Selected letters (mostly to and from Joseph Lane) and other documents, mostly relevant to Southern Oregon and Lane's biography and attitudes. Unattributed letters below are from the Lilly Library, Indiana University, transcribed from microfilm held at the University of Oregon's Knight Library. The film also includes typescripts of letters from the Asahel Bush collection, as indicated below. I've added Lane letters transcribed from contemporary newspapers and other sources.
   
For much more about Lane, click here.



To the Editor of the Indiana Statesman:
    DEAR SIR: I have just returned home from the lower country, after an absence of some eight weeks, during which time I heard nothing of the doings of either political party in the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh.
    In your paper of the 4th of May I learn, by the published proceedings of the Democratic Mass Convention, held at Blairsville on the 27th of April, that I was unanimously nominated by my Democratic friends of the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh, there in convention assembled, as a candidate for the State Senate. Permit me through the columns of your paper to return to the members of that convention and to my Democratic friends of this Senatorial district, my unfeigned thanks for this mark of their confidence. Unsolicited on my part as this nomination was, I shall always feel grateful to the convention for conferring it upon me; and in accepting if, I pledge myself, if elected, to serve faithfully to the best of my abilities for the full term for which I may be elected.
    I will visit Posey County, generally, as soon as we can get through our wheat and hay harvest.
ALEX'R. BURNS, Jr.
Indiana Statesman, New Harmony, Indiana, June 29, 1844, page 3



    Sir--I have the honor of laying before you the following report of that part of the battle of the 22nd and 23rd inst., in which the forces under my immediate command took part.
    In obedience to your orders on the 22nd, I took position on the left of the field upon which the battle was fought, near the foot of the mountain, with the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, supported by three pieces of light artillery, commanded by Lieut. O'Brien. The four rifle companies of this brigade (two from the 2nd and two from the 3rd Regiment) having been sent, under your orders, together with two companies of Kentucky mounted riflemen, to occupy an eminence and ridge on the side of the mountain, to check the advance of the enemy (two regiments) who were attempting to turn the left flank of my position by climbing the sides of the mountain.
    Those rifle companies took their position in the afternoon of the 22nd--the four companies of Indiana, commanded by Maj. Gorman, of the 3rd Regiment--the whole under the command of Col. Marshall, of Kentucky; and soon afterwards the enemy opened a brisk fire upon our forces, but with little effect, which they continued without intermission for three hours. In the meantime my men, being secure from the enemy's balls, and watching their chances and taking good aim, succeeded in killing and wounding some thirty or forty of the enemy. In this engagement my loss was four men slightly wounded.
    During the night of the 22nd the enemy sent a reinforcement of about 1500 men up the mountains and succeeded in occupying heights which commanded the position of the riflemen. My whole command slept upon the field that night on their arms. As soon as it was light on the morning of the 23rd, the enemy opened a severe fire from their whole force on the mountain, now amounting in all to about 2500 or 3000 men, commanded by the Mexican Col. Ampudia, it is believed. Notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy in numbers, our gallant riflemen held them in check for several hours, killing and wounding some fifty or sixty of their forces.
    About 8 o'clock a.m. of the 23rd inst. a part of the Kentucky Mounted Riflemen and cavalry (dismounted for that purpose) were sent up the side of the mountain to support the forces already there, at which time the fire of the enemy became tremendous, but which was returned by our gallant force for more than one hour longer. My instructions from yourself were to hold my position on the left of the field against any force which the enemy might bring against me in that quarter. The enemy had been in great force all the morning of the 23rd, directly in my front and in sight, but too far distant to be reached by Lieut. O'Brien's battery.
    About 9 o'clock I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy were advancing toward my position in great force, sheltering themselves in a deep ravine which runs up towards the mountain directly in my front. I immediately put my columns in motion, consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lieut. O'Brien's battery, amounting in all to about 400 men, to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry, supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire, which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived that I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired, and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lieut. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be near the enemy, but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of the hill impeded their fire. By this time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grapeshot of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry, instead of advancing, as was ordered, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them.
    About the same time, the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear. At the same time one of the Illinois regiments, not under my command, but stationed at some distance in rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear. These troops, the most of them, were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all. By this apparent success the enemy were much elated, and poured down along the side of the mountain on the extreme left of the field their thousands of infantry and lancers and formed themselves in good order along the mountain fronting perpendicularly to where our lines had been posted. At this critical juncture, the Mississippi Regiment, under the command of Col. Davis, arrived on the field, and being joined by a part of the 2nd Indiana, met the enemy in a most gallant style, and after a severe and bloody engagement repulsed them with great loss. In the meantime a body of lancers, 600 or 800 in number, who had passed down along the left toward our rear, made a most desperate charge upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, with a view of cutting off and plundering the baggage train of the army, which was at a rancho near the battlefield.
    This charge was met and resisted most gallantly by those cavalry, aided by about two hundred infantry who had taken refuge there after they had retired from the field. This repulse discouraged the enemy, and the Mississippi Regiment and part of the 2nd Indiana, being joined by the 3rd Indiana Regiment, commanded by Col. James H. Lane, now advanced up towards the foot of the mountain for the purpose of dislodging the enemy's force stationed there. In this enterprise I was aided by Capt. ------'s battery of light artillery, and it was crowned with complete success, the enemy retreating in disorder and with immense loss, back along the side of the mountain to the position they had occupied in the morning, some flying in terror up the sides of the mountain and into the ravines, while a few were taken prisoners. Amongst the last desperate attempts of the enemy to regain and hold the left of the field was a charge made by a large body of lancers upon my command. This charge, for gallantry and determined bravery on both sides, has been seldom equaled. The forces on either side were nearly equal in numbers. Instead of throwing my command into squares to resist the charge, the enemy were received in line of two ranks, my force reserving its fire until the enemy were within about seventy yards, which was delivered with a deadly aim, and which was most destructive in its effects--the enemy flying in every direction in disorder and making a precipitate retreat towards their own lines. About sunset the enemy withdrew from the field, and the battle ceased. In a brief report it is impossible to enter into the details of a day like the 23rd. The fighting throughout consisted of different engagements in different parts of the field, the whole of them warm and well contended, many of them bloody and terrible. The men under my command actually discharged eighty, and some ninety, rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd Regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand or die to the last man until they received orders to retire, but I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained in their position, in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed at the same time on the left flank to a most desperate raking fire from the enemy's battery, posted within point-blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    Some excuse may be framed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day, but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputations, disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged.
    In a battle so fierce and protracted as this, where there were so many exhibitions of coolness and bravery, it is a difficult and delicate task to particularize. But justice compels me to mention Col. Davis and his regiment of Mississippians, who so nobly and so bravely came to the rescue at the proper time to save the fortunes of the day.
    Col. J. H. Lane and the 3rd Regiment of my command were ordered into the action soon after Col. Davis, and the coolness and bravery displayed by both the officers and men of that regiment have rarely been equaled--never surpassed--by any troops at any time. They have done infinite honor to the state and nation that gave them birth. Lieut. Col. Haddon, of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, aided me in rallying his regiment after they retired, and he in person succeeded in marching a party of them back towards the enemy, with whom he immediately became engaged, and fortunately repulsed them with considerable loss. In another part of the field he succeeded in killing an officer of the enemy with his own hand, by sending a rifle ball through him at a great distance.
    I was also much indebted to Major Mooney, quartermaster; Major Dix, paymaster; the gallant and lamented Capt. Lincoln, of Gen. Wool's staff; and to Lieut. Robinson; for their assistance in rallying the forces after they had retired from their position. They all behaved nobly, and deserve the thanks of the country for the coolness and intrepidity which they displayed on that trying occasion. The latter--acting as my aide-de-camp during the entire day--is entitled to particular attention for the gallant manner in which he executed my orders. Lieut. O'Brien--who commanded the battery of light artillery on my right--is deserving of particular praise for his courage and self-possession throughout the day, moving and discharging his battery with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. Major Mooney, quartermaster, and Major Morrison, commissary, attached to my brigade, although not belonging to the line of the army nor expected to take an active part in the battle, are entitled to great honor for their bravery and coolness in promptly rallying the scattered forces at the rancho, who assisted, under the command of Major Morrison, in resisting the desperate charge of the lancers made upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, as by this repulse the whole baggage train of the army was saved from destruction. This important duty they discharged in addition to those which strictly appertained to their respective departments. A statement of the killed and wounded has already been submitted, which need not be recapitulated here. Although censure does justly attach to a few who proved recreant to their duty on that day, yet I am of the opinion that veteran troops, either of this or any other country, could not have fought and won the battle better than those engaged. It is a victory without a parallel in this or any other war on this continent, and the men and officers who did their duty at the battle of Buena Vista deserve to have their names inscribed on the brightest pages of their country's history. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
To Brig. Gen. Wool, U.S.A.
Times-Picayune, New Orleans, June 4, 1847, page 1



Specifications:
    1st. In this that the said Colonel [William A.] Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd. In this that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd. In this that he is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and resist a charge of the enemy as shown on the night of the 22nd February 1847 on the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico
Specification 1st:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February 1847 at Buena Vista, Mexico, he the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy the following unnecessary order to wit: "cease firing and retreat," in consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
Specification 2nd:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February last at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action and while the said regiment and a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. Genl. Lane of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemies' fire did without any authority give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and un-officerlike order twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat" in consequence of which said order the said regt. did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
Specification 3rd:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., on the said 23rd day of February [paper loss] in the said battle after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
Specification 4th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications
[missing page]
under this charge did then and there abandon his position in regt., and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regt. and the enemy and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
Specification 5th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., while commanding the same in that battle and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regt. and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
Specification 6th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles while comdt. of that regt. (under Brig. Genl. Lane), during the battle aforesaid on the said 23rd February, spoke words to that regt. which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire as follows, to wit "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
Specification 7th
    In this that on the day aforesaid and during that battle and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave the order in the last specification mentioned with the intention of inducing that regt. to abandon the position they then occupied and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. 
    All of which are contrary to law and tended not only to the  manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
Bowle's court of inquiry convened April 12, 1847 and concluded on April 27.  This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.  The complete document can be found on page 6 of the Indiana State Sentinel of June 10, 1847, and in the article of September 14, 1848, below.



    The following report by Brigadier General Lane is supplementary to his official report of the operations of his brigade in the battle of Buena Vista. He has thought it called for by the developments of a court of inquiry held since his first report was made, and by the statements made in the papers injurious to Indiana. As an act of justice to the Indiana troops, and as a part of the record of the great deeds of the 22nd of February, we comply with the request made upon us, and cheerfully give the report an insertion in our columns:
    From the comments of the press, the numerous letters that have been written and published, the many false and ridiculous statements uttered by different persons at sundry places concerning the battle at this place on the 22nd and 23rd of February last, and more particularly in consequence of the erroneous statements invented and circulated in reference to the Indiana Brigade on that memorable day, I feel myself constrained, in discharge of an imperious duty, to give to the public a succinct account of facts which may enable every reader to arrive at correct conclusions, and that the public mind may be disabused of a studied and systematic attempt at misrepresentation and detraction.
    The disposition of the troops seems to have been confided to Gen. Wool, and they were posted in the following order, viz: The 2nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Bowles, with three pieces of artillery under Capt. O'Brien, were posted on the extreme left. The 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Lane, occupied a height in rear of Washington's battery. The 1st Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. Hardin, were stationed on a high hill near and a short distance to the left and front of the same battery. The 2nd Kentucky volunteers, under Col. McKee, was, on the 22nd, posted on the right of a deep ravine at a distance of a half mile, on the right of the battery, but on the morning of the 23rd were ordered to recross the ravine, and take place near Col. Hardin and to his left. The 2nd regiment Illinois volunteers, under Col. Bissell, were posted farther to the left, and in the rear and to the right, at a distance of about half a mile from where the 2nd Indiana regiment were placed; which regiment as before remarked on occupied the extreme left of the field, near the base of the mountain. The four rifle companies of my command under Maj. Gorman were at early dawn of day ordered to move up the side of the mountain to engage the enemy, some three thousand strong, who were endeavoring to cross the points of the mountain and to turn our left flank. These riflemen were directed lo check their advance if possible. The rifle companies of the 2nd Illinois regiment, three companies of Col. Marshall's mounted regiment, were dismounted and sent up the mountain to the assistance of Maj. Gorman, who had now for some time been hotly engaged with the enemy. The contest on the mountain brow raged with fury for the space of about three hours, when I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy in great force were advancing under cover of a deep ravine about four hundred yards in my front and to the right. I immediately put my small command in motion to meet them. It should be borne in mind that my whole force was the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Indiana regiment, and Capt. O'Brien's battery of three guns--in all about 400 men. On arriving at a narrow ridge between two deep and rugged ravines, I found the Mexican infantry from 4 to 6,000 strong, supported by a body of lancers. The infantry were coming out of the ravine on my left, and forming in beautiful order across the ridge, leaving the lancers on the ravine. I immediately ordered Capt. O'Brien to halt his battery and get ready for the fray. The column was halted when the first company was up with and on the left of the battery, and formed forward into line of battle. I rode in front of the column, and continued in front as the companies were forming into line, and was much delighted to see the officers and men move forward in good order; coolness and courage were depicted in every countenance. By the time half of the companies were in line, and while I was yet in front, the Mexicans opened their fire from their entire line. In a moment the left companies were in line. I passed to the rear, and the fire was returned with promptness and good effect. Thus commenced the battle on the plain of Buena Vista. The distance between the enemy's line and my own was one hundred and twenty yards About the time the action commenced the enemy opened a tremendous fire from their battery of three heavy guns, posted on my left and a little to the rear, which nearly enfiladed my line. In this manner the battle continued to rage for nearly twenty-five minutes, the firing being very severe on both sides, the lines of the Mexican infantry presenting one continued sheet of flame. I observed the Mexican line to break and fall back several times, but their successive formations across the ridge enabled them at once to force the men back to their position and keep and keep steady.
    I then formed the determination to take position nearer the enemy, with the hope of routing them and driving them from that part of the field, and for the purpose of placing the lines out of the range of the enemy's guns, which had succeeded in getting the range so as to be doing some execution nearly every fire. For that purpose I sent my aide to direct Capt. O'Brien to advance his battery some 50 or 60 yards to the front, and to return to me to assist in passing an order to the line, to advance to the same point. He went with the battery to its advanced position. I was at that moment near the left of my line. Before my aide returned to me I was much surprised to see my line begin to give way on the right, and continuing to give way to the extreme left, not knowing at that time that Col. Bowles had given an order to retreat, and it was several days after the battle (and not until after I had made my official report) before I was satisfied that the regiment had retreated in obedience to an order given by Col. Bowles. The order was not obeyed until it had been thrice repeated, as has since been proven in a court of inquiry appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Colonel. Lieut. Col. Haddon and twelve other good witnesses have testified to his having twice or thrice given the order before the line broke, so unwilling were they to abandon their position. The 2nd regiment occupied an important position--it was the key to that part of the field--and were unsupported by any troops. An evidence of their being in a very hot place is that about ninety of them were killed and wounded before they retreated. They had stood firmly doing their duty, as well as ever did veteran troops, until they had discharged over twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy, killing and wounding some three hundred of them; and I have no hesitation in saying that if it had not been for that unnecessary, unauthorized, and cowardly order to retreat, they would not have left their position. I hesitate not to express my belief that if my order to advance had been carried out and have taken the advanced position as intended, we would have driven the enemy from the ridge. Although the men retired in some confusion, the most of them soon rallied--say to the number of 250--and they continued to fight like veterans throughout the day. Lieut. Robinson (my aide-de-camp) and Lieut. Col. Haddon were very active in rallying the men. Maj. Cravens was ordered lo the ranch to bring back such of our men as had gone in that direction, which was promptly done. Capts. Davis, Kimball, McRea, Briggs, Lieut. Spicely (then in command of his company in consequence of the fall of the gallant and lamented Capt. Kinder), Adj. Shanks, and Lts. Hoggatt, Burwell, Lewis, Forster, Bennefield, Kunkle, Loudermilk, Roach, Rice, and Zenor with the most of the company officers, were also active in rallying their men. Captain Sanderson and Lieuts. Davis, Hogan, and Cayce, and several other officers, were wounded and had to leave the field; as also Capt. Dennis, who had fought like a hero with gun in hand, found himself unable from fatigue and indisposition to remain longer on the field. Paymaster Maj. Dix, having arrived on the field at this moment, was very active in assisting to rally our broken and scattered forces. He seized the colors from their bearer, who was unable to carry them longer, and handed them to Lieut. Kunkle, who carried them triumphantly throughout the day. These colors, now in possession of Capt. Sanderson, are well riddled with balls--one 24-pound shot, one 6-pound shot and many musket balls passed through them while they were in the hands of this victorious young officer, and they could at all times be seen high above the heads of the Indiana brigade moving to and fro wherever it was necessary to meet and repulse the enemy. Lieut. Peck (now captain) of the rifle battalion, who had been compelled to retire from the mountain to the plain, after the fall of his gallant old Capt. Walker, succeeded in rallying about twenty and joining the 2nd Indiana regiment, continued to fight gallantly throughout the day. The severe loss in killed and wounded which the 2nd Indiana regiment sustained in the action will convey some idea of the danger they faced and tenacity with which they struggled; 107 of their number were killed and wounded.
    At or about the time of the retreat of my small command under that ill-fated order, the riflemen were compelled by superior numbers to abandon their position on the mountainside and retreat to the plain below. The cavalry, which had been posted some distance in my rear, and out of range of the enemy's battery, to act as circumstances might require either to advance upon the enemy and cut them off in case they should retreat, or to succor my small force if they should be compelled to fall back, instead of affording me the least assistance, left their position without receiving one fire from the enemy, and made a precipitate retreat to the rear along the foot of the mountain, pursued by a large body of lancers, who succeeded in cutting off and slaughtering quite a number of our forces, most of them riflemen. If they had made a bold stand and allowed the riflemen and 2nd Indiana regiment to rally them, all together they would have checked the enemy before he had gained any considerable advantage. After these successive and almost simultaneous retreats of the different forces on the left, it remained wholly undefended, and the enemy numbering several thousand came pouring down from the mountains and from the front, and formed in good order along the foot of the mountain and in the rear of the position at first occupied by our forces. Soon after the retreat of the 2nd and while I was rallying them, the Mississippi regiment arrived on the field, and in a most gallant manner engaged the enemy, but were compelled by vastly superior numbers to fall back.
    At this time the 3rd Indiana regiment under Col. Lane were ordered into the fight and, joined with the 2nd Indiana and Mississippi regiments, composed a force about one-fifth as large as the enemy, but sufficient to engage them with success. Capt. Sherman with one gun of his battery at this time joined us. The whole moved towards towards the foot of the mountain and engaged the enemy. Here the artillery proved very effective. This portion of the enemy became at length so closely pressed, and our artillery continuing to waste them away with its destructive fire, and they being separated from the enemy's main force, would have in a short time been compelled to surrender, when a white flag was seen on the field and were ordered to cease firing. We did so; but the Mexicans continued to fire from their battery, thus covering the retreat ,of their forces. This flag was sent to the left wing from Gen. Taylor, in consequence of Santa Anna having sent him a flag, which the General naturally supposed conveyed propositions either of truce or surrender. Hence the white flag on our part of the battlefield. This flag proved to be nothing more than a stratagem of the Mexican general to extricate that portion of his troops which he saw was absolutely in our power. During the delay occasioned by this interchange of flags, this portion of his arm, so completely in our power, moved off and made good their retreat to where the enemy's main force was posted.
    We now moved and took position to meet a large body of lancers supported by about2,000 infantry. The Mississippi and a portion of the 2nd Indiana regiments were formed across a narrow ridge between two deep ravines supported by one gun from Capt. Sherman's battery, and the other part of the 2nd and all of the 3rd Indiana regiments were on the brow of one of the ravines and parallel to the same, the line being nearly in the shape of an L, and faced by the rear rank. The charge was made by the left flank of the 3rd Indiana--now right as they were faced. This charge it is due to the enemy to say was made most gallantly and was as gallantly received by our forces delivering our fire when they were in a short distance. It proved most destructive to the enemy, felling many a horse and his rider, breaking their columns and putting them to flight, leaving many of their companions dead on the field.
    Soon after this successful repulse the field on the left was completely cleared of the enemy's forces; and hearing a sharp and continued firing on our right and to the left of Washington's battery I put my command in motion at double-quick time for the purpose of taking part in the conflict. This fire proved to be a severe action between the entire Mexican infantry and the 1st and 2nd Kentucky volunteers which was Santa Anna's last and great effort. These forces had been repulsed by overwhelming numbers and were retreating in confusion, hotly pursued by thousands of Mexicans who were loading and firing on our men every jump when my command, consisting of the 2nd and 3rd and Mississippi regiments, arrived within musket shot which we did by coming up suddenly out of a deep ravine and opened a destructive fire upon them. Finding themselves thus suddenly attacked and from an unexpected quarter they quit the pursuit, formed promptly into line and returned our fire with considerable effect; but they in turn were compelled to retreat under our well-directed fire to the position they had occupied in the morning. This was the last firing between the infantry of the opposing forces on that memorable day although the cannon continued to play at intervals until dark. The battle on the plain was opened as has been shown by the 2nd Indiana regiment and the last musket fired was by the 2nd and 3rd Indiana and the Mississippi regiments. It should be stated that our forces had been under arms since the morning of the 22nd and remained upon the field of battle until the morning of the 24th.
    I have here given a brief and faithful account of the operations of the Indiana brigade on the 23rd of February, as came under our observation, and there was not one minute from the time the battle commenced until the last gun was fired that I was not with them. Capt. O'Brien, who commanded the battery of light artillery posted on my right at the commencement of the battle, as well as Capt. Sherman, who acted with us part of the day, are deserving particular praise for their gallantry and good conduct--moving and discharging their pieces with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. The intrepid and honorable conduct of the 2nd Kentucky and 1st and 2nd Illinois volunteers could not have been exceeded, and no commendation of mine could add luster to the glory [that] should and will be theirs. There is enough of honor and glory for each man who did his duty at Buena Vista, and he must be an uncharitable and self[ish] American citizen who would  knowingly wish to detract from any portion of that glorious little army with a desire to augment that of any other corps at the expense of another. The many gallant officers and men who did their duty on that day should not suffer by invidious comparison.
    If I have neglected to particularize the conduct of the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry or to define their position on the field it is not because I deemed them of little importance, but from the reason that from the time of their retreat, I had no time of seeing anything of their movements. They participated in the rancho fight when the gallant Yell nobly fell at the head of his column. He, with the noble souls who fell on that day, should never be forgotten. The ambition of distinction should never prompt us to deface any portion of the tablet of fame which our country will erect to the honor of the actors in that battle, and the regular and volunteer army should be proud of it as one of the greatest epochs in our country's history.
    It is due to the commanders of the different batteries of light artillery to say that their efforts were most powerful and efficient towards gaining the almost unparalleled victory of Buena Vista. Ready at all times to meet the enemy at fearful odds, their guns wasted them away with their fire in a handsome manner, compelling them to retreat whenever coming within their range. Gens. Taylor and Wool were present as commanders--the former as commander-in-chief. They were exposed to dangers almost every instant of the day, watching the movements of the enemy and ordering and disposing our forces to meet and repel them. By their coolness and courage in gaining this victory they have won laurels and a fame that shall endure as long as traces of American history shall exist.
Logansport Telegraph, Logansport, Indiana, June 26, 1847, page 1



    Mr. Thomas Scantlin.--Sir: The Wager's Troy Air-Tight Cooking Stove that you put up for Mrs. Lane is an excellent one, and she thinks decidedly the best cooking stove that she has seen; its capacity for baking is far better than any stove that we have tried.
Advertisement for Evansville Stove Store, Tri-Weekly Journal, Evansville, Indiana, October 7, 1847, page 1



    GENTLEMEN:--Your letter of the 29th ult., in reference to a communication in the Louisville Journal of the 25th of June, signed H. Marshall, late a Col. Ky. Cavalry, is before me. Without pretending to intimate what course my own inclination would prompt, it is due to you to say that your opinions in reference to the communication in question are entitled to the deepest consideration.
    I entered the service of my country with the strongest desire to do my duty to her, my command and myself, and although in a campaign so arduous as the one that has just terminated, it was hardly to be expected that I could so conduct myself in all things as entirely to avoid censure, yet I can assure you gentlemen that I have honestly endeavored to do my whole duty, and award to all under my command their just and appropriate due. It must be well known to all who have read my supplementary report that my object in making it was to place before the country in an authentic form the true reason of the retreat of one of the regiments of my command in the battle of Buena Vista, and not to disparage the services or injure the characters of others. Nothing, for instance, could have been further from my intention than to cast the slightest shade of censure upon the memory of Col. Yell, an officer with whom I was personally acquainted, and for whose character as a gentleman and officer of the highest honor and bravery no one could entertain a higher regard than myself--an officer who, I am proud to say, displayed in battle a degree of gallantry unsurpassed by any other on that battlefield. Such I repeat was not my object, but to vindicate the conduct of the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and rescue its character from unmerited censure and disgrace.
    This done and my object was accomplished. In speaking of the retreat of the cavalry, I stated the simple fact, a fact which Col. Marshall with all his effrontery cannot deny with truth.
    The candid and impartial reader will readily observe that Col. Marshall misconstrues my language in order to obtain a pretext for his unmanly attack upon me, for I explicitly stated in the report in question that the disposition of the troops was confided to Gen. Wool. I did not assert that I posted them, nor is such the import of my language. Neither did I state which retreated first, the cavalry or the 2nd Indiana Regiment. To enter into a newspaper warfare with an individual who selects such weapons to war with would be an unpleasant as well as unprofitable undertaking. I therefore coincide with you in opinion that "there is nothing in Col. Marshall's communication which can justify me in entering into an angry controversy with him at this time," and I shall leave it to "that oblivious destiny which time and truth ever assign to such attempts on the reputation of others."
    I cannot however dismiss the subject without saying a word in relation to my movements and contemplated movements on the field of battle. I was ordered by Gen. Wool to meet the enemy with my command and hold him in check. I met him and held him in check for near twenty-five minutes, and I have no hesitation in saying that if we had taken an advanced position I was about occupying, and which was only prevented by the unfortunate order of Col. Bowles to retreat, the battle would in a few minutes have been ended and a triumphant victory achieved by our arms. Such was the opinion of that distinguished military commander, Gen. Wool, and such was substantially the opinion of the Mexican General who commanded that division of the Mexican army, with which the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was engaged at the time the retreat took place under the ill-fated order alluded to.
    In his report of the battle he says: "At dawn we commenced our movements, about 3,000 infantry and four pieces moved to the right, and at 9 o'clock a.m. a heavy fire was opened, the cavalry charged at the same time, much havoc was made among the enemy, and the position carried by force of arms. We also lost a large number of men and were near being driven, and if the enemy had stood firm a few moments longer or charged, we would probably have been defeated."
    This extract from his report, translated for the use of Gen. Wool, fully portrays the situation which I discovered the Mexican army to be in when I determined to advance and, if possible, drive it from the field. I have said that Gen. Wool was of the opinion that the battle would have been speedily terminated had the Second Regiment stood firm, and as an evidence of it I will give you Gen. Wool's language to Col. Bowles after the finding of the Court of Inquiry. He said, "Col. Bowles, your order to retreat has disgraced you, your regiment and your state; had you but remained one minute more and permitted the regiment to have taken an advanced position with the battery, and carried out the intentions of General Lane, you would have done one of the most brilliant acts ever done on any battlefield."--These words were spoken to Col. Bowles in the presence of Col. Curtis, 3rd Ohio, Major Washington, Light Artillery and myself.--Again:--In an order marked 295, dated May 23rd 1847, received by me on the day previous to my leaving Buena Vista with my command, the commanding General holds the following language in reference to myself individually. "The General regrets deeply that he has to lose the valuable services of Brig. Gen. Lane, whose integrity, zeal and close attention to all the requirements of the service have been of so much aid to him in the discharge of his duties, and whose gallant conduct in the field has gained for him the esteem and confidence of everyone." These high testimonials, gentlemen, in favor of my movement and intended movement, and of my general conduct in battle and otherwise, must forever put to flight the unjust, uncalled-for, and illiberal criticisms of Col. Marshall, or anyone else.
    With high regard, I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your friend and fellow citizen.
    N. Rowley, Jas. Lockhart, D. S. Lane, Jas. G. Jones, J. Mitchell, and others.
Indiana State Journal, Indianapolis, July 27, 1847, page 1



    Hon. P. C. Dunning: Dear Sir--A press of business has prevented me from writing you for some time, which I now do with great pleasure. On tomorrow I set out for Mexico to join my command.
    I take pleasure in saying that so far as your conduct came under my observation while you were with the army, it was clever and gentlemanly. You were kind and attentive to the sick. Instead of desiring to take advantage of their necessities, you seemed to wish to relieve their wants, without regard to gain. You often told me that you did not want to make money by your trip, and I am inclined to think that you did not, as I heard you offer to take one hundred and fifty dollars for your interest in the establishment, which price you were unable to get.
    Your great attention to our lamented friend, Lt. Eiler, was worthy a good and excellent heart. I cannot, myself, see anything that you did that you need be ashamed of. Give my best respects to Capt. Sims, young Foster, and all the volunteers in your vicinity, and friends generally.
    With great respect, I am, my dear sir,
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, November 11, 1847, page 8



    SIR--Enclosed you will find the report of Colonel J. H. Lane, commander of the 3rd regiment of the Indiana brigade; the reason of its being sent at this late day is that Colonel Lane had not been called upon for a report until quite recently.
    The many false rumors in relation to the Indiana brigade make it necessary that a full and fair statement of facts should be forwarded, that the department may be able to judge as to the good conduct of those troops; and as his regiment was detached from my command a part of the time during the battle of the 22nd and 23rd of February last. In transmitting this report of the part which the 3rd regiment took in that battle, it affords me the greatest pleasure to bear witness to the bravery and efficiency of Colonel Lane, and to the bravery and good conduct of his officers and men. No regiment or corps on that field exhibited more coolness and courage than did that body of men, and none did more to gain the great battle of Buena Vista.
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5.  There is no known family relationship between James Henry Lane and Joseph Lane.



    We, the undersigned, Captains and Lieutenants of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, state that, at the time the Mississippi and 2nd and 3rd Indiana regiments were ordered to the support of the Illinois and Kentucky volunteers, who were retreating before the charge of the enemy, in which Colonels Hardin and McKee and Lieut. Col. Clay were killed on the plateau. The 3rd Indian regiment was the first regiment that arrived on the ground, and gave the enemy two discharges of musketry before any other regiment arrived; that the 3rd Indiana regiment was on the left of the line, nearest the enemy, about one hundred yards distant, and here the 3rd Indiana regiment lost more men than during the rest of the day, and here fell the last man who was killed at "Buena Vista"--Captain Taggart, of Company E, of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers. The 3rd regiment was the only regiment that lost a man in that engagement.
    From the time that the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers were ordered into the fight and joined with the Mississippi and that portion  of the 2nd who had rallied to the number of 200 or upwards, I was all the time with them, and can say that I know that at the time they moved off to the support of the 1st and 2nd Illinois and 2nd Kentucky regiments, who so nobly attacked the enemy and were driven back by overwhelming numbers, the three regiments moved suddenly up the bank of a deep ravine, and that, owing to the shape of the ground, the 3rd Indiana got up the hill in advance of all others and opened the fire. The 2nd Indiana came up next, and the Mississippi last. During the whole time that the 3rd was engaged, Col. Lane proved himself a brave and efficient officer, and his officers and men acted with great coolness and bravery.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5



Mexican account of the Battle of Atlixco, being a letter from a son in Atlixco to his father in Puebla & published in a Mexican handbill.
    My beloved father and sir whom I highly venerate--Surely your blessing has preserved me in this conjuncture, for the Americans by their valor and discipline are invincible and indeed without exaggeration their attack appeared to me the day of judgment.
    I write to you now to inform you that the army of the United States of America yesterday afternoon at the Rio de los Molineros (river of the millers) had a most bloody engagement with his excellency, the commanding general Don Joaquin Rea, who was at the head of two thousand infantry, well drilled, well equipped and paid, with all his valiant guerrilleros. But he found it impossible to maintain his position notwithstanding the profound military knowledge possessed by this ancient soldier of Napoleon and veteran of independence, and he abandoned it precipitately and retired to the city of Atlixco. The American  army, following, found resistance in the impregnable mountain of San Miguel, which however was finally carried by American valor notwithstanding it was covered by two thousand more soldiers and one cannon. In this action, we had much need of the brave national guard of Huanchinango, who the day before yesterday were ordered by Señor the Governor to retire, and who slept in Cholula and marched out at one in the morning on their route with much apprehension.
    The American army possessed themselves of said mountain having met the most admirable firmness of the patriotic Mexicans who retired to the center of the city and thence discharged much musketry from the houses, and churches served for strong walls of defense. These were attacked by fire, for the artillery (American) was directed with great force and effect at the plaza, throwing about 210 shells. The superiority of arms obliged the Mexicans to ask a truce, which resulted in a capitulation which has commenced at 7 o'clock, at which hour I now take up my pen to address you.
    I know not the loss which the American army has suffered but am assured that it is very small, while at the same time the Mexicans here had 219 killed and 300 wounded, and several guerrilleros taken prisoner of those who style themselves the "poisoned lancers." I have omitted to mention to you that the Señor General Rea has departed with his confidential adjutants for the south and on the morning of yesterday, his excellency the Governor took flight with the most loyal of the government employees. He intends to establish himself at Tlapa, a place very appropriate to meet the enemy with his usual valor, that valor which he has exhibited and will continue so to do.
    The Señor Deputy, on account of his sudden departure for Matamoros, has failed to pay me the amount of the draft, but I had it protested, in consequence of which you will take from the trunk the silver plate which I consider ought to be sold to defray the expenses of your journey and servants. Starting from the city, you will await me at Tepeaca, for which place I start this moment.
    When I see you I will give you the particulars and business assoc. I get you to avail yourself of the humble attention and love of your affectionate son.
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers



    SIR:--I have the honor to announce to you the arrival of my command at this place on yesterday at 1 o'clock. Before entering this city, I had learned satisfactorily that Col. Childs had been besieged forty days, and that his position was becoming a very critical one, principally for the want of the proper supplies. For the particulars of this siege, I respectfully refer you to the report of Col. Childs himself. As my command neared the city, firing was distinctly heard; and feeling confident that my force was sufficient to enter the city at once, I directed Colonel Brough, with the Ohio regiment and Capt. Heintzleman's battalion, to enter on the main road. I further ordered Col. Gorman, with the Indiana regiment, to proceed by a street farther to the east and left. Upon our approach, I found an enemy upon the housetops and in the streets firing occasional shots. The troops moved up toward the main plaza, driving the scattering forces of the enemy before them, and completely clearing the streets and city, and killing a few of the enemy. Immediately all was quiet, and order restored. I should remark, also, that I found ten or twelve of Col. Child's men who had been killed by the enemy that morning, and but a short time before our entering the city. Col. Childs and command are entitled to the highest consideration from his government for the gallant defense they have made against the repeated attacks of the enemy during the long and serious siege. My thanks are due to the whole of my command, for the gallant manner in which they obeyed my orders, and attacked and drove the enemy.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



