Virginia Claims-Occupation of the Mouth of the Oregon.

[H. of R.

with that defence of the measure, to leave the bill to its

fate.

Dec. 20, 1824.] question, its proper direction was rather to the Committee on the Judiciary, than to that on Military Affairs. Mr. STEVENSON observed that he felt no great so- I know, that it is an opinion much urged. and genelicitude as to what direction the resolution should take; rally adopted, that we should keep our population as but he thought his friend from South Carolina was mis- much condensed as possible; that there would be dantaken in supposing that the resolution embraced a ques-ger in erecting a territory at so great a distance, as protion of a purely legal character. It was a question tection would be difficult, if not impossible, and that which arose entirely out of military transactions. In send there would be danger of separation; that, in all militaing it to the Military Committee, he had been guided by ry operations, the frontier to be protected should be as the suggestion of some of the oldest members of this small as the nature of the case would permit, and that House, whose opinions he had consulted, and also by well fortified. the reference of a similar question in the other House of Congress.

Mr. HAMILTON adhered to his amendment, being persuaded that the resolution could in no case pertain to the Military Committee. If it did not properly belong to the Committee on the Judiciary, it ought to go to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. P. P. BARBOUR thought that, from the nature of the functions of the Committee on the Judiciary, (which had cognizance of courts and of laws,) this subject could not belong to them. The principle of the gentleman from South Carolina would send every question in which law was concerned to that committee. This was a question concerning disbursements for military service, and, as such, properly pertained, he should suppose, to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The question was then taken on Mr. HAMILTON'S amendment, and lost; when

Mr. SHARPE, of New York, moved to amend the resolution, so as to refer the subject to the Committee of Claims; which was carried,-ayes 94, noes 63.

Thus amended, the resolution was agreed to.

Mr. MALLAKY, of Vermont, then offered the following resolution :

In replying to all these objections, I would not wish to be understood, as urging my own opinions. I will candidly state to the House, that, to me, it seems very doubtful, whether military posts and fortified places are at all necessary in a country situated as ours is. Notwithstanding these are my opinions, I am willing to grant any thing in reason which the administration of the country may think necessary to its defence. We often receive opinions from others, and from books, taking the subject up as presented by writers, rather than using them as the means of becoming acquainted with the matter, and, by our own mature reflection, apply them to the existing state of things. This, I believe to be the case, as it regards our notions of military defences. It is indeed true, that, in the early ages, Europe was held by some powerful nations, who fortified their cities. At that day, the nation was almost altogether in the city, the country being tilled by the poor sent out for the purpose, or by slaves; and, when it was overrun by the northern barbarians, they were obliged to defend themselves in these fortresses as they could; it was not war, but conquest and extermination.

The fierce contest was soen over; the country was parcelled out among the barons who followed their darResolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs being chief, or king, the great baron of the invading force. instructed to inquire into the expediency of making an appropriation for collecting materials, and preparing for the building of a steam vessel of war for the defence of Lake Champlain.

Mr. MALLARY observed, that it was well known to the House, that the Government had, some time since, erected fortifications, on an extensive scale, with a view to the defence of Lake Champlain; but that, owing to a dispute or error with respect to the boundary line, which separates that part of the United States from Canada, those works had been abandoned. The lake was, in consequence, now left destitute of any defence whatever, as the navy, which, for a time, floated on its waters, was now dismantled, and fast going to decay. If the general principle of defence on which the country was acting, in relation to our Atlantic seaboard, was a just and wise principle, it surely applied with additional strength to a case where the country of the enemy was not on the other side of the Atlantic, but in immediate adjacency to our territory.

