Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 15.djvu/198



186 SAMUEL .ROYAL THURSTON

a letter from Secretary of State relative to Russian ports on the Pacific, a copy of which, with a short note of my own, I sent to Spectator for publication. Also wrote a letter to Secretary of State reminding him that a previous letter of mine to him about printing U. S. laws in Oregon paper had not been answered, and desired him to let me know of his de- cision in the case. Attended the session of the House, but Oregon was not reached in the call for resolutions. Went to see the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs about getting through my Indian bill. Wrote a letter to Secretary of the Treasury relative to the H. B. Company's paying duties under the treaty. Got 12 Pat. Reports and franked them to Oregon. Also got ten Treasurer's Reports and franked them, and after writing sundry letters to others, went to bed at twelve.

February 5 and 6, 1850 Went to see Orlando Brown, Com- missioner of Indian Affairs, to get the order on Lane. He promised to give it. Went to the House which adjourned on the 5th in consequence of announcement of death of member. Heard Clay's speech. Wrote a letter to Ewing, stating to him how I wanted the order to run. On the 6th I introduced sundry resolutions in the House also two bills.

February 7th, 1850 This day filed a memorial under the rule praying for appropriation for penitentiary in Oregon. Also got the Committee to consent to report a joint resolution for the Exploring Expedition works for the Oregon Territorial Library, which I drew up for them and which Boyd is to report. Also saw members of the other committees about other meas- ures in Oregon. Attended the Smithsonian lecture in the evening by Dr. Potter, and came home and answered three letters about Oregon and people in Oregon, and went to bed at 12. I should have said that I saw Ewing today, and he said the order should go.

February 8, 1850 This morning went to see Secretary of Navy by his request by note yesterday, relative to mail service in 2 steamers to Oregon, post offices and mail routes in same. Wished me to communicate to him by letter. I am to do so.