    SIR:--I have the honor to make the following report of an engagement between a part of my forces and the enemy, under the command of Gen. Santa Anna, at the city of Huamantla on the 9th inst. After my departure from Vera Cruz, and when near the San Juan River, a party of guerrillas was observed near the hacienda of Santa Anna. Capt. Lewis' company or mounted volunteers was detected in pursuit; a portion of the command, under Lieut. Lally, came upon the enemy, and had a smart skirmish with them. Lieut. Lally behaved in the most gallant manner, rallying and encouraging his men under a severe fire. Upon leaving Paso de Ovejas, the rear guard was fired upon by a small guerrilla force, and I regret to have to announce the death of Lieut. Cline, who was shot in the affair. He is reported to have been a most energetic and efficient young officer, belonging to Capt. Lewis' company of Louisiana volunteers.
    At various points on the road rumors reached me that a large force was concentrating between Perote and Puebla. These rumors were confirmed on my arrival at the former place, and I also received the additional intelligence that Santa Anna in person commanded them, having about four thousand men and six pieces of artillery. No molestation occurred until my arrival at the hacienda San Antonio Tamaris, at which place, through the medium of my spies, I learned that the enemy were at the city of Huamantla. Leaving my train packed at the former place, guarded by Colonel Brough's regiment Ohio volunteers, Captain Simmon's battalion of three companies. and Lieut. Pratt's battery, my force consisting of Col. Wynkoop's battalion (from Perote), Col. Gorman's regiment of Indiana volunteers, Capt. Heintzleman's battalion of six companies, Major Lally's regiment of four companies of mounted men, under command of Captain Samuel H. Walker, mounted riflemen and five pieces of artillery, under command of Capt. Geo. Taylor, 3rd artillery, assisted by Lieut. Field, artillery. On arriving, near the city at about one o'clock, p.m., Capt. Walker, commanding the advanced guard (of horsemen) was ordered to move forward ahead of the column (but within supporting distance) to the entrance of the city, and if the enemy were in force, to await the arrival of the infantry before entering. When within about three miles, parties of horsemen being seen making their way through the fields towards the city, Capt. Walker commanded a gallop. Owing to the thick maguey bushes lining the sides of the road, it was impossible to distinguish his further movements. But a short time had elapsed when firing was heard from the city. The firing continuing, the column pressed forward as rapidly as possible. At this time a body of about 2,000 lancers was seen hurrying over the hills towards the city. I directed Col. Gorman, with his regiment, to advance towards and enter the west side of the city, while Col. Wynkoop's battalion, with the artillery, moved towards the east side, Capt. Heintzleman's moving on his right, and Major Lally's constituting the reserve.
    Upon arriving at the entrance to the city, Captain Walker, discovering the main body of the enemy in the plaza (about five hundred in number), ordered a charge. A hand-to-hand conflict took place between the forces; but so resolute was the charge that the enemy were obliged to give way, being driven from their guns. They were pursued by our dragoons for some distance, but the pursuit was checked by the arrival of their reinforcements. Colonel Gorman's regiment, on arriving at the entrance to the city at about the same time as the reinforcements of the enemy, opened a well-directed fire, which succeeded in routing them. With the left wing of his regiment be proceeded in person towards the upper part of the town, where the enemy still were, and succeeded in dispersing them. Col. Wynkoop's command, with the batteries, assumed their position; but before they were within range, the enemy fired in haste. The same occurred with Capt. Heintzleman's command. The enemy entering the town becoming somewhat scattered, Major Lally, with his regiment, proceeded across the fields to cut off his rear and intercept his retreat. This movement not being perceived, I ordered him to advance towards the town; thus depriving him, unintentionally, of an opportunity of doing good service. Capt. Walker's force had been engaged some three-quarters of an hour before the infantry arrived to his support. He succeeded in capturing two pieces of artillery from the enemy, but was not able to use them, owing to the want of priming tubes, although every effort was made. On this occasion every officer and soldier behaved with the utmost coolness, and my warmest thanks are due them. Col. Gorman, Lieut. Col. Dumont, and Major McCoy, of the Indiana regiment; Col.Wynkoop, Pennsylvania volunteers; Major Lally, and Capt. Heintzleman, rendered me most efficient service by their promptness in carrying into execution my orders. To surgeons Reynolds and Lamar the highest commendations are due, joining as they did in the charge of the cavalry. Surgeon Reynolds, side by side with Captain Walker, rushed on the enemy's line, and, after the conflict was ended, rendered professional services to the wounded, promptly performing amputation and other surgical operations on the field of battle. Lieut. Claiborne, mounted riflemen, captured a six-pounder in a gallant manner; while Capt. Fitzhuman, Company C, mounted riflemen, captured a mounted howitzer. Corporal Tillman is highly spoken of by all. Lieut. Anderson, Georgia volunteers, succeeded in capturing Col. La Vega and Major Iturbide, narrowly escaping with his life. The cavalry were much exposed, and behaved with that daring which characterizes American soldiers on every occasion of danger. My thanks are due to the members of my staff present, for their promptness in serving me.
    Capt. Besancon, with his command of (mounted) Louisiana volunteers, in following the command of Captain Walker, was separated by a large body of lancers from the remainder of the squadron, but gallantly succeeded in cutting his way through them. Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana volunteers, was acting as one of my aides.
    The colors of the Indiana regiment were planted on the arsenal the moment the enemy were routed. This victory is saddened by the loss of one of the most chivalric, noble-hearted men that graced the profession of arms--Capt. Samuel H. Walker, of the mounted riflemen. Foremost in the advance, he had routed the enemy, when he fell mortally wounded. In his death the service has met with a loss which cannot easily be repaired. Our total loss is thirteen kilted and eleven wounded. We succeeded in capturing the six-pounder brass gun and one mountain howitzer, both mounted, together with a large quantity of ammunition and wagons, which I was compelled to destroy. The enemy's loss was about one hundred and fifty. I must beg leave to further mention Lieut. B. P. McDonald, 3rd artillery, who was sent with an order into the town previous to my entry, accompanied by Mr. Bradley, of the quartermaster's department. He was surrounded by lancers, but succeeded in escaping.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
To the ADJUTANT GENERAL, U.S. Army,
    Washington, D.C.
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



    SIR--On the evening of the 18th instant, learning that General Rea was in command of a considerable force of the enemy at Atlixco, about ten leagues from this place, I ordered a movement for the next morning at 11 o'clock. My force consisting of the 4th Ohio and 4th Indiana regiments, Major Lally's and Captain Heintzleman's battalions, Col. Wynkoop's battalion of four companies, 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, Capt. Taylor's and Lieut. Pratt's batteries of light artillery, and a squadron of dragoons, commanded by Capt. Ford, 3rd dragoons. About 4 o'clock, p.m., when near Santa Isabel, seven leagues from this place, the advance guard of the enemy was discovered. A halt was ordered until the cavalry (which had previously been detached to examine a hacienda) should arrive. The enemy, with his accustomed bravado, came to the foot of the hill in small parties, firing their escopetas and waving their lances. On the arrival of the cavalry, a forward movement was made by the column. A large deep ravine appearing on the left of the road, Lieut. Col. Moore, with his Ohio regiment, was ordered to flank it, Major Lally with his battalion leading the advance. Our column had scarcely commenced its movement when signs of confusion were visible among the enemy. In consequence of which, the cavalry were ordered to charge, follow them up, and engage them until the infantry could arrive. Lieut. Pratt with his battery was ordered to follow in rear of the dragoons at a gallop. Had this movement been performed, the whole force would have been ours. But by an order from Major Lally, Lieut. Pratt was taken from the place assigned him by me, and in consequence detained until a greater portion of the column had passed; then owing to the nature of the ground, it was impossible for his battery to proceed with much rapidity.
    The cavalry pursued the retreating enemy for about a mile and a half, skirmishing with them. On arriving at a very small hill, they made a stand and fought severely until our infantry appeared, when they took flight. Our artillery fired a few shots as soon as it came up, but without effect, as by their rapid retreat they had placed themselves at long range. The dragoons were again ordered to follow and keep them engaged. After a running fight of about four miles, and when within a mile and a half of Atlixco, the whole body of the enemy was discovered on a side hill, covered with chaparral, forming hedges, behind which they had posted themselves. Our cavalry dashed among them, cutting them down in great numbers. So thick was the chaparral that the dragoons were ordered to dismount and fight them on foot. A most bloody conflict ensued, fatal to the enemy. Our infantry for the last six miles had been straining themselves to the utmost to overtake the enemy pressing forward most arduously, notwithstanding the forced march of sixteen miles since 11 o'clock. Owing to the nature of the road, almost entirely destroyed by gullies, the artillery could only advance at a walk. As soon as the infantry again appeared in sight, the enemy again retreated. So worn out were our horses (the sun having been broiling hot all day) that they could pursue the enemy no further. The column was pressed forward as rapidly as possible towards the town; but night had already shut in, giving us, however, the advantage of a fine moonlight. As we approached several shots were fired at us, and deeming it unsafe to risk a street fight in an unknown town at night, I ordered the artillery to be posted on a hill near to the town and overlooking it, and open its fire. Now ensued one of the most beautiful sights conceivable. Every gun was served with the utmost rapidity; and the crash of the walls, and the roofs of the houses when struck by our shot and shell, was mingled with the roar of our artillery. The bright light of the moon enabled us to direct our shots to the most thickly populated part of the town.
    After firing three quarters of an hour, and the firing from the town having ceased, I ordered Major Lally to advance cautiously with his command into the town. On entering I was waited upon by the ayuntamiento, desiring that their town might be spared. After searching the next morning for arms and ammunition, and disposing of what was found, I commenced my return.
    Gen. Rea had two pieces of artillery; but as soon as he was aware of our approach he ordered them with haste to Matamoros, a small town eleven leagues beyond. The enemy state their own loss in this action to be 219 killed and 300 wounded. On our part, we had one man killed and one man wounded. Scarcely ever has a more rapid forced march been made than this, and productive of better results. Atlixco has been the headquarters of guerrillas in this section of the country, and of late the seat of government of this state. From hence all expeditions have been fitted out against our troops. So much terror has been impressed upon them at thus having war brought to their own homes that I am inclined to believe they will give us no more trouble.
    The cavalry under Capt. Ford deserves my very warmest thanks. The service performed by them was of a most arduous and dangerous character, and nobly did they sustain themselves. To Capt. Lewis, Lieuts. Waters and Lally, it is but justice to recommend them particularly to the notice of the department for their gallantry. Also Lieut. Martin, 3rd dragoons, commanding for the time Captain Ford's company, behaved in a handsome manner. To the commanders of regiments and battalions, to Capt. Taylor, 3rd artillery, and Lieut. Pratt, 2nd artillery, commanding batteries of light artillery, I am under great indebtedness.
    To Lieut. Sears, 2nd artillery, acting A.A.G., for his promptness and efficiency throughout the day in carrying my orders, also my highest thanks are due. Lieut. Douglas, Ohio regiment (my aide), Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana regiment, Lieutenant Grooms, Ohio regiment, and Lieut. McDonald, assistant quartermaster, deserve my thanks for efficient service during the day. To my secretary, Mr. A. Phelps, my thanks are due. To Drs. Reynolds, Newton, and Lamar, I must tender my thanks.
    On my return, when at Cholula, learning that two pieces of artillery had just been finished at Guexocingo, I determined to proceed thither, and took with me a portion of Col. Brough's and Wynkoop's regiments, and a part of Capt. Heintzleman's battalion and Capt. Taylor's battery--in all 450 men. I made a thorough search of the town; the pieces had been removed, but their carriages were found and destroyed.
    On my entry into the town, a party of the enemy were seen, but retreating precipitately.
    The next morning, without interruption, I returned lo Puebla.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Wayne County Record, Centerville, Indiana, December 8, 1847, page 3



My beloved wife
    I arrived at this place on the 12th instant. I had much trouble in getting along owing to bad teams, broken wagons and wet weather. Rain almost every day and night; in all it was a hard trip, but not altogether unprofitable to the arms of our country, but on the contrary glorious. On my way up on the 8th I was informed that Santa Anna was somewhere near with a large force. My spies was immediately dispatched to look for him. About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 9th they informed me that he was at Huamantla, a large town twelve miles from the road. I divided my forces, ordered the wagons packed, left 1500 men to guard them and in fifteen minutes from the time my spies came in I was on the road to meet him. After a severe march of three hours I reached the town and engaged him. The fight was severe for one hour, but Santa Anna was completely routed and run off. His force was 2500 and ours 1500; he had his cannon so as to rake the streets. 150 Mexicans were killed and many prisoners taken, two cannon and 30 wagonloads of ammunition and a large number of mules and horses. Our loss in killed and missing fifteen, among them the gallant Capt. Walker.
    On arriving at this place we found our forces shut up in the forts and the enemy occupying the town. I made no halt but marched into town, engaged and drove the enemy out with severe loss. In three days more the town was well filled with the returning inhabitants; stores were opened, and things moving on quietly. On the 18th I learned that Genl. Rea was at the town of Atlixco, 20 miles from this place, with 2000 men and 4 cannon. On the morning of the 19th I was on the road to meet him or hunt him up and bring him to a fight. He came six miles on the road to meet me and the fight commenced. They were driven, contesting the road, for six miles into town, where they opened on us with their artillery. My pieces, seven in number, were run up in close range and opened on the town. The bombardment lasted for one hour, commencing about 8 o'clock at night, and was the most beautiful sight that I ever seen. They ceased firing and sent out and surrendered the town and asked for quarter, which was granted. 219 Mexicans were killed and 300 wounded. Never was a victory more glorious. I have done more to awe the Mexican forces around Puebla than has been done by any other man.
    Joseph is at the castle of Perote where I left him. In a few days he will come up with Genl. Cushing. Perote is a delightful place, and our officers will be kind to him. Besides I left a good servant to take care of him and plenty of money in his pocket.
    I don't see how the Mexicans can hold out much longer; they must make peace, and I would be glad how soon my ambition is fully gratified, and I want to be with my family. Take good care of all my children.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    SIR: Having been credibly informed that the enemy were in force at Matamoros with some artillery, and that a military depot was there established, at which a large quantity of munitions of war and other public property had been collected, and also that several American soldiers were confined there in close prison, I moved from Puebla towards that place at 7 o'clock on the evening of the 22nd inst., with one piece of artillery and twenty-five men, under the command of Lieut. B. Field, of the 3rd artillery, and one hundred and thirty-five men, consisting of Col. Hays' Texas mounted riflemen, and of the Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis. Although retarded by the rain, which fell incessantly from 10 o'clock until 5, we arrived at Matamoros at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 22nd--accomplishing a march of fifty-four miles in 12 hours. Coming upon the advance guard of the enemy as we approached the town, they were charged and driven in upon the main body, when the whole fled along the streets towards a forest lying in rear of the place. The force of the charge, the suddenness of their flight, and the various avenues by which they retired, render it difficult lo form a satisfactory estimate of their numbers, which is variously computed at from four to six hundred.
    In this short and sanguinary action from sixty to eighty of the enemy were killed and wounded, without the loss on our part of a single man. Among the killed was Col. Piedras, commanding at Matamoros, two captains of artillery, and other officers of various grades. Twenty-one American soldiers were set free and restored to the service, armed with muskets, and mounted upon horses taken from the enemy. Three pieces of artillery--a small one, a long six, and a long twelve-pounder--all of bronze, and in good firing condition, twelve tons of shot of all calibers, twelve boxes fixed ammunition, twenty-seven bales escopet and musket balls, seven bales slow and quick matches, five hundred muskets, five hundred sabers, one hundred horses, a large quantity of medical stores, and other public property, fell into our hands; and, with the exception of the artillery, the fixed ammunition, the muskets and sabers, all were destroyed in consequence of my inability to procure additional means of transportation. The remainder of the day was employed in refreshing the troops and in destroying military stores; in which last, three artillerymen--privates Gorman, Foss, and Friedman--were considerably injured, but, it is hoped, not disabled, by an accidental explosion.
    In this engagement, Col. Hays displayed great coolness and bravery, as did captains Lewis and Roberts of the Texas Rangers. Lieuts. Waters and Lilly, of the Louisiana volunteers, and the lieutenants of the Texas corps, behaved most gallantly. Lieut. Ridgely, of the 4th infantry, acting assistant adjutant general, and Lieut. Whipple, of the 9th infantry (volunteer aide), behaved, as ever before, with distinguished gallantry, rendering me prompt and efficient assistance during the engagement. They were with the foremost in the charge and in pursuit of the enemy; and not until all the public property was captured did they think of rest. Lieut. McDonald, of the 3rd artillery, acting assistant quartermaster, was with me in the charge and behaved most gallantly, as he ever has done upon all former occasions. Lieuts. Douglass and Blake were also in the charge--the former as my aide-de-camp--and both behaved gallantly. It affords me much pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct both of officers and men. Never could they behave better than on this occasion.
    Early on the morning of the 24th, we moved toward Puebla. Capt. Roberts' company of Texas mounted riflemen, numbering between twenty-five and thirty men, composed the advanced guard. The remainder of the mounted riflemen were in the rear of the artillery. The Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, constituted the rear guard. While moving with difficulty through a long mountainous pass, called the pass of Galaxara, some five miles from Matamoros, the train became considerably extended. Retarded by the obstructions of the way, the artillery and a small train of four wagons containing captured property, drawn by Mexican mules and driven by Mexicans, had fallen far in the rear, and were slowly progressing under my immediate superintendence, when it was reported that the enemy was in front. Col. Hays was immediately ordered to repair to the head of the column, and to engage the enemy with the advance guard. He found a small party of observation running in under the pursuit of two hundred Mexican lancers. He promptly repulsed them, and with Capt. Roberts and company, and Lts. Ridgely, Whipple, Waters, McDonald, Blake, and my private secretary, Mr. Phelps, numbering in all about thirty-five men, gallantly charged, broke, and pursued the enemy across an extended plain, and up a long precipitous ascent toward the mountains from which they had made the attack. Midway of the hill the enemy halted and attempted to rally. They wheeled to the front, but falling rapidly before the continued charge they again broke and fled over the summit of the mountain, closely followed by Col. Hays, with his small force. Here the enemy was reinforced by a reserve of five hundred lancers, under the command of Gen. Rea. The mounted riflemen not being armed with sabers, and their revolvers and rifles having all been discharged, he ordered his small force to retire to their original position. This order was coolly obeyed, and the men retired in good order, under the full charge of four or five hundred lancers. Having returned to their position, the enemy were immediately repulsed, and the post maintained until the arrival of the artillery, under Lieut. Field, and of the dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, whom I had ordered lo the front immediately on perceiving the strength of the enemy. It is due to these excellent officers to remark that they moved forward to the engagement with that promptitude and alacrity for which they have ever been distinguished. The artillery was immediately unlimbered, when the enemy retired to the mountains, and, receiving a few rounds of grape and canister, they disappeared. For several hours they continued lo hover about our march, in scattered detachments, too remote for the assault of our already jaded horses. And though the riflemen dismounted and attempted to reach them on foot, and the artillery was several times unlimbered and brought to bear upon them, it was impossible to bring them to another engagement. Our loss in this engagement was two killed and two slightly wounded.
    The loss of Lieut. Ridgely, my acting assistant adjutant general, who was mortally wounded while gallantly charging with his comrades by the side of Col. Hays, deeply saddens the feeling of satisfaction with which I report the brilliant conduct of this small party at the pass of Galaxara. Private Wm. Walpas, one of the rangers, also fell bravely fighting among the foremost in the charge. Lieut. Waters, and one other, were slightly wounded. The loss of the enemy in this affair is not accurately ascertained, but could not have been less than fifty killed and wounded. Of the killed were two captains, one lieutenant, and also three noncommissioned officers of artillery. During the engagement the Mexican drivers, after cutting the mules from the teams, made their escape. This rendered it necessary to destroy all the captured property, except the large pieces of artillery, and the sabers, most of which were distributed to the mounted men, and the remainder destroyed. Never did any officer act with more gallantry than did Col. Hays in this affair of the 24th. When he found it necessary to retire for the purpose of reloading--his men having no sabers--he halted in their rear, and as the enemy advanced, deliberately shot two of them dead and covered his retreat until the arrival of reinforcements. Lieut. Ridgely fell a victim to gallantry which was never surpassed. Lieut. Whipple, my present aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant general, was distinguished for his coolness and bravery. He was among the first in the charge, and excepting Col. Hays was the last man to leave the field. Captain Roberts charged bravely at the head of his company: his horse was shot under him, and he exhibited great presence of mind in making his escape. Lieut. Waters and Lieut. McDonald distinguished themselves in this action--advancing with the first, and retiring only with the last. Lieut. Blake and Mr. Phelps were also at the head of the charge, and divide with their comrades the palm of bravery and good conduct. Assistant Surgeons Brower and Newton, of the medical staff, merit my thanks for their promptitude and efficiency in attending to their professional duties. Private Glanton, of the Texas rangers, attracted general notice for his extraordinary activity and daring throughout the actions both of the 23rd and 24th. Sergeant Myers commanded a portion, of the Louisiana dragoons, and conducted them with ability through both actions. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Capt. Lewis for the energy and ability with which he discharged the arduous duties devolving upon him as commandant of the rear guard.
    At about 10 o'clock of the morning the 25th, we arrived at Atlixco. After four hours' repose, we moved on to Puebla where we arrived, without further molestation, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon--having been absent sixty hours.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
To R. JONES, Adjutant General U.S.A Washington, D.C.
    To the above report I beg leave to subjoin that the squadron of Louisiana volunteer dragoons, commanded by Capt. Lewis, led the advance towards Matamoros and the gallant charge into the town in which they manifested the same spirit and bravery so conspicuous at Atlixco. Also, that assistant surgeon Brower, of the 4th Indiana, was with the foremost in the splendid charge of the 24th instant.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
To R. JONES, Adj. Gen. U.S.A.
Democratic Pharos, Logansport, Indiana, February 2, 1848, page 2  This letter was printed in some newspapers under the headline "Official Report."



    This ayuntamiento,united today in session, together with many of the principal persons of this place, resolved to send a deputation to wait on your excellency, and invite your peaceable entry into and stay in this city. This the ayuntamiento hopes from your accredited justice and prudence.
    The deputation consists of the Curate Francisco Jalavera, Jose M. Gampo, Pedro Prebost, Francisco Mayobre, and the undersigned as president of the body.
    I have the honor to say to your excellency that we humbly beg of you to receive the deputation, who will have the honor to present themselves to you on the road.
    I subscribe myself your bumble servant,
To the General commanding the American forces in Orizaba.
To the deputation of the ayuntamiento,
    and principal citizens Cordova.
    The General commanding the American forces at this place has received your communication touching his proposed visit to your city, and is pleased to be informed of your peaceable and friendly disposition towards him and the troops under his command.
    The General has not positively determined whether he will extend his march to Cordova or not, but informs you that he will not start thither today. Whenever he shall arrive in your place, he assures you that the principles heretofore announced by him in other places, and announced by all other American commanders, will be strictly pursued, namely: the protection of private property, respect for religious opinions, and exact justice towards all.
    The General begs to present you the assurance of his distinguished consideration.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, March 9, 1848, page 2



    JUSTICE TO CAPTAIN FORD.--The following letter from Gen. Lane pays a merited tribute to the gallant conduct of Capt. Ford, in the fight at Puebla. We take pleasure in giving it through our columns:
CAPTAIN FORD:--
    DEAR SIR: In looking over the report of my entrance into the city of Puebla on the 12th day of October, I find that your name and good conduct has been omitted, which was, I assure you, unintentional. You came out with your company under a heavy fire from the enemy, in fine order, and met me two miles from the city. You made known to me that the enemy were in strong force and would attack my column near the edge of the city, and that in a street fight, cavalry could render but little service.
    I write this note as I have no other way to make amends for the omission.
CAPTAIN FORD, 3rd Dragoons.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, May 25, 1848, page 2



    We are indebted (says the Washington Union of the 7th inst.) to the War Department for the following interesting dispatches from the army. They exhibit additional feats of enterprise and bravery on the part of our troops. Did they stand out alone, unconnected with the larger achievements of Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec, they would attract the admiration of the whole country. But, even in comparison with these battlefields, they reflect high honor upon our terms. The disparity of the forces engaged, and of the losses which were sustained, is a feather Sin the cap of Gen. Lane and his brave associates. He has justly been pronounced the Marion of the Mexican War--they deserve to share the laurels which he has won. Should hostilities end here, these latter achievements round off, in a glorious manner, the history of the war. Should it be continued, they will animate our future efforts by the noble example which they furnish of the ceaseless bravery of our troops.
    The "American Star," of Mexico, gives a brief narrative of the actions referred to in the following dispatches, and concludes by saying that "our western men are the stuff for partisan warfare. Lane, Hayes, and Polk are short names, but they reach a great way when on the track of guerrilleros."
    SIR: I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of the major general commanding-in-chief, the following report of the operations of the mounted troops specially assigned to my command on the 18th of January last.
    On the morning of that day, I left this city with four companies of the mounted Texas rangers, under Colonel Hays, two companies of the third dragoons, and one company of mounted rifles, under Major Polk--in all, about three hundred and fifty men--to scour the country, and drive the guerrillas from the roads.
    On the afternoon of the 19th, some five miles distant from Rio Frio, I met the train of General Marshall; and being informed by him that a body of the enemy had threatened his rear guard, and was then actually passing through the mountains towards his right, I immediately led my command (with the exception of two companies of Texas rangers, detached to guard the wagons) in the direction indicated; but, after a search of several hours, found no trace of hostile forces.
    About noon, on the 20th, I entered Puebla, and remained there until the evening of the following day. After dark, on the 21st, in a chilling rain, I proceeded with my command in the direction of Vera Cruz; and arriving in the village of Amazoque, turned off towards the left, in order to deceive the inhabitants.
    This route was continued for nearly, if not quite, a league; when I again turned abruptly to the right, through a ravine leading towards the mountains. During the night the command accomplished a march of forty-five miles over a route almost impassable, frequently compelled to move in single file, and sometimes obliged to dismount and lead their horses.
    Near daybreak, I halted at two large haciendas, situated in a lone region of the country, and ordered the men and horses to be concealed. I held the Mexicans, residents of the haciendas, and those passing along the road, prisoners until dark on the 22nd; at which time I again took up the line of march in the direction of the town of Tehuacan.
    About five miles distant from the haciendas I had left, in a narrow pass, I suddenly encountered a coach with an escort of ten or twelve armed men. The escort was instantly disarmed, and I was about to hold the party as prisoners, when a person stepped from the coach, and, striking a light, produced a written safeguard, with permission to arm an escort, from Brevet Brig. General Smith. I had, then, no alternative but to return the arms, and permit the coach and escort to proceed.
    The march was continued over a miserable, rocky, and narrow road for some forty miles, or more, when the column arrived in the vicinity of Tehuacan. I had previously received authentic information, through a faithful and intelligent guide, who has shown his devotion to our cause on many occasions, that General Santa Anna was in Tehuacan, with a force of one hundred regular cavalry, and an indefinite force of guerrillas. As I continued the march, my guide obtained further information, even to the positions of sentinels posted within the town. About four o'clock, preceding daybreak; I arrived at the confines of the town, when instantly, lights flashed to and fro in several houses, and a solitary gun was fired upon the advancing column.
    In obedience to my previous orders, Maj. Polk immediately surrounded the town with his command; while Col. Hays, with his, followed me, at a charge, directly to the plaza. Traces were everywhere visible of recent occupation by troops, but the whole force had departed. The house in which General Santa Anna himself had quartered, containing his furniture, wardrobe, and some fresh provisions, appeared to have been deserted abruptly. All of his military clothing was captured, together with the clothing of his lady, consisting of one hundred and twenty-two valuable pieces; which latter I caused to be packed in trunks, and delivered to the alcalde of the town, taking his written receipt for the same.
    After marches so fatiguing, it was impossible to urge our horses further, as several of them fell exhausted in the streets, and very few were in a condition to continue the pursuit.
    I ascertained from the alcalde and the priests that a courier had preceded me, arriving about two o'clock in the morning, with information for General Santa Anna that I was approaching with my command. I further ascertained, from the same source, that this courier was one of the escort I had met in the early part of the preceding evening--inasmuch as he related the incident; of the escort having been disarmed, the production of the safeguard, and the consequent restoration of the arms; and further confessed that he had been sent by a direct route to warn General Santa Anna of the impending attack.
    Finding it impossible, with our jaded horses, to make further pursuit, I endeavored to procure one hundred fresh horses from the alcalde, but was unable, without scouring the surrounding country, and suffering a delay of twenty-four hours. General Santa Anna had retreated with his force, mounted on fresh horses, in the direction of Oaxaca; and I was compelled to abandon further pursuit.
    Shortly after my return to the town, the ayuntamiento and principal citizens of Tehuacan waited upon me and tendered a formal surrender of the place, and a full submission to my authority. My command being much fatigued by the severity of our march, I thought it necessary to remain one day and night at Tehuacan. During our stay at Tehuacan, I attempted to restrain every attempt at disorderly or improper conduct on the part of the troops, and am happy to believe that my efforts were attended with very great success, the men cheerfully conforming to my desires, with probably a few trifling exceptions. None of the inhabitants were injured whilst we were there; and so well pleased were they with our conduct, that, when about to depart, the alcalde, in their behalf, thanked me for the very kind treatment which had been extended to them.
    On the morning of the 24th I again took up the line of march towards Orizaba, and arrived the same evening at the village of Acalcingo, situated at the base of the intervening mountains. Here I received a communication from the ayuntamiento of Orizaba, informing me that a deputation of the municipal authorities, priests, and citizens would meet me on the subject of arranging terms for the capitulation of the city. I replied that I would personally inform the deputation what terms would be granted. About noon, on the 24th, at a distance of three miles from the city, I was met by the deputation, and informed the alcalde that private and church property should be respected; that no violence would be allowed; but that I would investigate the robberies lately committed in the neighborhood, by guerrillas, upon merchant trains; whereupon the city was surrendered.
    The evening of my arrival I learned that a large force--principally robbers--had actually assembled at the gate of the city to oppose our entrance, but had been induced by the citizens, by force or bribes, to leave.
    On the march from Tehuacan to Acalcingo, three of the Texas rangers were detected in the act of robbing a mule train; and being desirous of making a speedy and severe example, I ordered them to be disarmed and placed under strict guard until the arrival of the command at some American garrison, and there to be dishonorably discharged from the service; which was accordingly done upon my arrival at Puebla.
    In justice to the Texas rangers, I take pleasure in stating that the three individuals specified were not Texans by birth or adoption, but joined the regiment upon this line of operations of our army.
    Immediately upon entering Orizaba, I appointed Col. Hays commander of the forces, and Major Polk civil and military governor, with directions to the latter to make inquiry forthwith into the matter of the robberies which had been committed; whether the guerrillas had been countenanced by the municipal authorities, or had been allowed to harbor in the city; whether the goods taken had been sold there; what disposition had been made of the proceeds, if sold; and to execute justice in the premises. At the same time, I reiterated my assurances of protection to individual and church property, and caused to be made known the provisions of the general orders issued at Tampico, in February last, declaring martial law.
    The efforts made to recover the goods robbed from the trains were unsuccessful, as my time was limited; and, expecting Col. Bankhead from Vera Cruz to garrison the place, I concluded to refer the business to him.
    On the morning of the 26th, I was informed that eighty bales of unmanufactured tobacco, and about thirty boxes of cigars, had been removed from the government warehouse without authority; and thereupon directed the civil and military governor to seize the same, and refer the matter to a board of officers for decision. The property, under the decision of the said board of officers, was condemned, as property of the Mexican government, to be confiscated and sold. The proceeds of the sale were turned over to the acting assistant quartermaster of the command, for the use of the United States.
    Subsequently, four hundred bales of tobacco were discovered in the government warehouse; but being materially injured, and of inferior quality, no sale could be effected without delaying the command for some time, which I deemed inadvisable. The tobacco was therefore delivered to the alcalde, with instructions to sell it, and appropriate the proceeds for the benefit of the poor. It was further expressly signified to the alcalde, that should the proceeds be diverted to any other purpose, the next American commander arriving at Orizaba would hold him individually responsible for the whole amount.
    On the 26th I received a letter of submission from the ayuntamiento of Cordova, a city distant from Orizaba fifteen or twenty miles; and on the 28th started for that place with three companies of Texas rangers, under Col. Hayes, and Lieut. Martin's company of dragoons.
    After taking formal possession of the place, I released six American prisoners captured at various places, whom I brought with my command.
    During the march to Cordova, several armed Mexicans were observed to cross the road a short distance in advance of the column. Pursuit was immediately given; but, from the fleetness of their horses and the ruggedness of the ground, they effected their escape, with the exception of one, whom Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th Indiana volunteers, had the good fortune to overtake and kill. In this connection I take pleasure in mentioning Lieut. Runnels, of the Texas rangers, who was most zealous in the pursuit, and evidently wounded the leader of the party.
    Hearing that Col. Bankhead had arrived within a day's march of Cordova, I returned to that place on the 30th, but was there assured that he had gone back to Vera Cruz; and thereupon I returned to Orizaba.
    After one week's occupation of that city, I left, on the morning of the 31st, for Puebla, with the Texas rangers, and was joined that evening, at Acalcingo, by Major Polk with his command. Continuing an unmolested march across the mountains, I next day reached San Augustin de Palmas; the day following I reached Acalcingo, where Major Polk received information that a number of mules and horses, captured from the American trains, were at a hacienda two leagues distant. I readily acceded to the request of the Major, to be allowed two companies of dragoons to recapture them; and, after a fatiguing night march, he returned, bringing with him twenty-six mules and one American horse, undoubtedly the property of the United States. The horse supplied the place of one which had died, and the mules were delivered to the quartermaster at Puebla. On the 3rd instant I returned to Puebla after an absence of.two weeks.
    Along the whole route from Puebla to Tehuacan and Cordova, and from Cordova to Puebla--a route hitherto untrodden by American forces, and heretofore notoriously hostile--no resistance was offered to a body of only 350 mounted men, without artillery, and with but a limited supply of ammunition. Every town sent out its deputies to assure us a peaceable reception, and every necessary for the command was promptly furnished.
    On the morning of the 5th instant I sent forward a portion of my command. Texans and dragoons, under command of Major Truett, as a guard to the wagons from Puebla to this city. With the remainder of my command, I started about midnight of the same day in the direction of Tlaxcala, passing through that city about ten o'clock a.m., of the 6th instant. Crossing the mountains by a rugged and unfrequented route, after a long day's march, I arrived at a hacienda which had evidently been the resort of robbers. Throughout the march, straggling bandits were occasionally seen and pursued; but no force of consequence appeared until the afternoon of the 8th inst.
    When about to enter the town of San Juan de Teotihuacan, about nine leagues from this city, report was made that the enemy, under Colonel Manuel Falcon, was before us. I ordered Major Polk, with one company of rifles under Lieutenant Claiborne, and one company of dragoons under Lieut. Adde, to make pursuit, while Colonel Hays, with the Texans, should seize the town.
    My orders were executed with alacrity and effect. Seventeen of the enemy are known to have been killed--two of them by the hand of Major Polk. Lieutenant Claiborne displayed his usual intrepidity, being amongst the foremost in hot pursuit, and ever ready to assault the foe. Lieut. Colbert, of the Texas rangers, also signally exhibited much coolness, courage, and good conduct. Indeed, every officer and man who was permitted to engage showed the utmost devotion and bravery, and rendered efficient service. One lieutenant and two privates were taken prisoners. The remainder of the enemy's forces took to the mountains, and, after a severe chase of seven miles, our men, with their exhausted horses, returned. It is more than probable that many stragglers were cut down and wounded in their retreat, who were not seen by our returning forces.
    At the same time, Col. Hays captured, in town about two hundred and fifty muskets, several escopetas, two hundred and fifty lances, and a large supply of ammunition and military clothing--all of which were destroyed, for the reason that we had no wagons to carry with us the captured property. The papers of Col. Falcon fell into my hands, and are now in my possession.
    The next morning I started for this city, which I reached about 4 o'clock p.m., after an absence of three weeks and two days.
    I cannot commend in terms too strong Colonel Hays and Major Polk for their valuable services at Orizaba; for their skill, courage, and activity at Tehuacan, and in the encounter with Colonel Falcon's forces.
    To Major Truett, Texas rangers, Adjutant Manley, 3rd dragoons, Acting Assistant Quartermaster Haslitt, 3rd dragoons (who was thrown from his horse and badly injured in the pursuit), Adjutant Colbert, Texas rangers, and to the officers commanding companies, I am deeply indebted for their good conduct on all occasions.
    Captain Crittenden, of the mounted rifles, accompanied the expedition as a volunteer, and deserves my thanks. Lieut. Butler, aide-de-camp, Dr. Hunt, and Mr. Merriwether, volunteer aides to Gen. Butler, also accompanied me, and rendered valuable services upon my staff. To Dr. Hunt, especially, I must express my obligations for his frequent professional attendance upon the sick and wounded.
    Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th regiment Indiana volunteers, was with me from Puebla, until my return to that city, and afforded me great assistance during that period. Major Chevallie, late of the Texas rangers, Mr. Scully, and Assistant Surgeon Brower, 4th Indiana volunteers, also have my thanks for their attention.
    To my personal staff, Lieut. Alexander Hays, 8th infantry, A.A.A.G., and Captain Pugh, 4th Ohio volunteers, aide-de-camp, I must express deep obligations for the promptness with which they discharged their respective duties, and their readiness in danger to be ever amongst the foremost.
    The only loss sustained by my command, during the expedition, was one private accidentally killed, and three privates accidentally wounded.
    I am, sir, with much respect,
    This interesting report is respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, through the Adjutant General.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, April 20, 1848, page 1



Dear Doctor
    I arrived here on the 4th in good health. No vessel going out for several days, so I will be compelled to remain in this city. I would much have preferred being at home, provided always that my peace, quiet and comfort should not be disturbed by the dmd. infernal constables, to me a very unwelcome visitor at any time, and more especially under the circumstances that I received their last visits. In truth I had no money. In this city I borrowed money from a friend before I offered to take my baggage off the boat (unknown, however, to the clerk) to pay passage. On my passage, though a good boat, kind capt. & crew, I suffered in mind all the torments of hell. I would imagine that some personal or political enemy would publish that I had refused to pay honest debts and had to run from the worthy gentlemen above mentioned. I had in my pocket no money to treat my friends, which would very much have relieved my gloomy state of mind. I would often study over the doings of my life & would at times be foolish enough to think that I had rendered good services to the state and especially to Evansville in the arrangement of the state debt. Then again I would be weak enough to claim to myself the credit of having done something in vindication of the injured reputation of the troops of our state. That I had truly sought opportunities and thrown myself in the front of the fight for the purpose not only of doing my duty but now to show to the world that Indiana as well as other states was willing and would do her duty in battle or otherwise & would in my heart curse the enemy for not shooting me in the head and ending gloriously a life, though devoted to my country & family, that has been made miserable by poverty and misfortune. My children are to be reared without education & I shall expect to hear that the subsistence in the way of provisions, which is barely sufficient for them, is sold by virtue of execution. Then things were continually harassing me. My favorite charger, because I could not think of having her sold into the hands of the highest bidder, for she had carried me to battle & to victory at Huamantla, Puebla, Atlixco, twice at Tlascala, at Matamoros & Galaxa, at Teotihuacan & Sequaltepan, has been given to another. Is it certain that she will be treated as she deserves. That thing has harassed me very much. But I have one comfortable reflection. She is in the hands of a well-tried and faithful personal friend. He has been kind to my family in my absence and helped them in need. But, my dear friend, these things are wearing off, and with great pleasure I think of the kindness that I have received from the good people of Evansville without distinction of party. They have been more kind to me than I expected or deserved, for which I shall always feel grateful.
    I will leave on the first boat for Vera Cruz and hasten to the city of Mexico & if there is more fighting to do I will do my duty, and if it is the will of kind heaven that a shot from some escopet may happen to end my life, it will save the repetition of the horrors and sufferings of mind which is to a proud man worse than death that shall be compelled to endure until I can get money to satisfy the cravings of such dmd. rascals as Babcock & others.
    Genl. Taylor arrived in the city this morning. He is in good health, but not well pleased with Clay's letter, as I am informed. He thinks that he has the best chance of success. Nothing late from Mexico. The opinion of knowing ones here is that Mexico will not make peace. I have not, however, changed my opinion; peace will soon be made.
    If I had known that my stay here would have been so long I might possibly have by waiting have got my leave extended or at least have got an answer to my letter. If it has come to hand, forward [it], as I may be held responsible for delay. Visit my family and encourage them to persevere in business, to make no debts and try to get the children to school. Simon, who is a good boy and sensible, cannot write his name. Trouble condition hard reflection [sic] and yet he must work like a negro to satisfy the damned heartless robbers. Oh, cruel fate.
    Can't our property be sold, debts paid, and the children educated. Get Robinson to try and sell. If he can effect a sale I will direct the boys to make the conveyance. Attend to this request; the happiness and respectability of family makes it necessary. Our property is a fortune, but we must pay debts and educate our children.
    See Robinson soon and try and get him to seek a buyer and write me.
    My respects [to] Mrs. Lane and family.
Write me often. Let me know things generally.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir:
    I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd inst. directing the sum of $6,902.85 to be turned over to Govr. Jos. Lane on account of the Oregon sub-agency, and to inform you that he left here about the 1st instant for Fort Leavenworth, at which place I have just learned from the clerk of the steamer Mandan he was on the 6th last and making his preparations to start on the 9th for Oregon. From another gentleman I learn that there was some uncertainty about his starting so soon, and have accordingly written to him this day by mail and steamboat, informing him that the money, instructions, blanks, commissions &c. are on hand here for him.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 414-415.



