USA > Oregon > Sources of the history of Oregon > Part 16
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You gave me a letter to a gentleman at the Sandwich Islands. This I sent by a vessell bound there.
My journey to the Pacific was attended by very few of those romantic adventures or terrible sufferings or privations supposed to be incident to such journeys. I do not think I have been without food for two whole days together and from cold we suf- fered nothing. I have not read Mr. Balls letters but suppose they will give a pretty fair, idea of the country and journey for I believe him to be a man of veracity and not inclined to exagerate. John Wyeths book is one of little lies told for gain. I hear with regret that you have lost your second child and with
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pleasure that you have a new daughter. Be assured that I sim- pathise in your pains and pleasures.
If you wish I will send you the letters of Mr. John Ball from the Columbia and a review published in a periodical edited by Mr. Welland in this town of John Wyeths Book these two would if pub- lished in some of your papers probably convince those who have read Bells letters that there is room for doubt at least. I shall write to S. K. Livermore but consider him entitled to no explanation from me on acc. of his having consented to have public letters from a deserter and thief to be addressed to him when I could not answer and calculated to make an injurious impression against me, which when the subject had once passed from the public mind it was impossible to alter.
Please give my respects to your good wife and family and be- lieve me Vr Aft Bro. N. J. W.
CVI.
["Not Sent" written across the face. ]
Cambridge Nov. 13th 1833
S. K. Livermore Esq.
Sir I have returned to Cambridge and find that during my absence publick letters have been addressed to you in answer to a call from you to the writer for information concerning the desertion of your son from my party. Now I do not object to your right to enquire into a matter which so nearly concerns your family, but I do object to your right to publish, or of aiding or abetting the publishment. This I conceive you have done. Had I been in the country at the time the case would have been different. The injury is now done and thous- ands have read the slander who can never see the answer, even if I should make one which I am not disposed to do. Had you made only private enquiries I should have considered myself bound to give you information on the subject at the first oppor- tunity, and then you would if you thought fit have had a right to publish what you pleased, but as it is I do not think myself bound to go into the subject with you. My case has by you been tried and the result at your instigation published. No opportu- nity was given me to explain in the case. I consider myself treated with injustice and until these things are differently ex- plained to me or I should see them in a different aspect, the friendly relations in which we have heretofore been are broken. I am Your obt. Servt Nath. J. Wyeth CVII.
Cambridge Nov 12th 1833
Le[o]nd Jarvis Esq. (Baltimore)
Dear Sir I have called as you requested to see about a shawl to be sent to Vermont. It has been forward-
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ed but so lately that there had not been time for you to hear of it.
I am much engaged at this moment in endeavoring to make arrangements to return to the Indian Country and think I shall succeed. In the mean time I have offers in the ice buisness from Mr. Tudor more than equal to anything I left and shall close [with him] in case I am unable to succeed in the other project.
If you will advise me in regard to answering or not answering the calumnies and lies which have appeared since I left, I will take your advice but if they do not do me much hurt except with strangers I am strongly inclined to say nothing. Two reasons induce to this that my time is too much occupied is one. An- other is that some exposures of character of near relatives might be the consequence and generally in such matters the character of the individuals at last govern the public belief. I ask your advice.
I found all well here and now I have been here a few days I am tired. There is little to interest. I have nothing to do except making preparations to go and I begin to wish them done that I may be off.
Please give my respects to my good aunt. Wife likes her dress much and I am getting my pants. made up. As soon as I can conclude what I shall do I shall write you in full.
Vr Afte Nephew N. J. W.
CVIII.
[No address or date. ]
To Mr. Henry Hall and Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston)
Gent. Agreeable to arrangement I make the following pro- posal. viz
You to furnish what capital is wanted to fulfil my contract with Sublette & Co. and the sum wanted in order to send a ves- sell to the Columbia river with goods for the Fur trade and ma- terials for the salmon fishery Interest to be charged and credited before any dividend of profits you being entitled to commissions on buisness done here 21% per ct on disbursements 21/2 per ct Sales and guarantee and being at the risk of the ultimate loss of the buisness if any should occur. I will then engage in the buis- ness for such time as may be agreed on you being bound as well as myself to continue the buisness during such time and make the requisite disbursements, myself having the entire control of the buisness in the Indian country and on the Pacific. Under the above terms I will engage in the undertaking for twenty five per ct. of the profits that may accrue. The risk I run is of any remuneration except there should be profits.
