Valley of Bona Ventura, through which a stream of considerable magnitude flows, and finally mingles its streams with the ocean in the Bay of Montérey. If I can venture thither in safety by land, I will do so; if not, I shall go by sea to Montérey. The southern termination on the map[1] is the source of the river, and the spot where, in October, 1826, I had such a narrow escape from the hostile tribes[2] who inhabit that country. Since that time, a party of hunters were all killed, save two, who returned to tell the melancholy fate of their companions;[3] and again a second party has nearly shared the same fate. You may judge of my situation, when I say to you that my rifle is in my hand day and night; it lies by my side under my blanket when I sleep, and my faithful little Scotch terrier, the companion of all my journies, takes his place at my feet. To be obliged thus to accoutre myself is truly terrible. However, I fail not to do my best, and if unsuccessful in my operations can make my mind easy with the reflection that I used my utmost endeavours. My instruments are all excellent, and in the best order, and have already enabled me to make a multitude of important observations, which will go some way toward perfecting the Physical Geography of this part of the country, as well as illustrating its magnetic phenomena.
In Zoology, I possess some valuable additions to the Fauna, consisting of quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, and insects, which, as well as the plants, must remain with me till next year.
A dreadfully fatal intermittent fever broke out in the lower parts of this river about eleven weeks ago, which has depopulated the country. Villages, which had afforded from one to two hundred effective warriors are totally gone; not a soul remains. The houses are empty and flocks of famished dogs are howling about, while the dead bodies lie strewn in every direction on the sands of the river. I am one of the very few persons among the Hudson Bay Company's people that have stood it, and sometime I think even I have got a shake, and can hardly consider myself out of danger, as the weather is yet very hot.
The ship which sailed along with us was totally wrecked on entering the Columbia River; I am happy to say, however, no lives were lost. To this vessel I had first been appointed and then changed to the one in which I came. But for this fortunate alteration, I should have lost
- ↑ Douglas' MS. here must have been misread by his editor. He evidently said "The southern termination of his former travels was the source of the river." —Ed. Quarterly.
- ↑ See pages 89-90 (March —Quarterly). —Ed. Quarterly.
- ↑ Jedediah S. Smith with a trapping party of nineteen men in all was attacked on the Umpqua on July 18, 1824, and all but four of the party killed. A force was sent out by Dr. McLoughlin to chastise the Indians. This was probably "the second party" referred to by Douglas. —Ed. Quarterly.