    It has become necessary that I should appear before the public, and ask its candid attention to a subject of vital importance to Indiana, and to the brave troops which she sent into the field during the war with Mexico. Interested partisans in this state (and I regret that it is so) appear resolved upon disgracing themselves and the state of their nativity, or adoption, by the publication of glaring falsehoods and statements wholly unfounded in fact, put forth in the attempt to secure a mere partisan triumph. I allude to the slanders which from time to time have been perpetrated by different persons, both in official documents and otherwise, upon the 2nd Indiana Regiment relative to their conduct in the battle of Buena Vista.
    In this communication I shall rely upon facts known to the world and upon official documents which will neither be disputed nor denied. A great and lasting disgrace has been attempted to be fastened upon the fair fame our state, and I call upon every citizen high and low, to vindicate her honor and to wipe off the foul stain cast upon her bright escutcheon.
    Gen. Taylor in his official report of that battle was mistaken as to the facts, and has made statements wholly at variance with them, particularly with regard to the conduct of that regiment. If he had hastened to repair the injury thus inflicted, as soon as he became apprised of it, the present statement from myself would not have been necessary. But instead of correcting what he has stated, he persists in repeating it in the most offensive manner; and that too in the face of facts too numerous and too well authenticated to be denied or evaded. In his political letter to his friend, the Hon. G. G. Dunn, he still insists that the charge of cowardice is true as stated in his official report; that his official report was made up from the reports of his inferior officers and from personal observation upon the field. And upon this his friends say that if Indianians have been disgraced, those officers and myself are the cause.
    I will here bring Gen. Taylor's official report and my own together that the public may judge between us, by whose fault it is that disgrace has been cast on Indiana.
    It should be borne in mind that Gen. Taylor was not upon the battlefield of Buena Vista on the 23rd February, until long after the action commenced on the mountainside nor until after the retreat of the 2nd regiment. He had passed the night at Saltillo, seven miles in the rear; and did not arrive until after nine o'clock on the morning of that day.
    I was in the immediate personal command of the 2nd regiment and Capt. O'Brien's battery, and opened the battle on the plain. Who had the better opportunity of knowing as to the conduct of those troops, Gen. Taylor or myself! I made a report of that battle so far as it came under my observation. Gen. Taylor also made a report, and the question now to be presented is, did he follow the report of his inferior officers? Did he follow my report relative to my command? He did not and here is the proof.
    Extract from Gen. Taylor's report of the battle of Buena Vista dated Agua Nueva, March 6th, 1847.
    "The 2nd Indiana and 2nd Illinois regiments formed this part of our line (the left), the former covering three pieces of light artillery under the order of Capt. O'Brien, Brigadier Gen. Lane being in the immediate command. In order to bring his men within effective range Gen. Lane ordered the artillery and 2nd Indiana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry and served against it with great effect but without being able to check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support having fallen back in disorder, being exposed as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of small arms from the front but also to a murderous crossfire of grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Capt. O'Brien found it impossible to retain his position without support but was only able to withdraw all of his pieces, all the horses and cannoniers of the third piece being killed or disabled. The 2nd Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as stated could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men under its gallant Col. Bowles joined the Mississippi regiment and did good service, and those fugitives who at a later period in the day assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista."
    My own official report of this part of the battle and of the conduct of the 2nd regiment is as follows:
    Extract from my own official report of the battle of Buena Vista, dated Buena Vista Feb. the 25th, 1847.
    "I immediately put my column in motion consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lt. O'Brien's battery of three field pieces amounting in all to about 400 men to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lt. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be nearer the enemy but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of a hill impeded their fire. By the time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grape shot, of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry instead of advancing, as was intended, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own, and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them. About the same lime the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear, at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear, at the same time one of the Illinois regiments not under my command, but stationed some distance in the rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear.
    "These troops the most of them were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them I regret to say did not return to the field at all.
    "The men under my command actually discharged eighty rounds, and some ninety rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand and die to the last man until they received orders to retire. But I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained to their position in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed to a most destructive raking fire from the enemy's battery posted within point blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    "Some excuse may be formed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day; but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputation, disgrace must forever hang around the name of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there was a few from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Here is all that is said relative to the conduct of the 2nd Indiana regiment in that battle, either by General Taylor or by myself. I have given these abstracts in full, to prevent all misapprehension or mistake. This is the more necessary, as I perceive that a part of the press in this state, when discussing to question, are constantly misleading their readers by giving garbled extracts only.
    There are two material facts known to everyone upon that field--known to Gen. Taylor when he made his report, and which are embodied to my report--which facts General Taylor does not even allude to--to wit: first, that the regiment immediately rallied, and next, that they fought all day. Read again those sentences in the above extracts in italics, and contrast them. Gen. Taylor says: "they could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men who rallied under the gallant Colonel Bowles." This statement is not true. In my report I state the affair just as it occurred, giving the whole truth as far as I then knew it--for I was not then aware that Bowles had given an order to retreat. I expressly state that "those troops were immediately rallied and fought throughout the whole day like veterans; a few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all."
    Let me appeal to the candid men of all parties, whether there be any foundation for the assertion that General Taylor has followed my report. I was his subordinate officer, and had a better opportunity of knowing the facts than he.
    Another just cause of complaint which Indianians have against Gen. Taylor, in connection with his official report, is that besides not stating the fact of the rallying of these men, he has left it to be inferred that no other troops retreated that day except the 2nd Indiana regiment, when it is perfectly notorious that there were a few who did not do their duty in every regiment upon that field. And I here assert that there were no more amongst the Indianians than amongst the other regiments engaged. This fact will not be contradicted by any individual who took part in that battle. I stated the general fact in my report in exactly these words: "disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Soon after the battle, and after my report had been made and transmitted to Washington, it was rumored through the camp that some officer had given an order to retreat. Very soon those rumors pointed to Col. Bowles as that officer. That retreat was wholly unexpected to me. The men had gone into action so handsomely, so coolly and steadily, that their retreat, without my orders, breaking off as they did so suddenly from right to left, struck me with astonishment. The morning after the battle, I called the field officers together and made inquiry to the cause of the retreat and whether any orders had been given them as coming from me, to that effect. They all state they had not. I then inquired of them whether they had themselves given such an order. Col. Bowles stated, with an oath, that he had not. Maj. Cravens I knew had not, for he was near me when the retreat took place. Col. Haddon said he had not. So soon as it became apparent that Colonel Bowles had given an order to retreat, and that it could he substantiated by undoubted proof, I drew up the following charges and specifications and forwarded them to Gen. Wool, who sent them to Gen. Taylor, with a request that a court martial should be ordered to try Colonel Bowles for his cowardly and unofficerlike conduct.
    Charge 1st--Inability and incompetency to discharge the duties of Colonel.
    Specifications--1st. In this, that Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army, in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd.--In this, that the said Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and repel a charge of the enemy, as shown on the night of the 22nd of February, 1847, in the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico.
    Charge 2nd--Violation of the 52nd article of war.
    Specification 1st--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February, 1847, at Buena Vista, Mexico, the said Colonel Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment, while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy, the following unnecessary order, viz: "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
    2nd.--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February last, at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he, the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action, and while a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. General Lane, of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemy's fire, did, without authority, give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and unofficerlike order, twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which said order the said regiment did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
    3rd--In this, that the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, on the said 23rd of February, while in the same battle, after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
    4th.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications under this charge, did then and there abandon his position and regiment, and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regiment and from the enemy, and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
    5th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while commanding the same in that battle, and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regiment and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
    6th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, while commandant of that regiment (under Brig. Gen Lane) during the battle aforesaid, on the said 23rd of Feb, spoke words to that regiment which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire, as follows, viz: "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
    7th.--In this, that on the day aforesaid and during that battle, and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave an order in the last specification mentioned, with the intention of inducing that regiment to abandon the position they I then occupied, and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. All of which are contrary to law, and tended not only to the manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, September 14, 1848, page 2



    GOV. LANE.--The steamer Martha arrived from Weston last night. We learn from her officers that Gov. Lane left Fort Leavenworth with an escort of 25 men, under the command of Lieut. Hawkins, on Sunday, the 10th inst., for Oregon, via Santa Fe and California. The officers also report that Gen. Price was expected to arrive in Santa Fe on the second of last month.
Unidentified clipping marked "Sept. '48," pasted onto letter below. Weston is a town in Ohio; the Martha plied the Ohio River.



Sir:
    On the 11th inst. the clerk of this office had the honor to inform you of the departure of Govr. Jos. Lane from this city for Fort Leavenworth on or about the first of this month, and of his having written to him by steamboat & mail, advising him of the amount of funds &c. These letters have since been returned by the postmaster at Fort L. to this office, the Governor having left there on the 10th instant on his way to Oregon.
    The remittance of $6,902.75, advised by your letter of 2nd inst. for the use of Govr. Lane, was recd. here on the 13th. It being no longer available here for the purpose intended, I have respectfully to ask your instructions to redeposit it to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States.
    The documents recd. from your office for Govr. L. have been returned here up to this time, in the hope that an opportunity would occur of forwarding them to Oregon; none such having presented itself, I have this day returned them as directed by the postscript of your letter above referred to.
Hon. W. Medill
    Comr. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 416-417.




    We are happy in laying before the country the following extract from a private letter from Gen. Joseph Lane, Governor of Oregon, who is now on his journey to that distant country.
    The friends and relations of those who compose the Gov.'s escort will be pleased to hear that they are all well, with the prospect of reaching their destination in safety. It was fortunate that the northern route was abandoned, and that of Santa Fe adopted. God speed them upon their wilderness journey:
    "I have just this moment met a train from Santa Fe homewards. We are all well and getting along well. Five days ago we reached the buffalo region, and although our hunters have often said I could not kill one, I dashed into the first gang we met, with my six-shooter killed the first buffalo and brought in the first meat.
    "The country so far is an immense plain, no timber, and scarce of water. In eighteen more days we will be at Santa Fe, and in sixty more in California, and then by sea we will soon be in Oregon. My escort is twenty-five men, under Lieut. Hawkins; all well and in fine spirits.
    "Lieut. Hawkins, who commands my escort, is a gentleman and officer.
    "Dr. Harden is surgeon of our command and a very estimable gentleman he is.
    "Major Meek, the Marshal of Oregon, is in good health.
    "In haste, and in the dark, truly yours.
    We further announce that Judge Wm. P. Bryant passed through our city on Monday last, on his way to that far distant land, to assist his compeers in organizing the Territory under the late laws, and in protecting the inhabitants against savage and other foes. We reiterate the voice of the whole West in pronouncing the late appointments of governor, judges, and other Territorial officers the very best, as a whole, made by the present Administration. May the succeeding one be as fortunate.--Sentinel.
Lafayette Courier, Lafayette, Indiana, November 24, 1848, page 2



    Mr. Editor--Dear Sir:--A march of thirty-eight days has brought us all safe and well without the slightest accident to this ancient town. The distance from Fort Leavenworth thither is eight hundred miles. The route for the first seven hundred passes over one of the most beautiful plains. The soil is generally rich, producing fine grass--wood and water are scarce. The country will doubtless, with a little aid from the general government, soon be settled by our enterprising people, who will find water by digging, and who will carry the timber along with them by planting and cultivating groves sufficient for farming and other purposes. From such a beautiful soil the growth will be rapid.
    For grazing purposes, the country is the finest in the world (or at least that I have ever seen). Any number of cattle, sheep and goats can be reared, and at less expense than in any section of our country. Corn, wheat, oats, fruits and vegetables, generally, can be grown in great abundance, it being only necessary to ditch in as many acres as may be proper or convenient. Break up the ground and plant or sow, and a plentiful harvest is certain to be realized. Within sixty miles of this place I met with a Frenchman, who presented me with half a bushel of fine Irish potatoes, large and well flavored. This crop was his first experiment, and it has proved entirely successful; the yield has been abundant. Wheat succeeds better here than in the States.
    Two things only are wanting to develop the value of this beautiful and interesting portion of our country; for it is the most healthy region in the world. You will seldom hear of anyone being sick in these extensive plains, and as there is no local cause of disease, the country must always continue to be healthy; these done, the people will do the balance. The first is the establishment of a line of settlements from the Council Grove, to be under the care of the government for the first year or two, at a distance of not more than a hundred miles apart, to extend to the settlements of New Mexico; with such an arrangement, permanent improvements would soon be made, and an abundance of everything necessary for subsistence would soon be produced. Then the traveler could find a resting place and good fare, and accommodations would soon be plenty and cheap; and, furthermore, with such an arrangement, the whole road would soon be settled. The next is the establishment of a territorial government. From the enactment of good laws, and their faithful administration, security and protection would be a necessary consequence. The country ground and adjacent to Santa Fe is mountainous, and the valleys are adapted to cultivation. The mountains, however, are covered with a tolerable growth of timber, and the creeks of the intervening ravines afford abundance of good water.
    Col. Washington is here in command as civil and military governor. He is a good officer, and a kind, good man, and will, no doubt, do much to put matters right in this country.
    Our journey to this place was exceedingly pleasant up to the fifth inst., when it commenced raining and then snowing, and continued alternately raining and snowing for eight successive days. This made the roads heavy and hard on our animals, and disagreeable to us. Our animals, however, have sustained themselves well for a service of thirty-eight days in the harness and under the saddle, without forage, and subsisting entirely on the grass that they could pick up during each night. This shows that the buffalo grass on the plains, which is very fine, is better than any grass in the States.
    From the Cottonwood Fork, for a distance of several hundred miles, large bands of buffalo were daily to be seen, and also thousands of antelope, until we arrived at the settlements. Of the former we killed many, but of the latter we killed none; they are a timid, shy animal, and keep beyond gunshot.
    Lieut. Hawkins, who commands the escort, is a good officer, and has conducted the march well; and Dr. Hayden, our surgeon, is a very clever fellow, so we have everything at hand to make the trip pleasant.
    We shall resume our march in a few--say two days. Our short stay here has been made exceedingly agreeable by the kind, hospitable treatment we have received from the officers stationed at this place. Capt. Brent, the quartermaster, has rendered us every assistance in his power, by furnishing us additional animals, forage, and other things for our future journey.
Cambridge Reveille, Cambridge City, Indiana, March 31, 1849, page 3



To General Lane
    Governor of Oregon
    &c.   &c.   &c.
        Sir
                We have very lately been informed of your safe arrival in this country and take the earliest opportunity to present our cordial congratulations on an event which we, in common with the other inhabitants of this country, have long and ardently desired.
    We intend shortly to do ourselves the honor of paying our respects to you in person and in the meantime we beg to assure you that it will afford us much pleasure to see you at Fort Vancouver whenever you visit this part of the country.
    The Hudson's Bay Company's overland express will leave this place about the 18th inst. for Canada, and we shall be most happy to take charge of any letters you may wish to forward by that conveyance.
We have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
    Most Obdt Servts
    Peter Skene Ogden
    James Douglas
    Chief Factors H B Compy.
This letter was misfiled as being from 1869. The image of the original can be found on the eighth microfilm reel of the Joseph Lane Papers.


To Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir--I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company in accordance with the regulations of as provided by law.
    As I am informed You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, of the Company and quantity and condition of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed, it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the Territory in the Rogue River Valley in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines. You will so far as it is in your power to afford to many traveling protection to our citizens traveling in that direction protect and thereby make it such less dangerous than has heretofore been.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my my wish and intention so far as I am able to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in extending protection protecting to the Indians population from in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of the United States Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their natural possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights.
    You will therefore carefully restrain yourselves from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country as well as your duty as an officer requires a strict observance of this order. If by any cause the Indians of Oregon should in the present year be aroused to hostilities, the injury they might do to the settlements in the absence of a greater part of the male population [due to the gold rush] would be incalculable.
    You will therefore hold yourself and your command in readiness to act as circumstances may require For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required as circumstances may require by the Executive. The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition which you have this day accepted for have have been placed in your furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22



To
    Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir
                I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company, as provided by law. You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, the quantity of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines, you will, so far as it is in your power, afford protection to our citizens traveling in that direction.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my wish and intention, so far as I am able, to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in protecting the Indians in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights. You will therefore carefully restrain your men from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country, as well as your duty as an officer, requires a strict observance of this order. If, by any cause, the Indians of Oregon should, in the present year, be aroused to hostility, the injury they might do to the settlements, in the absence of a greater part of the male population [due to the gold rush], would be incalculable.
    For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and to maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required by the Executive.
    The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition, for which you have this day receipted, have been furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22


Dear Husband,
    It is with the utmost gratitude to that being that rules in mercy that I can say to you that we are all enjoying very good health at present and while I am expressing my gratefulness to him for so rich a blessing I hope you are in possession of the same. I received the letter you wrote when you were starting to the gold mines; that is the last we have heard from you. I am now looking every day for letters from you; when I get a letter from you it revives me more than everything else in the world could when you are away from home. The time now seems like an age since you have been gone from home, but I try now to make myself as much contented as possible as fall is drawing nigh when I shall look for you home. The cholera is very bad in this country. A great many have died with it—it is now in our neighborhood. I need not try to tell you how many of your friends have died since you have been gone; I believe it would take up half this sheet of paper. Uncle Simon's family has had the cholera. He is now greatly afflicted; he has lost his wife and Malissa, and he is now left with four little children without a mother. He has been sick himself, but he is getting better. Your mother's family are all well. Andy Barlow's family are all well. Jo Ben and Mary Caroline are two very smart little children. Jo Ben talks about his papa every day. Sis begins to talk very plain. Sarah Noel that was the blooming Sarah Eakins is now numbered among the pale nations of the dead. She is gone from this world of noise and bluster; she has left an infant and many friends to deplore her loss. She came up the river about four weeks since and her husband stayed in New Orleans. He intended on coming up in the fall. Papa and Mother sends their compliments to you. They have been very kind to me and the children. I do not believe there ever was kinder parents than mine; they try to do everything to make me happy that they can. They would do more if I would let them but I cannot be happy when I am away from you. My prayer is every day that we may meet once more in this world. Ever since you have been gone you have constantly been on my mind and would be if you were to stay fifty years. We have spent many a happy hour together and I hope we will spend many more. I have been up to our old farm and John Strong is living on it. Henry Angel is living on your father's home farm. Everything is very much changed since you and your father have been gone. Ratliff's death was a great misfortune. I have got Uncle Simon to attend to our business. I will try to attend to it as well as I can till you get home. You must excuse my mistakes and bad writing. Jo Ben and Sis is playing and pulling at me so I cannot write.
    May the blessings of almighty God rest and abide with you now and forever is my prayer.
N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

To the Editors of the Indiana State Sentinel:
    Enclosed I send you the message of our mutual friend, Gov. Lane, to the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon. This document, as well as all the Governor's official acts, shows the good sense, and I may add, the good heart of the man, and is well received here by the citizens and assembly. The Governor is very prompt in defending the Indians in their fisheries and other rights, essential to their comfort and subsistence, and on the other hand exacts from them more respect to the rights of our citizens than one not accustomed to them would suppose them capable of yielding. We have had no late difficulties with them, and I believe his policy will secure us against any future difficulty. The Governor is almost constantly engaged in hearing their petty grievances, and redressing them in a plain and summary way that makes them pay respect to the rights of one another, and abstain from depredations upon the citizens. Our legislature is in session. They are men of good sense, and well understand the wants of the people of the Territory. Several of them have filled important stations in the States, and Col. Chapman was once a delegate in Congress from Iowa. The courts in my district are in session. Last week I held court in Linn County, in this, in Champoeg, and next week will hold court in Clackamas, and week after in Vancouver, which will end my circuit. Judge Pratt's circuit will commence 1st Monday in September. I found but little business to do. The grand jury found four or five indictments for small offenses, such as hog stealing and stealing horses from the Indians, &c., in Champoeg. Such things will happen at first, but I think, judging from the mass of the citizens, who are mainly very orderly and honest, that these lawless characters will not long remain amongst us. I was up this, the Willamette Valley, as far as the Calapooia settlements. I never saw a richer valley of land, and the mountain scenery is captivating. The health of the country is good, and the harvest is abundant. This is the greatest country for wheat on the continent. I have never seen finer wheat grow than we have this year in Oregon, not near all of which will be saved for the want of laborers. The ordinary wages for laborers in the harvest field is $6 per day to each man. Every kind of labor commands nearly any price asked for it. The packers, in advance of the emigration, arrived today. They report 8,000 wagons on the road; about 2,000 bound for this Territory, the residue for California. The cholera had been fatal out from Missouri to Blue River, about 400 miles; about 700 deaths, and had abated; but there was much sickness of fevers among the emigrants, and some deaths. We anticipate much sickness and distress among the land emigration. The packers are of opinion that they are rushing and pressing their cattle so hard in order to get out to the mines that they will break them down. I hope there will not be sufficient emigration come here to make us a famine. Our people are returning from California every day with large sums of gold, the product of the mines. It will surprise you I dare say to learn the trade of the Columbia River this year, in comparison with what it has heretofore been. I have before me a statement showing the arrivals and departures of vessels coming in and going out with freight over the Columbia Bar which has heretofore been considered impassable. Since the 7th of May, ships of every size, from forty tons to seven hundred tons burden, amounting to fifty-eight up to the 18th of this month, and not a single incident of a serious character has happened. If the twentieth party of the protection was given to the trade of this river that is extended to the mouth of the rivers in the States, the Columbia would be found to be a much better bar than that of most rivers in the States of its size. The lumber trade of this river is quite an important trade; so of the wheat and flour.
    The Legislature were this evening engaged in devising means to alleviate the suffering of the emigrants. Many of them will not be able to get through, it is believed, with the best assistance we can give them.
    We have no paper published in this Territory, and I cannot furnish you with a printed copy of the Governor's message. He is quite well; left here this morning for the Umpqua Valley, accompanied by Lieut. Talbot, with an escort, to examine Alsea Bay, and to see the Indians of that part of the Territory. It turns out that there are several good harbors on the coast below the mouth of the Columbia River, although it has heretofore been reported an iron-bound coast.
    Yours, truly,
        WM. P. BRYANT.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, December 13, 1849, page 4




Col.,
    I have just had an interview with Capt. Scott from the Umpqua settlement, who informs me that an Indian of the Umpqua tribe recently came into the settlement and there reported that a party of ten or twelve families from California bound for Oregon have been cut off by the Rogue River Indians, all killed but the children, who are prisoners.
    The following is an extract from a letter just recd. from the Umpqua. "If the Indian report alone was the only grounds we have for belief, I should place much less reliance upon the story, but we have had for the last two weeks a report given us by parties returning from California that ten or twelve families were about starting for Oregon and others reported them actually on the road. The last party of packers who passed about eight days ago reported seeing fresh wagon tracks on the road as far as Rogue River but no further."
    I have conceived it to be my duty to lay this information before you, with the hope that you will be able to send out a small force to the Umpqua and in the direction of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, for the purpose of inquiring into the facts, and if true to recover the captives. Children could hardly be expected to survive the winter; deprived of clothing, exposed to cold and hunger, death would be almost certain. If there is any good reason to believe the report, it seems to me that an effort ought to be made to recover the living.
    I would advise you to see Captain Scott, who will call on you tomorrow morning and give you all the information that he possesses upon the subject. He can also inform you whether a small force could be subsisted and quartered in that vicinity or rather in the Umpqua settlements.
Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 12; Letters Received 1848-1852, 1849 No. 21.





My dear wife
    Here I am again going ahead leaving my kind and loving wife and family anxiously preparing ahead to roll on the billows of the great Pacific asking for favorable winds to widen the distance between me and all that is dear to me but enough I have to go and the sooner I am back the better. I want you to take more than special care of the girls; there is more danger of their men now than of any other kind which grieves me to be away at this time--for God's sake do prevent them from going out of night to parties no matter who courts after them and although Capt. Jones is [from] a highly respectable family yet there is great danger to be found from our daughters' staying all night there or going to parties with them--do prevent them from doing either.
    I do not want to dictate in small matters, but for god's sake look well to the foregoing, as also to our dear little George, do not let him go about or cross the river without you. I have written to Capt. Couch to send you all shoes, also George a pair of boots.
    Walter Pomeroy says that if you want any money he will let you have it. I only say so to you to let you know what he says.
    Do not sell any of our property till I get back, which shall be soon.
    Tell my old friend the gov [i.e., Joseph Lane] to write me by every ship that leaves for California and to advise me what is best to do, whether to buy a vessel or come home with goods, and if so what kind of goods. It seems to me that furniture is a good article to bring to Oregon.
    My dear wife, take care and do as you think best, and I will be satisfied. Let me here suggest that you employ a cook and for god's sake save yourself in your old age--my kind love to the children may God bless them and the richest of all blessings on you is the desire of your affectionate husband

    Soon after picketing our animals an express arrived at our camp on his way to the ferry on Rogue River, who informed me that the Major had by that time set out with his command, dragoons and volunteers, for the purpose of making a forced march during the night in order to attack the Indians at daybreak the next morning. Early on Monday morning I set out with the hope of falling in with the Major or the Indians retreating from his command, and made a hard day's ride but failed to find the Major or the Indians. On Tuesday I proceeded to Camp Stuart with the hope of hearing of the command, but as yet no tidings had been received of their whereabouts. Late in the evening Capt. Scott and T'Vault, with a small party, came in for supplies and reinforcements. They informed me that two battles had been fought, one early on Monday morning, and one in the afternoon. In the last fight the Indians posted themselves in a dense hammock, where they defended themselves for four hours and until the darkness of the night enabled them to make their escape. In both fights the Indians suffered severely. Several of our party were wounded, but none mortally. T'Vault received an arrow through his hat, just grazing his head. By nine o'clock at night we were on the march, and joined the Major at 2 o'clock Wednesday morning, when I had the pleasure of meeting my friends Applegate, Freaner and others.
    Early in the morning we set out to carry into effect the plan of operations which had been agreed upon, and proceeded down the river and on Thursday morning crossed about seven miles from the ferry. We soon found an Indian trail leading up a large creek, and in a short time overtook and charged upon a party of Indians, killing one. The rest made their escape in a dense chaparral. We again pushed forward as rapidly as possible until late in the evening, when we gave battle to another party of Indians, few of whom escaped. Twelve women and children were taken prisoners; several of those who escaped were wounded.
    At this point we camped, and next morning took up the line of march and scoured the country to Rogue River, recrossing at the Table Mountains, and reached camp at dark on the evening of the 27th.
    The Indians had been completely whipped in every fight. Some fifty of them were killed, many wounded, and thirty taken prisoners. It has, however, cost us dearly. We have lost Capt. Stuart, one of the bravest of the brave. A more gentlemanly man never lived; a more daring soldier never fell in battle. Too much cannot be said for Major Kearny. For more than ten days he was in the saddle at the head of his command scouring the country and pouncing upon the Indians wherever they could be found. He has done much to humble the Rogue River Indians, and taught them to know that they can be hunted down and destroyed. Capt. Walker of the Rifles deserves the highest praise for gallant conduct. Lt. Williamson of the Topographical Corps and Lt. Irvin and command also deserve high praise for gallant conduct. The volunteers behaved well--nobly. Applegate, Scott, T'Vault for good conduct as guides and courage in battle are entitled to great credit. Capt. Armstrong, Blanchard, Boone and all of our Oregon men deserve credit for their good conduct and bravery. Col. Freaner from California with a party of volunteers from the mines promptly tendered their services and behaved nobly.
    Never has an Indian country been invaded with better success, nor at a better time. The Indians had organized in great numbers for the purpose of killing and plundering our people passing to and from the mines. The establishment of a garrison in this district will be necessary for the maintenance of peace. That done, and a good agent located here, and we shall have no more trouble in this quarter.
    This morning the question arose what must be done with the prisoners. The Major was anxious to turn them over to the citizens of Oregon to be delivered to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. The citizens were generally bound to the mines, and none could be found to take charge of them. The Major was determined not to release them, holding that it would be wrong to give them up before a peace could be made. Consequently he determined to take them to San Francisco and then send them by sea to Oregon.
The bulk of this letter was transcribed from a typescript on the microfilm of the Joseph Lane Letters,"copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." The first page, missing from the typescript, is copied from the Oregon Statesman of July 22, 1851, page 2.



To Brevt. Maj. Kearny
    1st Dragoons, U.S.A.
        Sir: Allow me for myself and my fellow citizens of Oregon to express our sincere gratitude to you and the officers and soldiers under your command for the prompt, able and efficient manner you have conducted your military operations against the Indians of this valley.
    Be assured, sir, that for the bravery and patriotism you have displayed in their defense the people of Oregon will ever and gratefully join your names to the list of those of her dearest friends.
    Though we are aware that [for] an officer like yourself already known to fame and highly appreciated by his country no new laurels can be gathered in a field like this, yet allow us to assure you that should your love of duty prevail so far over your private interests as to cause your return to Oregon, be assured, sir, that to no other officer of the army would the people of this Territory more confidently entrust their interests and safety.
[Kearny's handwriting]
    This was consequent on my saving the settlements by attacking and beating the Rogue River Indians. Joseph Lane, Esq., had been a successful general in Mexico--recently governor of Oregon--and was a candidate (& elected) for Congress.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  From a typescript transcription on OHS letterhead, misdated June 28th, 1852.



