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.

List of Selected 1845 Correspondence

April 8, 1845: Dr. Whitman to Reverend David Greene

Dr. Whitman discusses the Oregon Trail emigrants and some financial issues; mentions his saw mill in the Blue Mountains; requests more plow components for the natives; explains that it had been necessary to borrow food from Reverend Spalding; discusses the impact of the death of Elijah Heading; mentions that the Catholics might soon set up a mission in the area; includes his current views on the Cayuse; discusses his optimistic views on the future development of the area and about the next annual missionary meeting; mentions the translation of the Gospel of Matthew into Nez Perce; explains that the missionaries were going to try teaching the Natives in English; notes that Mrs. Spalding has had another daughter; discusses the status of education for the emigrants, missionary children, and natives; and describes some views of Ellis, a Nez Perce chief.

November 25, 1845: Dr. Whitman to Reverend Cushing Eells & Reverend Elkanah Walker

Dr. Whitman describes how he had been threatened by some of the natives; and describes some Natives' views concerning Christianity.