Thus placed amid a new and beautiful country, fertile and abounding in wealth, these fierce and haughty barbarians soon engaged in acts of strife and mutual aggression. It became a matter of importance to each, to secure himself against the sudden attack of his neighbor, which, by means of beacon fires, kindled on the tops of mountains, a blast from the trumpet, or other signals of co-operation, irruptions were frequently made on each other's dominions, without an hour's notice; hence, strong castles or fortresses became necessary, or rather indispensable. Warring with each other, and sometimes with the king, filled up the space of many years. The executive, however, gradually increasing its power, violating the rights of the people, and constantly encroaching on the power of the barons, established itself more firmly; yet, the castles were not fina ly destroyed on the continent, until about the reign of Henry IV. As the barons were subdued, and their fortresses demolished, standing armies, by degrees, were introduced, and each king maintaining an army, greater perhaps than the actual state of things required, compelled his neighbor to resort to the like means for security and defence: thus the circle of the kingdom was fortified instead of the barony, and the nations of Europe came to fortify themselves against each other, just as the petty barons had done; the frontier was enlarged, but the system not changed; hence, the multitude of fortresses that cover Europe. Here, however, we have nothing of this sort to fear; our country is of such vast extent, that we are Mr. FLOYD, of Virginia, said, so much, Mr. Chair-protected by it from the broils of petty powers, tormentman, has been said and written on this subject, that I ing by their intrigues, and secure from the unwarrantawill be as concise as possible, as I do not wish to con- ble ambition of the great states, by being removed from sume the time of the committee. This subject has been them. We have no enemy, nor can have any, but such so long before the House, that I presume the mind of as comes from Europe-Europe, the disturber of the every gentleman must be satisfied as to the propriety of world! the measure; I will, therefore, only present a few new ideas and additional facts which are in my possession, and my inferences from those facts, and content myself,

The resolution was adopted.

Mr. FLOYD, of Virginia, moved that the House go into committee of the whole on the state of the Union, with a view to take up the bill "for the occupation of the mouth of the Columbia (or Oregon) River;" which was agreed to, and the House went into committee accordingly, Mr. A. STEVENSON in the chair.

The bill was read by sections, and the several blanks were filled.

Should we at any time, unfortunately, find ourselves involved in war with any power in Europe, we shall al ways have time enough to prepare for the event; and,

as we should have to meet in battle, I believe it would be of little consequence to the American people, how, or where. Our large cities, concentrating much wealth, and attracting the attention of an enemy, ought to be secured by strong and judicious fortifications; for the rest, the arms of the citizens should be their fortresses, as none can doubt, that, in all time to come, should an enterprising enemy come to our shore, and wish to land, he can do so, in despite of all the fortifications raised, or to be raised. Again, might it not be an objection to this vast system of fortifying our frontier, the favorite plan of some, that the fortress might fall into the hands of an enemy, and offer him a safe place to obtain water, and secure their ships, and repair all damage to the army and navy? This occurrence would be a most serious thing to us. He would then have to be beaten out by a much superior force, which would require an expense correspondingly large, nor could these vast fortresses be safely entrusted to a few men; the force ought to be at least sufficient to man the works, which, at one point in Virginia, I have understood, would require from seven to ten thousand men, this too, at a place, where, during the late war, we had not a man. I repeat it, that, in my opinion, the rifle, and a knowledge of its use, is the best defence for our country, with the exception of the commercial cities, which should be secured by strong forts. Sparta thought so, in days long past; and Napoleon has proved, in the late wars of Europe, how easy it is to march by those fortresses, and conquer his enemy, which had cost so much time, labor, and expense, besides the loss of so many lives, in the fine armies commanded by Saxe, Marlborough, and others.

I am, nevertheless, willing to act prudently upon the plan approved to the country, and continue their plans; yet, admitting the course to be correct, the number of military posts, and the points at which they should be erected, becomes another question. For my own part, in casting my eyes over the country, I cannot perceive that more than twenty-three or four, or, at most, twenty. five, fortified places are necessary; they are these which I hold in my hand, and disposed as follows: Maine, Portsmouth, Boston, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Baltimore, Norfolk, perhaps Old Point Comfort, North Carolina, Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine, Pensacola, Mobile, the Mississippi river, Plattsburg, Niagara, Detroit, some arsenals and deposites. The fortresses on the sea board might be taken care of by a portion of the infantry and the artillery; the residue might be distributed on the northern and western fron

tier.

[Dec. 20, 1824.

