IMPORTANCE OF OREGON. 227 



munition sufficient for five hundred rounds, and a butcher-knife, with pis- 

 tols and the requisites for procuring- fire. 



Tlie company should be divided into messes of six each, and one hunt- 

 er and his assistant should be assic^ned to every tw^o messes. Each mess 

 should be provided with three pack-mules, exclusively for the transporta- 

 tion of its baggage and provision, and at least one loose animal for extra 

 service. 



It should be further furnished with two camp-kettles, a tomahawk, a 

 large tin mess-pan, and a tin-cup and plate for each of its number. 



A light tent might also be taken if deemed necessary ; though such an 

 article is of little use. A robe and a blanket for bedding, four shirts and a 

 single change of clothes are as much baggage as any individual should 

 think of taking for his own use. By these means his movements will be 

 free and unincumbered, while the whole company pursues its way with 

 ease and rapidity. 



On reaching his destination the emigrant may procure everything in the 

 line of dry goods, groceries, and the implements of husbandry, at less 

 prices than in the States ; hence the folly of burthening himself with extra 

 baggage for a long and tiresome journey. 



The immense importance of Oregon to the United States is doubtless ap- 

 parent to every one. The facts upon which this inference is based, may 

 be briefly presented as follows : 



First. By the occupation of this country we shall secure to our own 

 citizens the best trade of the whole world. 



Second. We shall preclude the dangerous supremacy of foreign powers 

 upon our v/estern frontier, and place our relations with the intermediate 

 Indian tribes upon a safer and more permanent footing. 



Third. We shall retain to the Union a vast territory, unexcelled in 

 climate, rich in soil, and exhaustless in its various resources ; and thus 

 lay open for the general welfare new channels for commerce and fresh 

 fields for enterprise. 



Fourth. We shall (in the event of the proposed rail road) greatly en- 

 hance the prosperity and wealth of the Western States. 



Fifth. We shall prevent the annual sacrifice of an immense amount of 

 life and property in the navigation of a dangerous sea, for a distance of 

 some twelve thousand miles. 



Sixth. We shall afford to our whalemen and ships engaged in the 

 China and East India trade ports for supplies and repairs, and thus save to 

 ourselves the yearly amounts now paid to foreign nations. 



Seventh. We stand in actual need of some point upon the coast of the 

 Pacific as a rendezvous for our navy. 



There are many other weighty reasons that might be adduced in support 

 of this inference, but why should we further review the subject ? A can- 

 did perusal of the preceding pages will have suggested them to the read- 

 er's mind without greater amplification on our part. 



In conclusion we need only to add, time will usher forth the embryo 

 greatness and glory of Oregon ; but whether that greatness shall increase the 

 strength, or that glory commingle with the glowing lustre of our Federal 

 Union, while she figures as one in the proud family of States, or whether* 



20 



