Page:History of Oregon Literature.djvu/196

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168
HISTORY OF OREGON LITERATURE

taking their guns from them (for there were two of them in company), the guilty one fled to the brush. In getting him out of the brush, he was very near stabbing Mr. Taylor with his knife, when out he rushed upon Mr. Owens, knife in hand, when nearly ready and in the act of thrusting it into Mr. Owens, he shot the Indian to prevent it. I make these statements to show that the Indian was not shot down as would seem to be represented in the Oregon Spectator, for the "modest compensation of a spanish cow," but in self defence. The Indians are still dissatisfied, and threatening the lives of the inhabitants.

CALVIN TIBBETS.

The above communication is signed by some four or five respect- able citizens of Clatsop who were present during the affray, in addition to the signature of Mr. Tibbets, and all certify to the correctness of the above statement.—Ed. Spec.

8

TO THE OREGON EMIGRANTS OF 1846
In the Oregon Spectator, Vol. 1, No. 17, September 17, 1846, with the following editorial note:

"We cheerfully insert the following anonymous poetical effusion communicated to us, believing it speaks the sentiments of hundreds of our old settlers who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their friends and relatives, in order that they may have the extreme pleasure of congratulating and introducing them to their newly made homes."

Welcome! ye freeborn yeomen of the soil,
Right welcome are you to our new made home;
Here ends your weary pilgrimage and toil,
You've reached the goal, and need no longer roam.
O'er dreary wastes, and arid sterile sands,
O'er mountain crag, through torrents mad'ning roar.
You've toiled undaunted in courageous bands,
To seek a home, on this far distant shore.
Here waits ye then, ye tillers of the land,
The verdant prairie and prolific field,