Yrs &c N. J. W.
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CIX. Cambridge Nov 19th 1833
Mess Von Phull & McGill (St. Louis) Gent The enclosed dupli-
cate is of much importance. I have sent it to you in order to be certain that Mr. Milton G. Sublette will receive it, and you will much oblige me by putting it into his hands if possible, otherwise send it by as certain a conveyance as you can find. I request that you will be careful to avoid passing it through the hands of his brother Wm. L. Sublette.
If the small demands which I gave you against Mr. Cerry are paid please inform me of the same if they are not, on the receipt of this, please forward them to Mess Cripps & Wyeth New York. In this last case I will in the spring call on you and pay the charges that have been incurred, or you can ask them of Mr. E. M. Samuel of Liberty Mo.
(Inclosing the following letter to M. G. Sublette.)
(Duplicate) Original sent to Sublette.
Mr. M. G. Sublette
Sir This is to inform you that I am now ready to fulfil the contract made with Mr. Fitzpatric and yourself on the 14th Augt 1833 at Big Horn River and to request that you will as soon as possible come to N. York where I will meet you. If by letter you inform me when you will be there please use this letter as an introduction to my Brother of the firm of Cripps and Wyeth Pearl St. N York importers of Lace goods, and leave with him directions where you may be found. I particu- larly wish to see you soon as I am about dispatching a vessell round Cape Horn to the mout[h] of the Columbia and would if possible wish to make contract to supply your Co. the following year. I am &c. Nath. J. Wyeth
Cx. Cambridge Nov 20th 1833 [The "20th" is written over a "17th".] Bro. Leond. (N. York)
As requested I enclose note to St. Felix [for] $768.50 but not payable to his order. If this is wrong I will alter. I shall endeavor to have the matter settled as you propose in regard to what may be still due me from the estate.
The proposal in your letter of Irth inst. I deem impracticable and shall not attempt. I am offered much better than when I left off by Mr. Tudor who importunes me much to stay. He has made $40000- since I left which includes two years buisness. This is in the ice, not including coffee on which I do not think he will realize much. In a few days I shall know certainly what I shall do and will then write you fully.
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Tell the little ones that I shall send by the first opportunity some small books for them. Perhaps I shall be in N. York soon. Keep me as well informed as possible of any variation that may take place in furs this in order to appear at home on the subject. Yr. Afte. Bro. N. J. W. CXI. [No address.] Nov 17th 1833
Mess. J. Baker & Son
Gent Below you have an estimate of the furs.brot. in by the way of St. Louis for 1832 and 3. I have marked those which I have seen. The rest are from information which is as nearly correct as is requisite for your purpose. These furs are Beaver and otter, Land, about 1-20 of the latter.
I am Yr. obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth 90 packs from St. Fee
Seen- 30 Am. Fur Cos. party in the Mts. under Dripps and Fontenelle
Seen-140 Rocky Mt. Fur Co. brot home by Wm. L. Sublette 120 Traded by the Am. Fur Co. at their posts on the Mis- souri (Astors Co.)
380 packs of 100 lbs. ea. 1832.
Seen- 62 Am. Fur Cos. party under Dripps and Fontenelle in Mts.
Seen- 61 Rocky Mtn. Fur Co brot home by Wm. L. Sublette
Seen- 30 Bonneville & Co brot home by Cerry to Alfred Seaton N. York.
90 Am. Fur Co Traded at their posts on the Missouri 1 60 probably from St. Fee returns not made when I left St. Louis.
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The above are nearly all that came into the western States From the Arkansas and the Mississippi few Beaver are brot and whatever the quantity may be it must decrease yearly.
CXII. Boston Nov. 20th 1833
To Geo. Simson Esq
Sir Since my last from Baltimore dated Oct. 26th 1833 I have ascertained that there was still time to forward a vessell to the Columbia to reach there by first of the salmon season and a vessell is now in a state of forwardness for this pur- pose, consequently all further negotiations for the present are at an end in regard to this subject .. Had I been sure that you would have accepted I would have entered into no other arrangement but uncertain of this I could not let the opportunity pass. I re- gret that I have troubled you so much in this matter.
