my plans.



Portland, April 14th 1865
        Dear Father,
                I called this morning on our good friend Judge Wait and had quite a long conversation with him. The better I know him I must confess the more I like him--sound in judgment, sincere in convictions, pure in character--would to God we had many more like him. He expressed not only a willingness but a desire that I should study in his office and stated that he would give me cheerfully any assistance I might require.
    I did not allude to any purpose upon your part to leave the state with a view to go to Mexico but told him I thought it quite possible I might do so. He kindly suggested many objections to the idea. Said he was fully determined to fight it out here and wanted my little assistance, knowing as he did the justice of the cause he never had doubted the final results. He believed it was a duty I owed to my name and to those who were ever relying upon that name for support to remain.
    I felt not a little like Agrippa before Paul. Judge! Oh judge thou almost persuadeth me to stay. Mr. Shelby feels easier this morning in relation to his business troubles. His desire is to discharge his indebtedness without ruining himself financially as seems to be contemplated by his enemies. Unless you desire my presence I will remain here until he can determine what course his creditors may intend to pursue--under such circumstances, I do not conceive there would be anything dishonorable to give him the benefit of my assistance. His purpose is to defraud no one.
    Mary & children, Nat & children are in good health.
    Judge Wait requested me to remember him kindly to you.
Love to all the family
    In haste your son
        L. F. Lane



Portland April 22nd 1865
        Dear Father:
                Your kind letter of 18th inst. received last evening. I deeply regret your continued indisposition--what a terrible affliction it is! I was hopeful that with the coming spring all the mercurial matter would be carried from the system & that you would be restored to better health than you have enjoyed at any time since your return from the States. Even now indeed I do not despair. I am glad that Mosher's wound is improving. I duly received your letter advising me of the accident. I concur with you that the France Gwin scheme has exploded, and I am inclined to believe that there is truth in the report of certain southern refugees espousing the Juarez cause. This "government" is too far committed to the Monroe Doctrine to interpose objections to this action of the "exiles." The result may be the expulsion of Maximilian and the establishment of a truly Democratic government by southern statesmen. The present action of southern leaders is a mystery to me unless such is their object. God in His wisdom doeth all things well. How bright would be the future of Mexico if this should prove the case.
    I have now a request to make, viz.that you get Simon to send to my address care [of] Judge Wait the Code of Criminal Procedure adopted at the last legislature--also the practice in justice court. They are both on top of the library on the farm. They can be sent by mail with but little expense. Have this matter attended to at once if you please. If not too much trouble I would further request that you send Bancroft's Lawyer and Form Book and my English thesaurus.
    I shall get through with my studies as early as possible--maybe next October--I certainly believe that I could soon secure a good practice if admitted.
    I am in very good health but unusually nervous this morning. Except a glass of lager now and then I am exemplary in my habits. Mother need entertain no fears of my being shot in the neck--and if my legs do their duty nowhere else.
    I do not blame Mr. Floed for hesitating to loan money to anyone. If I can find a safe investment here that will certainly pay a good interest I may draw the remaining $1000. It is yours of course and I would not think of using it all were it not that by so doing I can save spending it. Were you to die Mother would not be allowed to want nor could she feel that she were living upon anyone. Such would not be the case and it would be unjust to us--to whom you have both given everything--your fortune and your labor--but pray Father do not talk about death now. You must live to see a better day.
    We are all well and send love to yourself, Mother and all the family.
Your affectionate son
    L. F. Lane



Silver City June 27 1865
Mr. Lane Dear Sir
    I have just bonded my Morning Star ground to W. B. Crane. All the others have bonded theirs at sixty dollars per foot. Mr. Crane has all of the ground but yours and my brother's. I bonded my ground to Mr. Crane for one hundred dollars per foot. Mr. Crane bought some of the ground today at twenty-two per foot. I think you will do well to let Mr. Crane have yours at the same rate I let him have mine, that is, one hundred dollars per foot. He will write you and enclose you a bond with this.
Yours Respectfully,
    J. C. Boone
   
Messrs Lane and Guthrie
    Gentlemen
        As there is but little sale per foot here, and as our side is narrow and very good to sell, I have concluded to go East and try to sell. I bought 25 feet yesterday at $22 per foot but preferred to bond the rest although I was offered 20 feet more at $25. I have bonded the most of it at $60, some at $100, and own myself 165 feet. I have all now but yours and Alphonse Boone's & have written both of you. Enclosed I send you a form of bond which I hope you will conclude to fill out, sign and acknowledge at once. Put on a 25¢ stamp and forward by Wells Fargo & Co. at Boise City to my address. I will take on some xrisk & have a [gold] brick made to take on with me. I think I can get you $5,000 in coin for your interest. At all events, I will make a heavy effort at my own expense. The bond should be filled out & signed by the same names the ground is recorded in favor of at Owyhee, whether it be Lane & Guthrie or individual names.
    Please write me at once as I will have to wait here for your reply.
Respectfully in haste, yrs.,
    W. B. Crane
Boise City, June 30th 65



House of Representatives
    Salem, Decr. 14th 1865
Dear Father:
    I wrote you a short time since and had intended to write you again before noon. But I have been so very busy with other matters that I could not do so. We got through with the Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery last Saturday morning about 2 o'clock. The discussion was long and warm and vituperative. Upon our side both Fay and Cox made able speeches vindicating our position. So thoroughly did they embrace the subject that it was with the utmost difficulty that I could say anything at all. Our speeches will be published pretty fully in the Oregonian--a shorthand phonetic writer having made quite a fair report. I trust you will not be dissatisfied with the little effort I made, though I must confess I did not feel that deep satisfaction I should like to have felt. Understand however I only aimed to complete the argument of Cox and Fay. Upon a bill which I introduced to tax United States Bonds arose another discussion equally as interesting, upon which I also addressed the House briefly and a little more to my satisfaction. The Review will publish a synopsis of it. The Registry Bill threatens to give rise to some feeling. We will defeat it if possible and to do so we have indicated our intention to repeal the Specific Contract Law if they insist upon a registry. However I do not mean to vote for the repeal unless we can thereby prevent the passage of any registry. Gibbs I am advised is becoming frightened in relation to the matter and if we can only keep up their scare we may defeat them yet. We will adjourn next Tuesday and I will then return to Portland and my studies. By the way there is another little subject which has exercised me some little for the last two months. In July last I had the pleasure of being present at an exhibition at the Sisters' Academy--I saw and admired the heroine of the evening, Miss Amanda Mann. Subsequently at her solicitation I had an introduction to her and have met her quite often since then. She is a lady of amiability, genius and taste. The only fault I have been able to discover in her character is the kind feeling she entertained towards myself. That she does entertain such feeling I have been informed through a channel too sacred to be disregarded. This fact has been the source of disquietude to me mixed with a little gratification. I feel a good deal like Benedick and have concluded to take her for very pity's sake. Such too is the understanding between us but I have left her at perfect liberty to change her mind anytime between now and my admission. If she does not, with your consent I shall introduce her to you next September. As an intellectual assistant there is none better in the world. Indeed I regard her intellectual accomplishments and powers of a superior character.
    Say to Simon that Crane writes me asking us to extend our bond until April 1st in the event he cannot effect a sale before Jany. I think we had better do so but will want his opinion before advising Mr. C.
    My health is pretty good--
    Love to Mother, Simon and all the family
Your affectionate son--
    Lafayette Lane



J.M.J. Portland, Oregon, March 3, 1868
My Dear Captain,
    I receive no news, not one word from Roseburg. This would prove that all is well, but that is not enough for me after all I have seen, all I have done there last fall. How I grieve to see Roseburg and neighborhood without a clergyman! How I was pained to leave alone, without a comforter, so many souls, so many dear and beloved children of our Holy Mother, the Catholic Church! So many dear and distinguished converts newly entered into the true and sure paths of virtue and religion, left alone without a priest, a father to assist and console them and encourage them by the reception of the Sacraments! I hope Roseburg may be able to support a priest another year.
    Please give my best regard and respects to General Lane and Lady; my best regards and good wishes and fervent prayers to my dear friend, Hon. Lafayette Lane and Lady; my best regards to Mr. & Mrs. Floed and family; to Mr. Haine and Lady; to Col. John Lane, Mr. Simon Lane, to Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan, Mr. and Mrs. Party, Mr. Bowman, the shoemaker, and all the others.
    You have already received the regulations for Lent. I send [a] few other copies for distribution to your friends. On account and by reason of the scarcity of fish and means to observe the abstinence three days there in Roseburg and your valley, I give, by the present, dispensation to reduce to two days of abstinence, on Wednesday and Friday, except the holy week. As to fasting, let each one see and read the regulations and do what he is able to do.
    In giving my best regards to Hon. Lafayette Lane, please tell him that being of delicate constitution as well as his young Lady, they are exempted to fast, and if necessary might keep only one day of abstinence in the week, on Friday--except Holy Week.
    Please receive my best love and regards for you and Mrs. Mosher and children and believe me for life,
My dear Captain,
    Your most affectionate
        Friend and father in God,
            F. N. Blanchet
                Archp. of O.D.
Capt. Mosher
    Roseburg
P.S.  Please give me some news: how is Mrs. Bowman? Has Mr. Floed received some money on account? What are the dispositions of the people towards us?
F. N. B.



Eugene City April 18, 1868
My Dear Wife
    I arrived here last night in excellent health with the exception of a bad cold. The weather has been most miserable at Corvallis the whole week, rain, hail and the high cold winds peculiar to that locality. It is a lovely day here, and I am in hopes it will continue. There was very little business at Corvallis court and I was not engaged in any case, but I was busy making acquaintances and extending my influence. I have reason to believe that I have done some good, and that I will carry that county by 30 majority--Avery says so. On my arrival here I found Mr. Barlow, who seems in good health; he says the family are all well. I shall probably come home by that road. He had offered to settle with Mrs. Delamater for $500 besides the 160 acres of land and the personal property he has already got. They will accept it I am pretty certain. I could have made better terms, but it is better for him to have the matter settled and off his mind. I shall probably be employed in the murder case of the Southwell boys in which I will make a fee, which is now my particular care, as my election is sure. This county will give me 200 at least. If you have not already written, write to me here. I am anxious to know how you manage to get along and little Polly is--Kiss all the children for me and believe me
Your affectionate husband,
    L. F. Mosher


