"Per L. W. Hastings, his Agent."
"We, the undersigned, do hereby acknowledge the above to be a true and correct copy of the original.
"R. Shortess."
"A. E. Wilson."[61]
W. H. Gray was one of the signers of the Shortess petition. In his History of Oregon, pp. 296, 297, he says, in relation to certain persons who did not sign the Shortess petition:
"Mr. George Abernethy declined to sign this petition through fear of injuring the Methodist Mission in its secular or business relations with the Hudson's Bay Company.
"Hugh Burns would not sign it because he did not wish Congress to be asked to confirm his title to lots and improvements.
"Jason Lee, though he thought it right to petition Congress for protection, yet on account of his position as Superintendent of the Methodist Mission, and the influence of the [Hudson's Bay] Company against them should he sign it, thought it best not to give his name.
"Dr. I. L. Babcock refused, because, by signing he would lose his influence with the [Hudson's Bay] company.
"Walter Pomeroy, ditto.
"Dr. Bailey did not wish any protection from the Congress of the United States.