USA > Oregon > Sources of the history of Oregon > Part 9
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The country looks like the spirit of Winter had passed over it in tempest and frost leaving a legacy of a foot of snow behind him and a gale of wind from the N. W. I hope the cold will con- tinue until I am done icing which will be with good luck about in time for a move. I am now all in heaps having just moved into my new house and things are not yet put to rights.
Be pleased to give my affectionate regards to your good wife and kiss the little ones for their uncle Nat. and believe that I remain V Afte Bro. N. J. W.
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
XI.
Dec. 8th 1831
Brother Jacob
( Howell Furnace Monmouth Cy. N. Jersey)
Yours of the 25th ulto. is at hand containing your answer in the affirmative to my query "of whether in case the Oregon Col- onization fail in their objects" you would join a trading expe- dition to the same parts. I have entered your name as one of the Co. The formation of a Trading Co. on a similar plan to the Hudson Bay and North West is the ultimate object of my going to that country, and this new plan is no farther new than so far as to form the Co. here in stead of after getting out to the place of destination, and to this alteration I am induced by a fear of the failure of their plans, and a desire that mine may be carried into effect in any case. The first plan would be the best in-as-much as men tied in the toils of such expeditions, might be picked out, the second is best in that it enables me to go on in case the Company do not, and also to go on independ- ently of them if their arrangements are such as do not meet my. approbation. Now in the first place I think they will fail en- tirely of going, but supposing they do not, they have so far changed their plans as to unite their 2 expeditions into one, comprising a host of men who are merely cultivators of the earth, umused to any hardships, and unwilling to meet any, women and children and to start on the Ist June. You have seen how true my predictions were in regard to their first start, and they will be equally true in regard to this. If they propose the Ist June they will not certainly go before the ist July, and after that, allowing the best luck they will not reach any of the passes of the Mountains before the Ist September, and that is the latest month of their proper arrival at their place of destination, and is only half the way from St Louis. You may judge yourself how much such a host must suffer by arriving at their Destination at the Commencement of winter, when the natives (of whom sup- plies may be had), leave the country, as well as beasts, Birds and fishes, and also that it is a sacrifice of one years time in our buis- ness and for which we gain nothing but such a tittle as they can give us of 200 acres of land each. This is not a "quid pro quo" and if they manage their buisness as I apprehend they mean to do I shall wash my hands clean of them, at least if I can get along with my plan without them.
In this state of the case I have not paid to them the 20$ on your account, but have made an arrangement by which if I choose. I can with all my Co. be exempt from paying the same by being answerable for all the disbursements of iny Co. after leaving St. Louis and still retain the ordinary priviledges of emigrants. shall not make my election until I find what their arrangements are in order to see whether it is worth while.
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The foundation of the division of profits in this concern will be, myself for furnishing the requisite capital and leading the same 8 parts The surgeon 2 parts 48 men 40 parts, the whole profits be- ing divided into 50 parts; division at the end of the contract viz 5 years.
Your Draft has been duly received and please notify Leonard that it has been given, all arrangements I will notify to you in season only one suit of clothes will be required for you and this one suitable to appear like a gentleman in the places through which we go. A uniform dress will be provided for you and arms. Keep all your surgical instruments but buy no more We will buy them in Philad. or Balto. as we go on, which will be about the Ist April next whether the Society go or not. I shall delay no longer. In the mean time continue your buisness or if you must come this way before you go close it and quit it and go [o]n with us. The chief cost of the journey will be coming this way for I shall travel cheaply on the route outwards.
Yrs N. J. W.
XII. Cambridge Dec. 19th IS31.
To the Hon. E. Everett
Sir
Enclosed you have a letter from Mr. Nuttall containing in part my views in regard to this application to the executive. I have to repeat that no view of emolument induces it but only a desire to serve the views of the Govt. in re- gard to that Country. It has occured to me that the Govt. might avail itself of my services to obtain information concerning that Country which in time would be useful to them. I would will- ingly devote a portion of my time to their service without other compensation than the respectability attached to all those who serve their country, and the advantage of having some employ- ment for the mind, in a buisness that will afford much Leisure.
