Page:Journal of John H. Frost, 1840-42 part 1.pdf/10

Rh at this place a quarter past eight in the evening, and made known unto us the distressing intelligence. After securing the corpse &c. Mr. Birnie became concerned for our safety. Seeing we had but two guns about the house, and but three men to use them. He therefore sent two Indians across the river to Chanamess, the Chenook chief, for men and arms. This request was speedily complied with, and we were soon favoured with the presence of Chanamess and 15 or 20 warriours, three of which he sent on an express to Vancouver, and the rest remained as our safe guard. This morning the young man above mentioned made a rude coffin for the dead body, and on examination we found that the poor man had been shot through the chest, the ball having entered the left breast and passed out be low the right shoulder. Thus was one of our fellow men, in the enjoyment of health and strength, ushered in a moment, and that too while in his defenceless hours, into the world of Spirits, to appear in the presence of his God. At 3 Oclock P.M. we committed his mangled remains to the silent tomb, to await the sound of the last trump, when that corruption shall put on in corruption, and that mortal shall put on immortality. And should not this despensation of Divine Providence be a solemn warning to us to be also ready. For we, truly, know not in what hour the Son of Man cometh. At the Grave I read the funeral services of our church. And Mrs. F. and myself sang the hymn commencing "O God our help in ages past" &c.

At the time the above bloody act transpired the American Brig Maryland from Newburyport Mass. commanded by Capt. John H. Couch, was lying but a short distance below the place. The murder of McCay was unknown to Capt. Couch and his men until they were informed thereof by a line from me.

23. Sabbath. Preached to my usual congregation with the addition of Dr. Tolmie from Vancouver, who came down with a party of men to avenge the death of McCay, and several from on board of the Maryland which is lying at this place. Text