Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/332

 sary ingredients. Several large families of Indians encamped under the shade of large oaks on the prairie, the boughs of the latter being their only covering, miserably clad, ugly and dirty in the extreme, they had some wild ducks, hazel nuts and several kinds of berries, some of their childrens heads were being attended to in the process of being flattened. Finished my obs upon the N star, the means of placing this Fort in Lat 45° 36′ 26 N.

August 2nd, 1841.

Wind and weather continuing the same. During the day sent letters to Astoria, computed one outfit, taking some additional articles through the recommendation of Mr. Douglass. And about 3 30 pm, having returned many thanks to Dr McLaughlin & Mr Douglas for their marked attention & many kindnesses to myself & party, embarked upon the Columbia in a bateau furnished by the Co. which easily carried all my party now consisting of Messers Peal, Rich, Agate, Dr Whittle, Mr Rodgers, Doughty, Sutton, Merzer, Corpl. Hughes, Privates Smith & Marsh. Mr Steel the principal shepherd of the Co. who goes as far as Multnomah to deliver over the Cos horses to us & 3 men to return with the boat; and all our arms, ammunition, instruments & provisions amounting in all to about 50 packs, each averaging 90 lbs, consisting principally of peas, flour, pork, salt, tallow & hard biscuit. Descending the Columbia passed into the upper mouth of the Walhamet, then down the southern side of the Island of Multnomah, and finally landed on the Southern bank of the Walamat about sun-set, at the appointed rendez-