Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/349

 Diary of Rev. George Gary — III 327 good sermon in which we saw the traits of a good man, as presented in first Psalm. Evening. Bro. Leslie suited his sermon to the occasion with good judgment, and with excellent effect. Monday, 5. The people gathered before the stand and a few short addresses were made, and such as wished to join society were admitted. There were from 15 to 20 who professed religion at this meeting, and nearly 20 joined on trial. The meeting was then dismissed and we parted in all probability to meet not again in time. After meeting, I returned to Father Smith's and after a few disappointments, finally started for the Williamette Falls or Oregon city on the morning of Thursday, 8. This day we ran on a sand bar in dif- ferent places and at different times so that our progress was slow. We put up for the night under some bushes on one of the banks of the Williamette. Friday, 9. We were in some danger by running over a ledge of rocks, but after some careful effort, we finally got a float again; and as we were passing somewhat pleasantly we saw a deer in the river. Our men, with their oars well applied, gave chase after him; the race was hard, and for some time the result doubtful; but finally the noble buck was a captive ; he was a large and fat deer ; it was supposed his meat and skin would weigh nearly one hundred. We arrived at the falls about noon. Saturday, 10. Bro. Brewer is with us. We are feast- ing on a part of the noble deer taken yesterday. Sunday, 11. Our congregation just about as usual. Monday, 12. We are having beautiful weather. Bro. Abernethy and Brewer are overlooking their old mission accounts ; mistake found against the mission, $49.13. Wednesday, 14. Bro. Brewer leaves, for the Dalls. I have been somewhat busy in furnishing him with sup- plies for the Dalls station. Advanced as expense things worth $5.00. I have bought of him a cooking stove for the parsonage we now live in for which I paid him $25.70 ;