Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 15.djvu/215



DIARY 203

them to my wife. Very hot and sultry today. Went to bed between ten and eleven.

July 29, 1850 Endeavored today to get up my land bill. Could not succeed. Spent the day as usual. Received a letter from Governor Slade about sending teachers to Oregon. Wrote him a reply, and sent his letter to Oregon for publication with a short note of mine. Franked some documents, &c.

July 30, 1850 Today I wrote a letter to Spectator. Went to see Commissioner of Indian Affairs about Oregon matters. Introduced resolution to make my land bill special order. Did not succeed. Received Cleveland Herald containing my let- ter to Rev. Mr. Maltby. Sent one to Mr. Moore and one to Dr. McBride. Franked some papers. Received a letter from Judge Bryant. Went to bed between ten and eleven.

July 31, 1850 Here it is August 11. I have skipped all this time but I have been to work night and day. Got my land bill through last week.

August 12, 1850 Today I wrote home to Oregon, and the most of the day was feeling about among the senators about my land bill.

August 13, 1850 I attended committee on Public Lands and labored all day among different senators about my land bill. Shields appears to be taking the same course that Bowlin did. I have no doubt myself that the agents of Dr. McLoughlin are operating against it. Received and wrote letter from and to Judge Bryant, urging him to come on to help me get the bill through.

August 14, 1850 All this day I have labored extremely hard trying to get the Land Committee to agree as to the amendments of my bill, and in writing numerous letters to different persons about Oregon. It is extremely vexing to have the Land Committee now dally along, the tendency of all of which is to prevent the passage of my bill. I will win, not despair, but will fight on while a hair remains on my head. Oregon shan't be overreached if vigilance will prevent it. H. B. Company appear to have many friends.