Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/248



(Continued from page 146 in June Quarterly)

DIARY OF REVEREND JASON LEE II

Sat. July 26, 1834. For more than a week whenever I have thought of writing in my Journal my mind would at once revolt at the idea but my aversion arose chiefly from ill health.

I went out on a hunting excursion in company with two others and we forded many creeks and got wet frequently rode hard say 35 mi. without food and when returned lay down in the tent in a draft and sleeped caught sudden cold which settled into my limbs and back and the pain was so intense as to cause the perspiration to flow most freely. The pain was so extreme that it took away most of my strength and I am extremely weak yet. Two days I did not sit up more than an hour. Have been reading some in the Bible and have read Mrs. Judson's [Ann Haseltine Judson] Memoirs and was much interested and I think profited. I trust this light affliction will be beneficial to me and drive me nearer to the gracious throne. O that I were in a situation to do some- thing for God.

A few miserable looking Indians came to camp to-day. They are called Root-Diggers.

The hunters returned laden with meat. Capt. McCay* in- tends to start on Monday and there is a prospect that we shall go with him,

I have enjoyed a good degree of comfort for two days and pray the Lord to revive his love more and more for I long to be wholly swallowed up in God. Lord Jesus mould me into thy image that I may glorify thee.

Sun. July 27, 1834. Have enjoyed peace and consolation to-day to God be all the praise. Repaired to the grove about y 2 past 3 o'clock for public worship which is the first we have had since we started. By request of Mr. McCay a respect- able number of our company and nearly all of Capt. McCay's Indians Half Breeds Frenchmen &c very few of whom could understand the exercises but all were extremely attentive.