Notes to reader:
The following transcriptions have tried to maintain
the original spelling,capitalization and punctuation of the original
letters. In his letters Dr. Whitman often used "+" for "and" and
"+c" for "etc." Comments by the transcriber are enclosed in square
brackets, [].
"Islands" refers to the Sandwich Islands
(Hawaii), where the American Board had established missions. Any
mention of Fort Walla Walla or the place "Walla Walla"
refers to the Hudson's Bay Company post at the confluence of the
Walla Walla and Columbia rivers. The US Army's Fort Walla Walla
did not exist until after the deaths of the Whitmans.
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List of Selected 1847 Correspondence
April 1, 1847: Dr. Whitman to
Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: notes that he had received letters and supplies from the Board; mentions the severity of the winter; talks about the settlers who had spent the winter at his station; explains his reasons for going back east in 1842; defends his actions in dealing with the Oregon Trail emigrants; talks about the mission school; requests more sermons be sent; mentions having arranged for about 20,000 fence rails to be split for the Cayuse; and discusses the situation of the Waiilatpu and Lapwai mission stations.
September 13, 1847: Dr. Whitman
to Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: notes that The Dalles mission is now under American Board control; describes clashes between Natives and settlers; notes that Perrin Whitman is learning the Natives' language; provides an update on the activities of the Catholic missionaries; mentions injuries acquired from a horse falling on his knee; and discusses his expectations that large numbers of emigrants will stop at his station during the coming fall.
RETURN:
Marcus Whitman Correspondence by Year
April 1, 1847
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Fort Vancouver, to Reverend David Greene,
Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Vancouver Aprile 1st 1847
Rev
David Greene
Secretary of the A. B. C. F. M.
My Dear Sir
I have received your letters of 25th February
and Aprile 6th 1846 one on my way and the other after I came here
I am in much haste to return home to day if possible
so that I must be brief
I have written Mr Hill on the business of the
Mission and conserning the goods Sent us
I hope to take up most of the things now in store
for us here; at this time
I may not be able take them farther than the Dalls.
From there they may be taken on pack horses or we can possibly send
waggons for them
The health of the Mission has been quite good
for the last year - The winter has been one of unusual severity
throughout the whole country. Many cattle have died in all parts
particularly in the lower Country. At our station we have had a
heavy loss in sheep calves + some cattle (old cows) colts + horses.
Cattle that were in good condition at the begining of the winter
have done well. I think the loss of cattle + horses must have been
entire with Mr Walker and Eells beyond what they were able to feed.
The last only of the Immigration of last fall came to my house.
No provisions were required by those who were able to pass on to
the end of the journey. Of those who stoped four were very sick.
Two or three must have died in all probability if they had not stoped
+ obtained Medical aid + rest. Three births have occured also among
those that stoped; The expectation of that event caused them to
stop with us for the winter. In all Six families besides eight young
men wintered with us
The disaster was great again last year to those
who left the track which I made for them in 1843 as it has been
in every attempt to improve it Not that it can not be improved but
it shows what it requires to complete a safe passage and may not
fail to demonstrate what I did in making my way to the States in
the winter of 42 and 43 after the third of October
It was to open a practical rout + safe passage
and a favourable report of the journey from Immigrants which, in
connexion with other objects caused me to leave my family + brave
the toils + dangers of the journey; which carried me on not withstanding
I was forced out of my direct track and notwithstanding the unusual
severity of the winter + great depth of snow. In connexion with
this let me say the other great object for which I went was to save
the Mission from being broken up just then which it must have been
as you will See by a refference to the doing of Committe which confirmed
the recall of Mr Spalding only two weeks before my arrival in Boston.
I often reflect upon the fact that you told me you were sorry I
came. It did not at that time nor has it Since altered my views
nor changed my opinion in the matter nor toward yourself
American interest acquired in the Country which
the sucess of the Immigration of 43 alone have + could have secured;
have become the foundation and cause of the late treaty with England
+ the U States in regard to Oregon. For it may be easily seen what
would have become of the American interest in this Country so far
as then acquired by her Citizens who were located and residing here
would have been conserned had the sucess of that Immigration been
as disasterous as the two attempts; the one in 1845 + the other
in 1846; to alter the rout, have been. Any one may see that American
interest as now acquired + existing in the Country on one part +
British interest in the same way existing on the other hand have
had more to do with bringing about and forming the treaty than origal
rights belonging to either party. From the year 1835 to this time
it has ever been apparent that there was to be a choise only of
two things; one of the increase + continuation of British interest
here to the easy exclussion of all other acquired rights in the
Country: or the establishment of American interest by Citizens In
connexion with the former Papacy was deep rooting + founding herself
in security In thirty six Capt Wyeth left the Country + with him
closed for a long time nearly all the American interest in the country
but the Methodist, and our Missions. In the fall of 42 I pointed
out to our Mission the arrangements of the Papist to settle in our
vicinity and that it only required these measures to be completed
for us to be obliged to close our Mission operations. This was urged
as a reason for me to return home + try to bring those to carry
on the affairs of the Mission Stations and to Settle in the Country
who would Stand on the footing of Citizens + not as Missionaries.
