decide
against its utility abandon it at once, and undo, if you can, what has been done in the matter. For my part, I would not touch a note obtained from my neighbor for my exclusive benefit, and at the expense of the disgrace of a friend.
Sincerely your well-wisher, JESSE APPLEGATE. 8
It is hardly necessary to enter more into detail concern ing the difficulties that heset men holding office under a provisional government without a treasury, or the material out of which government funds might grow ; and we might go far to find a nobler expression of true patriotism or sus taining manly friendship than Applegate s letter. Yet there were commissary agents and men in the army who were as staunch patriots, if not as able statesmen, as the author of this document.
Lee was not ignorant that those whom Applegate calls office-seekers were opposed to his appointment, as his cor respondence with the governor shows, and he was reluctant to accept it, but was overruled by his friends. When he had accepted he was in danger of being prevented from doing anything by the ill success of the commissary s agents. Again the watchful Applegate put his shoulder to the wheel. He says, in a letter to Lee, April sixteenth :
I take this opportunity to speak three words to you. I find some of the friends of the former commander will do everything they can to injure you. Never mind them. If you can bring the Indians to an engagement, and make a short campaign, you will not only serve your country in the best possible manner, but place yourself beyond the reach of envy. To enable you to do this I would make almost any sacrifice. I found Fulkerson had got but one beef to feed you up, and you know Palmer had no other resource for it. I have sent fifteen beeves, and will give the last hoof I have rather than your movements should be crippled for want of means. I found no money at home, nor could get any at O Neil s. I have sent four beeves by Tetherow to be sold, and the proceeds, except ten dol lars and twenty-five cents, to be given to you on my private ac count. * * * It is needless to say I wish you success. 9
Lee s trouble did not end when he finally repaired to
8 Oregon Archives. MS. 866.
9 Oregon Archives, MS. 863.
