Notes to reader:
The following transcriptions have tried to maintain
the original spelling,capitalization and punctuation of the original
letters. In his letters Dr. Whitman often used "+" for "and" and
"+c" for "etc." Comments by the transcriber are enclosed in square
brackets, [].
"Islands" refers to the Sandwich Islands
(Hawaii), where the American Board had established missions. Any
mention of Fort Walla Walla or the place "Walla Walla"
refers to the Hudson's Bay Company post at the confluence of the
Walla Walla and Columbia rivers. The US Army's Fort Walla Walla
did not exist until after the deaths of the Whitmans.
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List of Selected 1838 Correspondence
March 12, 1838: Dr. Whitman
to Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: discusses Dr. John McLoughlin's travel plans; describes his family's visit to the Spaldings; notes that Mrs. Spalding had given birth to a daughter; describes the Snake River and rock formations along its banks; describes the flooding of his house; discusses plans to get lumber from the Blue Mountains; describes the school for the Natives; explains evolving local agricultural patterns; describes religious services; describes the traditional Native religion; notes death of a Cayuse youth; provides a list of individuals currently at Waiilatpu; discusses the time consuming nature of secular tasks and his hopes for reenforcements; provides a list of possible locations for additional missions; and explains his attempts to keep expenses down.
May 8, 1838: Dr. Whitman to Reverend David Greene
Dr. Whitman: describes arrangements for obtaining
various supplies; explains the importance of obtaining farming
equipment for the Natives and describes his efforts to procure
such items; notes the success of the Natives in farming; mentions
a visit from Reverend Jason Lee; presents a plea for additional
missionaries and other helpers; discusses fears concerning alcohol;
describes the strong relationship between farming and missionary
activity; provides statistics for his crops.
October 30, 1838: Dr. Whitman to Reverend David
Greene
Dr. Whitman: states that books and slates have
arrived; announces the safe arrival of the Reenforcement (the
Grays, Walkers, Eells, and Mr. Rogers) and discusses how best
to distribute them; describes a plan to obtain a printing press
from Hawaii; mentions his desire to build a grist mill; discusses
financial issues; and provides updates on the Waiilatpu mission.
RETURN:
Marcus Whitman Correspondence by Year
March 12, 1838
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend
David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Wieletpoo Oregon Territory
March 12th 1838
Rev David Greene,
Secretary of the A. B. C. F. M.
Dear Brother
Through the goodness of God we are spared to the
opening of another spring with health and abundant mercy. Our dwelling
has been in peace + great temporal prosperity.
In the fall of 1837 I wrote you by the way of
the Sandwich Islands. This is to be sent by the favour of Doct John
McLaughlin Esq. Chief Factor of the Hon H. B Company who crosses
the Rocky Mountains to the North with the Company's express + so
on to Montreal.
He has signified an intention to call at the Missionary
Rooms in Boston in his tour on his way to England.
On the seventh of November we left our house for
a visit to Brother Spaldings as I wrote you we contemplated.
After being detained one day more than we expected
with our preparations we closed our house by nailing up all the
windows + locking the door + took our departure in a rain storm
+ traveled about ten miles + encamped where we had plenty of wood
water + grass, of the latter of which there is no want in this section
of country.
Brother Spalding had kindly sent us a leather
lodge by the help of which we could have fire at night + be secure
from the weather although doomed to suffer some from smoke.
We took one man an Hawaiian to assist us + three
Indians had come from Brother Spaldings to pack some things for
him and acompany us who were very active in attending to the arrangements
of our encampment.
On the 8th we traveled a long days journey + encamped
on a branch of the Walla Walla River + that night + the next day
it rained hard untill past noon when stopping a little we mooved
about six miles and encamped on the same stream.
10th This morning the ground was covered with
about two inches of snow which mostly went off in the course of
the day We made a long days ride + encamped on waters emptying into
Snake River.
