Dr. John McLoughlin, the Father of Oregon Part 8

His name should be enrolled in the Temple of Fame of distinguished Americans. A county in each of the states of Oregon and Was.h.i.+ngton should be named for him. For prior to March 2, 1853, what is now the State of Was.h.i.+ngton, was a part of the Territory of Oregon, and Fort Vancouver, where his n.o.blest deeds were performed, is in the State of Was.h.i.+ngton. That State would do itself great honor if it should change the name of Thurston County to that of McLoughlin. I am glad that the last Legislative a.s.sembly of Oregon restored the name of Mt. McLoughlin to that sublime, snow-covered mountain in Southern Oregon, sometimes called Mt. Pitt, but, prior to 1838, named for Dr. John McLoughlin by the early residents of Oregon, and for years called and shown on the maps as Mt. McLoughlin. It will forever be known by his name. It would have been appropriate if the Legislative a.s.sembly of Oregon had changed the name of Mount Hood to that of Mount McLoughlin, for, in the days when Dr. John McLoughlin was in charge at Fort Vancouver, it was the custom of the Indians, in what is now called Eastern Oregon and Eastern Was.h.i.+ngton, to point to Mt. Hood as showing near where was his residence.

Dr. McLoughlin died more than forty-nine years ago. Under the canons of the Roman Catholic Church no one can be canonized until he or she has been dead at least fifty years. If I may do so with propriety, I suggest that, when the fifty years have pa.s.sed, those in proper authority in that Church cause Dr. John McLoughlin to be canonized, if it is possible to do so. But the people of Oregon, as a people, are not bound by this canon. Already the memory of this grand old man is enshrined in their hearts. To them he is now the patron saint of Oregon, without regard to canon or rules, religion or sect.

Of all the names and t.i.tles given to, or bestowed upon Dr. John McLoughlin, the one I like best is "Father of Oregon;" for he was, and is truly, the Father of Oregon. And it enables every old, true Oregon pioneer, and every son and daughter of every Oregon pioneer, and his and her descendants, to the remotest generations, to speak of Dr. John McLoughlin with affection and love, with respect and veneration as "Our Father." In the past the fervent prayers of these grateful pioneers were made in his praise and that his tribulations might end and persecutions of him might cease. Their tears consecrated his martyrdom and his memory. Today the hearts of the survivors and of the descendants of these pioneers quicken at thoughts of what he was and what he did; and their eyes moisten in recalling what he suffered and what he endured in the making of Oregon.

Of all the men whose lives and deeds are essential parts of the history of the Oregon Country, Dr. John McLoughlin stands supremely first--there is no second. In contemplating him all others sink into comparative insignificance. You may search the whole world, and all its histories from the beginning of civilization to today, and you will find no n.o.bler, no grander man than Dr. John McLoughlin. His life and character ill.u.s.trate the kins.h.i.+p of man to G.o.d. He was G.o.d-like in his great fatherhood, in his great strength, in his great power, and in the exercise of his strength and of his power; he was Christ-like in his gentleness, in his tenderness, in his loving-kindness, and in his humanity.

ILl.u.s.tRATIVE DOc.u.mENTS REFERRED TO IN THE TEXT

DOc.u.mENT A

_Article 3 of the Convention between the United States of America and Great Britain, signed at London, October 20, 1818._

"It is agreed that any country that may be claimed by either party on the north-west coast of America, westward of the Stony Mountains, shall, together with its harbors, bays, and creeks, and the navigation of all rivers within the same, be free and open for the term of ten years from the date of the signature of the present convention, to the vessels, citizens, and subjects, of the two powers; it being well understood that this agreement is not to be construed to the prejudice of any claim which either of the two high contracting parties may have to any part of the said country, nor shall it be taken to affect the claims of any other power or state to any part of the said country; the only object of the high contracting parties, in that respect, being to prevent disputes and differences among themselves."

DOc.u.mENT B

_Convention between the United States of America and Great Britain, signed at London, August 6, 1827._

"Article 1. All the provisions of the third article of the convention concluded between the United States of America and his majesty the king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on the 20th of October, 1818, shall be, and they are hereby, further indefinitely extended and continued in force, in the same manner as if all the provisions of the said article were herein specifically recited.

"Art. 2. It shall be competent, however, to either of the contracting parties, in case either should think fit, at any time after the 20th of October, 1828, on giving due notice of twelve months to the other contracting party, to annul and abrogate this convention; and it shall, in such case, be accordingly entirely annulled and abrogated, after the expiration of the said term of notice.

"Art. 3. Nothing contained in this convention, or in the third article of the convention of the 20th October, 1818, hereby continued in force, shall be construed to impair, or in any manner affect, the claims which either of the contracting parties may have to any part of the country westward of the Stony or Rocky Mountains."

