Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 37.djvu/121

Rh The account of their route across the Blue Mountains is now available. Mrs. Whitman writes:

"September 1st 1836. You can better immagine our feelings this morning than I can describe them. I could not realize that the end of our long journey was so near. We arrose as soon as it was light, took a cup of coffe & eat of the duck we had given us last night, then dressed for Walla W. we started while it was yet early, for all were in haste to reach the desired haven. If you could have seen us now you would have been surprised for both man & beast appeared alike propeled by the same force. The whole company galloped almost all the way to the Fort. The first appearance of civilization we saw was the garden, two miles this side of the Fort. The fatigues of the long journey seemed to be forgotten in the excitement of being so near the close. Soon the Fort appeared in sight & when it was announced that we were near Mr McLeod Mr Prambran the gentleman of the house & Mr Townsand sallyed forth to meet us. After the usual introduction & salutations, we entered the Fort & were comfortably seated in cushioned armed chairs. They were just eating breakfast as we rode up soon we were at the table & were treated to fresh salmon potatoes, tea bread & butter. What a variety, thought I. You cannot immagine what an appetite these rides in the mountains give a person. I wish some of the feble ones in the States could have a ride over the mountains, they would say like me, victuals even the plainest kind never relished so well before. After breakfast we were shown the novelties of the place, they are so to us. While at breakfast, however, a young cock placed himself upon the cell of the door and crowed. Now whether it was the sight of the first white females or out of compliment to the company I know not, this much for him. I was pleased with his appearance. You may think me simple for speaking of such a small circumstance as this. No one knows the feelings occasioned by seeing objects once familiar after a long privation, especially it is heightened by the expectation of not meeting with them. The door yard was filled with hens turkeys pigeons & in another place we saw cows hogs & goats in abundance & I think the largest & fattest cattle & swine I ever saw. 'We were soon shown a room, which Mr Pambran