Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/49

Rh Britain and United States governments for dominion over the country." With rising indignation at the doubt implied, I replied: "The United States, of course!" and was let down with the exclamation: "That's loyal, my friend." Between this occurrence in 1842 and November, 1848, I had more information as to life on the Western frontiers. I declared my intentions of citizenship in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in that month, and, in February, 1844, started from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to reach the frontiers of Iowa by the river system of the Mississippi, and at St. Louis fell into the human tide setting towards Oregon. Every other plan of life was forgotten.

Before noon of the day succeeding that on which I learned there was a chance for me, by my labor, to get to Oregon, I had as complete an outfit for the trip as my means could provide. With least possible delay I made my way to the rendezvous of Gilliam's Company, about twelve miles west of the present city of St. Joseph. Here I first met the leaders of this movement, and next morning I was under verbal engagement to give my labor in exchange for bed and board from the Missouri River to Oregon. I had a fair outfit of clothing, arms and ammunition for the trip. During the first hour I was at the camp. I learned of a proposed donation of land to encourage emigration to Oregon. It had little interest for me. I was too young to properly value it.

Two of us, who had come from St. Louis on the same boat, and as comrades by land part way. were being entertained by Colonel M. T. Simmons, when, in conversation with the late W. H. Rees, the land question came up, and Colonel Simmons said: "Well, the Donation Bill passed the Senate, but failed to reach a vote in the House, but I believe that, or a law like it, will pass, and I am going to Oregon anyhow."

Simmons and Rees were the first two of Gilliam's Company who attained legislative honors after arrival in Oregon, and from Simmons. Rees and I got information which led to our engagement to help R. W. Morrison, a highly esteemed settler near by. to get his family and effects to Oregon. Simmons received his title, as did Gilliam. by the election which formed