United States Senate Chamber
    Washington May 29th 1868
Dear Sir
    Your letter of April 28th I have received.
    You have already heard of the result of the impeachment trial--Andy still reigns.
    Nothing of course can or will be done in respect to appointments in Oregon. Things for the present must remain in status quo.
    I hope that your predictions as to the election may prove true; I feel a great anxiety about it, as it is the first election after Grant's nomination. Whatever may be the result of the June election I trust that we shall carry the state for Grant & Colfax.
    There is a crazy determination to cut down the Indian appropriations. We are going to have a hard struggle to prevent their total abolition in some cases. There never was such a frenzy to reduce expenses. I did not attend the Chicago convention; I handed my proxy to Walling. Mr. Cuhite had Baker's proxy. I spoke to some of our Pacific Coast friends about Gov. Woods, but they seemed disinclined to favor the movement. There are a great many aspirants in California. Let me hear from you again.
Yours truly
    Geo. H. Williams
Benj. Simpson
    Salem, Ore.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Memphis September 21st 1868
Dear Brother Lafayette
    I have never received but one letter from you since you went to Oregon, and but for the letters Ma receives occasionally from Winnifred we should know but little about you. A porter from the store has just brought me a letter from Ma, containing your portrait. How it reminds me of old times. It seems to me you have changed very little in appearance since I last saw you; time has been kinder to you than to me. I should recognize you in a moment, but I scarcely think you would know me, unless by the Mosher eyes. Ma tells me that Winnifred wrote me a letter some time ago, but I never received it. You do not know how glad I should be to see you and your family. I have been showing your likeness to my two children, Charlie and Sophie, and telling them of their uncle and aunt way off in Oregon, and of their cousins that they have never seen. They have never had any cousins to play with except Charlotte, and they are very anxious to see your children. My boy is nine years old and my girl seven. Charlie has black eyes and dark hair and Sophie has blue eyes and light hair. I have written to you several times but could not remember your address. I wish you would write to Ma and inquire into the state of her business. I am afraid it is in bad shape, but cannot learn the true state of affairs.
    Pa appointed my husband one of the administrators, thinking his advice would be of service to Ma, as he always had great confidence in him as a business man. You know Will never had any experience in any kind of business until after Pa died. In the beginning, James gave Ma advice which would have benefited her if she has taken it, but William made so many objections and Ma seemed more inclined to listen to Will, that he felt a delicacy in interfering, as Ma had a right by the will to do as she pleased with the property. William does not even consult with us now. Ma has just bought a house in Covington, but she says she knows nothing about the bargain, but Will does. I would say nothing about it, but I think someone should look out for Ma's comfort and interest and you are the only one that can say a word to William without offending Ma. After the old place was sold, I thought the best thing Ma could do would be to leave her money at interest and come and live with us. My husband was then doing good business and making money, and he could have attended to all Ma's business and it would not have cost her a cent. Will objected, and she took an expensive house in Covington and kept house in good style with Aunt Esther, William and Charlotte, all living off of the estate. This could not be avoided as long as Aunty lived. William obtained in the meantime $2,000 from Ma to go into business, and lost it all, and this was never mentioned to James, until he found it out by accident, and he did not like it, as it did not seem quite honest. They were living in better style than we could on $8,000 a year. I made them a visit and saw how hard a life Ma was living--Aunt Esther ruled her with an iron rod as long as she lived and William was Pa over again, just as fretful and exacting as an old infirm man, and Ma was running around waiting upon him and Aunty and the child, like a young girl. I found too that she had no money to use to buy provisions, and whether William did not choose to feed me and the children or whether it was not to be had I cannot tell. I paid my board and attended to her comfort while I was there, but she was in perfect terror lest I should say anything to Will. She said he was so jealous after Aunty died, and Duke married again, and brought Charlotte to Memphis. I tried to get Ma to come to me, or at least stay with me in the winter and there in summer, but she said she could not leave William alone to temptation. When he got a wife to take care of him she would come. But you see now he is married, Ma has both to take care of, besides Charlotte, who was returned to her. William's wife is a very nice woman, I believe, and I feel very sorry for her affliction. She is totally deaf--but is it right in Will to use Ma in this way for his own comfort. I know full well your anger would rise, as well as mine, if you could know how much Ma has to bear from Will's selfishness. I am really afraid she will be without means of support before she dies, if things are not managed differently, and what can I do if she is left destitute. James loves her, and would do anything in the world for her, but he has lost all the money he made by trusting planters, and the failure of the cotton crop. His mother is now a widow with two daughters and a son to educate, and but small means. We have to commence all over again, with but poor prospect of success on account of the state of
[ending lost or not filmed or scanned]



    Dear Nat
        I have received a letter from Ira P. Granger in regard to Ratliff's property. You will recollect that the little lot in Newburgh was deeded to you & Ratliff. The house has fell down, consequently no rent is being recd., but it had been rented for years and Granger's account shows that after paying taxes he has a balance in your favor of $120.58 cts. and he says, to use his own language, "Suppose Nat could make arrangement with the bank in your state for me to pay in the Evansville National Bank or I could send it to him by post office draft, which is the cheapest." Now you will know how to get it, perhaps, better than Granger. Write him how and he will send as you direct.
    The lot can be sold for four hundred dollars and Ratliff will join in a power of atty. for the purpose of selling. Write to Lafayette, and he will attend to it for you.
    Your mother is mending and we hope she will recover. She is very feeble and helpless. Her mind is restored. Would like to hear from you.
Your father
    Joseph Lane
Nat H. Lane Esqr.
Septr. 11--1869.


Home Sept 12th [circa 1869]
Dear John
    I saw Mr. Ledgerwood today and had an understanding that we would take a trip in the mountains, go to Father's next Wednesday and leave there on Thursday morning. We are both desirous of making search for game and minerals in the neighborhood of the Wht [sic] Mountain [White Rock Mountain?]. Mr. Finch says that he is satisfied that the leads that they found on the Umpqua pass through or near that mountain, but in order to be certain of getting an interest in mining I would suggest that you get Barker to go with you to the discovered ledges and represent our co. While on the other hand if we find anything we will represent you and your co. whoever it may be. I have written to Mr. Drain to join us as he expressed a desire when here to take a trip of that kind.
    I would like to have you go and see Jas. and have him be ready. Old Dick is the only reliable horse that I know of to pack, it will be necessary to have him here on Tuesday, and in the absence of a pack saddle we had best use one of Father's saddles, as they are much broader and less liable to turn than any of mine.
    If Mr. Barker consents to go with you on your trip it will be necessary to have two pack horses, in that event let me know in time to get another.
    Mother had the tumor on her ankle cut out this morning. It gives her but little pain. The only trouble was it bled a little too free for one in her condition, however she was doing quite well when I left town this evening.
Your Afft. Bro.
    S. R. Lane
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.



Portland May 17th (Tuesday) [1870]
My Darling Wife
    Your letter reached me Saturday night and filled my cup of sorrow to overflowing. My beloved sister gone--My dear old father and mother heart-broken and likely to follow her soon. Separated from my beloved wife and children--your grief at my absence--and I poor and friendless. It was almost too much to bear. I could not write before. I had no heart to do it. Simon came down last Thursday and left on yesterday morning for Umatilla. He came down to buy flour. He says that they are going to close out this fall and he is going back on the farm. Lafayette did not answer my letter, but Simon received one from him while he was here, in which I suppose he told him of my application for money, as Simon said he would let me have money if he could spare it, but he had let Joe have $4000 and had invested $2500 in quartz leads at Owyhee and so had none to spare. Lafayette is a candidate for Legislature; the money he will spend in the canvass will be more than I needed, and all for no use--but I am glad that he is rising, and hope that he will succeed. The prospects ahead look bright, but I do not know that I can hold out through the "dark hour before the dawn." Father Piette came to see me yesterday to know how he could get the business of the Bishop away from Grover & Page and give it to me. I will have several cases before the Circuit Court in June, where I will become known as a lawyer, which will assist me much. It would be a great assistance to me also if you were here, but as you would have no place to go, that cannot be now.
    In my troubles I have applied to the only source of consolation through the patronage of our Holy Mother. I am preparing for confession and will receive the communion next Sunday if I can get absolution. Pray for me, darling. I have quit drinking entirely, and with God's help, forever. I have already overcome all desire for it.
    Kiss the children. Give my love to Father, Mother and all the family, and receive the prayers of your
Affectionate husband
    L. F. Mosher


                                                                                Feby. 8--1871
My Dear Nat,
    I had the pleasure the other day of receiving your letter and thank you for it.
    I don't go to town, have not been there since November and will not be till April, consequently do not get my mail only as forwarded by some neighbor. Now I have a chance of sending this to town by Creed F. who come to see us.
    I am in good health as usual never well, but work all the time rain or shine. Send your son Nat to me with the understanding that he will go to work and I will keep him busy, so busy that he will think of nothing but work.
    I am glad to hear from my good old friend Genl. Butler. In the whole world there is not a braver or better man. God bless him and give him many years yet.
    I know nothing of John, don't get any letters from him, have not seen Simon since he moved down to the old place, in fact don't see any of our people hardly during the winter.
    Kind regards to your family and your sister & her family.
    May God bless you and yours is the prayer of your old father
                             Joseph Lane



Roseburg, Feby. 28, 1871.
Dear Nat,
    Your favors and also $1000 by W.F.&Co. duly received. Simon as you are aware does not live in town and is not aware of the arrival of the money yet. I will send for him. Will execute note and mortgage according to your instructions as soon as practicable.
    Assure Trimble that this will be done without fail and also thank him for his kindness.
    You will sell place as soon as you can get $3000.
    Business very dull here.
    You have doubtless heard of the Jacksonville scandal. Mr. Fay is accused of having seduced a young lady who has been an inmate of his house for a year or so. The girl says he is the father of the baby and he denies it. I hope he is innocent.
    All well. Love to all.
Your aff. brother
    L. F. Lane
Douglas County Museum



Cow Creek May 20th 1871
Hon. Lafayette Lane
    Dear Sir
        I snatch a few moments to drop you a line. Will you do me the favor to give me some information in regard to some unsurveyed land claimed by H. D. Martin located the 19th day of October 1870. It appears that Slocum made the first claim and H. D. Martin made the next claim. By referring to Flint you can get the particulars.
    It is in 32 South and Range 5 West in Section 9 and 10. My reasons for writing to you on this subject is simply this. Hardy Elliff for the purpose of annoying somebody has induced Jo Burch to jump it. Tob has several acres of oats sowed and fenced. He is not here at present as he has gone with a drove of cattle to California and will not be back until the first of July. I would like to know the law in regard to squatters' rights, and what course would you advise me to pursue to hold it. They have threatened to drive my stock off the land. If they should attempt it what course would be legal to prevent it. You and Willis may consider yourselves employed if [folded page] occur.
[end of letter not filmed or scanned]



Roseburg, Jany. 15, 1873.
Dear Nat,
    Yours of the 13th received and submitted to the consideration of the Board of Directors of the M.&F.N.Co.
    I am unable to answer your inquiries fully and beg to refer you to the Inspectors of Hulls and Boilers resident in Portland who have particularly examined the boat.
    You can obtain a description of the present condition of the boat from the Chief Engineer of the Willamette River Navigation Co., who recently inspected it. I fear his report will be unfavorable.
    The fact is, however, the boat cost about $14,000, and though slightly out of repair the machinery is first class. The Company will sell for $4,500 cash. It will cost you I presume about $2000 to get her to Portland. If there I am satisfied you could do well with her. However I do not want you to lose anything in the matter and hope you will exercise your own good judgment.
    There are parties in San Francisco who desire to purchase her for the Sacramento River. Please answer this at once.
    Times are unusually dull. Barely living, nothing more.
    Folks well.
Love to all,
    Your brother,
        L. F. Lane
Douglas County Museum