It is, at all times, a disagreeable task for me to recur to the scenes which took place in the Western Country thirty or forty years ago: none have so deeply suffered by those wars, agitated and produced by British agents and British traders: that country must be secure-these troubles shall cease-the trade ought to be our own. The Western Country, perhaps, fared as well as circumstances would permit our Government, at the peace of 1783, was in a situation which disposed it to agree to almost any terms of peace which should recognize the independence of onr country; I do not mention it in terms of reproach, on the other hand, they were wise and prudent. But the British were on better ground to negotiate; they provided for their trade; they knew well the value of the fur trade of the West, and the immense influence it gave her over the Indian, which, according to her avowed principles, she could use in war. That trade was demanded, and it was wholly surrendered to them. England has shown, in all her treaties, that she knew well the value of this trade, and, from the moment she got possession of Canada until the present time, she has cherished it; and, in her late treaty with us, she has displayed her sagacity and great knowledge of the subject, and the value of the trade of the Oregon. She has driven our citizens from that country: we can no longer trade there; and, by an arrangement with the East India Company, and South Sea Company, their traders are permitted to ship their goods from London and Liverpool direct to the mouth of that river. Our traders, on the other hand, have two shipments to make, paying a duty of from 25 to 37 per cent. so that, when they come into competition with the Briton, he is only selling at cost that which the Englishman is disposing of at a profit equal to the duty paid by us: the occupation contemplated by this bill, with the aid of a Custom House, at no distant day would go far to remedy this evil.

It has been hinted by some, that the inhabitants of Oregon, in time, might become strong, and be disposed to separate from us. What, let me ask, could be the inducement to such a measure? With a vast power to the south and to the north pressing upon them, with no reciprocal interest, they would find themselves drawn more closely to the Union, supplying by their industry these powers, and finding an immense country to the East inhabited by their friends and relations, obeying the same laws, and taking from them many of the rich produc tions of the East, without an increase of expense. Besides, what has their local legislation to do with national affairs? What do we know of the legislation of Maine or New Hampshire, or of Georgia? Do not our judges expound the laws of Congress as well in those states as in Maryland or Virginia? Would not a judge in Oregon do his duty as well as a judge in Missouri? Does it matter where, or in what place, the laws are made? What is the appearance of things when Congress ad

There is, as I understand, a regiment at Sackett's Harbor, at this time, a force, in my opinion, too great for the post: part of that regiment could well be spared, or even a part of those now at the Council Bluffs, and posted at the mouth of Columbia or Oregon river, which would obviate any objection which might arise on that point. If, however, this should be objected to, which I can-journs, the President retired to his farm, and his Secrenot perceive, from the fact that the army, small as some say it is, nevertheless is deficient by several hundred of its proper number, could be filled by enlistments for that service, or authority might be given to increase the army by law to two hundred common soldiers more, which, organized as our army is, could be done with per fect convenience, by adding a few men more to each company, and not cost more than, perhaps, two thousand dollars.

taries gone to their homes? All local or state affairs the people of Oregon could transact for themselves, as well as the states on this shore; their obedience to the laws of the Union would be the same; the interest of the people on that side of the Rocky Mountains would be identified with the interest of the people of the whole Atlantic coast, in a stronger degree, in my opinion, than Vermont and Louisiana, and will continue as long.

Notwithstanding this, suppose there should be a sepaOn the score of economy, this measure can be justified rate government, and they become an independent peoas the army now stands, to even a greater extent. The ple, is there any thing very shocking in this? Is it not in report originally presented to this House, contemplates unison with our own principles to separate freely and also a post at the Mandan Villages, as well as at the peaceably, when the force of circumstances makes it mouth of the Oregon; troops at these points would re- manifestly necessary? And would it not be better to lieve the necessity of intermediate posts, and not length- have our children there, than the Spaniard, Englishman, en the line of defence; this would give greater security or the rough Russian? Surely, if we do not occupy it, to the country, and, by diminishing the number of posts, some foreigner will, as so large, beautiful, and fertile a diminish also the public expenditure. country, abounding in productions better in the rich

markets of India and China than silver and gold, cannot be left untenanted. Moreover, the law of nations, which we respect, would go far to justify them in taking possession of it. Would we, in that case, wage war to recover it? if so, that war would cost much more than the occupation proposed by this bill. Would you abandon it? Then say so, and let the enterprize of your citizens choose the course. Many now go to Mexico and to Canada, where they get land for the asking: the inducement to Oregon would not be confined to that poor prospect of a piece of land.

