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events narrated in the foregoing chapters, of so much importance to the Oregon colony, had transpired without the knowledge of the outside world. The letter of Mr. Douglas to S. N. Castle of Honolulu, was not received until February, and was productive of no results. The dispatches for California, which failed as has been narrated, to get over the mountains, were put on board the brig Henry, which left the Columbia river about the middle of March, arriving at San Francisco April twelfth, leaving immediately for Mazatlan with government stores for the United States troops in Mexico.

Such was the isolation of Oregon at this time that it was not known to its legislature or governor that the United States had taken possession of California, and the communication first sent was addressed to the commodore of the Pacific squadron, as follows:—

OREGON CITY, December 28, 1847.

To W. Bradford Shubrick, Commander Pacific Squadron:


 * The present state of affairs in Oregon induces me to address you on the subject. I inclose herewith two papers which will inform