Page:History of Oregon Literature.djvu/207

 From Portland, we proceeded down the Willamette passing Milton on the way, to the junction of the Willamette and Columbia, thence up the Columbia six miles to Vancouver—where on our arrival we were saluted by the thunder of cannon from the Fort, and the friendly greetings of the citizens of the place. Stopping here for the night, the evening was passed in a most pleasant manner —the company being entertained by the excellent music of the Vancouver Band, until a late hour. Vancouver is pleasantly situated on the Columbia, six miles above the entrance of the Willamette. Here appears to be a good location; and it is the head quarters of the trading establishments of the Hudson Bay Company. It is also a military station of the U. S. Army, where Government has built several large buildings, the last summer, for the use of the officers and soldiers stationed here. The mild weather, the beautiful level wood lands, and the fresh green grass which is here visible, presented to the eye a most striking contrast, with Mr. Hood looming up in majestic grandeur in the distance with its towering summits capped with eternal snow. We were forcibly struck with the view of that extensive valley between the Columbia and Willamette, as viewed from this place. When this beautiful valley is peopled and cultivated, we doubt whether it can be surpassed by any farming country in the United States—the Mohawk and Hudson river bottoms not excepted. At this place, Col. Porter, Lieut. Lane of the U. S. A., Judge Short and others joined the party. Leaving Vancouver at 11 o'clock A. M. on the 26th, we proceeded down the river to St. Helens, where we halted and left A. E. Wait, Esq., and the mail for that place. From thence we glided on our course down the broad and deep Columbia, enjoying the wild and novelscenery which the river and surrounding country presented. On arriving at Cathlamet, we took on board Judge Strong of the U. S. District Court, who joined our party. Cathlamet (Burney's), is situated on the north bank of the Columbia, about 75 miles below Fort Vancouver, and contains from 15 to 20 buildings. Judge Strong has