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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01763 4152
GENEALOGY 979.5 OR3PZ
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013
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Sources of the History of Oregon
volume
One
1897-1899
SOURCES
-OF THE-
HISTORY OF OREGON.
VOLUME I.
NUMBER I.
Contributions of the Department of Economics and History of the University of Oregon. F. G. YOUNG, Editor.
Journal of Medorem Crawford. .
An account of his trip across the plains with the Oregon Pioneers of 1842.
A few sets of accounts found in connection with the Journal are added.
EUGENE. STAR JOB OFFICE. 1897.
X 708670
· EDITORIAL NOTES.
GENERAL :-
The printing and distribution of the primary sources of the history of the Pacific Northwest is calculated to promote the cause of the history in Oregon and throughout our country in several distinct and important directions.
Pioneers and their descendants will through this means be brought to an adequate appreciation of much valuable material not yet utilized. This will be preserved and rendered available to future generations of students.
The achievement of an intrepid, resolute, and capable people- the Oregon pioneers-will thus come to be truly and duly recog- nized.
A remarkable period of our country's expansion, one in which the national spirit was at its best, will be made instructive.
The youth of the Pacific Northwest must now draw his first historical inspiration from the exploits, struggles, and state- building of men on the far away Atlantic seaboards, yet his own home section of the common country was the scene of deeds as heroic and effective, animated by motives even more youthful. The whole course of development from discovery and exploration to the establishment of a self-centered republic was accomplished here as well as there and independently. The scale was in min- iature yet the results were substantial and far-reaching as they involved the destiny of the whole Coast and made us a truly con- tinental nation facing both oceans.
These sources made accessible to the schools of the states of the Pacific Northwest will constitute a wealth of resources for historical parallels between the development of the east and the far west. The possibilities of historical instruction in American history in these schools will thus be revolutionized.
SPECIAL :---
This edition of this journal is not in popular form; it is pri- marily intended for the historical student. The original copy is followed with verbal and literal exactness. The editor is under obligations to Mr. J. M. Crawford of Dayton, Yamhill county, Oregon, and Mrs. E. Stevens of Oregon City, Oregon, for the use of the original copy and for permission to contribute it to the searchers for original and indubitable historical evidence. The genuine historical student will have the tenderest appreciation of the adverse circumstances under which this record was made and be profoundly grateful that it was allowed to pass out of the family circle in this form for his usc.
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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE.
Medorem Crawford, the author of this journal, was a native of central New York. On reaching the years of manhood he nat- urally as a representative American and as a young man of ener- gy and ability, but without capital, was casting about for a field of larger opportunities than his home community afforded.
Mr. Crawford's family knew well Dr. Elijah White who came to Oregon first in 1837. In the spring of 1842 Dr. White was back in New York arranging to return to Oregon as a sub- Indian agent. Mr. Crawford resolved to accompany him. His diary is the only journal record of the trip of this first consider- able band of pioneers to cross the plains.
Mr. Crawford reached Oregon when he was twenty-three years. of age. He married Miss Adeline Brown who had come to_ Ore- gon in the same party with him. He taught the Methodist Mis- sion school one year and then for several years was mainly en- gaged in hauling goods around the Willamette Falls with an ox team: In 1855 he moved to a farm in Yamhill county which he made his home while uot engaged in public life.
He was a member of the Legislature of the Provisional Gov- ernment of Oregon from 1847 to 1849. In 1860 he was elected to the State Legislature. He seemed to have been held in high estimation by both U. S. Senators from Oregon, Baker and Nes- mith, as he was called to Washington to receive instructions pertaining to taking charge of the emigration escort to make trips across the plains. He conducted the expeditions of 1861, '62 and '63. He was practically in control of the first and, with rank of captain in the army, had command of the two succeeding. He was successful in shielding these emigrants from the outra- ges that those of preceding years had been suffering. as well as in covering a surplus into the treasury at the end of each year. In 1864 Mr. Crawford was appointed collector of internal revenue for Oregon. His duties in this Involved at once the sub- jecting of the people to an unaccustomed form of taxation and the setting in order of a new system for raising revenue. The difficulties of a trying position were much enhanced by the distance from the source of instructions. He administered the duties of this office five years. From 1871 to 1875 he was appraiser of customs at Portland. He lived the life of an active farmer from that time on until his death in 1891 and during this last period first gained a competency.
