Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/739

688 have also laid the American government under obligation to you, for their citizens were the subjects of the massacre, and their widows and orphans are the relieved ones. With a sincere prayer that the widow's God and the Father of the fatherless may reward you for your kindness, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,

,

"Governor of Oregon Territory.

"To Peter Skeen Ogden, Esq., Chief Factor Honorable H. B. Company, Vancouver."

To which Ogden replied on the 26th:

"George Abernethy, Esq., Governor of Oregon Territory.

": I have to acknowledge the receipt of your highly flattering letter of 19th inst., and the high value you lay upon my services in rescuing so many fellow-creatures from captivity, but the meed of praise is not due to me alone. I was the mere acting agent of the Hudson's Bay Company; for without its powerful aid and influence nothing could have been effected, and to them the praise is due. And permit me to add, should unfortunately, which God avert, our services be again required under similar circumstances, I trust you will not find us wanting in going to their relief. I have the honor to remain,

"Yours, most respectfully,

"."

Ogden's letter appeared in the Spectator, prefaced by the remark that "the act of rescuing so many defenceless women and children from the bloody and cruel grasp of savages merits, and we believe receives, the universal thanks and gratitude of the people of Oregon. Such an act is the legitimate offspring of a noble, generous, and manly heart."

When Ogden left Vancouver his purpose was to stop the murders, and rescue the families before any