USA > Oregon > Sources of the history of Oregon > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
21 deg. 50 min. 39 sec.
Add to 90 deg. to obtain polar distance 90 deg. oo min. oo sec.
Polar distance ILI deg. 50 min. 39 sec.
In making the above reconing with Capt. Lambert we added instead of 90 deg. 90 deg. 50 min. 39 sec. which will make an er- ror through[ou]t the whole calculation for we made polar distance 112 deg. 58 min. 18 sec. and this sum therefore I use hereafter instead III deg. 50 min. 39 sec. which is the true distance. After rejecting seconds which we always do if under 30 and add if over
Ist The Cronometer to be made to agree with Greenwich time by adding or subtracting its rate as the case may be
2d Take the Suns altitude, and it is best to do it when the Sun is rising of [or?] falling the fastest, which read directly from the quadrant and we will suppose it to be 68 deg. 10 min. Which always divide by two 34 deg. 5 min.
To which if the Lower limb is taken always add 16 min.
34 deg. 21 min.
On Land for refraction always subtract
I min.
Which will be the true altitude
34 deg. 20 min.
Corrected altitude as above 34 deg. 20 min.
Corrected Latt. which is got from Last obs. and dead rec.
45 deg. 20 min.
Polar distance from above
112 deg. 58 min.
192 deg. 38 min.
Add together Which always divide by 2 which is
96 deg. 19 min.
Subtract Suns altitude 34 deg. 20 min. Which is remainder 61 deg. 59 min.
---
----
-
IOI
102
CORRESPONDENCE: [159
In Taking out Log[a]rithms reject the index when it is 10. Cor[r]ected altitude as above 34 deg. 20 min. (from Tab. 27) 08314 1
Corrected Lat. as above 45 deg. 20 min. Secant of Lat.
Polar distance
as above 112 deg. 58 min. Co. Sec. pol. dis 03587
Add together & Halve 192 deg. 38 min.
Half 96 deg. 19 min. Co Sine Half
Subtract Suns alti as above 34 deg. 20 min.
Sum 9.04149
Remainder 61 deg. 59 min. Sine of remain- der 9.94587
Half of this sum 19.10637 is 9.55318 ]
Log. 9.55318 = in time to
9 H 12 min. 32 sec.
Add equation of time from almanac as date Mean time
8 min. 13 sec. 9 H 20 min. 45 sec.
Greenwich time, which ad[d] to 12 to make it greater than Mean time if not so before
Which we will suppose to be 4 H 5 min. 3 sec. 16 H 5 min. 3 sec.
from this subtract mean time 9 H 20 min. 45 sec.
Which is the Longitude in time 6 H 44 min. 18 sec.
Which by table 21 Bowditch is Longitude 101 deg. 4 min. 30 sec.
TO FIND LATTITUDE.
28th Jany 1833 observed 48 deg. 25 min. 00 00
Index error
Half altitude Suns Semi diameter
48 deg. 25 min. 24 deg. 12 min. 30 sec. 16 min. 16 sec.
24 deg. 28 min. 46 sec.
Refraction on Land I min. oo sec. 24 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. Subtract from 90 deg. 90 deg. oo min. oo sec.
Suns declination for date
65 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. 18 deg. 10 min. 30 sec.
Latt.
47 deg. 21 min. 44 sec.
CXXXVIII.
Boston Jany 12th 1834
Mess Samuel & More Gent On the other side you have copy of agreement, with a note on the back. Should you engage the 30
IO3
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
160)
men named in my letter of the 20 ulto. 15 of them must agree to this note, as it may be desirable to let Sublette have some of the men when I reach the mountains. Mr. Sublette is now with me. At his suggestion I request you to consider if men and animals could not better be got in some of the lower counties than in Jackson and Clay and if so you can make any suitable arrange- ment for doing it. Endeavor principally to get French and mules and make no advances until I come. Make no agreement with any one that you think likely to back out or that you do not think a good man. The french are generally much preferable.
