Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/454

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448
F. G. Young.
448

448 JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF DAVID DOUGLAS. pleased, dear sir, to accept for yourself and family, the expression of our kindest sympathies under this Afflicting- dispensation, and allow us to subscribe ourselves, with sincere regard, your friends and obedient servants. (Signed) JOSEPH GOODRICH. JOHN DIELL. P. S. The bearer, Mr. Martin, will take charge of the little dog. There are several matters of expenses, incurred for conveying the body to this place, paying the natives, etc., which Mr. Goodrich will meet, so far as can be done, with the clothes, etc.. of these and of Mr. D.'s other things, he will present a full statement. A true copy. RICHARD CHARLTON. COPY OF A LETTER FROM MR. CHARLTON TO JAMES BANDINEL,, ESQ. (Inclosing the above.) WOAHOO, August 6th, 1834. MY DEAR SIR : It has devolved on me to inform you of the mel- ancholy death of our friend, poor Douglas. On his arrival at this island from the Columbia River, he took the first opportunity of visit- ing Hawaii, where he remained for some time, with great satisfaction to himself and usefulness to the public. After his return to this island, he suffered much from rheumatism, but on the 3rd ultimo, finding himself quite recovered, he re-embarked for Hawaii. On the 19th ult. I received the accompanying letter from Messrs. Diell and Goodrich, two gentlemen belonging to the Mission: from it you will learn the particulars relative to his melancholy fate. On the 3rd in- stant, the body. was brought here in an American vessel. I imme- diately had it examined by the medical gentlemen, who gave it as their opinion that the several wounds were inflicted by the bullock. I assure you that I scarcely ever received such a shock in my life. On opening the coffin, the features of our poor friend were easily traced, but mangled in a shocking manner, and in a most offensive state. The next day, I had his remains deposited in their last resting place; the funeral was attended by Captain Seymour and several of the officers of his Majesty's ship Challenger, and the whole of the foreign residents. I have caused his grave to be built over with brick, and perhaps his friends may send a stone to be placed*(with an inscription) upon it. As I am about to embark in the Challenger to- morrow for Otaheite, I have left all his effects in the hands of my friend, Mr. Rooke, with a request to sell his clothing, and forward his collections, books, papers, and instruments to the Secretary of the Horticultural Society. One of his chronometers, reflecting circle, and dipping needle, are on board the Challenger, in charge of Capt.