Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/50



40 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE

feeling on the subject on the part of Bro. Wilbur, but such are his convictions of right, and I think he will not be satisfied with the payments made as Bro. Gary made them ; until you shall have given instructions on the subject.

I am scarcely prepared to express an opinon on the subject but the course I had marked out for myself was to ascertain how nearly the present estimate, corresponded with those of former years and also with the actual demand and cost of living in the country. As to the former it is above (only a little) the estimate made here for the same time but below the esti- mates of some previous years, then I intended to have the pay according to the salary: following the example of my predecessor in all cases where I ascertained he was right. Provided that in all cases (I speak now of salaries) the members of the mission are satisfied and happy. It is likely that I may discount somewhat for Bro. Wilbur when I use the funds here at least until you shall have given some direc- tion (if you are prepared to give any) in regard to the question. If at any moment I find the Brethren are not entirely satisfied with payments as Bro. Gary made them, or am convinced from experience that the support is not full and liberal, I shall bring the currency part of the payments down to cash prices so as to made the entire amt. equal to cash as per estimate of the Board, until I recieve further advices : for in my opinion a liberal support and entire harmony of feeling are both essential to our prosperity in the mission.

One thing I ought perhaps to mention I am of opinion that the Board ought to send a good supply of goods to this place not only for the use of the mission families but to enable me to pay for somethings that have to be done in goods. Almost every article of clothing here is from 100 to 200 per ct. above the N. Y. prices. I am under the necessity of haveing some work done for which goods would be most available, and here I will say that my action in this case will be widely different from that of Bro. Gary. He did not travel about except as he was taken. I travel incessantly when angry swolen rivers will permit, hence not only are my personal expenses greatly increased, but I must have a barn and Fodder ; and a man or boy to work for me, and travel with me when

1 Rev. David Leslie.

2 Dr. Gary came to Oregon with instructions to close out all the "aecular" interests of the mission, instructions which he followed literally.