Page:History of Oregon Literature.djvu/84

 We have three Indian children (orphans), under our care. One a boy of 17 or 18 years whom we got to take care of our animals, but his mother dying soon after, we were obliged to take his sister of 12 years to keep her from suffering. The third a boy of 13 years who came here and asked by signs so significantly to be permited to remain with us that we could not refuse. We devote one hour each evening in teaching them to read and spell, and I think I never knew children make more rapid progress. I trust it will not be long before we shall have a flourishing school here, which I think is the most effectual means of benefiting these truly miserable beings. For there being no danger of hostile Indians molesting them there is no necessity of their going in large bands. Hence they wander about in small parties where ever they can find roots and deer and are never long at one stay. I trust however that it will not be very difficult to bring them by degrees to cultivate the ground.

We have been labouring hard to build a house, and per- pare ground for a crop. We shall probably cultivate 20 acres this season. I have requested the Board to send a man with a family to take charge of the farm, and by the time one can arrive we shall have it so arranged that it will not be so difficult as it now is. Though we think this establishment essentially necessary to the successful prosecution of our object, yet we still have our eyes on other places where the Indians are more numerous and enterprising than they are here.

I have requested the Board not to send any more single men, but to send men with families. I have also advised that Daniel's chosen be sent as soon as possible. A greater favour could not be bestowed upon this country, than to send to it pious, industrious, intelligent females.

I am not singular in this. The Gov. and other Gentlemen of the H. B. Com. (though they have native wives) say that white females would be of the greatest importance to the mission, and would have far more influence among Indians than males. If your opinion accords with ours I beg you to use your