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LETTERS OF REV. WM. M. ROBERTS 39

from the measles. This is the first introduction of this disease into the Country and is at this time the cause of much suffering in our borders both among whites and Indians. The hour has come for this Com'n (communication) to be closed, and with the greatest confidence that this afflictive event will be over- ruled for good even in Oregon I subscribe

myself

Yours in Christ

Wm. Roberts.

PS. The rumours of this morning are greatly against the hope that Mr. Spalding is yet alive but nothing is certain.

(Copy) Oregon City Deer 20th 1847

To Rev. Dr. Pitman Cor Secy ) Miss Socy of the M. E. Church) Dear Bro.

In my communication of Saturday last with its accompany- ing documents, you have all the information we possess in regard to our Indian difficulties. I now desire (Sub rosa) to speak a little of some business matters if the special mes- senger Mr. J. Meek does not start too soon. And First, as to the payment of salaries. The course has been to pay the part regarded as salary, either in cash or goods at cash or invoice prices: The other part i. e. that regarded as table expenses to be paid in the currency of the country, which is now not worth more than 66 2/3 cts. to the dollar compared with cash. I called the Brethren together recently to compare notes on this subject and find that the salaries as estimated in N. Y. are a little above what the estimating (committee) made them here for 1847.

Now the query arises as the (committee) here estimated in view of the Pay aforesaid ought I to pay the present (or N. Y. estimate) in any other way. Bro. Wilbur 1 is of opinion that when the Board made the present estimate of $600. for himself for example, it meant $600. in cash or if currency was used an amt. of it equal to $600. in cash. The other Brethren agree that if the present estimate is paid about as Bro. Gary paid it when he was here that it is sufficient and they have had experience. Do not understand me that there is any

i Rev. J. H. Wilbur. D. D.