This is a chapter of remembrances. The author has felt that the work would be incomplete without some space devoted to the personal experiences of those who made the history. Out of the vast amount of matter which might be available he has selected such narrations as cover the widest range and afford the greatest variety.
Some of these selections are of early letters, the writers of which have long since passed away. A few were prepared originally for the Inland Empire Pioneer Association. The larger number have been written especially for this work by those who are still actively engaged in the affairs of the community. It is with the belief that this collection of actual experiences and observations will constitute a chapter of present interest to the pioneers and will be a source of ever-increasing pleasure and instruction to their descendants, that the author gives it a place as the crowning feature of the book.
We first incorporate a letter by Doctor Whitman, never published before, significant of the life and conditions, as well as the habit of thought and mode of expression of that first stage in the history of Old Walla Walla. Doctor Whitman's letter gives a vivid view of the variety of interests with which he was concerned. It is as follows:
Waiilatpu, September 29, 1845.
Rev. Elkanah Walker.
Dear Brother: I take a moment only to write as Mr. Eells is soon to be off.
The first thing I have to say is, will you send Cyrus here to school this winter in case we have one, which we expect we may? I. W. Gilbert, formerly my day and Sabbath School scholar, has come up from the Willamet and will be likely to winter here, and most likely we may employ him to teach.
If you send you may do well to come this way as you go to Lapwai [Mr. Walker was located at Tshimakain in the Spokane country] and leave Cyrus here.
Few of the immigrants call on us.
Four hundred and fifty wagons passed Fort Hall, but from seventy to one hundred went to California and one hundred left the trail at Malade to go to Waskopum. As they are so early they have no great need of provisions short of The Dalles. Most are now passed.