USA > Oregon > Sources of the history of Oregon > Part 17
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Mess Samuel & More
Gent Enclosed you have an order on Mess. Von Phul and McGill St. Louis for whatever ballance may be due me with them.
In pursuance of the plan about which I spoke to you you will oblige me by commencing to purchase mules and horses. The first I am most anxious to get. 60 of each at least will be wanted. As fast as you get the animals have them put under the charge of some suitable person and kept together. You will of course ex- ercise your judgement whether in regard to the question the cost of buying now and feeding until spring will be more than purchas- ing at once when we want them, and whether we could collect so many animals at a moments warning.
The amt. due me if draft has been paid from Mess. Von Phul and McGill is about $400 on which please commence to pur- chase animals as you can meet with them cheap, and in the mean time please designate where we can place funds for further
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purchase of these animals. N. York or N. Orleans will be con- venient to us. On this subject please address yourself to Mess. Tucker and Williams Boston.
I am Vr Obt Servt N. J. Wyeth CXVII.
Mess Von Phul & McGill
Gent Any funds of mine which may be in your hands on the receipt of this please hand over to Mess Samuel and More of Liberty Missouri and oblige
Yr Obt Servt Nathl J. Wyeth.
Boston Dec 4th 1833
CXVIII.
Cambridge Dec 9th 1833
Mr Jas Worthington (Flonsante Co Missouri)
Dear Sir I shall be going to the Mts. as early next spring as the grass will permit and shall be glad of your company with as many persons as you may have with you and such goods as you may choose to carry. I shall have a vessell sail for the mouth of the Columbia in about ten days with goods and if you should fol- low the buisness of Beaver catching I do not doubt that I could hereafter supply you with goods in the Mts. much cheaper than you could pack them up yourself.
You will know my movements from Mr. E. M. Samuel of Lib- erty. In the mean time I remain
Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth.
If you write direct to Cambridge Massachusetts.
CXIX. Cambridge Dec. 9th 1833
Bro. Charles (Baltimore)
Your very acceptable fav. of the 26th ulto. is at hand and would have been answered sooner but I have been down East and could not. You say that you will let me have the $rooo dont fail me on any acc. as serious inconvenience would be the consequence. Your understanding of the foundation of the present expedition is correct. I can take no further risk than the one eighth. I may risk my life but will not risk loosing so much as that with health and industry I can retrieve myself. I will go the whole Hogg no further than this.
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I shall be in N. York soon but shall be there again in Febru- ary, and as you think it will not be convenient to you to see me there I will not expect to see you until Feb.
I differ with you as to the notice in the Courier it is not sharp enough to cut. I have taken the advice of Mr. Jarvis and to all that has been said I shall answer nothing and shall let character determine mens minds.
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I have not the least reason to find fault with Leonard and per- haps in the end he will be the better able to render assistance than now, and I am more in want of it. I have now many of- fers to take part in this enterprise over and above what I can use and all that makes it requisite for me to take any of the stock is to shew confidence in it. We have bought a fine new Brig and she is nearly ready for sea.
In regard to the arrangement of the matters between Jonas and father I do not believe that I can better them. They are now on good terms and Father does not wish any thing to be done. Quar- rel they will more or less under any circumstances. I do not think Jonas has done as well by the place as he could but he or any one else would have a hard task to prevent all mischief to the trees during times of hurry. Contrary to what you fear I found things as well here as such matters can well be after what has passed. I turn from home and friends only because I have not yet done what I have undertaken.
I have been very buisy and cannot write you as much at length as I could wish but perhaps I shall be more at leisure after the vessell is off and do not be affronted if I serve my best friends worst. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." I have written a long letter to Mr. Jarvis on the subject of the statements that have been made by the deserters and if Mr. Jarvis pleases he can shew. it you. Brother Perry advised me not to notice Bell at all, as his character would not entitle him to credit at home. Give my re- spects to your good wife. I am sorry for her complaint but can suggest no remedy. Remind me to the little ones.
I am Vr. Afte. Bro. N. J. Wyeth
CXX.
