DOCUMENTARY
Methodist Annual Reports
Relating to the
WILLAMETTE MISSION
(1834-1848)
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The printed annual pamphlet reports of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, during the period between 1834 and 1848, contain material of considerable importance relating to the establishing and afterward the practical abandonment of the Jason Lee foundation. The reasons for sending Rev. George Gary to Oregon with broad powers and with directions to supersede Lee are shown in the later of these reports. If this action seems somewhat precipitate and was taken without giving Lee an opportunity to be heard, it is also apparent that Gary took the responsibility of acting without waiting to submit a report and obtain specific instructions.
Rev. H. K. Hines, in his Missionary History of the Northwest (page 307) gives an account of Lee's attempt at justification before the Missionary Board, July 1, 1844, and quotes from his address. Lee had left the Mission and had gone to Washington before he learned of the appointment of his successor. There he presented to the authorities the claims of the Mission concerning its land locations, and he urged legislation for the settlers. In addressing the Board afterward, he said: "I had heard that it was in contemplation by the Board to send a special agent to Oregon to examine into the condition and affairs of the Mission, and my impression was that he would probably cross the mountains. I believed that availing myself of the offered opportunity, I could reach home previous to the agent's departure, if one was appointed, and by giving the Board a detailed statement
