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Echoes of Oregon History Learning Guide
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Document No. 2685 - Enlarge image
Resolution to Expel Catholic Missionaries, 1849
Transcript of original document:
Resolved That the Council concuring herein that there be
appointed a committee of three from each house to enquire
into the expedency of memorializing Congress to move all
Friars monks Catholic priest in the capacity of Missionaries
now residing among the Indians and all other Missiona-ries
now residing among Indians in this Territory East of the
Cascade Mountains
(?) Hill Sept 20-
Background
Roman Catholic missionaries were more successful with
Indians in Oregon than Protestant missionaries were. Some
Americans suspected that priests were trying to incite the
Indians to attack them. The Whitman massacre in 1847
increased this suspicion of Catholic missionaries. This
resolution expresses the dislike of Catholics--priests,
friars, and monks--which was prevalent.
Words and Terms
friars?
monks?
For Further Discussion
1. What does the Council want to happen?
2. Why would Oregonians view Catholic missionaries to the
Indians as a problem?
3. What nationality would Catholic missionaries in Oregon
likely be?
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