The Morning Oregonian, of Dec. 27, 1891, in commenting on his life says, "he was known to every person in Oregon during many years and remembered latterly by all who retained recollections of early days in Oregon. Medorem Crawford was a man to fix the impress of his individuality and character upon any commu- nity. * * As a pioneer he was among the most intelli- gent, far-seeing, and energetic, and as a State-builder, he bore a very important part."
JOURNAL.
March 17, 1842, Thursday-Left Havana 10 o'clock A. M. Left Salubria 3 past 12 o'clock on board Steam Boat Chemung for Geneva, landed near 5 o'clock P. M. put up at the Washing- ton Temperance house. Left for Rochester at 3 past 11, E. ar- rived at 3 past 4 in M., distance 50 miles, put up at the Eagle very much fatigued having had no rest last night. Left for Buf- falo 3 past 8 M., arrd. 3 past 9 E., traviled by Rail road & Stage.
Saturday, March 19, find ourselves very sore & much fatigued. Lake full of ice no chance to get away to day. Steam Boat Gen. Scot leaves a port about 12 miles down the Lake but we think it not advisable to go to it without a certainty of getting a passage.
The weather has been verry fine since we started, roads very bad from Batavia to this place, distance 39 miles.
Sunday March 20. no prospect of getting away from this pl. uncertain with regard to the best rout. Sunday forenoon, at- tended church, in the evening heard a lecture from Doct. White on the Oregon subject.
Monday 21, heavy east & north-east wind and considerable snow, cold windy stormy night.
Tuesday 22d, morning stormy, north-east wind, 2 or 3 inch. snow, very unpleasant indeed. Left Buffalo at 11 o'clock in the morning in a lumber waggon on our way to the Steam Boat. Ar- rived at Cattaragus Creek 3 past 10 evening, roads in a most hor- rible condition distance from Buffalo 30 miles. Left for Erie on board Steam Boat Erie at 3 past 10 o'clock.
Wednesday 23d, morning, arrived after a very pleasant ride at 7 o'clock evening, put up at the American Hotel in Erie good accommodations.
Erie is a very pleasat and interesting place, has a fine harbor, is well laid out and has a public square and most splendid buildings. Left Erie for Pittsburgh Thursday, 24th, morning 3 past 11 o'clock. Friday morning 7 o'clock stoped to breakfast at George- town 52 miles from Erie. Traviled the last 15 miles in a covered waggon, roads quite bad. Called at Mercer a pleasant village 66 miles south of Erie, wether cloudy & freqent showers but warm. Saturday 26, morning, stoped for breakfast 12 miles from Pitts- burgh, rode all night in a covered waggon, bad roads, arrived at Pittsburgh on Saturday 1 o'clock P. M., almost tiered to death having had no rest since we left Erie. Do not like the looks of Pittsburgh at all. The city is badly laid out, streets are narrow and dirty and the houses all smoked with coal. Left Pittsburgh on board S. B. Westpoint for Cincinnati at 3 past 7 evening.
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JOURNAL.
Waked up in the morning some rested found ourselves in Virginia. Called at Wheeling 3 hours on Sunday morning, March 27. Wheeling has the appearance of a business place but like Pittsburgh its buildings are covered with the smoke of Pit coal. Called at Marietta a few minutes; verry pretty place. Monday 28 March, nothing of particular interest has occurred today. The weather is remarkable fine, the forest trees along the river are covered with green leaves and the peach trees all in blossom. Passed the state line between Virginia & Kentucky about noon verry little of the country to be seen from the river a range of hills bordering on each side only an occasional farm on either side between the river and the hill. Passed several rafts today and met steamboats. Landed and recd. 2 passengers at Portsmouth one of the most splendid villages I ever saw at the termination of the Ohio Canal.
