178 Fred Wilbur Powell
the enemy." The enemy, it appears, was Mrs. Bradlee, Mrs. Kelley's aunt and foster mother. "That woman," said Kdley, "exerted, terribly against me, the influence which a kindred relation to an adopted daughter, and an annual income of $12,000, gave her." He attempted, however, to win his wife back to him through correspondence which he published in 1851 under the title Letters From An Afflicted Husband To An Astranged Wife.^
One of the matters which engaged his attention was his claim against the Mexican government for indemnity for the seizure of his property at Vera Cruz in 1833. "My claim for indemnity was preferred against Mexico in 1840; and a more just claim could not be. I think it probable, the minds of the American and Mexican commissioners were so darkened by my enemies, about them, as to see no merits in the claimant, and not to care to open his case."* This statement he made in obvious disregard of the strained relations then existing between the two nations over the matter of Texas.
His interest in the Kendrick lands continued; and he pre- pared for Charles Bulfinch and other claimants, a "memorial praying that their title to certain lands in the Territory of Oregon may be confirmed." This memorial which was pre- sented in 1840 by Abbott Lawrence, congressman from Massa- chusetts, was referred to the committee on foreign affairs.* It was followed in 1843 by a similar memorial which was presented by Robert C. Winthrop, congressman from Massachusetts, in the name of Kelley as agent of Charles Bulfinch and others, "praying that their purchases of Indian lands in Oregon Terri- tory be recognized." This also was referred to the committee on foreign affairs.'
He also made a serious effort to put into shape for publica- tion his narrative on Oregon and the Sandwich Islands and
2 Kelley, NarraHve of EvenU and Difficulties, 2, 14; Temple, Hist, of the Town of Palmer, 266, 269. An appendix appeared the same year under the title
- 'Hard Usase in Three Rivers." Both pamphlets are said to have been printed in
Palmer. Narrative of Events and DifFiculties. 76.
3 Narrative of Events and DifFiculties, 73.
4 26 cong. I seas. H. doc. 43; H. jour., 202; Settlement of Oregon, 79.
5 27 cong. 3 sess. H. jour., 350.