I am Vr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth
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Supplement to letter of 20th inst. to Leond I Wyeth N. York [No. CX] enclosed in same sheet at same time viz To day the thing is closed, the vessell to be sent round the Horn at once. In the concern I have no risk further than I take stock. Have the full management out there and one fourth of all profits. I take one eighth of the stock 78 still open. Stock 20000$ they to provide for the remaining 78 if no one offers on my part. Tis a bad bar- gain but the best that I could do. I shall be in N. York soon. Please forward the accompanying letter by the first Packett.
Vr afte bro. N. J. W. CXIII. Cambridge Nov 20th 1833
Bro. Charles (Baltimore)
It is now a matter settled that I go again to the Pacific. A concern is made up here to invest $20000. I have for my services one quarter of all profits and no risk. So far I have the liberty of taking one quarter of the stock. I have taken one eighth there is still one eighth open which the partners here provide for in case I do not meet it. I am to have the entire control of the buisness in the Indian Country and on the Pacific. I shall give up all your liabilities. No new ones will be asked of you but you must give $1000 before the Ist March. If you can do this my 1/8 is provide[d] for. Please give me your answer soon, and let it be yes. Shall be in N. York soon and will write you at what time in order to meet you there if you can come ..
Vr. Aft. Bro. N. J. W. CXIV.
Cambridge Nov 31th 1833
Leond Jarvis Esq (Ba[1]to.) Dear Uncle On my return from a journey eastward I found your very acceptable fav. of 17th inst. In regard to the matter on which I asked advice I am happy to find that we agree. I did not ask your advice because I had any doubts as to the best course to pursue but because it was a matter in which the feelings of my friends were more concerned than my own. Had you advised different your advice would have been followed because I think one who has done so much for the re- spectability of his family has a right to be consulted in such mat- ters. You say to all whose opinions you value on proper occa- sions vindicate your self. I value your good opinion much and will therefore explain a few circumstances of which Bells letters treat. John Wyeth tells many little lies but they are of not much consequence. In Bells first letter to S. K. Livermore he says "()ne landing was at Point Comfort. Here our Captain was determined to make up lost time, and accordingly treated himself and
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some of the company very liberally to champaigne and the usual effects of intemperate drinking succeeded." I deny none of these facts, but I deny the intended inference. Some of the men were worse of what they drank and Bell much more drunk than any other. If Bell had told that he threw a handkerchief full of eggs from the pier into the boat, or that I ste[e]red the boat to the vessell through a thick fogg about three miles with nothing to guide me but the stars he would have told the truth and the inference would have been somewhat plainer who "'exhibited the effects of in- temperate drinking". Beside this it is nonsense to suppose I had any lost time to make up. If I had had such a strong disposition to loose no time in drinking I might have carried a plenty of liquor with me. The fact that I carried some shews that there was no very strong desire for it. The facts out of which this very pop- ular story was made are these. After a long and squally voyage during which most of the men had been sea sick and had lived very poor on salt beef and pork, we anchored off old Point Comfort and I went ashore with some five or six of the men to procure some oysters eggs &c. I ordered a supper for those with me and after supper I think two Bttles of Champagne and one of Made[i]ra were drank and I believe some ardent spirit. Afterward the landlord treated to some more I presume on acc. of the novel- ty of the Enterprise or some slight acquaintance with myself. Having got what stores I could for those on board and seeing that the frolic had gone far enough I returned on board with no more wine in my head than I have carried from your table. The an- swer to what Bell says of promises about purchase of Horses is all a lie. I never verbally or otherwise engaged to make other provis- ion than what I might deem suitable and proper. All discression in this matter was reserved to myself by agreement, and the fact that they started is proof, that I did not. Can one man com- pel 24 men to go with him against their will, and would the men have started if I had broken my promises in the manner stat- ed, or would they have gone at all if the equipment was evident- ly insufficient. The fact is that no other idea was ever held up to them except that of marching. If this was not the case why did they march across the Aleganys. S. K. Livennore weil knows this, for with him I corresponded on the subject of Thomas learning music for marching and in my letters to him dated Jany 23d & Feb 6th 1832 of which I have copy he will have the same expressed, the same in regard to hunting dresses &c. Tis alla lie that I made any promises on these subjects. The agreement states that the party shall be provided in the usual way and man- ner of trading parties, and this I can prove. Bell states that Weeks expressing a determination not to go I compelled him by put[t]ing him under arrest and afterward let him off on paying over to me all the money he had, and adds "leaving him almost
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destitute of means to accomplish his return" he might have said quite, if the first part of the statement was true.
