Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/407



DOCUMENTARY 399

a fine farm but it is probibly too far from the river. There are 30 Indians old and young a few rods from us and some of the men even are as naked as they were born, a filthy, mis- erable looking company and yet they seem quite contented. They subsist mostly on cammas. Probably more than in this vicinity have fallen a sacrifice to the fever and ague within 4 years.

Thurs. Sep. 25, 1834. Started 8 h. and came over bad road very slow to the fall of the Willamette and thence to the Clackamass River, forded it and crossed the prairie which we wished to see but think it will not answer our purpose.

Left the prairie and forced our way a mile to the Willamette through a swamp thickly timbered and covered with under- brush. Saw some Indians a little above us, came up and are camped upon the sand near them. My mind is yet much exercised in respect to our location. I know not what to do.

Friday, 26. Sent the horses to Mr. McKay's place and hired two Indians to take us to Vancouver in a cannoe, expected to reach there tonight but the wind and tide being against us we were forced to camp.

Satur., 27. Arrived at the Fort 9 h., found our brethren well. After mature deliberation on the subject of our location and earnest prayer for divine direction I have nearly concluded to go to the W.

Sun. 28 Sep., 1834. A. M. assayed to preach to a mixed congregation English, French, Scotch, Irish, Indians, Americans, half breeds, Japanese, &c., some of whom did not understand 5 words of English. Found it extremely difficult to collect my thoughts or find language to express them but am thankful that I have been permitted to plead the cause of God on this side of the Rocky Mountains where the banners of Christ were never before unfurled. Great God grant that it may not be in vain but may some fruit appear even from this feeble attemp to labour for Thee.

Evning. Preached again but with as little liberty as in the morning but still I find it is good to worship God in the