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174 REVEREND EZRA FISHER

cated ministry and who pray for the universal spread of the gospel by the direct effort of the church, yet the larger por- tion of our brethren have never seen it so done in Israel.

Thirdly, we owe it to our rising territory to perform our part in the formation of our national character. I spent four or five weeks last summer in traveling through the Willam- ette Valley 157 preaching and privately laying this subject before our brethren, and I rejoiced much to find so many who responded cheerfully to the views that I presented. I then thought some central point in that valley on the banks of the Willamette, or near it, in view of the circumstances, would be the most desirable position. Afterward, when we heard a report of much gold in the vicinity of the Columbia River, 158 both Br. Johnson and myself thought we might as well make an effort on these Plains (Clatsop). We, how- ever, learned that the parties who went to Powder River to explore for gold brought home nothing but mica, or pyrates of iron, and the whole tide of immigration and commerce turned towards California. I, therefore, was compelled to yield to the popular opinion everywhere rife that Oregon must unavoidably be thrown back at least two or three years. Our lovely little church in Clatsop Plains will every one but my own family go to California, and all think it is my duty to go this summer, and some are very solicitous that I move my family there. In view of all these circumstances, nothing more can be done the present season than to fix on a loca- tion, and that is somewhat hazardous. Yet with the present development of the country, both here and in California, I think, if anything is done this season, I shall be strongly in- clined to favor the commencement of this work somewhere near the point on the Willamette where steam navigation will terminate, say about 70 or 80 miles above Oregon City. I am strengthened in these views from the facts that the Wil- lamette Valley is the largest body of rich farming land in Oregon, and the scenery remarkably picturesque; that the

157 There was as yet no uniformity in the spelling of this name. See note 71.

158 These discoveries were not largely utilized until the sixties. G. H. Himes.