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 1839 Correspondence
May 10, 1839: Dr. Whitman to Reverend
David Greene
Rev. Parker relayed what Dr. Whitman regarded
as erroneous information to the American Board. In response, Dr.
Whitman wrote this lengthy letter that complains about Rev. Parker's
past actions and criticizes Parker's judgment.
October 22, 1839: Dr. Whitman to
Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: notes that letters and boxes for
the missionaries had arrived; describes how Dr. McLoughlin arranged
for the missionaries' letters to travel east with the Hudson's
Bay Company's Express; states that Mr. Edwin Hall and his wife
plan to spend the winter at Waiilatpu; describes the decision
on which alphabet to use when writing books in Native languages;
discusses his negative view of teaching Natives using English;
describes his irritation with Mr. William Gray on several issues;
notes Reverend Asa Smith's move to Kamiah; discusses his unhappiness
with having too much to do at Waiilatpu and the burden of hosting
travelers; describes the activities of a passing Catholic priest;
discusses the Natives' response to the book and instruction being
done in a Native language; describes problems with the crops at
Fort Colville (a Hudson's Bay Company outpost) and discusses his
and Rev. Spalding's decision to grow their own crops; describes
the drowning of Alice Clarissa; notes that he has hired Mr. Asa
Munger; and states that the proper spelling of the site, using
the new alphabet, is "Waiilatpu," and that "Waiilatpu" is "the
proper name of this tribe instead of Kayuse."
December 27, 1839: Dr. Whitman
to Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: provides Reverend Walker with some
medical advice and cautions him against overworking; summarizes
the problems he has had with Mr. Gray; describes the activities
of the priests and Dr. McLaughlin's views towards them; describes
financial issues with Mr. Pambrun at Fort Walla Walla; and mentions
the good winter weather and the butchering of hogs.
RETURN:
Marcus Whitman Correspondence by Year
May 10, 1839
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Wieletpoo Walla Walla River Oregon Territory
May 10th 1839
Rev
David Greene
Sec of the A.B.C.F.M.
Dear Sir
Accompanying this is my report of expences for the
past year. It some what exceeds my limitation, but I suppose the Committee
will be willing to allow for the extra expense of keeping the reinforcement,
which will probably bring my report within the limits of the Board.
As there has been many incorrect representations
concerning the facilities for obtaining supplies +c in this country
I hope you will pardon me while I represent in some measure our situation
+ the policy by which we have been governed. And in the first place,
as you introduce Rev Samuel Parker as authority for supposing we might
have saved expence I will venture to make a few statements respecting
his policy in this Country + in his general tour of exploring. When
he joined me at St Louis I thought he must know all that was required
for our journey as he had been out before + made inquiry so that I
committed all arrangements to him. He said that our personal baggage
must not exceed fifty pounds + in this he wished to include every
thing necessary to be carried, viz clothing, stationary, books, Medicines,
Instruments, Ammunition, goods for trading supplies, +c, +c + we made
our arrangements accordingly, as near as possible. In the purchase
of animals he limited us to one apiece, for riding, + one for packing
which we bought. Mr P took one to ride to Fort Leavenworth about thirty
miles, + injured his back so that he was unfit for the journey. He
then sold him + bought another. Fearing the consequence of such an
accident when we might be remote from the means of other supplies,
I tried to persuade him to purchase another animal, but to no effect,
+ so we started with but three to cross the Rocky Mountains. One mule
was to pack all the provisions necessary to take us that long route,
including the above items of clothing +c, besides, cooking furniture,
beding, tent, axe, +c. Mr P obtained leave to put a small supply of
provisions into Mr Fontanelle's waggon. And now for the task of packing;
a thing I had never seen done, + had no example before me, as the
company was to go up to Bellevue before arranging their packs, transporting
all their goods in a boat. This task I performed alone in the streets
of Liberty, + after putting all but our provisions on to the poor
old mule I started alone, but did not go far before all was in disorder
+ needed a repacking, a scene often occurring + for which I was as
often blamed by Mr P for my unskilled management. Besides Mr. Fontenelle's
party, the Rev. Moses Merrill Baptist Missionary to the Otoes was
in company with a loaded waggon for the supply of his own family.
