Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 9.djvu/381

 Slavery Question in Oregon. 353 the first an apparent game of chance which no one could quite understand. The combination begun in Marion County was the chief feature of the session, and of course was stoutly resisted by the administration Democrats. Six of their Senators aban- doned their seats and in the parlance of the time "took to the woods," at the beginning of the session, but returned and resumed their places, in answer to an appeal from the Gov- ernor. Though a strong partisan, he was patriot enough to place country above party, and for his firm stand at this session and sundry other services, John Whiteaker deserves to be kindly remembered by the people of Oregon. Near the close of the session, Colonel Baker, despairing of success, posted notices announcing that he would deliver an address to the citizens of Salem and vicinity, the first of a series favoring the election of Lincoln. I had remained at home so far, but upon hearing of this, started at once and afoot to dissuade the Colonel from such hasty action. When I had reached the point where the State House, now stands, I saw him rapidly approaching on his way home, and perceiv- ing me he came up and in a hurried manner said, "We have failed and tonight I shall begin the campaign for Lincoln. ' ' "Oh, no," I replied, "don't let us give up the ship yet." He repeated some military maxim as to what a General would do when his men were becoming disheartened after long maneuvering in front of the enemy without success, and seemed fixed in his opinion that the case was hopeless. Con- tinuing, he reminded me of what I had told him at the time of our spring convention, that Crandall would support him, but he has not and he makes speeches from day to day and no one knows what he is driving at. "Crandall gave me his word as I told you at the time, and I think he will do as he agreed." "Well, what does he mean; what does he wantT' "Want? Why he is as poor as a church mouse and, though a lawyer, is without clients. Presumably he sees that your election will open for you a broad and brilliant avenue, and