I desire that as soon as you receive this you would send weekly to the care of Mess. Von Phul and McGill a statement of what you have done, in order that when I arrive at St. Louis I may know what you have done, and be able to make what purchases or engagements [as] are wanted while I am coming up the coun- try.
I shall probably be with you by the middle of April.
I am Vr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth
CXXXIX.
Boston Jany 14th 1834
Bro Leond. N. Vork.
Mr Sublette requests me to ask you to in- quire at the office for letters for him, and in case you find any you can forward them to the care of Tucker & Williams. This until the first day of Feb. after which time you can keep them and he will get them when he comes.
I also wish you would inform me as soon as you can if there are any red stronds or scarlet cloths to be had in N. York and on what terms. If Mr Wm. L Sublette calls on you he can direct his letters to his brother to Mess. T & W as above
I shall be with you about the 12th Feb. next
And I rem Vr Obt Servt N. J. W.
CXL.
Boston Jany 15th 1834
Mr Thomas Nutall
Dear Sir I write to say that I shall pass through Philadelphia sooner than I at first contemplated say 18 to 21st Feby. and possibly shall leave St. Louis by the 20th March and the upper settlements by the 20th of April. Should you not be in Philadelphia when I pass you can join me on the route or at St. Louis in which place you will hear of me at Mess. Von Phull & McGills. If when you arrive at St. Louis I have gone you will then find me at Mess. Samuel and Mores in Liberty Clay County where I shall remain until the 20 certainly, perhaps longer.
---
1
[16:
CORRESPONDENCE:
104
Hoping I may have the pleasure of your company from Philad. west, I remain Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth.
CXLI.
Cambridge Jany 25th 1834
Saml. L. Dana Esq. (Waltham)
Dear Sir Altho a stranger I have de- sired to call on you to thank you for a piece of service you did me in your review of the Book of Jno. Wyeth, by Benj Water- house. It enhances the obligation that it was done for a stran- ger, in his absence, and that it was so well done that the liar and his pander were annihilated. Much buisness prevents my ac- knowledging to you in person, but be assured that I shall take with me to the prairies and forests a sense of the favor you have conferred on me and those who feel an interest in me.
Iam &c N. J. Wyeth. CXLII. Cambridge Jany. 26th 1834
Brother Perry Newbury (Vermont)
Finding that it will be impos- sible to visit you as contemplated before leaving these parts, I write to say good bye, to you and yours. If you wish to write to the Sandwich Islands, I will carry letters which I can send by our vessell to their destination. I leave this place on the 7th Feb. and should your letters reach here a little later they could be for- warded to St. Louis. There is little to say at this moment more than if good success attends me this time it will be long before I shall return but if on the contrary I meet with disasters, I shall soon be back and probably be obliged to remain for want of means to make a third trial. Mr Sublette is now with me which is the reason of my leaving so much sooner than I expected. All connections are well. Wife sends her love. I am Yr Afte. Bro. Nathl J Wyeth CXLIII. Cambridge Jany 29th 1834 Mr Hallett (Editor of the Boston Dayly Advocate)
Dear Sir I have not been able to find the author of the piece in your paper of 23rd Jany. 1833. I leave this for the westward on the 7th Feb. and therefore can have no farther time to attend to this matter. I have not the least doubt that could the author of the communication be found he would give Jno. Wyeth as his authority. Now as the Book of Jno Wyeth is at variance with this communication it only remains to shew that Jno. Wyeth is the author of both to shew that no credit is due to anything that he stated. It will be some trouble to you perhaps to find the per- son who sent the communication but I have confidence enough in your disposition 'to see justice done, to ask you to do so, and ask
105
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
[62]
him for his authority. If he gives Jno. Wyeth, I will then ask you to compare the book with the communication and state in your paper the difference which you may find.
As I conceive, you have inadverently done me an injury. It is in your power to do me a favor that will more than compensate. I ask no more than truth and justice and I have no doubt that you will incur a little trouble to render it.
