Speech #610270720

Many other communications similar to this are on file in the War Department and printed in the records of the Civil War issued by the Government. At the instance of the Secretary of War. and through the Secretary of State and the President of the United States. the State of Oregon did exactly what the United States authorities desired it to do. and passed a law providing a bonus of $150 for every soldier who should thereafter enlist in the service of the United States. A number of soldiers so enlisted. forming a regiment of cavalry and another of infantry. which were mustered into the service of the United States. and served not only in Oregon. but in .Idaho and Washington. protecting settlers from the ravages of Indians. defending the overland mails. and defending also the immigrants into the Northwest. A- I said in the beginning. this claim was submitted to the Court of Claims for a finding of fact. and the decision of the court in the finding of fact was that the State had expended this amount of money specified in my proposed amendment. for the purpose stated. and it was done under the request and urgent entreaty and representation of the military authorities of the United States. with President Lincoln at the head.