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CHAPTER XVI.

Trip to New York-Call on Mr. Fry-His singular behavior-Introductions-Journey to Washington-Reception-Appointment to the Sub-Agency-Death-Lizette--Starting for Oregon-Company— Reach Havana-Separation-Sad thoughts-An old friend-Arrival at Geneva-Curiosity excited by the Indian boys-Reach Buffalo-Milan-Travel via. Columbus to St. Louis-Reception-William Sublet-Kind reception at Independence-Anxieties-Meeting of the emigration-Resolutions.

As our business is with Dr. White's adventures in Oregon, perhaps it will be well to pass over the year he now spent in the States, and give the circumstance which led to his return to Oregon. At the expiration of the year, he had occasion to visit New York on business.

When about leaving for home, he called to bid adieu to Mr. Fry, a particular friend. After chatting awhile, he rose to take his leave, when Mr. F. suddenly exclaimed, "doctor, you are wanted in Washington." Surprised at the singularity of the expression, the doctor asked an explanation, and received for answer the same, and again the third time. "Why, sir," said the doctor, "I cannot comprehend your meaning, but there are three things certain; I have no business at Washington, no friends, and do not happen to have with me the funds requisite for the journey." Without a word, Mr. F. drew out his purse, and handed him bills to a sufficient amount to defray his expenses; and then explained, that there was business in relation to Oregon matters being

transacted at the capital, where his services might be useful and acceptable.

After some reflection, the doctor concluded to accept the proposition, and was that evening presented to Mr. Alfred Benson, and the eldest son of Daniel Webster, from whom he received letters to Mr. Webster, President Tyler, and Mr. Upsher.

He arrived in Washington the 25th of January, and met with a kind reception from Mr. Lynn, John C. Spencer, and other heads of departments.

He spent a few pleasant days in the city, and unexpectedly received the commission of agent of Indian affairs, from the secretary of war, under the direction of the president.

He started for home, and on his arrival in Auburn, about thirty miles from Lansing, was met by a messenger, with the sad tidings that his youngest child, a sweet little girl of three years, was dead. Thus, while he had been happily engaged in his pursuits at Washington, his home had been overshadowed with the heavy cloud of grief, and the hearts of its dear inmates stricken with anguish.

They felt their loss deeply, but none seemed to mourn so agonisingly as Lizette, who had been the nurse of the departed one from its earliest infancy. She had always felt for it almost a mother's tenderness, and this attachment increased while they were at the Sandwich Islands, and during their Voyage home.

I believe I have not before mentioned Lizette. She was a native of Oregon, who came to live with Mrs. White before little Jason's death, and was old enough to grieve deeply at the painful shock. She, with her two sisters, were early left orphans. Their mother died when they were very young. They then lived for some years with their relations,

when their father, who doted on his children, carried them to Fort Vancouver. Lizette was the eldest of the three, and her next sister, Angelique, was a beautiful, but delicate child. While at the fort, they unfortunately lost their kind father. He went out on a hunting and trapping excursion, and was thrown from his horse, a spirited hunter, and died in a few hours, and it was thought by his signs, for he was unable to speak, that his last thoughts were of his poor girls. They were now left alone, and Lizette was of an age to be capable of realizing painfully that they must hereafter look to strangers for home and care. Her greatest anxiety was for her frail Angelique, whose slight constitution could ill support the fatigues and labors that could those of her stronger sisters. But, through the exertions of their friends, suitable places were found for both Sophie and Angelique, and Lizette was placed with Mrs. White. She accompanied her to the States, from a curiosity to see the civilized world, of which she heard so much, expecting to return to Oregon. She has heard that her sisters are both married very happily, and longs to return-which she intends to do soon-to the woods and plains of her own beautiful country, and once more clasp in her arms her beloved sisters.

Soon after the doctor's return, he was visited by three young men, Alexander, William, and John McKay, natives of Oregon, who had been educated at Wilberham, Mass. At the time of Mr. Lee's visit to the States, they travelled with him, as also did William Brooks, who I have before mentioned. William did not return to Oregon, but died in New York city. He was a most estimable young man, of a sweet, amiable disposition, and Mr. Lee very much regretted his death, saying that he was of more valuable assistance to him than any other person in the mission. As they

were all bound for Oregon, the doctor, with Nathaniel Crocker, Esquire, of Lansing, concluded to go in company with the McKays. Mrs. White took leave of them at Ithaca, from whence they went by stage to Havana, at the head. of Seneca lake.

At Havana they found Mr. Medorum Crawford, now member of assembly in Oregon, who decided to accompany them thither.

Not far from here the parents of Dr. White resided; and when he embarked on board the steam-boat, they, with his brothers and sisters, and many dearly loved friends, accompanied them to the wharf. They exchanged farewells; and as the boat slowly pushed off, three spontaneous cheers rose from the multitude, rousing the echoes from the shores of the beautiful lake, as the prow cleft the sparkling waters The reflection that he should not again see his dear family for years, if for life, and the distance which would intervene between them and himself, haunted the doctor's mind, and saddened his heart.

As they were passing Starkey's ferry, a signal was hoisted, and the boat put in; when, to the doctor's joy, his friend, General Demotte, stepped on board. In answer to his enquiries, he gave him an account of his intended expedition. His listener was so cheerful and interested, that his gloomy thoughts were partially dissipated, till they were near the spot where little George so nearly lost his life six years previous. There the spell of reminiscence stole over him, and his mind wandered insensibly back to former scenes. George's fearful death, the trials and changes which they had experienced in Oregon; in short, the whole of their life there seemed to pass in review before him.

That night they were at Geneva, and in a short time the

news of the arrival of three Oregon youths spread through the village. Numbers visited them, and I need not say how much interest was excited by these noble young men. At last they became wearied with so much attention; besides, not being wanting in fine sensibilities, and, with Mr. Crocker, retired, leaving Dr. White to make their apologies to the remainder of their curious callers.

The next day they started for Buffalo, where they were detained by a severe storm, which gave the doctor an opportunity of enjoying a pleasant visit with his friend, Mr. Israel Chamberlain.

On the morning of the 21st, the party embarked for Milan, Ohio, where they arrived after a very stormy voyage. This was the residence of Mr. Alpheus Shaw, on whom Dr. White called, and who entertained serious thoughts of joining the expedition.

On the route to St. Louis they found considerable interest felt in Oregon affairs, as the following extract from a letter will briefly show:

"Once more the sweet Sabbath of the Lord dawns upon me, and I alive to enjoy its sacred privileges, and think of those I have left behind. To-night I am requested to occupy the pulpit of the distinguished Mr. Judson, a Presbyterian clergyman, To-morrow I put out, taking with me, I hope, Mr. Shaw, with whom I have had some sweet seasons of private devotion, as well as of social intercourse. One day later, and a pleasant one, as far as weather is concerned, though I am a little inclined to be solitary-have been thinking of home, Oregon, past and future, and with the good man of old, I can say in truth, 'I would not live alway.' Last night all the other appointments were taken up to hear me lecture on Oregon, and as the weather was fine, and

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