Arrived at Cincinnati about midnight Left the boat at 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning. Took breakfast at a tavern, went about the city, found Col. John White, had a verry polite invita- tion to stop at his house while we stayed in the City accepted the invitation & stayed to dinner after dinner Col. went round the City and introduced us to some of the first men of the City. We were very kindly treated indeed & had many warm invitations to call and stay the evening. March 28 the weather is uncon- fortable warm.
Saturday April 2, Left Cincinnati for St. Louis 3 past 3 o'clock P. M. about 5 o'clock we had a fair view of Gen. Wm. H. Harrison's residence and tomb the scene was a most beautiful one, the house in which he lived is verry pleasantly situated some 30 rods from the river, it is surrounded with green trees &c. The tomb is on the top of a beautiful knoll surrounded by a very handsome fence containing probably about 6 or 8 acres. The country along the river particularly on the Ohio side is a beautiful and apparently level & rich section.
Spent the Sabbath in Louisville, Kentucky. Took our horses ashore and rode back in the country & was verry much pleased with the fine dwellings, gardens, & farms &c. Attended the Presbyterian Church in the afternoon & the Methodist in the evening-both were interesting.
Monday morning quite unwell taken with a diaerea eat no breakfast & very little dinner, took some Bandy & sugar and soon felt better. Left Louisville near 5 o'clock P. M. passed over the falls in safty stopt at New Albany Indiana small but pleas- ant place. Tuesday called at several small places along the river the most delightful weather I ever saw.
Wednesday April 6, rainy & cloudy passed Caro at mouth of the Ohio entered the Mississippi at 7 o'clock A. M. Cairo is a miserable looking place, said to be unhealthy.
A severe thunder storm after night Boat obliged to stop on account of darkness, started some time before morning, ran on a snag and injured the wheel some, soon repd. & started again Thursday fine morning after the storm-a verry warm sun.
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JOURNAL.
Arrived at St. Louis 3 past 4 P. M. putup at the St. Louis Exchange. Friday & Ssturday spent my time riding about the city & visiting my fellow passengers on board the Neptune especially Misses Wells & Marshall.
Sunday April 10, verry hot indeed rode out to the Prairie Ho- tel parted with Mr. Beebe of New York who I first met at Pitts- burgh.
Monday spent this day in a most agreeable manner with Mr. Sublett who has spent several years in the mountains.
Spent ten days here in St. Louis verry agreeably up to Mon-, day, April 18. Esqr. Crocker, Alex. & John started for Independ- ence by land taking 6 mules & 3 horses. Recd a letter this morning from Father & Sister. After having spent 2 weeks in St. Louis and having formed several verry agreeable acquaintan- ces we left Thursday 21 April at 8 o'clock evening for Independ- ence on S. B. Rowena. Friday extremely hot. Called at Jeffer- son City 7 o'clock evening.
April 24, Sunday morning 10 o'clock cannot get over the bar. Heavy rain in the evening. Monday morning 9 o'clock got over the bar; a verry cold wind. Called at Lexington 2 hours at noon 8 couple of Gentlemen and Ladies & band of music came on bord for a pleasure party. Spent the evening very pleasantly in con- versation and dancing with the Ladies. Tuesday morning very fine weather. Called at Liberty landing 4 hours visited the Ar- senal at Liberty village 3 miles from the river. 16 couple of Gent and Ladies came on board. Left the S. boat at 2 o'clock arr'd at Independence at 3 found the Boys had arrived the night before. On Friday April 29, we pitched our tent and turned our animals out in the Prairie about 6 miles from Independence we got our supper and slept in the tent. Saturday we got out all our things from the village. Sunday May first we spent all this day in. the camp.
May 2d a meeting of all who are bound to Oregon was called to decide whether to wait for a company from Platt; Decided to wait 12 days. 4th Left camp 10 o'clock M. stoped at 2 o'clock to dinner. Started at 4 o'clock, E. stoped at 6 o'clock pitched our tent in a fine spot traveed 12 miles today, had a heavy frost last night ruined most of the corn and fruit in this country.