I am Vr. Obt. Servt Nathl. J. Wyeth. CXLIV. Cambridge Jany. 31th 1834
Cousin Noah (Hingham)
Yours of 28 inst. is received. I leave this on 7th Feb. but cannot take books across the continent 4000 miles the risk and transportation would be five times their value. Our vessell for this year has gone but one will go yearly by which any thing may be sent that his friends wish. Articles to be sent to Mr Ball should be left with Mess Tucker & Williams Central Wharf Boston. If his friends [wish] to send letters I will take charge of them with great pleasure and he will get them in Sept. next.
-
I should have notified Mr Balls friends of this opportunity but I did not know where to find them. If the person you mention will inform them I will be obliged to him. Letters for him may be sent to the care of Mess T. & Ror Chas. Wyeth Baltimore who will forward them to me at St. Louis until the roth day of March next after which time they cannot overtake me as I shall leave the western settlements about the middle of April next.
Respy Yrs. N. J. Wyeth CXLV.
Boston Feb. 3d 1834
Bro Charles
My Indian boys are on board the Hem. [?] Bg. Nitor bound for your place. I wish you would watch and on their arrival place them at some suitable place to board see that their washing is done &c until I come. Buy for them what clothing they stand in immediate need of and pay $20 for their passage.
I leave this on the 7th inst and shall tarry for a few days in N. York to buy goods and be in Balto. about the 15th inst.
In the mean time I am Yrs. N. J. W. CXLVI. Boston Feb. 23d[?] 1834
Mr Wm L. Sublette N. York, Dear Sir Your fav. of 30th ulto. is at hand. Your brother is here and we leave in company for New York on the 7th inst where we shall remain about 5 days then to Philad. there remain 2 or 3 more then to Baltimore there re-
--
106
CORRESPONDENCE:
[163
main 2 more. If I do not see you before please leave word with my brother in Baltimore where you can be found, as I am anx- ious to be in company on the route westward. I place little re- liance on any information or on any reports through the Am. F Co. especially by Doct. Harrisons hands. There may have some small disaster happened and a small one it must be to amt. to no more than $7000 when it reached St. Louis through such hands. You well know the great pains taken by rival companies in the mountains to discredit their opponents. My brother of N. York informed me some time since that a draft drawn by Abbot on M. G. Sublette chargeable to me was shewn him, which having 110 instructions he refused to pay. This is all the information I have received of this draft. I presume it is [for] supplies for Abbot on his passage down. If so for any reasonable amt. I shall pay it when I see you. I regret that you did not forward it to me with the account or whatever else it is founded on. Abbot never noti- fied me that he had drawn such a draft. Had the buisness been properly done I should have avoided having it said that a draft on me had been returned unpaid. I shall call on Mess Gill Cam- bel & Co. if I do not see you in N. York, but if you could possi- bly wait my arrival in N. York it would afffjord me much pleasure. I should urge your coming to Boston were it not so late. If you think of going to Washington I would like to keep company.
I am Vr Obt. Servt Nathl. J. Wyeth
P. S. Miltons foot is I think a little better.
CXLVII.
Boston Feb 4th 1834
Thomas Nuttall Esq. Philad.
Dear Sir Your esteemed Fav. of 30th ulto is at hand.
I leave this on the 7th inst. and may be in Philad by the 16th, but probably not until 18th or 20th and by the time we can reach the Ohio, I think it will be open. I am pleased that there will be one more added to our society. As he will probably have no servant I would not recommend to him to take many goods. His stock of clothing would I should think be all that he will require. I should advise him to take three mules but three horses or two mules would do. What little clothing he may want in the coun- try he shall have on such terms that he will have no reason to complain. I do not see that he need provide anything before reaching St. Louis more than he has unless he carrys implements of science.
I will deliver the message to Mr. Brown. I have engaged Capt. Thwing* who is well versed in taking observations to accompany the expedition and have provided suitable implements. Can you get some cherry, peach, apple, pear, apricot, plumb, and nectar-
*The author spells the name of his Captain with a "w" this first time.
