METHODIST REPORTS WILLAMETTE MISSION 305
it was thought advisable to have one of the missionaries have an interview with Captain Wythe, which was ac- cordingly done. From that gentleman valuable informa- tion was derived respecting the state of the country, the general character and disposition of the Indian tribes inhabiting the Oregon territory; and he likewise mani- fested a disposition to give every aid in his power to the mission. Ascertaining that he designed to cross the mountains early in the spring, in company with a num- ber of men, arrangements have been made, with the con- currence of Captain Wythe, for the missionaries to ac- company him. They are accordingly on their way, and it is hoped we may soon hear of their safe arrival and that success is likely to attend their labors.
Sixteenth Anniversary, New York, May 11, 1835.
It was stated in our last report that two missionaries were on their way to the Flat Head Indians, beyond the Rocky Mountains. In letters dated Rocky Mountains, June 25 and July 1, 1834, Brother Lee gives a detailed account of his journey through the wilderness and of his safe arrival at that place in good health and spirits. At the time he wrote, which was immediately on his arrival, he had not had sufficient time to make a minute survey of his field of labor, so as to be able to judge of its present state and prospects, only, in general, every- thing appeared promising the Indians whom he had seen were friendly and gave him a cordial welcome and the missionaries were in high expectation of success in their efforts to plant the standard of the cross in that barbarous land.
In his instructions, Brother Lee was requested to ascertain the practicability of establishing aboriginal missions among the tribes which inhabit the country be- tween the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. In his letter to the managers, he gave it as his opinion, which he formed from actual observation, that missions