Cambridge Dec 9th 1833
Hon Lewis Cass. (Washtn)
Dear Sir Accompanying you have an introductory note from Genl. Ashley. The object of addressing you is this. There are west of the Mts. many gentlemen and ser- vants of the Hudsons Bay Co who have Indian wives and fami- lies and who are desirous of retiring from active life but they can not well mingle in society as it is constituted in G. Britain or the U. States. They wish to locate themselves on the Wallammet or Multnomah River, a river coming from the south into the Colum- bia. They express themselves indifferent as to which Govt. they may come under. There are now on this river nine families of Trappers who have good farms. An answer to the following que- ries or an expression of opinion from so high a source in regard to them would be very acceptable to a class of men who are at a loss to know where they may best spend the remnant of lives of toil and danger. Viz
Ist To what extent may they take up land.
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2d What price will be demanded pr acre if the Am. Govt. should take possession of the country.
3d Can they be sure that they will be allowed to keep posses- sion at any price.
4th If they are not allowed to keep the land will any allow- ance be made for improvements.
I shall go early in the spring to the country west of the Mts. and would be pleased to communicate any assurance or opinion which you may do me the honor to give on this subject.
I should be happy to impart any information of which I may be possessed to the Govt. if it is deemed desirable.
With Great Respect I have the honor to be
Vr Obt Servt. Nathl J Wyeth
Hon Lewis Cass Secty. of War Washington
CXXI.
Boston Dec 10th 1833
Mess. Thomas C. Rockhill & Co (Philad) Gent Above you have draft for Seventy Nine dollars and Seventy Five cents which please place to the Cr of Mess Samuel and More of Liberty Mo. of which please inform them and receipt for the same in my fav. to them and oblige Vr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth.
CXXII.
Cambridge Dec 12th 1833
Bro Leond. (N York)
Yours of 9th inst is received. In regard to calculations about vessell &c will run over them with you soon and personally.
Good did quite right in regard to the draft which you say has been shewn you Drawn by Abbot fav. of Sublette & Campbell on M. G. Sublette to be charged to me. Abbot is much my debtor, has never had any authority to draw on me, but had authority to take up money of Mess. Samuel & More and Wyeth & Norrisand them only and of both he took up money and some more of me. When he arrived here two days since, he never mentioned to me any thing of this transaction. He is now gone. There must be something irregular in this buisness. A. has been gaming. I shall not pay unless some shadow of an obligation can be shewn why I should. I can conceive none which can be made to ap- pear in this case.
I regret to say I have not seen Mr. Osgood and do not know where to find him otherwise should not fail to call and see him.
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I am waiting for Capt. Lambert who has gone to see his family expect him every minute. When he comes shall leave directly for your city in order to purchase goods, and as you say All well.
N. J. Wyeth. CXXIII. N York Dec 18th 1833
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston Gent Arrived here on the 16th I can find no callico shirts here. 200 are wanted which you had best set making as soon as possible. Figures are wanted but stripes will do if the other cannot be had. Let the colors be bright and the stile gay.
Vr Obt Servt. N J Wyeth CXXIV. N. York Dec. 18th 1833
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston
Gent I have completed pur- chases all except scarlett cloths or stronds of which there are none in this place. You will have to pick up what you can to cost not more than 1.80 per yd. From 5 to 10 pieces must do. We cannot buy many at this rate. If nothing better can be found scarlett Duffle must be used. One Bale Blue Am. sheetings one unbleached, still wanted. I do not find them here, so you can buy them if you can find them.
I am yr. obt. Servt Nathl J Wyeth CXXV. N York Dec 19th 1833
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston Gent. I write to apprise you that no vessell can sail before Saturday for Boston which will give you a little more time. Still no scarlett stronds except about 2 pieces at 1.75 pr yd. Shall find amt. of bill in order to insure as soon as possible.
Yrs &c N. J. Wyeth
[An illegible P. S. of four words.]
CXXVI. N. York Dec. 20th 1833
Mess. Samuel & More
Gent. I am here purchasing goods to send round the Horn by a vessell, and have not yet had the time to make the arrangements proposed in your letter of Nov. 6th with Mess T. C. Rockhill & Co nevertheless you will oblige by pro- ceeding to purchase Horses and mules to any extent you deem prudent not exceeding the directions contained in my letter of 4th inst. Also to engage 30 men to leave your country in
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last of April and first of May next and for 212 years. Engage none but those you think good men. At my first opportunity on returning to Boston I will forwd. to you a form of agreement with the men and also complete an arrangement with Mess. Rockhill & Co. by which funds will be placed to your Cr. as fast as you expend it in the purchase of animals.