Dear Bush
    I write you from Camp Stuart a brief account of Major Kearny's operations in the Rogue River country, and that he had very properly determined to take the prisoners with him. I arrived at the Shasta diggings on the morning of the 30th ult, which is within ten miles of the road leading to California on which the Major would pass by Wednesday noon. I had my business settled up and was ready to return to Oregon. Lt Irwin came in and reported that the Major had passed and would camp near the Shasta Butte, distant 25 miles. I told Irwin that if I could get the prisoners I would take them to Oregon and deliver them to the Governor or Supt of Indian Affairs.
    He immediately dispatched a courier to Major Kearny bearing my letter, proposing to take charge of the prisoners, which reached him by seven o'clock in the evening. The Major promptly dispatched Capt Walker with them, who arrived at my camp just before daylight on Thursday morning. When a party of Oregonians, numbering some twenty, among whom was Dan. Waldo and Hunter and Rust of Kentucky and Simonson of Ia. bound to Oregon, kindly offered to assist in bringing them in. We immediately set out and arrived here safe with all the prisoners, yesterday noon, when I had the pleasure of finding Gov Gaines with some fifteen men. To him I delivered the prisoners. His intention is to see the Indians and if possible make peace.
    My son Jo will remain here with the Governor. By noon today I shall set out for the City but shall be compelled to travel quite slow, as I have to give protection to some wagoners who had the kindness to haul in some of the prisoners who were worn out traveling.
                        Yours truly
                        Jo. Lane
    P.S. I omitted to mention that on my way down Rogue River with the prisoners I had a conversation with a considerable number of Indians across the river, who gave me a terrible account of the invasion of their country by our people. That they had come on horses in great numbers invading every portion of their country, that they now were afraid to lay down to sleep for fear the white people would be upon them before they could wake, that they were tired of war and now wanted peace. I told them that the Governor was at the crossing of the river, that I would leave the prisoners with him, and that they must go and talk with him and make their propositions of peace to him, who would be glad to see and talk and make peace with them.
                        J. L.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." This particular letter was misfiled as being from 1857. The image of the original can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



To
    The Honbl. Alexr. H. H. Stuart
        Secretary of State for the Land Department
            Washington.
                Sir,
                    I beg leave to state that in 1829 I took [the] Oregon City claim and made improvements on it. In 1842 I began to erect mills; in 1843 I had it surveyed by Jesse Applegate Esquire and recorded in the record book of land claims in Oregon Territory in accordance with the Organic Law, copy of which and of the record of claim I forward with this.
    Since 1845 I have permanently resided on it. Part of my claim was fenced previous to 1846 and all previous to the 4th March 1849, and I filed my intention to become an American citizen on the 30th May of the same year, as will be seen by the accompanying certificate. The late Mr. Thurston, the Delegate to Congress from this Territory, said I refused to file my intention to become an American citizen. In my letter of the 12th September 1850 I stated he must be cognizant of the fact--in reply in his speech in Congress on the 26th December 1850 he admitted he was aware I had filed what he says I called a declaration of my intention to become an American citizen--but stated he had Judge Bryant's authority for asserting that my declaration was not such as the law required. In answer I beg to state that my declaration was drawn up by the clerk of Judge Bryant's court.
    In 1850 the judges of election refused my vote. As the United States court was sitting at time, I brought the case before his honor Judge Pratt, who decided that my declaration of intention was legal and that I had a right to vote. I voted and have done so ever since. Abernethy's Island, which I took as part of my claim in 1829, was jumped in 1841 by Methodist missionaries and others, who formed themselves into a company by the name of the Willamette Milling Company, and subsequently they all sold out to George Abernethy Esquire, one of the missionaries and one of the original stockholders of the milling company.
    After we had organized a temporary government, I consulted P. H. Burnett Esquire, late Governor of California, then a citizen of this Territory, with the intention of taking legal measures to get rightful possession of Abernethy's Island. He told me he considered my right to the island as undoubted, but as agitating the question there might lead to trouble in this country, and as postponing the question could not invalidate my right, he recommended me to defer bringing the question forward until the government of the United States extended its jurisdiction over the country, when the courts could cause their decisions to be peaceably carried into effect. For these reasons, especially as I considered that quarrels between British subjects and American citizens in this Territory might cause a war between the United States and Great Britain, as then a British subject and as intending to become a citizen of the United States I considered I was bound in duty to the country I left and the country I adopted and as a Christian to do all I could to arrest so dreadful an evil from them. I therefore followed Mr. Burnett's advice--whether my fears were well founded or not is not for me today. I merely state the impression in my mind.
    After the government of the United States had extended its jurisdiction over the Territory, a short time after the arrival of W. P. Bryant Esquire, the supreme judge of the United States Court of this Territory, and before the courts were organized he bought Abernethy's Island, from George Abernethy Esquire and as the island was in Judge Bryant's district and as there was only one other judge, his honor Judge Pratt, in the Territory, from ignorance of the law at which I presume you will not be surprised when you know I have been forty-eight years in the Indian country. I thought as Judge Bryant was an interested party I could not bring the case forward till the bench was full, which did not take place till this spring. In the meantime Congress passed the Oregon Land Bill. Part of my claim [of] Abernethy Island is confirmed by Congress to the legal assigns of the Willamette Milling and Trading Company, and the remainder "shall be set apart and be at the disposal of the legislative assembly to the establishment and endorsement of a university to be located at such a place in the Territory as the legislative assembly may designate. provided. however. that all the lots in said claim sold or granted by Dr. John McLoughlin previous to the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and forty-nine shall be confirmed to the purchaser or donee or assigns to be certified to the Commissioner of the General Land Office by the Surveyor General and patents to issue on said certificate as in other cases provided further that nothing in this act contained shall be construed or executed as in any way to destroy or effect any right to land in said Territory holden or claimed under the provisions of the treaty or treaties existing between this country and Great Britain." The circumstances being such as I have the honor to relate, I respectfully request the government to designate the extent of my right to [the] Oregon City claim. I send you a copy of Judge Bryant's letter to the Honbl. H. J. Brown and of my answer. As to Mr. Thurston's I had referred [deferred?] noticing his conduct till he was here to prove before his and my fellow citizens that he made statements against me which he must have known to be false and that some facts which he stated he intentionally made a false deduction from them, and though unfortunately for me my conduct has been grossly misrepresented by malicious and designing persons to the government I left and the government I adopt. While I am certain every upright, honest citizen of this Territory acquainted with its history will testify that I exerted my utmost endeavor to render it the happy residence of civilized men, and though the first immigrants underwent great misery and suffered many hardships as the first immigrants to all new countries must, yet I am certain they will admit I did all I could to assist them, and but for my exertions their sufferings would have been much greater. Having acted in good faith, I trust the government will do me justice and not allow me to be the victim of malice, and I hope the unexpected state in which I find myself placed will be considered by you as an apology for the liberty I take in troubling you with this.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Genl. Lane, the newly elected delegate to Congress, informs me that he intends to take his departure for the States with the next steamer. He will be in New York the latter part of August or early part of September next. I hope some of our folks will make an effort to see him and will show him some attention. I would be glad if Father would invite him to come and see him at Parksville. The Genl. is a plain, blunt man of practical good sense and of generous impulses. His nomination was  cordially concurred in by the Whigs although he was a Democrat, and he has therefore I think no party antipathies in this region. He has seen a great deal of the rough and tumble life of the West and is probably as well acquainted with the situation and prospects of this country as any man in it. His family reside in Indiana, and he goes to the States thus early so that he may meet with his family before Congress commences its sittings. The Genl. I understand has an eye on the Presidency, and I believe has been nominated for that station in some parts of Indiana.
Thomas Nelson, letter dated July 21, 1851, Oregon City; Beinecke Library, Yale University




    GEN. LANE arrived in this city on Thursday evening last, direct from the Rogue River country. He leaves here tomorrow on the mail steamer for the States. We wish the brave old soldier a safe journey.
    When the General arrives in Washington and lays the true state of affairs before the government, we feel assured that justice will be done to the people of Oregon.
Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, July 22, 1851, page 2





    Dear Bush.--On arriving at Chagres, we received information of the invasion of Cuba by Lopez--that he had several fights, with success; and also the melancholy intelligence of the capture of Col. Crittenden and some fifty of his command, and of their execution by order of the authorities of the island. My desire to know the facts induced me to take passage for this place instead of going on the Georgia directly to New York. I have been here now two days, and can give you authentic information as to the invasion.
    Lopez, with some five or six hundred men, mostly Americans, effected a landing, and at first [illegible] sought advantage, but from necessity he divided his forces. Col. Crittenden, with his command of over one hundred men, was attacked by a large force of the royal or queen's troops, in which affair Crittenden and command behaved most gallantly. Overpowered and broken, he determined to take his chance, in open boats, upon the broad ocean, with the hope of being picked up by some friendly ship. In this condition, after having been at sea one hundred hours, without water, bread or arms, he was picked up by a Spanish war steamer, brought in and murdered--an account of which you have no doubt seen ere this.
    Lopez was taken the day before our arrival here--brought in from the country last evening, and this morning, at 7 o'clock, executed (garroted). Many of his party are prisoners, and have been sentenced to ten years' hard labor in the galleys. You will see that this second expedition of Lopez is crushed, and that he has paid dearly for attempting to liberate a people who deceived and betrayed him--a people who deserve no better government than they now have. Many noble young men--American citizens--have been deceived and sacrificed. It is greatly to be hoped that their fate will be a warning to others, and that no further attempt will be made upon Cuba, until it is done in a way that will ensure success.
    Col. Crittenden was a nephew of John J. Crittenden. My health is excellent. I shall leave this evening via New Orleans.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, October 14, 1851, page 2




Dear Mother
    I received your letter about the first of May and was glad to hear of your coming to Oregon and was very much gratified to receive your long-looked-for letter. It was the first I knew of Sarah being married and my being uncle to several little Blampieds.
    Now as to myself I went to California in the spring of forty-nine and returned in the fall. I purchased an interest of one-eighth in the Oregon Milling Company for the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, Genl. Joseph Lane and son being the other owners. We met with some very heavy losses by high water doing us damage to the amount of twenty thousand dollars in a few months after I made my purchase. We have a flour mill and saw mill. The property is an island on the great falls of the Willamette and must always be very valuable.
    I expect Oregon to be my home, as we have now a large family, and I do not know of any place in the States where they could be more healthy than here. We have good schools, plenty of preaching, and potatoes of the best kinds. Sarah mentions that you will all come to Oregon in a year or two. To enable you to come as soon as possible I have sent you one hundred dollars by the hands of the Delegate to Congress from Oregon Joseph Lane. He will send it to you, if there is not too much risk, through the mail. Should you not receive it by the first of January you must write to him at Washington, and should it be that what I have sent you is not sufficient you will write to him (Genl. Joseph Lane) telling your desire to come to Oregon and that you have not sufficient means to bring you, and that I will pay the amount. I want you to come next summer if possible, as we are all anxious to see you. These remarks are intended for you all. There is a good chance for James either to work at his trade in town or to go on a farm. There is plenty of good land to be taken yet, and they will be entitled to 320 acres. You may ask for information as to time of starting and outfit. I will give you all I can. As to economy, find out whether you can buy wagons on the Missouri River cheaper than you can bring them from Ohio. Get light two-horse wagons, good and strong; bring as little as possible, provisions, bedding and wearing apparel sufficient to last you through. Start from Ohio in time to leave the settlements in Missouri as soon as the grass will permit, say, about the first of May. Start with the the first company if you can and keep with it if possible. If your means will permit have team enough to go through mud holes and up hills without assistance.
    Try to sleep in your wagon if you can and let your cooking utensils be of tin as far as possible; have tin plates and cups. Take a liberal supply of coffee and tea; you will find it have a better flavor than you did before. In addition to the above let your stock of provisions be flour, bacon, beans, rice, dried fruit and crackers, medicines, spirits of some kind, camphor and some pills are about all that is necessary. There is one thing I would urge. Get through with the first; by this you get good grass and escape the fall rains in the Cascade Mountains.
    We are all well and our family consists of six children, four girls and two boys. Their names Eliza Fry aged 9, Sarah Ann aged 8, Mary Ellen aged 6, Lewis Cass aged 4, Martha Josephine aged 2, Robert Henry 5 months.
    Not having a personal acquaintance with Mr. Blampied I hereby tender him my best respects with the hope of seeing you all in Oregon in a twelvemonth.
    Write to me, and if there is anything I can serve you in I shall be most happy to do it. Harriet sends her love to you all and will be much rejoiced to see you in Oregon.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, Evansburg, Coshocton County, Ohio.


    At a meeting of the passengers of the steamship Cherokee, called to take into consideration the conduct of the American Consul at Havana during the time of the imprisonment and execution of Col. Crittenden and his party at that place, held on the 3rd of September, on her voyage from Havana to New Orleans, Gen. Lane, of Oregon Territory, was called to the chair, and Benjamin Lyons, of Louisiana, and Thomas J. Aby, of Mississippi, were appointed Secretaries--On taking the chair, Gen. Lane briefly stated the objects of the meeting; after which, on motion, the Chair appointed a committee of nine to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. Samuel C. Turner of Mobile, Wm. R. Budford of Texas, John A. Boydquin of Georgia, C. A. Tweed of Sacramento City, W. W. Boyden of San Francisco, George Clark of New Orleans, J. M. Gilmore of Illinois, and Charles Stewart of Tennessee were appointed the committee. While the committee were absent the meeting was highly entertained by remarks from P. F. DeGourney. Esq. Gen. Lane also addressed the meeting, amidst rounds of applause. The committee, having returned, reported the following preamble and resolutions:
    Whereas, we, the passengers on board the steamship Cherokee, having been in the port of Havana during the enactment of a part of the recent tragedy upon the Island of Cuba, and having derived, from good authority, the following facts in relation to the part taken in the sad affair by A. F. Owen, the American Consul at Havana, viz:
    That he neglected to intercede with the authorities in Havana for the preservation of the lives of Col. Crittenden and his heroic band, though entreated to do so by American citizens resident at Havana.
    That he made no effort to procure them a fair and impartial trial.
    That, notwithstanding the earnest appeals of their friends, he refused to seek an interview with the prisoners, thereby losing the only opportunity by which our unfortunate countrymen could have sent a last farewell to their relatives and friends at home.
    That after the execution he neglected to secure the bodies of the victims from insult.
    That he neglected to have the bodies interred in separate graves, in order that they might have been reclaimed by their friends.
    Therefore, resolved,
    1st. That we consider Mr. A. F. Owen as having outraged every sentiment of humanity and every principle of duty as an officer of the American government.
    2. That A. F. Owen has forfeited every title to the name of American citizen.
    3. That Mr. Owen deserves the execration of every true friend of liberty.
    4. That our government is requested to recall Mr. Owen from a post which he has so signally disgraced.
    5. That our government is urgently entreated to use every means in its power to procure the release of these of our fellow citizens now in the hands of the authorities of Cuba.
    6. That the Spanish authorities of Cuba, by their merciless and sanguinary conduct in putting to death those who became their prisoners, have forfeited the respect and sympathy of all civilized and Christian men; that they are unworthy to own and unfit to govern the island now under their despotic sway.
    Messrs. Tweed, Turner, Steward and Clark addressed the meeting.
    After which the preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
    On motion, it was resolved that the Secretaries send a copy of these proceedings, signed by the President and Secretaries, to the N. Orleans press for publication.
    On motion, the meeting then adjourned.
BENJAMIN LYONS,
T. J. ABY, Secretaries.
Evansville Daily Journal, Evansville, Indiana, September 13, 1851, page 2



    Dear Bush.--From Havana I wrote you, giving an account of my passage to that place, of the failure of the Cuban expedition, of the fate of Lopez and others. In that letter I perhaps did injustice to the natives of Cuba; but, if I did, let me tell you that it was not intentioned. One thing is certain; the expedition received little or no assistance from the Cubans. But upon inquiring particularly relative to their wishes and feelings upon a change of government (and I had an opportunity on my passage from Havana to New Orleans to learn much from a gentleman on board who has seen much of Cuba recently), I am inclined to the opinion that they are heartily tired of the tyrannical government under which they live, which, by the way, is the worst, most cruel and oppressive on the face of God's earth. But they cannot help themselves nor render assistance to those who would fain free them and give them a good government. They are not allowed to own or carry arms. They have no organization, nor can they organize. So closely are they watched that whenever a few of them are seen together in a suspicious manner, they are arrested and lodged in prison.
    The late expedition caused the arrest of some 2000 Creoles, many of whom have suffered death; many were imprisoned and others banished.
    The day is not far distant when Cuba will be free. Such a system of tyranny and oppression cannot long last. How or by whom it is to be done, God only knows. One thing, in my mind, is certain; it will be done, and that ere long.
    I had the pleasure of reaching my old home on the 12th inst., in excellent health, and found my family in the enjoyment of good health, since which time I have received the visits of many old and good friends. My heart has been often glad; yet nothing looks right. The people, though as clever as any in the world, don't look healthy as they do in Oregon; nor is the country like Oregon. I long to be there. I would not give my claim in Oregon for twenty miles upon the banks of the Ohio, and be compelled to remain in this country. Oregon is my country--my home--and just as soon as I can I will again be there with my family. I shall labor faithfully for the promotion of her interests, and let me say that I have little doubt of procuring the passage of such laws as are necessary for thar purpose.
    My letters will explain the reason why I came by New Orleans and not by Washington, as contemplated when I left Oregon. Ere long I will be in Washington. I will neglect nothing that I can do for our Territory.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, December 23, 1851, page 2



Dear Father
    Times are still dull. The largest portion of the emigration is now in the settlements, and I can't see that they have effected any material change in times except the reduction of 50 cts. per day on common labor and a good demand for flour. Money seems to be a little more plenty than when you left. We have not paid any debts since I wrote you, but will pay off the Ralston, Meek and I think the Adair debt soon. We had a great amt. of rain in the latter part of August and the first of this month, so much that it raised the river above the falls 4 or 5 feet, carrying off our temporary dam, but the weather has cleared up and the days are beautiful, and the river has fallen back to the old mark, leaving us very short of water again. There is more sickness in the country at this time than has ever been known, though nothing serious. I hope you have had a safe and speedy passage to the bosom of your friends, where I suppose you will learn of Emily's marriage to Creed Floed. Well, I hope he will make her a good and kind husband. I have not heard from Joe for some time, but I think Capt. Wm. Martin will be in soon from the Umpqua and bring some news from him. I have taken the amt. of stock on hand &c. and have the books so arranged as to show everything just right. I have no bookkeeper, as Mr. Davenport has left me. I have that to do myself. If we were not so pressed with our debts all the time nothing could keep us from making money pretty fast, but we are not able to buy wheat enough to keep the mill going and consequently have to let Abernethy & Barlow and one or two others make all the profits, but I have hopes that this state of things will not last always. Write to me as often as you can and let me know how all the folks are, and my children. You will certainly go down and see them. I will write again soon.
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear General
    Allow me to congratulate you upon your return to your old home. It gives me great pleasure to hear of your being again amongst us, and the representative of the New Empire in the Far West, although I regret that you have changed your residence on the Ohio for one on the Columbia.
    I learn that the executive committee of this county have sent you an invitation to come here whenever it may suit your convenience. Permit me to urge your acceptance of the invitation. I need not tell you what pleasure it would give your old soldiers to take you by the hand after so long a separation, that you know--but there are thousands of your friends here who have not had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you who would warmly welcome one of whom they have heard so much and in whom they have so much confidence. It is not entirely a selfish feeling that induces one to urge that, as you already know, your friends are determined to instill upon making you the Democratic candidate for President in 1852. You have the advantage of all the other candidates in this state because you have already so many personal friends your presence is all that [is] necessary to ensure your success. The committee have, I presume, informed you of the struggle in which we are engaged, and of the assistance which your presence will be to us. It is of the utmost importance that we should carry the state this fall, in view of the contest next year. I know that your sympathies are with us, and all we ask is that you will come and review our troops.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Evansville,
        In.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you some six weeks ago enclosing a bill for mill stones and irons. I hope that you will avail yourself of the earliest opportunity of shipping them, as much depends upon my receiving them at the earliest opportunity. Your Salem friends have got burrs and a smutting apparatus, consequently they are making a better article of flour than I possibly can, and are directing the mining trade from me.
    Abernethy will have a vessel leaving New York sometime during the winter, which will afford a good opportunity for shipping them direct to Portland. Whenever they are shipped forward the bills and I will immediately pay over the amt. to your agent here. You may think me importunate on this subject, however you will excuse my anxiety on that subject when you consider how much is depending upon the matter.
    I am now at Lafayette attending to the settlement of a difficulty in the Lodge between A. J. Hembree & Wm. Martin. I think it will be settled in a day or two.
    We have but little occurring here now that would interest you. The emigrants are arriving in tolerable condition. We have had some considerable rain during the early part of this month. Much wheat has been damaged, however the losses have not been sufficient to affect the market seriously.
    In politics we have nothing very interesting. You will see an able article in the Statesman in relation to the seat of government.
    It is generally supposed to have been written by Judge Pratt. I believe that all the Judges have expressed [illegible] against the liability of the location act. Where the next legislature will meet is a matter of great uncertainty. My candle has just about expired, and I must close in haste while I rem. yours truly
I am stopping with your friend Mat Davy [?], who after a diligent searching through his bachelor's apartments has been able to provide just sufficient candle to enable me to add this postscript, and enables [me] to kindly recommend to you
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Hon. Joseph Lane
        Sir
    The treaty with the Rogue River Indians was concluded on the 14th July last. On the 15th July Gov. Gaines left for Oregon City and I was left in charge of a party of 12 men on Rogue River at the request of the Indian agent H. H. Spalding to remain in the country with the Indians until the superintendent or himself should return and make a purchase of the Indian lands. The object of leaving me in the country was to see that the terms of the treaty were observed and to visit all the Indians. This was done thoroughly. And I returned to Oregon City on the 10th Sept. last and on presenting my account to the superintendent, Dr. Dart, he said he had not authorized Mr. Spalding to have a parley etc., consequently would not pay anything etc. Now Dr. Dart was at Oregon City when Govr. Gaines and Mr. Spalding returned--this was on the 22nd July--Mr. Spalding made his report to Dr. Dart. And Mr. Spalding wrote me on the 28th day July stating that "Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians about the 15th Sept. at the ferry on Rogue River or at Table Rock and requested I should retain what men I had and notify the Indians of his intention" etc. I done so--visiting all the Indians from the Kenyon on Umpqua to Table Rock on Rogue River, to which proposition the Indians consented.
    On the 14th day of August Dr. Dart dictated a letter to D. D. Bayley stating "if he would go into the Rogue River country and get the Indians to meet him at Port Orford he would pay him $5 per day and make the Indians a present" etc. Mr. Bayley reached Rogue River on the day I had concluded the arrangements with the Indians according to advice of Mr. Spalding. Upon the arrival of Bayley I hastened to Oregon City to see Dr. Dart before he should leave for Port Orford. I succeeded by making the trip in seven days and convinced Dr. D. of the impossibility of taking the Indians on the Coast, they never having been there and knowing nothing of it--besides it is almost an impossible chain of mountains etc. etc. Dr. D. again resolves to meet them in their own country and authorizes Mr. Cary (who is trading there) to say as much to the Indians.
    This, sir, is a brief account of this matter. My object in writing you is to get the use of your kindness and influence to see that the debt credited there (in all only $21.00) to be paid.
    Inasmuch as you are aware the importance of holding a treaty of peace with the Indians at the time Govr. Gaines made it and also the necessity of leaving a party with the Indians to see that the terms of the treaty be observed.
    I refer you to Govr. Gaines and Dr. Dart to satisfy you that I done the part assigned me faithfully and satisfactorily to both parties. I was with the Grave Creek Indians near a week and passed amongst them several times they were left perfectly friendly and expressed a disposition to remain so.
    And no well-disposed person can reasonably find fault with living upon terms of peace with those Indians knowing that their country abounds in gold mines and our people spreading over it daily. Long before I left many of the young Indian men had engaged and were working for the miners and were giving satisfaction. And I truly believe a better step could not have been taken than this one by Govr. Gaines.
    Indulging a hope you will honor my present request with your consideration,
        I remain
            Hon. Sir
                C. M. Walker
N.B. I am quite unwell, which I hope will serve as an excuse for this scrawl. C.M.W.



Dear Father
    By the last mail I recd. your letter from Panama of the 21st August, for which kindness I feel very grateful. I am extremely glad to learn of your safe arrival at that port in good health, as I feared much you would be sick on the trip.
    I have no news of importance; peace and quietude seems to prevail throughout the Territory until you arrive in the Rogue River country, and from that quarter we hear of some Indian depredation every day or two, but nothing of any importance.
    Squire T'Vault has returned from the country in the neighborhood of Port Orford, where he was not successful in viewing out a road from Fort Umpqua to Port Orford. He and three others are still surviving out of a party of nine whites, the other five having been murdered by the Indians of the Coquille River. T'Vault says that he discovered the most fertile valley on that river that mortal has ever been permitted to look upon. Ash, maple and other timber familiar to the Ohio and Wabash bottoms with the wild cucumber vine is to be found there in its most flourishing state, and he is of opinion that corn could be raised there in great abundance.
    Our mills or rather flour mill is doing a very fair business. Flour is advancing in California and is now worth from 14 to $16 per barrel. Our flour mill is kept running day and night and still making the best flour in the country. The new bridge will soon be completed. The old one is already tore down, and our railroad communication with Oregon City is for a few days suspended.
    I have not heard anything from Joe for some days. The last news he was on the claim, building houses and fence. I have no doubt but he will stay on the claim and keep improving until you get back with the family. You will miss the presence of Emily on your arrival at home, but I hope Mr. Floed will prove to be a good man and kind husband. Still I think they got the wedding up right quick. The rumor is that Gov. Gaines is going to send his family back to old Kentucky where I hope he will soon follow, as I think his services can easily be dispensed with.
    I am very glad to hear of our triumph in Kentucky, particularly in the Ashland district. Though Indiana has done well, yet I think they might have elected Lockhart. You will have learned ere this of our triumph in California, and I can assure you that Oregon recd. the news with three cheers. California in spite of all the wireworking and votes bought is Democratic. Poor Neely Johnson, I am afraid, will not get to Congress as easily as he may imagine. We are still working off old debts by degrees. My health is tolerable fair. Give my respects to all friends, Mother and the family in particular, and tell me whether things look natural or not. I will write by next mail to Washington. Write me.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir
        We have the pleasure to renew to you our congratulations upon your safe arrival to the bosom of your family after an absence of over three years. We are happy to greet you as our friend and fellow citizen, and hope you will do us the honor of meeting us and your numerous friends & partake of a public dinner to be served up upon the line of the Evansville & Illinois Railroad two miles north of the city on the 1st day of Novr. A.D. 1851 with consideration of the highest regard.
    Evansville October 20th A.D. 51--we have the honor to be

	James Lockhart	John Mitchell
	George B. Walker	R. W. Dunbar
	Wm. H. Walker	John S. Terry
	John T. Walker	Geo. H. Todd
	James T. Walker	W. R. Greathouse
	Cyrus K. Drew	Ben Stinson
	Simeon Long	Ira P. Granger
	N. J. James	Leroy Calvert
	M. J. Bray	Saml. McDonald
	Isaac Casselberry	C. M. Griffith
	Richard Raleigh	John M. App
	James P. Byrne	A. Liter
	Walter Raleigh	Peter Burk
	John Henson	Moses Ross
	Benj. Hume	John Cupples
	W. C. Saunders	Isaac Hutchinson

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mrs. M. L. Byba
    Dear Madam
        Your son, John Anderson, handed me ($502) five hundred and two dollars in Oregon to be delivered to you at Memphis. On arriving at Memphis I went to your residence where he expected I would find you, but you were not there. Your tenant who I found in your house promised to write you and let you know that I had that amount of money for you, with the request that you would write me at Evansville and direct me where to send the same, to you. Up to this time I have heard nothing from you. Please write me as soon as possible where to send the money, which shall be subject to your order at a moment's notice.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    Since my last nothing of interest has transpired. We have our new bridge so far completed that we can run the car over it. When it is roofed, weatherboarded and painted it will be one of the best improvements in Oregon. In the last ten days we have paid off the Ralston & Joe Meek debts, except a very small balance. I am very glad to learn through the Statesman that you arrived safely at "Havana" in good health and hope that the balance of your passage was attended with equal good fortune and health. We keep the flour mill running from 12 o'clock Sunday night until the same hour on Saturday night. We are not running the sawmill, nor will we until the rain commences sufficiently to raise the river. Flour is ready sale at $5 per hundred. Lumber is dull at $25 per M.
    Our island [Abernethy Island] has not been surveyed by Mr. Preston, and from all that we can learn the old survey only included about 2 acres, running no farther up the river than to the canyon at the upper corner or side of Thompson's house and there across to the channel at the upper side of the rack heap, leaving all that portion above entirely out, and we are beginning to feel a little anxiety about it. Holbrook and Preston have both been trying to find out all they can in reference to the Island, and Preston seems anxious to give us all that he can. Holbrook leaves for New York in November and will be able to give you more information than I can. I would like if you would suggest some mode by which we can hold it all. If it has to be done by occupancy we must go to work and build a breakwater in order to make a house stand or to protect the house, and if that has to be done the upper part will I suppose have to be surveyed separate and recorded.
    A Mr. Palmer, brother to Lieut. Palmer, came in yesterday from the Umpqua. He saw Joe, says he is well and hard at work on the claim. Mr. Thompson has been sorely afflicted with ulcerated sore throat but is nearly or quite sound again. Bush, as you will discover, keeps hitting away at the Whig officers here in power. He has the whole band (Dart and Hamilton excepted) down on him. We have had ten days of lovely weather. I suppose by the time this gets to you you will have entered on your laborious duties at the U.S. capital. I am frequently asked if you intend to bring your family to Oregon, and I answer by saying if you live. I will write often to the family. I wish you would have Mitchell to keep my babes at school.
    We think some of making an addition to the flour mill and putting in another run of burrs, that is, if we find we are not able to build a new mill. I hope in one more year to find ourselves out of debt and with some means at hand. Write to me if you please.
Genl. Jos. Lane
   
P.S. I weigh ten pounds more than when you left.
   
    Mrs. Thurston will write to you to solicit your aid in procuring her the books and documents lying in the Linn City P.O. Moore refused to give them up unless she will pay the postage. I hope you will render her all the aid you can, as I certainly consider that Jim Moore is the most contemptible of all pups.
    Dr. McLoughlin leaves in Nov. for Washington to endeavor to get back to himself the Oregon City claim, and I sincerely hope he will fail.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Lane,
    Having been called from home by business, which took me to Terre Haute, Bloomington & Indianapolis, a few days after your return--a trip from which I returned but a few days since--I have had no opportunity to run over to Newburgh, as I desired, to see you.
    And now, on my return, I find so much business here compelling my attention that, in order to attend the meeting of the 12th Novr. at Indianapolis, I shall have to forgo the pleasure of seeing you & our Evansville friends on the 1st.
    I write to inquire how & when you propose to start for Indianapolis. If, as I suppose you go by the river, via Madison, please inform me what day you propose to start, whether from Newburgh or from Evansville, &, if you know it, by what boat. I am very desirous to make one of the party, so that I can make up for lost time & have a long talk with you over matters & things in general.
    Cannot you make up a party to start from Evansville? I wish you would, & then I shd. be sure to make one of it.
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl
    For the first time since I parted with you at San Francisco I embrace an opportunity of writing to you. I assure you I have seen sights since we parted; I took passage on the Sea Gull and arrived at home on the 12th of August, and on the 15th again set out for Port Orford after having expended all my money for horses and outfit. As I was taken into the Port Orford Company upon condition that I should furnish four horses with their packs complete and return to Port Orford by the then returning Sea Gull and go myself to superintend and make as practicable a road from Port Orford to the interior [as possible]; in consideration I was to receive one-eighth of [the] entire enterprise.
    Accordingly I embarked on the 15th August from Portland and on the 21 took up my march from Port Orford with 18 men. [For] the result of my expedition see Oregon Statesman October 7th, enclosed.
    But I will enter more particulars into my sufferings as I can do so without it appearing egotistical, as my report was intended for publication and this is not. On the morning of the 14th Sept about ten o'clock myself and some of my men (for 9 had abandoned me two weeks before) were descending the Coquille River within 2 miles of its mouth on latitude 43°10' longitude 124°8' we came near the shore to try and get something to eat, for we had been without provisions for several days and were very weak and hungry. When within a few yards of the shore the edge of our canoe was seized by Indians who were in their canoes and near the shore and we were dragged near the shore; however, no manifestations of hostility were yet made, yet there was a great number of canoes & Indians in them also some 200 on the bank. We made signs and tried to get some provisions, but could not get any. We then tried to push off, but the Indians held onto our canoe. From the great number and our peculiar position we were anxious to get away without an attack [illegible]; as we would push off they would hold onto our canoe; finally they made a rush. Not less than fifty of them rushed upon us, sank our canoe and seized our arms before we could raise our guns to our [illegible], our arms was instantly taken from us and the most murderous attack made with clubs and knives. I was struck and hardly able to sit up in the canoe, but as I rushed to the shore was stabbed and knocked down by 2 blows, one on the breast, the other on the back, and suppose I was thrown into the river for dead or to be drowned if not dead. The first thing I remember I was some 20 or 30 feet from the shore in swimming water and was helped by a young Indian lad about 15 years old to get into a small canoe. The boy then ran to the other end of the canoe and assisted a Mr. Brush to get in the same canoe. He then jumped overboard and Brush and myself paddled the canoe to the opposite bank. When we got there, neither of us able to stand, we rolled out and crawled a few yards, pulled off our clothes and crawled up the bank. During the whole time there was the most dismal screams, the sound of strokes from clubs that it is possible to imagine, yet none of the Indians followed us. We continued our course by the sun, keeping in the thick chaparral all night, then went to the beach, traveled all night and the next day, and on the 16th arrived at Port Orford in so feeble a state there it required two Indians (as we had met with some friendly Indians on Monday night) to assist us to walk. It has been ascertained that three others of my party made their escape and went north to Umpqua. Some friendly Indians sent their squaws and found five dead bodies and buried them. Thus ended my first expedition. In a short time I am going to start upon a second overland expedition and [I] pray god that I shall have better luck. Genl Hitchcock has established a military post at Port Orford and ordered troops there. It is a good location, and I hope that he will continue it. When I arrived there on the 16th Sept. Lieut Wyman of the artillery was then building winter quarters. Since my defeat he ordered 150 men, part of the same troop that I went to California with last summer, back to Port Orford. They are under the command of Col Casey. If you can do us any good, do it.
    Political matters are as you left them. I think you are gaining popularity as far as I can learn.
    I want you to write to Capt Tichenor (his name is William Tichenor) and give me as favorable a recommend as you can, also to T. Butler King and Judge Pratt; those men are all my friends, but I wish them to know that I have other friends. King is popular with the army, also in California, yet he is a Whig, and it might be of service to me.
    You will see from the papers that my prospects are in the ascendancy, and by the help of God I will keep it there, for I will not drink or gamble.
    A. Holbrook goes to Washington; you must watch & pray he is a Whig.
    You ought to write letters to the Oregonian, also to the Oregon Times.
    I have got a quiver of arrows & bow that I got from those damnable Rogue River Indians that I am going to send you by [illegible] express or by Holbrook. I want you to exhibit them on all occasions and tell how you got them, who from, how I got them, who from, and how you have seen me and where.
    Now I will say that we are all in better health just at this time than ever you saw us. I am getting not only fat but corpulent. Mrs. T'Vault is fleshy to corpulent upon my honor. You would be astonished.
    In [omission] I hope you & your good family are all well.
                        I remain your old friend
                            W. G. T'Vault
                                Oregon City Nov. 1 1851
This letter was misread as being from 1857 and can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



Dear Father
    Since my last Mr. Preston has discovered that the survey does go above the rack heap some distance, say 12½ rods, making about as much above the rack heap as below it, so you see we are on the safe side. I have no news nor no time to write. Business is only tolerable good; we are crowded to overflowing with custom work, but unfortunately for us it don't pay. Capt. Hilborn has just come down from the Umpqua and says Joe is getting along very well, making improvements and some little money. We have had some very fine weather, but it is now raining. Waldo, your old friend, wants you to examine the patent of a planing machine, invented at Albany, New York, and ascertain the price &c. &c. And also Mrs. Husted wishes you to write her what you done with some papers she placed in your hands & if you have lost them she wishes you to bear in mind the purport of the papers as your evidence may be required &c. &c.
Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon Joseph Lane
        Sir
    Some time since I wrote you on the subject of my claims against the Indian agency. I am apprehensive that that letter has miscarried. I therefore presume upon your patience to make a brief statement of this matter and solicit your influence to secure me as speedily as convenient the amount of my claims.
    The day after the ratification of a treaty of peace with the Rogue River Indians Mr. Spalding the acting agent resolved to leave a party of men under me to see that the terms of the treaty were observed until he could confer with the superintendent Dr. Dart at Oregon City and return to the tribe and make a purchase of their lands. He left Rogue River on the 15th day of July and arrived at Oregon City on the 22nd of the same month. He wrote me on the 28th of July stating that Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians at some convenient point in their country and purchase their lands and requested me to retain the men under me and give the Indians notice that such was the intention of the superintendent and that I would convene the Indians at such convenient point on the 15th day of September. I proceeded to obey these orders by going through the whole tribe from the Kenyon on the Umpqua to the Table Rock. After I had finished this understanding with the Indians, Dr. Dart sent Mr. Bayley to the Rogue River country with a letter authorizing him, Mr. Bayley, to take the Indians to Port Orford as per Mr. Bayley. Mr. Spalding wrote me a letter stating that he was sorry that Dr. Dart had changed his purpose of meeting the Indians on the 15th of September and requested me to dismiss the men under me. On the day after the receipt of this letter I started for Oregon City and arrived there in time to see Dr. Dart before he left for Port Orford. I told him the impossibility of getting the Indians to go to Port Orford &c. He then resolved to meet the Indians in the course of six weeks in their country and trade with them for their lands &c. He proceeded to Port Orford and returned, and finally declined trading with the Indians this season at all, but sent out Judge Skinner, the agent for that district with a few presents, &c. &c. Mr. Dart refused at the time of my return to pay me, and still refuses to do [so] as he says until he can get advices from Congress. The reason he assigns for not paying me and my party is that he did not approve the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving a party in the country--besides, he had not approved the treaty of peace made with the Indians by Govr. Gaines.
    I have no disposition to impugn what the Dr. states, but really there is such a plain discrepancy in his sayings and doings I cannot act otherwise than to notice it.
    In the first place he instructs Mr. Spalding to go to the Rogue River country and at whatever cost to remove from among the Indians any and all persons who have killed innocent Indians, & to adopt the most advisable steps to produce harmony &c. &c. Mr. Spalding done so. The Dr. told me he did not authorize the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving the party under me in that country. As I before stated, Mr. Spalding returned from Rogue River to Oregon City on the 22nd July and reported what had been done. Mr. Spalding wrote me from Oregon City on the 28th July stating the Dr. would meet the Indians on the 15th Sept. and for me to continue the men in the service &c. &c. This does not look like the Dr. did not approve what was done by Mr. Spalding. He certainly did not disapprove it, or the party would have been dismissed at once instead of keeping me from July until September, performing the most hazardous hardships--and using my own and some of my party's money in furthering the wishes of the agent.
    You were present in the country at the time the treaty was about to be made. You are aware [of] the necessity of the treaty of peace, of which it will be useless for me to speak.
    As for what I have done I can refer you to Govr. Gaines, Mr. Spalding and even to Dr. Dart himself. I am sorry I have to resort to this humiliating method of importuning any person of power to arrive at a well-earned and established right. 
    I left my family and home for the purpose of mining on Rogue River or Shasta. I was in the Rogue River Valley at the time the treaty was making, and was under Govr. Gaines for that purpose. After this Mr. Spalding prevailed upon me to remain with the party for the purposes before stated. I abandoned my mining purpose, disposed of my tools, provisions &c. at a sacrifice and used my (all I had) money in providing for the occasional wants of the party and in paying some of the discharged men.
    I am now at home without a dollar in pocket, and without any visible method of soon getting any. I certainly claim that this abuse on the part of Dr. Dart is entirely unwarranted and without a parallel.
    The money due me and my party should be paid, and if Dr. Dart has forfeited his bonds to government it is a matter between himself and government.
    I think it quite a low and very mean subterfuge in Dr. D. to keep the important, hazardous and assiduously industrious services of myself and comrades in the Rogue River country, among a tribe of entirely savage people (and these too just out of a destructive war with our people) as we [are] waiting for our hard-earned pennies until he can receive advices from the home department, dodging the consequences of a responsibility that he might incur if he paid the amount at once, when in fact the labor we were performing was of the most pressing importance to the government, and the mining community on the one hand, and for Christianity's sake, for the bettering and improving the condition of this untaught and entirely ignorant people on the other. True, it was his duty to have done this in person but if calls from other neighboring tribes rendered it impossible at that time, and if the ends were accomplished by me, that could only have been done by himself what is the difference?
    I will follow the theme no farther, and regret I have troubled you to such length on this subject--you will pardon me.
    Allow me the honor of hearing from you at your earliest convenience
        And believe me
            Most respectfully yours
                C. M. Walker