Roseburg Oregon
    September 10 1874
Sidney Dell Esqr.
    My Dear Sir,
        There is one paragraph in your note of the 8th inst. that surprises me more than anything that I have heard of in a long time. That is the reported conversation between Father H. and another to the effect that a movement was on foot to divide this state into two districts (judicial, I suppose), with the view of dropping Judge Deady, and that I was supposed to have a hand in it.
    Now, my dear sir, I want you and Judge Deady and all others who may in any way be concerned to know that I have not before heard of any such movement, or ever thought of anything of the kind being mooted or talked of by Father H. or any other person, or even thought of.
    You ought to know me well enough to know that I could not be a party to such a foolish and unnecessary proposition.
    Why should I want to get rid of the ablest jurist in the state, and my friend, whom I respect and honor for his able, faithful and impartial discharge of his duty. No, sir, I could be a party to no such thing. I asked the President, Mr. B., to appoint Deady, and when I found that I was opposed by my colleagues I demanded his appointment and obtained it, and now after twenty years' trial of the judge's ability, honesty and integrity I am proud that I had him appointed--and I trust and hope that he will be continued on the bench during his life. To lose him would be a calamity to the state, to the Pacific Coast, and to the country generally.
    I can hardly think that Father H. would be a party to such a foolish movement. But on his return I will find out, and if a party I will not again hear Mass from his lips.
    Of the other matters treated of in your letter, I will write ere long.
Very truly yours
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



[circa October 1874]
    In the columns of the Mercury of the 10th inst. is published a communication from Roseburg over the nom de plume of "One Who Knows." I have read this letter with some care and though I do not know who is the author, I conclude that he has seen military service and that he is quite an expert in quartermaster and commissary service and duty, otherwise he would not use language like this toward the Investigating Committee. Hear him, "and had the Committee been composed of men who had sufficient military experience to enable them to examine quartermaster and commissary accounts and also sufficient honesty to have reported facts correctly, they would not have fallen into such an error," and further on he says, "In fact, all articles of property whatever were duly accounted for on regular returns."
    Now, Mr. Editor, if the statement made by "One Who Knows" be true, then there was nothing in the world for the committee to do but to say there was no fault to be found with the accounts or returns of quartermasters or commissaries' conduct in the Modoc War. What a shame it is that Brother-in-Law Barker did not go to the Committee when by them requested to do so and explain to them that "all everything," every horse, every article of clothing, every blanket, every pair of boots or shoes, medicines, and all and everything else purchased for the Modoc War, were accounted for and returned according to Army Regulations, and save the Committee from falling "into such an error." But, Mr. Editor, are the statements of "One Who Knows" true & have the quartermasters and commissaries made such complete and satisfactory returns?  I think not. I have faith in the honesty, capacity and integrity of the Committee, and I am quite sure that they did not fall "into such an error," but reported the facts as they found them. Nothing like all the property purchased by quartermasters in that war has been accounted for, nor in my judgment ever will be, "One Who Knows" to the contrary notwithstanding. It is quite easy for a quartermaster to account for all property that comes into his hands. Forage is issued from time to time, and his accounts show it. Clothing is issued and his accounts show to which each and every soldier who draws clothing and his accounts show it, and muster or pay rolls must show it and the price deducted from this payroll. The same is the case with all other articles issued or disposed of. If lost in battle, captured by the enemy, or burned in storehouse, to be accounted for accordingly. As young and inexperienced in military affairs as I am, still I believe I am right, having been instructed by old and wise heads in relation to such matters, and now and here I venture to say that no such complete and satisfactory accounts and returns have been or will be made. But "One Who Knows" tells us that "Genl. Hardie, Inspector General, U.S.A. thoroughly investigated these claims … and recommended their payment." Well, we are obliged to Col. Hardie. He was on special duty outside of his regular duty, but Army officers understand generally the duties of the various branches of the service.
    Consequently, he was qualified to examine the Modoc [omission--one page?] will show and the amount deducted from the payrolls. Goods lost in battle or burned in store or captured by the enemy will be accordingly accounted for. Hasn't been done. As I am too young to well understand military matters, I must not be blamed if I fall into an error. But what, I would ask, had Col. Hardie to do with delinquent quartermasters; what [does] he care whether quartermaster goods were accounted for or not. That was entirely a state matter. The genl. govt. would only be responsible for what had been used in the service and accounted for. He only found and reported upon prices of everything purchased and used or accounted for. Suppose the Q.M. had purchased a thousand horses and had kept them or refused to account for them. Would Hardie say that the 
genl. govt. would pay for them?  I think not. Now has everything been accounted for, do the returns and muster or pay rolls show it?  I guess not. But as before stated, being young and inexperienced in military matters, I may be wrong.
    All the stuff in this Roseburg letter about Genl. Ross is in keeping with trash about Galloway's half-breed vote, down with the Committee and up with fraud & corruption. The discharge of their duty and with the means afforded them went as deep into the mysteries of official corruption that had prevailed at the capital as could be done. I have found no one of any political party in this portion of Douglas County finding fault with the Committee, save only those who are aiming to defend and protect fraud and corruption. Those who may wish to defend dishonesty can better succeed by letting the committee alone, and in some other way, dissembling or otherwise, try to hold the people. Such are not regarded as safe leaders and their following will be small indeed.
    Now for myself, I must be allowed to say that I had entertained for Grover a good opinion. The best that can now be said for him is that at least he was careless and neglectful of his duty and permitted for his own use or the use of his friends a fund to be squandered and to some extent lost and gone, that he should have guarded with as much or more care than he would his life.
    As for Mart V. Brown, whose claims are to be adjudicated by the courts--I have always believed [him] to be an honest good fellow, whose work was done by others, priced and measured by them, or those in whom he confided and trusted and perhaps looked to precedents now obsolete. Further I have nothing to say. The courts will decide and we will be content. I will not defend or in any way uphold official dishonesty. It must be rebuked and crushed out. Now, I ask, what can be thought of one who did certify to a willful lie, an absolute falsehood, and cause the great seal to be attached. Think of the explanation given. Think of the man elevated to office by Democratic votes, charged with the duty of guarding the people's hard-earned money, holding the key to the vault where their money is deposited, not one dollar of which can be legally taken without his warrant, betraying that trust.
    I will say no more. I suppose our Governor will institute proceedings to recover the amt. fraudulently taken. By and by, we will see what we will see.
Friend of truth and justice
    Or if you prefer, Joseph Lane.

    In the Mercury of the 10th inst. is published a letter from Roseburg over the "nom"
    I find published in the columns of the Mercury of the 10th inst. a communication from Roseburg over the "nom [de plume"] of "One Who Knows." I have read this letter with some care, and though I do not know who is the author, I conclude that he has seen military service and that he is quite an expert in quartermaster and commissary service and duty, otherwise he would not use language like this toward the committee. Hear him: "and had the committee been composed of men who had sufficient military experience to enable them to examine quartermaster and commissary accounts and also sufficient honesty to have reported the facts correctly, they would not have fallen into such an error."
    Now, Mr. Editor, I am young and inexperienced in military affairs, but there is one thing I have noticed. That is that letter writers and others who feel it their duty to defend official corruption official dishonesty, fraud and corruption first attack the investigating committee, destroy its character for truth and integrity, teach the people to look upon the members of the committee as unfaithful, unreliable and incompetent, and their victory is almost ensured. The official stealing and fraud may go on without rebuke. One thing, however, such apologists may rely upon. The Democracy up here on Deer Creek will follow no such leaders. We believe the committee have done their duty, and we will stand by their report until the courts shall decide upon the innocence or guilt of parties found delinquent.
    I now return for a moment to the Roseburg letter. Writer says, "In fact, all articles of property whatever were duly accounted for on regular returns."  Now, do you believe this? As little as I know about military affairs, I undertake to say that this statement is false. I have been informed that all quartermasters must show correct vouchers for all his purchases and then he must show each and every article has been disposed of; team, horses, clothing, shoes, blankets, forage and all else must be accounted for. If volunteers kept the horses at the quartermaster price, the rolls must show it, clothing, boots, blankets and all else of Q.M. goods. The rolls
[page missing]
war claims; he did his duty and recommended the payment, and Congress before this ought to have passed a law to pay all claims as recommended by Hardie, but did he say that he had examined the quartermaster's accounts and returns and found all state property correctly and properly accounted for? Not at all. So far as he was concerned, he had just as soon see the state lose it as to see the genl. govt. pay for it. He only passed upon what he saw and made no remarks upon what he did not see and up to this time has not been accounted for.
    I shall take no further notice of the knowing one, but will say that I am sorry, very sorry, that the official conduct of our late state administration afforded good and many justifiable reasons for raising a committee to investigate their conduct. But I am proud that a Democratic legislature did, as soon as they saw the necessity for investigation, create and appoint a committee. That committee was, as I regard the gentlemen composing it, made up of capable, honorable and efficient members of the two houses, and further, I believe that they were honest and conscientious in

Draft of letter above, filmed with undated Lane papers.