In order to the better understanding [of] my advantages for collecting information I will detail to you my plan of operations, which is the formation of a Joint Stock Trading Company of about 50 men to proceed to the Country, without positively set- tling the particular buisness in which they will engage but to be dictated by circumsnances when there (probably the fur buisness will be selected). This company will leave this vicinity some time from the ist. March to the Ist April next. 31 persons have already entered their names. This body will go out in company with the Oregon Colonization Society provided that so- ciety do go at about that time, but will go without them in case they do not move near the time above named, and are to be no other- wise connected with them, than may be dictated by convenience on the route as far as the sources of the Columbia. The contract by
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
which this Co. is bound together is to continue during 5 years, and if successfull is to be extended through an indefinite time.
I have to ask that you will communicate this offer to the Gov- ernment in case you deem proper, or if you think it better that I make application personally(with refference to you) I will do so, but I have to request you in such case to inform me what department of I should apply to for this purpose. In conclusion I must ask you to excuse the liberty I have taken in troubling an entire stranger with my affairs but I am induced to do so by your well known re[a]diness to serve your constituents and your ability to do so.
I am Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl J. Wyeth
P. S. In case you should answer this, it would much oblige me if you would indicate some method by which I can obtain copies of two treaties in regard to the Country claimed by the U. S. on the Pacific Ocean, and made with G. B. somewhere about the years 1817 & 1828.
XIII. Cambridge Dec 26th 1831
Bro Jacob
(Howell Furnace Monmouth Cy. N. Jersey)
Yours of the 16 inst. at hand. I wrote you on the 8th Dec. an answer to your letter of 25th of Nov. last the following is a summary of my letter of the 8th inst. That I considered your letter as an engagement on your part to go to that Country as a member of a trading Co. in case the Society do not go. That the Society have so far altered their plans as to join their two ex- peditions into one. That I considered this joining of the two ex- peditions as very objectionable in-as-much as it encumbers us with a heavy mass or women and children and other helpless persons whereby great delay and probable failure will ensue. That I have not paid in the 20$ on your account but have made an arrange- ment by which with all my Co. I can be exempt from paying the same by being answerable for all our expenses after leaving St. Louis, and still retain the ordinary priviledges as emigrants. That I should not make my election whether to be answerable for the said expence or pay in the 20$ until the last moment. That the foundation of the division of profits would be 8 parts to myself for leading and furnishing the required capital, 2 parts to the surgeon 40 parts to be diveded among the men, contract to last 5 years. That your draft had been received and requested you to inform Leonard that the same had been drawn. That one suit of clothes will be requisite for you and this one suitable to appear as a gentleman in, a uniform dress will be provided for you. To keep all your surgical instruments but to buy no more, they are to be got in Balto. £ We go about the ist April next certainly not later.
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The above is a short summary of my last letter to you this let- ter you have probably received before this time. I have to re- quest that you will continue your buisness to the last moment. I will notify you in season of our movement from this place, and as far as I can see this will be the Ist March from here in a ves- sell to Balto. to which place you can then transfer your person and baggage, all of which, not suitable to carry can be packed and left for a future conveyance by water. Your request in re- gard to the Centinel shall be attended to. Your request to ob- tain guarantee and commission from the Society, I will also at- tend to under the limitations contained in my last. The specu- lations at the close of your letter are those of all who look at the map but neither your or my days will see them verified, but our enterprise may lay a foundation. Leonard has just left here and informs me that your funds are in the hands of Charles and therefore he could not accept your draft. This draft I will keep and return when I see you and please send me a similar one on Charles.
N. J. W XIV. Charleston Dec 27th . 1831
Cap Dixie Wild (Boston) Sir In putting into writing the verbal proposition which I made you this morning, I do not wish to be understood that it is the only shape in which it would be accept- able, but only that this form is one that is readily understood by the parties, and I should conceive that in this way each would sooner come to an understanding of the others views on the sub- ject. That those who furnish the vessell and articles of trade would better understand what they are to gain by such risk and trouble, and that those so furnished would know at one view what they are to pay for the same. If this view meets your ap- probation you have only to say for what per ct. you will enter into the requisite engagements. If any other form of compact suits you better, you will oblige by proposing the same. That a party is to proceed to the Country near the sources of the Colum- bia to De Fuca streights as may be decided, to leave liere be- tween the ist March and ist April next, and from whence as soon as may be send home an account of the valuable articles which they have collected. and a schedule of such articles as are wanted for that trade, and for the substantial correctness of the ac- count of such collections of articles the agent of such Co. will be bound in the sum of 2000$ to be used as an indemnity for loss occasioned by intentionally false information on the subject. That you are not bound to disburse any sum or moneys for any purpose until information has been received of the collection of such quantity of articles as will according to ordinary judgement
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
and under usual circumstances pay the cost and charges of a voy- age out and home.