You can engage at the lowest possible rates 35 riding saddles (Spanish) These are for the men and should be of the cheap kind without any finery about them, then 6 of a superior sort for us gentlemen but still not expensive but good and plain. The residue of the harness I will have made here and bring it on with me.
I have to request that, if you can find Sublette, you will urge that he come here sooner than Feb. he ought to come at once and not leave the purchasing of his goods to the last minute. Write to him to this effect if you know where he is and represent to him that these goods should leave N. York or Boston by the 20th Feb. in order to be at the upper settlements in time for an early start.
I am &c N. J. Wyeth. CXXVII. N. York Dec 20th 1833
Mr. M. G. Sublette St Louis
Dear Sir Not having heard from you since your arrival and heard nothing of your intentions ex- cept from E. M. Samuel of Liberty I write to urge you to come here immediately. It is important that you should select your goods in good season as you will be able to do it much cheaper and get better kinds when you have time to look about you than when you are hurried, beside I am desirous of a spree with an old Mountaineer these folks here wont do. My Brig will sail in a few days for the Columbia with goods enough for an outfit for you another year. Abbot passed this place a few days since. When you come to N. Vork call on Mess Cripps and Wyeth Pearl St. Please write me as soon as you can and inform me when you will start for this place.
Vr &c N. J. W.
CXXVIII. New York 21st Dec. 1833
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston Gent I leave this to day in the steam Boat and will probably be with you Monday morning but for fear of accident write to inform [you] that I have purchased one small bale of scarlett cloths of to pieces. This will obviate any necessity of your buying at disadvantage as we can do with- out more of this article.
Mr. Thomas informs me that he has purchase[d] 5 Purcheons Rum being all he can find in this place entitled to Debenture.
[Subscription written but crossed out.]
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CXXIX.
Cambridge Jany. 2d 1834
Bro Leond.
I have this minute received a letter from Mr Milton Sublette informing ze that he leaves Pitsburgh on 26th Dec. for N. York. What I desire is that you induce him if possible to come at once to Boston, but if you cannot do this, you will have the good[ness] first to drop me a line to the care of Mess Tucker & Williams, and in the mean time if he is in great haste, let him commence selecting goods, in which please render him what assist- ance you are able, making all your purchases at 6 mos. and oblige Ir. Obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth Enlcosing copy of contract with Fitzpatric & Sublette.
CXXX. Cambridge Jany 2d 1833[4
Mr. M. G. Sublette
. Dear Sir Vr. esteemed fav of the 26 ulto. is at hand. I am at this moment much engaged in fitting out a ves- sell for the mouth of the Columbia. I have written to my broth- er to urge you to come at once to Boston as the gentlemen who are concerned with me are desirous of seeing you, but if haste renders this out of the question, I will come to N. York as soon as I know that you are there, of which I have requested my brother to inform me immediately on your arrival. If you cannot come to Boston and are in much haste you can select the goods that you want when you please, and I have requested my brother to assist you in this matter, I would prefer however that you would not begin until I come but in this do as you please.
I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth CXXXI. Cambridge Jany 6th 1834
Bro. Charles, Baltimore,
I write to say that I shall draw on you for one Thousand dollars payable Ist March.
The stock of our Co. will amt. to 40,000$ which makes even an 18 a full back load in these times and therefore if you have any more loose cash, and wish to give it a good circulation you had better lend it to me, however I have not a face to ask you a direct question of this sort in these times, but only make the slight suggestion. But I have provided to meet in some shape my obligations by becoming indebted to the concern in case I cannot raise my share, but I have great repugnance to resort to this measure.
Our vessell sails to morrow and in the course of the week I shall go to N. York to meet Mr. Sublette in order to purchase goods for our overland trip. I think I shall be in N. York from the 12 to the 20th inst.
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In going out I shall pass through Baltimore but shall make lit- tle stay. I am too buisy at present to write about family affairs and have not even made up my journal of last trip in such form as is suitable to leave. I do not know when I shall have time to do any of these things, for in addition to my other concerns I have those of Mr. Tudor to attend to for the winter.
