Page 103 - La Société canadienne d'histoire de l'Église catholique - Rapport 1961

REPORT ON THE: PICTURE GALLERY. 99
deranged, he was sent back to Astoria in charge of a party of
Indians. After various fortunes, adventures and hardships,
they at length reached St. Louis, on the 30th of April, 1813-
during which Mr. CROOKS suffered, at one time, from a violent
fever, had to be supported by his companions on the march, for
he was unable to walk, but at length recovered with the use of
some simple prescriptions and an "Indian sweat."
To Mr. ASTOR'S far-seeing sagacity, aided by the energy of
such men as RAMSAY CROOKS and his companions, is the country
mainly indebted for the possession of the magnificent country
now composing the State of Oregon and the Territory of Wash-
ington; for although thc previous visit of Capt. GREY was relied
upon as the basis of the claim of our government by discovery,
yet the occupation of Astoria by the partners and employees of
JOHN JACOB ASTOR was a fixed fact, and constituted the real
a re-emption right " of first settlement on the northern coast of
the Pacific.
In 1817, Mr. CROOIES joined Xr. ASTOR again, when that
enterprising merchant formed the American Fur Company, and
was the Company's agent at Mackinaw for the ensuing four or
five years; though his residence was in New Pork City ever
after his return from the Pacific coast. I3e frequently visited
the Company's trading establishments; and in a statement he
furnished to a committee of Congress in 1822, heobserves, that
from 1806 he was acquainted with the system of' Indian trade,
at different periods, at Bello Fontaine, Fort Madison, Chicago,
Mackinaw, Fort Osage, Prairie du Chien, Fort Edwards, and
Green Bay. Mr. CROOKS continued a partner in the ncw con-
cern until 1830, and was principally stationed in New York to
purchase thc necessary goods required for the trade, and prepare
the outfits. In 1830 he dissolved his connection as a partner,
but remained with Mr. ASTOR in liis usual capacity. In 1834,
Mr. ASTOR being advanced in years, sold out the stock of the
company, and transferred the charter to RAMSAY CROOKS and
associates, when he was elected President of the company.
The business opened as favorably as he and his associates could