Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/279

 REPORT ON OREGON TERRITORY 271 U. S. S. Vincennes, New York, June, 1842. Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith a report upon the Territory of Oregon, together with the maps referred to there- in. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES WILKES, Commander of Exploring Expedition. To the Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. OREGON TERRITORY. The Territory embraced under the name of Oregon, and rep- resented on the accompanying map, extends from latitude 42 north to that of 54 40' north and west of the Rocky Moun- tains. Its natural boundaries, were they attended to, would confine it within the above geographical limits. On the east it has the range of Rocky Mountains along its whole extent ; on the south those of the Klamet Range running on the parallel of 42 and dividing it from upper California; on the west the Pacific Ocean ; and on the north the western trend of the Rocky Moun- tains and the chain of lakes near and along the parallels of 54 and 55' north dividing it from the British Territory, and it is remarkable that within these limits all the rivers that flow through the Territory take their rise. The Territory is divided into three natural belts or sections, viz: First. That between the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Moun- tains, or western section. Second. That between the Cascade Mountains and the Blue Mountain Range, or middle section. Third. That between the Blue and Rocky Mountain chains, or eastern section, and this division will equally apply to the soil, climate, and productions.