11th This morning it rained + it was with great
difficulty we packed + got under way
During the forenoon we passed very high land +
continued to encounter snow + rain untill two oclock when it broke
away + ceased to rain
At sunset we reached the crossing on Snake River
+ crossed (as there was no wood on the side where we were.) We were
occupied in crossing + making our encampment untill quite late
But by the favour of a kind Providence all was
accomplished in safety
12th Sabbath morning. Yesterday having received
a letter from Brother Spalding urging us on as soon as possible
on account of Mrs Spaldings health we deemed it duty for Mrs Whitman
+ myself to proceede which we did accordingly leaving our baggage
to come on monday the distance being twelve miles.
We reached Brother Spaldings in safety + with
no ill consequences to Mrs Whitman or the babe
It was with no common emotion that we met after
a years absence + so far as Mrs Spalding was conserned the year
was spent without seeing any civilized friend after Brother Gray
left the December previous.
We found Brother Spalding situated under better
circumstances than we could expect from his Singlehanded situation
The Indians with a few exceptions are very kind
to him
On the morning of the fifteenth after our arrival
Mrs Spalding became the mother of a fine healthy daughter.
We prolongued our visit for Mrs Spaldings recovery
as in a former sickness she had a protracted + tedious recovery.
On the second of December we left for home Mrs
Spalding being able to attend in some measure to the domestick duties
There being considerable snow we took our passage
down the Clearwater River to the Snake + so down the snake to the
Columbia + Walla Walla; which we reached in four day + a half travel
laying by on the sabbath
We spent the Sabbath with a large camp of Indians
who appeared very attentive to religious instruction as all the
Indians do in this section. There is little to be seen in a voyage
down the Snake River but abrupt shores + Basaltick rocks which rise
in many places with great grandure presenting almost perpendicular
columns having the appearance of fluted work.
The navigation of the River is very difficult
+ in Some places dangerous in low water
We had a faithfull Indian for our guide who took
every possible precaution for our safety
In all his arrangements he spoke of the danger
to our babe + said it was only for her he was anxious
At one time we rode past one rappid on horseback
+ at another after long search for a place to pass + running along
by the shore we came to a very bad but short rappid + we tried to
get to the shore in order for Mrs Whitman to walk but finding it
difficult for the rocks we ran the rappid with all on board + by
the favour of a kind Providence got safely through.
After remaining one day at Walla Walla we reached
our home on the ninth of December.
We found all things safe as when we left. Our
corn was in a crib but was not disturbed or any thing about our
premises injured.
During our absence we left one Hawaiian + a half
breed boy to take care, + engaged a faithfull Indian to keep his
lodge near We felt we had abundant reason for thankfullness that
we had been permitted to perform this journey with so little inconvenience
to ourselves or our bade and particularly that we had been permitted
to dedicate her to God by baptism
The Sabbath before we left Mrs Spalding was able
to sit up + attend upon the administration of the sacrament + baptisms
of our babes.
The last of December + first part of January there
was a heavy thaw which raised the water to a very great height +
threatened to destroy our house.
There being no stone near I had walled the cellar
with dobies the same as the walls of the house
The water entered the cellar + we were obliged
to fill it up very much + by that means together with bailing night
+ day our house was mercifully preserved although much injured by
setling of the wall. But by farther filling the cellar probably
the wall will stand some time + we shall proceede to finish it when
we have got through with the cultivation of our crops. We have plenty
of boards sawed for that purpose
Brother Spalding has kindly made our window sash
so that all is in a forward start for finishing. As the timber is
very poor for building near us I have had some pine boards sawed
about twelve miles distant + for all future building I think I shall
try to get pine from the Mountains for the important work which
can be easily done when we have something to feed a team in the
winter
During the winter we have been greatly favoured
by having a few very kind Indians near us so that we have had a
school of from fifteen to twenty scholars many of whom have made
good proficiency in learning to read the English language
Those who have been away for the winter hunt are
now returned + the presant number of children is much greater than
we have books or ability to teach
The only books we have for teaching were kindly
+ gratuituously furnished us by our Methodist Brethren of the Willamette
Mission
The disposition of the Indians appears much more
friendly + accommodating than last year but still I need not tell
you we have many perverse dispositions to encounter for which we
often felt we lack wisdom + should be discouraged were it not for
the promises of God to be with us to enlighten + sustain us
The Indians are making arangement for planting
+ I am in hopes they will do much but their great fear is that other
Indians will steal from them is a great hinderance to them + all
are anxious to plant where I can watch their crops for as they say
the Indians fear me but do not fear them
Our system of religious instruction is much as
when I wrote in the fall We have two meetings for Indians on the
Sabbath + in the evening what we call a sabbath school for the children
+ youth.