To the Honbl. Gen. Lane
    Sir, as our acquaintance is but slight you will naturally be somewhat surprised at my intruding myself upon your notice and time, and it is with extreme diffidence that I address you yet. Gen. Lane will pardon the assurance of a soldier. I have a favor to ask or I should not this intrude, therefore I crave your patience while I relate our grievance. You doubtless recollect the time of my departure from Redding's Diggins for Scotts River, as I applied to you for information relative to the nature of this region and the best route to travel. I think it was one year ago last August I came on to Scotts River and have been here since. We located in Scotts Valley and built the first house ever raised in the valley. There were several interested in the rancho because it was deemed unsafe for less to reside in the valley. Myself and B. E. Simmons bought out the rest and paid them in dust, provisions and labor rated very high and we had but few animals. But all there was we had therefore spent our money and time anticipating that our claim would be valuable in time. That time has arrived. Claims have been sold at six and twelve thousand dollars the past summer. Col. McKee, however, U.S. Indian agent, arrived here this fall and has designated the most valuable portion of Scotts Valley as an Indian reserve, i.e., the lower end of the valley and covers many valuable claims and improvements. Most of the occupants of these claims will apply through the Com. of Indian Affairs at Washington for damages. I have written out a statement of the facts and an application and forwarded it by Col. McKee to the Com. at Washington. Therefore I would most respectfully solicit your attention and influence in our favor. We are the first and most unfortunate settlers of Scotts Valley.
    I am sir very respectfully your
        Obedient Servant
            S. R. Lewis
To the Hon. Gen. Lane




Bardstown Herald, Kentucky, February 4, 1852, page 1



Dear Father
    I wish to say a word or two in reference to the [capital] location question. Whatever you do, don't favor Oregon City and the federal officers. They have arrayed themselves against the people and their representatives who met at Salem, and I feel confident will through their chief actor (A. Holbrook Esq.) try to lead you astray from the true principles. Some of your best Democratic friends think you have so much confidence in Mr. H. that you could be influenced by him against your own as well as the true interests of the people of the Territory. But I am satisfied that you are too old a hand in such matters to be deceived by a man belonging to the opposite party. But still I think whenever an opportunity offers to undeceive the people in reference to your standing with the Whig officers it would be well to do so.
    There is one other thing I want to urge upon you, and that is the necessity of procuring the passage of such a bill as will give the people of the Territory the power to elect all their officers, to be paid as before out of the Treasury of the United States, and again I would say for God's sake don't allow yourself to be led astray by letters or anything coming from the Whig officers.
    The river is higher now than any time since the great flood in '49 and is still rising slow, but as it has not rained any for 56 hours we don't think it can rise much more. It has done us but little damage yet, nothing in fact but carrying off some one or two hundred saw logs.
    Mr. Thompson's family is still afflicted; his little daughter Elly is now very sick with inflammatory fever. You must write to Mr. Thompson. I know he would be glad to get a letter from you.
    I have not heard from Joe for some time, but suppose he writes to you. My health is very good. I am getting along very well in the milling business, making but little in the way of cash, but paying off some debts which you know is equivalent.
    I will write you often and try to keep you posted on such matters as I think are of importance to the Territory and your own well being. Your friends send their compliments. You must not fail to send the papers to those who sent money by you to pay subscription.
    Write me as often as you can.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Gen. Lane
    Dear Sir
When I last saw you at Shasta I did not learn your views concerning the land law. For my part I am not well pleased that the government plainly held out the inducement that each emigrant should receive in his own right 640 acres of land & 320 in addition in right of his wife also 160 acres for each child & a like quantity for children born in the territory for five years after emigrating & settling. Now this is the broad feature of the bills from 43 down to the worse than useless bill that passed 27th Sep. / '50. Why curtail the land grants? When will the country settle? Who will confine himself for 4 years and dig for the bare pittance of a few roods of land in the black mountains of Oregon? We are driven out of the California market by Cape Town and Valparaiso & the small grants of land is depopulating Oregon at an astounding ratio.
    That you will have some desirable amendments made to the law I have no doubt,and I hope that the grants may be so enlarged as will induce emigrants to settle with us. I think if you will examine the premises you will see a fitness in the Government confirming to all those who emigrated previous to the treaty, all they ever promised then. It was in November '42 that I turned my face towards Oregon. I have at my own expense been three sessions at Washington & according to the land law I have not enough of land to dig my grave on. What I have sold is gone from me forever & that of my wife traveled by military reservation & also Mrs. Welch.
    I was stopped improving here by force of arms after laying out $1500. I have lost by the soldiers in stock and other tangible avails $1000 & was pirated away from my goods on the Hackstaff upwards of $300. The main occupation of the militia here you know all about, & you will please at least keep me advised in relation to it, if the govt. want the place please have the last section of the law so amended that we get paid the fair valuation of the land as well as improvements. Should you fall in with Dr. Dart please present me kindly & say (if you think so) that I should be paid my losses on Rogue River by the Indians. Present me most kindly to Mr. Buchanan should you fall in with him & accept for yourself my highest esteem.
Hon. Gen. Lane 
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Father
    This morning I recd. a letter from you dated Washington Dec. 4th / 51 and have an opportunity of answering it immediately, as the mail steamer Columbia lays over two days at Portland. In reference to the survey of the Island you may rest satisfied that I will have it attended to at the first low water and have the survey recorded per your instructions. I wrote to Judge Skinner, who is on the Rogue River, about those notes. I sent him a copy of the recpt. and Judge Bryant's order, keeping the original myself until I recd. the notes. I have not heard from Skinner yet, but think I will get some news from him ere long. I wrote to him to send me the notes by the first opportunity. No news of interest afloat in this section of country. The people's legislature at Salem will adjourn tomorrow, "sine die" I suppose. Bush has been up at Salem during the session and is expected to return this week. And as I think I said something about his having something to do with the editing of the Vox Populi I will here place that matter right, as I have since been informed that he refused to have anything to do with the paper, but to accommodate the members let out the use of his small press and type to the gentlemen who got the paper up. We sustained a loss of $735 worth of logs by the late high water, but no damage was done to the mills except stopping them about two weeks with back water, but I have them both going now and am making some lumber and flour and a very little money. I am getting rid of old debts and hope to get them about all worked off during this year. Times are pretty hard and money not very plenty, I assure you. I have not recd. anything from Joe for some time, though I have written frequently. I don't expect him down until sometime next summer. Mr. Thompson has moved up on the hill in the house that Gov. Gaines occupied when you left. He has bought some land and concluded to try farming. His family are regaining their health. T'Vault has not been 3 weeks at home since you left. He is now up in the Umpqua pretending to look out a road to Port Orford, but I fear he will do no good neither for himself nor country.
    I cautioned you against Amory Holbrook in my last, and I again repeat it: He will bear watching. You can't imagine how odious he has made himself among the Oregonians. I hope you will do all you can for Oregon and that you may do all things right. Write me often. I will do the same.
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Messrs. Greenbury and James B. Martin,
    Gentlemen, Capt. Wm. J. Martin has forwarded to me a power of attorney to "collect by suit or otherwise to receive and receipt for the same" two promissory notes executed by Greenbury Martin and James B. Martin of Platte County, Missouri for the sum of five hundred and thirty-three dollars each, with ten percent interest bearing date April 3rd 1846, payable to William J. Martin three years after date. These notes as you are aware are filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Platte County. One of the votes is entitled to a credit of one hundred and sixty dollars, Sept. 29th 1849.
    On yesterday I recd. a letter from William informing me that he is in great need of money and requesting me to write you without delay and beg you to pay the above notes in time to forward the money by May next. This I hope you will readily do. I urge this the more for the reason that I know that William's engagements will seriously embarrass him without he can get the money due him from you. Upon the payment of the above-named notes I am authorized to execute all proper releases or conveyances necessary to discharge any mortgage or collateral security of any kind whatsoever, and to do all other things necessary to be done in the premises.
    Permit me, gentlemen, to beg you to write me immediately upon the receipt of this letter and let me know when you can discharge the debt above mentioned. I have no doubt of your ability and willingness to pay this debt. Let me know how and when I can get the money. Write me and also your member of Congress Mr. Hall if necessary to ensure the forwarding of this transaction.
    Direct to Washington City, D.C. I shall be here until the close of the session.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Lane,
    I have just received, with a great deal of satisfaction, your letter of the 23rd Jany.
    It is usually to us a matter of satisfaction & of pride when any of our predictions, made at a time when few men had faith in them, seem likely to come true. So it is, in this case. You may remember that some three years ago I wrote you a long letter to Oregon, in which I laid before you, in detail, the train of reasoning by which I arrived at the conclusion that your chance for the next nomination for the Presidency was better than that of any other man. I expressed the same opinions in a Democratic caucus of the members of the Legislature, called to nominate some candidate & who, having got through, sent for me, on the spur of the moment, to give them a talk. Many thought I was not sincere. Others than I was extravagant. I am so much accustomed & have been, all my life, to such accusations, that I said little except that time would show whether I was right or wrong.
    From that day to this, not only have I continuously heard my judgment impugned, but also my motives questioned, for the course I then took. You ask me why I had not written to you. In part, because I have been incessantly occupied, ever since the session opened. But that was not the sole, nor the chief reason: for, busy or not busy, one can always match half an hour to write to a friend. It had been so often thrown up to me that I was supporting you from selfish considerations & not because I thought you the best man, that I shrunk from obtruding either advice or assistance, especially as it seemed to me when you were here, that your own faith in the chances of success was not strong. I had received also--that I may as well confess to you--a letter from a northern Democrat, who is a warm friend to Cass & opposed to you, in which he said he knew that I had sinister motives in supporting you, that I did so against my better judgment, knowing Cass to be a much abler man &c. I wrote him back a letter that he won't forget in a hurry, about as sharp as the slip I enclose you, in reply to a recent attack of Holloway, of Wayne, on my religious views.
    But the letter nettled me a good deal more than such a piece of silly trash ought to have done. And it had a good deal to do with my delay in writing to you, until I should have a line from your hand.
    Enough of this. Of one thing, my dear Lane, you may rest assured; you may find a hundred friends who will make much louder protestations than I of desire to render service, but not one who, when the time comes, will work more earnestly or steadily in your cause.
    It will give me very great pleasure, as delegate for the state at large, to attend the Baltimore convention, & I know no one whose cooperation, in the same position, would be more efficient than Bright's. If you will write to a few leading men here, or who are likely to be here, expressing your wishes on the subject, it will doubtless ensure the nomination, at all events of myself, & I hope of Bright. The only doubt on the latter point arises from the feud existing between Bright & the Governor, a difficulty which I well know you regret as much as I do. But I think, by Bright's nomination for reelection as Governor & Bright's nomination as delegate from the state at large, hard feelings may be softened & the wound healed over. I'll do what I can do to arrange it. Let me know in whom Bright chiefly confides, of those likely to be at the convention, and I will cooperate with them to secure Bright's nomination as delegate.
    I have many old friends, former colleagues in Congress, who, I think, have faith in my sincerity & some confidence in my judgment, & whom I am likely to meet at Baltimore. With them I think I can have some influence.
    I am well satisfied that a new man will be taken. The old politicians have, every one of them, too much weight to carry, & public opinion expects a new man. If, as we suppose here, Scott is to be the Whig candidate, that will be a very strong argument for you over Douglas. There is a very general feeling here that Douglas has been making very great exertions & spreading much money. But I think he began the game too early & played it too barefacedly. I am not at all surprised to hear your opinion, that his chances are small. I always thought that Wm. J. Brown & others have overrated them.
    It is of great importance that your personal friends thereto be nominated as delegates, men who will work for you, not violently but perseveringly, first, last & all the time. I shall see to this when the time comes. Send me the names of those men who you think may be implicitly confided in.
    I advise that you write to Stewart, clerk of the court here, if you have not already done so. He is a true friend of yours. Would not Major McCoy be a suitable delegate from his district?
    There will be no difficulty in sending up delegates, without instructions as to first or second choice. That is the proper course, & I'll see to it that it is taken.
    Remember me kindly to Bright & Whitcomb & to our delegation in the lower house.
To Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        Agreeably to your request previous to your departure for the capital, I take up my pen to inform you of passing events in this country. You are aware no doubt of the excitement here growing out of the disagreement of the members as to the proper place of holding the Territorial Legislature and also the course pursued by the court and the Hon. O. C. Pratt as well as all the other officers of the government. There will no doubt be an effort to entangle you with and in these difficulties. Your good sense I am satisfied will dictate the proper course for you to pursue in the premises. The nullifiers, as their opponents call them, depend entirely on your influence to carry the matter through Congress and have their acts approved, right or wrong. Judge Pratt is the man to be benefited by the measure if successful. He was entirely and politically down. It was neck or nothing with him, nothing to lose, and all to gain. If the measure succeeds Pratt is to be the next Delegate. He is writing himself into notice. See article in the last Statesman [January 27, 1852, page 1] signed La Creole, Nesmith Mills, Polk Co. Strange as it may appear, it was written by his Hon. O. C. Pratt.
    The improvement of our rivers are matters that the people of this Territory are all interested in, and of vastly more importance to all the good people than the mere question as to where the Legislature shall meet. I hope and have no doubt that you will use your influence to have an appropriation for the improvement of the Clackamas rapids, and if an appropriation is made care should be taken to have suitable commissioners appointed so that the money would be properly applied. If left to the Legislature a large portion of it would be squandered, I have no doubt, without any beneficial result, but would be the subject of political dissensions.
    Appropriations for Territorial roads are much needed, and without some appropriations from Congress it would be a long time before suitable roads would be made for the inland communication between the extremes of the Territory. It would facilitate trade and would be the means of settling up the country.
    The late land law of Congress seems to be a subject of some interest, as you know, in this country. As to its general features I can't say that I can find much fault with it. [It] might have been that a law might be devised that would suit my own case better, but whether the country at large would be as much benefited I very much doubt. To simplify and make its provisions more intelligible would be a matter that would benefit the whole community, and some of the details of the bill might be much improved.
    The extinguishment of the Cayuse War debt by the general government is anxiously looked for and is no more than common justice to those who gave their time and means for the support of that war that they should be paid the full amount of their claims, and that government should make liberal donations [of] land to all that served in the war. All those things are matters of general interest with us which I have no doubt will receive a full share of your influence and attention.
    The reestablishment of United States troops in our Territory is anxiously looked for, not in the cities but on the frontier.
    We have had a very pleasant winter. So far the lumber trade is improving and business is brisk in every branch except the mercantile; that is rather dull.
    I hope you will write me and favor me with public documents &c. direct to Linn City. I will write again as soon as I receive a line from you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir;
    At the last session of Congress an act was passed appropriating the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for a lighthouse, fog signals &c. at the mouth of the Umpqua River in Oregon Territory. Will you please inform me what steps, if any, have been taken to carry out the object of this appropriation. The interest of the southern portion of that Territory will be greatly promoted by the speedy erection of the lighthouse and other improvements at the mouth of this river for which this appropriation was made, and I am exceedingly desirous that should this appropriation of fifteen thousand be found insufficient for the immediate construction of these works, at this session I may secure further appropriation sufficient to secure the completion of the work.
    You will oblige me by furnishing me with such information upon this subject as may be in your possession, at your earliest convenience.
To Hon. Secy. of Treasury
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir;
    I have read with great interest a copy of the letter addressed to the Commr. of the Genl. Land Office by John Evans, Geologist for the Territory of Oregon, in reference to his geological surveys in that Territory and by that office kindly furnished me.
    I am well aware of the inestimable importance of a geological survey of that country as essentially conducive to the development of its rich and valuable resources, and I am pleased that the indomitable energy and experienced ability of Professor Evans has been appointed to that labor. It seems from the letter to which I allude that a further appropriation of ten thousand dollars will be necessary in order to carry on this survey during the coming year. Like Prof. Evans I am an economist, and anxious that all appropriations for the use should be disbursed as well as created with a view to economy as well as utility. I am, however, decidedly in favor of this appropriation thus asked by Prof. Evans, and in order to obtain it will thank you for such estimates, reports &c. as may be in your possession establishing the necessity for such an appropriation, upon which I may base my propositions to that effect before the House of Representatives. I shall also be under obligations to you for any other aid and information in reference to this subject you may be pleased to extend me.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed I send you some petitions in relation to mail routes.
    I received your kind letter of support 1 ult. I suppose that you had not received any of mine at that date. I had written you twice in relation to the purchase of mill stones, but had received no answer.
    I see that the good people of Louisiana gave you a kind and welcome reception. I was interested in the report of your speech, especially that part in which you stated that you had "prayed" daily for the preservation of the Union. I think that I recalled having heard one of your petitions to the throne of grace, offered up about the time you rolled down the mountain. I shall never forget that prayer!!!
    Your friends here all remember you affectionately.
    I saw Nat last week. He was getting along well. Joe is still on his claim.
    I suppose that you have correspondents who keep you fully advised of all our political movements. The people are making it rather warm here just now for the Whig political officers. I will write you again shortly at length. In the meantime believe me
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Sir;
    I wrote a few days ago to Mr. Hamlin in relation to an exchange of certain commodities of these islands free of duty for certain others of Oregon and California. You are doubtless aware that the sugar plantations here are struggling for existence, and that since California has begun to supply herself with potatoes and other vegetables these Islands have but little to export with which to pay for the goods which still continue to come from all parts of the world. If Sandwich Island's sugar could be admitted into Oregon and California free of duty in consideration of the admission of flour, lumber and salmon from our coast free here, it would be a gain on both sides. If you will examine our treaties with Mexico, Ecuador, Peru &c. you will see that in such case they too could bring their sugar [to] California and Oregon free as the same conditions being entitled to all the privileges of the most favored nations, but I do no find anything in our treaties with Spain or China which would entitle them to the privilege. (I have only the old edition of the laws and later copies in pamphlets.) It is Chinese and Manila (Spanish) which competes most with that of the islands. The Spanish American states have not much to sell. I wish you would see the California Senators and Reps. and Gen. Lane, the Delegate from Oregon, and learn their views on the subject and if it shall be found that the thing can be done without involving us in a difficulty with any of the countries with which we have treaties yielding them the privileges of the most favored nations. I hope an arrangement may be made. The planters here are nearly or quite all Americans, and more Americans would come if sugar cultivation were made profitable. It would give the American population a controlling preponderance here which no adverse causes could overthrow. As it is now this is not so certain. The present King's ministers are all right, but we cannot be sure of keeping them in, for there is an anti-American influence constantly plotting against them, and trying to prejudice the King against them. He is much addicted to the bottle. His ministers try to keep him sober--their enemies try to get him drunk and to profit by it as they do, some of them being his boon companions. In this state of things there is no knowing what he may do. He cannot live long unless he alters his course. The Protestant missionaries all have strong American partialities and great influence. The Catholic missionaries are all hostile to annexation, and they have made proselytes of nearly two fifths of the natives. These are facts to be considered, for the popular branch of the legislative body is elected by universal suffrage. These native Catholic converts can all be taken to the polls like a flock of sheep. Already they have had their tickets marked with a cross † to prevent mistakes in voting. If they get a majority they will control the house of representatives. We want more white population from the States, and the commercial arrangement I speak of would secure this while it would injure nobody on your side of the continent. Sugar is as much an article of necessity as coffee or tea--nay, more so, and would be better entitled to into the U.S. free of duty, but for the principle of protection. We raise sugar in Louisiana, Florida and Texas, but no tea or coffee. I therefore would not desire to take off anything from the 30 percent on sugar on your side [of] the continent. But the admission of Sandwich Island sugar into the Pacific States would not affect the American planters on the Atlantic side. I have written to Mr. Webster on this subject, but do not know what his views are or the President's. You will see the propriety of not giving me as authority for what I have said of the King's dissipation. He is very friendly to me and I wish to keep him so. Wish I could keep him sober. He has good sense, but not so strong as his appetite.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



To the Hon. Joseph Lane Delegate from Oregon
    Dear Sir, the object of my writing to you is to request you to have one of the best Democratic weekly newspapers that is printed in Washington City sent to me. My friend Waldo informed me that if you would pay for it and write me a line authorizing me to pay the money to him that he would settle with you. If this course does not suit you, I would be glad you would write me a line prescribing the course that I should take in transmitting the money. If you have a paper sent to me, have all the back numbers sent from the commencement of the present session of Congress.
    Our once happy country is now in a deplorable situation. The Governor and 2 of the judges are overriding the laws enacted by the people's representative. The Legislature in turn have attempted to render those judges as harmless as possible by districting the Territory anew and giving Judge Nelson Clackamas Co. & Judge Strong the north side of the Columbia & Judge Pratt the balance of the Territory. Judge Pratt will hold a court in those counties taken from Judge Nelson's former district & Judge Nelson will attempt to hold a court in those counties also, the Democrats arrayed on the one side and the Whigs on the other, and what will be the result God only knows. All persons desiring good order is looking to the Congress of the United States for relief by declaring the laws enacted by the people's representatives to be valid or to the great Democracy of the Union by rising in her majesty & hurling those pretended haters of proscription from their high places & electing men in their stead that will behead Old Dinwiddy and the balance of those vampires that has been quartered upon us by the federal government against our will. I have no doubt of your willingness and your ability to do all that is in your power to do, in relieving us from our present situation, and if you should be elected President of the United States I have no doubt that Old Dinwiddy's days will be numbered; at any rate in that event if you do not dismiss him as soon as you get the President's chair fully warmed I shall never vote for you again for any office be it great or small.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Gen. Joseph Lane--
    Sir, I again endeavor to communicate to you respecting some of the most important incidents of the times. There has arrived, and is still arriving by both roads, vastly the largest emigration that has ever entered this territory. They have suffered considerably by sickness, and some loss of property as is usual.
    But the greatest calamity and that which gives me pain to record is the murder of the helpless emigrant by the ruthless savage.
    There has been a number of men, and as many as three families of women and children, most shockingly butchered, to my knowledge. Also four young men who met the emigration to assist and protect them have been slain, one of them a gallant young man of your acquaintance, John Quinsby, who turned out with you when you pursued the deserters.
    Dear sir, in this instance permit me to tender you my heartfelt thanks for your endeavors to procure protection for those helpless emigrants. Also you deserve the abiding gratitude of the people of both Oregon and California for the same exertions.
    A great portion of the emigration has come the South Road and have arrived in the Rogue's River, Klamath and Scott River valleys, and with but little loss of property. Some have taken claims for the purpose of farming, others for the purpose of mining, and are generally well pleased with the prospects before them.
    And there is in this country still room for thousands of others. The emigration by coming this road, as you know avoids the sand desert at the sink of Mary's River [the Humboldt], and the California mountains on the south, Snake River and the Blue Mountains on the north, hence the advantage of saving their stock.
    The citizens have resolved to meet the emigrants on the South Road in sufficient force for their protection in the ensuing season in case they do not get information of troops coming that they can rely on.
    The emigrants coming the South Road should leave the Fort Hall road at the Soda Springs and strike directly to the head of Humboldt or Mary's River, which road is now quite plain, having been traveled very extensively this year. The emigrants in traveling on this road should by all means keep in companies of sufficient size for self-protection, say from fifteen to twenty men strong at least, and keep the Indians at a proper distance. And at any and all times prepared to defend themselves; suffer no individuals or families to fall behind, or get too far in the advance, for if they do they will assuredly be butchered.
    I for one, and can not feel otherwise, than to hold the present administration as responsible for the butcheries on the defenseless women and children the present season. They heard the voice of humanity and heeded not! Hundreds of families set out with full faith and belief that they were traveling under the protection of the strong arm of the government from promises made by the government, of protection, but lo they found it not! And the consequence has been that the innocent babes have been torn from the bosom of their mothers, and their blood caused to welter upon the sand of the desert.
    Where the Oregon road leaves the California, one hundred miles above the sink of Mary's River, is where the emigrants may expect to be met. From this place to Rogue River mines is about two hundred and eighty miles (Jacksonville). The distance from the same place to Sacramento being about four hundred. The advantage of the Oregon road here is in its ample supply of grass and water, and also its good traveling with the exception of a small portion of the road which I will here state.
    From the turning off, you proceed twelve miles up a dry creek to its head at a spring to the left hand on a point, good, fresh water, some grass.
    Thence fifteen miles to two small springs immediately on the roadside, but little grass. Thence twenty miles across the bed of a dry lake, beautiful road, to Black Rock, plenty of grass, but bad water. From here the emigrants has plenty of grass and water and a good road, and can camp almost where they please. Here the emigrants must watch their stock and keep a sharp lookout for Indians. And shoot every chance, for they may rest assured that the Indians will do the same by then if they can. If there is any items of information in this letter which you may deem of interest to the public you may hand it to some editor for publication.
    Your humble servant, Lindsay Applegate.


Dr. Father
    In my last I omitted to tell you that Mr. Bush had paid me for that paper you purchased for him. I placed the amt. to your credit and charged you with his bill for printing. The mills are doing very well at this time; lumber is in good demand at $25 per M., and flour still continues high, worth now $12 per 100 lbs. Wheat is 3 & 3¼ dolls. per bus. All kinds of provisions are high.
    The emigrants are still coming; their suffering this season has been great, and had not the fall been a very dry, warm and favorable one, thousands more would have died. Mr. Babcock of Inda., Longmaker of Pa. and Allen of Pittsburgh have all arrived and presented letters from you. The former and latter are still in Oregon and seem to be well pleased with the appearance of things. Mr. L. left for the States by the last steamer.
    I have recd. many valuable documents from you for which I offer my thanks. Those that you wish preserved will be placed in the top of my trunk, there to remain until your return. John McCracken has recd. several documents from you and feels under many obligations. I hope you will continue to send to him, as he is an uncompromising Democrat and a gentleman of the first water and one of your strongest friends.
    Judge Nesmith would like to be appointed Marshal of Oregon. I hope you will give your influence in securing for him that appointment. I want you to get him the appointment for two or three reasons. One is that I believe him to be one of your warmest friends; another is he is a good Democrat and will be of service to the party while traveling over the country discharging the duties of the office, and the last is I think Joe Meek ought to be turned out by a Democratic administration. He is no Democrat, nor is he a man in whom confidence can be placed. I hope you will not neglect the Judge.
    I recd. your order on Walker for 36 dolls., but unfortunately he has gone to Puget's Sound, and I don't know when I will see him. However, I will try to see him if he should come up here soon. I hope you have recd. my power of attorney and have sold or will be able to sell all my property. You still persist in coming across the plains. I wish you would change your mind and come by the Isthmus. You could then be here in time to help us in the next Delegate election, and I know it is less dangerous. I will write again soon. I hope you will write often. My respects to all friends.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    Yours of August 24th is now before me, for which favor you will please accept many thanks. I would have complied with your request and sent you those papers relating to the "Island" if I could have got my eye on Abernethy since I recd. your letter, but he has been out of town for several days. I will try however and get them ready to send to you by next mail. I will here mention to you that I had the Island surveyed this fall, and find that it contains several acres more than the Applegate survey calls for, and also that the last plat and survey was handed in to Preston in R. R. Thompson's name. I mention this so that you & him need not conflict in proving up the claim, for if it is claimed by you there and him here it may give trouble and show a want of system. I wish you would write to me or Thompson on this subject and let us know what to do. I know that it is not good policy to get the thing in such a shape that it could not be understood, and if it is filed in the Genl. Land Office in your name it should be so on the Surveyor Genl.'s books here. Write me if you please on this subject.
    Flour still continues high, now worth $12 per 100 lbs. Lumber 20 & 30 dolls. per M. All kinds of provisions are high. The emigrants are about all in. Their number is differently estimated, but I suppose that I would not be far out of the way to say there was 10,000 all told, which you see makes quite a show in this wooden country.
    Well, the President's election is over, and I sincerely hope that Pierce is President, but it will be some time before we way out here in Oregon will know the result. I suppose you are in Indiana at this time and having a nice time over the Democratic victory. I would like to be there today just to crow over our success, but our time will come by and by, and after the 4th of March next what a shuffling there will be of Whig office holders. Tell Mr. Pierce for me that if he leaves one Whig in office that I hope he may meet with the same fate Harrison and Taylor did, and I am pretty sure he will. I don't know whether or not you want any office, but if you do I wish you would let me suggest to you that of Governor. There is no other office in Oregon that I would like so well to see you filling as that of Governor. I don't know yet who will apply for the Surveyor Genlship of Oregon, but I think a Mr. Zieber will. If he applies I think you will be safe in recommending him, as I believe him honest and capable and know him to be a Democrat of the right stamp. Mr. Zieber came to this country last year from Illinois; he formerly edited a Democratic paper in Peoria and is poor, and I would like to see him occupying a station that would pay him for his services. O. C. Pratt knows him personally and can give you more information than I can. Bush's letter that you spoke of has not yet come.
    I hope you will write regular and often. Do send something to Thos. Waterbury. He says you have never sent him anything since you left. Try if you can to send papers and documents to everybody in the county during the next session. These Oregonians are fond of being noticed, and I hope you will accommodate them.
Jos. Lane
   