He had been absent from them three months waiting this opportunity,
+ after having purchased and prepared all things for the journey,
he was obliged to leave a part, for he found himself to heavily loaded.
It was not long before we found Mr F did not wish to take the trouble
of our provisions, + we were forced to put them into Mr Merril's waggon,
although he was obbliged with a loaded ox team, to keep up with Mr
F with - mules + empty waggons. In order to do this I assisted him
in taking out his boxes at every bad place, + carrying them on our
backs or else lifting at the wheels in the mud +c.
Very evident tokens gave us to understand that our
company was not agreeable, such as the throwing of rotten eggs at
me. In order to remedy this, I used to labour with extreme exertion
with Mr F's men, in crossing rivers + making rafts + bridges. +c.
In this way we reached Bellevue. I found I was very much exhausted
in health, having been an invalid for some years previous.
At this place the Lord had a great change in store
for us, for the Cholera appearing in camp my aid was greatly sought.
Mr F himself being one of the subjects of the desease, and recovering
(as also most of his men.) he showed his gratitude as well as all
other persons concerned in the company, by bestowing upon us every
favour in their power.
At this place I urged Mr P to purchase another horse
to pack our provisions as we should be from three to four weeks before
we could reach Buffalo, but to no effect. After much entreaty I received
for a reply, "You may purchase one if you will take the responsibility."
I replyed No Mr P, not under such circumstances. In such a situation
I cannot go on any farther. After this he reluctantly consented to
buy one, but would not hire a man to assist in packing although we
were repeatedly urged to do it by good judges, who were well acquanted
with the toils + hardships of the route. After having lived three
weeks upon Mr Merril in addition to Messrs Dunbar + Allis, we were
obliged to draw upon his small stock of bacon which he had just brought
up from Missouri at so much labour + expense, + upon Mr F for flour
+ corn meal, not withstanding he was actually limited for the supply
of his own expedition, his men being in great want before they reached
Buffalo.
In a proof copy of Mr P journal which Mr Gray brought
us Mr Parker does not speak of Mr Merrill as being in company with
us from Liberty, nor with reference to the time we spent at his house.
For the correctness of these statements, + much more that might be
said. I would refer you to the Rev Moses Merrill Missionary to the
Otoes, + Rev Mr Dunbar + Mr Allis Missionaries to the Pawnees. I might
mention others but these will suffice.
After leaving Bellevue I had two animals to pack,
this being the task of each of Mr. F's men, but which must be done
at much more labour, for instead of regular Bails of Merchandise,
ours consisted of cooking materials, provisions, tent, beding +c which
were all to be unbailed + bailed at every encampment, together with
almost the entire labour of cooking getting wood for fire, + other
servile work of an encampment. In three or four days after starting
from Bellevue the Mules back became sore. It is in vain for me to
try to describe my feelings in view of such an animal, expecting every
day he would be unfit for labour, without the possibility of an exchange
as we had but one horse for each of us to ride + the other two were
heavily packed, not excepting the time after we reach Buffalo.
Soon after passing the Pawnees I was taken sick
with a painful bowel complaint. Being often obliged to stop, I fell
in the rear of camp, + was unable to overtake them again, untill they
had long been encamped for I was to weak to ride faster than a walk.
I must have failed by the way had it not been for one of the Companies
Clerks who kindly kept me company + assisted me in mounting + dismounting
my horse.
Before I was able to stand I was obliged to do our
cooking or else do without eating, for I do not recollect that Mr
P ever got a meal during my sickness either for himself or me, but
went to eat with Mr F. + it was only by the favour of his cook that
I obtained a little food occasionally. During this time Mr P was obliged
to pack the animals, which task he found himself very unskilful +
poorly able to perform I write this to show how unfit it was for us
to be without an experienced servant.
