Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/252



At the very time that a United States transport was lying in the Columbia river, the authorities of Oregon were making application to the British tradtrs for sup plies for American volunteers in the service of their coun try. The answers received occasioned Governor Abernethy to write the following letter to Major Hardie:

OREGON CITY, April 11, 1848. Major J. A. Hardie, United States Army :

DEAR SIR : General Palmer intends leaving this morning for the Anita to purchase a few blankets. We have but little money. We need clothing and blankets very much. The men in the field are very destitute. I am certain you will let him have them as low as you can. If you could, by any possible way, give a small portion of the United States property under your care to this territory in the present distressed case, it would be gratefully received. Mr. McKinlay said to a gentleman yesterday: "You ask for clothing from us; here is one of your own vessels with just the things you want; why don t they help you ?" You mentioned in conversation that perhaps you might be sent up to muster our troops into the United States service in Oregon. If this can be done, use your in fluence with Governor Mason to effect it. If we should be able to withdraw the most of them, we must still garrison the posts, and protect the immigration as far as possible.

I am yours, etc., GEORGE ABERNETHY,

Governor of Oregon.

To this very reasonable appeal, as appeared from a civilian s point of view, Major Hardie replied:

BARQUE ANITA, April 12, 1848. To Governor Abernethy:

DEAR SIR : I have received by General Palmer your favor of the eleventh instant, and take advantage of General Palmer s return to Oregon City to send you a line in answer. I have no clothing of any kind on board the vessel, and what camp equipage I have on board belongs to the United States quartermaster s department and cannot be sold. I could not find myself authorized to issue camp and garrison equipage to the territory, though I should be glad to afford any assistance to the war in my power. Had I powder and lead, or other ordnance stores, and the danger to the territory was imminent without such stores for immediate use, I should not hesi tate to take the responsibility of issuing them upon your requisition. I brought with me for the use of the men enlisted, two hundred