Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/269



DIARY 261

Friday, September 12. After breakfast assayed to proceed, notwithstanding there was a strong headwind, but we advanced very slowly by hard rowing some seven or eight miles, when we could proceed no further by the oar, we towed the boat with a line, sometimes on the shore and some of the time in the river. We camped in some willow bushes, here to remain till we see what the morrow will bring forth. Our provision is nearly done except flour, but I have no anxious hours, trusting that he who ruleth the wind will provide for us.

Saturday, September 13. The wind still continues with un- abated force, and probably we shall be unable to move today. But Providence is still watching over us for good. Indians came with plenty of fresh and dried salmon, and thus our temporal wants were supplied. And we know that the fount of spiritual blessing is as near us in this western desert as it is to those who dwell in Christendom, and through the same medium we may have as rich a supply as they. Oh, Lord, give more and more of the bread of life. I had feign expected to reach Vancouver before Sabbath, but the Lord has determined otherwise, and I cheerfully submit to his all-wise dispensa- tions, rejoicing in the knowledge that no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Vancouver, Tuesday, September 16. This is the first op- portunity I have found to journalize since Saturday. Contrary to my expectations we were able to proceed, and encamped a short distance from the Cascades. Sabbath morning proceeded to the falls and made the portage of one mile, carrying two loads each, and then returned to let the boat down with a line, but it stuck upon the rocks, and the men being unable to remove it I went to their assistance and with considerable difficulty we succeeded in getting it over. But what rendered it very disagreeable was that the rain was pouring constantly. We tarried long enough to eat a bite, and proceeded. Camped near sunset, drenched in rain, built a good fire, pitched our tent and all slept in wet clothes except myself. Monday started at seven o'clock, called at a saw mill belonging to the H. B. Co.