Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/403

DIARY OF ASAHEL MUNGER AND WIFE. 395 stopped once and turned a little to the right and took a drink of water from the river, that descends to the States, for the last time Today on the height of ground could see the valley of the Green river which descends to the Pacific, and the Sweet water which descends to the States could see on our right more clearly the wind river mountains & on our left at the distance of at least 40 or 50 miles piles of mountains covered with perpetual snow. Camped at a 2 spring after apprehensions of not being able to find water. Tues. from the spring we passed on towards Sandy Kiver moved on to Little Sandy, and after a long march, camped on big Sandy pure snow water from the mountains. These streams are branches of Green river July3 Wed. mountains in sight and covered with snow most of the time. This is melting and running down in these streams, so that the water 4 is cold soft and good. Camped on big Sandy. Thurs. at half past 10 today we halted to remain until we should hear from Mr. Dripse's camp (who is at the head of the American Fur Company) Soon he appeared himself and Capt. Walkerl with him, to the joy of all the camp. He brought us cheering news. Mr. Ermitinger [Ermatinger] one of the head men of the Hudson Bay Company came over with 8 men and a company of Indians to rendezvous, who was expecting to accompany missionaries if any should come over. They expected to meet Mr. Lee and his company here. We started about noon 5 traveled fast until after 4. Friday started soon after sunrise, and arrived at rendezvous about half past 10 o. c. Had a friendly inter- view with Mr. Ermitinger & Dr. Newel [Robert Newell] 2 one of the men employed by the American Fur Company. Saw the Indians that came up with Mr. Ermitinger all appear very friendly. The American Fur Co. have made a poor collection of furs this year are brin[g]ing 6 their business to a close. Sat. pleasant morning, our tent is near Mr. Ermitinger, and nearer Green river. this is quite a stream 15 or 20 rods wide, and where we forded it midside deep to a horse. We saw the soldier a Nezpersee [sic] Indian who has been much with the 7 missionaries. Sab. Mr. G. preached today twice, he had quite a number of white men and more Indians to hear him. After meeting many got drunk. The Am Fur Company are ruining men as fast as 8 they can with their Alcohol. Mon. Last night Mr. Ermitinger had 2 9 horses stolen from him by 2 of his own men. Tues. Last night one of the men came back for his horse he had stolen. He was not careful to secure him safely, so the horse returned home in the night He 1 Courtney M. Walker, who was at this time in charge of Fort Hall. He had first come to Oregon with Jason Lee. 2 Robert Newell, who was later prominent in affairs of early Oregon. He brought wagons to Oregon (The Dalles) in 1840.