DOCUMENT D
Excerpts from Manuscript Journal of Rev. Jason Lee.
The following excerpts are taken from the manuscript journal of Rev. Jason Lee, all of which is in his handwriting. This original journal is now in the possession of the Oregon Historical Society.
"Vancouver, Teus[day], Sept. 16, 1834.——Arrived at Fort Vancouver 3 o'clock found the Governor and other Gentlemen connected with the Fort on shore waiting our arrival and conducted us to the Fort and gave us food which was very acceptable as we had eaten our last for breakfast. We received every attention from these Gentlemen. Our baggage was brought and put into a spacious room without consulting us and the room assigned for our use and we had the pleasure of sleeping again within the walls of a house after a long and fatiguing journey replete with menacies, deprivations, toil and prosperity.
"I have been much delighted today in viewing the improvements of the farm, &c. The dinner was as good and served in as good stile as in any gentleman's house in the east. Fine mus[k] & water melons and apples were set before us which were indeed a luxury after the dry living we have had for some time. After dinner took a turn in the Garden and was astonished to find it in such a high state of cultivation. The orchard is young but the quantity of the fruit is so great that many of the branches would break if they were not prevented by props.
"Dr. McLoughlin the Governor of the Fort seems pleased that Missionaries have come to the country and freely offers us any assistance that it is in his power to render. It is his decided opinion that we should commence somewhere in this vicinity. O Lord do thou direct us in the choice of a location. This evening received the joyful inteligence that Capt. Wyeth's Brig was in sight. It is a matter of joy because the last we heard it was on a sand-bar some 70 mi. below and we found we should be obliged to go down for our goods. Is not the hand of Providence in all this? Would to God that I could praise him as I ought for his gracious dealings with us. It is now past 11 o'clock and I must commend myself to divine care and retire.
"Friday Sep. 19, 1834.——Daniel and myself are now on the bank of the Willamette River a little distance from Mr. McKay's place. Wednesday expected that the Brig would come up to Vancouver and we should receive our goods there but the want of wind prevented her coming up. Went on board just at night and ascertained that we could not get them until the cargo was taken out. Slept on board and walked to the Fort 3 mi. in the morning and commenced preparations for a trip up the Willamette. Dr. Mc. made all the necessary preparations of men, boat, food, &c. and we were off about 4 o'clock. Camped upon the sand. Started early this morning and came to the mouth of the W. [Willamette] and found the Brig there. Took breakfast on board. Waited while Capt's Lambert, Wyeth & Thing explored the vicinity in search of a place to suit their business but the[y] could find none to please them. Left them with the expectation that they will unload some of their goods and arms at or near the place where they now are. Arrived 1/2 past 1 o'clock."
After an exploring trip up the Willamette River, which is described in his journal, Jason Lee sets forth: "Sat. 27 [Sept.]. Arrived at the Fort g. h. found our brethern 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. [Willamette]."
"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 permited to plead the cause of God on this side the Ry. 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 attempt to labour for Thee.