I have not seen Joe in 14 months. He never writes to me. I hear he is in the mines & says he won't go back to the claim. I am uneasy about him.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    You will see by the caption of this that I am not at present in Oregon. I left Oregon about the first of this month for the purpose of going to the States to buy machinery for a new flouring mill, but on the passage to this place I was taken sick with dysentery and from that to fever. I am undergoing medical treatment in this place and hope in two weeks to be able to return to Oregon, as I have given up going any farther. Mr. Thompson is here on his way to the States to buy sheep. He will see you at Washington. I send to you by him six hundred dollars. I send it to you for fear you may be cramped, and as I desire that the $500 be paid to Pratt for Bush. Bush has paid me that amt. besides your paper bill.
    Mr. Thompson will give you a draft and description of the machinery we want for the mill, and now let me urge you to have it bought and shipped insured &c. as quick as possible. If there is no vessel there for Oregon, ship them in a clipper ship to Shepherd & Hale, San Francisco, and I will see to the balance. Everything depends on that machinery coming--and coming soon.
    We will have the new mill up and ready to put the machinery right into [it] as soon as it can come. I sent $100 of the six that you will receive from Mr. T. for a sewing machine to make sacks with. I don't know that the machine will cost that amt. or even half of it, but if it don't you can use the remainder in something else.
    I wish you would send us the bills of the articles and bills of lading so that we may know when they will come and when we have recd. them all.
    We were greeted on arriving here with the glorious news of Pierce's election, and while speaking of this I will say something about officers and men. In the first place I want you to come back Governor of Oregon. I know the appointment would be one that would satisfy the most of our party, and now that we have a Democratic President we will not have any trouble in electing the Democratic candidate for Delegate--and next (you need not mention this to Thompson) I want you if you can to get Mr. Zieber appointed Secretary. He is an excellent man and a true, unflinching Democrat and needs the office. Mr. Douglass of Ill. and O. C. Pratt of On. are well acquainted with him and will tell you what sort of Secretary he would make. The balance I care nothing about so they are filled with good, efficient Democrats. I don't want any office; bear that in mind, and the reason I want you to come back Govr. is so you may be with the family, and I know if you don't that you will have to run for Congress, and knowing that you are invincible, you would have to leave the family at a time that your attention is most required.
    Mr. Thompson will tell you all about our milling arrangements, and will surprise you I expect in letting you know that he no longer belongs to the firm. He sold for $11,000 to John McCracken, and although I think Mr. T. a good and honest man, I am very glad of the change, as I know Mc. to be honest, industrious and as good a business man as you will find.
    Yes, one thing more political. I want you to see that Old Buck [William W. Buck] is turned out of the post office and Frank Holland put in again and also to see that Whitcomb, Wait and all the balance of the soft-shelled Democracy are left out. If there is any place for Curry give it to him, so [long as] you give the Secretaryship to Zieber.
    You will be bored to death by office-seekers in Oregon. When I get back I will go to Salem and try to get the legislature to agree on the men that are to fill the different offices. If you come by the Isthmus don't fail to bring my little children, and if you come across the plains do as you think best about bringing them, but I hope you will not wait to come across the plains.
    Flour has been high all the fall, and our mills have been paying well and will continue to do so as long as there is any wheat to grind. Lumber took a little flare-up for a short time, but is now down again. I met here Dennison of the Quito, and he wanted me to settle the amt. he claimed against the mills, but I told him our books showed him in our debt and that I should pay him nothing. He said then he would have to wait until you come back, and he knew you would pay him. I told him I thought it possible, as you was very much in the habit of paying debts you did not owe, but that I had outgrown everything of that kind.
    Write as often as you can and send documents.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Lane
    Dear Sir
        Little did I expect when you, with our mutual friends Judges Lane & Lockhart, were in Washington, that such an overwhelming defeat waited the Whig Party, & when the dust has cleared away I began to have a strong sympathy for one Whig office holder, who I would like to see saved from the general wreck. I mean my friend E. S. Terry; in 1838 when my Father in law died suddenly in Vincennes, he left a helpless family, & an involved estate, with the help of Dr. Davis we got my Brother in law in Murphy, the P.O. of this place; by being a partner of his father a few months before his death, he was hopelessly involved in an indebtedness he never could pay; he was then young, scarce 20 years of age; in 1840 Harrison was elected, & the loss of the Post Office would have been a severe blow upon that helpless family, the effort was made to take it from them--but by the kind exertions of Mr. Terry it was kept from them, in '44 we elected a Democrat, in '48 a Whig, then again the struggle came to take the office from one that had devoted his life to the support of his mother, Brothers, & sisters (& there was 6 of them) remaining single for their sakes; Terry again came to their relief, & by a strong exertion, saved that pittance to them again; now it is useless for me to say why I am anxious to save him that office, he is in, he is poor, he is a warm friend, he was never a proscriptive partisan, may I ask you now to help him when he needs it, I feel much despaired to speak to you warmly on this subject, I feel you are a man of kind feelings & warm sympathies & appreciate a kind act, whether done to yourself, or another, may I look for your assistance in this matter & you know I said to you I wished to go to Oregon, you kindly promised me your interest with the President Elect, for a place there, I want it much, but I want Terry to keep that place more; & if either is to lose let it be me; will I be asking too much in requiring your good offices in both cases; I hope & feel you will be frank with me; I never asked for a place in my life for myself before, & I am afraid I am a poor hand. Dr. Davis kindly offers to do what he can for me & my friend; & permit me to say may you  be as successful in life as I wish you; & believe me, you will hold the highest office yet in the gift of the American People.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My Dear Genl.
    We have at last received the glorious news of the election of Pierce & King by an overwhelming majority. We got the news on the 15th inst. just 40 days from New York to Portland. We soon made and hoisted to the top of our tall flag staff a beautiful flag with the names of Pierce & King, waving to the pure breeze of Oregon, and fired 100 guns in honor of our noble standard bearer. We had a jolly and happy time of it throughout the day--glory enough for one year. The Whig Party are scattered to the four winds of heaven.
    I write in great haste as the steamer is about to leave, and desire to know whether you will consent again to be a candidate for Congress, it is well for your immediate personal friends to know this fact or they might become pledged to others, it has been said that you did not intend again to be a candidate for delegates. I hope you have not taken any such determination, and if so you will change your mind upon the subject, now that the "Oregonian" is out upon you we desire you to carry the "Flag of the Democracy" through Oregon at our next canvass for Congress. I heard a good Democrat say a few days since that the fact of the Oregonian being out upon you was conclusive evidence that you were all right & doing your duty to your constituency.
    There will be an effort made to change the time of holding our elections from June to Aug., this would give you an opportunity to canvass the Territory. You can easily be re-elected without personally canvassing any county, but it would be best to be on the ground & direct the fight. If Mr. Preston will be superseded in his office as Surveyor General, I am inclined that the Whigs will run him for Congress.
    Where is Judge Pratt, & what is he about[?] it seems he writes letters to no one here, we know nothing about him and feel perplexed. Why does he not let us hear from him.
    Judge Nelson it is said goes to the States in January, if so he will never again return, in that event we look forward to see Judge Pratt appointed Chief Justice, which is the natural place for him, at all events the Judge must return to Oregon, we can't do without him.
    By the last steamer to the States your son Nathl. & Mr. R. R. Thompson politely offered to carry letters to you, which will reach you several weeks before this arrives, unless something unusual should occur or something happen to detain them.
    In those letters I made known to you that I was an applicant for the position of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs" for Oregon, or Marshal of the Territory. I should greatly prefer the first named place and hope you will be pleased to give me your support which alone will be sufficient to procure me the place.
    Senator Douglas would take great pleasure in doing me service in this line, also Col. Richardson & Col. Bissell of Ills., now in Congress, and also Genl. Simon Cameron, ex-Senator from Penna., who usually spends the winter seasons in Washington, he knows me from a child, and I doubt not you have become acquainted with him ere this.
    Nothing new of interest here at present excepting a deep snow & unusually cold weather.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
        Washington
            D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir,
    I avail myself of the departure of the schooner Ortolan of this port now bound to San Francisco to make the present communication.
    The mail from Scottsburg to Gardiner [illegible] has been discontinued. The vessel will in all probability dispatch the letter a month in advance of our mail. I may be thus so much sooner relieved of if not the onerous duties, the humiliation, starvation &c. incident to the position of Collector of Customs for the District of Umpqua. A formal resignation addressed to his excellency the President will accompany my quarterly returns of the 31st December.
    That I have thus long suffered may be ascribed to several reasons. First, I pledged myself to the Honrb. R. R. Reed of the House (my friend on the occasion) that if appointed I would accept and not resign for a year. I wished also to sustain the favorable representations of the Honrb. J. Cooper of the Senate in my behalf.
    I also had hopes that the discovery of gold might make a rush for this district and built up a large trade. I supposed this Congress when advised of the inadequate provision made for the officers of these districts would have made an addition to our pay, instead of passing a bill providing for the compensation of an officer, who was already in the receipt of a larger salary and could live at Astoria at far less expense, and leaving us unprovided for, that officer being of the same political party having the ascendancy in the House, whilst we, unfortunately for our pay, differing with him.
    I have lived alone for months at time, without a white man within six miles of me (Umpqua City). I have been obliged to cook for myself (my salary would not pay a cook). I have made abortive attempts to work. I have acted as mail carrier, and to live had to do things incompatible with my position and duties. I have not had a dollar of public money for 9 months past. My private means in consequence of large endorsements have been entirely swept away within the last six months.
    In the "Kanyon" there were no means by which I would add to my [illegible] trade was forbidden. I could not chop wood; there was neither farming land, nor grazing within many miles of me, the ground around me too wet even to raise a chicken.
    If a successor be immediately dispatched to relieve me, I will have lost nearly two years of my time, six hundred dolls. in money, health impaired by living like a wild beast.
    I hope that all this will be a sufficient atonement for my aspirations to a collectorship.
    I pray and appeal to your humanity that you will not from the unimportant character of the port delay dispatching some officer of the Customs to take charge of the public property, relieve and pay me.
    In the discharge of my duties I never failed to board every vessel which entered the port; without boat hands I did the duty myself. Hands could not be had for the occasion. I had no means of paying them.
    There are no charges for fuel; I cut it myself, none for lights. Rent, freight on public property together with a row boat are all the charges ever made at this office.
    In consequence of the difficulty of reaching this out-of-the-way port, Mr. Bradlee will not visit me. His letter advising me to that effect was recd. on yesterday.
To
    The Honorable
        Thos. Corwin
            Secretary of the Treasury
                Washington D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Sir
    Your esteemed favor of the 4th inst. is at hand. I was much gratified to hear from you. Your sentiments in reference to [illegible] are also mine.
    In reference to the state Democratic convention, I shall endeavor to be at Indianapolis shortly, and whatever influence can be expected to secure a sound delegation from Indiana will be applied. If as you think probable the nomination of Lane can be secured it will be glory enough for one day. Like you I am convinced that once nominated he cannot be beaten.
    Truly Lane is no less a true-hearted man than a brave soldier--one whom the Democracy of numbers would be proud to acknowledge as their standard bearer. I have known him while in Mexico divide his purse with the private soldier when their supplies were short and even give them up his horse when fatigued, and walk himself for miles.
    The Gen. defrayed the expense of sending home several of the bodies of the brave men who fell in battle in Mexico out of his own private funds and utterly refused all compensation. When wounded at the battle of Buena Vista he insisted that the soldiers should first receive the proper surgical attention, leaving his own wound (a painful wound of the arm) to be dressed after the others. Such a man is truly the soldier's friend and an ornament to human nature; a grateful country cannot too highly reward and honor him.
    In Indiana at least the Lane fever is up without mistake. A course of prudence and judgment amongst his friends may accomplish everything desired.
    You may perhaps remember as I do very well that when the Evansville company of volunteers organized Lane volunteered in it as a private soldier, so that his expedition to Mexico did not result as did many others from the rewards and trappings of office. On the contrary, his official honors met him in the ranks and raised him to the station of colonel by the voice of the volunteers and major general by the voice of the government without any agency of his own, and as the sequel has proved never was office more worthily conferred. Instead of lending him honor it received honor at his hands. Enclosed I send you all of the papers that can be found at present relating to the acts of Gen. Lane; also you will find a letter from Gen. Lane to R. W. Dunbar. If you can use it to any advantage do so and then enclose it to me again, as Mr. Dunbar would like to preserve it. If you think of anything else in which I can be of advantage in the great cause just write and my services shall be cheerfully rendered. In Mr. Blythe's speech there is one word left out. If it should be used see that it is corrected.
    Your course in Congress has been entirely approved here so far as we have had an opportunity of judging. I would be pleased to hear from you whenever convenient. Give my respects to Gen. Lane.
To Hon. James Lockhart
    Washington City
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My dear brother,
    Your kind & very welcome letter with a copy of cousin Gen. Joseph Lane's came safe to hand on yesterday. Be assured, my dear brother, it afforded me much pleasure to hear from you & family & I have had an anxiety for several years to learn the parentage of Gen. Lane & to know if he was a relation of ours or not, seeing his name so frequently in the newspapers and in the history of the Mexican War.
    At last I suppose we may be satisfied that he is the son of Uncle John Lane, who moved from Buncombe to Kentucky, and I expect, Brother David, from your age you was not acquainted with him. He came from Georgia to this country with Uncle Charles Lane and commenced building a set of iron works on Reems Creek one year before Stepfather [George Swain] moved to Buncombe from Georgia, but Father [Swain] had been out the fall before he moved & purchased a lot in Asheville and a while before he moved in February by an accident he got his arm broke. He then wrote a letter to Uncle John Lane to come to Georgia & assist him in the business of moving, camping &c., which Uncle John did with a great deal of pleasure & a kinder, better man to his friends never lived in my opinion.
    You asked if I knew Elizabeth Street and who she was. She was the daughter of old John Street who lived in Asheville when Father Swain first moved to Buncombe and sheriff of the county at that time & a respectable man. Street at that time had only three children living with him—Anthony, Elizabeth & James. I went to school with James, the youngest child. If he ever had any more children, I never saw them. The old man after that moved from Asheville to the Capt. Garrison place on the road below Asheville & at that place Uncle John Lane married his daughter Elizabeth & I was at the wedding and a funny time we had. Some time after that the old man moved to the West, but I do not know where. In the fall of 1804 Uncle John Lane moved in to Kentucky and I purchased his land and let him have the wagon & team that he moved to Kentucky in & paid the balance in cash. It was the place on Turkey Creek that old Mr. Siles lived on & in that year I made an arrangement for the land I now live on. I think it was about the last of October 1804 that I bid farewell for the last time with Uncle John and Aunt Betsy Lane & pressed their little children to my bosom. Of course, I must have seen the Gen. when he was about 3 years old & is little Joseph yet alive. I loved Uncle John for his pure kindness & friendship & I feel thankful to almighty God for the good success of his little children [Rev. Jesse and Gen. Joseph Lane]. He was not very successful with his ironworks but he had a plenty to live on when he left and I believe the good will of everybody that knew him, and when I think it all over in regard to his children, I am ready to say sure enough the battle is not to the strong man nor the race to the swift but the good providence of God has been with them like he was with old Jacob's little Joseph. He made one governor of Egypt & the other of Oregon, & I was glad to learn that one of his sons was a religious man & a preacher.
    I was well acquainted with my Aunts Kilpatrick Mary, Sarah, & Betsy Montgomery and have had some accounts by letters from these families but never could learn much from Uncle John & Aunt Montgomery. When Uncle John & Thomas Kilpatrick moved to the West they moved through Buncombe & stopped on the road two or three days & came up to Father's on his Beaver Dam place and stayed there. Mary & Sarah was twin sisters & married two brothers John & Thomas Kilpatrick. I should think Cousin Lane could get on the Lanes & come to see you before he returns home. Be sure to invite him.
    And now, Brother David, I must insist on you to be sure to visit your native land this coming summer with the full view of staying till fall and let them do without you one summer at Chapel Hill or die just as they please. Everybody that is all your acquaintance wants to see you. Old Buncombe claims you as one of her most honored sons & your relations all wants to see you.
    I know there are counties of more wealth and refined society & rivers of more magnitude and grandeur than the French Broad & Swannanoa & yet in them perhaps you have swum often when you was a boy and drank of the limpid streams. Let me know by a few lines that you will come so that I may begin to feel glad. Give my best compliments to sister Eleanor, Caroline, Richard & sweet little babe.
    I should like to see Professor Mitchell in the mountains once more. Give him my best compliments. My wife sends her best compliments to you & wishes the happiness of becoming acquainted with your family. If I knew Cousin Lane would visit you in May I am almost ready to say that I would try & meet him there but it is uncertain whether I could get off. Farewell, may God bless you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir
    Capt. Rufus Ingalls, a native of this state, now at Vancouver's Island, is desirous of being promoted to the paymaster department. I need not speak to you of his merits as an educated military man, nor of his distinguished military services in the Mexican War. They are better known to your department & to yourself than to me.
    I have no personal acquaintance with Capt. Ingalls and can only say that he belongs to a family of the highest respectability & influence in this & others of the New England states. Permit me then to say that it would give great pleasure to our citizens generally without distinction of party & to no one more than myself to see his wishes gratified.
Hon. Chas. M. Conrad
    Secretary of War
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Pa,
        I received your very kind letter of the 3rd of May a short time ago and I am now answering it at my earliest opportunity. We are all in good health and hope this may find you enjoying the same. Uncle Simon is I believe quite well again or as well as he generally is, for he don't enjoy good health at all. Little Mary Jane is growing very fast and is one of the smartest little children I most ever saw. She has red hair like Emily's and is a very pretty sweet baby. She is now five weeks old. The boys have missed going to school this week on account of planting the corn, but they have now got it put in and will commence going to school again tomorrow and will I presume go as regular as they can. Winnie goes constantly and is I believe learning fast. Mr. Barlow is now at home. He and his family are very well. Mr. Floed is on the river. Emily told me to tell you that she was very much obliged to you for writing to her and says she will answer it as soon as she can. Ratliff is getting to be a great big boy. He is now standing by me and begging me to let him write some to his grandpa. I have not had a letter from Jo since I last wrote you and I have not heard from Nat in a long time. I can't imagine why he don't write to us. When you write let me know when you heard from him last.
        Please don't forget to send me those papers that I spoke of in my last letter. I received your Biography at the same time that I did the letter. I have read it and find it very interesting. As I have no news of interest to write you I will now bring this letter to a close. Write to us soon and let us know when you expect to return home. Mother and all the rest of us send you our best love.
    I remain your affectionate daughter
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Friend,
    Your kind letter of August 17th was received a few days ago.
    In relation to the difficulty between myself and the "Hero of Encarnacion," of which Col. King wrote you, it was in substance as follows. Last spring one Enoch Smith was tried and found guilty before Judge Pratt of being accessory to the murder of C. C. Hooker in this county, and because he was tried by Judge P. at a term of the court as fixed by the legislature at Salem last winter, his excellency saw proper to to assume the duties of the judiciary and deduce that the court had no "legal liability," and that Smith had been tried by a mob. Therefore he extended executive clemency towards him, and turned a cold-blooded, heartless murderer loose upon [the] community with a free and unconditional pardon.
    I took occasion to write in my bluest and unpolished style a couple of articles over the signature of "Kentuckian," which was published in the Statesman in the latter part of June. His excellency took exception to some cool fact contained in my productions and swore that he would cowhide the author and accordingly called upon Bush for his name. Bush as a matter of course refused to give it, whereupon the Gov. accused him of writing the articles, and swore that he should take the cowhiding, and drew a cowhide from under his coat. Bush drew his revolver, which perhaps brought up some emanations reminiscent in the "hero's" mind and he concluded to desist.
    When I heard how the matter stood I could not feel it consistent with what was right to involve Bush in so serious a difficulty and leave him to be bullied while I remained safe in the dark. I therefore wrote to him to give my name as the author, that I was the true offender and if anyone must be cowhided I was the proper person. My name was given, and after a few harmless threats the matter dropped. It was thought at one time that it might result in serious consequences, it being entirely optionary for the Governor and his friends to make the matter assume what phase they choose, but I suppose that his excellency came to the conclusion that I was too obscure an individual for him to waste his valuable time in cowhiding, so they made no real "fuss" about it.
    I have bought burrs out here and have got the new machinery that you sent me started, and am doing a fine business on my own hook. All the flour that I can make finds ready sale at the mill for $12.50 per hundred. It is generally understood here among your friends that you will not be a candidate for reelection. In that event I think that Deady will be the next Delegate; however, I suppose that that matter will be determined by a Dem. convention.
    It appears from all the accounts from the States that Pierce & King are bound to be elected. God send that they may is the prayer of your humble servt. and of three fourths the people of Oregon. If I thought that my chances would be good for the appointment of marshals for Oregon I would be in Washington at the inauguration, but I suppose that there are others who not only have more friends but want the office more than I do. I have had some notion of visiting the States this winter and coming out with you in the spring, but this matter is quite uncertain at present. If I should conclude to come you will see me in Washington by the fourth of March.
    You probably have learned before this time that Dryer is down on you in his paper. His sentiments is coextensive with his influence, which thank God is but small. You still have an abiding place in the hearts of the Democracy of Oregon, and on your return will meet with a warm, hearty and enthusiastic reception. Your old friend Ford has gone sail and body to the federal clique; let him go; we are better off without than with him. Judge Pratt used every influence to keep Ford in his right place, but the Judge's kindness was all lost and his generosity repaid with slander. I have occupied this letter with matters which will probably interest you but little. In conclusion I wish to say that you must come back to Oregon. I shall be prepared I hope to render you some assistance, and you know that I will do anything for you that is possible.
    The old woman sends respects. She and the little ones are well.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




    Recently I received from Eugene Shelby of San Francisco some interesting documents about Oregon's early-day politics. Eugene Shelby is a native son of Oregon and a pioneer resident of Portland. In discussing the documents he sent me, Mr. Shelby said,
    "The documents I send you are reminiscent of the activities of General Joseph Lane, Oregon's first territorial governor. It is evident from General Lane's letter to General John Adair, collector of customs at Astoria in 1852, that through General Lane's influence he was able to retain his office. At this time General Lane was territorial delegate in Congress. You will notice that one of the documents is a requisition for rations for the United States revenue cutter Joseph Lane. A. Van Dusen was the contractor who furnished the supplies. Lafayette Lane, as you know, was General Joseph Lane's youngest son and served two terms in Congress. Dr. Harry Lane, General Lane's grandson, not only served as mayor of Portland but served as United States Senator from Oregon. Monsignor Arthur Lane, son of Lafayette Lane, was for many years in charge of the parish at Albany and has recently been transferred to Portland. Hickory Floed, General Lane's great-grandson, graduated from Annapolis and at his own request was assigned to the aviation corps of the navy. He was recently killed in a crash at Pensacola, Florida."
    The letter from General Lane, sent me by Mr. Shelby, reads as follows:
    "Washington City, December 2, 1852. Dear General: Your communication of the 9th October enclosing Dart's report has this moment been received. It would I have no doubt be well for you to be here at the inauguration. I am determined that you shall be reappointed, and I have been ever since it has been known that Gibbs would be appointed. I know Pierce well, he is just the man. I love him much and allow me to tell you that I can and will bring to my assistance such a number of good Democrats in your favor as will assure your reappointment. You need not be the least concerned, reappointed you must and shall be. Notwithstanding, I would be glad to see you here.
    "Now, General, allow me to tell you that in some things I differ perhaps from some men. I never have nor never will forsake a friend, distance between me and a friend makes friendship only stronger--I found it was no use to kick against the pricks. Your place it was determined should be filled by another. I knew the election of Pierce and King was certain, and that you would soon be restored.
    "Now to show you how confident I was and how well I understood Scott's strength, I bet $300 dollars that he would not get fifty electoral votes and then offered to bet as much that I would win the bet, done in Washington, August last in the P. office of the House.
    "In all things, General, I have done my duty and shall continue to do so to the end, let the people condemn or approve as they may, it will not move me one inch from my duty.
"General John Adair,
    "Astoria, Oregon.
"Things will be put right in Oregon--Whigs in office will be but few."
Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, September 26, 1928, page 10



Dear Fealix
    I recd. your letter last summer informing me you had dishonored the draft I sent on you. I find on a careful examination of Rubidoux' accounts the amount I settled with him for you would have exceeded with interest the amount drawn for.
    Rubidoux may have deceived me in that as he has in other matters. You acknowledge sixty-five dollars with interest for ten years, at this time eleven years. That amount of 11 years at ten percent which I have been paying would amount to one hundred & thirty-six dollars 50/100 $136.50. This sum with you would be a small amount, but to me in my present situation would be of great relief. Last summer I had much sickness in my family & lost one of my best negro men. I have but two hands besides myself to work. I have a wife to support, his son to educate, 2 grandchildren to support and your father to take care of; all this I could do if my debts were paid, but as fast as I get anything it goes to my creditors.
    They have been very indulgent; not one of them have ever pushed me; $1,000 will pay all I now owe. It is very bad to be poor, yet I am not out of heart. I look forward to better days. I have nothing of importance to write your relations as far as I know are all well. Your father is in good health for a man of his age, 76 years--he has become very childish and needs attention which he shall have; as long as I am able to work I will divide with him to the last.
    I have written to Govr. Lane, your representative, who will forward you this letter and will pay over to me any amount his family may recpt. to you for, or should you prefer sending it in any other way it will be equally acceptable to me. I hope your health has improved. Your father sends his best love to you & family. Receive my best wishes for your greatest prosperity.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library  Addressed to P. F. Thompson




Dear Sir
    The legislature now in session will I have no doubt take measures to get rid of our federal Judges, they have ever been obnoxious to a large majority of the people of Oregon. And since their last Session of the Supreme Court they did anything but allay the strong feelings of indignation which has so long existed against Judges Nelson & Strong.
    The prejudice against these Judges renders it morally impossible for them to do any good as judges in this Territory, if they possessed the least delicacy of feeling or honor they would have resigned ere this inasmuch as they are fully advised as to the state of feelings existing by the people of Oregon against them.
    It is rumored that Judge Nelson is about to visit the States--if so he will never return, which would create a vacancy, in this event Judge Pratt should be by all means appointed "Chief Justice."
    It is hardly necessary for me to say that I look with every confidence for you to procure me the appointment of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs."
Hon. Jo Lane
    U.S. Congress
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir I have not the honor of your acquaintance but am somewhat acquainted with your son at Oregon City you may possibly recollect of my writing you from Lockport Niagara County New York last winter in relation to the prospects of this country I came across the plains last summer arrived at Oregon City upon the 12 of August got job of your son then repairing a sawmill I am a millwright by trade and am now building a large steam mill at this place whilst with your son I saw from some papers that you sent him that the government has put two turbine water wheels in operation at Springfield Massachusetts it appears from their statement on that of their engineer that they produce a better effect than any other known wheel that they are cheap and well adapted to all heads of water I have received another account of them from the state of New York since I have been here which is recommending them it is I believe a French invention not long in this country but is known at the Patent office.
    Now sir if you will get me a draft of them with the other necessary Description so that I can build them in this place I shall feel myself under the greatest obligations to you and will forward to you without delay what it may cost you I learn that the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia have been experimenting upon them and are recommending them above any other known wheel.
    About the 20th of Dec. last it began to snow at this place snowed every day for one week upon the 25th the snow was 2 feet deep here it then began to rain has rained every day since and is now raining the snow has all gone I saw your son here this morning who thinks that the water is now higher than in '49 and it is yet rising at the rate of 3 in. per hour.
    The steamer Lot Whitcomb is sunk between this and Milwaukie.
    Should you procure for me the Draft of the turbine wheel please send it to this place Portland Oregon.
Joseph Lane Esq.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Sir
    Relying upon our continued friendly relations ever since our acquaintance, notwithstanding our difference in politics, I venture again to speak a word in behalf of our mutual friend L. B. Garrett Esq'r.
    I am very anxious we should obtain the appointment of Judge in Oregon both because I have a great regard & esteem for him, & because I think him well fitted for such an office by his moral qualities and judicial attainments I am sure he would satisfy his friends & his country by the manner in which he would perform the duties of the office should he be appointed to it.
    My dear Sir, you & I have long known each other--we have differed on the question of the policy of the Genl. Government, & in nothing else: No man more rejoiced in the glory you acquired by your brilliant campaigns in Mexico. When I heard of your participation in the glory of the battle fields of Buena Vista, I rejoiced that one had distinguished himself on that occasion, who was not only an Indianan, but a citizen of my own county & a friend: and when afterward, I read of the deeds of the enterprising band under your command in their march from Vera Cruz to Mexico, I felt a pleasure I have not often felt. I mention these things to show that I now & ever shall feel gratified at your success in life. Mr. Garrett is a young man of remarkable industry & as I think of uncommon merit. If he had a fault it is too much industry. He is much attached to you & very desirous of going to Oregon under your patronage. I hope it may be in your power to procure for him this appointment and be assured Sir, if he shall obtain it through your means, I shall consider it a favor to myself, which I shall never forget.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Dear Father this note I write you in favor of Mr. McConaha, who brought with him warm letters of introduction both to you and me from Gov. McDougall and other prominent citizens of California. Mr. McConaha with his family located himself permanently in Northern Oregon last spring on Puget's Sound. He is an applicant for the place of United States Judge for the judicial district north of the Columbia River in place of Judge Strong.in case the judges are removed. Col. McConaha has the reputation of being an able lawyer & good Democrat. I saw Gov. McDougall when in San Francisco; he speaks in the highest terms of McConaha. I am well convinced that the people residing north of the Columbia River are undividedly in favor of McConaha for judge. I say this to you knowingly, and I hope you will see that he gets the appointment in case Strong is removed. He is a self-made man, was left an orphan in childhood. He was without friends, educated himself, and I know you always feel interested in behalf of such men.
    The people living in Strong's district are now circulating a petition asking the appointment of Col. McConaha, but it will not reach Washington before the adjournment of Congress; therefore I hope you will not fail to attend to this matter yourself with the President. For information in regard to the ability and honesty of McConaha call on Col. Weller, U.S. Senator from California or Col. Benton of Missouri.
    N.B. Thos. J. Henley and McConaha are bitter personal enemies and have had an open quarrel. Henley has boasted that he would crush McConaha in your estimation & as Henley will be in Washington when this arrives I therefore wish to guard you against being misled by him in this matter. The difficulty between Henley & McConaha arose out of the fact that McConaha supported Col. Weller for the U.S. Senate in preference to Henley.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.
    I have had the honor of receiving your note of the 11th inst., but have been so constantly engaged that I have not had time to answer.
    The points you have made are very clear and correct. My view in relation to the question of lieutenant general are these: 1st that the creating of that title, grade or rank in any shape, form or manner is unnecessary, anti-Democratic and wrong, not known to our law or army regulations and contrary to my judgment of right and expediency.
    At this moment, my dear sir, you occupy the highest position known to our law or organization of our army. At the top of the ladder, it is a high and proud position, one that you are eminently qualified to fill, one from your long and distinguished service you richly deserve to fill; none should be placed above you, but I am opposed to raising the ladder one round higher. I am, my dear Genl., well aware that a new brevet does not create a vacancy, and that a brevet does not entitle one to extra pay, but this is only a beginning in wrongdoing; once gone into no one can tell when and [where] it is to stop. I am also well aware that the assignment to duty on a brevet entitles an officer to pay of the rank to which he is brevetted, and further I am satisfied that creating the rank of lieutenant gen. would properly reorganize the army, to all of which I am opposed.
    I am sorry to find "by some unintentional change in the law" your salary has been reduced. Allow me to assure you that no man will go further to do you justice by increasing your pay than your humble servt., and I sincerely hope it may be done.
    Now my dear Gen., allow me in conclusion to say that I know you to be a good soldier and great general, and that no man respects you more sincerely than I do. You occupy a high position and have a strong hold upon the hearts of the American people, and I am only sorry that you are not content.
Maj. Genl. Winfield Scott
    U.S.A.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    The Indiana papers publish the following letter from Gen. Lane in reply to an application to join a company under his guidance to proceed to Oregon next spring by the overland route. It is addressed to D. H. Long, Brownstown, Ind.:
    DEAR SIR: Yours of the 17th is before me. I have no intention of forming an exclusive company for Oregon. I have not concluded whether to go by land or water to the country. Should I, however, take the overland route, I shall go as other emigrants, with such company as I may chance to fall into.
    Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Evansville Daily Journal,  Evansville, Indiana, January 22, 1853, page 2



Dear Sir
    Though greatly pressed for time I called on Mr. Stanton of Te. who after consultation with Genl. Lane says that there has been a law already passed, authorizing the payment of what is due to the widow after the award comes from Oregon. Your Friend had therefore better write in a week or so to Mr. Stanton before he leaves Washington City.
Col. C. C. Battle
    Brownsville
        Tennessee
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. Wm. J. Brown
    Dear Sir
        Herewith I send you a copy of a letter from J. W. Farrelly, auditor P.O.D., in relation to the Gilliam draft for $1000 which was it appears paid to you. Mrs. Gilliam, widow of Cornelius Gilliam, has requested me to ascertain to whom the draft had been paid, as she had not been able to learn anything about it. By the death of her husband she was left quite destitute with a large family, and is greatly in need of every cent that justly belongs to the estate.
    Will you have the kindness to inform me what disposition you have made of the money, whether you have in any way forwarded the same or any portion thereof to Gilliam or his family, and if not whether you will have the kindness to place the amount in my hands to be delivered to Mrs. Gilliam, administratrix of the estate of her husband, who has authorized me to collect and forward the same to her.
    Your early attention to this matter is most earnestly requested.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.






    Gen. Lane Dear Sir the Indians have broke out and are very bad. They are killing and wounding men in all directions. They killed Doct. Ambrose [Dr. Rose was killed, not Ambrose] and wounded John R. Hardin between this and T'Vault's last night. [Hardin was killed.] The greatest alarm prevails through the valley and bids fair to destroy the prospect of our valley for 2 or 3 years. Capt. Alden of the U.S.A. is here from Scotts Valley and has organized two companies of volunteers. Yreka has sent 60 or 70 men over to help us. I wish you would and I speak the sentiment of the whole valley that you would try and get a company from Vancouver to bring down some arms. There is a very great want of guns. The towns was double guarded last night and one half of the men had to stand guard with nothing but a pistol. There is a committee of 4 appointed to receive money and provisions and Alden has lent the committee one thousand dollars and there is about 5 or 6 hundred dollars subscribed by the merchants here. They are now advancing provisions with the expectation of being paid by the government. God knows when and how this will end. I do not believe that it will be brought to a close before winter. They are better armed and fight harder than when we was in here with Kearny. It is believed by those who have been out that there is from three to 5 hundred warriors around the valley. Lieutenant Griffin's company had a brush with them last night and had two men wounded.
    No more but yours with respect
        R. B. Morford
To Gen. Joseph Lane, Umpqua
Jacksonville, Oregon Augt 11 1853



"Indian War in Rogue River," Oregon Statesman, Salem, August 23, 1853, page 2


Dear Bush
    At 1 o'clock this morning recd. by express per Ettlinger a letter from Rogue River confirming the news which recently reached us--of war with the Indians in that vicinity of a more serious character than any heretofore with the tribes in that quarter. Dr. Rose, John R. Hardin and several others have been killed and large amt. of property destroyed. It is believed that the Klamath, Shasta and Rogue River tribes have united determined to destroy the settlements, Jacksonville and all. They are it seems well armed, having purchased many good rifles from the miners, and have a good supply of ammunition. Consequently they are formidable. The whites on the contrary are scarce of arms and ammunition. I shall be off for the scene of troubles in a few minutes.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."




"Latest from the Indian War," Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 6, 1853, page 2



Gentlemen, commissioners of war and commandant at headquarters
    This morning Capt. Owens with a detail started off for the Canyon. First Lieut. T. Frazelle with two of our men went in search of some stray horses which [were] within the vicinity of  T. Frazelle's ferry. Our first lieut. and James Mungo was killed, the third man a California Indian was shot through the face.
    The report came to Long's old ferry this afternoon and forwarded to our quarters. Lieut. Crandall at the head of thirteen men upon the reception of the news started for the purpose of meeting the enemy and bring[ing] in the killed. Some 3 miles above Long's old ferry a party of Indians were discovered firing the prairies.
    They were charged upon by the foremost of the company, but the Indians leaving the open ground fell back into a thick wood which was not deemed practical to enter by our small party as it being a well-known place for self-defense.
    Those Indians were in the act of driving off the stock belonging to Mr. Vannoy and others.
    The number of Indians perhaps amounted to 30 or 40, about that number were seen. The exact strength of the Indians are not known.   
    Gentlemen, while hostilities have ceased on the part of the Americans in the vicinity of Jacksonville the Indians are falling back upon us and already the work of death and destruction of property have commenced. It is for you gentlemen to take into consideration the propriety of lying still while the Indians are pouring in upon us.
    We will defend our position until the death.


To General Lane commanding Oregon and California battalion
    It is thought by those who have recently arrived here from the Canon that it is necessary  to send an escort of some ten or twelve men to guard the incoming trains, six or seven in number.
    Col. Alden is very feeble. Dr. Gatliff has just arrived from Yreka.
My dear sir
    Your note of today is just received by the hand of Messrs. McKay, Newton and others.
    Since the Saturday that the present Indian difficulty commenced there have been no Indians at my house, except one known among us by the name of Old Jacob, and his family.
    If there had been any others here I should have taken pleasure in recommending to them to report to you at headquarters.
    Old Jacob referred to above had been camped on Stuart's Creek near my house the greater part of the time since the present difficulty commenced, and so far as my knowledge extends has remained entirely neutral.
Gen. Joseph Lane,
     Commanding etc.





Gen. Joseph Lane Commander in Chief of Rogue River Forces
Sir
    Having according to orders left Jacksonville on the morning of the 4th Sept. after transacting all necessary business my command traveled to Applegate and encamped below the fort for the purpose of obtaining information of the whereabouts of the Indians of those occupying that position. After obtaining a guide we marched for a creek on which we supposed the Indians to be in force some 8 or 10 miles distant from the above-mentioned fort where we scouted from the afternoon [of the] 4th until the 7th inst. seeing plenty of fresh sign on the several creeks emptying on the west side of Applegate. And finally on the morning of the 7th we found where they crossed Applegate in [a] pretty large body. We pursued the sign and about noon came upon the Indians they having discovered us but were scattered so on the side of the mountain in the brush we could not charge them; however, in the evening we captured a prisoner known as "Jim Taylor," a notorious leader in the many depredations and murders perpetrated against our fellow citizens. The Indians discovering we had captured their tyee wish to "wah wah," but knowing their intentions I prudently sent no man for that purpose. The Indians were careful to keep in the brush on the mountainside. In the night they kept whooping and signal fires on the mountaintops but did not attack us.
    In the morning [of the] 8th the Indians came down partly on the mountainsides as if to attack. We attempted to draw them out but did not succeed. At 10 o'clock a.m. the Indians augmenting their forces I concluded to march out for Long's Ferry, not caring to risk a battle with the large force the Indians would have had by night--and the obstruction of our pack mules and prisoner. The pack mules we unfortunately had with us or I should have drove them from their position. On the evening of the 8th arrived at Long's Ferry, the Indians following us on the mountains.
    My object in going to Long's was to obtain more provision and dispose of the prisoner, which has been done today, 9th inst. From evidences which I obtained I concluded to have a trial in which it was proven he and party had killed Mungo and others beside numerous depredations; upon these evidences he was convicted and sentenced to be shot, which sentence was executed today by a detail of my command in a summary manner.
    I shall march tomorrow morning the 10th for the mountains on Applegate, where I hope to engage and rout them completely. The Indians are seen here frequently; a large number passed last night in canoes down the river--what their object is I do not know.
P.S.  I thus have been precise in details so no wrong construction will be put on our proceedings.  R. L. M.



N.B.  Dr. Cleaveland comes to camp and will dress your arm tonight and in the morning.




Genl. Joseph Lane
    Commanding Forces   
        Oregon



    DEAR MADAM--It is with the deepest regret that I feel called upon to tender to you my heartfelt sympathy at the overwhelming loss you have recently sustained. Your husband [Pleasant Armstrong] was my friend, and one whom I highly esteemed. His loss was deeply deplored, not only by myself, but by the whole command, for none knew him but to love him.
    He fell like a gallant soldier, charging at the head of troops. When within thirty yards of the enemy's line, the fatal shot struck him in the center of the breast; he exclaimed, "They have given me a dead center shot," and immediately expired. By my orders his body was carried to the rear, and after the battle he was buried with the honors of war. May He who protects the widow and the fatherless give you strength to bear this deep affliction!
    I remain, madam, your sincere friend,
                                                                        JOS. LANE.
Mrs. Jane Armstrong.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 15, 1853, page 2




John L. Wurts Esqr.
    Washington.
        Sir,
            You verbally asked me to state why the draft of the Hon. Joseph Lane, late Governor of Oregon, was not paid. He drew in your favor for $528.85, the amount due on account of his salary, under his late appointment.
    The 1st Auditor reported said sum to be his due per Report No. 112,769 September 15th 1853, which was approved in this office. There was found due to Governor Lane per Report No. 109,362 March 8th 1853 the sum of $1759.78 which he requested to have stand to his credit on the books of the Treasury, to apply on a balance against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, if said balance should not be otherwise settled by him. In order to ascertain whether a balance still remained against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, I addressed a letter on the 16th to said Auditor for information. On the same day he stated the balance on his books against Gov. Lane was

	$7,175.02
Vouchers deposited to the amount of	3,909.32
	$3,265.70
This balance against Gov. Lane exceeds the balance on the Treasury accounts in his favor       $1759.78 [+] $528.85 [=]	$2,288.63
By	977.07
	$3,265.70

The law requires the amounts so found due to Gov. Lane to be withheld and applied towards his indebtedness unless he discharges the same in some other manner.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


General Joseph Lane, Commanding
    Robinson House
        Jacksonville
            Oreg.


