Page:History of Oregon Literature.djvu/145

Oregon Spectator for a while, was first assistant commissary-general under General Joel Palmer, audited the claims of the Cayuse War, went to the legislature and became the first chief-justice of the supreme court of Oregon as a state. "Early in the seventies his voice failed him for public speaking." He related many anecdotes and reminiscences, among them the following dialogue that took place between him and Dr. John McLoughlin when the two were alone in the judge's office at Oregon City:

Judge Wait, playfully: "Doctor, they say when you were governor of the Hudson's Bay Company at Vancouver, those who approached you were expected to do so with their heads uncovered. How is that?"

Dr. McLoughlin, taken aback and reddening somewhat: "The French! the French! A very polite people, a very polite people!

Judge Wait: "Of course, Doctor, but——"

Dr. McLoughlin, more vehemently than ever: "The French! Very polite, very polite." Soon recovering himself, however. "I was the head of the Hudson's Bay Company in this country. When I came there were many Indians here. The success of the company depended on the manner in which the Indians were treated and controlled. The lives of all the servants and employes, and the property of the company, were in my keeping. I knew enough of Indian character to know that, if those around me respected and deferred to me, the Indians would do the same."

7

"You Poor, Miserable Sinner, You!"

By Reverend Joab Powell

Reverend Joab Powell—"Uncle Joab"—was the most famous of the early Baptist preachers. He came to Oregon in 1852 and settled at the Forks of Santiam River, where between his sermons and baptisings he made his home until his death in 1873. He has been vividly described in C. H. Mattoon's Baptist Annals of Oregon: "He traveled all over the Territory, and was well known everywhere, and whenever it was announced that he was to preach, he was sure of