Notwithstanding all these perplexities + trials
+ much more - a kind Providence brought us to Rendesvous. - And now
for my return. Mr. P left me with only my riding horse + this was
to carry my bed, clothing, Provisions + myself, The price of an ordinary
horse was one hundred dollars, + as I did not wish to make any more
expense than I could help, bought a horse for five dollars, which
was a disgrace to any man to pack on account of his extreme sore back.
So you see me on my way home - On parting with me,
Mr P engaged a man by the name of Compo to act as a servant + interpreter
besides an Indian to take care of his horses + do his packing. I learn
by a letter of Mr Parker to Doct McLaughlin, that on his reaching
Walla Walla he obtained goods of Mr Pambrun to pay Compo + the Indian,
for which Mr P told him he would be charged eighteen dollars.
No price was agreed upon with Compo but Mr P was
to give him what was right.
Now could so small a compensation be right? He left
his trapping to accompany Mr P + had to await his return in the spring,
living upon what Mr P gave him. After wintering with the Indians +
suffering much, he came back to W. W. to meet Mr P, as he had appointed
in the fall previous, but he was not there. + being in a starving
condition he was obliged to engage to the Hon H B Co. for two years.
All this transpired much to the dissatisfaction of Compo, who is a
faithful man + has since become a member of our church. We cannot
say how much good Mr P's tour will do others, it has done us none.
for instead of meeting us at Rendezvous as he agreed he neglected
even to write a single letter containing any information concerning
the country Company Indians prospects, or advice of any kind whatever.
It is true the Indians did not like to take Mr P through the heart
of the snake country to gratify him + expose themselves, but would
have taken him their usual route to Rendezvous. + besides he had two
other opportunities of going the very route he wished, The first with
Capt Wyeth of Boston who left Walla Walla soon after Mr P gave up
going with the Indians, with a safe party + whom we met at Rendesvous.
+ second by Mr McLeod who started still later + also met us there
+ with whom we accompanied on his returned Since he choose not to
avail himself of these very favorable opportunities to meet us as
agreed upon we cannot avoid the conclusion that he prefered to go
home by way of England in the Companys ship as he said he had the
offer of a free passage. This was our impression by a note received
from him at R. We mentioned this to Doct McLoughlin on our arrival
at Vancouver + he seemed very much surprized + said he did not know
how Mr P could think he had offered it for it was not in his power
to do so, if he would
If Mr Parker was to contract to take a party across
the Mountains + sustain them in this field, I think no one would be
found satisfied with the arrangements he would make. In conclusion
let me say it is much less than we could have expected, that we should
have been allowed to start at all, + more still, to have traveled
with the company, under such circumstances, for any one can see, it
must be at the risk of their having the trouble to carry not only
our provisions, but in the event of a single accident of carrying
us also.
I need not make any further comment but proceed
to state the policy which has governed us. On our arrival at Vancouver
Doct McLoughlin kindly offered to favour us with every possible assistance
+ provisions for the present, but told us we must try to make ourselves
independent of them as soon as possible. Among other reasons said
that in case of a change in the person in charge we might not be favoured
by them He further urged us to take such things as we wanted at once
for he said it might be difficult to send up supplies at another time
+ that now he would send all we needed.
Instead of getting flour at Walla Walla as stated
by Mr P at five dollars a barrel, our first was brought from V at
a cost of three pence sterling a pound, in bags of one hundred weight
each, the bags amounting to five shillings apiece + the transportation
to seven shillings each bag. making the cost of two hundred weight
of flour at Walla W just four pounds sterling.
The first year after we arrived the crops failed
almost entirely at W. W. I had it in my power to furnish them with
about twenty five bushels of corn from my first crop. W. W. labours
under very great disadvantage for farming having never yet provided
for its own consumption but in part. One hundred bags are brought
yearly from Colvile to supply this post + the passing business of
the Company.