Mr. Chairman, this river must be occupied; so noble a stream, watering with its branches a tract of country from the 42d to the 53d degree of north latitude, and from the Pacific Ocean a thousand miles in the interior, with a climate, though north of this city several degrees of latitude, yet as mild as this, cannot remain unoccupied. This country, too, if there is a spot on the face of the globe destined to feel less of the calamity of war than another, it is this place: this, I should think, would be another strong inducement for its settlement.

[H. of R.

the truth of which, none doubt, that he was never able to accomplish it: because, on consultation with his ablest naval commanders, and on various calculations, he found that the fleet would be deficient, as he observed, in one month's supply of water. If, then, we secure the possession of Oregon, and avail ourselves of the fine harbors and ship timber which we know how to use, which fact, the English, at least, ought not to doubt, we take the strongest and surest security of Britain, for her future good behaviour. She will be very cautious how she evinces that wantonness and injustice, and utter disregard of the rights of this Republic, which led to the last war with her, when she knows that, in thirty or forty days, we can, at any time, strike a blow on her East India possessions, which, of all others, she would feel the most sensibly and sorely. This would be a better guarantee for our future peace, than her faith in the obser vance of treaties, or her impressions of justice. We should, too, obtain the entire control of that ocean, where we have, even now, annually, eight or ten millions of property. Mexico, Peru, Chili, and Colombia cannot, and Britain, in those seas, must forever remain too weak to cope with us. We will be in good ports at home; they have all the dangers of a voyage round a cape proverbial for its storms, and two oceans, making a distance of perhaps thirty thousand miles. If, in any future war, a ship should be taken from the enemy in that sea, instead of burning it, or suffering it to rot, as was done by the intrepid Porter, we would have a near and safe port to enter, where all prizes could be secured, and, by a court of admiralty, the property changed, which could be sold to the merchants of any, or all of the powers below, or even to the Russian. This, then, gives us the command of that ocean, from the Bay of Bengal, to Cape Horn, and to Behring's Straits, Kamtschatka and Ochotsk.

All the wars which have agitated the world, have been in, or had their rise in Europe--all the wars we have had, and perhaps will have for ages, can only be from Europe. All the defences we have planned, and are planning, is to secure ourselves against the wars of Europe-from all this, Oregon will be comparatively freed. If there is a man, whose religion, or whose judgment or feelings disapproves of war, then let him settle in Oregon, where himself, and his descendants for ages to come, will be unmolested by the din of arms. Russia, from the situation of her capital, her commanding interests, and the mass of her population, will remain an European power-she cannot disturb us at so distant a point. The coast of Asia is too distant, too wild and unimproved, to become the seat of Royalty; and should war arise with that power, Europe and the Atlantic must From this bill will; result all these important consifeel its effects. Should England be the enemy, the re- derations. We procure and protect the fur trade, worth sult would be the same-that territory is too distant by to England, three millions of dollars a year. We ensea to enable them to fit out any thing like a heavy gross the whale trade, a most valuable branch of comforce: wherefore, the danger of molestation would be merce, so plenty on that coast, that Portlock, an Engsmall. From the coast of China, we know there is no lish navigator, states, that in 1787, when in latitude 57° danger. The experience of many centuries of exemp- he saw the ocean covered with whales as far as the eye tion from war, has taught her the wisdom of peace. She could see. We control the South Sea trade, as it is callwill not, cannot war with us. From Mexico, Peru, Co-ed-the trade in Seals, and in the islands of the Pacific. lombia, and Chili, there will be little danger; as the We must govern the Canton trade. All this rich comproducts of the two countries are totally different, we merce could be governed, if not engrossed, by capitalcannot compete in the market; and they have no timber ists at Oregon, making it the Tyre of America, to supply to become a naval power: from that quarter we are safe. the whole coast below, and thus obtain the silver and If, however, the Republic should be plunged in war, it gold of those rich countries on that coast, more valuable must be on the Atlantic shore, where it can defend it to us than the mines themselves; for the nation which self; that coast would ask no protection. The whole works in iron, and labors in commerce, has always, and shore of the ocean is almost a perpendicular rock, only will forever, govern those who work in gold. Here is a approached through the mouths of the rivers, easily se- way, then, to supply the market of Canton with all it cured, and easily defended, which leaves all at ease with- wants, without a dollar in specie from the Republic. in, tranquillity and peace. What flour, and cotton, and tobacco, is taken from the United States, by ships in that trade, on what they call indirect voyages, are first disposed of in Europe or the Mediterranean, for silver, opium, &c. and these are shipped to China, where the opium is better than silver. The ginseng of the Oregon, the fur of that river and that sea, with sandal wood, and other valuable productions of the islands, will purchase all we want, not only to supply our own wants, but to dispose of in Europe, and return the proceeds to our own country. Much can be taken to Oregon, and from thence, shipped to the governments below, or furnished to the merchants of Mexico, Guatimala, and others, as they may find it convenient to apply for them, by so short a voyage-from ten to twentytwo days.

