CLAIMS TO THE OREGON TERRITORY CONSIDERED [BY THOM] and MEMORIAL OF A NUMBER OF CITIZENS OF THE OREGON TERRITORY PRAYING CONGRESS TO TAKE POSSESSION OF, AND EXTEND THEIR JURISDICTION OVER, THE SAID TERRITORY [BY WHITCOMB AND OTHERS]

1844. Sewn pamphlet / Disbound leaves. Very Good Plus / Very Good. Two publications:
CLAIMS TO THE OREGON TERRITORY CONSIDERED (London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1844): Octavo, 8.25 in. x 5.4 in., pp. 44. Original stitched wraps. LIght age-toning at edges. Very clean copy. Howes T-161, Sabin 95370.
MEMORIAL OF A NUMBER OF CITIZENS... (Washington DC, US Government, 1839): Petition to the 3rd Session of the 25th Congress; Senate issue. Octavo, 9 in. x 5.5 in., pp. [154-157]. Two disbound hinged leaves with print on three faces. Open tears to margin on left side (where it was torn from binding). Sharp, clean print. CLAIMS TO THE OREGON TERRITORY CONSIDERED is a comprehensive analysis of the various claims made by the United States and Great Britain over the Oregon Territory. Thom examines the geographical, historical, and political factors that led to the dispute between the two nations over the territory. He also explores the legal arguments made by both sides and provides his own (British) opinion on the matter.

RE: MEMORIAL OF A NUMBER OF CITIZENS...: "By the late 1830's and early 1840's..., many people had already gone to the Oregon Territory and established settlements there. One major problem which arose was that the Oregon Territory was neither governed by the United States, nor Great Britain, due to stipulations in the treaty of 1818. This was problematic for security purposes. In a letter authored by "A number of citizens of the Oregon Territory," which was written to Congress in 1838, they make a plea for "Congress to take possession of, and extend their jurisdiction over, the said Territory." Receiving government protection was the only way for settlers of the Oregon Territory to ensure the survival of the settlements because without protection they would have to protect themselves from Indians, British, Spanish, or anyone else who adventured into the territory. In return for United States dominion over the Oregon Territory, the settlers incentivized westward dominion by promising fertile land, lumber, and prosperity, which they believed would entice the United States government to act immediately." (from historyissexydotcom2).