Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/421



DOCUMENTARY 413

Thus commenced a new era in my life and I began an experi- mental acquaintance with that state, of the happiness of which I had long been favourably impressed. Eight months elapsed previous to my leaving for this trip, and our affections for each other had been increasing, and our souls always beat in unison ; insomuch, that there was seldom the slitest diference, even in opinion, in reference to any subject that we had occasion to discuss. Not a cross look ever ruffled our countenances, not an unkind word ever escaped our lips, and not a hard feeling ever disturbed the tranquility of our souls, during that period. The most perfect harmony and unanimity subsisted between us, and we were always happy in the enjoyment of each other's society. At length, however, imperative duty seemed to de- mand a separation. Painful in the extreme, was the thought of leaving such a companion, and especially, of leaving her in the most delicate circumstances possible ; she having already six months of her pregnancy.

And if the thought of it was so painful to me, what must it be to her? Who would not have expected to see womanish weakness exhibited to its full extent under such circumstances ? And doubtless she felt, and felt most sensibly upon the subject; for I can not conceive it possible for one so circumstanced not to feel ; yet she had learned in the school of Christ : that per- sonal inclinations and interests must always give place to duty ; hence she confided in the arm of the Almighty for protection and support, and did not so much as attempt to dissuade me from leaving her. And where is the husband, similarly sit- uated but must admire the noble heroism and moral dignity exhibited in the following declaration : "I will not take it upon me to advise either way ; and I will not put myself in the way of the performance of your duty ; but if you think it duty to go, go, for I did not marry you to hinder, but rather to aid you in the performance of your duty."

The circumstances of the parting scene I need not mark down with ink and paper in order to assist my memory, for