Early in the spring of 1843, or as soon as the grass began to grow, promptly, without preconcert, but as if by appointment, emigrants from every part of Missouri and the neighboring states were on the roads to the usual rendezvous in the vicinity of Independence. Their wagons were drawn by two or three or five yokes of oxen; on the covers were the words "For Oregon," and their immense herds of cattle filled the highways. Many of them had been neighbors at home, and often families of brothers, with their wives and little ones, constituted a colony. At all events they had now one common interest in the necessity for mutual aid and protection in the long journey before them. By the middle of May it was thought time to take action as a body, and on the 20th a meeting was held at Fitzhugh's mill, twelve miles west of Independence, to complete an organization. Here met for the first time men from Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. There was a large company from what was known as the Platte Purchase in the latter state, under the leadership of Peter H. Burnett of Weston. Another company was from St Clair County, and was led by Jesse Applegate, his brothers Lindsey and Charles, and Daniel Waldo. A California party, under Joseph B. Chiles, was from the south-east portion of the state. Other parties,[1] under T. D. Kaiser, Jesse
- ↑ No complete record of those who composed the immigration of 1843 is in existence. J. W. Nesmith, a young man from Maine, who was elected orderly sergeant, with the duties of adjutant, made a roll of the male members of the company capable of bearing arms, including all above 16 years of age. This roll, after 32 years had elapsed, was read before the Oregon Pioneer Association at its third annual reunion in 1875, by its author,
company, which ought not to exceed 150 persons. In reply to the question, of what would be needed when the emigrants arrived in Oregon, he said 'everything that you will need here in the same pursuits,' but these things could not be taken across the mountains; and he recommended freighting a vessel as the ship would be of use after arrival, enabling them to open commerce at once with the Islands. He gave a lengthy and particular description of the country, and expressed the opinion that it was not a better one than Missouri, but was more thought of by eastern than by western men. Edwards' Sketch of Oregon, MS. As the name of Dr Bacon does not occur among the emigrants to Oregon of 1843, it would seem that the encouragement given by Mr Edwards was not considered sufficient.
