THE OREGON QUESTION 1818-1828 213
asylum for an embezzling relative whose exile the Vir- ginian probably intended to share. 39
Shippee in his "Federal Relations of Oregon" notes three factors as well: (1) Floyd's general attitude as a Westerner (his rearing had been in Kentucky, be it re- called) ; (2) the incentives from Crooks and Farnham's accounts of the Oregon country; and (3) Benton's in- terest in Oregon and his writings thereon a topic which has been thoroughly discussed previously. 40
It has been suggested that Hall Kelley's interest in Oregon had set Floyd on the same trail, as furnishing an opportunity to bring himself to the notice of the coun- try and his colleagues; but there is no evidence that Floyd ever heard of Kelley. It is far more likely that Kelley owed to Floyd instead.
There is nothing discreditable in personal ambition when coupled to honesty and sincere patriotism, but Floyd's unflagging efforts for ten years will hardly allow of explanation on that ground. Had his original bill gone through he could have hoped for nothing from Monroe. If Clay had succeeded to the presidency, pre- ferment might have been opened to him, but he pursued his purpose under Adams with the same degree of ardor when he could only have expected less from him than from Monroe.
The energetic support he gave Jackson in 1828 might have given him reason to expect some reward, but it is in the highest degree unlikely that he would have cared for a post thousands of miles away from the center of national affairs. Indeed his own known ambitions would have precluded his so isolating himself. More- over, his early break with Jackson removed him from national politics but his interests and sympathy for the Oregon country never moved.
It must not be forgotten that in looking over Floyd's
39 Memoirs, V, 237-8.
40 Oregon Historical Quarterly, v. XIX, 113.
