an article from The Columbian, January 1, 1853

The Immigration

“The immigration is entering Oregon at various points – from Rogue river, Foster’s Dalles and Portland to Puget Sound.”
– Times

Let them come.  We want families here by thousands, as families are needed more than anything else; and we would advise all who propose to journey up the Cowlitz river, to provide themselves before starting with ample means of transportation and plenty of assistance, as they will find a very strong current to contend with.  Start as soon as you can, in order that you may reach your place of destination ere the approaching rains set in.  Come along, and bring all your friends with you.  Why should you not?  This is the only part of Oregon in which you can now settle advantageously.  You may suffer a little inconvenience at first, but we feel confident you will never regret having settled in our new territory after once being comfortably located.  We have plenty of “muck-a-muck*,” and thousands of acres of excellent land lying idle which ought to be producing more, and “those that seek [them] early shall find [them.”]  We want schools established here, and roads made without delay, and the present immigration are just the persons that our settlers want for neighbors.  Roll along, then, with your wagons and stock.  Though few in number and comparatively poor, we believe you will find as generous a population on the Sound as elsewhere, as far as their means will permit.”

*muck-a-muck – derived from a Chinook Jargon word meaning “plenty to eat”