6. Rode to Independence from camp 18 M. 7, Returned, 3 more waggons came to camp. May 8, Sunday went to Shawnee meeting, returned by way of Mission. 10 Uncommon dry an hot, no rain since we came to camp. 12, went to Independence, a fine shower. 14, Doctor came to camp with 36 Cattle. 16 Left camp at 1 o'clock E. drove 15 mi. and camped at 7 o'c. E. on the Santafe rout, found water pleanty, wood & pasture scarce.
In our company were 16 waggons & 105 persons including children & 51 men over 18 years of age. 17. Started at 9 o'c. M. detained 3 hour by losing the trail. Left the Santa Fee trail at 2 o'c and camped at & past 3 evening, weather verry warm. Traviled about 12 miles. 1 more wagon and 3 men came on. 18. A violent rain this morning much excitement in camp
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JOURNAL.
about Dogs: 22 dogs shot, stoped raining 9 o'c.
May 18, Started at 1 o'clock E. without a track endeavoring . to find the right trail. Camped on the right trail at 7 o'c. E. Traviled0 miles.
19. A severe rain this morning; laid out and got verry wet. Started at 3 past 9 M. detained by crossing 2 creeks stoped at 2 E. traviled 5 miles.
20. Verry heavy rain last night & cloudy this morning. Moved camp about one mile. All gone ahead except 3 wagons who are detained with a sick child.
21. Another rainy night & cloudy cold & uncomfortable morning. Mrs. Lancaster's only child a daughter 16 months old died 10 o'clock M. the Doctor called the disease symptomatick fever accompanied with worms. Continues to rain moderately. May 21. After burying the child we started and drove 6 miles.
22d Sunday started at 7 o'clock M. and drove 25 miles over a beautiful country; camped in good season. 23d Some rain last night & cloudy cool morning. Started at 9 o'clock M. drove to the Kansas river and crossed with safty, Distance 10 miles. 24. Stoped today to repair waggons.
25. Started at 4 o'clock E. drove 6 miles camped at 7 o'clock E. part of the company still ahead. 26. Started at 7o'clock M. considerable rain, overtook company at 2 o'clock, took dinner and all started together. Camped on Vermillion Creek at 7 o'clock E. traviled 18 miles.
May 27. Mrs. Lancaster verry sick & unable totravil. Part of the company unwilling to wait & went on, much dissatisfaction in the camp. Capt. White rode on and found the company about 8 miles ahead they agreed to wait untill Sunday morning for Mr. Lancaster. The weather is verry fine and the country around delightful.
28. Rainy morning. Mrs. Lancaster some better. Started at 3 past 9 oc. M. Cleared off warm, arrived at camp 3 p. 4 o'clock E. traviled 8 miles, weather verry hot.
29. Sunday Mrs. Lancaster is verry low, much dissatisfaction in the camp, some want to go on and some want to stay. 3 wagons went on 2 miles, a very warm day. 30 All the wagons ex- cept Mr. Lancaster started at $ past 6 o'clock M. cool wind. 30th May Mr. Lancaster concluded to take his wife back. Capt. White and others accompany him to the K. river. Stoped to dinnor 13 hours. Camped at 3 past 6 o'clock E. traviled 20 miles. 31. Started at 3 past 5 oc. M. Stoped 23 hours for dinner, camped on Blue River at 4o'clock E. traviled 15 miles; most splendid spring water there, met 4 waggons from the Mountains, 3o'clock.
June 1st Started at $ 5 M. commenced raining at 6 stoped 3 hours, went on after the rain ceased. Stoped 2 hours for dinner. Camped at 5 o'clock E. traviled 10 miles. Doct. White overtook us at 4 o'clock E.
2d. Tremendous rain & wind last night. Commenced standing guard last night. Cold wind & disagreeable morning. Started at 1 o'clock E. Camped at 7. E. traviled 8 miles.
9
JOURNAL.