General
    I have just received a note from Col. Wright in which he says "I am on my march for Jacksonville and shall reach there in 3 days." Think he will be in this morning or tomorrow morning, as his letter is dated 12 miles north of Yreka Sept. 22nd. I want you to come down and see my new fort, if I have the naming of it, it will be called Fort Lane, as you are particularly identified with this Rogue River war. I will be happy to see you and hope you may see Col. Wright at camp.
Gen. Lane
    Jacksonville
        O.T.



Mr Joseph Lane
    Sir I take the liberty to ask your advice concerning claims that I have against the Rogue River Indians.
    They robbed me of fifteen hundred dollars and two horses with sundry articles of camp equipage the summer of 1849 as I was returning from California.
    I am in need of my money and wish to know if I can get it and if I can what is the legal course to be pursued.
    I asked the advice of a lawyer on the subject he said he could not tell what could be done without seeing you.
    So I concluded that the only sure way to obtain the information that I wanted would be to inquire of you.
    My account was made out against the Indians and testified to by John Meldrum in the latter part of the summer or fall after the robbery was committed. If I mistake not you was acting as Indian agent at that time.



    Genl. Lane will [you] please send me the government organ--and any other weekly he thinks proper--from the Patent Office any seeds and plants & roots that he may deem suitable to our soil & climate--also, any books, docts. or any other papers--which will be propagated and disseminated with the view to profit the largest and most useful class of the citizens of our Territory--the farmers--
    The "tree of heaven" [Ailanthus altissima] is a good ornamental one--and would be useful in Umpqua. The seeds can be had at the Patent Office--My folks brought from Louisiana the seeds of the beautiful China & catalpa tree, that I sent for specially, in order to provide our good people in Umpqua first--and "all the rest of mankind" in Oregon, with a most beautiful shade & flower, and owing to the rapid growth of the wood a highly beneficial one where timber is scarce--
    There are several other matters I could mention that would be practical and useful--and knowing the proven-up interest you take in our success generally--I will take the liberty at some future period of making some suggestions--



Hon. Commissioners of Military Affairs
Gentlemen
    In compliance with your request we have ascertained the amount of damages sustained by our citizens during the recent war as nearly correct as the circumstances and space of time would admit. The sum that you will see by our return amounts to $37,412.98. We have traveled over the greater part of the county and have witnessed personally nearly all of the accounts of which we return and are of the opinion they are correct and just. We have been governed by your instructions throughout and have affixed a cash valuation upon all articles as you will observe by a glance at our return. There are a few accounts which we return to you upon the best information we could get without their being qualified to. In all such cases we have designated them by marks, yet we believe they are correct and would recommend them to you for your favorable consideration. Also there may be a few accounts which have not come under our knowledge. If so in all such cases we hope you may take some measures to remunerate them for their losses.
    Gentlemen, with due regard for your kindness and attention, we now take our leave, having discharged the duties assigned us by you to the best our ability.
    With much respect we subscribe ourselves, yours respectfully,



My Dear General
    I take great pleasure in returning you a printed copy of your most interesting account of the recent Indian war on Rogue River, the original of which I had the honor to receive two days since. This is the second time you have distinguished yourself in the Rogue River country, and now, as on the former occasion, you have most handsomely spoken of the regulars. Believe me, General, that although nothing less was expected from your sense of truth and justice, we feel it as an index of true magnanimity and in the name of my brother officers and particularly that of Maj. Kearny in the first case and of Capt. Alden in the recent instance I beg to tender you my most sincere acknowledgments.
    I need not say that your recommendation for establishing a post in the valley shall be attended to as soon as the means can be controlled. If Col. Wright should find himself able to make a post at Table Rock or its vicinity, I shall be much pleased--if not, I have asked for more troops from the East expressly for the purpose.
Genl. Jos. Lane
    &c. &c.



Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        I forward you by Chas. Drew Esqr. dispatches & accounts to the Secty. of War, and Interior, to be placed in your charge in San Francisco, for their destination.
    The appraisers of property destroyed by Indians &c. have made their report--done their duty--and discharged--
    The commissioners of military affairs &c. have done what they believed right--received the encomiums of Genl. Lane, Col. Alden and the public & discharged by reason of their duties being accomplished.
    Peace and harmony prevails--
    Certain parties interested in our late difficulties believe that portions of their property stolen or destroyed by Indians will be returned--I have taken the liberty (without authority) to say that property so recovered could be deducted by me from their respective claims against government--and by this means diminish expense--and be satisfactory to all parties' concerns.
    Please consider the propriety of this course--as also--the proper person that may be appointed commissioner to settle up the whole affair--and let me know as soon as practicable.
    Owing to certain criminal charges preferred against L. A. Davis he was suspended by the commissioners until he would disprove said charges.which is promised to do--when I will report accordingly.
    What is to be done with U.S. property on hand, viz., beds, cots &c.
    Read my report to the Secty. of War.
   
    L. A. Davis' case reconsidered; until we receive further testimony we restore him.
   
    Last night James Kyle, a merchant of this place, in company with two others who were packing, camped near Willow Springs, were fired on by Indians, and Kyle wounded in the thigh and arm.
    Complaints from whites on Applegate that Indians enter their cabins and steal provisions--I have talked to the Ind. agent, as I done to you on the subject--and still think that all will go on well. This attack of last night though may alter the case. If so, I will apprise you of the facts.

Genl. Jo Lane
    Dear Genl.,
    At the request of Major Drew, I write to inform you that, up to this time it has with the hardest work been impossible to settle and close up all the accounts of the quartermaster and commissary department.
    The muster rolls are all complete with the exception of such stoppages as must be entered on them for forage and subsistence furnished. This will be done at the earliest moment and the whole sent to the Adjutant General at Washington with a letter enclosed directed to you. Meanwhile the estimate, as near as it can be made, of the cost of forage, subsistence etc. is sent herewith enclosed, in order to give to you some information that may be desirable.
    The papers will all be ready and forwarded from San Francisco by the steamer of 1st November.
    I shall at Major Drew's request stay till these papers are all made out.
    The Indians since you left are quiet, and there is a respectable dragoon force here, Col. Wright having ordered the detachment of Lieut. Radford from Goose Lake on Klamath.
    Things will go well I think with regard to the Indians. Capt. Smith is in command of Fort Lane, which is being built rapidly.



General
    A package of paper, from the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley, Oregon was brought to me today by an express rider with a verbal request from the Commissioners that I should examine them and forward them to you at San Francisco.
    Unfortunately the regular express had left here before the arrival of the special express and as the latter will be compelled to overtake the former at Callaghan's tonight he leaves me but a few moments to examine the documents and communicate with you. If he should not arrive at Callaghan's in time the papers might fail to reach you before you sail from San Francisco on the 15th.
    These documents are addressed to the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Interior and to yourself. According to the verbal request of the Commissioners I have opened the envelopes and examined all the papers. I regret that I have but a few moments allowed me to submit my memorandum remarks on these documents.
    1st.  As it is a very unusual thing for an officer of the army to volunteer pecuniary assistance to the government, in order to relieve myself from misconstruction I ought perhaps to mention the circumstances under which this offer of mine was made.
    When I reached Jacksonville the 9th of August last, in order to give all the aid in my power towards the suppression of hostilities in Rogue River Valley, I found no public officer of the government, and no individual or organized board or committee with whom I could confer. No arrangement had been made for the temporary supply of volunteers with subsistence etc. Under the circumstances I informed the principal gentlemen of the town that I had no authority from the government to enroll volunteers and to pledge the government for their pay and subsistence, and that for this purpose a special appropriation would be required by Congress. I declared to them however that by personal observation I perceived clearly that a real war had broken out in the valley and that as they themselves had represented to me it was imminently threatened by at least 250 Indian warriors armed with rifles and well supplied with ammunition, that volunteers must be enrolled immediately and be supplied with subsistence and camp equipage, and that I had no doubt that Congress would make appropriation sufficient to cover all legitimate expenses of the war.
    I recommended that a committee of military affairs should be appointed forthwith composed of responsible men and having the confidence of the community and whose especial province it should be to raise funds and subsistence for the immediate wants of the volunteers. It was then intimated to me that as matters then stood the merchants of the town were unable to advance supplies and money the amount of which might not be refunded to them by the government for several years. I replied to them that the representations which had been made to me of the critical state of the valley threatened by a combination of several Indian tribes had not been exaggerated in the least, and that I was so well satisfied that Congress would make appropriations sufficient to meet all advances of funds etc. made by citizens in this emergency that I was willing to pledge myself to loan the committee one thousand dollars. I have since then been repeatedly informed by the principal men of the town that this offer on my part at once removed all hesitation on the part of merchants of the town to make advances.
    I was requested by the gentlemen of the town to nominate a board of commissioners. I made this nomination immediately from a list handed to me by the most responsible men of the place. This board consisted of Messrs. ____ ____. They entered upon their duties next day, and from that moment ample supplies were furnished to the troops. These commissioners were appointed by me on the 10th of August and continued in session until within a few days past.
    You are well aware of the value of their services.
    I perceive that the appraisers of property destroyed by the Indians do not appear to have signed their own names to the appraisement. I shall inform the commissioners of this fact and suggest to them to forward the proper signatures to you.
    In this appraisement account the appraisers do not make mention of the principle and manner by which they arrived at the amount of damages claimed by the parties.
    I regret that I have not a moment's time to say more as the express rider is compelled to start in five minutes. I will endeavor to write to you by the steamer that leaves San Francisco on the 1st of November. Perhaps I may leave for home in that steamer myself and in that case I shall go to Washington to meet you. My general health is improving, but the fingers of my right hand still refuse to hold a pen beyond the time required to sign my name.
    The muster rolls and subsistence accounts will not reach Washington I suppose before the 1st of December. I regret that the gentlemen have not been able to have them ready before this.
General Joseph Lane
    San Francisco
        Cala.



    FRIEND DRYER: If you will pardon the intrusion of an humble subscriber for a few lines, I will endeavor to give you a short history of a treaty and its incidents, which was entered into by Joe and others of the siwash nation, and Joe Lane, "the Mary-ann of the Mexican War," and his satellites of this last war. During the Indian difficulty in Rogue River Valley, a call was made on the citizens of this county for volunteers, and Gen. Lane with a company of eighteen men immediately repaired to the scene of action. The citizens of Rogue River at that time were under the command of Col. Alden, and on the arrival of Lane, Alden requested him to take charge of the forces, which he did; making quite an eloquent harangue to the soldiers. He stated that he had made two treaties with the same Indians, that both had been broken, and that now he intended to make a treaty which should be lasting. He said that anything short of a war of extermination would never meet with his sanction or approval. This was his doctrine before he left here, and which he expressed on his way out to Rogue River.
    But in a few days, strange to say, a great change came over the mind of that great man! During the battle in which Gen. Lane commanded some of the Indians requested the firing to cease--they wished to have a "talk." After a hasty consultation, it was acceded to by both parties. Firing ceased--talk commenced, and an armistice for seven days was agreed to, with the understanding that at the expiration of that time, the Indians were to come in and give up their arms to the whites, together with all the stolen property; and that all damages done to the whites should be paid for out of money which would be due them after the purchase of their lands by the general government. That arrangement with the Indians at that time was most unfortunate. The whites had decidedly the advantage and the Indians knew it; and notwithstanding that four out of every five of the soldiers were opposed to it, yet Lane says it was the voice of the people!
    Now let us inquire how it was submitted to the people. When Lane had entered into those preliminaries with the Indians, Ross's command had not yet arrived on the battle-ground; but when they came up the question was proposed whether the arrangement entered into by Lane would be acceded to. Lane made a speech favorable to the propositions of the Indians, and in order to throw any blame that might be attached to the armistice from his own shoulders, he wished a vote to be taken among the soldiers on the question; when, at this same time, his word was pledged to the Indians for the fulfillment of his armistice! The vote was taken, and about twenty out of two hundred and fifty of the soldiers voted in favor of Lane's arrangement--the balance, not wishing to cast reflections on the course pursued by their commander, refused to vote. That was the manner it was submitted to the people!--and it was not surprising that a spirit of insubordination raged in camp (which was the case), and no Indians had come in.
    But, as luck would have it, an opportunity offered for Lane to smooth over and plaster up this botched affair. Banners were presented to the Yreka and Humbug companies, and Lane made another speech, in which he said that "if they would trust to him, he would make a treaty that all would be satisfied with--the Indians had promised to give up their arms, and he would see that the promise was fulfilled to the letter." As soon as some of the Indians came to headquarters, all the companies that were opposed to the treaty were discharged, or sent off from headquarters. He was afraid of the consequences that might occur in case of a failure of the Indians to comply with the terms.
    But the treaty has been made, and no arms in the possession of the Indians have been turned over, except one old shotgun! Thus it will be seen that old Joe the siwash has far excelled Joe the Mary-ann and his satellites in diplomacy, and the curses of the people of these valleys rests on them for their ill-timed, injudicious treaty; for if curses and anathemas would sink a man in the lowest depths of degradation and woe, the shrill blast of Gabriel's horn would fail to awake Jo Lane to glory in the final summing up of time.
Weekly Oregonian, Portland, October 29, 1853, page 2




Dear Genl:
    I am here on my way to Jacksonville, where my presence may be needed for the settlement of various accounts, and I make bold today to harness my fingers on trial with a pen. I am rejoiced to find that though my arm may never recover, yet my fingers as you perceive are doing well. Two days since it gave me great pain to write a line, but today a great change for the better has come in my nerves.
    I read your printed report yesterday for the first time and notice a word which would do me great discredit if it remains unexplained.
    You say that you were requested by "Col. Alden and the troops" to take the command. I did not notice this when Mr. Mosher showed me the manuscript, but certainly the request to relinquish the command to you came from myself alone.
    Will you please General to do what you can to correct this, and to save me from the misconstruction that would be put on it.
    The two Indians who killed Mr Kyle the other day in Rogue River Valley have been given up by Joe and Capt. Smith will hang them.
    My arm refuses to be used a moment longer.
Genl. J. Lane
    Congress
        Washington
            D.C.


Dear Genl.,
    The certain news of Deady's removal has just been received here. Everybody here regards it as a most damnable outrage, and that no time or pains should be spared to repair the wrong. I know that you must see the awkward situation in which it places Deady, and that your generosity, to say nothing of the justice of the thing will prompt you to see him put right.
    That accused crew of defunct federal officers who have been howling on his trail for the last two years are now congratulating themselves on his downfall. For your sake let their joy be brief!
    If you can find out which of Pierce's cabinet officers are mordant enough to place any reliance in the representations of Holbrook, for God's sake have him cut for the "simples." McFadden's appointment ought not to be confirmed, as he loses nothing having come out as mail agent at government expense; besides, if any man is to be sacrificed it should not be Deady. We shall look with great anxiety for the final of this matter.
    John & Lafayette are well and attending closely to their studies. Hurry up old Whittlesey about that money to defray the expenses of the courts and tell them that if they want to remove somebody in Oregon that don't care a damn, just to turn me out.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        In my last to you accompanying dispatches, I mentioned the wounding of Kyle of our town by Indians. Some five or six days afterward he died. The chiefs Sam, Jim & Joe assisted a few civilians in making prisoners of the two Indians who committed the murder; they will be tried at our Nov. term of the U.S. Dist. Court. It is said that there is another of the Shasta tribe implicated, but not yet found.
    Last Sunday evening Mooney's partner from Deer Creek, that empties into Rogue River some 45 or 50 miles from here, reported that Indians had set fire Dr. Smith's house (joining Mooney's claim) and in his attempt to extinguish it was fired on by the same Indians--some cattle stolen & others killed--with other thefts on Applegate Creek. These two affairs caused considerable alarm, and serious apprehensions of another commencement of hostilities, but thank our stars all is, at this date, peace, with a general feeling of security. Culver, Ind. agent, I am informed, made a visit to Dr. Smith, but of the result I know not--but feels certain of peaceful relations.
    Agreeable with your instructions, I wrote to Col. Alden in relation to a statement from him to the proper departments embracing his knowledge of the late war--the condition of affairs when he arrived--appointment of commissioners &c. &c. He (Col. Alden) arrived here today with the view of examining in person the result--appears pleased with the commissioners' course of action, and will aid and assist the quartermaster in finishing his accounts, which will be forwarded as soon (if not sooner) as Capt. Miller & company return from their benevolent mission to the emigrants.
    Capt. Miller returned for provisions some two weeks ago, and Lieutenant Abel George will leave tomorrow with another supply raised by subscription among us. They had a skirmish with the Indians, killed one & killed or wounded another. George had two of his men wounded. I fear, owing to the number of emigrants said to be on the road, that the company will not return for a month--
    Col. Alden proposes leaving here for Yreka Sunday evening next and will proceed to San Francisco and will be in Washington on the 16th of December. His health has improved much, but his right arm hangs to his side useless. He is popular with all--and I may add, justly merits it. He has strong hopes that satisfactory appropriations will be made--and will exert his influence to that effect--and if a commissioner or paymaster will be appointed, will recommend me--inasmuch as I have been intimate with the whole transaction from the beginning--may I claim your aid also?
    In the hurry of making dispatches, reports &c. to the departments, a copy of the report of the appraisers to [the] commissioners was forwarded by mistake to the Secty. of the Interior, instead of the original. The paper with the signatures of the appraisers is enclosed--which please have substituted at the proper office, and the copy destroyed, or returned to me--
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Lane
    By the last steamer the news reached this Territory of Judge Deady's removal. Judge Deady has resided in this vicinity since his arrival in Oregon in 1849. We have been personally acquainted with him in the meantime, both as a public man and a private citizen, and are glad to say that in both characters his conduct has met our unqualified approval. He has in that time been an earnest and uncompromising member of the Democratic Party, as well in the hour of its danger as in the period of its triumph since his appointment to the bench in Oregon. He has been under all circumstances at his post and discharged the duties of the office so far as we have been able to ascertain to the entire satisfaction of the people--under these circumstances we look upon his removal as an outrage not only upon Judge Deady, but upon the Democratic Party of this Territory who virtually endorsed his appointment in the overwhelming majority they gave its author for Delegate at the late June election. We earnestly desire you to spare no pains to have him early reinstated. Justice demands this and will be satisfied with nothing less. It is said here that the removal has been brought about through the representations made by Amory Holbrook to Gen. Cushing. We can hardly believe that the administration or any member of it could be influenced by information derived from such a source. If they have we can only say that they have been grossly imposed upon.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Gen
    I returned last evening from Illinois Creek. The Inds. have been stealing stock on and mar[red] that stream for some time. Capt. Smith and Lt. Radford [were] with me. But when we reached them we found that more force and provisions would be necessary and I sent back an express for more. In due time Lt. Castor arrived with a reinforcement. On the 23 we started into the mountains and on the 24th at noon we came to where my guides wanted us to stop that they might explore a little (these two guides belong to Tyee Jo['s] people). In a short time the guides returned and said they were satisfied that the Inds. were below on the creek
    Radford left a guard with the horses and went down the mountain with the command on foot. The guides took us down so as not to be observed. The men jumped into the water, swam across the water and [were] upon them so quick that they were completely surprised.
    The Inds. made three different stands though they were short. After the word was given "forward" the dragoons were stopped but rushed upon them and chased them until they reached the mountains. From 8 to 15 Inds. were killed; it was impossible to tell how many because the Inds. carried off all of their killed and wounded that they could.
    There was 20 soldiers in the fight, two were wounded. Just after we had commenced our action we were fired upon from the bushes and 2 men killed and 2 men wounded. We took 16 horses and one ox from the Inds. all of which they had stolen within six weeks.
    The Inds. that we found on Illinois Creek belong on the coast and were driven over at the time of the difficulty near Crescent City and they were stealing stock to take back with them. There was a party of 30 miners that went down to and attacked this same party of Inds. two days before but the Inds. whipped them.
    I know that none of the Inds. treated with were with them, for my two boys (guides) would not have fought their own people as they did these. Besides Tyee Jo wanted to take some of his men and go with us to fight them and again we took everything in possession of the Inds. even to cans of powder, balls, caps, etc. and if any of these Inds. were with them we would have taken something that we would have recognized.
    It is very cold in the open air this morning. I can hardly hold my pen. The fort is nearly completed; will get into it in four or five days.
Gen Jo Lane Delegate etc.
    Washington D C
    Capt. Smith has just come down from the new fort and says give my compliments to the Gen., say that I will write to him in a few days. He hopes you will not forget what you promised in case a new regiment is raised etc.    S H C




Dear Genl.:
    Your kind letter of Oct. 31st from San Francisco was received yesterday, and I hasten to reply. The boys are both well and doing well. Lafayette is stopping with Mrs. Bears and John with me, where I suppose he will remain, that is if my wife's health will permit. She is at present troubled with that old complaint incident to the ladies who are well cared for, viz., a rising in the stomach.
    I have purchased all the necessary clothing, books &c. for the boys. Their bills up to this time including board, clothing, books, tuition &c. amounts to about $155.00. For the ensuing quarter I suppose the expenses will be about $195.00. It will require about $350.00 to pay all their expenses up to the first of March. This estimate may be a little above or a little below the sum actually required. I manage for them as economically as I would if they were my own boys. I purchase for them comfortable, plain, substantial clothing, and endeavor to avoid unnecessary expense.
    John I think manifests some traits of his father's character, inasmuch as he appears a little disposed to run about of nights, but poor boy he should not be blamed for a trait which he has so honestly inherited. We as you know have "started preaching" here, and it is my constant care to see that your sons attend divine service with me every sabbath. So you have nothing to fear for their temporal or spiritual welfare.
    I am inclined to think that you laid on the "soap" tolerably thick in your San Francisco letter. However, you should perhaps be pardoned for dispensing with a bountiful hand the article which nature has so abundantly supplied you with. I have a very fair prospect of losing the ten thousand dollars due me on the sale of my mills, as my successors are doing badly; however I shall watch as well as pray. My going to the States in the spring will depend very much upon my success in collecting that debt.
    You perhaps recollect that conversation which we had about your procuring my appointment as one of the visiting committee to West Point at the graduation in June next. If I can get the appointment and it will pay expenses I will visit the States in the spring. I can do that without neglecting the duties of my office by leaving here after the spring term if the courts are holden and return in the fall. This would afford me a fine opportunity to see my friends, Washington and the Lions. Fourteen long years of toil, hardship and privation have elapsed since I have seen my friends in the States, and now I hardly feel able to do so unless I can do something to pay the expenses of the trip. You can ascertain about this matter and let me know in time.
    I have not received a single dollar as yet from the department to defray the expenses of the courts. If old Whittlesey don't send some soon I shall send him my commission and tell him to go to hell with his ducks.
    Judge McFadden is loafing about town here in place of going out South to hold the fall term of the courts as he should do. He is quite a pet among the Whigs and appears shy of the Indians. The people South are raising the devil about Deady's removal, and the neglect of his successor to hold the courts. McF. looks as sage as an owl, while Bush is beginning to stir him up with a long pole. That removal of Deady was a most damnable outrage, not only on him but on the party here, and your friends all look to you to see the matter rectified.
    It is now a-raining great guns, "Hell afloat and the river a-rising," and from the way it has set in we have a fair prospect for a moist winter.
    The legislature commences its session in a few days, when we hope to see things brighten up a little. I shall annoy you occasionally with an epistle during the winter.
    I have perhaps bored you deep enough with this, and as it is bedtime will bid you good night.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General
    I write to you at the request of Clugage and nearly all of the principal men of the place to ask of you to urge the appointment of Bob Metcalfe as special Indian agent for the valley. One thing has become quite evident, that Culver is totally incompetent for the position, and we run a great risk every day that he remains here. I need not tell you what Bob's qualifications are. You know them well, and every man in the valley I believe desires his appointment.
    The chiefs are still disposed for peace, but the Indians are likely to become troublesome unless a proper course is pursued with them. Since you left two Indians shot Kyle (the partner of Wills who was killed before), and through the assistance of Tyee Jim the murderers were captured, but have not yet been tried. Tipsy Tyee is still on this side of Siskiyou Mountains with his men scattered in small bands from the Mountain House down about fourteen miles, and are continually stealing horses and whatever else they can lay their hands on. Old John's tillicums have the most of them gone back to Applegate very saucy, stealing and fishing. Two Indians a day or two ago, coming from Old Joe's camp to Applegate, stole two rifles and some blankets from a miner's camp on Jackson Creek about two miles from town. No assistance can in any case be had of the agent, who is I believe engaged in prospecting for gold. Bob went over and made the Indians give the guns and five horses. The result of all this will be that when the snow comes, people who have had their property stolen will go out and kill every poor devil of an Indian that they can catch, and the devil will be to pay. There is only about forty soldiers at Ft. Lane, and will soon be less. I have sent to Col. Manypenny a recommendation signed as you will see by the best men here. For God's sake, attend to this as soon as possible.
    Maj. Drew will be in Washington in two or three weeks. All your friends are well. Capt. Goodall is here talking so fast that I can hardly tell what I am writing about.
    I am engaged in mining and doing pretty well. Write to me as soon as you can.
   
P.S. If they raise any new regiments and there is likely to be a war with Mexico, get me an appointment as Captain.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you by the last mail giving you some account of how the boys were getting along, together with an estimate of about what would be required to defray their expenses during the winter.
    Since I wrote that letter the quarter has expired and "Christ's" folks have been very anxious about Lafayette's board bill. I borrowed the money and paid the bills. It would perhaps be well for you to forward funds as soon as convenient, as I find myself exceedingly embarrassed for ready means, which is owing to the fact that it is next to impossible to collect money due me, besides I have been compelled to advance my own means to pay the expense of the United States courts here without having received one damned cent in return. I have been forced to do this owing to the neglect of Meek to pay any of the debts contracted by him; consequently the credit of Uncle Sam is at a devilish low ebb here; in fact the old gentleman could not get "drinks" here on credit. I cannot nor will not stand that much longer, as the mere honor of the Marshal's office is not worth the amount necessary to defray the expenses of the courts, and if Mr. Pierce and his cabinet think for a moment that I am agoing to pay fifteen thousand dollars a year for such honor they are badly fooled. In short, if I do not receive funds from the department in a reasonable time after your arrival at Washington I shall return my commission to Mr. Pierce with the recommendation that he appoint some man to the office who has more money than I had.
    Gov. Davis arrived here last night and I understand brought on the building fund. I like his appearance, and it is generally thought here that he will do. There is much complaint here about Gardner, the new surveyor genl.; the people who deal with him say it is true that he don't take fees as Preston did, and besides that he won't do the business of the office, and that Preston has established an office across the way--that the surv. genl. sends all applicants to Preston to have their papers made out and that it now costs twice as much to prove up as it did before. Christ, I begin to trouble for my own morals when I see what a proclivity public men have for "stealing." I hope that the box of capsules which Bush sent arrived safe, as I am told that Washington is extremely unhealthy.
    The members of the legislature are beginning to come in, and I suppose will fire away next week. The town is crowded with applicants for clerkships, and I think that after the House is fairly organized the price of "sawing wood" will come down, as many of them will be compelled to resort to that profession.
    I think that your successors Guthrie & Farrar will blow out at the touch hole. The credit of the firm is growing beautifully less. I learned Nat as agent for the company [omission] last year thirteen hundred dollars, which I understand that G. [&] F. had undertaken to pay, but they have not done it, neither do I believe they will as they appear to be entirely destitute of means. I have offered to discount my diamond, owing to my great want of money, but can't even get a part of it when I ought to have the whole.
    I think that your sale of mill property is a little like mine, cultus. I have written across the face of the notes that I took from my purchasers "Slipped up for $10,000." You had better do likewise with yours and save trouble.
    The boys are well and I think learning something.
    I shall write you occasionally when I feel like it--you can do as  you please about answering.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.





Hon. Joseph Lane
    My Dear General:
        This will be handed to you by my Representative in Congress, General James T. Pratt, whom, if not already known, I beg leave to introduce to you. I take great satisfaction in believing that you & he are both my friends, & I have no doubt you and he will become friends to each other. I think you and he are alike in some honorable respects--both possessing qualities of soul which attract me, and which have made me devotedly and firmly the friend of both. I have five boys, the eldest named Joseph Lane, and one named James T. Pratt. Jo. Lane is a bold, forward boy, full of military taste and spirit. I trust neither of them will disgrace the honorable names they bear.
    I should be glad to hear from you, if your time will admit of your writing to me. I have watched your public course since I parted with you on the Rio Grande, with great satisfaction, and I trust you will be long spared for the service of your country.
    Excuse the liberty I take in addressing you and believe me truly your friend
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed you will find a communication to the Secretary of the Interior which I have to request that you will be kind enough to present to that department and urge immediate action on the same. By reference to the 2nd section of the act of Congress of Feb. 26th 1853 you will observe that I am confined to the expenditure of fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture for the use of the U. States district courts in Oregon, but it is left discretionary with the Secretary of the Interior to make the necessary allowance for such purposes.
    The restrictions of fifty and twenty dollars are all very well so far as the districts in the States are concerned, where there are perhaps but two or three terms in each district in each year, and all those at some one particular place where public buildings can be had free of rent. But you must recollect, and I hope will try to impress it upon the Secretary, understandably that Oregon is differently situated--that we have thirty-three regular terms of the court provided for by law, and that those thirty-three terms are scattered about through the twelve counties of this Territory. You can have some idea how far fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture would serve for such purposes in Oregon.
    I have before tried to urge this matter upon the consideration of the Secretary of the Interior, but I find it exceedingly difficult to make any of the department understand our real situation here, and as you have had some experience in embarrassments of a similar nature here and are now on the ground, I trust that you will devote a few moments to having the matter rectified.
    You will see in the Statesman an account of the organization of the legislature. Your friend Garrett is chief clerk of the council.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.


    A. H. SANDERS, Esq:--The news of the Indian outbreak on Rogue River, in this Territory, has doubtless reached you by this time. For the information of your readers I will give you some account of the causes that led to the outbreak, and of the conduct of those (particularly Gen. Lane) through whose agency the Indians were induced to lay down their arms, and abandon their territory, at least the larger and more valuable portion of it, to the undisturbed possession of the Whites.
    The Indians on the Pacific Coast, as I have already informed you in one of my former letters, are generally a most degraded and inoffensive race, occupying next to the Bushmen of Africa the lowest rank in the scale of humanity. They have not even energy and ingenuity enough to build wigwams to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, but sleep in the open air or in the clefts of rocks, while their food consists principally of roots dug out of the earth, worms and reptiles. This is the general character of the Indians on this coast. But there are some exceptions, and among the exceptions are the tribes on Rogue River, in the southern part of this territory. These tribes possess considerable physical and mental vigor, are brave and warlike, fierce and intractable. While other tribes have submitted patiently to the domination of the white man, these have been more jealous of their encroachments, and have shown a great unwillingness to surrender, without a struggle, their homes, "their altars and their fires, and the green graves of their sires," to the possession of the grasping and aggressive pale faces. But in spite of their opposition, complaints and murmurs, the tide continued to roll on, until at length the valleys were all filled up by the white men (Bostons, as they are called by the Indians), and the red men in despair were driven to the mountains. There they brooded over their wrongs, and meditated and plotted revenge--revenge not only for the loss of their lands, but for the violation and seduction of their squaws, and other wrongs which lawless white men had committed against them. Buying up guns and ammunition, which some of the whites, having more love for money than regard for their own safety, imprudently sold them, they commenced the work of destruction, burning houses and gathered crops, driving off stock, and massacring every white man that came within their reach.
    The news of the outbreak having spread over the country, the settlers and miners who had guns began to assemble. Foremost among the former was the old hero so well known to every man, woman and child of Vanderburgh, Gen. JOSEPH LANE, who at the first alarm hastened to the scene of trouble. Placing himself, or rather being placed by unanimous vote, at the head of the small force assembled, he set out in search of the Indians. He found them posted behind trees and logs, in a position rendered almost inaccessible by the dense underbrush that surrounded them on every side. Knowing the great importance of striking an immediate and effective blow, without waiting for negotiator or parley, he ordered his men to charge. A portion of them, it is said, hung back in a most ungallant and unsoldierlike manner; but the old General having never learned to retreat, and being bravely supported by Capt. Alden, of the Regulars, and a few others, pressed forward to the assault. A bloody conflict ensued, both Whites and Indians displaying great courage and intrepidity. Several Indians were killed and many wounded. Three whites were killed and several wounded. Among the latter was Gen Lane, who received a shot through the arm, a few inches above the wound received by him in Mexico. His wound, though severe, was not dangerous, and his friends in Indiana will learn with pleasure that he has quite recovered, and is ere this probably en route to Washington, to discharge the duties of Delegate from Oregon, a post which he so creditably and honorably filled during the last Congress.
    The battle having raged for some time, the Indians called for a parley. Gen. Lane, at the request of his men, went among the Indians, alone and unattended, to hold a "talk" with them. He had no sooner crossed their lines than they crowded around him, and implored him to grant them a peace on fair terms, telling him that they had commenced the war in retaliation for injuries committed upon them by the whites; that they were disposed to live at peace with the whites, and would faithfully observe a treaty, if one should be made with them. A suspension of arms for seven days was agreed upon. At the expiration of that time a "long talk" was held, the result of which was a treaty, by which the Indians agreed to abandon their territory to the whites, in consideration of the sum of sixty thousand dollars, fifteen thousand of which, by the terms of the treaty, are to be reserved as indemnity to the settlers for depredations committed on their property. The Indians also agree to lay down their arms, and not to retaliate with violence, any outrages that may hereafter be committed upon them, but to apply to the Indian agent for redress.
    The conduct of Gen. Lane in the prosecution of this war was in all respects worthy of his former renown as a brave and skillful military leader. To the prestige of his name, which is in all places a "tower of strength," the whites are mainly indebted for the speedy termination of this conflict, which, though brief, caused much mischief and threatened a great deal more. But so great was the exasperation of the Indians, that without the utmost vigor and prudence, even the tenor of the name of Gen. Lane would have availed nothing. He has shown himself possessed of the greatest prudence, the most enlarged views of policy, combined with that heroic and impetuous courage which, while it has exposed his life to the most imminent perils, has won for his name a conspicuous place in the bright gallery of military names that adorn the pages of American history. You, Mr. Editor, as an Indianan, though differing from him politically, will, I doubt not, take pleasure in admitting into your columns these just encomiums on a man who has done so much to give luster to the name of your gallant state, and who has such strong claims on the gratitude and admiration of the whole country.
    Since writing to you a few weeks ago, I have received the Journal regularly, and you may be assured it afforded me much pleasure to peruse its columns. I greet its appearance as the coming of an old friend, although its tone was not so friendly to me at one time. Its opposition, however, was open, without malice and without fraud, so I could not complain.
    Ben, I perceive, is married, and from your remarks following the announcement of the happy event, it appears that he has "done well." Glad of it; but, Ben, are you not ashamed thus to desert your old friends and go over to the other side! Entre nous, Ben, I would follow your example, if I had a chance, but the girls in Oregon are "orful" hard to please, and there is little probability that the "cherub that sits up aloft and watches over" friend Asmodeus, will make any provisions of connubial bliss, during this pilgrimage on earth, for bachelor         SAM.
Evansville Daily Journal, Evansville, Indiana, December 7, 1853, page 2  "Asmodeus" was the pen name of Ben Stinson, the Journal's Pittsburgh correspondent, who had married Molly E. Banks on June 1.




