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LETTERS OF REV. WILLIAM M. ROBERTS 233

the rest. The bound copies of the Advocate are eagerly sought for. I can dispose of 50 copies annually selling the whole of them at the full price. The 10 sets of Library Books placed in my hands I have disposed of as follows, Sabbath School at San Francisco uper California, 1 Set of 150 vols another at this place in the School and another at the school at Salem. It is possible that we may break one or two of the sets for the sake of getting Books to place in the hands of Children in various parts of the country where as yet we can have no school. The rest will be reserved for new schools as they may be formed in various parts of the country. We have many ragged ignorant children these are growing up in this country as wild and careless of God as the wolves that nightly howl around the cabins in which they sleep. And we must haste to save them ere yet their vices are full grown yealding in abundance the bitter fruit of Sin.

In earnest hope that Heaven will bless and direct our labours and that you will render all possible assistance, I subscribe myself, Yours in Christ,

William Roberts. To Revd. D. P. Kidder.

Oregon City, March 18th, 1848. To DR. J. L. BABCOCK:

Sir, of the let Notes your Your favour left in my hands by Bro. Gary for collection, I have succeeded in collecting or securing the following amt. On the note of J. Applegate $90 cash. J. Hutchins $20 cash. On another 46 Bush wheat at 90c pr bu $41.40. There is a small amt. more collected on this last item it is in the hands of Bro Beers to whom I have com- mitted many of the Notes due in the French Settlement there will of cource be some expence envolved in the collection I shall do what is in my power for your accommodation. I now send you a draft for $157.40. I deem it quite a misfortune for you that any of your things brought prices so exorbitant it is a direct barrier to their collection. I am Yours truly,

Wm. Roberts.

$157.40 Oregon City, March 18th, 1848.

Ten days after date of this first of Exchange (second &