Evansville Ind. July 20th 1876
Gen. Jos. Lane
    Dear Sir, it has been a long time since I wrote to you or had a letter from you, and it may be out of place in writing this as I stated in my last that I would not write again till I heard from you, but as letters are frequently miscarried I thought perhaps you did not receive my last, so I proposed to myself today to write another letter to you. I am still living on the land owned by Moses Aiken, the land which formerly belonged to his father, David Aikens Sr. I have a prospect of a good crop if the rain and river does not destroy it. We have had one of the most extreme wet seasons on record. The lowest parts of the bottoms are completely submerged, and there is fair prospect of all the bottom land being inundated. The water is now beginning to run out at the slough near your old residence, which is now occupied by Moses Aiken. The river is near a stand but at time of writing the rain is pouring down incessantly, which bids fair to continue the rise. The land which I work will yet stand about two feet water. I pay ten dolls. an acre for this land and should the water destroy my corn it will most ruin me. All my relatives are well. My mother and grandfather both well. The old man is rather helpless with old age, but his general health is better than for several years. Your brother Simon and family are well. He is now building levees on Three Mile Island, trying to save his corn. His wheat is damaged some, but I think not seriously. I presume you will have heard of the insanity of your old friend Robert Dale Owen. He is now in the insane asylum at Indianapolis where he is receiving medical treatment. All of our family are well, my wife and two children in excellent health. Her and my boy Robt. Lee are now in Mt. Vernon, Ind., where she has gone to attend the funeral of a deceased brother. She is a most industrious woman and has better education than myself. We are laboring hard, managing Mose, living temperate and doing all we both can to advance ourselves. Our children are both healthy and intelligent; the boy is a good scholar for one of his age. He carried home a nice gold pen a few days ago at the closing session of our school for being the best scholar of his age in school.
    I have written more than I intended at the outset, perhaps too much will it interest the reader; if so my most earnest wish will be realized if you write to me direct in care of Peter Balz, Evansville. I receive all my letters and papers at his grocery. He has a private letter box, and letters are delivered by carrier. Hoping this may arrive at an early day and find you and relatives well and prosperous, I remain
Yours truly
    R.D.O.L. [Robert Dale Owen Lane]
Hon. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mountain Home
    November 22 1876
My Dear Nat.
    I have not been to town for seven days last past. Consequently don't know all about the election. But suppose that Tilden is elected, "Grant" to the contrary notwithstanding. Well, acting upon the above supposition I have just written to La Fayette urging him to see that you be appointed collector of customs at Portland and advised that he consult with Grover by letter lest he Grover may promise someone else. Have you seen G? If not see or write to him. I will write to Grover as soon as Tilden is surely elected or I may be so informed. Look ye to it. I want you to have the place, knowing that you are honest and qualified and if appointed will do your whole duty faithfully.
    After leaving you I stopped at Salem, Albany, Corvallis and Eugene and come to Roseburg quite sick. But two days rest and to home I come, then to the election and to home, once since to town and now at work hauling rails. Have killed my hogs but one & salted the pork and rendered our lard. The pig that we are still feeding is large, say, 300 lbs. the six killed were 8 months, very fat. Ere long I will kill a beef. Pete has killed two very fine deer.
    Now, my son, I am greatly obliged to you for kindness and will someday repay in coin all advanced to me for outfit and expenses &c. That is if I shall have the luck to make the money, and sure I will try.
    Now to Jane I want to be remembered most kindly. I send to her my love and my heartfelt thanks for her kindness to me and will say that should I have the good fortune to sell our cattle and other stock I will go and live with you & Jane. I know how kind she would be to me. My love to Nat. Jr. I am proud of him and love him much. When you will write to Harry give my love to him. Please accept my kind & best wishes for yourself, Jane & grandson Nat. prosperity and happiness to each and all of you.
Your father
    Lane
Nat. H. Lane Esqr.




Marquette, Michigan, Dec. 10, 1876.
My dear old friend,
    It is many years since we have met, or since I have heard of you directly. Two or three months since I met a friend of one of your sons, who told me that you were still alive & well, & gave me your address.
    I have often thought of you, particularly in these last years when I have been writing my autobiography for the Atlantic Monthly, &, in looking back through my life, was reminded that it was to your influence & good word with President Pierce that I was indebted for my position as Minister to Naples, a kindness for which I have always felt that I owe you a debt of gratitude.
    My autobiography is only partially written, one small volume having been published in book form, & I desire, in the sequel & in connection with the Naples appointment, to speak of you. In doing so I should like to place on record a story which you told me, I think in Washington (about the time I met Jack Hayes at your rooms) but some particulars have faded from my memory, as the blanks in the enclosed brief sketch will show you.
    I should be very much obliged to you if you would fill up the blanks (as set down on a separate paper) & return the whole to me addressed New Harmony, Posey Co., Indiana, where I shall be in a few days.
    Also if you would supply any omissions & correct any errors which I may have made. When printed I shall send you a copy. And as soon as I learn that this has reached you in safety, I shall cause my publishers to mail to you a copy of the volume already published, to which I gave the title of "Threading My Way."
    When you write please let me know of your health & welfare & that of your family. Do you still do anything in the way of farming? Or are you resting after a busy life?
    My own health is now very good. I had a severe illness last summer, which threatened at one time to be fatal. I lost 19 lbs. in 13 days. but I have now quite recovered & have got up to my old weight of 145 lbs., having gained 30 lbs. since that illness.
Believe me, ever
    Faithfully yr. friend
        Robert Dale Owen
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Pioneer Mine
    Feby. 18th 1877
Dear Father
    Your letter of the 7th inst. recd. by this mail. Please say to Mr. Hinkle that I expect to be at Roseburg about the middle of April, at which time I will pay him his money. In selling the N. place I would prefer selling the whole of the ground that lays north of the Mountain Ranch together, as a strip of ground lying between those places would be worth nothing to me. I think [it] is worth $4000, but sell you [sic] what you can get. I thought two weeks ago that I had sold this mine, but have recd. no payment yet. The co.'s supt. is now in charge of the mine, working 6 men preparing to put on the machinery. The engine and two machines have arrived and are now laying at the mine ready to be put up when the building is ready to receive them. I will wait, if payment is not made sooner, till the machinery is put up then take charge of the whole if I can and resume work.
    No conveyances have been made, nor will not be until everything is in shape so that I can get my money.
Your afft. son
    S. R. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Yoncalla, Oregon
    May 2nd 1878
My Friends,
    I have little ground to hope for your assistance in this day of my great need, except my great need of it.
    I have no money to offer you as fees, and but little hope of ever having any, and while there has always been a warm friendship between us in the past, I frankly admit the benefits derived from our friendship has been on my side. If one or both of you will give me your valuable assistance with suits that Dowell has commenced against me, the only compensation for which you are likely to get for your labor being the gratitude of a nearly helpless old man, I will do for you all I can in return.
    I am here at my brother Charles' house, who has sent for me to be with him in his last hour, now near at hand, and being troubled with the further affliction that has befallen my son Robert whose family is broken up by his wife becoming a raging maniac, I find myself utterly incapable of attending to any kind of business. I have been trying tonight to write a kind of answer to Dowell, and an argument in support of it, and I enclose them as much to convince you of my imbecility as to give you an idea of the course I propose to pursue in the case.
    But I do not know what the law of the case is, nor am I capable of defending my rights under it if I did. If one or both of you will take my case in your hands, I will rely implicitly [that] justice will be done. Can you help me, please answer.
Sincerely Yours,
    Jesse Applegate
Hons. L. F. Mosher & L. F. Lane
P.S. Glenn O. Holman of your town tenders me his services in this matter. Mr. Holman is a stranger to me, and probably entire overrates my ability to reward him for his services.
J.A.



Mount Yoncalla, Oregon
    May 23rd 1878
Messrs. Scott, Stinson & Patterson,
        Gentlemen,
                I duly appreciate the honor you do me, by choosing me to be your orator at your 4th [of] July festival at Salem. It fully accords with my wishes to accept the distinguished position. For the second time in life I strongly desire to address my fellow citizens publicly--not in eulogy of the past, but in solemn and earnest warning of the dangers that menace our loved country and its institutions in the future. And as age and infirmity give me notice that the end is near, it would afford me a great pleasure (if a melancholy one) once more to meet the lessening few still remaining upon [omission] whose bravery and patriotism our infant institutions depended.
    Both of these objects would be accomplished by accepting the distinction you offer me.
    But as circumstances compel me to deny myself these pleasures, allow me in acknowledgment of the honor you have done me to recommend to you Gen. Jo. Lane as the orator of the day who is in every way qualified better than myself to do honor to the position. While his once erect and commanding stature is somewhat bent and shriveled by great age (78 years) he still retains his intellectual faculties apparently in their full strength and vigor, his memory as clear, his eye as bright and his heart as warm as when it was his enviable fortune to unfurl the banner of liberty in undivided sovereignty over these shores. And the announcement that he will then and there speak to the people will draw to your 4th July festival a larger concourse than was ever before assembled at Salem on a similar occasion.
Respectfully
    Jesse Applegate

Telegram from Jo Lane June 14, 1878 a


Telegram from Jo Lane June 14, 1878 a

Salem, June 15th 1878
Gen. Joseph Lane,
        Dear Sir:
                I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your patriotic offer to command the troops of this state if any should be required in the present Indian difficulties. It is characteristic of the spirit of devotion to the interests of your adopted state which you have manifested in all her struggles with her savage foes. It proves too that age has not dimmed the fire that animated your heart in Oregon's early Indian wars as well as upon the historic fields of Mexico.
    Upon the reception of the news of the present Indian outbreak an order was made upon Gen. Brown for arms. The general at once tendered to the state the organized state militia under his command for immediate service if required. This offer was accepted.
    Inasmuch as no demand has been made for volunteers it would seem that the limited state forces in the field will be sufficient for the present emergency and that it will not be necessary to call for state troops. If it should be otherwise your offer will receive due consideration.
Very Respectfully
    Your Obedient Servant
        S. F. Chadwick
           Governor of Oregon


Roseburg, Oregon
    July 16--1878.
Dear Madam,
    Your kind and interesting letter of the 21st ult. has been received. I thank you for it and would have answered ere this but for a press of business that could not be delayed. I beg you pardon any seeming neglect.
    Your history of the three old brothers, who lived in and near where Raleigh now stands and who were young at the time of the commencement of the Revolution and who were good and true Whigs and who did good service in the great struggle for liberty, are our ancestors. They were noble, old-style gentlemen: Jesse Lane, the youngest of the three brothers, is my grandfather. John Lane, one of the sixteen children, was just old enough to bear arms, entered the army and fought his first battle at Kings Mountain. Joel, the elder brother, commanded a regiment and did good service. Two of them were members of the tate convention that adopted the Constitution of the United States. My father, John Lane, at the age of 35 or 36, married Elizabeth Street in Buncombe County, where I had my birth on the 14th of December, 1801. I am the second son and my father left Buncombe for Kentucky in 1804, where I was raised. I have just said that the three brothers were young at the commencement of the Revolution. They had families and the eldest was under fifty.
In 1860, I visited North Carolina and my father's birthplace, the old home of my grandfather, four miles from Raleigh. In Raleigh, [I] visited the house in which Joel lived at the time he deeded as a present to the state 640 acres of land on which the city now stands. Called at the Statehouse to look at the deed of conveyance, saw many of our relatives and spent several days with my cousin David L. Swain at Chapel Hill and learned much of and about our family and intended to go to old Buncombe, but did not. Had I carried out my program I might have had the pleasure of seeing you. Of my grandfather's family, there were eight brothers and eight sisters. My aunts married gentlemen named as follows: Rhody married Rakestraw, Patience John Hart. Rebecca, Lucky. Sally & Polly married brothers named Kirkpatrick. Winifred, Rogers. Elizabeth, Parson Montgomery, and your g-grandmother Carrie married David Lowery. My father and my uncle John Hart, Matt Barber and one other whose name I forget and Uncle Lowery, a party of five, were in pursuit of Indians who had been stealing and robbing the outside settlers, all good Indian fighters, ventured too far, were attacked by a large party of warriors. Barber, Lowery and the other, after hard fighting, were killed. Father & Hart made good their escape. Some time after, Aunt Carrie married Swain, whose son, David L. Swain, I had corresponded with for many years before I made his acquaintance at Chapel Hill as above mentioned. All the eight sisters were noble, good & true women. I was raised in Henderson County, Kentucky, near my Aunt Hart, a splendid woman she was. My Aunts Kirkpatrick, who lived in Illinois, visited us in the year 1820. In 1821, I visited Parson Montgomery, then living in the state of Mississippi about twenty miles from Natchez, and heard him preach. Found him a pleasant gentleman, rich but a great hypocrite. My good, proud old aunt was not happy. It was not her fault that the parson was not a true man. She died not many years after; her sons were clever and did well. I often saw your great-grandmother Aunt Carrie but was too young to remember her. Gov. Swain often spoke of her with much love & respect, looked upon her as one of the best mothers and most lovable woman.
[end of draft]