Mr Spalding + myself were unable to eat potatoes
before this last year. His first crop was almost an entire failure
+ although I had a tolerable crop the demand was so great for seed
I could afford but few for eating. At the present time it is quite
different. W. W. has doubled its quantity of cultivated lands as well
as most of the Company's other posts, + we were favoured with a full
supply for ourselves. Last year I cultivated three hundred bushels
of corn seventy five of wheat + one thousand bushels of potatoes.
besides a large supply of turnips + garden vegitables.
Last fall we put up a Doby house of nineteen by
forty feet front + an ell of twenty two by thirty + prepared boards
+ materials to finish it. It has been occupied by Mr Smith who has
now gone to spend the summer with a camp of Indians in order to obtain
the language
It was expected that I should have gone to form
a new station in a more central situation, but it has been defered
for the present.
Mr + Mrs Hall from the Sandwich Island have arived
in safety + are now proceeding to Mr S with the press. Mrs H's health
is some what improved by the voyage + probably will gain much by a
change of climate.
The prospect of good to the Indians are as favourably
as ever if we are permited to labour without molestation from the
Catholics.
This is sent to Rendezvous hoping a safe conveyance
will be found if not it will be returned
With all respect for your instructions + earnest
prayer for the success of your Missions
I am Dear Sir
Yours Truly
Marcus Whitman
Supplement May 17th
I have only written of things such as I knew in
relation to Mr Parker, + this not as an attack, but as I suppose but
as I suppose in the best way to relieve your mind that all future
operations could not follow the same policy. In conversation yesterday
with Mr Ermatinger, who spent the night with us (in company with two
other gentlemen) he said, that upon arriving at Vancouver the winter
Mr Parker was there the Gentlemen were admiring his fine gun, + told
him Mr P would beg it of him. He told them to avoid the necessity
of refusing him he should not see it. + added, It was the expectation.
of all the Gentlemen that Mr P would beg every thing that pleased
his fancy or suited his convenience. And to conclude I must say Providence
has not enabled any of us who have followed Mr Parker to equal his
triumph "that he was not brought to the necessity of eating dog
or horse flesh." I saw even Mr Hall on his arrival at Walla Walla
eating it. + we have killed + eaten twenty three or four horses since
we have been here not that we suffered which caused us to eat them,
but, if we had not eaten them, we should have suffered. + that too
without the means of supply. from any source we know of, for Mr S
was told he had got all that could be spared at Colvile the year before
last and at that time Walla W. had less grain than I had.
We have just received inteligence that the Company's
ship had arrived from England but has brought no letters from the
United States. There have been arrivals at the Island's for the year
past, at the time of her passing. Our hopes of receiving letters from
home from that source are now cut off, for we expect no more arrivals
this season.
M. Whitman
Return to List of 1839 Letters
October 22, 1839
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Waiilatpu. Oregon Territory
Oct 22d 1839
Rev
David Greene
Sec - of the A. B. C. F. M.
Dear Sir.
Your letters of Oct. 17th - 38 - to me and March
21st - 39 to Mr Spalding + myself came to hand both about the same
time the first week in Sept -
We have heard of the arrival of twenty eight boxes
for this mission at Vancouver
Doct McLoughlin wrote us from London saying there
was an arangement for our letters to go by the Montreal Express -
He has just passed by on his way to Vancouver - with the Companies
Express from Canada -
Mr + Mrs Hall are with us + will stay for the winter.
