Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/396



346 CHARLES HENRY CAREY

Missions to appoint a special agent to visit the Mission and make all necessary inquiries respecting its financial concerns and spiritual condition and prospects and report the results to the Board. A resolution to this effect was passed on the 9th of February, 1842, and immediately transmitted to the Bishop. This recommendation was duly honored and a very efficient agent selected. A list of instructions was drawn up, defining his duties, and directing him in the prosecution of his agency. Unfor- tunately for this project, circumstances connected with the official relations of the newly elected agent rendered it necessary that he should decline the appointment. Thus the hopes of the Board were again disappointed. Still, however, they adhered to the opinion that such an agency was indispensable, and at a regular meeting held July 19, 1843, renewed the recommendation of the Bishop, either to appoint an agent or to supersede Mr. Lee by a new Superintendent. The Bishop preferred the latter course and at their regular meeting, in the following September, informed the Board that he had appointed the Rev. George Gary, of the Black River Conference, to the Superintendency of the Oregon Mission. This announcement was received with the most decided ex- pressions of gratification, and again the bow of hope ap- peared upon the darkening cloud of despondency.

As it was deemed necessary that the New Superin- tendent should be invested with the most unquestionable authority to carry out the objects contemplated in his appointment, the Board, at their regular meeting in November, adopted with great unanimity the following preamble and resolutions :

"WHEREAS, Strong intimations have been given to the Board at different times that the secular department of our Mission in Oregon is, to a considerable extent, unnecessary and at the same time very expensive to the Society, therefore,