The facts were these. The day before I left the last of the set- tlements I sent John Wyeth with a yoke of oxen and some sheep out to horse guard. He returned near night stating that the sheep strayed, and that he tied the oxen, and went after them, but when he returned they had broke loose and he could nowhere find them. I suspected all was not right, and sent a man to the place with John. This man returned and told me that John could shew no place where cattle had been tied, such place he would have known by the tracks (before morning they [were] found tied in a different direction) About this time Thomas Liver- more told me that Johns gun was not in camp. I had the men called to arms. When it was discovered that Weeks and John Wyeth had no equipments they we[re] called upon to pro- duce them, and refused. I put them under guard, and a short time afterward Weeks offered to go and get them, and while out attempted to escape from the man sent with him, but finally produced the equipments. In the morning the Company was called together. I stated to them that I had no power to release any of the parties to our compact, that in regard to John he be- ing a minor having been put under my charge by his father and having no means of satisfying the concern for the expenses in- curred on his acc. I should carry him on, but this I would pro- pose that Weeks should be released provided that he would in- demnify for expenses incurred by the concern over and above what he had paid in. This passed by a vote according to form, and by vote also it was provided that he might be released by paying $40 and keep his cloths and equipments, which were Co. property. This Weeks at first refused to do. I then told him that he should go if I tied him to the tail of a horse. Soon after he paid the $40 and was released. The whole buisness was done by vote of the Co. and at the time recorded by the clerk of the same. Now if the Co. as Bell says had been deceived and abused could one man have exercised such control over them. The fact is that the Co. generally felt much insenced at this attemp[t] at desertion and secconded me fully and strongly in punishing it. The companion of Bells desertion, was the person who informed against those fellows viz. Livermore. In regard to the arbitrary conduct during the twelve days which Bell remained with meafter this, I have only to say that I expected implicit obedience to my orders and was determined to enforce it at all hazards. Notice was given that those who lagged behind would be put on guard. They lagged to get rid of some work which is always to be done immediately on reaching camp, and those who avoided this labor I thought ought of right to make compensa- tion by doing some other. Jacob was once put on gnard for this
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offence. Livermore might have been but I do not reccollect it. It was the buisness of any one sick or disabled to report himself to the Doct. and after examination he was entitled [to] and re- ceived any indulgence that the circumstances of the party would allow. Livermore complained of his feet once. I required to ex- amine them, he refused and said his word was enough. I did not think so, and required him to do the same duty as the others. I had before experienced much impudence from Livermore. He at one time told me, I lied. I told him to prepare himself to re- turn home from the next landing for that he should go no fur- ther with me. Before we got to the next landing he came and expressed a willingness to go before the whole Co. and make an apology. After this the matter was overlooked. His conduct was always bad. The night before we left Boston he and Bell were out all night and said they slept at a friends in Boston. When we arrived at Baltimore Bell had a clapp and this was the reason that he rode over the mountains at my expense. He takes care to tell none of these things and this was the tyranny to which he was subjected. Livermore spent on this trip beside the $50 which his father gave him for his outfit near $50 which he borrowed on various pretences of me, and something which you gave.
["Insert here the Postscript" is written across the beginning of the following paragraph.]
