N. B.— This thesis is written with special reference to the manuscript of Captain J. C. Ainsworth. He was president of the 0. S. N. Co. at the time that he wrote it, and by comparison with the other authorities quoted it is found to be good authority.
I wish to express my thanks to Mr. J. C. Ainsworth, Jr., for his kindness in permitting me to use this manuscript. Without it I could not have given a clear account, because most of the writers only refer to the 0. S. N. Co. in connection with some general subject at hand. The newspapers are not very generous with information on this subject, and the Senate Documents are extremely partisan.
I also appreciate the help of Mr. Geo. H. Himes of the Oregon Historical Society, and Miss McBride at the Portland Public Library.
