Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/199

 Diary of Rev. George H. Gary 179 This Williamette river, right before our window, has probably raised 35 feet. This sweeping high water has considerably abated my very high esteem of this country. Our mission store has had more than two feet of water in the cellar. It must suffer some considerable damage from this flood. I am well pleased with the sale of the lots and improvements in this place to Doc. McLaughlin. The parsonage which we purchased is safe and far re- moved from fear. Friday, 29. We hear the river was considerably higher about thirty years ago. I am more and more sat- isfied that property in this place is very much exposed to be destroyed by water in times of great freshets. Saturday, 30. One year today since we left the city and port of New York. The year has presented many a new scene; with sundry peculiar lights and shades; yet after all, no regrettings that we came. Am satisfied someone should have come, and if I am the one to attend to this work, there is some pleasure in being in the midst of it, with all its responsibilities, toils, vexations and cares. I am satisfied that a very few years will give another character to the Methodist mission in this land. And if it can once assume a high moral and religious character, there is no telling what good may be done here. [1844] Monday, December 2. Our meeting yesterday small, perhaps 18 or 20 hearers. I almost despair of ever seeing that regard to meetings here there ought to be. Today I received a letter from Doct. McLaughlin concern- ing our settlement with the Sandwich Islanders. He claims for them pay for their service from the time they left Oahu and also expense of passage back which will make more than three hundred dollars to be added to their expense to the mission; a most impolitic employ- ment of laborers. Tuesday, 3. Afternoon, Mr. Mack 14 has been in and informed us we have letters ten miles below from over 14 Nathan P. Mack, pioneer of 1843.