Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 37.djvu/176

 Oranges, which helped us along a little. The country is so full of people wanting employment that it is hard for any to get any thing to do, and wages have fallen a conciderable since we came. Flour is now worth $15 pr hundred pounds, and potatos $2.50 pr bushel. Ann & the girls take in washing and make pies to sell, we get 25 cts for washing large things 121/2 cts for small, we have done about $.50 worth this week. It has rained a most every day since we have been here, and in consequence of that and the want of the dimes, I have not been to look at the country.

Mr. Whitcomb the man that started this place is about starting a town on Shole Water Bay north of the mouth of the Columbia, and he wants me to go there and make my claim. But I am more inclined to go up this river, or out east of Oregon Citty, to the Indian Reserve. This is a rich fertile part, and is said to be a splendid stock country, and Wheat also. I have a little work at the old trade to do, and when I get that done, if I have any money to use in traveling, I intend to start out.

I wish Emma was here with about 10 or 12 cows, she could make more money than any two farmers in La Salle County. I have heard of a number of women clearing 6 and 8 hundred dollars a year. Butter is worth one dollar pr pound, and Cheese 50 cts ...

Affectionately Yours

CHARLES STEVENS

Brother Levi & Sister Emma

...... We are yet in Milwaukie and have not yet determined on any place to settle, but now think we shall go to Pugets