It may not be inappropriate to observe that at that moment the Methodist
Mission as well as our own was on the point of dissolution It was
owing to them that American interest had been fostered and with
their discontinuance most of them must have failed
Here I leave the subject without farther detail
or comment You will be pleased to receive it as an explanation of
many of my measures + much of my policy
I have not felt that I was a Minister nor that
I could observe passing events with indifference. The allusion you
make in your letters to my situation + business tranactions are
correct but they are not So easily change
In proff of this let me refer you to my inability
to obtain a farmer when in the States + of your inability to send
me a Minister as an associate. And farther witnes the statements
as contained in this letter in regard to Immigrants. If we are not
legally, religiously nor morally bound to relieve the passing Immigrant
we are necessarily; for the sick + hungry cannot be sent away however
penyless
The wants of those who have money are equally
pressing for they are the the wants of hunger. That I might have
obtained farmers to come + cultivate our farms I have no doubt could
I have protracted my stay in the States
But that stay would have endangered the Emigrants
to come without a safe pilot + myself with the possibility of another
years Stay in the States
The shool under Mr Geigers care was continud five
Months Mr Spaldings two oldest Children attended and Six or seven
from the families who wintered with us Mr Rogers contius the School
a Month while I am down here. While I am employed in holding meetings
with the Indians Mr Rogers + Mrs Whitman are engaged in sabbath
school for the family + other white Children. Last winter they were
assisted by Mr Geiger Will you Send us Suitable Sermons to read
on the afternoon of the Sabbath as Barns have been twis read
A good degree of seriousness was manifest in our
family + by Some around us during the winter We hope a Saving change
has been wrought by the Holy Spirit in the case a Young man formerly
a Sabbath + common day Schollar of mine in the State of N York as
also among some of our children + Mr Spaldings oldest daughter
The Indians continue to give about the same degree
of attention to religious instruction as formerly I have made large
preparations to aid them in cultivating by getting near 20 thousand
rails split for them + I hope to plough additional Prairie for them
as much as they can fence
I have the Saw Mill in good operation + very safe
in its construction
With this I may make any improvements required
by the Indians or the Mission in building Mr Spalding has written
you very freely as he says upon the condition of his Station + the
discouragements. I am free to say I would like to be discharged
could I fell as sure I was as wright in leaving as I was in coming
among the Indians
As we live at all times in a most precarious state
not knowing whether to stay or go nor at what time nor how soon
Whether it may be demanded by the Indians or the Board. I think
in the course of the ensuing Summer I shall locate a claim for land
in this lower Country to be ready in case of retirement
With best esteem + regards I am
Very Truly Yours
Marcus Whitman
April 2d
I was delayed from starting yesterday + this is
good Friday a holiday here
Return to List of 1847 Letters
September 13, 1847
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, The Dalles, to Reverend David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Waskopum Sept 13th 1847
Rev
David Greene
Secretary of the A B C F M.
My Dear Sir
I write you to let you know that our Mission has
now taken this station Mr Wallers + Brewers Family left here on
the 7th Istant when we came in possession according to previous
arrangements I wrote you in may that Mr Gerry had made our Mission
the offer to occupy this station
At the Meeting of our Mission in June arrangements
were made for Mr Walker to occupy it + accordingly he + Myself were
appointed by the Mission to visit this place + make the arrangements
as proposed to us. We accordingly did So and Mr Gerry was most clear
+ cordial on his part in having us take the Station. I have no doubt
you will receive his report through his Board to that effect But
as Mr Waller was opposed to Mr Gerrys Measures + as Mr Walker has
failed to comply with the action of our Mission as he says partly
on account of the State of his wifes health; as in prospect + partly
from his unwillingness to learn a new language and as on these accounts
there have been measures to prevent our Mission taking the station
originating with Mr Waller + Mr Walker I will quote from Mr Roberts
letter to me in order to let you see the maner I have acted without
going into detail
"Oregon City Aug-25th
Dear Brother.
I received your note, and reply I consider the
matter final + fixed since I saw you on the River. And I wish
you could fell So. There is no reason at all why you should hesitate
to act and the more especially as you took the pains to come back
and have the interview we had together. I will now say the families
are all ready waiting your arrival and allmost fear for the delay
which which they fear will result from your last letter"
In the letter here alluded to I had urged him
to keep the station + take Mr Walker's + Eells letter as my own
+ the voise of our Mission. In this Mr Walker + Eells had urged
him to keep it. The principal reason for this delicacy on the part
of our Mission to take the Station was Mr Wallers unwillingness
to have it given up by the Methodist as he Said he could not bear
to have his denomination abandon the heathen of Oregon as it would
do if they gave up this station Mr Roberts urges me to bring up
a large boat to bring Mr Hinman who is to reside here with his family
+ take the charge of the secular affairs of the station so that
in return they might have the use of the boat for the families to
go down He Says
"I must depend upon you to do this and other
matters because of the position in which I am placed by an unfortunate
event which transpired on monday last. It is simply this A party
of 6 or 7 Packers came in on Sunday at night"
This is not quite right they came on Sunday in
the forenoon + stayed through the day They were the first of Immigrants
+ had one waggon.