The attention on religious instruction is good
+ solemn. Worship is strictly maintained in the principal lodges
morning + evening.
Lately I have been explaining the ten Commandments
+ our Saviours first + great commandment to which they listen with
great attention + from their inquiries I think they understand them
They say they do not worship Idols but still I think many of their
traditions are evidences of Idolitrous worship of some Animals +
Birds
One prominent Nez Perces told me they did formerly
worship the Praire Wolf who is the subject of many traditions +
to whome they ascribe many wonderful changes in nature + even the
formation of the world.
Their tradition is that formerly he was a superior
being but is now fallen
My plan for teaching the children is not to take
them to board but let them live with their parents + come for instruction
When their Parent are to be gone for a short time I will give them
food + let them lodge + cook in my Indian room untill their Parents
return Some of the Parents begin to be unwilling to be absent on
account of their childrens learning to read The young Cayuse who
had been about seven years at the Mission School at Red River died
about a year since just as he was about to return to his People
We had looked for his return with much interest
as he had been home on a visit + behaved very well. But Providence
has removed him from either good or harm in this life any farther
than his People remember his good advise.
March 24th
We are looking for a visit from Doct McLaughlin
in his way in a few days.
Brother Spalding has drawn a letter of introduction
for him to the Missionary Rooms which it gives me great pleasure
to sign + present him.
An interview with him will be of great service
I trust to the cause of Missions in this region + cannot be too
highly prised by the Secretaries + Prudential Committee I hope you
will introduce the subject of the letter from him to Mr Spalding
+ Myself a copy of which was sent you on the subject of Ardent Spirits
As you have his views from his own pen you can approach him in safety
+ as he is to visit the Committee of the Company in London he can
do much for any object he attempts to advocate. You must be aware
he has had the charge of the Companies business on this side of
the Mountains for many years We cannot speak to highly of his kindness
to us since we have been in this country.
Our family consists of a Daughter of Mr McKay
a Clerk of the H B Co + one Indian Girl One Boy whome Doct McLaughlin
furnished us + two Sandwich Islanders furnished us by the same gentleman
+ as Brother Spalding did not want either I have both But as I had
some trouble with them on account of the Indian women having left
their wivs at home I have written to Mr Levi Chamberlain to Send
me two men from the Islands with their wives I have also for the
winter + spring a free man who has been trapping in the Mountains
he has been of great service to me + I should like to retain his
services longer
I am also at presant giving food to two Indian
boys who take care of our animals + learn to read
We have now seen two winters in this climate +
I think I can say it is as fine as one could desire.
Our animals wintered in good order in the plains
nothwithstanding three of the cows had calves in the early part
of the winter + one calf that was weaned from his Mother was even
fat at the opening of the Spring I think we may expect good grass
for cattle by the first + at fartherest the fifteenth of March
At first view the country does not seem adapted
for settlement but I am satisfied it will support a great population
I think that on the borders of the small streams
there is Sufficient land suitable for cultivation + the plains are
unquestionably well adapted to herds. And farther no question can
be raised as to the healthiness of this upper country
There is no part of the country where timber cannot
be obtained either by rafts down the large Rivers or from Mountains.
