"Christian families to settle in the vicinity of the different stations." But in that he was disappointed. These families could not be induced to take the risks he was taking, and he talked freely with some of his fellow travelers to Oregon of his want of success, and fears of the consequences. Out of the whole immigration of nearly eight hundred persons, only one family, and one unmarried man, were persuaded to remain at Lapwai, while not one person consented to give him their assistance at Waiilatpu.
This circumstance probably had a quieting effect upon the Indians, as no more of their lands were taken; but they still complained that the missionaries traded with
Your familiarity with the government policy, duties, and interest renders it unnecessary for me to more than hint at the several objects intended by the enclosed bill, and any enlargement upon the topics here suggested as inducements to its adoption would be quite superfluous, if not impertinent. The very existence of such a system as the one above recommended suggests the utility of postoffices and mail arrangements, which it is the wish of all who now live in Oregon to have granted them, and I need only add that contracts for this purpose will be readily taken at reasonable rates for transporting the mail across from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia in forty days, with fresh horses at each of the contemplated posts. The ruling policy proposed regards the Indians as the police of the country, who are to be relied upon to keep the peace, not only for themselves, but to repel lawless white men and prevent banditti, under the solitary guidance of the superintendent of the several posts, aided by a well-directed system to induce the punishment of crime. It will only be after the failure of these means to procure the delivery or punishment of violent, lawless, and savage acts of aggression, that a band or tribe should be regarded as conspirators against the peace, or punished accordingly by force of arms.
Hoping that these suggestions may meet your approbation, and conduce to the future interest of our growing country, I have the honor to be, honorable sir,Your obedient servant,
Copy of a proposed bill prepared by Dr. Marcus Whitman in 1843, and sent to the secretary of war.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled, that from and after the passage of this act there shall be established at suitable distances, and in convenient and proper places to be selected by the president, a chain of agricultural posts or farming stations, extending at intervals from the present most usual crossing of the Kansas river, west of the western boundary of the state of Missouri, thence ascending the Platte river on its southern border, thence through the valley of the Sweetwater river to Fort Hall, and thence to settlements of the Willamette in the territory of Oregon. Which said posts shall have for their object to set examples of civilized industry to the several Indian
