Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/121

Rh Waller remain in the mission, provided he is so disposed. Sent a letter to Brother Leslie to get his advice on the subject.

The following letter was received yesterday by a citizen of this county from Mr. Burnett by the way of Oahu, and forwarded by the American Consul. The details will be deemed interesting by his old friends and neighbors, and are indeed of importance to all who take an interest in the affairs of Oregon. "Falatin Plains, Oregon, Nov. 4, 1844. "* * * The emigrants are all arriving, and will be here in a few weeks at furtherest, and I expect to receive other letters and papers. I have now an opportunity of writing a hasty letter, as one of the H. B. Co's ships, the Columbia, leaves Vancouver in a few days for Sandwich Islands.

"Our country is most beautiful, fertile and well watered, with the most equable and pleasant climate. Our population is rapidly increasing, and the country is making progress in wealth and refinement. I have never yet before seen a population so industrious, sober and honest as this. I know many young men who were the veri[e]st vagabonds in the states, who are here respectable and doing exceedingly well.

"Our crops the past year (1844) have been most bountiful, and we have a full supply of wheat for our consumption, and a large quantity for exportation. Large numbers of cattle are raised here which are never fed or sheltered. Many men have from three to four hundred head of cattle. Sheep can be had in any desir-