colonization of the Oregon country. The time had arrived. he believed, for the carrying out of that suggestion, notwithstanding the opposition which had already attended his efforts. He boasted that he had "a mind invulnerable to the attacks of calumny," and declared "It is needful, that the friends of the Colony should possess a little of the active and vital principle of enthusiasm, that shields against disappointments, and against the presumptive opinions and insults of others;" but it is evident from these very words that despite his enthusiasm, he was not the man to receive abuse without wincing, or to meet opposition or doubt without questioning the motives or the intelligence of those who would not be convinced.
The nature of the contents of this pamphlet is sufficiently indicated by its sub-title. The geographical detail need not concern us, but there are two points which merit attention. As to the question of title, Kelley asserted' "The rights, which England set up to this country, are predicated on idle and arrogant pretentions; nor is the claim made by America, to a right of soil founded on better tenure." With the exception of the land bought in 1791 by Captain John Kendrick, the title to all lands was in the hands of the Indians, whose rights to own lands were the same as those of the whites. Therefore, adequate compensation must be tendered before the Indian title could be extinguished.[1] The advantages to result from settlement were presented under seven heads.
"First. The occupancy of it, by three thousand of the active sons of American freedom, would secure it from the possession of another nation, and from augmenting the power and physical resources of an enemy. . .
"It is not a doubtful hypothesis, that unless our legitimate rights on the waters and in the territory of Oregon, are protected by planting a colony in it, or by other means no less effectual; they will in a few years more, become entirely lost to our merchants, or to the benefits of our country.
- ↑ Map of Oregon, 1830. Copy from Geographical Sketch (2 ed). 12 Pp. 7-9.
