Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/48



38 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE

gress "to provide for raising a regiment of mounted riflemen and for establishing Military stations on the route to Oregon" only been carried into effect, the Battle at the Dalls and the Massacre at Waiilatpu would not have happened : and many a toil worn emigrant who has come in sick and penniless, a little pilfered from him here and there until his all was gone might have had a competence : at least until he had recovered from the fatigues of the journey through that great and terrible wilderness.

The emigration of the present season is computed at from 4 to 5 thousand, the principal part of which crossed the Cascade mountains over Barlow's road: 1 soon after the rains commenced, that road became impassable and those on the northern route, were compelled to come down the Columbia river. Several companies have come in the southern route with safety, and the hope is entertained that future emigra- tions will so divide themselves on the several routes as to have an abundance of grass for their cattle. We are recieving many valuable accessions to our Membership from the states the present season: and have been blest with quite a (number) of conversions, mainly on the West Side of the Walamet river. Two weeks later I could furnish you with statistics. But the special messenger 2 to the States is expected to start in a few hours and my communication must be closed. In previous letters I have spoken of the transfer of the Dalls Station into the hands of Dr. Whitman according to Bro. Gary's 3 arrange- ment, giving him all except the moveable property, the value of which is about $600. Bro. Waller is stationed at the Insti- tute 4 and Bro. Brewer's connextion with the mission has ceased. You will of course expect me to say if the recent disaster will in any way affect the prosperity of our Mission or the safety of the Missionaries, I think not. It may prevent some of my excursions among the Indians another season and certainly does seem to darken the prospect of doing any good to them whatever. But I (plan) to enter every open- door, and occupy until the master shall come. Whether it (be) by natural neath, or Indian Massacre, or a chariot of fire. We are all well as usual My Indian Boy is just recovering

1 A toll-road across the Cascade Mts.; opened by Samuel K. Barlow about July, 1845.

2 Joseph L. Meek.

3 Rev. George Gary. Second Supt. Oregon Mission. 1844- June 1847

4 Oregon Institute Salem. Organized in 1844. (Became Willamette Uni- versity.;