Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/327

 patched Mr. Rodgers to the Qualatin settlement to endeavor to engage the necessary number & at the same time to make definite arrangements with the residents there, who had already volunteered to accompany our party, to be ready at such a time to meet me at the disembarking place of the Walamat, bringing with them their animals. Mr. Drayton was to have accompanied Mr. R ., but found the canoe too small. Dispatched Mr. Burnie's canoe back to Fort Geo with a letter to Capt Hudson, and towards sunset Capt Wilkes' canoe left under charge of his servant, accompanied by a batteau furnished by Dr McLaughlin, to convey articles purchased for the "Peacock's" officers and crew, to Astoria, owing to the recommendation of the Co* Officers. Purchassed dressed deer skins and had them smoked previous to being made into trousers and moccasins for each of the party, these being considered quite necessary to resist the scratches that one is subject to in travelling much in mountainous portions of this country. One of my men is sick, the remainder running balls, making provision bags &c. Scientific gentlemen variously occupied. Dr McL thinking to make me more comfortable insisted upon my vacating a small room in No. 9 & taking No. 3 where he frequently called to see if his servants had attended to all my wants agreeable to his instructions—this they were sure to do, for his power is despotic here, and all have learned to obey, and possessing as I believe he has, a good heart & general knowledge of the world & mankind, enables him to anticipate nearly all our wants, which are none the less for having lately been shipwrecked. Obs equal alts of the sun & at night got an alt. of Polaris.

July 28, 1841.