We have no want of Provisions for ourselves +
Seed for the Indians + I have been enabled to furnish Brother Spalding
with considerable corn + potatoes + also to return in a small degree
the kindness of our neighbour at Walla Walla
Indians from a distance are continually coming
for Seed to plant + as I am not streightened it afords me great
pleasure to give them There seems to be a general interest among
the neighbouring Indians to plant I am axious to cultivate largely
as I expect we may have associate + perhaps some of our friends
from the Sandwich Islands may spend some time with us for health
+ our Situation renders it necessary to entertain many friends +
passing Strangers.
We now have a boy sent by Doct McLaughlin + the
Attending Phisician at Vancouver for Medical aid. The same reasons
require us to build larger than we otherwise would
I find great difficulty to carry on my secular
affairs as I have no one who understands how to labour without much
supervision I am obliged to spend much time in manual labour but
still the heaviest part of our establishment is made
We are in good health + find it a privilege if
we can be the humble instruments of good to the bodies + souls of
the benighted Indians. We feel as though there were many at home
who might do much good in this field + who would not wish to return
were they once engaged in labour upon the ground We are anxiously
looking for Brother Gray's return in expectation that associates
+ more labourers will be Sent to help gather in the surrounding
harvest. There are several fields where it seems very desirable
that Missionaries associated with us should immediately occupy.
Brother Spalding will mention several + I would urge that one be
made at the Dalls or near there (if it is not first occupied by
our Methodist Brethren) It Seems to be a very important point to
be connected with these stations; Some of the people speak the Nez
Perces language + I think books in this toungue would easily be
read by them
These Indians do not move much but live by fishing
which gives an abundant support + besides they are very numerous
This would bring us in a near connexion to Vancouver
as there is only one portage below + would be of great use in getting
supplies from that quarter. A Mission might either cultivate or
receive its Supplies from here as it should be though best.
My report accompanies this letter. We have not
been unmindfull of your instruction for us to avoid expence as much
as possible + I hope it will be satisfactory to the Committee But
while we remember your instruction we feel bound by our situation
to make provision not only for ourselves but to be mindful of such
as may be expected to be associated with us in future
It has seemed important to make a beginning that
would encourage the Indians in the ouset that we might the sooner
gain access to them + try the influence of cultivation + a more
settled life; not forgetting that it is the gospel we came to bring
+ that our great business is with the mind + not the body; but while
we acquire their language + are preparing to instruct them they
are not idle spectators + need to be directed in the most usefull
habits. Every thing seems encouraging in our propects both as to
instruction + cultivation May the Lord bless us + direct our efforts
in the best way among their People + make us a blessing to them.
In the Bonds of the Gospel I am dear Sir yours Truely
Marcus Whitman
Return to List of 1838 Letters
May 8, 1838
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend
David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Wieletpoo Walla Walla River
Oregon Territory May 8th 1838
To Rev David Greene )
Sect. of the A. B. C. F. M. )
Missionary Rooms, Boston Mass. )
Dear Brother
I have had the pleasure of signing a joint letter
to yourself prepared by Brother Spalding + of filling a blank with
supplies, left for that purpose. A copy of a letter from Doct John
McLoughlin to Mr Spalding is sent in which as well as in the joint
letter you will see the subject of our future supplies + of appointing
an agent in England, mentioned. It is important that such arrangements
be made as will secure a steady supply to our Mission. We need many
things which the Company do not import in their business, + for
these, some other source must be had, either as recommended by Doct
McLoughlin, or by being sent from the United States. We hope you
will be able to see him + arrange for an Agent in England or not
as you may think proper, securing transportation in the Company's
ships from England + also from the Sandwich Island. The Company
have facilities to favour us which no others possess + so far have
exceeded our most sanguine expectations.
We have no doubt many things can be had from the
States more addapted to our necessities, than those from England.
The stoves for which we have written are of the utmost importance
for fuel is very scarce. The kettles also are very much needed.
As to the crookery it will not be expected that we can often order,
+ for that reason a good stock may as well come at once. The crockery
+ all other supplies should be packed in tight iron bound casks,
not exceeding one hundred pounds in weight, on account of the portages
on the Columbia River, + for the convenience of conveying them on
horses to our stations without unpacking, + besides the casks are
needed to salt our pork + salmon in.