The suggestions in your letter concerning family quarrels pre- vented me sending to Mr Livermore a letter which I had written not in anger but in a spirit of just rebuke for what I con- sider great meanness. I allude to his suffering a letter written to Bell to be published and Bells letters to be addressed to him. If these things were done without his consent he should have dis- claim[ed] them, but he has aided in the dissemination of them and thereby made it a positive consent instead of an implyed one. I cannot overlook that as far as he is able he has assisted to get up an impression against me, when I had no chance to rebut it. If on the one hand I withhold an expression of my feelings for the course he has pursued on the other I shall withhold all explana- tions of things concerning which he might otherwise have en- quired. I have enquired for Kendal at the Stables and Taverns. he appears not to be known at either place. My impres- sion is favorable to him I hope he will turn out well, as much that you may get the suitable reward of your exertions for him as for his own good. In regard to my own plans I say that I would now entirely change my plan of life and as old as I am not deem success unatanable, could I once convince myself that my talents are as good as you seem to believe they are but in this matter every man must judge of himself and make up his own mind as to what he is most fitted for. I have never al- lowed myself to abandon any serious project that I had formed.
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Pursuant to this plan of life I have urged on from the beginning this western enterprise and I shall give it up only when I am convinced I am destitute [of] the means to pursue it. I have ob- tained the means of pursuing it and by relinquishing too much of the profit I have avoided responsibility beyond such extent as I am able to meet.
Please give my respects to my good aunt and accept for your- self the best wishes of-
[Subscription written but crossed out.]
Postscript inserted in the body of the letter.
In regard to the fitness of the arrangements for the voyage There were purchased 34 animals. There were 19 loads of goods leaving 15 spare animals, beside two that were individual prop- erty and 24 persons started. I call all animals loaded with pro- visions spare ones becaus[e] in less than 20 days they would all be released from their loads. If the men had took good care of the animals they could have rode half of the way but instead of this they lost or stole two horses before they lef[t] the settlements. Livermore stole three and I killed one more in trying to overtake him. Beside this some who were fearful to go on and disliked to back out endeavored to ruin the expedition by ruining the horses. Tin pots and picketts have been found under the pack saddles and the backs of many of the animals were soon ruined and in conse- quence we were all on foot except the sick or disabled or those who were hunting. It is not true that I rode the day before Livermore and others deserted. That day myself and Mr. Buck[?] went out to hunt on foot. This fact I distinctly recollect from having found a horse that day. The day that they deserted I rode the newly found horse to hunt and being out of camp and able to go ahead of the party they were enabled to effect their intention, a thing they would not have dared attemp[t] had I been in camp. The provisions carried with the party wer[e] one chest Tea pepper and salt, Corn meal 450 lbs. Bacon one yoke ox- en sixteen sheep this to last until we should reach the Buffa- loe country which we did in 22 days.
NJW CXV.
Cambridge Dec 2d 1832
Bro Perry
Your very acceptable fav. of 25th ulto is at hand. In regard to what I propose now I answer the same as at first viz. to make money out of the fur trade. So far I have lost some money and have gained some experience and hope yet to make out. Am now fitting out a Bg. to go round the Horn to Bring out some goods and bring home a cargo of Salmon. Ist March next I shall go to St. Louis and start overland again with some goods which I have contracted to deliver to a concern in the mts.
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with the furs received for these go [on] to the mouth of the Col- umbia and send them home by my Brig take the goods which she has brought out, and up again to the mountains exchange goods for furs employ residue of year in trapping Beaver until salmon season (having left men making barrels through the win- ter) This done another vessell comes by arrangement takes the salmon and collections of the year. I take of her more goods and so the same round again. I take across the land about 40 men hired at the west men here will not do. I am of your opinion about Bells letters and shall not notice them. I have not written to S. K. Livermore but consider his conduct as dishonorable. The letters were addressed to him by his consent, because he cir- culated them and has not said publicly that they had not his con- sent. I shall not give him any explanation in the buisness and consider he has forfeited all claim to it. If horse stealing is a crime anywhere it was under the circumstances that Bell and others did it. I would prosecute if it were not for Livermore. I had never any connection with H. J. Kelley farther than that I might have gone in company with him if he had gone in season but I had no view farther than trade at any time. I will not meet you half way. I wish to see the wife and young ones. I shall if I can possibly find time come all the way and bring wife but this is uncertain. I have been East and go to N. York soon. After my Brig is off may have a little leisure time. The Review I can not send as I know of. If I do please send it back again as soon as you can as it will be a part of a sett. I mail this with all of Balls letters which I have and they contain the whole I believe. Y &c N. J. W. CXVI. Cambridge Dec 4th 1833
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