Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/150

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142 JASON LEE

in what they wished me success I know not as some of [them] at least are opposed to our enterprise.

Wednes. July 2, 1834. Arose this morning at 2 o'clock it being my guard and after placing the guard lighted a can- dle and wrote a letter to Bro. Finley and one to Br. Sehon ( ?) and sent them by Mr. Greenow.

Left Rendevous rather late being detained on account of some horses that had run away. Had been quite long enough in Camp and glad to pursue out journey. A band of Indians No. Pierce and Flat Heads came with and camped with us on Ham's Fork. They are on their way to the Flat Head

camp.

  • * * *

Friday, July 4, 1834. Just as we were on the point of start- ing the Indians came and informed us that they were about to leave us and wished to know if we intended to come back and stop with the Flat Head Camp. We told them we could not say positively now we did not know as we could find their Camp.

I asked them if they would like to have their children learn to read &c one said he would give me his. Some said they would like [to] learn to cultivate land.

And they seemed desirous that we should locate among them. I told them if they came where Capt. Wyeth purposed to build up [a] Fort that if it were not too far I would go and see the Chief and talk with him about it and if we did not come this winter that we would come next or the following.

When we arrived at the place of separation they all shook hands with me in the most cordial hearty and friendly man- ner.

I was very much affected with this parting scene. Lord direct us in our choice of a location. O that these sons of nature may soon be the children of grace. Encamped on Mud- dy Creek. Some of the men caught some fine trout. This being the 4th of July the men must needs show their "Inde- pendance" and such another drunken crazy hooting quarrel-