loneerkozi.et1ion; - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

DONALD MANSON. 63
donation land claim at Champoeg, in Marion county, Oregon, he settled here
with his family in the spring of 1858. In the enjoyment of affluence, he spent
large sums of money in improving and stocking his farm, all of which was swept
away by the great flood of December, r86i.
In October, 1828, Mr. Manson married the daughter of Etennie Lucier, one o
the Astor men, who came to Oregon with Capt. Hunt in iSit, and was one
the founders of the French Prairie settlement, where he located as farmer in the
fall of 1827.
Calling at Vancouver on business in May, 1845, the writer had the gratification
of being introduced by Dr. McLaughlin to Mr. Donald Manson and Dr.
Whitman, then just arrived at the Fort. They were active, energetic, fine look
ing men in the full pi-ime of life. After getting throuh with the long ceremonial
supper, the social converse which followed during the evening was very enjoyable.
Dr. McLaughlin had sent to headquarters his resignation, and was
preparing to settle permanently at Oregon City. He spoke in very feeling terms
of his long continued service and great attachment'to some of his officers, and
taking occasion to express to the company his admiration for the great energy
and will-power which the two gentlemen above named were capable of exerting,
at the same time relating a number of their performances to illustrate the peculiar
qualities of his two friends. I retired that evening fully impressed with the
Doctor's views.
Mr. Manson was six feet in height, symmetrically forme& of a quick military
bearing; yet one of the most affable of men, endowed with uncommon physical
powers, a strong will united with true courage. Insubordination in the slightest
degree was never manifested among the men under his command.
Fond of reading, he was quite conversant with the general literature of his
time. A great admirer of old Scota's immortal bards, Burns the emotional,
and Scott, their descriptive and martial poet.
Mr. Manson was a member of the Episcopal church, a man of true courage,
he was content to cultivate and follow the better impulses of his nature, while
the unpardonable sin of self-righteousness or false pretentions, found no abiding
place in the manly breast of Donald Manson.