Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/232

218 Have sent Mr. McKay to explore the sources of the Willam- ette, wh. to this day have not been discovered. This party with Gervais may collect some skins.

Mr. McKay will not go as I intended. We shall cross the mountains eastward.

I did not raise camp, but sent 6 men in different directions. One of the men hunting fowl saw an Indian on horse back on the opposite side of the river. He made signs to him to cross but the fellow disappeared. How vexing! Within the last 10 days, 3 horses have been killed for food.

Two of the men report they found springs of fresh water ahead, south east. Of course I shall take that direction. Pro- ceeded to the main stream of Salt Lake River. Crossed a stony point, reached the entrance of Salt Lake south of the lake level covered with worm wood. The men I sent in quest of Indians returned without success.

Two fine mares dead from lack of water, the carcasses pur- chased by men for food. Some of the men tried bathing in the lake but their limbs were as red as if pickled and I am without guides nor has a person in camp the slightest idea of where he is.

Our horses found scattered — all the men on the alert. They returned reporting 56 stolen. This was a blow I did not antici- pate in this barren country nor could I credit it, and I gave orders to make strict search. At 9 all but 7 were found, the