Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 16.djvu/423



CORRESPONDENCE 395

Feb. or March and in one you requested me to make every preparation necessary [for the Oregon journey.] I have done so as far as my means will allow and am now waiting with great anxiety to receive the drafts to enable me to finish the outfit. The little property I had I sold at a great sacrifice and the outfit is more expensive than I anticipated, but, if the draft or drafts reach this place in season, we can be ready in ten or twelve days for the journey; we are anxiously ex- pecting them every mail. We ought to be on the way as soon as two or three weeks from this at farthest, but must stay till your instructions reach me here. 78 The 4th of April is the day fixed upon for our departure from this place. We feel that we need greatly the prayers of your Board, especially that Heaven may bless the mission. I am more and more convinced of the importance of the enterprise and that God only can sustain and give us success. You will forgive my importunity. I know not how to lay over on suspense another year. I fear I am too solicitous ; if so, may God forgive. Br. Johnson is probably on his way at this time to Independence, Missouri, where I hope to join him, God permitting.

Your unworthy brother in, Christ,

EZRA FISHER.

March 14, Evening. Just received my commission and regret that I had not known three weeks ago that in this case your Board would not have violated their usual. . . rule. I shall stay in this place till you forward me the order, or order N. B. Stanford to receive the draft for me and order it paid, which I think he will do. In this case, I shall write you to that effect before leaving.

Yours in the gospel,

EZRA FISHER.

78 The emigrants for Oregon left as early in the Spring as possible to reach Oregon before the winter rains. Some left as early as March, others as late as May. See Johnson and Winter, in Ore. Hist. Soc. Quar. VII :68.