and forty-five pairs of blankets to be delivered to them at government prices. They were put on board the barque at the sole risk and responsibility of Mr. Edward Cunningham, a supercargo and merchant on the coast of California, but at my request, it being my impression that blankets were very high in Oregon, and that if a volunteer (receiving an advance of twenty-one dollars to equip himself) could purchase blankets at government prices instead of the high rates of the country, it would be of great assistance to him, and he would come into the service better equipped than under other circumstances. Getting no volunteers, I have sold for Mr. Cunningham (to people who would come on board to purchase) a few pairs at the same price as for volunteers. I imagine this is the cause of the impression which appears to exist abroad, that government is selling or disposing of its stores, clothing, etc.
Did these blankets belong to government, I should be risking my commission did I sell a blanket, except it be under instruction to that effect. General Palmer can explain the circumstances to you fully. I have sold to him a few pairs of blankets at lower prices than the invoice which Mr. Cunningham gave me warrants, and would gladly do more to forward the interests of the territory were I at liberty. I shall proceed immediately to Monterey to represent to Colonel Mason the state of affairs in Oregon, and feel confident that he will be disposed to send ammunition and arms for the prosecution of the war. I need not say that I will ask him to send any assistance, either in supplies, etc., or in officers or men, that can be spared in California, or that he may feel authorized to send; or that he may give what immediate relief the United States government can furnish on this side of the continent. Men cannot, I suppose, be expected by you in the recent state of the war in Mexico and California. Supplies can, I think, be spared.
I am with great respect,
That which strikes the student of Oregon history is the pathetic patience with which the people, and the provisional government, bore the long continued neglect of the federal government. From the first influx of immigration proper, in 1842 and 1843, congress had been entreated to make some provision for the protection of travelers to Oregon from Indian attacks, as it had previously been urged to insist upon the rights of Americans as against the British, represented by the Hudson's Bay Company. But congress had equally neglected both. The people, guided by a few wise minds, had hit upon the plan of inducing
