following pretty closely Irving's narratives, which, however, he amplifies with proofs and opinions which establish its credibility as against certain authors of nearly an even date. He makes plain Astor's claim to be considered a genius of the highest order as a promoter, although sometimes failing from overzeal or overconfidence in his associates. Of his influence on the fate of Oregon, he says:
In exploiting his schemes of commercial conquest Mr. Astor was early led to entertain views regarding- the expansion of American territory altogether in advance of those of our own statesmen. He believed not only in the desirability but the practicability of our taking possession of the whole Pacific coast from the Spanish to the Russian possessions, and he clearly saw in that distant region the germ of a mighty future empire. He took the only view which a man accustomed to look at things on a broad scale yet in a plain matter of fact way, could take, that it would be better for this territory to be in the possession of a single power than to be parceled out among several. There can be no doubt as to what power Mr. Astor thought that this should be. His project of commerce led him into relations with his government which, it seems, heartily applauded his views, but could lend him no other aid than tacit encouragement. It is ever to be lamented that President Madison did not see his way to adopt as bold a course in regard to Mr. Astor's enterprise as did his illustrious predecessor in office in regard to the purchase of Louisiana. Had he done so the political map of North America would not be what it is to day.
Captain Chittenden explains Astor's unfortunate connection with the Northwest Company of Montreal, which had declined to join him in his commercial schemes, and says that they "resolved to anticipate him in his own plans," and acknowledged that he erred in organizing his company largely from the Northwest Company's men. This was certainly, on either side, meant to be a counterplot. The Northwest Company preferred to undertake to beat Mr. Astor at his own game. Astor thought by taking into the Pacific Fur Company men from the Northwest Company to prevent such an achievement. But circumstances were all against him; disasters by land
