phans are the relieved ones. With a sincere prayer that the widow's God and the father of the fatherless may reward you for your kindness, I have the honor to remain,
Your obedient servant. George Abernethy,
Governor of Oregon Territory.
To Peter Skeen Ogden,
Chief Factor Hudson's Bay Company.
To this letter Mr. Ogden sent this significant reply:—
Fort Vancouver, January 26, 1848.
Mr. George Abernethy, Esq., Governor of Oregon:
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your highly flattering letter of the nineteenth instant, and the high value you lay upon my services in rescuing so many fellow creatures from captivity, but the meed of praise is not due to me alone. I was the mere acting agent of the Hudson's Bay Company, for without its powerful aid and influence, nothing could have been effected, and to them the praise is due, and permit me to add, should unfortunately, which God avert, our services be again required under similar circumstances, I trust you will not find us wanting in going to their relief.
Believe me, yours truly, Peter Skeen Ogden.
The rescued women and children were taken care of by the citizens, and settlers upon farms, many of the women and girls being soon provided with homes by marriage. Such of their property as had not been destroyed was finally recovered, while all became absorbed into the young commonwealth.
The discussion of the causes which had brought about the tragedy of Waiilatpu went on unceasingly, to no other purpose apparently than to gratify a craving for excitement. No one felt willing to lay any blame upon the victims. The immigrants were unwilling to admit that the catastrophe was caused by their introduction of a fatal disease among the Indians. The cause must be sought otherwheres. Where else could it- be looked for except in the natural depravity of barbarians, incited, of course, by some influence not American the French priests, or the English fur company, or both together? Forgetful of the