107
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
164]
ine stones to take with us? Mr. Sublette is now with me and will come on in company.
Resply Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. CXLVIII. Boston Feb 5th 1834
Mr Joseph Thing Sir The following buisness requires to be at- tended to before you leave Boston. viz
Ship to Baltimore to Mess. Wyeth & Norris
7 tents and 45 oil covers, which find at Bell & Cowleys
Indian Rubber Boat " Tucker & Williams
Two Traveling Cases " B. C. Weld Camb.
100 Beaver Traps " Brainerds.
Also bring on with you a memorandum of all the bills Charged by Tucker & Williams to the overland expedition in order that I may have with me the means of knowing at any time the amt. invested in this part of the buisness. At N. York and Baltimore of the gentlemen to whom I give you letters you will obtain far- ther advices from me provided you do not find me with them.
& N. J. W.
CXLIX. Boston Feb. 5th 1834
Bro Chas.
The bearer is Capt. Jos. Thing who goes out with me as the second in command. Whatever buisness I leave with you relating to this expedition or any letters to me you will please hand over to him, and shew him such attention as may be in your power and oblige
yr. Afte. Bro. N. J. Wyeth CL Thursday evening Feb 4th 1834 Boston. Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston Gent I do not think the traps will be according to sample therefore it will be requisite to ex- amine them carefully and compare them with the pat[t]ern, which is in Brainerds possession. They should be equally well finished with the pat[t]ern and by contract are to be set for one week and then rejected if the springs do not come up fair or are broken. I have agreed, if he would have all of them finished by the 7th Feb. to give him $15 over and above the contract. If Brainerd will not agree to have them set on board the Packett and take back all that do not prove good on their arrival in Baltimore, it will be requisite to retain them in Boston one week in order to try them by setting at the end of which time, if the springs are unbroken and come up fair and they are as well finished as the sample he
108
CORRESPONDENCE:
[165
will be entitled to $165 for one Hundred traps, this provided they are delivered to you on the 7 inst. but if delivered after that time he is only entitled to 150$
I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth.
CLI.
Providence Feb 4th 1834
Jno Pickering Esq.
Dear Sir
Your favor of Feb 4th reached me only last evening consequently I could not call on you as request- ed. It is not in my power to answer the queries contained in your letter from memory but I will preserve. the vocabulary which you sent and endeavour to give the information desired at some future time. Probably I will write to you again before leaving the States and after rejoining the Indians, but if I should not do this I will on the first occasion write you from beyond the mountains. .
If you wish to write me on these subjects your letters will reach me by being left at Mess. Tucker & Williams on Central Wharf, both before I leave the States and afterward, and be assured that it would afford me much pleasure to give any in- formation in my power.
I am &c N. J. W.
To Jno. Pickering Esq.
[A letter to F. Tudor Esq., Boston, written Feb. 7th, from Provi- dence is omitted. It is devoted exclusively to explanations of suggested improvements in the process of harvesting ice.]
CLII. New York Feb 10th 1834
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston)
Gent Your letter of the 9th inst. was received today containing let- ter and copy of letter from Mess. Samuel & More. The copy is in answer to one of mine of Dec. 4th 1833 and the letter was written about the same time and contains nothing important. An answer to all that is contained in these two letters is in letters which I wrote to these two gentlemen on the 20th Dec. and Jany 7th 8th and 12th last which they appear not to have re- ceived at the date of their writing. A copy of these letters I would forward to you but have not time to write them off.
I hope you will see that the traps are good. His engagement was to have them done by the 7th. I do not know if he is bound to notify you of their being done. It is important to get them as soon as possible.
109
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
166 ]
I shall write you as often as anything transpires of interest and in the meantime hope that you are not affected by the late failures.
Will you have the goodnees to send me amt. of the balance to my Cr. on your books in your next as I wish to enter it against you in my new books and have mislaid the acc. which you rendered.
I am &c N. J. W. CLIII.
