Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/110

 102 FREDERICK V. HOLMAN tavus Mines was chosen Secretary, and George LeBreton was added to the committee. It was decided that a committee of seven be elected for the purpose of drafting a constitution and code of laws for the government of the settlements, south of the Columbia River ; and that all settlers, north of the Colum- bia River, not connected with the Hudson's Bay Company, be admitted to the protection of the laws of this government on making application to that effect. There were then no American settlers north of the Columbia River, although there were a few Protestant Missionaries east of that river, and north of the present north line of the State of Oregon. It was also deter- mined for the committee to propose the making of certain offices. (Oregon Archives, page 5). A meeting was held on February 18 ? at the Methodist Mission, and Rev. David Leslie was elected chairman and Sidney Smith and Gustavus Hines were chosen secretaries. The proceedings of the previous meeting were presented to the assembly and were accepted in part. It was determined that a committee be chosen for framing a constitution and drafting a code of laws and that the fol- lowing persons compose the committee : Rev. F. N. Blanchet, Rev. Jason Lee, Rev. Gustavus Hines, J. L. Parrish, David Donpierre Charlevon, Robert Moore, Etienne Lucier, and William Johnson. Dr. Ira L. Babcock was ap- pointed to fill the office of Supreme Judge with probate powers, and George LeBreton was chosen to fill the office of clerk of courts and public recorder. A sheriff was chosen as well as three constables. It was resolved that, until a code of laws be adopted by the community, Dr. Babcock be instructed to act according to the laws of the State of New York. It was further resolved to meet on the first Tuesday of June, 1841. At the meeting on June 1, 1841, Rev. F. N. Blanchet re- quested to be excused from further serving on the committee to draft a constitution and code of laws. He was excused, and Dr. W. J. Bailey was chosen to fill the vacancy, and the committee was instructed to meet on the first Monday in August, 1841, and that they report to an adjourned meeting on the first Tuesday in October, 1841.