We are now at an important crisis, + need men
+ means to carry out what has been so auspiciously begun + that
there be no reaction. There is danger of this, for the want of facilities
to accomplish our plans, + to induce the Indians to settle arround
us that we may teach them + their children without interruption.
Even this year I am confident if we had had suitable ploughs + hoes
that they would have raised enough corn + potatoes +c to have detained
a large number with us constantly. We shall labour under great disadvantage
untill such things can be sent. I have thought best not to ask the
Board for them fearing what reception it might meet with + so have
written to several gentlemen of my acquaintance to send us fifty
ploughs + three hundred hoes, + in case of failure I have ordered
my Brother to appropriate two hundred dollars on my account to that
object. But this is not enough, what are three hundred hoes + fifty
ploughs we ought to have at least seventy five or one hundred ploughs
+ six hundred hoes immediately to save this starving multitude from
an untimely grave. If the Board cannot approve of such an expense
I do not see how they can afford to proceed without it, for it seems
evident that without them we shall not see the Indians at our stations
for any considerable time, on the contrary if we had them it would
not be long before we should see them located arround us, with houses,
fields, gardens hogs + cows + their children enjoying the benefit
of constant instruction, at far less expense to the Board than to
take them into our families for that purpose.
They are very fond of ploughing. I have lent them
an American, + a shovel plough, with which they manage to break
land very well For the want of them I have made some substitutes
of thorn, with which they do a good deal It is really amusing to
see them break their horses to work, generally one man or woman
leading in front + one on each side with sticks, + one holding the
plough.
The Rev Jason Lee of the Methodist Mission has
been with us several days, he is now on his way to the United States,
for the benefit of his health + to obtain supplies + associates.
It is expected by him that the Methodist will send a ship directly
to the Columbia River, + in that case it will be an excelent opportunity
for our friends to send to us, for he thinks freight may be had
in her. He intends if possible to visit the Board + will be able
to give you much valuable information
I hope we may not be left unsupported while our
Methodist Brethren devise so liberal things, but that men + their
requisite facilities be sent out without the least delay, unless
they are now on their way with Brother Gray. We doubt not some are,
but if the number is not equal to our wants, we hope there will
be no delay in sending what is demanded. I must request that if
the number of Ministers solicited, can not be had, that the number
of Physicians + assistant Missionaries be sent immediately, for
I think it much better for laymen to come than none at all. I would
urge that blacksmiths farmers mechanicks + teachers be sent as soon
as possible It appears to me that what is done here should be done
at once for all are now looking + anxious, + why should the advantage
be given up to the enemy, for be assured it will not be long, before
[Cut off text] will put on a more formidable aspect, if we delay
to possess the land in its length + breadth. When ever this country
attracts the attention of Colonists, I fear it will not be so easy
for us, to sway the Indians for Ardent Spirits will enter in + who
then can stay the plague.
This field is emphatically white for the harvest
+ although we bring the gospel as the first object we cannot gain
an assurance unless they are attracted + retained by the plough
+ hoe, + in this way even before the language is acquired you may
have the people drawn arround you + ready to hear your every instruction.
And why should not this be our method of proceeding; Is it not what
Paul meant when he said, "I become all things unto all men,"
that he accommodated himself to the circumstances of the People?
Why then should we not take the best, + may I not say, the only
means to win them to Christ?
Had I one doubt of the disposition of the Indians
to cultivate I would not thus write; But having seen them for two
season breaking ground with hoes + sticks + having given them the
trial of the plough, I feel an entire confidence in their disposition
+ ability. How can we think it; that if they once succeed in getting
good crops of corn + potatoes that they will leave them for the
scanty + laborious system of root diging. Several of them have already
planted from half to an acre of potatoes + have considerable fields
of corn, and peas.
Our own prospects for food are very flattering
for the year to come I have six acres of potatoes two + half of
wheat + peas oats + corn enough to make forty acres probably.