I am yr. afte. Bro. N. J. W. CXXXII.
Boston Jany 4th 1834
Mr M Sublette (N York)
Dear Sir I have received a note from my brother informing me of your having arrived in N. York. I should come immediately to see you were it not that . I have al- ready written to urge your coming here and am afraid of passing you on the road. When I have got your answer whether you will come here or not I shall move to see you. In the meantime per- mit me to suggest that there are great advantages to be derived from an interview between yourself and the gentlemen who are concerned with me in this undertaking, among the most impor- tant of which is the establishing in your mind of a perfect confi- dence that any contract that may be entered into with you or your partners will be fulfilled. When you have arrived here you will be able to satisfy yourself in this matter. Also it , is important that you make some arrangement for sending home your furs over and above those which you pay us for the goods which we are to deliver to you. If you should wish to avail your- self of the opportunity afforded by our vessell an agreement for the same can be made here and also for transporting them to the vessell. If it is possible to come to any agreement on these subjects an insurance might be effected to cover the risk of the sea on such amt. as might be shipped. Beside the above reasons, there are many goods which can be purchased as well and some better here than in N. York. The great difficulty which your concern has encountered and the enormous expence in getting your supplies has induced me to suppose that you would avail yourself of any opportunity which on reasonable terms would obviate all the difficulties and much of the expense. Such opportunity is now within your reach. By means of our vessells employed in the salmon trade we can take out goods and bring home furs to any extent to the Columbia. These goods we can purchase cheaper than goods can be purchased to send over the mountains because on some of them we get the draw- back of the duties. The packing up from the Columbia is neither difficult nor expensive, horses there are comparatively cheap and in that country there is little danger consequently few men are re- quired. These advantages we are willing to divide with you, in order that by getting your goods ou reasonable terms you may be
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able to monopolise in a great measure the trade of the mountains, and thus, much enlarge the amt. of goods which you will take from us. One other convenience of this route is that all your men which are wanted for camp keepers could be had from the islands these men would be better than those you get from the States for such purposes and much cheaper. One other advan- tage to be derived from pursuing the buisness through this route is that if you succeed in breaking up the other companies as you certainly can do, when you get your goods so much cheaper you will prevent the influx to [of?] small traders and others who by their competition continually injure your buisness and spoil your men. Should the above considerations strike your mind as they do mine you will I have no doubt you will see of how much importance it is that parties who in the course of events may have such large engagements with each other should meet and establish a mutual confidence which will afterward facilitate all buisness and in such case I shall ex- pect to see you in Boston in the course of the week. I was in hopes that you would be able to spend the winter with me and go to St. Louis together in the Spring, but if your buisness pre- vents we will let you go after you have spent a week with us.
I am Yr &c N. J. W.
To M. Sublette Esq
CXXXIII.
Boston Jany 7th 1834
Mess. Samuel & More (Liberty)
Geut. Mr. Abbot will hand you this. I send him for the purpose of taking care of the animals which you may purchase, and for assisting you in the same under your direction. I request that you will be extremely careful in the purchase of animals and be sure to get none but what are hardy and as many mules as possible. As to price I am in hopes that having so much time to purchase in you will be able to buy horses for $25 that are first rate working animals and mules at 40$ but if you should not you must give a little more. 75 mules are wanted and 25 horses and to this extent you are authorized to make pur- chases. Some competent judge must select these animals. Be- fore this you will have received the requisite assurance from Mess Rockhill & Co.
In regard to Abbot I wish you to supply his absolute wants until I come which will be about 20th April and nothing farther. He is a little inclined to be extravagant and I do not wish to pay for it.
If you have not yet made an absolute bargain in regard to the saddles for which I wrote in my letter of 20th Dec. you can leave
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off the stirrups as they can be had cheaper here than with you, but if already you have made [a] contract do not alter it.
I am Vr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth CXXXIV.