There is, Mr. Chairman, another point of view in which this subject presents itself, still more important to us, and one which ought to engage the most serious attention of the Republic.

This river is the largest which empties itself into the Pacific Ocean on the whole coast of America, or on the coast of Asia, as far, at least, as China. It has soil and timber, to any extent, fine harbors, and much health. From this point, the whole Pacific ocean can be commanded; and is the only point on the globe, where a naval power can reach the East India possessions of our eternal enemy, Great Britain. It is well known to every member of the House, that through all her struggles with Napoleon, and amidst all the gigantic schemes and exhaustless resources of that great man, her trade to india remained untouched and secure. It is well known that he had planned a descent upon her East India posBessions; but as he himself declared in his conversations with Mr. O'Meara, at St. Helena, a book all have seen, VOL. I.-No. II.

The trade to Canton has never been properly regarded by us; when viewed in a proper light, it is of great value to the United States, and ought to be cherished, or, as sometimes happens, the best thing that can be done, is, to do nothing; and this is emphatically one of these

H. of R.]

cases.

Occupation of the Mouth of the Oregon.

[DEC. 20, 1824.

to 1,064,600 dollars--total value 5,609,600 dollars; the exports of that year were 5,703,000 dollars. This year there was shipped to the United States, 6,074,100 pounds of tea, 660,000 pounds of cassia, and 1,434,000 pieces of nankeens. To Europe was sent 2,800,000 p unds of tea, 172,533 pounds of cass a, and 360,000 pie

If proof of this were wanting, it would only be necessary to compare our commerce with Great Britain. Her East India Company, her South Sea Company, and other charters granted to monopolists, will, if persevered in, ruin their country, or soon rank them below the United States, or give employment to many tons of American shipping, to carry that which their own sub-ces of nankeens jects cannot do.

I will, though, exhibit a slight view of this trade, and, when taken in conjunction with our trade in the South Sea, and the whale trade, all must admit its vast impor

tance.

In the season of 1817-18, the number of vessels amounted to 39, tonnage 14,325, having $5.601,000, in specie, on board; and 1,475,828, amounting to $7,076,828; exporting this season, $6,777,000; of the $1,475,828 worth of produce taken to Canton this year, the sandal wood produced $174,075; copper, of which there is vast abundance on the Western ocean, sold for $69,528; some of the other items were 125,310 sea otter skins, 47,000 land otter, 75,335 beaver, 525 fox skins, 70,935 seal, 334 mink skins, 150 rabbit, 420 muskrat-making $563,610: besides this, the ginseng, of which Oregon produces much, sold that season for $144,000; opium, $262,400, obtained, it is believed, in the Mediterranean, by the sale of produce. This season there was taken to the United States, 7,535,885 pounds of tea; of china ware 11,487p. more than paid for by the sea otter skins, or sandal wood, or the beaver, or seal skins, 200,836 pieces of silk, 1,228,000 of nankeens, 1,428,953lbs. of sugar. There was taken to Europe, 2,086,245lbs of tea, $22,600 of raw silk, 160,000 of sugar, 45,000 of sugar candy, 73,300 of cassia, 241,000 pieces of nankeen. In the season 1818-19, there were 46 ships, 16,022 tonnage, $7,614,000, specie, $2,603,151 in produce, making a total of $10,217,151, exporting $9,057,033. The importation of fur for that year was 124,000 sea otter skins, 49,125 land otter, 70,065 beaver, 100,300 seal skins, 750 rabbit, 7,550 foxes, sea otter tails 10,136; all valued at $362,296; besides this, there was in value in ginseng, $77,770, in opium 528,500, and in sandal wood $91,368, copper $316,814.