DOc.u.mENT C

_Statement concerning merger of Hudson's Bay Company and North-West Company; and grant to Hudson's Bay Company of 1821 and 1838 to trade in the Oregon Country._

A great enmity arose between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North-West Company. In 1815 a regular war broke out between the two companies, which was, for some time after, openly carried on. In 1821 a compromise was effected, by which the North-West Company became united with, or rather merged, in the Hudson's Bay Company. In connection with this merger the British Parliament July 2, 1821, pa.s.sed an act ent.i.tled, "An act for regulating the fur trade and establis.h.i.+ng a criminal and civil jurisdiction in certain parts of North America," containing every provision required to give stability to the Hudson's Bay Company, and efficiency to its operation. Under this act of Parliament, the King was authorized to make grants or give licenses for the exclusive privilege of trading with the Indians in all such parts of North America, not being parts of the territories previously granted to the Hudson's Bay Company, or of any of His Majesty's provinces in North America, or of any territories belonging to the United States of America; "provided, however, that no such grant or license shall be given for a longer period than twenty-one years; that no grant or license for exclusive trade, in the part of America west of the Rocky mountains, which, by the convention of 1818 with the United States, remained free and open to the subjects or citizens of both nations, shall be used to the prejudice or exclusion of citizens of the United States engaged in such trade; and that no British subject shall trade in those territories west of the Rocky mountains without such license or grant."

December 21, 1821, the King of England granted a license for twenty-one years, to the Hudson's Bay Company and to W. McGillivray, S.

McGillivray, and E. Ellice (representing the North-West Company) "the exclusive privilege of trading with the Indians, in all such parts of North America, to the northward and westward of the lands and territories belonging to the United States of America, as shall not form part of any of our provinces in North America, or of any lands or territories belonging to the said United States of America, or to any European government, state, or power." Said grant also provided: "And we do hereby declare that nothing in this our grant contained shall be deemed or construed to authorize the said Governor and Company, or W.

McGillivray, S. McGillivray, and E. Ellice, or any person in their employ, to claim or exercise any trade with the Indians on the north-west coast of America, to the westward of the Stony Mountains, to the prejudice or exclusion of any citizen of the United States of America, who may be engaged in the said trade: Provided always, that no British subjects other than and except the said Governor and Company, and the said W. McGillivray, S. McGillivray, and E. Ellice, and the persons authorized to carry on exclusive trade by them on grant, shall trade with the Indians within such limits, during the period of this our grant." Under this license, the parties to whom it was granted continued their operations until 1824, when the claims of the North-West Company were extinguished by mutual consent; the Hudson's Bay Company then became the sole possessor of the privileges conceded, which were enjoyed by that body until the expiration of the grant. Previous to that period, 1838, a new grant was made to the Company, ent.i.tled, "Crown Grant to the Hudson's Bay Company of the Exclusive Trade with the Indians in certain parts of North America, for a term of twenty-one Years, and upon Surrender of a former Grant."

Said grant of 1838 provided: "We do hereby grant and give our license, under the hand and seal of one of our princ.i.p.al secretaries of state, to the said Governor and Company, and their successors, for the exclusive privilege of trading with the Indians in all such parts of North America, to the northward and to the westward of the lands and territories belonging to the United States of America, as shall not form part of any of our provinces in North America, or of any lands or territories belonging to the said United States of America, or to any European government, state, or power, but subject, nevertheless, as hereinafter mentioned: And we do, by these presents, give, grant, and secure, to the said Governor and Company, and their successors, the sole and exclusive privilege, for the full period of twenty-one years from the date of this our grant, of trading with the Indians in all such parts of North America as aforesaid (except as hereinafter mentioned)."

Said grant of 1838 also provided: "But we do hereby declare that nothing in this our grant contained shall be deemed or construed to authorize the said Governor and Company, or their successors, or any persons in their employ, to claim or exercise any trade with the Indians on the northwest coast of America, to the westward of the Stony Mountains, to the prejudice or exclusion of any of the subjects of any foreign states, who, under or by force of any convention for the time being, between us and such foreign states, respectively, may be ent.i.tled to, and shall be engaged in, the said trade."[60]

DOc.u.mENT D

_Excerpts from Ma.n.u.script Journal of Rev. Jason Lee._

The following excerpts are taken from the ma.n.u.script journal of Rev.

Jason Lee, all of which is in his handwriting. This original journal is now in the possession of the Oregon Historical Society.

"Vancouver, Teus[day], Sept. 16, 1834.----Arrived at Fort Vancouver 3 o'clock found the Governor and other Gentlemen connected with the Fort on sh.o.r.e waiting our arrival and conducted us to the Fort and gave us food which was very acceptable as we had eaten our last for breakfast.

We received every attention from these Gentlemen. Our baggage was brought and put into a s.p.a.cious room without consulting us and the room a.s.signed for our use and we had the pleasure of sleeping again within the walls of a house after a long and fatiguing journey replete with menacies, deprivations, toil and prosperity.

"I have been much delighted today in viewing the improvements of the farm, &c. The dinner was as good and served in as good stile as in any gentleman's house in the east. Fine mus[k] & water melons and apples were set before us which were indeed a luxury after the dry living we have had for some time. After dinner took a turn in the Garden and was astonished to find it in such a high state of cultivation. The orchard is young but the quant.i.ty of the fruit is so great that many of the branches would break if they were not prevented by props.

