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268 the future sovereignty and welfare of this country, as the history of its results has most fully demonstrated.

From this nucleus of Christian civilization went forth streams of influence that not only benefited the Indians, but as well, educated, enlightened, and elevated the settlement founded by Doctor McLoughlin, and also the few white settlers then in the country.

The missionaries who crossed the plains and mountains to reach this country, were indeed the earliest of the pioneers. They were messengers of civilization, who spied out the land and opened highways for future immigrants, and gave to the people of the Eastern States accurate information as to the agricultural value of the country; that it was rich in soil, had a mild and healthful climate, and would produce in abundance and perfection all the staple products of the temperate zones; that it was a lovely land to look upon, unsurpassed in scenic beauties, with rivers of pure water flowing through valleys as fair as where Arcadian plains extend, or the famed Hydaspes flows.

This information, sent back by the missionaries and others to their former homes in the States, created great interest in this country, and these tidings from the missionaries in far-off Oregon aroused an interest among the people in the Eastern States that caused many daring and energetic men and women to make the long and dangerous journey across the plains to possess this fair land. They brought with them ideas of liberty and free government by the people, and their coming saved this vast, rich and beautiful country to the sovereignty and dominion of the United States.

Mr. Lee was not only a devout minister of his church, but like many other of his brethren, he understood the necessities and physical wants of a civilized and thrifty community. He built mills to supply food and lumber.