Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/132

 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

124 374

have been purchased of the Indians and now open one of the most inviting regions to the emigrant for settlement in North America. The Dalles must immediately become a point of importance and, should the mines prove rich and extensive, a point at The Dalles will become a second Sacramento and another at the Cascades, 45 miles below, will scarcely be less in importance. We should have a man at The Dalles at River,

moment, awake to all the interests of religion and humanity in that region. Trade is springing up at that point with great rapidity. The Methodist Church will undoubtedly have a man there in a few months. The Congregationalists are looking on with interest and have sent their man to survey that field. I shall visit that place as soon as I learn this

more

definitely the state of things in relation to the mines. man for The Dalles and Cascades as soon

Will you have a

It will cost as as possible? field as it does at Portland.

much

to sustain a

man

in that

I am strongly inclined to the opinion that I shall settle as near the centre of middle Oregon as circumstances will justify, perhaps on the waters of the Walla Walla, at the close of this year, as a self-supporting missionary, to finish my days

where I can be with my family and a little more exempt from responsibilities than in my present agency. But I leave that in the hands of the All Wise Being to direct. My friends here decidedly approve of in the

agency by way

my

plans.

Very

little

can be done

summer or next, Most of our men will

of collecting funds this

should the gold excitement prevail.

go to the mines and we must preach to women and children and runners to and fro. If ever missionaries needed an unction from on high, ministers and churches in Oregon at

O Lord, give grace to thy servants an entire consecration to make to Thee! this time are that people.

Last Sabbath

members,

I

fifteen

assisted in organizing a church of eleven

miles

northeast

from

this

place,

between

374 This purchase was by the 'treaties with the Nez Perces, Cayuses, Walla Wallas, Umatillas, and Yakimas, in June. 1855, and with the John Day, Des Chutes and Wascopans, about the same time. Bancroft, Hist, of Ore., II:36o-8.