Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 4.djvu/187

Rh the whole, as it will cripple, or entirely prevent any important commercial operations by American citizens on our Pacific coast.

"That we recommend the Oregon Convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the third, fourth, and fifth days of July, 1843.

"That measures be immediately taken for the appointment of committees at the capitals of all the states and territories west and southwest of the Alleghanies, to urge such action upon their several legislatures as will induce Congress to immediate occupation of Oregon country by the arms, the laws, and the citizens of the United States.

"That an address be published to the people of the West, and the Union generally, setting forth, and urging the adoption of the principles and opinions above proclaimed."

[The meeting to appoint the delegates to this Oregon Convention was called to meet in Columbus on the last Saturday in June.]

We find the following letter from the Oregon Emigration in the Iowa Gazette of the 8th instant (July):

June 3, 1843.

* * There are over 3,000 and perhaps 5,000 head of cattle, mules, and horses attached to the company. Captain Applegate has over 200 head, and others over 100 head. This has been a bone of contention with some of the emigrants and very nearly divided the company. Indeed, I am not certain but it will be the means of a split yet, as there are a number without cattle who refuse to assist in guarding them. The dissatisfaction is not quite so violent now, as the cattle owners have agreed to furnish the company with beef, (in case of scarcity of buffalo meat,) work cattle and milch cows, the former at a price to be fixed by the committee, and the cows and oxen without charge. The company have agreed to this proposition, and the former law, limiting each individual to three head of loose cattle, is thereby repealed. The number of cattle is quite too large. It is impossible to guard them at night, and the Indians at this place have already commenced stealing horses and killing cattle. The company which leaves next spring for Oregon should keep strict guard on their cattle and horses at the crossing of this river, as some eight or ten horses and mules have been stolen in one night from our company. Doctor Whitman from Walla Walla, who is in our company, advises that the company divide into three or four parties, for speed and convenience, as there will be no danger from the Indians.