Oregon Emigration

We are now able to inform our readers of all the Oregon emigrants, who have left the Missouri river at this point for that far off bourn beyond the Rocky mountains. There were four companies which started between the 1st and 24th of May. One commanded by Capt. Twault, one by Capt. Tutherow, one by Capt. Parker and we are not informed who commanded the other. In all these were 223 wagons, 954 person, 545 fire arms, 9425 cattle and 168 horses and mules. The individuals of these companies were generally well prepared for the journey and were filled with high hopes and unyielding resolutions. Maj. W. P. Richardson, Indian agent at the great Nemaha Sub Agency which emigrants passed, in writing to us about them says “they are sufficiently strong to travel thro’ the Indian country. It give me pleasure to be able to state that the emigrants this spring are well prepared in every way for the expedition. They seem to be quite cheerful and agreeable. The character of the emigration is very much improved form last year.” We learn from a letter published in the Expositor of Independence, and written at Kaw Village one hundred miles from Independence that the company from that place was about being fully organized, and consisted of 421 males, 138 females, 448 children, 3261 cattle, 223 wagons, and 182 horses. Thus it appears from a statement of facts know to be true that the emigration to Oregon is not only large but respectable and greatly increasing. We certainly think this matter deserves the serious consideration of Congress, and were there no other reasons for so doing a law should be passed for the protection of these indefatigable men. All persons and parties agree in saying the Oregon Territory is ours, and the former policy of the government persuades the people that an act will some time be passed for the benefit of these pioneers; these men encouraged to move with their families and chattels to Oregon. In going thither they are subjected not only to labors, but to dangers; it is to be supposed that the Indians in the vast prairies look with apprehension upon this seeming encroachment upon their old hunting grounds, and will seek to avenge their supposed wrongs upon the subject which perpetrate them. The Indians in Oregon will entertain the same feeling and be impelled by the same motives. So that the journey to Oregon and the life in Oregon are not without hazard, being entirely unprotected as they now are. Is this just? We think not, for the inducement is held out which it is known will influence men, and yet that protection which is necessary is neglected. there should be a line of posts along the road and in the territory likewise: -- This emigration is pleasing to us in one view particularly, and that is in holding for the U. States that territory which is immensely valuable to us on many accounts. Were England entirely sure she could conquer us by land and by sea, and that victory would proudly perch upon her standard whilst the American Eagle was laid low, it were vain for her to hope that she can ever hold that country. It is being settled by our own citizens who have tasted the salts of liberty and known what is to be a freemen and they will even turn from all other objects to their first love; their native country, and seek protection under the ample folds of the American flag. For the truth of which, witness the eagerness, the enthusiasm with which the Texans, not incorporates his government with the U.States, and feels unwilling to entertain for one moment any proposition from proud and powerful England where annexation is within his grasp.

from the
St. Joseph Gazette
June 6, 1845
page 2, column 1

by Marcia Philbrick
February 6, 2003

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