In the season 1804-5, there entered thirty-four vessels, carrying 10,159 tons. They had on board two millions nine hundred and two thousand dollars, in specie; in all other articles, two millions six hundred and fiftythree thousand eight hundred and eighteen dollars--making in all, a value of five millions five hundred and filty. five thousand eight hundred and eighteen dollars; and exported that year 3,842,000 dollars. In 1805-6, there was forty-two ships, tonnage 12,480, having, in silver, 4,176,000 dollars, and in all other things, 1,150,000 dollars-total value 5,326,358; that year they exported 5,127,000 dollars. In the season 1806-7, there was thirty-seven ships, tonnage 11,268, having on board 2,895,000 dollars in specie, and in all other articles, 982,362 dollars-total value 3,877,362; they exported that year, 4,294,000. In 1807-8, there entered thirtythree ships, tonnage 8,803, 3,032,000 dollars in specie, and 908,090 dollars in all other articles, making a total value of 3,940,090 dollars; exporting 3,476,000. In 1808-9 entered eight ships, tonnage 2,215, specie, 70,000 dollars, all other articles, 409,850--making in all, 489,850; exporting 808,000. In 1809-10, there was thirty-seven ships, tonnage 12,512, specie 4,723,000 dollars, all other articles, 1,121,600 dollars: total, 5,744,600; exporting 5,715,000 dollars. In 1810-11, ships, sixteen, tonnage 4,748, 2,330,000 dollars specie, in produce 568,000 dollars: total value, 2,898,800, and exported 2,973,000 dollars. In 1811-12, ships, twentyfive, tonnage 7,406, specie 1,875,000, all other articles 1,257,810; total, 3,132,810; exporting 2,973,000 dollars. In 1812-13, there were eight ships, tonnage 1,816, 616.000 dollars in specie, and in other things 837,000, making in all, 1,453,000; they exported that season, 620,000 dollars. This year, there was more produce In 1820-21, there sailed and entered in Canton, 28 than specie taken to Canton, and less than half its value ships, 9,387 tonnage, $2,995,000, specie; in all other exported. In 1813-14, nine ships entered, tonnage articles, $2,397,795-total, $5,392,795. Exporting, 2,854. There was no specie taken out this season, but $4,715,696. The trade this year may be valued thus: a value in articles of commerce, amounting to 451,500 sandal wood $73,508, furs $340,991, ginseng $171,275, dollars; exporting 572,000 dollars. This falling eft, it is opium $115,000, quicksilver $295,075, copper $33,540. presumed, was owing to the war with England, which The exports consisted of $2,437,990, silks 1,702,770 then existed. The season following, of 1814-15, there pieces, nankeens 402,500, cassia 68,922; all other artiwas not a ship or vessel of any kind in Canton, belong-cles, $163,514, making the total above stated This year ing to the United States, which it is presumed will never the goods shipped to Europe, amounted to $1,109.114; again be the case, should you pass this bill. that to the United States, $3,462,582; for Peru, $144,000.

Immediately at the close of the late war, this trade revived in a high degree, and seems to be steadily approaching that point which should demand some care, and more justice than it has hitherto received; or why should merchandise from beyond the Cape of Good Hope pay twenty per cent. more than from Europe?

I will now, for the seven years following, examine this trade, so as to expose it more minutely, which I hope the committee will pardon, as I shall be as brief as pos

sible.

In the season of 1815-16, there entered 30 ships, tonnage 10,208, specie 1,922,000 dollars, in other articles 605,500 dollars. This year there was shipped to the United States, 4,514,280 pounds of tea, 1,695 pounds of cassia, and 455,000 pieces of nankeens. There was sent to Europe by our ships 2,731,000 pounds of tea, 1,650 piculs of cassia, and 185,000 pieces of nankeens.

In the season 1816-17, there entered 38 ships, tonnage 13,096, 4,515,000 specie dollars, and produce amounting

|

In the season of 1819-20, there was 43 ships, 15,139 tons; with $6,297,000, in specie; in all other articles, $1,692,872, of which the furs, consisting of sea otter, beaver, seals, land otter, rabbit, and mink, amounted to $245,101, the sandal wood to $82 872, ginseng, $38,000, and the sea otter tails to $5,789. There was exported, $8,747,988-to the United States, $6,765,132; to Europe, $1,690,285; to South America, $292,571.

