Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/287

 Peter Skene Ogden, Fur Trader. 265 "It was a new and novel sight to all of us as we watched that Indian start off in his 'icht man' canoe for a trip of about 100 miles up one of the grandest rivers in the world, and how anxiously we waited to know the result, frequently walking up to Tongue point and scanning the large bay above. "There were quite a number of inhabitants living at Astoria, all of whom, treated us very kindly and told us that would be the quickest way of getting up the river, as it would be about three weeks before the mail steamer would arrive, and they lhad no doubt but that Governor Ogden would do the best he could for us. "In a few days a large bateau arrived bringing a cordial welcome from Governor Ogden." It may be added that when the next day a H. B. Company coaster called at Astoria to carry up the goods and baggage of this official party the U. S. Customs official there forbade the loading of it. In October, 1853, Mr. Ogden was extending courtesies to the family of Judge Pratt, who had recently arrived in Ore- gon, as shown by the following: Hon Peter Sken Ogden Linn Cit y> °- Yy. Oct. 20t 1853. Dear Sir, The grapes you so kindly forwarded from "Van Couver" placed me alike under obligations to the giver, and tended to decrease my dislike towards Oregon as a home. Your neigh- borly spirit in that particular deserves as it really receives a grateful remembrance. Little attentions of that kind it is out of the question to be insensible to ; and, I can do no less than to thank you sincerely for the favor — But if I am grateful for the first present, pray what should I be for the second consisting of two such fine Turkies. I must confess that the knowledge that such luxuries can be produced here in this country, enhances my opinion of it four fold — And now allow me to say I am quite embarrassed with the thought, how I shall repay your kind recollection of me. I need hardly add that we esteem as almost invaluable, and in some way or other my husband and self will make it a point to reciprocate these unmistakable tokens of good will, and in the meantime, I remain with a sincere respect, Most Truly Yours, Annie A. Pratt.