"Dr. McLoughlin the Governor of the Fort seems pleased that Missionaries have come to the country and freely offers us any a.s.sistance that it is in his power to render. It is his decided opinion that we should commence somewhere in this vicinity. O Lord do thou direct us in the choice of a location. This evening received the joyful inteligence that Capt. Wyeth's Brig was in sight. It is a matter of joy because the last we heard it was on a sand-bar some 70 mi. below and we found we should be obliged to go down for our goods. Is not the hand of Providence in all this? Would to G.o.d that I could praise him as I ought for his gracious dealings with us. It is now past 11 o'clock and I must commend myself to divine care and retire.

"Friday Sep. 19, 1834.----Daniel and myself are now on the bank of the Willamette River a little distance from Mr. McKay's place. Wednesday expected that the Brig would come up to Vancouver and we should receive our goods there but the want of wind prevented her coming up. Went on board just at night and ascertained that we could not get them until the cargo was taken out. Slept on board and walked to the Fort 3 mi. in the morning and commenced preparations for a trip up the Willamette. Dr. Mc.

made all the necessary preparations of men, boat, food, &c. and we were off about 4 o'clock. Camped upon the sand. Started early this morning and came to the mouth of the W. [Willamette] and found the Brig there.

Took breakfast on board. Waited while Capt's Lambert, Wyeth & Thing explored the vicinity in search of a place to suit their business but the[y] could find none to please them. Left them with the expectation that they will unload some of their goods and arms at or near the place where they now are. Arrived 1/2 past 1 o'clock."

After an exploring trip up the Willamette River, which is described in his journal, Jason Lee sets forth: "Sat. 27 [Sept.]. Arrived at the Fort g. h. found our brethern well.

"After mature deliberation on the subject of our location and earnest prayer for divine direction I have nearly concluded to go to the W.

[Willamette]."

"Sun. 28 Sep. 1834.--A. M. a.s.sayed to preach to a mixed congregation English French scotch Irish Indians Americans Half Breeds j.a.panese &c.

some of whom did not understand 5 words of english. Found it extremely difficult to collect my thoughts or find language to express them but am thankful that I have been permited to plead the cause of G.o.d on this side the Ry. Mountains where the banners of Christ were never before unfurled. Great G.o.d grant that it may not be in vain but may some fruit appear even from this feeble attempt to labour for Thee.

"Evening Preached again but with as little liberty as in the morning, but still I find it is good to wors.h.i.+p G.o.d in the public congregation."

"Mon. Sep. 29, 1834. This morning began to make preparations in good earnest for our departure to the W. [Willamette] and after dinner embarked in one of the Company's boats kindly maned for us by Dr.

McLoughlin who has treated us with the utmost politeness, attention and liberality. The Gentlemen of the Fort accompanied us to the boat and most heartily wished us great success in our enterprise. Arrived at the lower mouth of the W. where Capt. Wyeth's Brig is late in the evening."...

"Wednes[day] Sep. 31, 1834. This morning put Br's D. Lee & Edwards on sh.o.r.e to go to Mr. MKay's place to get horses and we pursued our course up the river. Met Capt. Wyeth on his return from his farm and shall not see him again til summer. Camped on a small prairie about 9 mi. from the Falls and found here the men which the Dr. had sent with the cattle he has lent us 8 oxen 8 cows & 8 calves."

After November 9, 1834, there is no entry in this journal until August 18, 1837, where there is an entry by Jason Lee, saying that he has not kept up his journal. There is no further entry until July 28, 1838, which was written at North Fork, Platte River, when he was on his first trip to the eastern states. He says in his journal that on February 16, 1838: "The 16 Feb. [1838] I set out for Umpqua, and after 23 days, of toil and hard-s.h.i.+p reached home in safety, and after a few days rest found myself rather better for the trip. This was encouraging, considering the difficulties encountered such as being drenched in rain many times, fording creeks high enough to wet our feet, sleeping in wet clothes, and blankets, very bad roads and sometimes hard marching, &c.

The subject of the necessity of some one of the Mission Family visiting the U. S. had been agitated during the winter, and it was at length decided by a majority that it was expedient for _me_ to go. Previous to leaving for Umpqua, I had written Dr. McLoughlin, requesting a pa.s.sage, in the companies Boats, with himself by the Hudson Bay route. This I greatly preferred to the route I came, as less fatiguing, less dangerous, better calculated to restore my debilitated system, and much more likely to afford new, interesting and useful information. The answer was near when I left, and was to be brought me by a man, who was to overtake us the second day, but by mistake he sent it to my house, hence I did not get it till my return. The Dr. could not grant my request, and expressed himself 'doubly mortified;' because he could not do me the favour, and should also be deprived of my company." The remainder of the journal is taken up with the account by Jason Lee of his trip East. March 26, 1838, there is an entry that he left the Mission House on the Willamette for the United States. March 28 he arrived at Fort Vancouver. On April 4 he left Fort Vancouver in company with a Hudson's Bay Company's party bound for the Rocky Mountains. The rest of the journal is taken up with his trip Eastward. The last entry in his journal says that on July 17, 1838, he was at Sweet Water River.

DOc.u.mENT E