Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 15.djvu/205



DIARY 193

March 20th, 1850 This day and the twenty-first did the usual routine. Visited the Secretary of the Treasury to get him to make his estimate for lighthouses and buoys, prepared some remarks to offer on my amendment of the Deficiency Appropriation bill, and visited several members to get them to support same. Wrote numerous letters in reply about Oregon.

March 23rd, 1850 This morning prepared my amendment and went and attended the session of the house all day till late to get a chance to offer my amendment appropriating ten thou- sand for Indian service in Oregon. The Chairman ruled me out of order. I appealed from his decision, and the Com- mittee sustained. Then modified my amendment and it carried unanimously, save one. Made a short speech and handed it written out to the reporter. In the eve had ten letters making many inquiries &c. In the evening attended on the printer, corrected the proof sheet, wrote and went to bed at 12.

March 24th, 1850 It is now the 28th. All this time I have been engaged about my speech, printing and correcting it &c. Called on Taylor tonight, and recommended A. A. Skin- ner to be appointed Judge vice Bryant if Bryant resigned, as I hear today he has or will. I have been directing documents this evening. It is now 9.

March 29th, 1850 This day attended the session of the House. Franked some of my speeches to different papers, wrote letters &c. Mr. Stockwell left here today. Went to bed at 11.

March 30, 1850 It is now April 6th, and I have forgotten all this time to make my record. I will try again. All this forenoon till 2 P. M. I was busy writing letters to inquiries about Oregon. I then for the balance of the day occupied myself in preparing some law for a speech in support of the Oregon Land bill. In the evening I went to the lodge and took three degrees in Odd Fellowship. Came home and found four more letters inquiring about Oregon. My Oregon mail did not reach here today. Today Dana Miller, an old chum of mine at Dartmouth College, called on me, whom I had not seen for ten years. I knew him at a glance. I am now going to bed as it is 11 o'clock.