Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 15.djvu/194



182 SAMUEL .ROYAL THURSTON

authorizing the agent at Springfield, 111., to pay the balance due from Sept. 4, 1848, to March 4, 1849, on my receipt to him. This letter with my receipt I sent to the agent at Springfield. Wrote to Robt. Moore to pay over the 144 dolls, to Mr. Payne, and I would lay out that sum for him for paper. I wrote a note to the Spectator to notify Mr. Payne of the fact. I also received a letter from Wm. H. Wilson of Hebron, Ind., telling me to send the 20 dolls sent by Blain by mail, and making inqui- ries about the mails to Oregon and the cost and time of getting there. I replied according to facts and told him I would send the money in a day or two, as I had no paper now. I also went to see Bell again about the Indian bill. Attended the session of the House and endeavored to offer some resolutions, but could not under the rule, as objections were made. I attended the Smithsonian lecture in the evening, and franked papers to Oregon, and went to bed at 12.

January 25, 1850 This day the House was not in session. We adjourned yesterday over till Monday. Today I have worked hard all day till now, ten o'clock P. M., writing letters to persons who have writtten for information about Oregon, and in preparing resolutions, looking up matters &c. I have just finished a letter to Phillip Painter, Avon Post Office, St. Genevieve Co., Mo., relative to money &c, &c. I had some time ago written and informed him that there was on deposit for him 553 dolls, at the Mint, and other matters, but it seems when he wrote to me January 8th, he had not received my letter. I am now very much fatigued, and am going to bed.

January 26, 1850 This day the House was not in session. I devoted the whole day to writing. Went to see the Secretary about the appointment of surveyors. Did not see him, but learned none were yet appointed.

January 27, 1850 Today was Sunday. Did not attend Class meeting. Attended preaching and with some interrup- tion, spent the rest of the day in writing a long letter to J. H. Watson of Ohio in answer to inquiry about Oregon.