- They are detained by Mrs Hall state of Pregnancy -
We have settled upon the Alphabet recommended by
yourself + the Board with the exception of v for short u which is
represented by a - All had become weary of the first attempt at writing
with the one fixed upon by Mr Spalding -
I never consented to it - + on the accession of
Mr Smith to the language. laid before him your views on the subject
- After an examination - he said he prefered Mr Spaldings method to
Mr Pickering - or yourself - and this seemed to be the only prospect
for a time, indeed one book was printed in that alphabet - But by
the judicious advice of Mr Hall - an easy adjustment was made - +
we now have a small book - from which we are teaching - written with
Mr Pickering's Alphabet -
I never have approved of teaching the English -
neither have I taught it except from necessity - as Mr. Spalding was
teaching which made it desireable for us to do something to satisfy
the Indians for the time being untill books should be prepared in
their own language -
There are several important errors in your last
report (1838) of this Mission
1st - The intention of the Indians in taking horses
to the States with Mr Gray in order to assist in paying the expences
of the reinforcement in coming to their country. - Their intention
was to exchange horses for cows - for their own use an object represented
to them in such a light as to induce them to make great effort to
obtain them - Some of them have been + are now looking for pay for
their horses + one has been paid; + I doubt not all will have to be
- before they will feel easy + satisfied about their loss -
2d. Mr Gray did not go home by my advice as my letters
which he carried clearly intimated if they did not say as much in
words
3d. Wm H Gray Physician - I cannot concieve how
you have been so much imposed upon as to report him as Physician -
what can a man learn in sixteen weeks of public lectures (which is
barely all he can boast) to entitle him to that distinction. - It
cannot be regarded in any other light in this country than a slur
upon the Board + this Mission -
At our Annual Meeting the first week in Sept - Mr
Smith was appointed to commence a station in the Upper Nes Perces
Country - where he has been for the summer past + I was retained here
- I do not think it proper for me to hold the most difficult + responsible
station in the mission where all contact with Traders Catholics Travellers
+ adventurers of every discription come in immediate contact + where
I have to discharge all the duties of Minister + Physician to the
Mission -
The prospect of benefiting the Indians (to look
at outward appearances) is clouded - by the recent tour of the Catholic
Priest who has made the circuit as far as Colvile - + so down the
river to Walla Walla - at which place he commenced baptising + told
the Indians he would come agin in the spring + baptise more. He told
them we Americans had kept them too long from baptism + were too persevering
in rebuking their bad hearts The younger Waiilatpu Chief put away
one of his wives at the instigation of the Priest + had his child
baptised + was forbid to come to hear our instructions any more +
so were all who desired to be taught by them.
Doct Mc Loughlin on his passage wrote me from Walla
Walla giving us every assurance of cooperation in our work in answer
to which I shall thank him for his many favours to us + for the assurance
of the continuance of them + inquire how far the company wish the
Catholicks to interfere with the Indians among whom we are located
- stating some of the facts of the late visit of the Priest
As he is to resume his charge at Vancouver - if
he sustains them our work perhaps will be nearly to a close - for
the Indians say - the Priest represents to them - one head Priest
- (who must be the Pope) + some two or three others, + that he + his
colleague came here at their order. + that the head Priest is very
rich + sends all the goods to this country - (which of course gives
them the impression that he is the head of trade) + that if they will
come to him for instructions they may be confident of having an abundance
of favours or in other words presants -
Doct McLoughlin Mr Pambrun and Mr Payette are Catholicks
- but the other Gentlemen of the Company are not + are to appearance
opposed to them - The servants of the Co - are to a great extent Catholicks
+ it is purely on their account they were permitted by the Committe
in London to come - But since they are here they seem inclined to
draw in all the Indians possible for which the have every facility
desireable if the Company permit - for at every post interperters
can be had - + generally Catholick
Not withstanding all this the Indians in general
appear well and inclined to hear instruction - They are much pleased
with the book in their own language - + seem more gratified with learning
to read than when we taught them English - For little more than a
month past our school has averaged from sixty to eighty scholars;
children + adults - We hope to get more books ready + printed before
Mr Hall returns to the Islands -
All the crops were cut off at Colvile except a little
winter wheat - from drouth + grasshoppers + so that if Mr. Spalding
+ myself had not cultivated we should have been brought into distress
+ perplexity, a fact well worthy the remembrance of the Board - +
the new reinforcement who can never understand what those do who first
came into the field - We are told we have paid to much attention to
temporal affairs - + by whom? By the persons who I fed the first winter