Roseburg, Oregon
    July 16, 1878
My Dear Madam and Relative,
    Your kind and and interesting letter of the 21st ult. has been received. I thank you for it and would have been answered ere this but for a press of business that could not be delayed. I beg you to pardon any seeming delay.
    I am the son of John Lane and grandson of Jesse Lane, one of the three brothers mentioned in your letter. They, the three brothers Joel, Joseph and Jesse, were born near where Raleigh now stands away back in Colonial times and were clever, old-style gentlemen, all patriots in the War of the Revolution, and did good service in the cause of liberty. My father, John Lane, joined the army when quite young, but just in time to be in the battle of Kings Mountain and remained in the army until the close of the war. Subsequently, he settled in Buncombe County, where my uncle Charles Lane and himself labored for years in an attempt to find iron ore and establish iron works, but were unsuccessful. In the year 1798
[end missing]



Roseburg, Oregon
    July 17, 1878
My Dear Madam:
    Your letter of the 21st ult. has been received. I thank you for it and would have answered ere this but for a press of business that could not be delayed.
    I am the grandson of Jesse Lane, one of the three brothers mentioned in your letter, who lived near where Raleigh now stands. The three brothers were born near where they lived, away back in Colonial times, and were clever, intelligent, old-style gentlemen, and did good service in the War of the Revolution. My father, John Lane, entered the army while quite young, just in time to be in the Battle of Kings Mountain, and remained in the army until the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He voted for George Washington the second term, North Carolina having adopted the Constitution after his first election. He then voted for John Adams first and only term, then for Jefferson two terms, then for Madison, for Monroe and for Jackson, etc. My father and my uncle Charles Lane settled in Buncombe in 1795, where they spent money, time and much labor in an effort to establish iron works not far from where Ashville now stands, but failed to accomplish this object.
    In 1798 my father, then about forty years old, married my mother, Elizabeth Street. I am the second son and was born in Buncombe within four miles of Asheville, on the 14th of December, 1801. In 1804, Father left old Buncombe for Henderson County, Kentucky, where I was raised. I married young, raised ten children, six sons and four daughters, now all living but one, a son who died of cholera in New Orleans in December 1848. He left a widow and one child, a boy. The other sons and daughters are living in this state, all married but one, to wit:
    Col. John Lane, a graduate of West Point, who resigned at the commencement of the late Civil War, joined the Southern army, came out at the end of the war badly whipped, returned to Oregon and remains unmarried. My life has been an eventful one; elected to the Legislature of Indiana in 1822, from the counties of Vanderburgh and Warwick, where I had settled some years before, and continued to serve in the state legislature, off and on, one branch or the other, until '46 when I resigned a seat in the senate and entered the army then being organized for the war with Mexico, soon raised from the position of private to that of brigadier and came out of service at the end of the war a major general. My first battle, Buena Vista, was under Taylor, then transferred to Scott's line and saw and helped to fight as many if not more battles than any officer of that war. Very soon after peace was made with Mexico, I was by Mr. Polk, then President, appointed Governor of Oregon Territory and Ex-Officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs. The trip to reach my post of duty had to be made across the plains in the winter, a feat that had not before then been accomplished. But I had at the request of Mr. Polk undertaken the performance of the duty and with hurried preparations, an escort of twenty men under Lt. Hawkins, left Fort Leavenworth on the 10th day of September '48 and after a hard struggle arrived at Oregon City on the 2nd day of March 1849 and on that day issued a proclamation making known that the laws of the United States by Act of Congress had been extended over the Territory of Oregon, that I had been duly appointed Governor, had taken the oath of office and had entered upon the duties thereof. Well, I continued in office, attended to the interest and welfare of the good people and also to Indian affairs, brought the murderers of our people, Chief Tilokite and four of his braves, to trial and to the gallows, had several fights with different tribes, came near being killed, was very badly wounded, placed relations on a good footing with all the tribes, and in '51 was elected Delegate to Congress, was four times elected Delegate and then elected one of Oregon's first United States Senators, retired from the Senate in '61. In 1870 on the 16th day of August, my good and beloved wife died. Since then I have lived alone on my ranch in the mountains, twelve miles from this place, until now. I have just finished a very neat little home where I think I shall spend my days unto the end.
    I am in a quiet part of our pretty little town near some of my children with whom I shall take my meals and still live alone in my pleasant little home. My son LaFayette, who represented this state in the 44th Congress, lives quite near my house. He is the youngest of my ten children, a good lawyer and kind son.
    And now returning to the old family, in 1860 I visited North Carolina and my father's birthplace, the old home of my grandfather, four miles from Raleigh. In Raleigh [I] visited the house in which Joel lived at the time he deeded, as a present to the state, 640 acres of land on which the city now stands. Called at the Court House, or State House rather, where such records are preserved, to look at the deed of conveyance, saw many of my relatives, and spent several days with my cousin, David L. Swain, at Chapel Hill and learned much of and about our family and intended to go to old Buncombe but did not. Had I carried out my programme I might have enjoyed the pleasure of seeing you.
    Of my grandfather's family, there were eight brothers and eight sisters. My aunts married gentlemen named respectively, as follows: Rhoda was married to Rakestraw, Patience to John Hart, Rebecca to Lucky, Sally and Polly to brothers named Kirkpatrick, Winnifred to Rogers, Elizabeth to Parson Montgomery, and your grandmother Carrie married David Lowery. My father and uncle John Hart, Matt Barber and one other gentleman whose name I forget and Uncle Lowery, a party of five, were in pursuit of Indians who had been stealing and robbing the outside settlers, and all five were good Indian fighters, venturing too far were attacked by a large party of warriors. Barber, Lowery and the other, after hard fighting, were killed. My father and Hart made good their escape. Some time after, Aunt Carrie married Swain, whose son David L. Swain I had corresponded with for many years before I made his acquaintance at Chapel Hill as above mentioned. All the eight sisters were noble, good and true women. I was raised in Henderson County, Kentucky, near my Aunt Hart, and a splendid woman she was. My Aunt Kirkpatric, who lived in Illinoi, visited us in the year 1820. In 1821 I visited Parson Montgomery then living in Mississippi about twenty miles from Natchez and heard him preach. I found him a pleasant gentleman in manners and rich in this world's goods. My good, proud old aunt was not happy. It was not her fault the parson was not a true man. She died many years after. Her sons were clever and did well. I often saw your grandmother, but was too young to remember her. Governor Swain often spoke of her with much love and respect and esteemed her one of the best of mothers and most lovable of women.
[text above is in a feminine hand; below in Lane's hand]
    The above I had copied from what I had written. My hand trembles, and I was fearful you would have trouble to read or make out what I had written. But will now finish all that I had contemplated saying. The eight sons of my grandfather's family were named as follows:  Charles, Joel, Jonathan, Simon, John, Richard, Joseph & Jesse. Gov. Colquitt of Georgia is the son of the daughter of my uncle Jo Lane. I met him in Mexico and served with him in Congress. My grandfather moved with the Kirkpatricks from Georgia to Illinois when he was eighty-four years of age (84) and killed many buffaloes in that new and uninhabited country. Died at 88.
    I know but little of the whereabouts of many of my cousins; they are scattered over the Southern states.
Very truly, your friend
    and relative
        Joseph Lane
Mrs. L. A. E. Stikeleather
    Olin, Iredell County
        N.Carolina
Answer.

Mount Yoncalla Oregon
    July 18th 1878
My Friend,
    I am using a leisure time [sic] in writing "notes" for the use of Mr. Bancroft in his history of Oregon. And will soon come to treat of that period of our history when you became an actor. It is a part of the plan of Mr. Bancroft to give a short biography of the principal actors in the Oregon drama. And the part taken by you is both conspicuous and important, and as you are one of the few who have any real history to relate, I should like to have the honor and the pleasure of relating it.
    Just at this time some portions of your history would be very interesting, and probably profitable reading for the people of Oregon, and it would not lessen its value to Mr. Bancroft if first given to the Oregon press.
    There are also many incidents in your public life as Governor, Delegate and Senator of Oregon for the details of which at this distant day I cannot trust entirely to memory, to say nothing of your earlier adventures about which I know very little.
    From the comprehensive plan of Mr. Bancroft and his evident ability to successfully execute it, I think his book will be a standard work. I cannot therefore venture to write anything about you without first having a long interview.
    I am for reasons I am ashamed to mention unable to come to you. Can you make it convenient to spend a few days with me, on Yoncalla? My wife and I are now sole residents on the mountain--enjoy a solitude and quiet little less profound than that of the grave--no one will disturb us, and we will make you [as] comfortable as we can.
    Should you come bring with you any notes, records or documents that may assist your memory in regard to names, dates &c.
    I yielded to Mr. Bancroft's wish with not much relish for the task; so few "stirring events" have happened in Oregon that its history will be rather dry reading to make the best of it.
    But as I know as many of your acts have been misrepresented and your motives misconstrued, and having made for yourself a national reputation your name must appear in history whether you desire it or not. For the sake of your posterity, let future generations read you aright, however much misunderstood by the present. It is scarcely necessary to add that what little I may be able to contribute to this end will be a "labor of love."
Your friend
    Jesse Applegate
Gen. Jo. Lane



Roseburg Oregon
    October 8--1878.
My Dear Relative,
    With all my heart I thank you for your very kind letter of the 28th August last. It is not often that one receives so good, kind and well written [a] letter, again I thank you, and will promise to acknowledge receipt of all such good letters.
    For some weeks I have been from home and on my return met the sad news of the death of my dearly beloved granddaughter Vinnie Floed. Her mother is my third daughter, two older and one younger. Well some six weeks before Vinnie died her mother left us with the sick child, with the hope that travel might be good for the sick one. By steamer from Portland to San Francisco was the route taken and then by rail to Santa Clara. Able doctors were consulted at both places, all agreed that no earthly power could save her, but as she wished to travel let her be gratified, consequently they visited many portions of that state and then to the mountains in Nevada where they remained some two weeks, one week too long. The route they took homeward left some three hundred miles of coach travel. This our beloved sick one found was rather hard for her so she asked her mother to make a stay of a week or more, until her kind father could meet them with easy and slow conveyance. This was at Strawberry Valley, near the base of the snow capped "Shasta Mountain," a good hotel and one of the most beautiful locations on the Pacific Slope, distant from this point 198 miles. Mr. Floed arrived the day before our beloved Vinnie died. She was pure and good, well educated and accomplished and beloved by all. I did love her as a grandfather seldom loves his grandchild. She was noble and as good as anyone on earth can be. The party with the remains arrived at home last Friday evening, and on Saturday after funeral service, attended by hundreds of people, was laid by the side of her sister Emma, who had preceded her some fourteen months, taken from us by [a] similar disease. Vinnie was sensible and talked to the last, knew that she was dying, said to her mother "I am dying, bury me by the side of my sister." There are two sisters left, Mary the eldest is married to Mr. Hogan and has two children and is well off and very happy. The other, Maggie, is eleven, smart and healthy. Two sons, one just home from Lexington, Va., where he has been at school, the elder brother is shipping and produce manager of his father's large business house of this place. Creed is the eldest, Fred is the other. Now my dear you will pardon me for so fully referring to the afflictions of my daughter's family, for in all your life you have not known a better woman than Mrs. Emily Floed.
    I thank you for the papers forwarded to my address. I would be very glad to visit old Buncombe and the state generally but whether I shall be able to do so I cannot now tell.
    My health is good. I sit a horse as well as ever, love to ride, and walk with ease. Yet you will see that my fingers are clumsy and tremble a little and cramp when writing. In the right arm and shoulder I received two severe wounds that have much to do with the cramping of the fingers. As to my former letter, do with it as you please. Our family are Catholics, good, kind and liberal to all. Entertain all denominations alike. Adieu, God bless you & yours is the prayer of your friend & relative
Joseph Lane
Mrs. L. A. E. Stikeleather
Write when you can.



