Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/335



Mature consideration of what I have been already able to effect in this country, and of the great amount that yet remains to be done, has satisfied me of the propriety of remaining here for another year, that I may explore it more satisfactorily. I feel that I should otherwise be neglectful of the interests of the Society which sends me, though I am so doubtful whether my determination will meet with the approbation of my employers (though not doubtful of the integrity of my motives), that I will cheerfully labour this season without any remuneration, if I am only allowed a small sum of money to supply myself with clothing. Thus I hope my conduct will be pardoned if not approved. Two considerations weigh much with me. Firstly, I involve the society in little or no expense; and, secondly, having been an invalid during the latter part of the seed-harvest, I have, of course, missed of procuring many things which it would be most desirable to possess, particularly of the vegetation of the Upper Country, towards the head waters of this river, and the boundless tracts that lie contiguous to the Rocky Mountains.

I could have crossed the Continent this season to Mon-