190 SAMUEL ROYAL THURSTON
to have you make me believe that." Bright immediately looked surprised, and inquired what I meant, and his countenance be- trayed his heart fully. I replied that Dr. McL. had had an agent at Washington for ten years in my opinion. Bright then asked if I knew his name. I said, "No." He then asked me how Lane and McL. got along. I replied that I did not know; guessed well enough. He also talked round in such a way for some time, and it perfectly satisfied me that Lane had written him all about matters and had been laboring to secure the Oregon City site for Dr. Me. Bright had before dropped the remark something about Lane's letter being 16 pages. I have recorded these while they are all distinct and fresh, lest I might forget them or be liable to mistake in case they should come in play. Went to bed at 12^ o'clock.
February 17, 1850 This day was Sunday. Wrote my wife a letter in the morning. Then went to class meeting. Next went to the Reps Hall to meeting, but it looked so gloomy that I did not stop. Came home. Fixed my scrap book, prepared some points for a speech, and then walked out. Came home, prepared more points, wrote three letters, franked some papers, and went to bed about 11.
February 18, 1850 From this up to 20th, routine as usual.
February 21, 1850 First thing in the morning, wrote a letter to B. W. Hampoon about Oregon. Next went to see Mr. Grinnell, of the Committee on Commerce, to get him to recom- mend appropriation for light-houses in Oregon. Next went to the House and wrote a long letter to Rev. J. P. Millar, 1 in answer to his letter to me about Oregon. He informed me that there are forty or fifty families there who wish to go to Oregon. Sent him three letters containing my letters published. Next came down to my room and worked on my speech and wrote on that till eleven in the evening. Had another letter tonight from Michigan about Oregon. I am completely ex- hausted, and therefore go to bed at 12.
Father of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Millar Wilson, of The Dalles.