Roseburg Octr. 22--78
Hon. Wm. Galloway
    Chrmn. Committee on State Lands
        Dear Sir,
I am inclined to believe that important facts in relation to surveying, selecting & locating swamp lands by our Jesse N. Barker can be obtained by summoning John Fitzhugh, who in fact did all the work, the surveying, platting and making returns of lands located and knows the number of days in the field. He is honest, truthful and a good surveyor. His residence is within ten or twelve miles of Port Orford, which is his post office, should you need him. I think he can give valuable information.
Very truly our obt. servt.
        Joseph Lane.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



218 Eddy Street
    San Francisco
        Nov. 5, 1878
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Roseburg, Orgn.
        Dear General,
            You would pardon me, I am sure, for my apparent neglect of your last communication if you knew the whirl of affairs I have been in for all the time since it came to hand.
    This whirl has finally stranded me in Mr. Bancroft's library where the history makers are at work, as I see now one of the corps engaged in putting people in their proper places before the world! I can with the greater degree of assurance importune those people for facts about themselves and others.
    To save you doubling your notes, as you were kind enough to undertake to do, that both Mr. Bancroft and myself might have a share, if you will now prepare only one set of them, Mr. B. and I will arrange their division between us.
    What I am  most anxious about is that Oregon should be honorably and, as far as possible, correctly written up. I want those men who did things to tell what they did, and why they did it. Inasmuch as you were first Governor under the U.S., your public acts have more interest than those of any later executive. You must go into history, therefore consent to be represented as you yourself think you ought to be.
    There is a good deal about the formation of the machinery of government that would be very proper to put down and that nobody could do so well as yourself. There are your campaigns with the Indians and a hundred [others] ought to be told by yourself. I do take into consideration your "cramping fingers" and am sorry I cannot be there to do the writing for you: but since I cannot, is it not possible to put into use somebody who is there?
    It is a part of our plan to give brief biographies of the leading men in the history, and anything you choose to say about any part of your career will be gladly received. I will not tax your patience further, but trust to your love of truth and regard for Oregon history to inspire your pen.
    I noticed the death of your granddaughter in the papers, and truly sympathized with you and with her sorrowing mother. It is a sad thing to see the young die. I never had any children of my own, but have mourned the loss of my sisters' children sincerely. Only time and faith heal these hurts.
Very Respectfully
    F. F. Victor


Roseburg Oregon
Nov. 11--1878
My Dear Galloway,
    I thank you for your very kind and good letter of the 21st ult. Throughout my whole long public service I have held and acted upon the principle that public servants must be honest and if not honest they ought to be exposed and punished, and where there is suspicion and doubt about honest and faithful discharge of duty the strictest investigation should be made and guilty parties if such are found to exist by careful investigation shall be held responsible. Be their politics Democratic or otherwise, no dishonest official should be excused or in any way shielded from his guilt. Having been introduced to you at Salem, looked well at your face and eye, and having heard my son L.F. speak handsomely of you, as soon as I saw by the papers that you had been placed at the head of a committee to investigate state land matters I felt certain that a full, fair and complete investigation would be made, hence my letter that you have had the kindness to speak handsomely of. I am glad I wrote it, since you say you were much encouraged by it. You will, my dear friend, always find me on the side of right and justice, and I know that I shall always find you contending for right, honest and faithful discharge of duty. No guilty official will by you be allowed to go unpunished.
    There is to my mind a mystery in relation to swamp land, located by Commissioner Barker. Barker says that he received only 5368 dollars. Who got the balance of the amount allowed him? Did his work amount to the sum he did receive? Fitzhugh, who did all the surveying, platting, mapping &c., received as I am told less than four hundred dollars.
    I don't understand it, but you will find out all about it and you will forward to me your report. In good time I will understand. Very truly,
Your friend
    Jos. Lane
Transcribed from a photocopy of the original in the Douglas County Museum Lane vertical file G-21



My dear General
    With great pleasure I recd. another installment of invaluable matter from you. Mrs. Victor likewise examined it and pronounced it very important.
    I appreciate fully the tax this writing must be to you, but it is a good work you are doing, and I hope your strength will last.
Very sincerely,
    H. H. Bancroft
Nov. 20/78


Roseburg November 20--78       
Hon. Wm. Galloway
    My Dear Sir,
        Two days ago I enclosed to John Fitzhugh the papers that you had enclosed to me and requested him to give them such attention as he deemed right and proper and address them to you at Salem. On yesterday I recd. a letter from John, who is as truthful and as honorable as any man in the state, and though the letter is a private one, I herewith send it to you. You can if you wish have it copied, or any portion of it, and then return it to me. By the enclosed you will see how our poor state has been imposed upon, how by Chadwick's influence, Barker, his brother-in-law, has been placed in position to swindle the honest taxpayer and disgrace our state. Barker has not a single qualification for any position of trust. Untrustworthy in all things, and yet in time of the Modoc War, this same Barker was by the same influence appointed Quartermaster Genl. of Oregon. We here know how the duties were performed, and know that an investigation ought to have been had, but nothing was done. The accounts were passed & the state foots the bill, subject to congressional action for pay to the state, and now Col. Barker is charging our good Gov. Thayer with falsehood and bad faith in not appointing him to be superintendent of the penitentiary, that the gov. had promised him that place. What think ye? Is it not strange? One thing I think it is safe to say, that is, that Barker has had an influence for the last 8 years at Salem with the powers that were, that your friend and humble svt. could not have equaled had he tried, and perhaps it may and will be so with the present power at that place.
    But my dear friend, one thing is certain. I shall never do anything or countenance the doing of anything dishonest or dishonorable. No, never.
    Truth is omnipotent, and public justice certain. Go ahead, work faithfully and expose all corruption and villainy, and the people will thank you.
Your friend
    Joseph Lane
Today my hand trembles worse than common.
I have been working quite hard.
Transcribed from a photocopy of the original in the Douglas County Museum Lane vertical file G-21



721 Market Street
    San Francisco
        Dec. 8, 1878.
Dear General--
    I see that you think Mr. Bancroft or myself, or both of us, have been negligent about writing, and I am truly sorry that you should find either of us remiss in that respect after your great kindness in writing so much valuable matter for us. I think the mails must be somewhat at fault, for Mr. B. at least is very prompt. For myself, I am very hard worked--writing nine hours a day. I have certainly thought of you very often, and, if you will allow me to say it, very affectionately.
    I have read your communications as they came in, and they are filed away for binding and preserving. You cannot have them back, at your own expense!
    Will you not answer a few more questions, at your leisure--some little matters, and some grave ones.
    What was the history of the sale of the Oregon Milling Company to Bryant and yourself?
    Where was the town of Table Rock that I find mentioned in the newspapers?
    What became of the Indian boy you took to Washington from the Rogue River country?
    Did the Ward children derive any benefit from your generosity to them?
    Why was the capital so often removed in Territorial days?
    What became of all the appropriations that you secured for Oregon, and why was there nothing done with them for the Territory--particularly the public building appropriation?
    Of course, I wish to know all the ins and outs of these matters. The newspapers vilify everybody so much that it will not do to depend on them for the cue in every case. I should be very glad to have your views with regard to any or all the prominent persons of those times, and of the political condition of the Territory.
    What value do you place upon the different newspaper men, and how far can they be relied on for facts?
    You will see by my inquiries, dear General, that I am not yet willing to let you go free--but you must use your own feeling and judgment about complying with my demands.
    The newspapers do one thing--they furnish plenty of biographical matter about you--so I shall be able to get you in, in very good shape, in spite of your modesty.
    Accept the cordial thanks of Mr. Bancroft and myself--and believe me
Yours with the
    Highest respect,
        F. F. Victor

Roseburg
    Feby 20 1879
J. A. Bower Esqr
        Dear Sir:
                Your note in behalf of the Philalathean Literary Society, inviting me to deliver a lecture on the 22nd inst. upon the Battle of Buena Vista has been recd. and invitation accepted.
Very Respectly
    Your Obt. Srvt.
        Joseph Lane


Dixie, Polk County Oregon  April 22nd 1879
General Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Mr. H. H. Bancroft of San Francisco requested me to write some notes of the early history of Oregon. When I saw you in Salem last fall, I told you that I should give him an account of our council with the Rogue River Indians on the 10th of September 1853.
    Last Sunday I remained home from church and wrote the promised article. My daughter has made the enclosed copy for you. It was hastily written, and hastily copied, begging you to overlook any imperfection it contains, I submit it to your judgment. If the article meets with your approval and you think it worth the trouble, I would be glad if you would cause its publication in some of the Oregon newspapers.
    I was sorry to notice in the papers that you were in ill health and hope that you may speedily recover.
Respectfully, your
    Friend and obt. servt.
        J. W. Nesmith


Roseburg Oregon
    May 4--1879
My Dear Mrs. Stikeleather,
    I have had a sick winter and part of the spring. I am now able to write and for the last two weeks have been at work to get up with my correspondence, hope to get through in a few days.
    By this mail I send you the Star, a paper published in this place. In it you will find a communication from Ex. Or. S. Senator Mr. Nesmith; he gives one instance of the several wars your old friend had with the Indians in the early settling of this then new country for the protection of the lives of men women & children on our frontiers. I fought them and had very much to do with them but never deceived. I religiously kept my word with them under all circumstances, but had much trouble. Make my kind regards to your husband family and friends and accept my best wishes for your health, happiness and prosperity.
Very Respectfully Your Relative
and Obt. Srvt.
    Joseph Lane
Write.