That after such information has been received you are as soon as can be to fit out a vessell or vessells such as are required, one certainly and more if you deem proper, and put on board the same at your cost such an invoice of articles as may be required by the agent of said Co. That interest at the rate of ten per cent on the cost of the vessell including insurance and repairs, and the actual disbursements of the voyage for men, provisions &c, cost of articles sent out and 8 per cent int. including insurance, shall be considered the cost of the voyage and that you are to agree to furnish as above and for your profit in the buisness are to have - per cent and that this agreement is to last as long as the party continue together under their first contract viz 5 years, or until they dissolve the contract by unanimous vote of said party, which shall in no case be done with a view to evade this agreement, but will remain in force against. me personally so long as I shall con- tinue in any way engaged in that trade, until the expiration of the said 5 years.
If you or your friends wish to make any enquiries concerning me I beg leave to refer you and them to Mr David Devan of this place who knows more of my buisness character than any other person.
I am &c. N. J. W. XV.
Cambridge Jany 3d 1832
Brother Charles (Baltimore)
Your favour of the 17th ulto. is at hand. I write in haste to request you to place the note of 888 25-100 against Morton Brown & Co in the hands of Judah Touro Esq. of New Orleans and at my disposal. If the note is good some goods can be purchased there as well as elsewhere for our buisness please advise him to look to me for instructions on the subject. Please make what exertion you can to procure the to- bacco man, more than one if convenient and they are suitable men. I shall leave here about the Ist March for your place by vessell and shall see you there and thank you personally for your kindness in thus assisting me in my projects. I shall endeavour that you do not suffer by it. Jacob some time since gave me an order for 600$ on Leonard this order being improperly drawn on I. I have written Jacob to exchange for one on you This I had done with a view to preventing him from spending it on his outfits for which purpose now nothing is necessary. This sum I shall not draw from you in any case further than the small amt. requi- site for J outfits, but wish to know if in case of unexpected need of money at St. Louis for indispensible articles and the want of which I cannot provide against or obtain in any other way if I
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can draw it from you any need of so doing I shall avoid if there is any power in me to do so but it is possible that I may so far miscalculate as to be under the necessity of a little more money than I may happen to have left at that place. Please answer this question in your next. With this last assurance and with the note and what L. will do and my own cash I shall make out to do. As it regards vessells and goods to be sent me I apprehend I have made an arrangement that will provide for all this of this I am not certain but the negotiation has proceeded so far that I think it will be closed and on quite as good terms as I could expect. The other particulars of your letter I have not time to answer but will talk over matters when I see you on my journey out. Jacob is not yet married and in his recent letters to me he has not men- tioned the subject and I hope he will go without for the reasons you name. I. hope your children are now recovered. Give your wife my respects and remind little Charles and Nathaniel of their Uncle Nathaniel
Affcty Yr Bro Nath. J. Wyeth XVI. Cambridge Jany 3d 1832
Solomon K. Livermore Esq
(Milford New Hampshire)
Dear Sir I have an unexpected visit from your son who has left his school of which I suppose he has apprised you. He seems to me to have arrived to that time of life at which a young man should have chosen some buisness to meet the wants of existence, and done something to fit himself for it. In this line he appears to have done nothing effectual, and he to me seems mortified at the fact. The pride which produces this feeling is laudable and denotes at bottom a well toned mind, and it will certainly even- tuate in something either for his weal or for woe. To humour and direct rather than repress this feeling it appears to me is the best policy. He talks of the sea and other things, but has no settled determination except to do something. This determina- tion ought to be indulged. He wishes to join our expedition to the Country west of the Rocky Mountains and I think that it would be well for him to do so, his share of the profits will be large: 78 of an equal division. He can there spend nothing, all that his division comes to will be in his hands when he comes home, and judging from the course of that trade heretofore it would be no small sum. The country is entirely healthy, the Indians mild in their natures, and entirely peacible. Ves- sells are to be in our employ to run between this place and that, to insure the requirements of trade, of life and means of return- ing if requisite. The contract will give me 8 parts for taking charge of the buisness and furnishing capital, the surgeon will have two parts the residue of 50 persons will have 40 parts to di-
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
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vide among them contract to last 5 years. I think his turn of mind quite suitable to this buisness and I should be glad to have him to go with me, and will endeavour to do well by him. I shall give him no encouragement to go on this or any other scheme without your consent, but think you would do well to give it. He will return home in a few days.
