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LIEUTENANT HOWISON REPORT ON OREGON, 1846 57

We also beg to offer every assistance we can render in your present destitute state, and hope you will accept of the few things sent by this conveyance. Captain Baillie having de- spatched bread and tea by the Modeste's pinnace anticipated our intention of sending such things. Have the goodness to apply to Mr. Peers for any articles of food or clothing you may want,. and they will be at your service if he has them in store. As the people of Clatsop can furnish abundance of beef and po- tatoes, we are not anxious about your suffering any privation of food. If otherwise, Mr. Peers will do his utmost to supply your wants.

With kind remembrance to the officers, we remain, dear sir, yours truly,

PETER SKEEN OGDEN, JAMES DOUGLASS. NEIL HOWISON, &c., &c.

B.

BAKER'S BAY, Friday, September 9, [1846.] SIR: I much regret the melancholy disaster which befel your vessel on Wednesday evening, and also my inability to render you any assistance at that time. The Indians tell me there are several lives lost, but I hope such is not true.

I am informed you wish to occupy part of the house at Astoria ; it is at your service, as also anything else there in the shape of food or clothing ; and I must, at the same time, apol- ogise for offering you such poor accommodations. I sent off a despatch to Vancouver yesterday morning, to acquaint them of your distress, and expect an answer Sunday morning. I remain, sir, yours, most respectfully,

HENRY PEERS,

Port Agent of Hudson's Bay Company. To CAPTAIN HOWISON, &c., &c., &c.