June 3d The company started at 5 oclock M. & left myself with 3 others to wait for Mr. Burns and others who were detained by Mr. Lancaster.
4. Started at 6 o'clock M. intending to go back to the Blue River & there stay for Mr. Burns. Met Mr. Burns & his compa- ny together with O'Fallen 2 miles back, turned & came on with them. Stoped 2 hours for dinner. Camped at 6 o'clock, E. traviled 22 miles. Cold wind. 5. Sunday, Started at 6 o'clock M. Stoped 13 hours for dinner, overtook the company. Camped on the Blue at 3 past 4 o'clock E. traviled 21 miles.
6. All started together at 7 o'clock M. commenced raining at 9, camped at 10, rain ceased, took dinner and started at 1 o'clock. Camped at 6 o'clock E. traviled 16 miles rainy night. 7. June, cold, damp, & disagreeable morning rained untill 10 o'clock M. Started at 3 past 1 o'clock, camped at 3 past 6 o'clock E. traviled 10 miles.
8. Cloudy morning started at 3 past 7 o'clock. Stoped for dinner at $ p. 11: started at 3 p. 2. Camped at 7 o'clock E. on the head waters of the Blue R. which we have been following up for the last 3 days, good water & wood. traviled 16 miles.
9. Left Blue R. at 6 o'clock M. Crossed the Pawnee Trail at 8 o'clock. Stoped at 3 p. 12 for dinner without wood or water except what we carried with us. Started at 2 o'clock & traviled through a ridge of country destitute of wood & water. Camped at 7 o'clock E. on the Platte R. traviled 25 miles.
June 10. Started at 8 o'clock M. & followed up the Platte R. Stoped for dinner at 3 past 12, started at 2. Camped at 5 o'clock E. traviled 12 miles.
J. 11. Difficulty between Doct. White & John Force. Started at 8 o'clock M. stoped for dinner 2 hours, camped at 53 o'clock E. traviled 10 miles. 12. Sunday, Started at 7 o'clock M. Stoped at 12, found a band of Buffalo near the camp nearly 100 killed 3 very good Bulls. Started at 3, saw many Buffalo. Camped at 6 o'clock E. traviled 14 miles. Buffalo came close around the camp killed 6.
13. Large herds of Buffalo in plain sight around the camp. Started in good season. Saw thousands of Buffalo traviled 15 miles, little feed for horses.
June 14. Our animals alarmed last night by the Buffalo ap- proaching the camp. 2 oxen shot by the Guard through mistake but neither of them killed. Started at 8 o'clock M. Commen- ced raining at 3 p. 11. Stoped for dinner at 12. Started at & p. 2. Camped 18 miles.
15. Started at 7 o'clock M. Saw thousands of Buffalo near the trail stopped for dinner at & p. 11, good wood and pasture, but poor water, verry warm day.
The month for which Capt. White was elected being up the company elected Mr. Hastings by a majority of 12 over Mr. Meek. Concluded not to move camp today, traviled 9 miles.
16. Remain in camp today to wash our clothes.
June 16. More difficulty and misunderstanding in the com-
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JOURNAL.
pany. Doct. White with a few others concluded to leave.
17. Rain this morning. The majority of the company start- ed at 8 o'clock under Capt. Hastings. Two waggons and 13 men remained Capt. Fallen. Started at 11 o'clock passed the other par- ty and camped at 6 o'clock. They passed us again and camped 3 miles ahead, we traviled 14 miles, quite cold.
18. Started at 7 o'clock. Cold wind & extremely uncomfort- able. Commenced to rain at 10 o'clock stoped. Started at 2 camped at 7 on the South fork of Platte traviled 18 miles. Capt. H. 2 miles ahead. For 2 days we have seen no Buffalo. Capt. Fallen brought us some meat.
June 19. Sunday, Started at 7, stopped for dinner 23 hours within 1 mile of Capt. Hastings. Camped on the Platte within mile of the other company at 6, traviled 20 miles.