Excuse the liberty I have taken in thus intruding my ideas up- on you but the similarity of his scituation to my own at about his time of life induces me to speak freely in regard to him and to say what he cannot as well say for himself.
Be pleased to give my respects and love to all your family and be assured I remain Af. Nephew
N. J. W.
P. S. His equipment and expences as far as St. Louis are paid by himself in all 50$ this if you determine to let him go you can give him or I will furnish him with it and take it from his share of the profits. We are to leave about the Ist March.
XVII.
Cambridge Jany 6th IS32
Hon., E. Everett (Washington)
Dear Sir Your favour of 24 ulto. has been received. From what I can learn Genl. Cass is of the right stamp of character to make ap- plication to in this matter, but I cannot spare time for a personal interview, being very much engaged in preparation for moving which I intend to do by the Ist March. If the matter could be opened to Genl. Cass and his views in some measure ascertained to be favorable I would come to your city and finish the buisness during the time that it would require for my men to march from Balto. to Pitsburg. I cannot think of delaying my movements for an object for which I ask no other compensation than the honor of conveying to the Govt. , information which will soon be of great value to them. I will request you if consistent with your view of the case to broach the matter to either of the De- partments as you deem most suitable and then to advise me whether it is worth my while to come to your city in my way out to Pitsburg.
I believe that it is not lawful for armed bodies of men to pass through the Country. I would beg leave to enquire of you whether any permission is required to be had for so doing and if so to ob- tain the same for me, and also what sort of licence or permission if any is requisite for trading with the Indians beyond the Rocky Mountains.
I herewith enclose a petition which was handed me by Mr. Kelley and signed by some of those who propose to go with me in this enterprise. We have no connection with Mr. Kelleys enterprise further than accident and circumstances may indicate. and only wish that something should bedone as an inducement for
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Americans generally to go out to that Country in order to form a preponderating interest there to counteract that of the British already established. Govt. would poorly serve our interests in granting to the Oregon Society any exclusive priviledges there. Nothing on our part is desirable excepting aid to get men out there and the enacting of some laws for their regulation when there and then leave us to ourselves. I should be sorry if these petitions should have any other effect than to call the atten- tion of Congress to the subject in such manner as to induce them to act as their wisdom may dictate, in aiding good men to form a set- tlement in that region and to assume the government of the Col- ony when there, and not as the petition may possibly be con- strued to mean to throw the trade or government of the Country into the hands of this or any other society, neither is it our inten- tion to follow our trade in connection or under the patronage of that Society. I wish you to understand that it is at your option to present this petition or not. If you conceive that it will for- ward our interests asabove explained, present it, if it is to serve the purpose of throwing the controul and trade of that Country into the hands of a society, whose buisness should be to aid men in getting there, and then leave them to form their own mode of society, withhold it.
I have to thank you for your kindness in regard to the treat- ies, and ask you to excuse the liberties I take in thus troubling you.
I am &c &c N. J. W.
XVIII.
Cambridge, Jany II 1832
Brother Leonard
(N. York)
Not having heard from you since you were here I have been fearfull you had writen and the letter miscarried. If this is the case please send me a duplicate as I am in want of the names of the persons whose address you proposed to get for me at St. Louis. This is a matter that demands immedi- ate attention. Since you were here I have had letters from Charles. What he can do with what you proposed will answer my purpose. Please, let me know definitely and as soon as pos- sible what and when you can do. Upon further investigation I find that there will be no dificulty as regards vessells, as they always leave that coast but partly filled, consequently remittan- ces to meet the exigences of the buisness may be made in them at reasonable rates, beside which I have nearly closed with one, already in the trade, who will send out vessell and goods as soon as I leave here and to arrive there about the time that I may be expected.
