Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/373

JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF DAVID DOUGLAS. 363 particle of clothing they had on. Just as one of these savages was discharging an arrow from his bow, aimed at a chief of the other party, Mr. Dease hit him such a blow on the nose as stunned him, and the arrow fortu- nately only grazed the skin of his adversary, passing along the rib opposite to his heart without doing him much injury. The whole day was spent in clamour and haranguing, and unable to foresee what the issue might be, we were prepared for the worst. Mr. Dease, however, succeeded in persuading them to make arrangements for peace, and begged this might be done without delay on the morrow, representing to them how little they had ever gained by their former wars, in which they had mutually butchered one another like dogs. Unluckily for me, my guide, tJie Wolf, is equally wanted by his party, whether to make war or peace, therefore I am obliged to wait for him. Friday, 18th. Hustle and uproar, terminating towards evening in a proposal of peace the next day ; and as this must be sealed by a feast, Hie Wolf can not be expected to stir till it is over. Mr. Dease, however, has kindly spoken to an Indian who is in the habit of going journeys for him, to guide me, as my time is becoming short, and I hope to start to-morrow early. Saturday, 10th. Set off this morning carrying only as provision a little dried meat, tea, and sugar, and a small tin pot. My gun being unluckily out of order, Mr. Wark kindly lent me a double-barreled rifle pistol, and perhaps, going alone and unprotected, it is best to carry nothing that can tempt these savages. Being ill off for clothing, Mr. Dease gave me a pair of leather trousers, made of deerskin, and a few pairs of shoes, which were highly ac- ceptable ; he also provided me with three of his best horses one to carry my luggage, one for my guide, and the other for myself. A single shirt and blanket were all