20. Capt. Hastings & comp. crossed over the river & we fol- lowed immediately.
The South Fork where we crossed is 3 mile wide but not deep the bottom is quick sand. Left the South Fork and took N. W. [direction] for the N. Fork. The other company went south of us. Camped on the North Fork. The other company 2 miles behind, traviled 15 M.
21. Started early and kept up the River good road in the forenoon. Stopped 3 hours for dinner, several hunters from the other company took dinner with us, some hills to cross Camped early traviled 20 miles.
22. Started early, good road. 3 men left the other Com. for Fort Laromie took dinner with ns.
22. Capt. Fallen & Esq. Crocker went on to Fort L. verry
warm. Camped early traviled 20 miles. Mosketoes pleanty.
23. Started early, kept along the river, water good. Saw some boatmen from the Fort stoppod 3 hours for dinner. Camped early traviled 16 miles.
24. Started early drove verry fast stopped for dinner nearly oposite the Chimney a very remarkable mound rising like a pyramid some 100 feet and then a perpendicular column stand- ing on the top probably 200 feet hign. Saw a Buffalo crossing the River, Chaised him back to the hills. The most remarkable thing I have seen is the deception in distances. Bluffs which appear within 1 mile are often 5 miles from us. Camped early traviled 20 miles.
June 25. Started 7. Cattle's feet verry sore traviled slow. River bottom 3 to 5 miles wide, stopped for dinner 4 hours, verry hot, left the River traviled 12 miles. Camped without water or wood in a valley bordered on each side by high Bluffs presenting the most romantic scenery I ever saw.
26. Sunday, Started early without breakfast came to good wood and water at 8 o'clock. Camped on the side of a hill in a grove. Started at 1 o'clock saw the other company coming on, drove to Horse Creek camped traviled 14 miles. Horses verry much frightened about midnight nearly all broke lose.
27. Started at 4 o'clock without breakfast stopped on the
II
JOURNAL.
River at 103 o'clock. Started at 1 o'clock verry sultry day. Cat- tle verry near giving out. Camped at sundown, traviled 18 miles.
28. Started late drove to the Forts by noon, traviled 10 miles. Found 2 Forts with several men at each whose business it is to trade with the Indians. Capt. H. came up, 5 o'clock.
29. Preparing carts & disposing of our cattle in order to ex- pedite our journey.
30. Verry buisy preparing to start tomorrow. July 1. Diffi - culty between Doct. White and Capt. Fallen. Fallen refused to go with ns. Remained here all day. 2d joined the other com- pany under Capt. Hastings. Started at 9 o'clock met a company from the mountains near the Fort. Camped at five, good wood and water poor grass, traviled 12 miles through a hilly and bar- ren country.
July 3. Sunday Entered what is called the Black Hills. Traviled 15 miles over bad road without seeing water. Mr. Fitch Patrick employed as guide came to camp.
4th. Waggon to repair. Wrote a few lines to my Parents. Started at noon had a verry rough road. Came to water 63 o'clock, traviled 11 miles. Cart broke down 2 miles from camp.
5. Repaired the cart. Started at noon found good water at three o'clock, had some heavy hills to rise. Buffalo very scarce. Camped early good wood, water and grass, traviled 9 miles.
6. Started at six drove on at a good pace until noon found a first rate camping place. Concluded to remain here today as there was no good chance ahead, traviled 12 miles.
July 7. Started early traveled over a rough mountainous & barren country found no good camping place until late afternoon traviled 16 miles, found a fine band of Buffalo cows.
8. Started at 8 o'clock had a verry hilly road stopped for din- ner at 123 o'clock on creek started at 4 camped on the Platte, good wood and water but short grass, travlied 15 miles.
9. Started at 7 o'clock stopped at 93 on Deer Creek. Second trial of Mr. Moss for not standing guard. Jury could not agree. Started at 2 camped at 7, traviled 15 miles. Saw several bands of fine Buffalo cows our hunter killed one I think decidedly the best meat I ever eat.
10. Sunday Started at 7 verry heavy west wind yesterday & to- day.
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