or climate[1] is far better for manufacturing woolen goods, and cotton, and I think a most every other kind, but it will be a long time before any such business is started here. I presume there is as much water runs over the falls at Oregon Citty, as goes down the falls at the Bellows falls on the Connecticut. There is a number of Tin shops in Portland and they are all doing the best kind of business. I wish Samuel could go to Olimpia, he could make a fortune in a short time if he would. And so can any boddy if they can once get a start. I know of no man in the country that has been any ways industrious and been here for two or three years, but what is in good circumstances.
I was up to Oregon Citty last Wednesday, and saw the town and the great falls. The town I was disappointed in, for it is in one of the most uneven places they could find it appears to me, yet I do think it will some day be a large place, but probably not until manufacturing get started more in the place for there is an abundance of water power, and they are improving the falls, so that they can use the water for anything they wish, and to any extent. There is a very high ledge of rocks immediately back of the upper part of the town, which will prevent them from building in that direction unless they build on top of this ledge. I cannot say what the chance is in the latter place, but it looks as though it would make a very pretty place to live. I should think it is about as high from the river as Peru, tho if either way it is less in hight. There is a second bluff back of this. ...
If you should come to this country by land, you ought to come with mules, and a plenty of them, and a plenty of light wagons, and then you ought to have men enough come with you to do all of your work, for it will be enough for you to come through without work, and you must have men that will stick to you all of the way, and that understands taking charge of teams, and that will use them well. Hundreds of cattle were killed with abuse last year. You must also get something to
- ↑ Later writers emphasize the advantages of this climate for manufacturing, especially of textiles, particularly on account of the soft water and the equable climate; see Warren D. Smith, Physical and Economic Geography of Oregon.
