Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/148



140 JASON LEE

ion respect the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Though we might have a congregation of some hundreds of whites to preach to to-day if they were disposed to hear yet we have no doubt if [we] were to propose such a thing that it would be rejected with disdain and perhaps with abuse, for all hands nearly are employed [in] trading drinking or some such inno- cent amusement. My God My God " there nothing that will have any effect upon them?

Lord of heaven and earth move by thy Spirit upon their hearts and cause the penitential tear to flow.

Mon. June 23. Bro. Shepard washed for us which is the first of any account that we have had done since we left and I have clean clothes yet. Went to Mr. Sublett's Camp to see about purchasing a mule of Mr. Trapp [Frappe]. Heard the Indians in one lodge praying and singing went to listen to them but they were just closing as we approached. How encouraging to see these red men thus religiously inclined. Soon after dark a fire was built in the Prairie for the purpose of a war dance. One with a thing that answered for a drum stood near the fire and sung with others. While the three half-breeds who were all that joined in the war dance were making preparations the whites made themselves perfectly ridiculous by jumping about the fire trying to imitate the In- dian dance while none but the little boys would join them. At length they came and went through their dance which was rather interesting especially that part where they killed and scalped one and went off with the gun in triumph.

Slept with Mr. Sublette and returned in the morning.

June 24, Tues. Purchased some things of the Indians and a mule of Mr. Frapp. Paid in red cloth at 100 per cent $55.00. Found that our red cloth was minus 12 yds.

Wednes. June 25. Removed 10 mi. up the creek and after taking care of the things commenced writing letters in good earnest, but found it very hard to bring my mind to the work.

Thursday 26. Made some repairs on saddles &c, and wrote some letters.