[Fayetteville, Ark.] The Arkansian, June 16, 1860
Oregon, April 3d, 1860.
Messrs. Eds. Arkansian:–I have seen a number of your papers. It was a great treat. From it I learned how Fayetteville was improving and prospering, more than I had heard the past eight years. The advertisements were especially interesting to me. Politics had not changed much, except that the negro questions was getting supreme.
In Oregon we have three parties, the Democrats, anti-Administration Democrats and the Republicans. The Republicans are considerably in the minority, even with the divided ranks of the Democracy; but it is hoped that these two wings will soon be reconciled. We should be very glad to hear that Gen. Joe Lane had received the nomination for President, as he is decidedly a Union man and an old war-horse.
I wish here to say something to the young men and women of my native State, Arkansas. Come West, come to the Pacific Coast where land can be had for the settling, and that of the first quality. Leave the old hive, take one another’s sisters for help-mates and come hither and hew out your fortunes. Do not lie around the old hive like drones, but be men and try and do something for yourselves. Come, I say, and leave lands upon which you barely eke out a living, and settle here from lands that will remunerate your labor. There never was a better opening for poor beginners and chances for capitalists to invest money, than now on this Pacific Coast.— There are extensive forests to be made into lumber, with unsurpassed water power for mills, and a constant market. There are some fine prairie lands East of the Cascade Mountains yet to be settled, which are admirably adapted to grazing, wool-growing, farming etc., and offer homes for the taking. I say, then, come.
Yours, with respect,
J. C. Gilbreath.
Direct to Rainer,
Columbia Co., Oregon.