Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/402

352 nor religion, required its further continuance. It was consequently abandoned and the premises sold to the trustees of the Oregon Institute. If it were necessary and time would admit, I could give you all the particulars which contributed to bring about these results in reference to the school.

"All the secular men in the mission in this valley, except one, have received an honorable discharge, and he is to receive his in the spring. In consequence of these dismissions there are but six men in connection with the mission, except Brother Perkins, who, with his family, is about to leave for the States. The laymen who have been discharged will principally settle in the country, and in all probability be more useful as private citizens than they have been as missionaries. They have been dealt very honorably with by the Superintendent, having received from him an equivalent for their expenses home; they certainly have no room to complain. The number of Conference preachers, as you are aware, when Brother Perkins leaves, will be four; local preachers also four; one of whom emigrated to the country last year; exhorters two, and members sixty-five. The preachers are located in different parts of the country, so that there are no settlements but are occasionally favored with the Word of Life; and though at present the storm beats against us, and the prejudices of some and the jealousy and envy of others, present many obstacles in the way, yet we trust the great Head of the Church will over-rule all for good and that our Zion will become a praise in these ends of the earth. But before I close this already protracted communication, allow me to present one subject more which stands intimately connected with the prosperity of our Church in Oregon, namely:

"THE OREGON INSTITUTE: I have stated above that the premises formerly occupied by the Mission School were sold to the Trustees of the Oregon Institute. At some future time I may give you a history of the