A second rise of water in March has so far damaged
my house that I shall be obliged to build again this summer as the
[presant] one will not answer to finish.
I intend to build of Dobies [Blurred spot] again with projecting
roof + without a cellar on a place where I think there is no danger,
but that it will stand well.
Praying that we may be guided in wisdom in all
our labours, + that the blessing God may rest upon you + us,
I am
Dear Brother
Yours in the best of bonds
Marcus Whitman
Return to List of 1838 Letters
October 30, 1838
Comments:
From Dr. Whitman, Waiilatpu Mission, to Reverend
David Greene, Boston.
Original letter begins below:
Wieletpoo. Walla Walla. River.
Oregon. Territory. Oct. 30th 1838
Rev. & Dear Sir.
Your printed circular of 23d June, 1837. + letters
of August 3d + Nov 4th by way of the Sandwich Islands came to hand
July 10th, + also the one of Oct 20th sent by the Brethren. The
circular sent to England has not been received. The books + slates
have but just arrived from Vancouver + have received no injury.
They are in time + will be found very important in the prosecution
of our work here.
We have great cause for gratitude to the Board
for sending us so seasonable a reinforcement. + to our Heavenly
Father for preserving + bringing them forward in safety.
Soon after their arrival we held our annual meeting,
Brother Spalding being here at the time. Two of the number Messrs
Walker + Eells were desegnated to commence a new station some where
in the Flat Head Country. + Mr Gray to be associated with Mr Spalding,
+ Mr Smith with myself at this station. With regard to the limitations
of the Board I think Brother Spalding + myself will find no difficulty
in getting on with $1000. between us + taking that as a guide the
other Brethren intend to govern themselves by it + not exceed $500
a piece.
It was resolved to erect a blacksmith shop + build
a flour mill. + to accept of a printing press offered us by Mr Bingham
of the Sand Island Mission. As to a mill we think it easier + cheaper
to build one, then to buy our flour + pack it on horses such a distance.
+ to pound our corn by hand in a wooden morter. And we find it necessary
to have a shop in order to work millstones. + besides it will probably
not increase our expenses but rather diminish them. as we wish to
give the Indians hoes for what we get of them, + with its help we
hope to induce the Indians to cultivate + take away the excuse +
necessity of roving.
The press we hope to obtain second hand + to get
it worked without materially enlarging our expenses. I was appointed
by the meeting to go to Vancouver to obtain supplies for the Mission.
I found Mr Douglas who now in charge equally as accomodating as
Doct McLoughlin has been. A boat was maned + sent with our supplies
to Walla Walla + arrangements made for the compay to bring them
up for the future. Doubtless you are aware that it is a difficult
+ a dangerous task to navigate the Columbia. I spoke to Mr Douglas
about the exchanges. He said he wished the Board would appoint an
Agent in London on whom we could make out drafts, + save the exchange
for it did not benefit them but only injured us. We are talking
of buying some cattle, for it is cheaper for us to breed them for
beef, rather than to buy horse meat, as we do not have to provide
food for them during the winter, to say nothing of their superiority.
If we do not purchase any, our drafts for next March will be a little
more than five hundred pounds, but if we do, it will probably be
as much as six hundred. A part of this amount will be for the traveling
expenses of the Brethren that came across the Rocky Mountains
Messrs Walker + Eells have selected a station
+ put up the squares for two log [Page torn] but as the country
in rather snowy + it being to late to make suitable arrangements
for the winter they have concluded to spend it with us.
Providence has again smiled on us this year also
in giving us a bountiful supply of wheat corn potatoes + other vegitables.
The Indians also have enough to give them a wish to cultivate more
largely another year. Some of them tell me they will not wander
after this season but their entire settlement cannot be expected
so long as so many inducements exist to cause them to rove.
Having commenced the erection of a Doby house
since my return from Vancouver + being pressed with many unusual
cares I beg you will excuse me for being so brief
Praying for the Board + its Patrons I am
Dear Sir Yours Truely.
Marcus Whitman.
Return to List of 1838 Letters
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