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 1842 Correspondence
May 12, 1842: Dr. Whitman & Mr. William Gray to
Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: notes that letters from Reverend
Greene had been received; discusses friction with Rev. Spalding;
describes the current relationship with Rev. Smith; discusses
the status of the Cayuse with farming; notes that Mr. Rogers is
working on a dictionary of the Nez Perce language; and mentions
that a large party of emigrants is expected to arrive in 1843.
RETURN:
Marcus Whitman Correspondence by Year
May 12, 1842
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman & Mr. William Gray, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend
David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Waiilatpu May 12th 1842 -
Rev David Greene
Mission House Boston
Rev Dear Sir
We improve the present opportunity to drop a few
lines to you across the Rocky Mts by way of Red River on the North
- + shall soon write you again by ship if we do not by land across
the Rocky Mts -
Your letter of March 8th 1841 together with several
others + some printed sheets came to hand April 16th 1842 -
Our mission is to meet on the 16th of the present
month, when your letters to us as a mission will be considered +
answered by the mission -
Mr Spalding has notified us, that he shall not
be present at the coming meeting, + has sent a number of requests
for the action of the meeting -
Messrs Eells + Walker + their families are expected
here on the morrow -
In relation to the internal affairs of the mission
there is no change, at least all things remain as they were last
fall - + no better understanding with Mr Spalding - The proposed
meeting for a settlement, - in the winter he refused to attend -
We have received recent inteligence from the Sandwich
Isls from Mr. A. B. Smith + others, his health + that of his wife
was somewhat improved, he still considers himself a member of this
mission - + will probably return if matters are arranged agreably
-
The natives at this station never appeared better
+ more quiet than at present. They have gone on with their cultivation
with their usual energy - + are gradually enlarging their little
farms, with the assistance of the plows hoes +c +c furnished them
by the mission + the H. H. Bay Company -
If the mission is to be continued, four families
are indespensibly necessary - If it is to be given up the sooner
the better -
Mr Cornelius Rogers is now with us assisting in
completing a Dictionary of the Nez perces language - he expects
to returns to the lower country in a few weeks, should the mission
arrange matters he in all probability might be induced to remain
with us till a reinforcement could arrive which we hope will be
with as little delay as possible -
There will probably be a large party of emigrants
coming to this country in the spring of 1843 - Some young men are
now returning with the expectation of bringing out a party next
spring -
All in the mission are in good health + we hope
soon to be able to say all are united either in a final seperation,
or an everlasting union + cooperation
We remain yours Truly +
in Greate haste -
Marcus Whitman
Wm H. Gray
Return to List of 1842 Letters
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