376 THE INTERMIXTURE OF RACES. 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, D. C., June 17, 1862. 
REVEREND AND DEAR SiR: Being engaged in the preparation of a work on the Indians 
of Northwestern America, among whom I have resided a number of years, I am desirous 
of comparing my observations on some points of vital statistics with those of other parts 
of the country. Among these the question of intermarriage of the two races is prominent, ° 
and I take the liberty of applying to you for information upon it. 
As a general thing the metifs of Oregon have been short-lived, and it is at once noticeable 
that in the length of time which has elapsed since the entrance of the fur-traders into ‘that 
' country, (a half century,) and the great number of marriages that have taken place with 
native women, only a very small indigenous mixed population has sprung up. Yet at the 
same time the half-breeds who arrive there from the Red River country appear healthy, and 
' the men strong and able-bodied. The cause of mortality does not arise from vice only, for 
it is noticeable in the families of the better class, as well as among the lower. As regards. 
the intermarriage of Oregon half-breeds among themselves, I do not know a single case 
where they have left offspring. You, on the other hand, have a large mixed population, 
and they must, of course, intermarry. They have the reputation of being a hardy, athletic, 
aud vigorous people, and I am curious to know in what the difference, if any there is, con- 
sists. 
Will you, therefore, be kind enough to inform me, as nearly as possible, as follows: 
1. The actual number of the mixed race in the Red River colony. 
2. The average duration of life by estimation, if not otherwise attainable absolutely, and 
as compared with that of white settlers. 
3. Whether instances of prolonged life are frequent - 
4, Whether there seems a marked difference in longevity between men and women. 
5. Whether marriages between metifs are common; and if so, whether they are as 
prolific as those between white persons, or between Indians; and whether the offspring 
of such intermarriages are as vigorous and long-lived as the results of the first cross of the 
two races. 
6. Whether this class of population is increasing, and likely to result in a permanent 
mixed race or variety of the human species. This question is the more interesting, as I 
suppose your pure white settlers to be a fair-haired race, which has in general not crossed 
as well with the Indians as the darker nations, such as the Spanish and Portuguese, and 
because mixed races seem always to have thriven better in warm than in temperate or cold 
climates. 
I am, reverend and dear sir, very respectfully, 
GEORGE GIBBS. 
Right Rev. Bishop Tacu&. 
DIOCESE OF ST. BONIFACE, Rep RIVER SETTLEMENT, 
Hudson’s Bay Territory, July 21, 1862. 
* Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting favor of the 
17th ultimo, which duly came to hand by the last mail. You certainly have no need of 
apology for having addressed me on the points mentioned in your letter. I only regret my 
inability to satisfy you as fully as I might wish. The burning of my cathedral and palace, 
with all the archives of the bishopric, renders it impossible for me to be very precise. The 
little information in my possession on the subject I will cheerfully give, trusting that it may 
be of help to you in your scientific labors. 
I now proceed to answer your questions. The answer to your first query will be found in 
the annexed copy of a statistical table from the official census of this settlement taken in 
1856. 
2d. We have as many instances of longevity among the half-breeds as among the white 
population. 
3d. Having lost my register, I cannot ascertain the average duration of life here, but I 
consider it as about equal to that of the white settlers of this country, and far above that of 
the unmixed Indians. 
4th. I remark no difference in longevity between the sexes. 
5th. We have daily instances of marriages between half-breeds. They generally have 
numerous children, who are as long-lived and vigorous as the first crosses of the two races. 
6th. This class of population is rapidly increasing, and is sure to result in a permanent 
mixed race or variety of the human species, and it is not kept up chiefly by additions from 
without. 
7th. Fair-haired white settlers have crossed as well with the Indians as those of dark 
complexion. No mixed race can ever have thriven better in warm climates than in this 
extremely cold one. 