N. York Feb. 10th 1834
W'm. L. Sublette Esq. Philad
Dear Sir I arrived here in co with Milton yesterday Mng. and was disappointed in not finding you here, and write to say that we shall probably be in Philad. by the 16th and there hope to see you.
I am &c N. J. W
CLIV.
N. York Feb 11th 1834
Mess Thomas C. Rockhill & Co. (Philad)
Gent I have notice[d] that Mr Samuel of the firm of Samuel & More of Liberty Missouri left for your city on the 6th of Jany. I am very desirous of seeing him. Will you have the goodness to inform him that I shall remain here until the 16th inst. and then come to Philadelphia, provided you know where he is at this time.
And oblige Vr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth CLV. N Vork Feb 11th 1834
Bro Charles (Balto)
I have your fav. of the toth of Jany last. I leave this on the 16th and remain but one day in Philadelphia and then to your city and hope to see you once more.
Vr. Afte. Bro. N. J. W. CLVI.
New York Feb 11th 1834
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston Gent Finding that there would be some cash bills to be paid here I have this day drawn on you at sight for 600s No I, which will probably be all this side the Aleganies at less time than six months.
I am &c N. J. Wyeth
4
110
CORRESPONDENCE: [167
CLVII.
N. York Feb 12th 1833 [4]
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston Gent Herewith you have duplicate of my letter of yesterday and copy of letter to Samuel & More which last will give you a view of the present state of affairs with them.
I am &c N. J. Wyeth. CLVIII.
New York Feb 12th 1834
Wm. L. Sublette Esq. (Philad)
Dear Sir Yours of the 6th inst was re- ceived by way of Boston today An answer to its contents has already been sent you and I presume you have received it before this. I only write to say that Milton leaves this in the morning for your city and I shall be there by the 16 and will expect to find you at Gill Campbell & Co.
I am &c N. J. Wyeth. CLIX.
New York Feb 12th 1834
Mess Tucker & Williams (Boston)
Gent Your fav. of roth inst is at hand. If the Black smith will not consent to the traps being sent to Baltimore and abide the result on their examination there they must be tried by setting one week in Boston and as soon there- after as possible have them forwarded to Mess Wyeth & Norris. If sent by the 24th inst I shou[l]d get them in season but I would take none after the 20th including time of tryal. I note what you say as to residue of goods and of Capt Thing.
In regard to drafts from the mountains they cannot be made on Samuel & More but must be made on some first rate house in St. Louis or on the bank as arranged.
In regard to the $6000 which I am to draw on you for from St. Louis I may make an arrangement with Samuel & More for a part, but I have not yet seen him and do not know where to find him, but have written to Philadelphia, but at the same time I would not like to make an arrangement with him for the whole. I request that you will immediately furnish me with a credit in in St. Louis of at least 3000$. If Thomas C. Rockhill & Co would accept my drafts there would be no trouble at least I think so, or if you would make yourselves known to Mess Von Phull & Mc Gill of St Louis I think that would answer, but I can not pick up horses cheap without cash in hand nor can I wait until I get to Liberty to get it, for I must make some purchases before. As I
III
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
165]
leave this 2 days hence and then make haste westward you must be aware that there is not a moment to loose in this matter.
I am yr obt Servt N. J. Wyeth.
P. S. Your next please address to the care of Mess Grant & Stone Philad.
[The following is written across the above letter: Do not omit to have all the chains sent whether the traps are or not. ]
[A letter to Frederic Tudor, Esq., Boston, dated "N. Vork Feb 12 1834" is omitted. Like that of the 7th inst. to Mr. Tudor it contains only suggestions pertaining to the management of the "ice business." Mr. Wyeth closes the letter by saying, "Excuse the liberty I take in these matters I cannot forget the habit of thinking that I have still something to do with ice" ]
CLX. New York Feb 15th 1834
0
Bro Jacob. (Galena)
I leave this place on my way west on the 15th inst. and shall be in St. Louis from the 5th to the roth [of] April and would be much pleased to see you there. The ur- gency of my buisness prevents my coming to see you, otherwise I would do so. I have in charge for you some books which I shall send from St. Louis to you if I do not see you there.
