Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/219

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Raised camp early to avoid the heat of the day. S. W. distance 8 miles.

Left our old tracks of last year for a fork of River of the Falls. A fall 40 ft. high, 20 yds. wide. 2 wild horses made their escape into> mountains and an Iroquois lost his with its load. Mr. McKay and 6 men are to go in search. 5 Indians visited us and returned a blanket stolen last year. Their numbers are few or they would not deal so fairly: distance 15 m. S. S. E.

The horse with his load was found neighing across the river last night; but not the two wild horses. Proceeded down River of the Falls to the Falls where we found an Indian camp of 20 families. Finding a canoe also a bridge made of slender wood we began crossing, horses were lost thro' the bridge. I am informed the salmon do not ascend beyond these falls. Course N. W.

Gervais 5 and party of 8 men with horses and mules joins us.

We had certainly a most providential escape. Last night the Indians crossed the river 6 and set fire to the grass within 10 yards of our camp. The watch perceived it and gave the alarm. Had there not been a bunch of willows to arrest it everything would have been lost; a gale blowing at the time. This morning every Indian had decamped. If ever Indians deserve to be punished these do. They were well treated and fed by us and in return attempted to destroy us. This is Indian gratitude.