"Somebody stole some of there property; to
secure the return of which they took some of the Indians horses
+ other property. At this the Indians became exasperated and there
was a fight which resulted in the death of Equator the Chief and
an American named Shepherd and the wounding of of three others At
last we got the affair quieted the bodies burried and I came down
at the requist of all to get Gov Abernethy to go back with me. Thomas
the Chief insisted that I should return but if I could See you you
could go: + I could attend to my work here which greatly needs my
attention -
The reason why I deem it necessary for (Governor)
Abernethy to go and that immediately is because there is a body
of Imigrants close at hand and if the business is settled at this
juncture there never need be any further difficuly which now So
far as the Indians are conserned is settled. There is no reason
to fear in the least So far as the Mission is conserned Trusting
in God I think a "great door and effectual" is opened
to you there and I beg of you to go in and occupy it for the Lord"
On account of the above affair as related by Mr
Roberts Mr Hinman + myself did not deem it wise to bring Mrs Hinman
at that time. But as all is order + peace now I have sent for them.
Two wagons of mine have left here with goods for Mr Spalding + myself
+ I must follow them tomorrow I want much to visit the Indians along
the Columbia River who have all along been out of the reach of this
station as also of ours but as we now have this place we shall be
able to take in all the Indians along the River in our visits +
Itenerary They have become very troublesome to the Imagrants by
their pilfering habits + of late a few openly robed Some waggons
- I hope however to awe them through the Chiefs at Waiilatpu which
I am now anxious to take measures to do. The Religious instruction
of this place will devolve on Perrin B Whitman my nephew who will
only be eighteen years old in Aprile But in many respects he is
promising + has had a good degree of experience with me
In my absence for more than a year he has held
meetings with the people of that place + especially last spring
much to their satisfaction We are encouraged with his apparent piety.
Yesterday at the close of a prayermeeting I was much struck with
the ease + appropriatness of of his prayer in native Neither Mr
Spalding nor myself can at all compare with him in speaking or reading
the Nez perces languge
Here he will soon use the Walla Walla Languge
as he now has a good begining, + with the aid of the books, Gramer
Dictionary and a paraphrase on the plan of Dodrige of some of the
gospels by Mr Perkins who was formerly here he will be able to read
+ expound to them
Mr Spalding + Myself must aid him + iteneate here
but in the mean time he must do what he can. The Mission approved
of Mr Rogers wish to devote himself to the Nezperces language +
made provision for his support + invited him to assist in the religeous
instruction of the people. So you see we now look to him for help
soon. He now in my absens which is likely to be prolonged to 7 sabbaths
takes my place + also in the care of the Station + family
You See our strength We cannot look to Mr Wallker
or Eells for help in this part of the Native instruction
We must have help from home or make it out of
the means providence brings within our reach
This I think now is to be our best station. It
will be here we must have two Schools. One for the children of the
Mission. And a boarding school for the natives. The Jesuits are
now preparing for a master onset among us; have a large reinforcement
Priests + Nuns by sea + also look for one by land. They have a Bishop
for the Indians exclusively called Bishop of Walla Walla. While
we have this place they cannot greatly embarrass us in our intercourse
with the lower Country nor in the reception of our supplies from
home.
The cost of the station was simply those things
which could have been taken away in case of abandonment.
The whole cost was $721,13 After paying the expences
of their removal which is all that will appear in this years bill,
there will be a balance to be paid next year of $651,38
Some expence will be made to move Mr Hinmans family
and furnish supplies for the station
I have Sent to the lower country for a good Mechanick
a tried man that wintered with me the year befor last He was an
Elder in a Seceder Church in Illinois + is well pleased with the
religous order of our station and a particular friend of Mr Rogers.
I also expect a Black Smith who is a Methodist by proffession Both
are to come with their families
I have not been able to work for the last six
months from a weakness in my nee occasioned from the fall of a horse
upon it. I fell as though I must employ more help + not work myself
I now intend to devote my whole time + strength to instruct the
people. Indeed I ought to Itenerate all the time if I would in any
good degree meet the Jesuits Both Mr Rogers + Myself ought to be
fully employed in this way I hope nothing will deter you from Sending
us one at least ordained Minister at the earlies date Untill he
could speak he could have my Nephew to interpret but it would not
be long before he could speak for himself
I greatly fear interruption this fall from the
passing Immigrants if as many are on the road as are reported There
are no provisions here more than the station needs and at my place
I have much poorer crops than usual. But we cannot move ourselves
out of the way + must meet the trial the best we can. There is a
road across the Cascade Mountain by which they are yet able to pass
+ all go on; but after a short time all the grass will be eaten
in the Mountain and then they must break up here + go down by water
The first passers never give us any trouble. The weak teams + needy
persons come last as also generally the sick It cannot be that the
people will be left to the care of the papist in the lower country
Many are looking to the Home Missionary Society and Tract Society
for aid. Or perhaps to the Christian League The supplies you sent
me come well at this time for this Station as well as those above.
With esteem I am Yours
Verry Truly
Marcus Whitman
Return to List of 1847 Letters
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