Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/231

 SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 223 Columbia by land from Lower California, (see my letters of June and July, from Guaymas,) I availed myself of the only alternative, namely, that of going to the Sandwich islands to procure a vessel to take me into the river ; my anxiety to pro- ceed caused me to take up a small vessel of 20 tons, to per- form a voyage of 3,000 miles. Finding on examination that this vessel was not sea-worthy, I chartered another even smaller, and after being out 19 days, and nearly entirely wrecked, I was compelled to abandon this vessel, and take passage in the English barque Falcon for the Sandwich islands, where I chartered the Loriot, and proceeded to the Columbia river. Hence has arisen the charges for Joven Teresa, and the Loretano, (see my letter from Mazatlan, of July, 1836,) the charges for clothing, blankets, &c. were as necessary for my use, to withstand the rigor of the climate, exposed as I was, as to the arms which I carried with me at my own expense. Part of the clothing I gave to the Indians for services ren- dered. I took with me gold and silver at my own risk, and which was calculated to increase the dangers of the journey : these were neither few nor light. I have made presents of arms, &c. to persons who have been civil to me, and have actually expended, in this way, over $200. I have not charged these items in my account, nor is there any charge for interest, because I have reasonably thought that the arduous duty I have performed would receive the attention of the Executive of the United States. With great respect, I remain, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 8. EXTRACT. FALCON, OFF SAN BLAS, October Wth, 1836. MY DEAR SIR: I have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 20th, just from Mexico.