Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/143

Rh phans are the relieved ones. With a sincere prayer that the widow's God and the father of the fatherless may reward you for your kindness, I have the honor to remain,

Your obedient servant. ,

Governor of Oregon Territory.

To Peter Skeen Ogden,

Chief Factor Hudson's Bay Company.

To this letter Mr. Ogden sent this significant reply:—

The rescued women and children were taken care of by the citizens, and settlers upon farms, many of the women and girls being soon provided with homes by marriage. Such of their property as had not been destroyed was finally recovered, while all became absorbed into the young commonwealth.

The discussion of the causes which had brought about the tragedy of Waiilatpu went on unceasingly, to no other purpose apparently than to gratify a craving for excitement. No one felt willing to lay any blame upon the victims. The immigrants were unwilling to admit that the catastrophe was caused by their introduction of a fatal disease among the Indians. The cause must be sought otherwheres. Where else could it- be looked for except in the natural depravity of barbarians, incited, of course, by some influence not American the French priests, or the English fur company, or both together? Forgetful of the