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DIARY 251

at the fort I dined with him and partook of the productions of his own farm corn pork &c. We had kept a little flour to be used in case of sickness but having used nearly all of it I thought we had better purchase a few pounds but he re- fused to sell us any though he sold to others but said he would send us some if we would accept it as a present accordingly he sent us say 15 or 20 Ibs. which would cost there as many dollars.

Soon after sending the above mentioned message he came to our tent and informed me that he should leave us to-day and remain in this part of the country trading with the Indians and trapping beaver till March and pressed me to mention anything that we needed for our journey down and we ac- cepted of some flour and a little sugar. How strikingly the hand of Providence is manifested in our behalf in sending us the productions of the land to which we are journeying to sustain us on our way while we were yet at so great a distance from it and also in inclining the heart of an entire stranger in this savage land to supply our wants without money and without price.

Mon. Aug. 18. Started the cows Sabbath morning about Y-2 past 7 o'clock A. M. and came to a halt % past 9 evening, having been on the march nearly 14 hours. The horses reached camp before sun set. After making a long cut off they reached the river and turned a little up it to find grass so that we did not see them and we went two mi. below and left the cows and then went up and found camp. Distance probibly between 35 and 40 mi. This is indeed rather more than a Jewish Sabbath day's journey but there seemed no al- ternative for us but to "go ahead." But I trust the time is not now distant when we like other Christians shall have the pleasure of devoting the holy sabbath to religious exercises. Lord grant that it may soon arrive.

Made a short march to-day and camped in good grass. Soon after my arrival went to Capt. Stewart's lodge and had been talking some 15 or 20 minutes when Mr. Walker