I am Vr. Afte. Bro. N J Wyeth
CLXI. N Vork Feb 14th 1834
Rev Jason Lee. (Baltimore)
Dear Sir. I have received your fav. of rith inst in answer to which say that I leave this city to mor- row morning and proceed directly west and remain but five or six days at St. Louis. You will hear of me in St. Louis by calling on Mess Von Phull & McGill.
I think I received and answered a line from some one in west- ern Mass. but am not certain.
&c &c N. J. W. CLXII. New York Feb. 14th 1834
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston)
Gent On the other side you have a list of drafts drawn on you up to this date also a list of bills paid. I am obliged to keep the originals as vouchers in making up the invoices for Sublette. I shall forward them from the up- per settlements by private hand and in the mean time shall con- tinue to forward only lists of bills.
The good[s] from this place I shall ship to Baltimore by sea, be- ing cheaper and will be in time. Enclosed you have all the ma- terials for invoicing if you deem expedient. If you write me as
112
CORRESPONDENCE:
early as the 16th you can direct to the care of Mess Wyeth & Norris Baltimore but if later and until the 18th to the care of Josiah Lawrence & Co. Cincinati, after which time to the care of Mess Von Phull & McGill St. Louis and they will forward the letters to me wherever I may be at the time.
I am yr. obt. Servt. N. J. W.
(Enclosing bill of lading,and drafts drawn to date and bills paid. ) viz.
No. 1 Feb 11th fav. of Cripps & Wyeth sight 6 months
600.
" " 2 14 " F. Gebard
149.85
3 " 14 " R. H. Osgood & Co 8 months 253.
4 " F. B. Rhodes 6 months 388.08
5
" Robbins & Painter 6 months
484.92
6
" Sindam & Jackson 6 months
571.75
7
،،
" Wolf & Clark
6 months
484.65
Bills paid
Feb. 13 Jno H. Albee
No. 1
8.87
" Smith &
2
5.85
" N. H. Weeld & Co
3
13.50
Girding & Siemon
4
17.37
17.58
" Platt Stout & Ingoldsby
6
3.38
" Hide Hitchcock & Greenman
7
3.00
" Baily Ward & Co.
8
11.50
" W. &. E Clark
9
61.09
" Stryker & Smith
IO
18.86
" R. H. Osgood & Co.
II
253.00
66
" E. D. Sprague & Co.
12
11.94
" E. J. & E. White
39,00
13 N. J. W.
[The following is written across the face of the above letter] P. S. Out of the 2543.59 deduct, not shipped by the Othello
20 rifles
200.00
2 spades
1.75
30 doz.Scalping knives[?]41.25
243.00 or
$2300.59 to be invoiced
Bill to F. B. Rhodes
No
14
$388.08
" F. Gebard
15
149.85
" Robbins & Painter
16
484.92
" Sindam & Jackson
17
571.75
66 Wolf & Clark 18
484.65
5
113
WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
170 ]
CLXIII.
N. York Feb 14th 1834
Capt Jos Thing (present)
Sir You will please call on Mess. Wolf & Clark Pearl St. and ascertain if they have shipped to Mess Wyeth & Norris Baltimore some Rifles and Indian Knives for me and if so you will bring on with you the bills lading but if they have not you will bring these goods with you by the boats and railroads provided this route is open but if it is not you will have to ship them which do by the first vessell.
This is all that occurs to my mind now. You will attend to any suggestion which Mess. Cripps & Wyeth may give in relation to this buisness, and oblige yrs &c N. J. W.
P. S. There are at Wolf & Clarks 20 rifles, 2 spades, and 30 doz scalping knives.
CLXIV. Philadelphia Feb 18th 1834
Capt Thing
Dear Sir Having found the cloths which I wanted in this place, it becomes expedient to have the goods still in N. York forwarded as soon as possible, therefore please bring them on by the Boats and Rail Road as soon as you can get them.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.