Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/261



DIARY 253

cheek the heaving bosom was no longer able to retain the hitherto suppressed sigh but I must stop, the sight of mine eye affected my heart and had I yielded to my feelings I should have lost the fortitude of the man and the Christian in the simplicity of the child. I turned my back upon them and hurried me away and for what? For riches for honour for ease for pleasure for power for fame in fine was it for anything the world calls good and great? O Thou searcher of hearts Thou knowest. One year is elapsed and I have not yet reached the field of my labours. O how I long to erect the standard of my master in these regions which Satan has so long claimed for his own.

Wednes. 20. Made a long march 20 mi. Left Lewis River on the right. Camped on a small stream of clear water.

Thirs. Aug. 21, 1834. Traveled 20 mi. passed some warm springs and one hot one which burst out smoking near the bank of a small stream. I think the temperature is as high as the boiling point.

The stones in and near the spring were covered with good salt some of which we gathered for use as we have had none for some days. Camped on a small stream water rather dis- agreeable to the taste. Grass good.

Friday, 22. Came 22 mi. camped on a small brook best of grass.

Most of the Indians have gone on. The monotony of this journey is indeed wearisome to mind and body. For some days we have been almost constantly surrounded with monu- tains form of most resembling that of a hay stack their surface sand. They would appear very beautiful to one who had never before seen the like. But to us who have seen nothing but mountains so long with scarcely a valley inter- vening there is little to excite interest. Their form is so similar that we almost fancy we have seen them before.

Sat. Aug. 23, 1834. Came unexpectedly upon Lewis River and soon left it and shall see it not again this side of the