Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/98

 82 Charles Henry Carey In the evening I had interview with the preachers, how the work shall be arranged or supplied this year were the leading questions. I stated to them that though we are missionaries and can remain many years at the same appointment, yet when the interests of religion do not stand in the way, we should hold ourselves subject to annual or frequent removal, as itinerancy is an estab- lished and prominent trait in Methodism, and we are parts and parcels of this itinerancy. The result of our interview as follows: Williamette Settlement, David Leslie Williamette Falls, Gustavus Hines Dalls, A. F. Waller, H. K. W. Perkins Clatsops, supplied for six months (J. L. Parrish.) Tues. 4. Left for Williamette Settlement in company with D. Leslie, G. Hines and family, Doct. Babcock, L. H. Judson and A. Beers. We went up the river against a strong current about twenty-five miles, then took land conveyance and after traveling about three miles, put up for the night under a large and prickly shaded fir tree. Here we take a fine supper, attend to our devo- tions, wrap ourselves in our mantles, lie down on our bed, which is the ground; spread our umbrellas partly over our heads to keep the night air off. Am ready to exclaim, "Safe in Thine arms I lay me down, Thine ever- lasting arms of love." Here we spend the night pleas- antly in sweet and refreshing sleep. This manner of journeying is new to Mrs Gary and myself. The ground answers the double purpose of table and bed, yes, and of chairs also, and when the traveler or travelers are careful to take a sufficient supply of provisions, it is dif- ficult to tell with what independence he or they may pass through this land, and by the by, it is somewhat pleasant. Wed. 5. We rise early and start for Doct. Babcock's. Take breakfast with his family, who live in a building erected for a hospital in the old settlement on the Wil- liamette. Here is a fine farm belonging to the Mission,