Page:Journal of John H. Frost, 1840-42 part 1.pdf/16

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Journal of John H. Frost, 1840-43
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canoe. We descended the river somewhat pleaasantly till to wards night when we arrived at a rapid, where as we were in the rear of the large canoe, we discovered that she was approaching the floodwood at the bottom of the rapid, and in a moment more she struck a snag, upset, broke to pieces in a moment, when trunks, boxes, pails, barrels &c and Indians were all sub merged, and floating down stream. We decended the rapid in safety and effected a landing on a small Island; as soon as possible unloaded our canoe, and set out with it in order to pick up the floating goods. In the mean time the Indians had succeeded in getting several of the articles on shore, so that with the canoe we supposed that all the goods were safely landed; but our tent was lost, so we were obliged to lodge on the pebbly island, with out a covering. We slept in safety, however, and in the morn ing we looked arround to see if all was safe; but to our grief we found that one of Mr. Kone's travelling trunks, containing the most of Mrs. Kone's dresses and many other valuables, our box of tools, pots & kettles &c &c were missing. After consulting, we concluded to send down to Mr. Johnson's25 for his canoe, and the remainder of us were to go in search of the lost goods. We did so and found the tent and a few other articles, but the trunk & tool box, pots & kettles &c &c., could not be found. Here we continued another night, but were not obliged to lodge with out a tent. The next morning the canoe, after which we had sent the men, having not arrived, we determined to load the canoe which we were in possession of, and take Mrs. Kone and proceed to Chumpoeg, and leave Mr. Kone to take care of the remaining goods until the canoe, for which we had sent, should arrive; we accordingly set out, and after proceeding down the river about two miles we met the canoe going up; the arrival of which, was no doubt, hailed with joy by Mr. Kone in his lonely situation. We arrived at Chumpoeg in the afternoon, and Mr. K. arrived before night. So instead of finding ourselves at Van

from that cause in Oregon, and hopes it will "suffice as a warning to others."

25 No doubt William Johnson, who afterwards became the first settler at Portland; see Reed, "William Johnson," Oregon Historical Quarterly, XXXIV, 314-23.