Page:The Whitman Controversy.pdf/50

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45

Bay Company, it is difficult for me to allow to pass such slanderous statements as have filled so many columns in the best newspaper we have in the country. My main object in so lengthy a review is to place the Whitman, question where it properly belongs in the history of the Oregon country, being an eye witness in the country and having life and health spared to me, at least, to attempt to defend the actions and character of the dead. We are fully aware of many apparent mistakes in gathering conflicting historical facts. On my last year's trip to New York, I received several old letters written to friends in those early times, that can, at the proper time, be made use of to corroborate what is already written, without going to Washington, or the Boston Board of Missions, for further information.