26
would be secured to us. The writer can affirm that Dr. Whitman made such a statement before going to Washington, and that on his return he was satisfied with the result of his visit and the treatment he received from all he met in Washington, except Mr. Webster, and the treatment he received from a few members of the Missionary Board whom he visited in Boston, after leaving Washington. Gray's History has two distinct points to bring to the notice of its readers: First, the country was under the British Hudson's Bay Company's absolute control, which meant to hold it as a fur-producing country, and failing in that, to push their unreasonable claim against our government. Second, the causes of the failure of all American efforts among the Indians. The Indians were let loose to put a stop to American immigration. (See General Palmer's pamphlet, and Hon. Elwood Evans, as quoted). Failing in that, their claim is made under a treaty similar to one formerly made with France. In reference to the Northwest Company, it having held possession as against our government, such facts have hot been before stated, nor can we find similar circumstances in the history of our country.
Mrs. Victor claims she has found a "patriotic fable." The writer, and no doubt many others, will consent to have her "patriotic fable" go into her nest among its rubbish, as we are credibly informed she is one of Mr. Bancroft's most important amenuenses in his historical work. She may find a place for it. In bringing forth her "patriotic fable" she says she committed the fault of taking everything for granted without examination of said "fable." This shows the character of our Oregon rat. It appropriates old fables, old iron, bits of nails, and useless rubbish, and mixes it all up, not finding a single scrap of useful history in it. But after telling us of her "fault" she informs us what she proposes to lay before the public in the interest of truth. This is double action "fault," or falsehood, admitting one fault to commit a greater, and claiming the last as the "truth." If any reasonable man or woman will place him or herself in Oregon in September, 1843, and listen to the statements, then the topic, of the boundary question and the future occupation of Oregon, and read the thirty-seventh chapter of Gray's history, they will unhesitatingly pronounce it literally true. Can it be possible that any one in the least acquainted with the habits of the Hudson's Bay Company and mountain men can not appreciate a brigade of boats at old Fort Walla Walla in 1842, when on such occasions Hudson's Bay rum was always used freely;