Boston Jany. 7th 1834
Mr. Wiggin Abbot
Sir You will proceed with all possible despatch :o Philadelphia, you will there call on Mess Grant & Stone and request them to procure a duplicate of the letter which they re- quested Mess. Thomas C. Rockhill & Co. to send to Mess Samuel & More of Liberty in behalf of Mess. Tucker & Williams of Boston. With this Duplicate and the letter I have given you to Mess Sam- uel & More, you will proceed immediately to Liberty. When arrived you will deliver duplicate and letter, and act under Mess S. and M. in procuring animals, and keeping those that are pur- chased, taking good care that they are kept fat. Without interposing in any direct manner with Mess S & M. I wish you to ascertain the real cash value of horses and mules, and it would be well to let them see that you take note of these things, this, not that I doubt their good faith, but they having much buisness on their hands may be deceived as to the value of animals. Also if you think the an- imals they purchase are unsuitable you will give them your opin- ion. I have requested Mess S & M. to supply you with what cash you may want for necessary expenses only but I am in hopes the money with which you are supplied here will prevent any considerable expenses on your acc. Your time will commence on your arrival at Liberty, and what you spend on the road will be charged to you, therefore keep an accurate acc. of the same. You will be allowed $300 for the first years services, you finding you[r] own clothing. We do not agree to furnish any clothing or other supplies between the settlements and the Columbia river. At that place and during the year you will be charged 50 pr ct. advance on what shall be sufficient for your own use. After the first year an agreement for farther services must be made.
Nathl. J. Wyeth.
(Added by Mr Abbot)
Having carefully examined the foregoing instructions from Mr Nathl J W'yeth and having agreed with him to render my ser- vices in conformity thereto I hereby acknowledge myself to be entirely under his directions and do promise and obligate myself to perform to the best of my ability all that may be required of me by him and that I am entirely satisfied with the compensation stipulated for as herein expressed, and the manner in which I am to receive the same.
Signd by Wuggin Abbot.
['The discrepancy in the spellings of Abbot's name occurs in the copy.]
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CXXXV.
Boston Nov. 23d 1833
Mr. Alfred Seaton, Sir We will take your furs within one hun- dred miles of Horse Creek of Green River and convey the same to the Columbia and thence to Boston for thirty seven dollars and fifty cents per pack of 100 lbs. We obligate ourselves to take the usual care of these furs on both parts of the route, furs to be de- livered to us during the month of July 1834. The risks that you are to run includes that of our vessells going out to the Columbia. I am Yr Obt. Servt Nathl J Wyeth CXXXVI.
Boston Jany. 4th 1834
Bro. Chas. (Balto.)
I have mailed to you a package of printed paper which please keep two days when if Mr. Abbot does not come to take them of you please forward them to Mess Samuel & More of Liberty Missouri in Clay county. Please give Abbot no money should he apply to you for it as I have given him as much as I wish to trust him with.
I am &c Nathl. J. Wyeth.
P. S. Papers will not come as above
CXXXVII.
Boston Jany 8th 1834
Mess Samuel & More Liberty Missouri
Gent. Having written you under date of Dec. 20th from N York and on 7th inst per Mr. Abbot I now write to recapitulate, and to make sure that you re- ceive the requisite instructions in case Abbot should be delayed from any cause, viz purchase 75 mules and 24 horses with [as] much dispatch as you can consistently with economy, place same un- der some suitable man if Mr. Abbot does not come that they may become w[o]nted to the band. Be careful to get serviceable animals. If so many mules cannot be had you must make up in horses. Also 35 common Spanish riding saddles without stir[r]ups bridles or girths these I can get cheaper here. 6 of a little su- perior kind but still not expensive for my own use and some other gentlemen, also you can be looking up 2 bulls and S cows for driving overland to stock a fort also one yoke of cattle for provisions, fat for eating, and about 30 sheep. If these cattle can be purchased at any time it had better be delayed until the last of the purchases. Probably I may want a few more animals than above ordered but this will do for the present.
I am Vr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth.
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
TO FIND LONGITUDE
To get Polar distance. . . Take declination of Sun from Nauti- cal almanac for the date which we suppose to be 11th Jany. 1834 which is 21 deg. 50 min. 17sec. which correct for Long. from Tab. 5 Bowditch deriving you[r] knowledge of Long. from the last observation and dead reconing added.
Say, Sub. I min. 45 sec. 21 deg. 49[8?] min. 32 sec.
Correct for time Say 3 Hours A. M. as
per Table 5 Bowditch which is - add I min. 07 sec.
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