CHAPTER FOUR The American Society — Delay and Failure
As stated on the first page of the General Grcular, the expedition was to start in the spring of 1832, or three months after the time originally set. Furthermore it appears that Kelley's original plans had undergone a change,^ for he now proposed to take women and children on the first land expedi- tion. There is no evidence in the General Circular that more than a single expedition had ever been contemplated.
Kelley spent the winters of 1830 and 1831 in Washington attempting to influence congress to take positive action,* and his necessary absence from his headquarters at Boston and the tendency of congress to delay easily accounts for the postpcmc- ment of the date set for departure.
The number of persons enrolled upon the books of the Society is nowhere stated except in general terms. It is cer- tain, however, that the statement of Kelley in his first memorial to congress in 1828 that three thousand men stood willing to emigrate was based largely on anticipations. His highest claim was to the effect that he had "enlisted four or five hun- dred emigrants" by 1832.' Speaking of the prospective emi- grants he said:
"Many were those in all parts of the Union, and in some parts of Europe, who would engage in it. Companies were formed, in different parts of the States, and many men of dis- tinction and of high standing in society, all desiring their names to be enrolled in the expedition. The Hon. Samuel Houston, in conversation said: 'I have almost made up my mind to go with you to Oregon, and engage in the East India trade/ A company in Paris was formed, and another, a more numer-
I Young; Correspondence and Journals of Nathaniel J, Wyeth, «*3, t'9.
4 Kelley, Petition, t866: 3.
3 Kelley, Hist, of the Settlement of Oregon, 80.
