Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/237



$224,467

If the troops and supplies are carried in Government vessels from Panama to the Columbia river, the expenses of transportation would be about $20,000 less. And if they are sent in transports from the United States, round Cape Horn, to the Columbia river, the whole expense of transportation would amount to about $43,000.

After the first year, the annual cost of maintaining the post would be as follows:

"$74,360"

To the Honorable Mr. Cushing, member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

Independently of the letter of the Secretary of War, Mr. Cushing received another January 7th, from Mr. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy, to whom he had addressed the same questions. Mr. Paulding also expressed the opinion that the best protection to give to the citizens of the United States in Oregon Territory would consist