Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/272

262 following pretty closely Irving's narratives, which, however, he amplifies with proofs and opinions which establish its credibility as against certain authors of nearly an even date. He makes plain Astor's claim to be considered a genius of the highest order as a promoter, although sometimes failing from overzeal or overconfidence in his associates. Of his influence on the fate of Oregon, he says:

Captain Chittenden explains Astor's unfortunate connection with the Northwest Company of Montreal, which had declined to join him in his commercial schemes, and says that they "resolved to anticipate him in his own plans," and acknowledged that he erred in organizing his company largely from the Northwest Company's men. This was certainly, on either side, meant to be a counterplot. The Northwest Company preferred to undertake to beat Mr. Astor at his own game. Astor thought by taking into the Pacific Fur Company men from the Northwest Company to prevent such an achievement. But circumstances were all against him; disasters by land