importance, however, of the islands of the Pacific is not so generally known or appreciated. As these islands progress in civilization their demands for the products of more northern climates will increase; nor can any country supply them with beef, flour, etc., on terms so advantageous as this."
This memorial reads like the arguments of expansionists in Congress within the past decade. It was presented to the United States Senate by Senator Linn of Missouri on January 28, 1839, in connection with a bill to create a territory north of latitude 42, and west of the Rocky Mountains, to be called "Oregon Territory."
Mr. Lee also enlisted the active support of Caleb Cushing in his plan to add more stars to our National emblem from the far Pacific Northwest. On January 17, 1839, he wrote to Mr. Cushing from Middletown, Connecticut, referring to the memorial and to the "Oregon Question":
"You are aware, sir, that there is no law in the country to protect or control American citizens, and to whom shall we look, to whom can we look, for the establishment of wholesome laws to regulate our infant and rising settlements but to the Congress of our own beloved country.
"The country will be settled, and that speedily, from some quarter, and it depends very much upon the speedy action of Congress what that population shall be and what shall be the fate of the Indian tribes in that territory. It may be thought that Oregon is of little importance, but rely upon it there is the germ of a great state.
"We are resolved to do what we can to benefit the country, but we are constrained to throw ourselves upon you for protection."
During the year 1839 Mr. Lee traveled extensively throughout the East, delivering lectures, at many points, awakening great interest and enthusiasm in and over the
