Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/297

 Diary of Rev. George Gary — III 275 dollars and $100.18 from Rogers estate are put to the credit of the mission. Receive a long letter from A. F. Waller concerning the mission at the Dalls and mission- ary efforts in general. A letter also from H. B. Brewer. Tuesday, 25. Reading the bible. Wednesday, 26. This day I had an interview with J. L. Parish, a local preacher from Clatsop, mouth of Columbia River. He has officiated as an employed local preacher for six months since my arrival in the land. But from the information I obtained from time to time, concerning the amount of ministerial labor he performed, I have discontinued him. From his account of the Clatsop and Cheenooks Indians, they are passing away like the dew; there are but four children under one year old in both tribes. He thinks less than ten under six years old and over one. There are perhaps in the Clatsop tribe, 100 ; Cheenook, 300, including old and young. [1845] Thursday, March 13. Our weather is becom- ing beautiful ; the rains have ceased ; the sun shines with considerable warmth and everything says spring has come. I have just had an interview with Miss Phillips, 6 and the understanding is, her claim on the mission for salary and board ceased last July, when I offered her a passage to the states at the time Mr. Waller was design- ing to go ; but she continues her claim on the Board for a passage home whenever she may wish to go; any time within the ten years for which she came at first to this land. She is out of health ; somewhat in years ; what she may finally do, I know not. She is rather to be pitied. Saturday, 15. Beautiful weather. I am busy writing to the Board, A. Adams, and H. R. Clark, and copying my journal. This week I sent Mr. Parish's bill against his Kanaka for $70.50 to Fort VanCouver. Presume it is put to the credit of the mission. Sunday, 16. The preacher designs to discharge his duty to the few who attend the ministry of the word. 6 Elmira Phillips.