you of our situation, and the necessity there is of sending aid, if in your power, as soon as possible. A sloop-of-war anchored in the Columbia river at Vancouver, or near the mouth of the Willamette river, would exert a powerful influence in our behalf. The Indians would be led to believe that our chief, of whom they have often heard, was ready to examine into and punish any wrongs they might inflict on American citizens. A supply of ammunition could be furnished to repel any attacks they might make on us, and would also let the citizens of the United States dwelling in this distant land know they w r ere not neglected. A vessel drawing sixteen feet of water can enter our harbor in safety ; one drawing fifteen feet can, I believe, get up the Columbia at any season of the year with proper caution. I am aware that the present season is not the most favorable for entering our river and ascending it, still merchantmen enter and depart at all seasons of the year.
Believing that you will do all you can to render us assistance, I have the honor to remain, yours truly,
GEORGE ABERNETHY, Governor of Oregon.
By the Henry, the governor wrote again the following:
OREGON CITY, March 11, 1848. Commander W. Bradford Shubrick :
SIR: I have written you under date of December twenty-eighth and January twenty-fifth last, both of which failed to reach yon. I herewith send letters and the Spectator, from which you can see our present situation. Captain Kilburn, of the brig Henry, can inform you on any subject you may wish to inquire of him. I would again call your attention to the necessity of sending us one or more vessels of war as soon as possible. Indians are restrained by fear; they have a dread of cannon and man-of-war ships. I have told them, a ship of war would be here in the spring. I am waiting with anxiety to hear from the commissioners sent up to treat with the Indians. Should we succeed in settling this affair, which is uncertain, the presence of one of our ships at this juncture would let them know that the Americans have it in their power to punish them, and would probably deter them from further aggressions. I have conversed with the pilot at the mouth of the Columbia. He says that he can bring in a vessel drawing twenty-two feet of water. Under his care any sloop-of-war under your command can enter our river. Captain Kilburn says, if needed, he will come up in any vessel sent by you.
Yours truly,GEORGE ABERNETHY,
Governor of Oregon.
