Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/370



320 CHARLES HENRY CAREY

that there is deep anxiety felt in many parts of the church to know more of its present condition and pros- pects. Nor is it to be desired that an anxiety, the ex- istence of which augurs so favorably for the missionary cause, should be repressed. It is this spirit of inquiry into the nature and results of missionary enterprise which we desire should become general and which, when it shall be generally cherished, will be the immediate precursor of the world's redemption.

But however desirable a more full and accurate ac- count of this mission may be, nothing more will be ex- pected of the Board than to present such information as they have been able to obtain. Most gladly would they rehearse in the ear of the Society the wonderful works of God in the rescue of additional hundreds among the wasting tribes of Oregon from their savage ferocity and degrading superstitions, did their information warrant such a report. As it is, they can only say that while a few, under the pressure of afflictions and discourage merits have left the mission, there are still those in the field who are laboring and looking for brighter days. The unsubdued spirit of some of these self-sacrificing men in the midst of severe trials may be seen in the fol- lowing extracts taken from some of our latest despatches.

Rev. Jason Lee, in a letter dated Vancouver, April 8th, 1842, writes thus : "I am aware that unfavorable reports have gone home in reference to our prospects in this field, and certainly they are not so flattering as might be desired. But notwithstanding all that has been said, or anything that can or may in truth be said, you, reverend father rnd dear brethren, composing our re- spected Board, may rest assured that tho I am now de- prived of her who more than all others held up my hands in this laborious field, yet I am not discouraged, nor have I the least desire to leave it. I am fully persuaded that my best energies may profitably be used up here in Ore- gon. Nor am I able to persuade myself that there are