&c N. J. W.
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WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS.
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XIX. Cambridge Jany 16th 1832
Brother Leonard (N York)
Yours of the roth inst. is at hand. The sums which you mention may be available to me in some shape and if so they will be used of which due notice will be giv- en you. The draft of the furnace altho common I should like to have if convenient as it will be as good in any other and I have no small one. It can be sent to me in care of Chas. in Baltimore. You have done well to say nothing to Mr. Osgood as he could not do enough to help me, and one great credit is easier gotten than twenty small ones.
Give my thanks to Mr. Osgood for his kindness in regard to the letter but inform him that it will not be used unless the pres- ent negotiation fails and I do not wish to broach the matter to any but those who are to be eventualy concerned if possible to avoid it.
The object which I propose to accomplish through an acquaint- ance at St. Louis is to have my drafts cashed on Judah Touro a person well known in that section of country and residing at .V. Orleans in whose hands I shall place funds and obtain a letter of credit for the amount from him to them. I have money at N. Orleans of my own and some which Chas. has lent me, which I may or may not use as circumstances may indicate. The drafts may be at sight and the money is wanted to purchase goods for the Indian trade. Letters of introduction to as many different people as possible are desirable in order to get information con- cerning Indian trade and other matters connected with the pur- suit of it. I am happy to hear that your loss is all insured I pre- sume you mean with the exception of what you might have made from them and the loss you sustained by not having them, which is or is not a loss as the case may be.
This day received a request by letter from Mr. C. your partner to join the expedition. I presume he means if indeed he means anything as a partner. As this cannot be, I shall after considering the matter with due attention answer in the disuasive. He must be very ignorant of his capabilities. As no one knows the extent of his ignorance of himself all we have to do is to pray that we are not in the same darkness of which we accuse others. Be so good if the fact was not known to you be- fore as to keep it to yourself to save appearances both for him and me as I do not wish to be an informer on the actions of any one however much I may think that he needs a guardian.
. Y &c N. J. W
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XX.
Cambridge Jany 18th 1832
Mr The. Bache (N York) Dear Sir
Your favour of 14th inst is at hand I think you have done well to remain where you are until you set out to meet us at Balto. I have no idea of whom the person could have been who called on Mr. S. Swartnoute. It could hardly have been any one who had a knowledge of our en- terprise but must have been some one desirous of joining the em- igration to the same country under the auspices of the Society formed in Boston for that purpose and with whom I do not pro- pose any connection. As you wish to shew. this letter I shall omit answering in it some parts of yours. The subjects to which I allude are satisfactorily to me at least settled. According to request I shall detail the plan of the expedition and also the pro- portion of profits which will accrue to each person engaged in the enterprise. We are to cross the Continent to the shores of the Pacific between 42 and 49 degrees N. Latt. and engage in the Fur buisness. Vessells will ply from Boston or N. York to supply us with articles of trade and bring home or carry elsewhere what articles are collected, and by means of posts established there save the great delay of vessells on that coast which in the present mode of conducting the buisness amounts frequently to 30 months and will average two years. This item alone would with the ordinary profit of the trade give all the success which we look for beside the great advantage which residents there have over those who can be there but about once in 4 years for the collection of furs and other articles of value. As to our route across the con- tinent I can only say that we shall be governed by circumstances On the spot my general idea is that our course will [be] from this place to Baltimore by vessell thence by land to Pitsburg thence down to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and up the latter river to Franklin from that place strike for the Platte River and follow the same to its source in the Rocky Mountains, near which is the southern pass by which we shall make the tran- sit of the mounts which done we strike for Lewis River or the Multnomah which we follow to their junction with the Colum- bia which we follow to the sea and locate our posts on this river or near De Fucas Streights as may then be deemed proper. Our compact is to last 5 years. The profits are to be divided in such manner that if the number concerned was 50 and the whole nett profits were divided into that number of parts, I should get 8 the surgeon 2 and the remaining 40 parts would be divided among the remaining 48 persons. The 8 parts which I take is consideration for my services as head of the concern and furnishing the requisite capital and credit for the buisness and
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