That Ogden s assertion that the United States might
have to regret its supineness in regard to Oregon might
be construed to mean more than defeat at the hands of
the Indians, the governor s answer to this letter of Ogden s
makes apparent. That those who had to bear the heavy
responsibilities of the war should have thought of how
they were to bear them, in case the federal government
remained indifferent, was but natural. The means sug
gested are hinted at in the reply to the above :
OREGON CITY, April 4, 1848. To Peter Skeen Ogden :
DEAR SIR : I received your favor of the first instant. I handed the obituary notice to the editor, and feel very much obliged to you for it, and hope you will occasionally favor us with your pen. I regret very much the circumstances that caused the retreat of the army to Waiilatpu, and were bringing Colonel Gilliam to this place. I have heard for some time that there was a want of unison in the army, and really hope that hereafter this feeling will be done away with. I have appointed H. A. G. Lee colonel, in place of Colonel Gilliam, deceased. I had appointed him superintendent of Indian affairs before I heard of Gilliam s death. I am in hopes he will succeed in establishing peace and obtaining the murderers. It is uncertain about McKay s returning ; he says he has no wheat in the ground. I have heard a good deal about the Klamaths, but nothing official. All reports I receive are letters from one of the volunteer captains, that incline me to think the reports (rumors) are much exaggerated. I hope they are, for the credit of the set tlers ; as you say, one war is enough." I hope Major Hardie will visit you before he returns. You will see by the proclamation what my feelings are on the war question. We are into it, and must keep up a good front if possible. I think we will at least be favored by a visit from an American sloop-of-war ; if we are not, I think our government is determined to do nothing for us. Wonder what they would do if we should apply to Great Britain for a loan of one hun dred thousand pounds to carry on our operations ? I presume we would have a government formed in double-quick time. Report says more vessels are on their way. I have had application as fol lows : to go to Washington, to Governor Mason, and to Salt Lake for assistance. I am afraid the Mormons might be as bad as the Indians, and have refused all. 2
Very respectfully, GEORGE ABERNETHY.
- The person offering to go to Salt Lake for assistance was Lansford W. Hastings, who published The Emigrants Guide to Oregon and California in 1845. He wrote to F. W. Pettygrove of Oregon City to see the governor about it.
