said about the election anyway, tho I believe there is to be some kind of a political meeting in town this afternoon.
There is to be a breakwater or a dam built at Oregon Citty[1] a very large mill I was told that it was to run 36 saws, and 6 run of stone, and I understood the man to say that the whole machinery was to be carried with one wheel. Another object is to make a canall to the foot of the rappids, so that goods can be taken from boats below the falls and put onto boats above the falls at the same place, which will save half or three fourths of a mile's portage. There is to be two Steam Boats built at Canema a little town just above the falls, one at Oregon Citty and two at Linn Citty.[2] At the first named place, Im told they are paying $7. pr day for carpenters, and at the other places from 4 to 6.
We have two gardens planted with a few things mostly Potatoes & Cabbages, we have about two hundred plants set out, but dont know how they look. Our Peas, Beans, Onions, Corn &s were up long ago, but all that we have is very late, for the season here. Strawberries have been ripe for this 3 or 4 weeks, and I should think from appearances, they would hold on all summer. I heard a man say a few days since that he pick one or two last January. The boys went out yesterday morning and got 3 or 4 quarts, and sold two quarts for one dollar, and are now offered 75 cts pr quart for all they will get. I believe I could get a half a bushel any day. I suppose it is time for the Salmon Berries to be ripe but I think there is but a very few if
- ↑ "Mr. Ferguson, a member of the company [Willamette Falls Canal, Milling and Transportation Company] incorporated for the purpose of constructing a canal and breakwater on the west side of the river, opposite this city [Oregon City], arrived from California on the last steamer, prepared for the immediate prosecution of his enterprise. The company design to erect extensive flouring and lumber mills. A number of 'gang saws' are to be introduced into the latter;" Oregon Statesman, March 28, 1853. The law incorporating the company is in Special Laws, 1852-53.
- ↑ The Oregonian, March 5, 1853, speaks of the Georgiana to be built for the Portland-Oregon City route; that of May 7, 1853, of the Shoalwater for the upper Willamette. The paper for July 9, 1853, says that the Portland was launched July 2; that of August 13, that the Canemah was launched August 11, and that for August 20, that Belle of Oregon was launched August 18, at Oregon City. These may be the steamers meant. There is also a note of the completion of the steamboat Petona in the Oregonian, September 17, 1853.
