64 Joseph Schafer already organized as a volunteer corps of cavalry, well mounted, and although undisciplined, are well adapted for the defense of this impracticable country, from their former hardy, active life. Should the number be increased during the present session, and should England and the United States come into collision, the British subjects in this country will be completely at the mercy of the citizens of the United States. The stations of the H. B. Company are scattered over so great an extent of country it would be impossible to collect their men in time to meet an attack ; and altho there are nom- inally 200 men employed about this fort, not half that number could be depended upon to meet an aggression. Some few might be recruited among- the half breeds, sub- jects of Great Britain, in the valley of the Willamette. But, we fear, that if left to their own resources the Hudson's Bay Company will be obliged to employ the Indian tribes, from whom we cannot expect a very manageable or available force. Her Majesty's Ship "Modeste" is at present lying off this place and we believe it is the intention of Capt. Baillie to remain during the winter. This determination will encourage the British subjects to support their own rights, will prevent the citizens of the United States taking the law into their own hands, and give protection to the property of the Hudson's Bay Company. The paragraph in the Governor's Message regarding equal- izing the weights and measures has arisen from the Hudson's Bay Company using the Imperial measure and the Americans the old Winchester standard. (Signed by both officers.) We beg to add a copy of the Govrs. Speech in August last, at the opening of the House after the amended laws were adopted.*
- Speeches not copied — they can be found printed in "Oregon Archives."