In the season of 1321-22, there entered in Canton, 45 ships, tonnage 15,530; carrying specie $5,125,000; in all other articles, $3,067,768--total, $8,192,768. Exporting $7 563,644. This year there were taken to market, fished out of the Western occan, $135,828 in sea otter skins, land otter, beaver, fox, seal chow chowskins; in all amounting, in these few articles, to the enormous sum of $490,081; the ginseng amounted to $209,610, opium 383,000, the sandal wood from the Sandwich isles, to the vast sum of $268,220. The exports of this year were distributed as follows: To the United States $6,016,218; to the continent of Europe, $772.763; to South America, $358.163; Batavia $352,500; Sandwich Islands $64,000; making the sum already stated. It is a prominent fact, which ought not to be forgotten, that this year the skins of seals, sea otter, and sandal wood alone, sold for the astonishing sum of $605,511.

It has not escaped the observation of all, that this trade declined towards the middle of the period here

DEC. 20, 1824.]

Occupation of the Mouth of the Oregon.

spoken of; this, all know, was owing to the war, and the embarrassed state of things immediately preceding it; that it has been gradually increasing, notwithstanding the duty on some of the articles pay a higher tax than similar fabrics from Europe.

The idea has been pretty generally spread abroad, that nothing is taken in the Canton market but gold and silver, ginseng, and furs. This I explained on a former occasion, that, owing to the bulk and low price of bread stufis, &c. and their liability to spoil from so long a voyage, through a hot country, that they would not pay the expense of freight. But, from the mouth of this river, the voyage is short and safe, which will afford a good profit for flour, and all other articles the products of agriculture. Cotton, too, has been sold there for a good price; broken glass, leather, gin, brandy, and candles. What a prospect for the tanner! in a country abounding in timber, of oak, and spruce pine, affording bark of the best quality, as containing much of the tanning principle, with skins in inexhaustible abundance, from the plains below.

I have sought in vain for a correct statement as to the number of scamen annually employed in this trade, but can only find an imperfect account for the years 1819 to 1822 inclusive, making the number above 951 each year. It will be seen, likewise, that the shipments to South America are increasing, and will doubtless be profitable, and increase the tonnage employed in that branch of business.

H. of R.]

brought by 21 ships, 384 seamen, 5,492 tons, 13,426 barrels of whale oil; 10,496 Spermaceti; 4,378 head matter; 65,446 whale bone. In 1820, there were 21 ships, 5,249 tons, and 391 seamen, bringing 11,737 barrels of whale oil; 11,885 Spermaceti; 5,027 head matter; 59,794 whale bone. In the succeeding years it was much the same. One of the vessels arriving in 1823, reported a list of 36 ships then in the Western Ocean, though they did not know of any cargo except 35,200 barrels of whale oil.

