Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/236

 fertile region, to raise, with the aid of the soldiers themselves, an abundance of stock and grain for the future maintenance of the troops. These men might probably be hired for twenty dollars a month, and the overseer for eighty-five dollars; which would be $8,220 a year for labor. Add to this $1,800 for implements of agriculture, and $2,000 for stock, making altogether $12,020 for the first year, and thereafter $8,220, or allowing for contingencies $9,000 a year, to produce the necessary annual subsistence of the men.

Whether the forces to be sent out are to consist of additional troops, or to be taken from the line of the army, they ought to be recent recruits, raised for the purpose, both to prevent the renewing them oftener than once in four years, to avoid the expense of transportation; and that care may be taken to enlist as many mechanics as practicable. It might be expedient to offer, both to the laborers and recruits, a tract of land in Oregon, as a reward for four years' faithful services there.

A moderate increase in our Pacific squadron, of two vessels of light draught of water, would, in my opinion, be sufficient in aid of land forces; and both together would afford all the protection required by any settlement likely to be made for some time to come, on or near the Columbia river.

I transmit, herewith, an estimate of the expenses of the expedition, and of the annual cost of maintaining it.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

Poinsett.

Estimate of the expense of establishing a military post on the Columbia river, and the annual cost of maintaining it with a force consisting of five companies, 375 strong.