Roseburg Oregon
August 13--1879
My Dear John,
    On my return I found an unusually large number of letters had accumulated, many of them requiring attention, consequently I have been quite busy. But now I find time to write to you and my loved daughter, Hattie. Our people are all well. Mrs. Shelby come from Portland with me to spend a time with us. Annie could not come but is in good health as is also Mr. Shelby. I called to see Mrs. Jane Lane, found her well, living entirely alone but content and happy. Mrs. Hawthorn and other East Portlanders speak very kindly of her and of her proper management of her home and property.
    My trip was pleasant and after our arrival at Portland and while there remained. I had the pleasure of the company of Cols. Mendel and Stewart. They as well as myself stopped at the "Clarendon," and while I can say nothing as to where the "refuge" will be located I have strong hope that Coos Bay will be selected. All, however, is doubt. The Board has given no intimation, not a whisper or sign.
    It is known that work will commence this fall upon the improvement of the channel. Payson is directed to make a thorough survey and is or will soon be at it. You will have seen that the Oregonian, Standard and other leading papers are for a commercial point. That with all of them means Coos Bay, none believe that the mouth of the Columbia has claims as strong as Coos. All that could be was faithfully urged in favor of Coos Bay. I have written pretty fully to Bailey and he perhaps will cause to be published.
    Now my son this is to you and Hattie. I think very much of both of you. Desire to hear from you both, and perhaps before long I may go and spend some time with you, and but for my voyage with the Board I would have for a few weeks remained with you.
    Love and kind wishes to Hattie and yourself, prosperity & happiness.
Jos. Lane



Roseburg Oregon
September 9--1879
Mrs. L. A. E. Stikeleather
        My Dear Relative,
                I spent a portion of the summer traveling, visiting towns and cities at different points on our coast by land and sea and have been delighted with the change that has taken place since my entrance into Oregon in March '49. Then the whole coast was occupied by wild tribes of Indians. Now towns, villages and cities, with large business and extensive industries, school houses, churches and prosperity and plenty with fine and well cultivated fields and orchards laden with fine fruit are met with everywhere. What a change within my time on this coast. I am old but I am proud of the progress that has been made. I can hardly contemplate, no one can or dare say, what the next thirty years will develop.
    On my return home I found your letter enclosing one from your good mother on my desk. Give my best love to her. I could know from her letter that she is one of the many good women of our family, no family in America has produced a nobler or better woman. The females are the bright stars of our family, never one of them that was not noble and good. Many of the male portion like other men had faults. I have also recd. your letter of the 26th ult. and thank you for it and for a copy of the Charlotte Observer. I find it well edited. I was of old well acquainted with Capt. Jones, the father of the editor, and liked him much, he was a good soldier and clever gentleman.
    Now my dear for the benefit of your mother and others I will write all that I know of our great ancestor as learned from my father. In 1804 he settled in Henderson County Ky. where I was raised. He was remote from all his family save one sister, my Aunt Hart, who I loved very much. She lived near us. From my father and her I learned much of our family tradition. They both held that the three brothers Joel, Jesse and Joseph, who lived near Raleigh, were grandsons or great-grandsons of Ralph Lane & I am not certain which, but that Ralph was the great ancestor of our family I have no doubt nor had Gov. Swain with whom I conversed fully & freely at his house at Chapel Hill in 1860. See Swain's defense of Ralph when unkindly and unfairly criticized by Bancroft in his history of the Colonies or U.S.
    Well, Ralph was an educated and accomplished young Irishman and come to the colony of N.C. in an official capacity & was dismissed [from] the service for making war upon a tribe of Indians who deserved punishment. Some time after Ralph's return to England he married & whether to an English or Irish woman tradition sayeth not. But with his young family he returned to the colony. About the same time two of Ralph's brothers come out and settled (if I remember right the statement of my father) somewhere in Virginia. But our branch descended directly from Ralph. My father, and my Aunt Hart, and Swain believed and so believes your humble srvt. Ireland produced a Wellington or Jackson though the latter was born in Carolina his good & noble brother was Irish as also his father. Think of a Danl. O'Connell, a Curran, Erskine, McMahon, Burke and the thousands of other great men, and pure noble women. Who would not be an Irishman, especially if he could not help it. All this that your mother may know who I believe our great ancestor was.
    Now my dear friend a word about myself. My health is much improved. I spend my time pleasantly. I am perhaps too fond of reading and spend too much time in that way. But I have not much else to do. I write some more or less each day and would write more than I do but for the trembling of my old hand [and] cramping of my fingers. I believe I will send you [a] little narrative written some time since and published in an Oregon paper. All my children and grandchildren are well and those near me who have seen your letters send their love to you.
    You will please accept my love & kind wishes not only for yourself but also for your husband your dear little ones. May God bless you and them is the prayer of your friend & relative
Joseph Lane
Write before long.
    In the little narrative enclosed you will find one or two words in Indian not properly rendered by the typo. High up in the mountains near where we captured the prisoners the Indians kept up a talk with the prisoners in their vernacular, most of which I had learned. "Hyas tyee" is the commander, Salix "mad" hyas salix (very mad) Tenas man (one not in authority). I at the time was not the commander only member of Congress elect, consequently represented myself as tenas man.



Roseburg Oregon
    January 2 1880
My Dear Mrs. Stikeleather,
    I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your good interesting letter of the 13th of November last, and thank you for it and also thank you for a copy of the sweet little poem, "The Land of Buncombe." It will appear in the Star of next week. I will send a copy of the paper to you. I read with interest the paper you sent me, and was much pleased with good account given of the character and capacity of old Buncombe. Age only prevents me from visiting the county of my nativity and relatives and friends in the old North State. I am as you know now in my 79th year a little too old for long journeys and though comfortable, money is not as plenty with me as once it was.
    Now my dear cousin you must know the reason of delay in answering your letter. When it arrived I was in the southern portion of our state whither I had gone with the view of taking an interest in some one of the gold mines in that mountainous region. For many weeks I traveled, prospected and camped and worked and slept on the ground and greatly improved my health, and I think that I will spend the coming summer mining. My nerves are in much better condition than they were, hand though a little shaky is not as much so as when first I wrote to you, and I rejoice at it. Well I did not get home till our rainy winter set in. I then found a large number of letters to answer. I have just reached yours. When at home I must and will read four to six hours a day. Now my dear you see why your letter has not been answered ere this. It is not because I do not like you for really I have fallen in love with you. I know that you are good and sensible and lovable. I am proud of you and so is your good husband & he and yourself have my kindest and best wishes. But I am not through with this letter. I can't let you off yet.
    I learned from Gov. Swain when with him very much about the Silers. He esteemed them as very worthy, sensible people and from his good opinion I formed a high estimate of them. Now about Ralph Lane. I am not mistaken about our relationship to him. He was the ancestor of all the Lanes of our family, all that are a kin to you or myself spring from him. He was a tried soldier and had been gartered by the Virgin Queen before he was sent out as gov. of his colony. He was a man of much spirit and no doubt a little reckless, but he was a man for a' that. Our family continue to perpetuate his name. My brother Simon named his first son Ralf for our old ancestor. My father from time to time told me of the old Governor's habits, temper and disposition, his Indian wars and how he happened to become unpopular with the home govt. and how much he was esteemed by the people of the old colony, and though my father has been dead fifty-five years, I have forgot nothing he told me of our ancestor, nothing. I know that I had a true account from my old soldier father, and Gov. Swain had the same history from his mother or otherwise. We talked fully and freely of the matter at his house in 1860.
    Now my dear I am done. I give my kindest wishes and prayer for the success and happiness of yourself, your husband and your children and all of our kinfolk. Love to all. Write when you can. I will find a picture of your old cousin and send you.
With much respect
    Joseph Lane



Meeting of the Indiana Mexican Veterans at Indianapolis--
Letter from Gen. Jos. Lane.
    INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 9.--At the meeting of the Mexican veterans, held in the superior courtroom yesterday, the following letter was read from Gen. Joseph Lane, commander of a brigade made up chiefly of Indiana volunteers:
ROSEBURG, OREGON, Dec. 16, 1879.
    GENTLEMEN: I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your card inviting me to attend a meeting of the association of veterans of the Mexican War of the state of Indiana, to be held at the city of Indianapolis on Thursday, January 8, 1880, and to bring any veterans I may know. I thank you for the invitation you have been pleased to send me and other veterans of my acquaintance. There are but few of us in this state, and, with one or two exceptions, they are old, infirm and poor. I am unable to accept your invitation, and I deeply regret it, for I well know that there will not, upon any occasion, be as many of the old veterans together as will meet on the forthcoming occasion, and yet I am compelled to forgo this last opportunity that I shall have of meeting my old companions in arms, to whom I am strongly attached. I witnessed their good and soldierlike bearing under all circumstances, and especially their gallant conduct upon many a battlefield, and the gratification that it would afford me to meet them again in life would be greater and above any other earthly pleasure that could be conferred upon me, but I cannot meet you or them. I have not the money to bring me to Indianapolis and back to my home. I have little hope of Congress allowing us a pension. We seem to be ignored, although our services secured to our great country all of California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, an empire of itself, and, to our country, worth more than money. And yet the remaining few of us can hardly expect a pension. Well, my friends, we will not very long need that little that is so justly due us from our government. We served her faithfully, honestly, intelligently, and gallantly, and under all circumstances did our duty, and if Congress will not recognize us we must do as best we can without its aid.
    My dear sirs, you will please accept my kindest wishes and honest prayers for the health, prosperity and contentment of yourselves of the association, and all old veterans of »he Mexican War. I am, with much respect, your friend and obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE.
    J. L. Williams, Dr. E. S. Gale, Dr. F. A. Schell, Maj. J. B. Mulkey, and J. W. Meikels were appointed a committee to prepare a resolution for presentation to Congress, asking the equalization of bounties between soldiers of the last war and those of the Mexican War. This evening Maj. Gordon, Judge Carlton, and others addressed the veterans to the number of fifty or more.
New Albany Ledger, New Albany, Indiana, January 9, 1880, page 1



Roseburg, Oregon
    February 20--1880.
My Dear Daughter Jane,
    Your note was duly received. I was glad to learn that my grandson Nat and yourself were well. Say to Nat that I am sorry to find that some pages of Lane's Brigade are lost. It is the fault of those who had it before I sent it to him.
    Tell Nat that his friends would be very glad to see him in Roseburg. How are you progressing with your new house, and how are you getting along with all your business? When did you hear from Doctor Harry, and what is he doing?
    I have a letter from my boy John. They have a little son at his house, one more Lane in the land and your old pa calculates that there will before long be one more out of the land, or soon to be dust of the land.
God bless our Nat and yourself,
    Your old pa,
        Jos. Lane
Mrs. Jane Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Roseburg, Oregon
    April 25--1880
My Dear Jane,
    Your letter of the 20th has been received. Am glad to hear from you and to learn that you are progressing quite well with your new house and other business and am glad that your brother is with you.
    Tell me if Capt. Nat has got a boat for wrangle trade. I am anxious that he shall have a good boat and a fair chance to let the world know what he can do. I want him to have a fair chance.
    I have been unwell for the last two months, but am improving, but for a time was quite unwell. You are aware that I am getting old, but not too old to want to see my children. When will  you be fixed for me to go to see you? I shall first call to see you and then go to see Mary & Annie. I may not go till after the election. Answer when you have nothing else to do. Accept the love of your old pa.
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



