any act affecting my person, plans, or property, however atrocious or hazardous. . . .
"Learning that a vessel was about to sail for the Sandwich Islands, I applied to the benevolent owner for a passage thither, for a son of mine belonging to the party. A free passage was at once generously offered him. As he was of tender years, and fearing that he would not well endure the fatigues of the land route, I was glad of the chance to provide for him a sea voyage. He was to wait at the Islands, until my arrival with the party from Acapulco.
"The party with my effects embarked for New Orleans. Myself proceeded to Washington."[1]
While in New York he obtained on credit money for expenses and presents for the Indians. Religious societies gave him Bibles and books and tracts; and individuals also contributed.[2] Upon his arrival at Washington he communicated with the state department, asking for authority to explore Oregon and setting forth the plans of his expedition,[3] although he had already been informed by the secretary of war that the decision in the matter lay with congress and not with the executive.[4] From William S. Archer of Virginia, chairman of the house committee on foreign affairs, he received assurance that public protection would be given to any settlement which he might make in the Oregon territory. From the house committee on
- ↑ Settlement of Oregon, 24-7; also Colonization of Oregon, 21–2 Masters, United States, VI, 112, citing United States Gazette, January 4 and February 8, 1833. Kelley says nothing further about his son.
- ↑ Settlement of Oregon, 113.
- ↑ Letter to Secretary Livingston, February 23, 1833. In this letter Kelley said: "The prevailing motive I have for settling on the Columbia river is to aid in carrying the principles of civilization into that uncultivated part of the earth. For this object, I have shipped many enterprising persons, and my own effects—I have sent before me my own son of inexperienced and tender years. For this object I have left to the care of friends an affectionate wife and three small children. I have denyed myself, for a season all social and domestic enjoyments; and am the subject of suffering privations and great hardships; and, finally, for this object. I now live, or if its accomplishment requires the sacrifice, I am ready to give myself a martyr."
Under date of February 27, he transmitted a copy of the "emigrants' covenant" to Livingston.
- ↑ "The executive can give no aid to individuals in their efforts to establish a colony upon the Oregon river. Our laws make no provision for the occupation of the country, nor tor any negotiations with the Indians for that purpose. Congress alone can authorize the measure proposed."—Letter of Lewis Cass to Kelley. Niles' Register, XLII, 388 (1832) from the Boston Courier.
