Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 736

Whitman Massacre Controversy and Early Oregon History

"[Lot of 2 - Documents Related to the Whitman Massacre and Indian Wars]", U.S. Government

Subject: Documents - Whitman Massacre, Indian Wars

Period: 1858-71 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
6.2 x 9.8 inches
15.7 x 24.9 cm
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A. Report of the Secretary of the Interior, Communicating ... the Report of J. Ross Browne, on the Late Indian War in Oregon and Washington Territories, from Sen. Ex. Doc. 40, 35th Congress, 1st Session, published 1858 (6.2 x 9.8"). Browne’s brief report is followed by the long report by Jean Baptiste Brouillet, a French Canadian Catholic missionary, on the Whitman Massacre entitled “Protestantism in Oregon.” Marcus Whitman was a physician and an Oregon pioneer killed along with his wife and 11 other settlers in 1847. The cause of the massacre was shrouded in controversy with allegations exchanged between the Catholic and Protestant missionaries. One result of the shocking event was Congressional action to establish the Territory of Oregon in 1848. An unusual copy in original condition, never bound with uncut pages. Condition: A few pages are lightly toned and there is an occasional spot of foxing. (B+)

B. Letter from the Secretary of the Interior, Communicating … Information in Relation to the Early Labors of the Missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in Oregon, Commencing in 1836, Sen. Ex. Doc. 37, 41st Congress, 3rd Session, published 1871 (5.6 x 8.6"). This 81 page document is Henry Spalding’s response to Brouillet’s version of what transpired. Howes describes the Presbyterian Spalding's response as "baseless and hysterical accusations, against Jesuit missionaries and Hudsons' Bay Company officials, of their inciting Indian hostilities against American Protestants in Oregon." Disbound. Condition: Very minor soiling, otherwise fine. (A)

References: Howes #B-878 & #S-806.

Condition:

See description above.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $275

Closed on 2/12/2020

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