they were in the field + again it was renewed by Mr Smith this fall
while he is looking for half the crop raised at Waiilatpu - which
I put in + cultivated by superentending myself + all the expences
are paid by myself except the wages of one Hawaiian from the middle
of April to the middle of Sept at £ 17 per anum - I may
perhaps agree with them in part when they say we have cultivated to
largely when I reflect it was done to support them in ease + comfort
to enable them to devote nearly the whole of their time in studying
the language - while they so ungreatfully reproach the hands that
fed them -
Sabbath June 23d was a day of deep affliction to
us - Our dear + only child a daughter two years + three months old
- fell into the river + was drowned - She took two tin cups from the
table which was set for dinner to go for water unnoticed - Mrs Whitman
missing her sent the girl living with us to search for her She neglected
to come + tell us that she could not find her but went into the garden
for Radishes. -
Mrs W - + myself were reading + quite unmindful
of the time that passed - but being arroused by the announcement that
two cups were in the river + going to see + learning that the child
was not with the girl as Mrs W had supposed - we made immediate search
along the river for some time - but to no purpose - at last the body
was found lodged on some roots by the shore quite near the house -
it being hid from view by some bushes - when first found we had hope
of restoring life + made every effort but in vain - already the spirit
had been released from the pale + lifeless clay - having been taken
away by our kind Heavenly Father we feel her loss greatly; taken from
us in the full vigour of health + under such trying circumstances
- But while we mourn her early departure the satisfaction is ours
that it was a dispensation from our Gracious Lord for our good - +
that if we are obedient to his will we may have the consolation that
she has only gone a little before us to the "rest of the people
of God." She was intered on the 27th being kept for the arrival
of Messrs Spalding + Hall -
I have employed Mr Munger as Mechanick for the winter
- who came out in company with Rev J S Griffen as self supporting
Missionaries - Perhaps I shall feel it best to keep him permanently
as I do not think it my duty to be alone + be subject to be called
in cases of extreme haste to visit some of the other stations at a
distance of from one hundred + twenty to one hundred + eighty miles
having to leave my family alone + perhaps under the most trying circumstances
- which has already been the case several times the past summer. Mr
Munger's present wages are eight dollars a month with provisions for
himself + wife - + probably he will continue at the same rate for
any length of time desired.
I am advised by Mr Hall to build a house for persons
who may come to spend a season with us, as he has done - for the benefit
of their health - as Mr Gulick + perhaps Mr Whitney desire to do.
May the Lord direct + sustain us in our work - with
assurances of feelings of acquiescence + cooperation in the views
of the Board -
I am
Dear Sir
Yours Truly -
Marcus Whitman
P. S. waiilatpu is the right way to spell the name
of this station according to the present Alphabet. N. B. It is the
proper name of this tribe instead of Kayuse.
M. W.
Return to List of 1839 Letters
December 27, 1839
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Fort Walla Walla, to Reverend Elkanah Walker,
Tshimakain.
Original letter begins below:
Walla Walla Dec 27th 1839
Rev
Elkanah Walker
Dear Brother
Yours of the 15 instant is before me I am sorry
to hear you were so unwell And in this connexion let me say as a general
rule it is always safe to give a cathartick in case of sickness +
that a Blister should not be applied before either an Emetick Cathatick
or Bleding + in cases of inflamation perhaps all these should precede
the blister. It is a rule that the excitement must be abated by the
above or aforesaid remidies before a blister is required or even in
most cases safe
I agree with you as to the necessity of study in
the acquistion of the Language but I must caution you for I cannot
allow you to be an evidence in your own case for I find too much reason
to suspect you are not aware of your Mental labour I would not discourage
you but you must not be too sanguine that your Friends are not right
that it is labour or study that operates on your health
As Mrs Walker asks Mrs W for my advise in the case
of her hands I send some calomel to put into oil of Cream if you have
it if not into some soft grease; say [Norrow?] grease, Let her take
at the same time she is rubing her hands with this some of the Cream
of Tarter sent to Mrs Eells + as the hands heal let her wash often
in ash origtia of the red willow bark to harden the skin I fear I
should not give any satisfaction in the language even if could see
you Mr Smith seems to by a letter to Mr Hall to be in great discouragment
about the language Mr Hall told me he had given you the current news
of our station that I wud not repeat them
Mr Gray is invited to prepare a building + furniture
for the printing office according to Mr Halls bill +c that is I prepared
a request in the name of the Missions Committee + sent it to Mr Spalding
for his signature + to present it to him I read him your views of
building a Mill but whether he will do any thing at it I cannot say
It is in much better hands + both saw + grist mills
are in fin progress A good sawmill Frame is finished + [Millstoves?]