WAR DEPARTMENT
SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON

June 26th 1880
My dear old red-shirted mining friend of twenty-five and more years ago, I have your very formal note of June 15th, commencing "Dear Sir" and ending "Very Respectfully"--and it makes me wonder whether we ever slept under the same blankets, & played a little game of "draw" with a hat full of the "army bean"? The memory of those old days with you, Hal Reed, Ogle, Sweitzer, old A. J. Smith (who still survives, and after having been postmaster at St. Louis for several years, now holds an important & lucrative office under the city government) is one of the pleasant of a well spent life! Ogle died early in the war and Sweitzer is now a lieut. colonel of a cavalry regiment and stationed at Fort Brown, Texas--well we were "young & charming" once, and now we can philosophize on the changes which have occurred in the past quarter of a century! Now as to the information you want about the appointment of an exam'g. surgeon for pensions we have nothing to do with "sich"! The application must be made to the "Commissioner of Pensions" in this city--his name is J. A. Bentley--These appointments are political ones, generally.
    Your young friend Dr. Ebert passed a very fine examination before the "Army Medical Examg. Board"--coming out No. 1 of his class--6 passed only--out of 52 examined wholly & partially. His commission as an asst. surgeon U.S. Army has just been sent him and he will soon be ordered for duty in the Dept. of the Columbia (Genl. Howard's) where he wishes to go!
    I enclose you my picture, the last one I have had taken--viz: in 1876.
    Please send me yours and let me see what your present status is!
    Why don't you come to Congress on the "Hancock" boom, and give us the pleasure of shaking a friendly hand and of fighting o'er some of our old campaigns?
    Write me a decent letter and believe me,
Faithfully
Your old
Rogue River friend
C. W. Crane



Roseburg Nov 19--1880
Yes My Dear Bush, we are beaten. Garfield is to be the President for four years from March next. For my country that I love so dearly I am sorry. For Hancock who is a gallant, noble gentleman I am sorry. In fact I am sorry generally. But there is one thing that I more than yourself and many others good and true friends have not to console you--that is the certainty or at least I regard it as certainty--I will not be here to participate in the deep anxiety and trouble for another Presidential election. I have been a voter for fourteen Presidential elections--in 1824 and 1880 inclusive. But will hardly vote at another. I am an infirm old man and day and night suffer with cramps and pains and swollen tendons in my right shoulder and neck until my head is being drawn down on my shoulder--but enough of this happy reflection.
    No my dear friend there is no better likeness of myself than the one taken for the Democratic Review. It is the best of them all.
    I would be much gratified to have a good likeness of yourself. Will you please send one. I have not long to stay. But let me have it and I will hang it alongside others that I value.
    My people as well as myself were truly happy and delighted with the visit to us by Genl. and Mrs. Nesmith. While here our family fell in love with Mrs. Nesmith. Not a meal is eaten since without Mrs. Floed asking about or speaking of her. The Genl. made a strong, sensible speech. All Dems. were pleased. I would not mind staying four years if they would bring us such another visit.
    Kind regards to Mrs. Bush, and believe me very truly your friend
Jos. Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."



Roseburg Nov 24--1880
A. Bush Esqr.
        My Dear Sir,
                For the last two days I did not go to the post office. Consequently did not get your letter of the 20th till this morning. I thank you for it and for your kindness as evinced in your wish to perpetuate the likeness of your humble srvt. It is not strange or unnatural that one bearing upon his person enduring memorials of services rendered on the battlefield in defense of the honor of one's country, and on the frontiers defending early settlers from the scalping knife, from which intense pain and suffering at times is felt, should be flattered by the offer of a friend to have his likeness perpetuated.
    I thank you with all my heart. I thank you. But why did not the Legislature accept your offer to purchase the portraits by Cogswell? They are good pictures. In my young days my eyes were called dark grey, when fifty they were less dark. Hair was quite dark, you may say black. When Gov. iron gray, or black sprinkled with white. The engraving you have is good, indeed the very best.
    If it shall be my fortune to live till 84 I will be happy to join you in voting for Bayard. He is a statesman honest and pure. Our government could not be placed in better hands. That year 1884 I will be the age that A------- passed over, and I am quite infirm. But we will see.
Very truly your friend
    Jos. Lane
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."



Derry, Polk Co, Oregon March 30th 1881
Hon La Fayette Lane,
        My Dear Sir,
                Your letter of the 27th inst. is just received, your statement of Genl. Lane's rapidly sinking condition fills my heart with an inexpressible sadness. For the third of a century he has been my kind friend and benefactor, and no one will mourn his loss with deeper sorrow than myself. Some time since I received a letter written at the Genl's. dictation, and should have replied to it but feared that it might worry or trouble him. In the letter referred to he predicted that he should soon "cross over," and said, "I expect you to be present at the laying away of all that remains of your old friend." This I regarded as the last order from my brave and generous old commander, and nothing but death or disability shall prevent my obedience. I should have preferred that he had selected another, more competent than myself to speak of his long, useful and virtuous life; but I shall not decline to comply with my good friend's last request. Convey to the General an expression of the sympathy, love and kindness with which my heart goes out to him in his last hour of trial. Mrs. Nesmith has gone to The Dalles to try and recuperate her failing health. The portion of the family at home join in sending kind regards to you and yours.
Your Friend
    J. W. Nesmith


Roseburg, March 30th 1881.
My dear General,
    I am about to cross the river of life to the shores of eternity, but cannot start without communicating the assurance of my love early earned and ever since maintained.
    You as well as anyone know my disposition. Those who have been placed in my charge are the subject of solicitude. Thinking of that unfortunate negro boy Pete, now in the Penitentiary. It has occurred to me that you might make him a useful man. If you have any employment such as taking care of cattle, stock etc. & would recommend him to you. When his time expires see that he gets work of some honorable character where he may be made serviceable to himself and to his employers. Pray attend to this, my last request. I should prefer that he should become your servant.
With love for your family and yourself
    I say goodbye forever.
        [Joseph Lane]
[The transmittal is inscribed "Written by Lafayette Lane for General Lane, his father." The addressee is almost certainly James Nesmith.]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

Joseph Lane's last letter, March 1881
General Lane's last note. He died April 19th.


Yoncalla Ogn. Feb. 23rd '84
Hon. L. F. Mosher
    Dear Sir, Your note of 21st inst. received. I have already given a brief account of the main facts of the Rogue River War of 1850 to Mr. Lang at Jacksonville.
    As the Rogue River Indians had dispersed and their allies returned home before the volunteers under Gen. Lane arrived, no event of historical importance occurred after. At the time Kearny had his fight [in 1851], Gen. Lane was mining on Althouse Creek, Jo Junior being with him. He responded promptly to Kearny's call for help, bringing some two hundred or three hundred miners with him. From that time forward, in military phrase he was commander in chief to the close of the campaign.
    The country was pretty thoroughly secured and no enemy offering resistance was found. The volunteers surprised a small camp on Evans Creek, 20 miles up it, another on Little Butte near its mouth. Of the few men with these camps, one or two were killed, the rest escaped. Some 20 or 30 women were captured to be held as hostages for the good behavior of the tribe.
    No one to my knowledge engaged in this affair ever claimed compensation for his services. Gen. Lane and his fellow miners returned to their work. Major Kearny resumed his march to California, taking the prisoners with him to Fort Jones, there to be held subject to the Oregon Indian authorities. This is all, except a few anecdotes illustrative of personal character, which Mr. Walling, I presume, would regard as valueless. Best respects to Mrs. Mosher,
Truly yours
    Jesse Applegate
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    The reception you have tendered Mr. Hermann seems to me to be a compliment to which he is entitled, and I take pleasure in being a party thereto. Mr. Hermann came among us a very young man with his father, who was a man of education, ability, energy and great purity of character whose memory will ever be cherished by those who knew him. Our present Congressman was raised among us and has achieved his present position by his own efforts, the right to represent the state of Oregon in the Grand Council of the Nation, a post of honor but little short of that of the Chief Executive. Not only once, but twice has this honor been conferred upon him. As citizens of Douglas County, irrespective of party, we cannot help being proud of him and sincerely offering him our congratulations upon his success.
    It is but due to Mr. Hermann to say that in the performance of his duties in Congress he has been industrious and attentive to the wants of his constituents without reference to the party to which they belonged.
    While as a Democrat I cannot sincerely wish his future political success, I can conscientiously say that if the present party remains in power in this state, there is none whose promotion would more meet my approval than our present guest.
    And now in echo to the universal sentiment of the meeting I give him a cordial welcome home.
Apparently written sometime between 1886 and 1888 by one of Lane's children.




Drain Oregon Apl. 8, 1888
Hon. L. F. Mosher
Dear Sir, Yours of the 4th inst. received.
    It would be to me "a labor of love" to be engaged with you in such a work as your fellow citizens have imposed upon you, but I fear the time for such a pleasure has passed forever for me. My health is daily failing me, my mind works very slowly and my senses (particularly hearing and seeing) are now so bad that I am no longer companionable.
    I have no money to travel on or to supply my wants when I arrive at the end of a journey. Nor have I a home of my own to which I can invite my friends. Last and worst, my friends have inflicted upon me the brand of insanity.
    Nothing I could say could be accepted as truth; nothing I can do can be relied upon. Even those who entertain for me apparently the highest opinion fear to trust me with any important business, lest I go mad and destroy something or kill somebody.
    It is for these reasons I have mainly given up the writing of a biographical sketch of Gen. Lane, for even if I could do him justice before the world, my defense would be considered the mere ravings of a lunatic.
    So you see your history would suffer discredit even if you used my name as an authority and much more if I were a contributor. You are fully capable of doing the work and have the leisure to do it--far more capable than I ever was, certainly more capable than I am at present.
Truly yours
    Jesse Applegate
P.S. Give my sincere respects to Mrs. Mosher and the young ladies.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


Silverton June 4th 06
Hon Harry Lane
        My Dear Sir
                I am engaged in writing recollections of the slavery agitation in Oregon, and I must say something of your grandfather Gen. Joseph Lane. You have no doubt read what Judge Williams wrote of him in the O. Hist. Quarterly. "If he had not been so imbued with a desire to extend slavery, might, in all human probability have rep. Ogn. in the Senate as long as he lived." Now I heard him speak several times when the question was pending here and he never said a word pro or con concerning slavery, and I never read a speech or have any record going to show that he desired the adoption of slavery in Oregon, and although he was southern born and in close sympathy with the ruling class there, still that might not imply that he was an agitator for slavery extension and his being on the ticket with Breckinridge might mean his opinion concerning the rights of the South. I have no doubt but he was pro-slavery in opinion, but is it fair to represent him as a slavery propagandist. Is it true? I have known a long time that the Judge is slipshod frequently, as to his references and so am on the watch. I have no intention of bringing you in as authority or in any way, but I would like to be accurate.
Yours
    T. W. Davenport



Last revised February 24, 2024