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COMMUNICATION IN EARLY OREGON 349 There were three ships in the trade between England and Vancouver the Vancouver, Columbia and Cowlitz. Outward bound, they were loaded with machinery, tools, goods and articles of trade not produced on the Pacific Coast. After unloading, they went north to Sitka, or to the Sandwich Islands, in either case carrying lumber and flour and bartered as they went. The round trip took three years, including the return to England carrying the furs and skins collected all over the Pacific slope and making up the cargo with wool, hides, horns and tallow. Of more interest than all else were the let- ters from home, newspapers and books and friends and visitors who came to stay for a time or permanently. Practically all the news from home came that way during the early years after 1824. In 1838, about three years after the establishment of the Methodist Missions in Oregon, it had become apparent that, so far as the work among the Indians was concerned, it had been and must be a failure. To Jason Lee and others, the establishment of civilization with religion and good govern- ment as the foundation of the edifice became the paramount issue. It was agreed that Lee should become the messenger to personally represent to the Church Board, to the authorities at Washington and the public generally the needs and value of the country ; to secure men and means for extended church work and to enlist the attention of those who might wish to migrate to it. He carried with him a petition or memorial signed by three- fourths of the white male population of Ore- gon. It gave an accurate description of the country, its fer- tility, climate and general adaptability for the home of thous- ands of settlers. The document was a literary gem, full of patriotic sentiment more the work of a statesman than a preacher. Late in March, 1838, a party consisting of P. L. Edwards, of the Mission, a Mr. Ewing returning to his home in Missouri, and two Indian boys named William Brooks and Thomas Adams, headed by Jason Lee, began the long and hazardous journey eastward. Going up the Columbia River to The Dalles and Fort Walla Walla and to Whitman Mission,