Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/139

 CORRESPONDENCE

131

I regret much that his stay must be so believe his plea principally is the sickness of his No doubt the town is subject to intermittent and re-

church in that place. I

short.

family.

mittent fevers during the summer and autumn, but much less severe than in many of the towns on the Mississippi River. Should he not settle at Corvallis, he will probably leave Ore-

The

gon.

brethren and citizens at Corvallis appear quite he should settle with them and they think they

solicitous that

can raise $500 towards his salary for the first year. They have invited him and requested me to exert my influence I shall not encourage a to induce him to go to that place. separation at Portland, but, should he conclude to go to Corvallis,

he will need about $300, above the $500 the

citizens

propose raising him, to sustain his family. It is to be regretted that the ministers should return to the States after they have incurred all the expense and privations of removing overland to Oregon. May the Good Lord direct him and the little feeble band at Portland to His name's praise! Portland must

have a minister

if

practicable.

Yours

affectionately,

EZRA FISHER. N. B. At the strong solicitude of the Santiam church, I have consented to take the pastoral charge of that feeble, afflicted band at the expiration of the current year. Elder Richmond Cheadle, an influential member of the church, has avowed his disfellowship with that church. He will probably join the Presbyterian Church, and with him several more may It is thought advisable by all with whom I have congo. sulted that I should accept their invitation and, as they propose to move my family immediately and the place will be winter's labors than this, I have conmore central for

my

sented to

move

in

a few days.

I shall hereafter

address you

Washington Butte Post-office, Linn County, O. T. You will still address me at this place and the letters will be

at

promptly forwarded to that

my

me

presence at the

at

Washington Butte.

Santiam church

may

It is thought be instrumental