are probably finished I hope both will run befor spring
A millwright by the name of [Black?] is from Arkansaw
whome I sent to Clearwater is doing it His ability is not to be called
into account Mr Gray would like to be ordered to build the Mill by
the Missions committe But I shall not offer to do it for I remember
that he spent from six to eight weeks at Walla Walla much of which
time was spent in playing chequers with Mr Payett while I had no door
to my house + of cours no chairs or any thing of furniture or window
but what Mr Pambrun sent me But see Boards report of Mr Grays helping
Doct Whitman to build. It would now be fine for him to report the
building of two mills + a printing office which others have well nigh
finished to his hands So far as I am concerned I wish to have him
to find out usefull employment for himself untill the mission can
come together
He posted himself at W W + wanted to get letters
by controverting evrything + preparing for a flaming report to the
Board of grievances But I took good care he got nothing to do him
any good He sent by Mr Hall he wanted me to answer his letters + keep
[My?] coppies But I told him I could write my views of his case to
the Board if it should be required without giving him the trouble
to copy after me
I was reading your remark about the mill to him
+ he was looking over + saw what you said his making some sash tables
chairs +c He did not like it that you did not aske him to do it but
I did not feel free to let him see your + Mr Eells views for I know
his wish to catch + controvert evry thing. Since he left Mr Hall saw
a part of your letters + said I ought to have read it to Gray
I have a copy of my letter to Doct McLaughlin +
his answer to me He says the Company have no control over the Priests
more [than?] but that he is sory he should interfere with us + that
if an opportunity offers he will not fail to caution him +c I am glad
I wrote him The Priest can not attempt more than he did last fall.
There would be a reaction but for the support of this post The young
Chief is determined + in opposition to the Priest who caused him to
put away his wife to take her back + Mr P says take her back But Mr
P is going to send his men to build him a house on the Utilla + set
him up to farming. I cannot tell the result The Priest baptised his
child + forbid him to come near me Mr Pambrun said to me last evening
I am going to build (as aforesaid) + says to me it will be a good
ride for you to go there to visit him + for him to visit you. Mr Ermatinger
says but he does not care for the Doctor now; referring significantly
to what the Priest did last fall. But say Mr P he Does + he will visit
him + take back his wife + I told him too. As much as to say he is
not governed entirely by the Priest If I am to be alone I must be
allowed to hire Mr Munger + I will often visit I assure you the young
Chief + Walla Walla I agree with you that we must itenerat We must
or what can we do. I have got a horse of Mr Pambrun which is charged
to you I believe at two pounds + an Indian from some where in your
region is to take him with two kegs of Molases 2 gal cask + 87 lbs
pounds of sugar + a few apples for you. I have paid myself out of
it for what I lent you Mr Pambrun will furnish saddle Apishamore +
parfleshes which you may return or not as you like in the spring
I furnished a piece of Boise for a bag The Indian
has no horse + on that account Perhaps he may kill yours; but if he
does still you will have the supplies We leave the Indian entirely
to you to pay We will try to prevent him from riding but we cannot
help it if he does you will see
We have had nothing but fine weather so far this
winter except a little (that is [fine?]) rains but no snow + but little
freesing It is still as fine as we could desire We do not feel any
where near the North Pole
I killed four hogs which weighed [1089?] [lbs?]
All that has been said against them is they were to fat but I say
no; fine enough Mr P sends his compliments. Love to Mrs W in which
Mrs W unite
Yours Truely
Marcus Whitman
*** Upside down text on the fifth page of the letter
***
Mr. Ermatinger says they are under the company +
some others have said so too
*** End of upside down text ***
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