Page:History of Oregon Literature.djvu/170

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HISTORY OF OREGON LITERATURE

then as Winslow Anderson or Anderson, and twice as G. Winslow. A boy was handed the “Minets of Ewing Youngs Sail” and was told: “This man whose name had reversible parts was a negro. Check through and see what he bought.” The young research assistant could not wait to finish before coming with shining eyes to report what he had already found: “He bought, I fine vest for $5 and I pr. fine boots, Old, for $2.” It was George Winslow, “a colored man,” all right, and his squaw and chocolate-red papooses must have feasted their loving eyes on him when he rigged himself out for the first time in this and the other fine raiment the records show that he bought. But he must have reflected ruefully that he would have been still grander if “Cook Owyhee” had not been such a strong competitor at the auctions.


6

The Beauty of Nez Percé Women

By S. A. Clarke

The beauty of the Nez Perce women was a proverb among the free trappers and fur company men.... The Hudson's Bay Company leaders generally chose wives from among the Nez Percés, and the preference seems justifiable.... They had buckskin dresses, fringed at all the seams and beautifully ornamented with bead work. Their jet-black locks hung down in front of each shoulder in heavy braids. Their eyes were large and lustrous, and their features were almost classic in the beauty of contour. The Greek model was equalled, if not excelled, and the delicate tawny skin, that was susceptible to the keenest emotions, would blush with crimson, or dimple with mirthful smiles. Their dresses, leggings and moccasins were worn with the utmost grace of negligé, and they seemed entirely conscious of the charms they possessed.

7

A Knocking at the Door at Night

By Reverend George Gary

Webley J. Hauxhurst came to Oregon with Ewing Young, and started the first grist mill. He “had been a man of rough exterior.” The Mission record of his marriage to “Miss Mary of Yamhill tribe” has been given, dated February 25, 1837. Lee and Frost report