My Dear Gen
    I have just returned this morning from Illinois Creek where I have been for the last ten days. I gave you a brief history of what occurred when the dragoons went there with me on a former occasion, to wit: that they had a battle. The result is as I expected; a peace is established that is likely to stand. When we went there I knew that those Inds. had then in their possession from 15 to 20 horses which they had stolen during the war, that if I and the dragoons should have it in our power to take them and not do it it would have raised a great talk and would have been used as an argument against treaties etc. At the time that I returned from the mountains (from the fight) I told the miners that they might fight them as long as they pleased, that I would not interfere, but when they were satisfied and wanted to stop to let [me] know and I would get them in some way and make a treaty with them. Those miners find that fighting Indians does not pay and are now anxious to keep peace and the Inds. are of the same mind. I have been a long distance down Illinois Creek with our Indian boy and myself and saw all of the Inds. that belong there. Peace is established.
    The two Indians that were given up as the murderers of Mr. Kyle made their escape from the guard on the morning that I left for Illinois Creek. I went to Jo and Sam at once; they both say that they shall be found and delivered up which will be done. They want peace.
    Now one word which relates to me personally. A friend told me as I came through Jacksonville this afternoon that he had heard that there was a petition in circulation having for its object my removal and Bob Metcalfe's appointment in my place. Whether there are any reasons assigned or not I cannot tell, probably not, for there are none. This is the long and short of it. Deady has been removed and it is supposed by Whig influence or rather Whig slanders. This is delightful to Whigs and they propose to continue the thing and get such persons appointed as pleases them. I have done everything in my power to preserve peace and to perform whatever duties were incumbent upon me as agent and have been successful.
    But some certain Whigs who have not deemed it expedient to come out openly against you, though they had the dead thing on you when they saw the first effects of the treaty, in other words they thought it would seriously affect your popularity. They are disappointed in it and they know the reason. Without taking too much to myself I think I may safely say that I have contributed more than any other person here to bringing about this state of things. I have in my travels stayed overnight or called at nearly every house in the valley and taken occasion to correct many wrong impressions entertained by citizens, and honestly too, about the late treaty of peace made by you.
    One instance I found whole neighborhoods laboring under the impression that you gave the Indians several thousand dollars worth of clothing if they would come in and stop fighting and that you did so give the goods for that purpose and that the Inds. would not come in and make peace unless you paid them for it. This is but one of a number, all of which are equally as absurd. These have all been corrected or nearly so and were the question put to the people of this county tomorrow whether they approve your course in making that treaty it would be sustained by a large majority, but no thanks to the Whigs, no not one of them, particularly those in and near Jacksonville.
    But enough of this. The only thing that has induced me to say anything about this reported petition is that I am fearful that some one-sided statement might be made, for if persons will get up a secret petition they may not be above making statements that are at variance with truth.
    I shall start down the river in the morning to try to get the two prisoners that escaped just before I started to the Illinois River and shall succeed before I stop.
Gen Jo Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.


Dear Father
    You must excuse me for not writing to you before. I have been very busy ever since this session took up and cannot get time to write to you, only of Saturday. Mr. Martin came down and he says that all of the family is well. You must go to Indiana when the first session is out and see all of the people there. I have received only one letter from there since I have been here. I heard from Mary the other day. She is well; all of the folks is well there. You could not get me to live in Indiana for anything. Judge McFadden has come up here and is liked very much. The Governor has arrived here; we saluted him when he came in on the steamboat. I think that you had best buy some lots in Salem and none down here, for it is the prettiest place in Oregon that I have seen.
    Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I think he studies very hard. You had better send money as soon as you can, for Mrs. Bears [sic] had me to pay her to the amt. of $46. I had to borrow it and got Mr. Nesmith to get it for me. I have not had any chance to send to Portland. I thought that you made arrangements with her. I told Lafayette to tell her that I had no money and could not get any until you could get to Washington or somebody would go to Portland and she sent word to me that she must have it so I got Mr. Nesmith to get money for me.
    I like Mr. Hoyt very much; he tries to make me learn. I speak every Friday. I want you to send me the Drawing Room Companion and The Flag of Our Union. Legislature has met. Garrett is clerk of the council; John McCracken is the clerk of the legislature.
    I think that if I study here as I have been until you get back then I can go to studying law. Mr. Garrett has made a poor start here; he has lost every case that he's had except 2. We have a debating society here; Mr. Hoyt is president. Umpqua is so wild a country that I wish Mother was down here. You must write soon.
    I am a-studying arithmetic, philosophy, grammar, reading & bookkeeping is all that I am a-studying at present. I entered astronomy next session and algebra.
   
Dear Father, I have a friend here that wants to go to West Point, and I want you to send me a copy of the regulations and the qualifications necessary for cadet. He wants to know what he had better do to get the appointment. His name [is] Roswell Lamson. Send them as soon as possible. Send them to me. Don't fail.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



William Cose Dusenberry Esqr.
    Wall Street, N. York
        Sir
            I have in my possession one hundred dollars, placed in my hands by E. Hamilton Esqr. of Oregon for you, which will be forwarded promptly upon your order. Have the kindness to address me.
    It was my intention to see you in N.Y. and hand you the money, but had mislaid a slip of paper handed me by Mr. H. with your address and could not recollect the name; have this day found it. This is my apology for not doing as otherwise I would.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear General
    I have nothing interesting to communicate to you at present & therefore shall be brief. So far we are still in the dark in the matter of opposition from Judge Douglas against Judge Pratt at the last special session of the senate, and I apprehend that we will never be enlightened upon the subject until we will be able to get the desired information through you, and which we are anxiously looking for at any early day.
    You will observe that the "Statesman" is out upon Judge McFadden. Mr. Bush's leader of Dec. 6th shows up the matter in the true style, so far as my observations go in reference to this matter I can state the true & unflinching Democrats of Oregon sustain Mr. Bush. On the whole I am inclined to the opinion that all the importations from the States by the present administration to Oregon, are to say the least of it, unfortunate to the harmony of the Democracy here, had your policy & wishes been carried out with respect to the federal appointments, we could now show a solid column and a bold front, whereas bickerings and discontent prevail. I am reliably informed that Judge Williams did declare openly that unless Mr. Deady was restored he should resign the Chief Justiceship.
    The kind promise which you made me before starting for Washington to procure me a field appt. in a Mounted Regiment "Rifle or Dragoon in the event Congress should raise one this session," is exceedingly pleasant to my thoughts. My heart is in the army, and there is no use to attempt to disguise it. If from the records I am entitled to consideration for past services in the field, an appt. in the line corresponding with my Brevet promotion at Chapultepec would be I think quite reasonable.
    If no Regiment is raised this session, please ascertain what are the chances to my restoration in the "Rifles" for you are aware that I was most unjustly persecuted by some of the "Rifle" officers and driven to resign my Commission which I valued highly. Please send me the papers necessary to procure my land warrant for services during the "Mexican War."
    Also an Army Register for 1854. Please write at your earliest convenience.
Hon. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. E. Whittlesey
    Comptroller &c.
        Sir;
            You will please favor me at your earliest convenience with a tabular statement of appropriations made by Congress for the Territory of Oregon since its organization as a Territory, showing for what purposes the same were made, what amount actually paid out, for what purpose, and what amount withheld and for what reason, together with the sums of each appropriation yet remaining in the Treasury.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Gen Jo Lane
    Dr Sir
        I have just got through and am sealing up the papers for transmittal to Washington.
    They are all directed to you and amount to $93,511.25 cents, which is not far I believe from the estimate sent to you at San Francisco.
    I have to say that since closing the accounts, a bill was presented by Levi Libby for $200 for transportation. This bill is sent, but is necessarily detached from the rest and swells the amount of expenses to $200 more, making $95,511.25 cents [sic].
    Enclosed is a letter to Hon. P. H. Bell, of Texas; he is my friend and I think you can rely on his cooperation in this matter.
    Capt. Terry it seems has sent on an independent muster roll. I frequently hear his men speak of him and with execration. They do not approve [of] his conduct. You will doubtless see his roll, and will act as in your wisdom shall be deemed best. His men are as anxious as the rest to get pay, and I recommend it.
    Your letter to me directing copies of muster rolls to be sent to the governor of Oregon was obeyed. If your avocations permit I should be glad to hear from you occasionally.
P.S. The rolls made and sent by me asking pay are
1st   Your staff roll
2nd  Roll of hired men in hospital
3       Roll of hired quartermaster men
4       Miller's roll of mounted volunteers
5       Goodall's roll of mounted volunteers
6       Lamerick's roll of mounted volunteers
7       Rhoades' roll of mounted volunteers
8       Williams' roll of mounted volunteers
9       Owens' roll of mounted volunteers
10     Fowler's infantry volunteers
    And the rolls of Capts. Terry, Martin and Nesmith, which doubtless are or will be sent.
To
    Hon. Jo Lane
        Washington D.C.



Hon. John Wilson
    Comm. of Land Office
        Sir;
            I learn that it has been the practice of the Surveyor General of Oregon to exact fees of settlers for services rendered in proof of claims and in rendering certificates of settlement and cultivation. Do not these duties devolve upon the Surveyor General by virtue of his office for which he is remunerated by the salary thereof and are not such charges therefore illegal and contrary to the contemplation of the act creating the office of Surveyor General?
    Your early replication is respectfully solicited.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Gen. Joel Palmer
Supdt. Indian Affairs
Sir
    At a meeting of the citizens and miners held today in this place, the undersigned were appointed a committee to address you upon the subject of our relations with the Indians of this vicinity. The Indians have at different times warned the people resident here that if they did not leave they would compel them to or kill them. Yesterday the chief of the tribe located at the mouth of the Coquille River fired upon some whites located at that point. When requested by a messenger from the Indian agent at Port Orford to come in and have a talk, he refused to do so, stating in distinct terms that he was an enemy to the whites, that he always would be an enemy, and that he wanted to fight and kill all the whites. The people seeing that the Indians were determined to put their threats into execution, a few men proceeded early this morning to their rancheria and were fired upon by the Indians, which fire they returned, and in the engagement fifteen Indians were killed, and two squaws (who were killed by accident). The whites then burnt their rancheria. In the engagement the chief was wounded, being shot through his shoulder.
    Eight squaws were taken prisoners.
    Later in the day the chief surrendered and came in. He professes friendship and says he is sorry he was hostile to the whites and promises to behave better in the future. How long his good behavior will last is uncertain.
    All of which is respectfully submitted



Dear Genl.,
    Yesterday's mail brought the news of your arrival at Washington. We were disappointed in not receiving any further news from you. The boys are both well. John is still with me and Lafayette at Mrs. Bearses. I have paid their bills so far.
    Bush leaves this steamer for the States. I had intended going with him but have been disappointed in money matters. I have spent all my own in paying the expenses of the courts and have not received a dollar from the department. I received a letter last night from Mr. Whittlesey saying that he had written to the Secretary of the Interior recommending him to send some $15,000, but not a damned cent came.
    My demand for money loaned to the Oregon Milling Company amounts to about $1300, and I am unable to get one cent of it. Nat ought to have paid it but refers me to Farrar & Guthrie, and they either won't or can't pay. Bullheaded stupidity. Guthrie called on me this morning about the matter and said the delay in its payment was attributed to the delay in receiving remittances from the United States, but when I told him that all that could be obviated by giving me a draft on the States, as I was anxious to go it would suit me better than the money, but instead of giving me the draft he insulted me by saying that he was in no hurry, and that anything I could do would not hasten the payment. I regard him as a damned turd head who has no funds in the States nor anywhere else but expects to cut a figure here on his uncle's reputation, but he will find [illegible] in Oregon as well as New York. It is provoking to be treated in this way after having made preparations to go to the States. If Guthrie & Farrar were responsible to me I would serve them immediately, but my notes are against the old milling company, and I believe that I shall bring suit against Nat and so bring the matter to an issue at once.
    The legislature have memorialized Congress to so amend the land law as to allow persons who have resided their four years and obtained their certificates to make sales of and give title to their lands as a part thereof. The restrictions should never have been in the law, and it now ought to be removed. Many persons who do not want an entire section are desirous of selling a part but are restrained by the law from so doing. Others would prefer on arriving here to purchase lands in the settlements to going back by which means the country would be more densely populated and greater facilities afforded for schools. The greatest inconvenience perhaps is felt in the towns where as you know it is impossible for a mechanic or professional man to obtain a title to a single foot. This same class of persons by their occupations are precluded from taking claims by the necessity of their following their occupations. The consequence is that government refuses to give them land (without their residing upon it, which is impracticable) but has adopted such a narrow and restrictive policy as to preclude the possibility of their purchasing a lot to reside upon. The government can certainly lose nothing by the change of the law, as the four years' residence and cultivation is what the land is given for, and after the terms prescribed by the government are complied with I cannot see how it is for her interest to compel the original settler to still hold on until patent issues before he can make any disposition of what is already his own.
    If the land is given for the four years' residence and cultivation, then when that is done the title ought to rest in the donee without his being compelled to wait until the damned slow machinery of the federal government can find time to grind out a "patent" which after all is no title, but mere evidence of it.
    This is a question in which every man in Oregon is interested, as all wish to either buy or sell. And you cannot accomplish any measure which will command the gratitude of your constituents more than this.
    Wilson informs me that he has sent you the account of the code commissioners, and I trust it will be paid speedily. If it is unauthorized by any law now in force I presume Congress will not hesitate to authorize its payment.
    I shall come on to Washington as soon as Farrar & Guthrie pay me the funds necessary to pay my passage, which I think probably will be somewhere between the day of judgment and the time when Hell freeze overs.
    We have an increase in the family in the shape of another double-barreled boy.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General
    Having just come to town from my claim [paper loss] bye. I am doing very well. I think I shall [paper loss] I take occasion to drop you a [paper loss] of this country [paper loss] between [paper loss] Siskiyou & Trinity [paper loss] are determined [paper loss] a new territory where the elect of God's people may congregate. We have had a convention, the proceedings of which I shall send you, and adjourned to meet here on the 17th April next. Squire Steele, Ned Curtis & myself are the committee to memorialize Congress on the subject. The people are unanimous on the subject within the boundaries of the new territory, and no mistake. I hope you will help us. You may expect any return you ask for the favor. I never spoke to you on the subject, but Steele tells me you are with us.
    The new Judge McFadden has arrived and held a court. He convicted three Indians & they have been hung. [paper loss] shot Jim Kyle and the one that killed [paper loss] last, confessed that he killed Wills & Nolan. [paper loss] intends to take a claim in the valley and [paper loss] opinions from everybody. He appears to [paper loss] of yours--all right.
    [paper loss] I hope [paper loss] got Bob appointed special agent--Culver is a B.F.
    Jones who used to be in the Times office and myself are going to start a weekly paper [in this] place; the first number will appear about the [paper loss] of May. The paper will be neutral in politics [paper loss] Whenever the new territory is formed [paper loss] support it, it [will then be a] Democratic [paper.]
    Any government [paper loss] thankfully [paper loss]
    Will you [be kind] enough to [send] [paper loss] of the last session and anything else interesting.
    Having told you all the news of interest, and I will return to camp.
PLEASE WRITE.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    Yours of December 13th came to hand by last mail. The $200 I have applied as far as it goes to the payment of the boys' expenses; it pays about one half of their expenses up to the present time. They are both well and I think making some progress in their studies. As we have "started preaching" here they both have the benefit of my pious example and attend divine doings with me--seldom.
    You must have been mistaken in what the Secretary of the Interior told you about sending me the $15,000, or else he as old Whittlesey have lied like Hell. Whittlesey wrote me that he had advised the Secretary of the Interior to send me the $15,000, and last mail I received $8500, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Secretary in which he says that "the Comptroller of the Treasury advised him to send me but $8500," a sum but sufficient to pay one half of the overage now due, without leaving me a damned cent to defray the expenses of this spring term about to be holden and leave me six months, and perhaps six years, before I will get any more.
    I can't understand why the department is so damned parsimonious with their money. They know that the expenses here must be paid. I have given them a good bond for $20,000, and can't see why I can't be furnished with funds. I have written to old Whittlesey by this mail, giving him to understand that he might either forward them or stick the office in his damned old arse.
    We poor devils out here think that we are not so far removed from the confines of civilization but what we have a right to our opinion on national affairs, and while I fear and regret the fact, yet I cannot help believing that your friend "French" and his pot-headed Kentucky secretary had given the party a blow from which it will take it years to recover. I suppose "there is a tide in the affairs" of parties, as well as men, which taken at its flood leads to--Hell. I think that Mr. Guthrie packed out his frail bark just in time for the full benefit of the current. He has but few sympathizers here unless they be with such customers as the editor of the "Weakly Times." The "Durhamites" are all hard as the hardest. Our sympathies being with Bronson and believing that Mr. Guthrie's interference in N. York politics would have been entirely [illegible], even if his aim had of been higher than to reward a pack of damned abolitionist traitors, who were allowed onto the Democratic platform by the hope of sharing the spoils. It is a poor policy to reward the traitor at the expense of your friend. Mr. Guthrie should organize a new party out of all the old remnants, and adopt for a platform "victory and the spoils" and never inquire about the antecedents of those who call for a share. In short it is all damned poppycock to talk about Free Soilers and abolitionists standing on the Baltimore platform, and if accidentally found there it is proof positive that they are corrupt and dishonest, and they should [be] kicked off.
    I like Gov. Davis very well, but suspect that he is a little on the "soft" order. How is it?
    If the department should take me at my word in my Whittlesey letter and conclude to dispense with my services, I would recommend for my successor your old and tried friend Samuel Parker. He is as damned a fool as I know of, besides being a Guthrieite. He was my competitor for the office, but "E.C.H." wrote on the back of his application "An old granny--not fit."
    So you have got old "basaltic" Lancaster for a colleague from Washington Territory. I would much rather had seen Wallace the Whig elected, then the administration could not have been imposed upon. But the "one horse councilman" will go to Washington "on the Democratic platform" and under the guise of Democracy be a vehicle through which all the Softs, no-party men, disaffected Democrats and dishonest Whigs of Oregon will operate and flourish. I will bet you two gallons of buttermilk that the next Delegate from Washington Territory will be a Whig--and I don't care a damn. But it is late, and I am boring you. I shan't expect you to gone to the trouble of answering my letters, and as they will not be very edifying to posterity I would recommend you to make firewood of them--good night.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir, Yours of Dec. 15th is to hand containing draft for five hundred & twenty-five dollars.
    Have written to Doctor Evans of the fact, has not called yet for the money. By the same mail [received] letter to Nat containing four hundred and fifty dollars with which I lifted your note held by Pomeroy for four hundred and forty dollars & interest, will send the note to Simon as per instructions, first time I write him.
    Well, sir, in reference to Oregon and the facilities for money making let me assure you from my limited experience that any place, yes, any place is better than this. I commenced business here in the spring, during which time summer and fall made money not unusually fast, about same as could have done in the States; business so continued up to the first December. Since that time on, which will probably continue until first May, have not been making my expenses. Never saw such business in any country, and a more disagreeable winter, god knows I never saw rain, snow, hail, sleet, stormy weather, river froze over for two or three weeks in succession, mud knee deep all over the face of the county. As you are aware took Nat in copartnership with me soon after you left. He stood our ill luck up to the first Feby., at which time withdrawed from the firm. Himself and Commodore have gone to the mines at Port Orford; have not heard from them since they left. The ill fortune of dull business has not only fallen upon us but every business man in the Territory. The cry is no money, and how can it be otherwise; thousands upon thousands of dollars leaves the country every steamer, and what is to bring it back. Nothing. I trust in god that I may have a better trade this summer than am now the recipient of, and if business should ever spring up then I will certainly sell out for god knows I should be happy to have my money out of my business, am perfectly satisfied with trade in Oregon. A six months' business in twelve will not try me.
    Have not heard from Umpqua for three months; do not know the cause, unless roads being impassable.
    In regard to the general news of Oregon [I] presume Bush has posted you up; nothing of interest has transpired since he left. Lancaster, Delegate-elect from Washington T., will leave on next steamer. Have two steamers running to this point, each are crowded with people every trip, leaving Oregon, very few coming, many come up and return on same boat. This is a dark, gloomy, dreary and muddy-looking portion of god's moral vineyard. We are all in good health; Winnie goes to school whenever she can get there for rain and mud; her session will be out in a few days. Have you made any inquiries in regard to insurance, should like to be insured from fire for ten or twelve months by that time, hope to have my money in my pocket, say for about eight thousand dollars. If the companies will take any risks here I know you can get it effected. Will you be so good as to make the effort.
    Letters from you will be very thankfully received as often as you may find leisure to write us.
    Mary and Winnie wishes to be remembered by you.
   
N.B. The little tow boat Firefly was wrecked at the mouth [of the] river, crew all lost, amongst them Capt. Hawkes.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Pa
    I received your letter the 16 and 27 of Dec. and was glad to hear from you. I am agoing to school but my school will be out in two weeks, but will take up soon. When I last heard from home the family was enjoying good health. As for Mary and myself we both have a bad cold but that [is] nothing.
    Nat is at Port Orford, but we expect that he will return this steamer. His family is well. We have had some very cold weather. The river was froze over for two weeks so persons could cross with wagons. I wrote to Mrs. Wirt the other day. Fayette and John is well. Give my love to Mrs. Wirt and family. Your tillicum is well and growing fine and is much obliged to you for that beautiful name. Give my respect to Mrs. Easby and daughter. I have nothing more. At present I am much obliged to you for those presents.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Dear Father
    This day I recd. your letter containing the check for 675 dollars in favor of D. Barnes, which I handed him and redeemed your note of 725 dollars.
    I settled with Wm. J. Martin. His acct. against you was 706 dollars, including the store house, and our bill against him for goods was 211 dollars. The burrs you sold him was 397 dollars, which leaves a balance due Martin 92 dollars. I told Mr. Martin I hoped that this settlement would be satisfaction to you, and he said he knew it would be, for you and him had a talk about the burrs and you agreed to pay for repairing them, which cost $152, but he would pay half and charge you only $75. See enclosed bills.
    That note you give Knott for 1500 dollars he sold to Sutherland. We have paid 1000 dollars on it, and the 500 we will pay the first of March. Then we will owe 450 dollars, and about the same owing to us, and I think we have in store about $2500 worth of goods. Times are quite dull in Winchester at present, money very scarce, [a] good many people going to the gold mines from Douglas County. There is a great excitement about the Coos mines; people are going there from all parts of Oregon. John & Russell Fickas are gone to Coos; Simon paid them off. Their wages were $450. I am well pleased with Oregon. I bought of Mr. Akin the house brother Wilbur occupied. The house cost $450. I paid 200, the balance [due] next May. I moved to Winchester the 10th Nov.
    Since that time we have sold 4300 dollars worth of goods, but we have to sell goods at a very small profit owing to so much competition. This county has a great many stores and grocers that we have to contend with; consequently we have to sell goods cheap in order to gain custom.
    All of your American cows has calves. Mother and family are very well. Emily and little Mary are well and send their very best love to you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear General
    I have been anxiously looking for a letter from you the last three mails, but in vain. There is nothing new here of interest to communicate, the times are hard as the merchants say & from appearances will be more so during the season.
    I observe the Secy. of War did recommend an increase of the army, endorsed by the President, and inasmuch as the necessity of such an increase is manifest to all in the least acquainted with our extended frontier, particularly for mounted troops, it is hoped the opposition against such a reasonable proposition will be less severe to the augmentation of our peace establishment. I am not a little gratified that you have taken early steps to bring the matter before Congress.
    Before your departure for Washington from Portland last October in conversation with you on the subject of an increase of the army I remarked to you that I should be happy to re-enter the service, to which you assured me an appt. if I desired it in that event.
    I would ask you make application for me if you feel disposed to befriend me in that matter and forward my wishes, [I] should like to hold the position in the line of equal rank gained by brevet on the field in Mexico, if that could not be accomplished a Major's commission would be the lowest grade I could accept. I have no doubt you could get for Oregon a field appointment, and your personal influence with President Pierce secure me the commission, be pleased to let me hear from [you] at your earliest convenience.
    Will you have the kindness to forward me the address of an agent stationed at Washington to aid me in closing my accounts. There is due me 3 mos. pay & emoluments with two dollars per day extra pay by act of Congress for serving in Oregon--amounting to about $500 against which the 2nd Auditor's office shows a balance of $232.00, it is to adjust this bal. that I wish to engage the services of an agt. I could not think of troubling you with the matter.
    It is the opinion amongst our friends that Judge Deady will not accept, be that as it may, you had things read right with regard to him.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
Please send me an Army Register for 1854.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

Fort Lane O.T.
    March 1st 1854

Dear Gen
    Enclosed is a slip from the Mountain Herald of 25th Feb. that I just received. So far as Inds. in my Dist. are concerned be assured that it is a lie out and out. But those on Rogue River are in a suffering condition for want of food. In fact if depredations are committed by them it will be from want. I don't know as I will be able to get this to the post office before the mail leaves, but will try.

Truly yours
    S. H. Culver

Genl. J. Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.

     Dear Brother, I take this opportunity to inform you that we are well at present, hope that this may find you in the blessing. I want you to come to see us this summer for I have some particular business with you. I don't want you to make any deed to any person concerning Three Mile Island. There is several persons wants it and [illegible] in particular but whatever you do don't make any deed to any person until you come to see me this summer. I think that I shall buy up a lot of stock and take them with me to Oregon next spring. I am very anxious to see that country. I don't want you to write to any person but me concerning this matter. Williamsberg and several of our neighbors wants this property but I don't want to sell it until I see you. Don't forget to come to see us this summer. I have made up my mind thoroughly to go to Oregon next spring. I want you to write to Shelby & Barlow & tell them to give me a full description of the country. I have nothing more to say to you but remain your affectionate brother
   
    Dear Uncle, I thought I would drop you a few lines in this letter. Mother sends her compliments to you. She says that she would be glad to see you. She did not have the pleasure to seeing you when you were here.
    Uncle, I want you to write to me as soon as you receive this letter. I have nothing much to say but remain your affectionate niece
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Remarks on certain accounts and bills, presented by citizens of Oregon and California, for services and supplies furnished during the Rogue River War of 1853, also remarks concerning muster rolls of volunteers in that war.
    Of the muster rolls of volunteers in the hands of the Secy. of War, to the best of my belief and knowledge the following are substantially correct, as correct as could be expected under the circumstances, viz: Capt. Goodall's, Lamerick's and Miller's.
    Capt. Fowler's company was enrolled by the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley as a guard for the defense of the town of Jacksonville. When they advised with me on the subject, I suggested the enrollment of thirty men. I suppose the muster roll in the hands of the Secy. to be correct.
    Capt. Owens' company was enrolled by my authority--twenty-five men--but was soon after disorganized. The men
prices of articles of subsistence be regulated so that different merchants shall not be paid different prices for the same article. This to apply to merchants in northern California (in the vicinity of Yreka) and in Rogue River Valley.
Washington D.C.
March 24th 1854


My Dear Tyler
    Your note of the 20th inst. has been recd. Territorial business has been made the special order for the first week in May, and within that week the bill providing for paying the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass the House, and in a month or two thereafter will become a law. You are sufficiently acquainted with Congressional legislation to know that things are not dispatched as rapidly as we have been in the habit of moving in the mountains in search of gold or Indians.
    Should an increase of the army be authorized I shall stand by you for a captaincy.
    The Nebraska Bill has been sent to the committee of the whole. I am inclined to think that it will pass notwithstanding.
    I shall send you papers.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Tyler
    Yours of the 26th inst. has this moment been recd. I recd. your letter written soon after your arrival at home & answered it promptly and sent you some papers.
    I think I wrote you that Territorial bills have been made the special order for the first week in May. During that week the bill for the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass, at least I hope it will pass, and have no fear of the results; for the occasion I shall be prepared.
    The difficulty between Cutting & Breckinridge has been settled, honorably, without bloodshed.
    I am glad to hear that you are determined to unite yourself to a better half. You could do nothing more sensible, and from your description I know she is lovely and worthy, worthy [of] the hand of my gallant young friend, who will I am sure be to her a good, kind, affectionate husband. I wish you both many years of peace, happiness & prosperity.
    Shall be pleased to hear from you occasionally. I send you some speeches and papers.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Genl. Lane
    Dr. Sir
        I take the liberty of addressing you in regard to my losses at the mouth of Rogue River in 1849. The fact is I ought to be paid. I know that it is believed that we were scared away from the vessel. This is a malicious falsehood. The greater part of the goods on board belonged to myself. When the vessel [Hackstaff] struck, the Indians that had not previously placed themselves behind logs, rocks &c. did so! Was not this enough to show us that we were among enemies. The boat was lowered to get out the anchors, but the sea was so short that nothing could be done. I went to the Captain & asked if there was any hope of saving the vessel; he answered no hope! What must now be done. We had no provisions save 3 lb. of pork & ½ a bbl. of spoiled flour. The tide was ½ ebb & 'twas evident the next flood must make a complete wreck.
    Perhaps not less than a thousand eyes was on us & consequently no hope of saving anything by making a cache or deposit of our goods. The Indians firing upon us & nothing to be gained by fighting them.a Chinook Indian we had on board to say to them that if they Rational conclusion was inevitable. We forsook the vessel as soon as possible, night approaching. The Indians robbed the vessel & burnt it that night. You know these Rogue River devils & the fact is we were virtually pirated away from our goods or fight in vain to save them.
    Should you feel disposed to do me a kind favor to bring in a bill for my benefit, I can be advised by you what voucher will be indispensable. My bills was all left on the vessel & I was unable to duplicate them. The Captain & mate of the vessel is livin' about New York & should you do anything their evidence of my loss would be the most prominent evidence that I have. My loss was a little over three thousand dollars, & you might bring in a bill for a special grant of land at the mouth of Rogue River (north side) to be equivalent to my losses as I know you would meet opposition if you ask money. At Jacksonville not much doing in the mines. The best mining country now is along the coast from Port Orford to Coos Bay & little south of the Umpqua River.
    I hope you will see the necessity of some amendments to the land law, as much time must yet elapse before we can reach patent, particularly in districts not yet surveyed.
    I went through as commissioner & surveyor of roads from here to Tualatin Plains last summer. By our estimate it is from here to those plains 81 miles on a course south 25°E. Last Legislature made Salem the terminus of the road. Our route last summer passed over a good country ⅔rd of the way--no road in the Territory is so loudly called for for mail & military facilities as well as opening the country for settlement. I hope you will have double fortitude in asking a liberal appropriation immediately to open the road. Subscriptions or circulating to defray expenses, but I have no faith in a sum being raised. With my best wishes for your success, believe me your sincere friend
Hon. Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, June 9, 1854, page 2




Dear Father
    I have come to the conclusion that you are not a-going to write to me anymore. It has been so long since I received a letter from you that I cannot hardly remember when it was. I wish you would write every mail if you have time. I have not heard from home for some time, but when I heard they was all well. I expect you will hear before you receive this letter of the steamer Gazelle blowing up, killed about 28, 30 wounded. Among them that was killed was Rev. Mr. Miller of Corvallis, a preacher of the gospel, and also Mr. Page, supt of the Willamette Company. His head was blown all [omission]; he was so disfigured that they would not have known him only by some papers he had in his pocket.
    The longer I stay in this country the better I will like it. I would not live in Hoosier. If Mother only lived here in Salem I know she would like it better. Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I study harder than I did in my life before. Mr. Hoyt is a good teacher. I wish you would let me go to school a few years yet and I will have an excellent education. Father, I want you to send me books. I want you to send debates in Congress upon tariff and bank questions, Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, history of Greece unabridged, history of Rome unabridged, history of France unabridged, Tom Paine's Rights of Man, also his Common Sense. And dozens [of] useful books, histories &c. Be sure to send them, for I want them very much, and Saturdays and Sundays I can read them. You can make arrangements to send them.
    I have no more to write at present,
To Gen. Jos. Lane
   
I have give out the notion of going out after gold.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    Governor Davis has shown me a letter from Washington, setting forth that ex-Governor Gaines is doing all that he can to prevent the payment of Genl. Joel Palmer's "Cayuse War claims" at the Treasury Department, and is charging Palmer with fraud and perjury in obtaining his certificates.
    Genl. Palmer is now at the southern part of the Territory in discharge of his official duties, and will perhaps not hear of those charges or have an opportunity of refuting them for months to come.
    Gaines entertains a personal as well as political hatred towards him, and is sufficiently unscrupulous to commit the grossest outrages upon his property and reputation. Lest his representations might be believed at the Treasury Department and create impressions adverse to the interests of Genl. Palmer. I in his absence have to request that you will use your endeavors to have any judgment which may be formed suspended until the Genl. can be heard from.
    Any man who knows Genl. Palmer as well as you do must know that his purity of purpose and integrity of character is beyond suspicion.
    I perhaps know as much of this Cayuse War matter as Gov. Gaines, and as a matter of fact I was a member of the legislature in December 1847 which elected Genl. Palmer to the office of Commissary Genl. I afterwards served in the army and was brought in contact with him, which gave me an opportunity of observing his conduct, and I can assure you that no man ever served his country with more true courage, industry, fidelity and self-sacrificing patriotism than Joel Palmer (not even the "Hero of Encarnacion" himself).
    The act providing for the pay of the officers who served in the war allowed them the same pay as officers of a similar rank and grade in the United States army.
    Mr. Wait audited Genl. Palmer's account and gave him a certificate for commissary genl.'s pay. Subsequently Gaines without authority of law attempted to reaudit those claims and cut down or reduced that of Palmer under the paltry pretense and quibble that the officer in immediate command of the troops was only a colonel. Consequently a commissary genl., notwithstanding he was created by law, could not exceed a colonel in rank or pay.
    This affords a fine specimen of the "hero's" military experience. I reckon that if every officer in the United States army should resign or die today, and leave nothing alive or in command higher than a corporal, that it would have but little effect upon the salary of the commissary genl. However such nonsense is too absurd to talk about.
    Another objection which I understand that Gaines alleges against Palmer's claim being allowed is that he went to California in the winter of 1848 and '49, during the time for which he charges for services rendered in the office. It is true that he spent part of that winter in California, as you know, for we came back with him in February 1849, but does it necessarily follow that because he did not do all the manual labor of the office, but saw fit to employ and pay deputies for that purpose, that he is guilty of "fraud" or "perjury," or is it just that he should be deprived of his pay.
    A part of the army was disbanded in June 1848 and the remainder late in the fall of that year. There were long and intricate accounts to be settled, many of which were adjusted by Genl. Palmer in person in the spring of 1849, and I can see no reason why he should be deprived of his pay just because John P. Gaines
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Sir
    In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 5 instant I have the honor to transmit herewith estimates prepared from muster rolls and vouchers filed in this department, principally by the delegate in Congress from the Territory of Oregon, showing the amount of claims for services of volunteers and for supplies furnished for their use etc. in suppressing Indian hostilities in "Rogue River Valley" in that territory.
    The pay and allowances of the volunteers are estimated according to the rates prescribed by the act of March 19, 1836, the only general act fixing the pay and allowances of volunteers and militia when called into the service of the United States.
    The amount of claims for supplies is stated according the bills presented, of which an abstract is submitted showing in brief the quantities furnished and prices charged.
    I also submit copies of reports from Capt. B. R. Alden, late of the army, who was in command of U.S. troops engaged on that occasion, stating the circumstances under which the volunteers were organized, and the mode in which supplies were obtained.
Hon Linn Boyd
    Speaker of the House of Representatives
[written in another hand on the transmittal:]
Estimates, Expenses Rogue River war
----
May 1, 1854 Referred to the Committee Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.
----
Communication from the Sec. of War transmitting estimates for services of volunteers &c. in the Rogue River war.
----
Print immediately.






Dear Genl.,
    Your favor of the 14th of March came to hand last night. As regards what you say about the charge having been made here of you having Deady removed to "kill him off," that charge has certainly been made here against you, but only by such men as Holbrook. I heard him make it once myself and contradicted it on the spot. No friend of yours, and I think I may safely [say] no Democrat in Oregon, believes a word of it.
    I have talked freely with Deady on the subject and know that he never for a moment entertained a thought of the kind. His reappointment gives great satisfaction to the Democracy, and as to yourself I think that you never stood fairer with the people of Oregon than at the present moment. All those little "squaw hopping" stories have died away or been contradicted, leaving nothing against you as a man, a politician or a (God save the mark) "Christian"!!!
    Curry has not been in town for a few days. Your letter to him containing the $250 draft has been received at the office, and I suppose that he will hand it over to me when he comes up.
    The boys are regularly at school, not having missed a day since you left. Their expenses for board, tuition, washing, books and clothing up to the 19th of February last amounted to $360.16, all of which I have paid. The present quarter will expire in a few days, when I will pay what is behind.
    I received $50 that you left with Nat or Shelby at Portland, and the $200 draft.
    God damn old Whittlesey. He won't answer my requisitions. If you will step into the Treasury Department someday when you have leisure and cut his damned old throat and shit in the gash I will go out to your claims and make your eighteen thousand five hundred and fifty-four rails and pack them out on my back.
    By attending to him soon you will oblige your friend
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




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