into the sentiments and sympathies of her husband. With a devotion and courage never excelled, she journeyed with him to his distant field of labor.
Dr. Whitman found a suitable location on the banks of the Walla Walla river, named by the Indians Wie-lat-pu, or Wail-lat-pu, where he erected his cabin. Early in November, 1836, Mrs. Whitman took possession of her new home. She was much pleased to find so comfortable a place, though but a log cabin. Now began her missionary life with its peculiar hardships. One trial was the absence of those of her own sex. She was thousands of miles from her friends and kindred, hearing from them at intervals of two and three years, living upon meager diet, even to the flesh of horses, and surrounded continually by natives. To comprehend her isolation is impossible.
March 14, 1837 (her birthday) little Alice came to them. Maternal anguish was not soothed by the presence of a loving mother or kind friends of her own race. Her husband and an Indian woman performed the necessary service. The Indians cordially welcomed the new baby, and called it "Little White Cayuse." Much land was promised little Alice. For a little more than two years she was the light and joy of her parents. Then the cruel waters claimed her, and left their home desolate. Going alone to the stream near by, she fell in, and when her body was recovered life was gone. The loss of her owti little one opened the mother's heart to all children. No child appealed to her in vain. Her home was theirs so long as its shelter was needed.
In the fall of '42 Dr. Whitman decided to attempt a winter trip across the mountains, Washington and Boston being the objective points. When he took leave of his wife she felt that it was a last adieu. Desolate as was her home, she bravely determined to remain at her post. However, her friends at the Hudson's Bay Company fort sent for her and insisted upon her quitting the mission during the doctor's absence. With reluctance she consented. Owing to her failing health she went to Fort Vancouver for medical treatment. Later she spent some time visiting among the women of the Methodist mission. It finally became necessary for her to go back to her own mission for a time.
When Dr. Whitman returned, after a year's absence, he found his wife at The Dalles, very ill, and for months afterward her recovery was almost despaired of. At this time she had in charge three half-breed children, and her husband brought a nephew with him, aged 13.
In the fall of '44 a family of seven children, whose parents had died on the plains, were brought to her. Her heart opened to the little orphans. A home for the winter was all that was asked, but they were all adopted. Added to this family of eleven children were others from surrounding missions who were sent there to attend school.
The year of '47 the emigrants brought the measles into the country, and the disease soon spread among the Indians. Owing to their method of treatment it proved fatal in many cases. This, with other causes, made the Indians restless, and they began to murmur against their teachers. The storm