I have the authority of a respectable newspaper for saying, that, within the period of three years, viz. in 1820, '21, and '22, there arrived at Nantucket, 2,101,292 gallons of Spermaceti oil; and, for the same three years, at New Bedford, 1,407,797 gallons, this being but one item in the trade. During these years there went to Canton, in furs and sandal wood, from that coast and sea, including some fur likewise shipped from N. York, that which sold for the incredible amount of 1,494,397 dollars! There was exported to that sea, in that year, 17,544 dollars' worth of domestic fabrics, and 9,417 of foreign merchandise. To the Western coast, 113,746 domestic, and 193,363 foreign merchandise. We have, from the year 1805 to 1822, inclusive, shipped to the Pacific, in domestic and foreign merchandise, 520,295 dol lars; and, to the Western Coast, in the same articles, for the same period, 4, 557,078 dollars; making 5,077,371 dollars; yet, by this trade we obtain the valuable furs, sold for such enormous amounts in China; our exports to that coast amounting, in twenty years, to 5,077,371 dollars. What a wonderful profit must there be, when the furs alone, in the Canton market, for the season 1821, '22, sold for half a million of dollars! The exports for the year 1820, to the Western Coast, in articles the growth, produce, and manufacture, of the United States, only amounted to 41,068 dollars! consisting of 797 quintals of dried fish, 3,729 pounds of hams and bacon, hats, leather, boots, beer, spirits from molasses, nails, refined sugar, brass, gunpowder, tobacco 26 hogsheads; but the most important article seems to be, the different kinds of manufacture from wood; this item amounts to 983 dollars; hence, it is evident, that it is the most valuable commerce known to the United States, as it creates its own capital, and enriches by its labor, and the sale of In the year 1819, there cleared from Boston, 8 ships, nails, tobacco, leather, hats, and blue beads. For the engaged in the whale fishery, and commerce of the year 1821, the exports to that coast amounted to 94,493 Western Ocean, &c. The tonnage of these ships amount- dollars, and, for 1822, they amounted to 54,799. The ed to 2,171, navigated by 164 seamen. Their particu- goods, wares, and merchandise, the growth, produce, lar places of destination were Chili, Lima, Valparaiso, and manufacture, of foreign countries, exported to that Sandwich Islands, Western coast, &c. New Bedford, country or coast, amounted, in the year 1820, to 193,363' twenty-eight ships, tonnage 7,379, seamen 552. Edgar- dollars; consisting of different sorts of wine, brandy, &c. town, fourteen ships, tonnage 3,908, seamen 281. New- tea, coffee, sugar, cassia, gunpowder, lead, shot, iron, port, one ship, tons 366, seamen 23. Providence, three black bottles, and leather. In 1821, the exports amountships, tons 520, seamen 27. New London, ships 4, tons ed to 282,505 dollars, in much the same articles, also in 845, seamen 74. New York, one ship of 168 tons, and cluding some China ware, silks, teas, &c. For 1822, 21 seamen. There entered that year, 33 ships, 7,968 the amount was 110,790 dollars. Great as this trade is, tons, and 557 seamen, making 118 ships, 20,428 tons, na- all our seaports do not participate in it equally: for, Nanvigated by 2,199 seamen. In the year 1820, there clear-tucket alone, owns 83 of these ships. ed 103 ships, 25,118 tons, navigated by 2,063 seamen ; and arrived 58 ships, 13,581 tons, and 946 seamen, making 161 ships, 38,649 tons, and 3,009 seamen.

If the House will indulge me a few minutes, I will now make some exposition of the whale trade, and the trade to the Western Ocean. For all I shall say, I have the documents in my hand, and if there is an error, it is, I know, in making the exposition less than the real fact; but I deem it prudent to present the least favorable view it is susceptible of. It is proper further to observe, that this part of the subject may be better understood, that the number of vessels here stated, regards the departure and arrivals each year; though, it is believed, that in some years there may be more at sea than in other years, which, of course, would not be noticed that year, which may, on the other hand, be counter-balanced by the arrival of a vessel which that year cleared; yet it is pretty accurate.

In 1821 there sailed 162 ships, tonnage 41,550, navigated by 3192 seamen. There arrived that year, 53 ships, 12,908 tons, seamen not known, making 215 ships, tonnage 54,450. In 1822 there sailed, 161 ships; tonnage 43,515; seamen 3,174. There arrived 80 ships, tons 18,127; there is no note of the seamen who entered, save 180 in New York; making, that year, 241 ships, tous 61,612. In 1823, there sailed ninety-five ships, tons 25,079, and arrived 80 ships, tons 20,833; making 175 ships; seamen not ascertained. In the year 1817, it is to be remembered, there was brought to Nantucket, by 23 ships, tonnage 5,153, and 409 seamen, 5,771 barrels of whale oil; 15,401 barrels of Spermace ti; 6,813 of head matter; 19,444 of whale bone. In 1818,

Why should we not protect and cherish this trade? Was there ever a nation on earth which bought so much, with so little? The fisheries, which have occupied so large a space in our negotiations for many years, only yielded us, in the year 1816, the sum of 1,331,000 dollars, employing tons of shipping; this also includ ed tons of shipping engaged in the whale trade.

Under this view of the subject, I think, Mr. Chairman, you will agree with me, that "our interests on the Pacific Ocean, are not so minute" as to be unworthy of investigation, as has been said in a recent negotiation, by a personage in no very subordinate station. This trade, yielding such vast sums upon the capital and labor employed; giving employment to 45,000 tons of shipping, and upwards of 3,000 seamen; ought to be looked to with care, and fostered with solicitude. Besides bringing us great wealth, it is the finest nursery for seamen in