Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 37.djvu/221

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The Coming of the White Women, 1836
183

not to say anything of a six months seperation when it seems the least desirable But all will be ordered for the best.

"18thSab Mr Beaver held two services in Doct McLaughlins house[1] today His form of worship, or that of the Church of England differs in no respect from the form of the Episcopal's in the States. Enjoyed the privaledge much. The most of the gentlemen of the Fort are Scotch Presbyterian & but very few that are Episcopalians. The great mass of labourers are Roman Catholics who have three services during the Sabbath, one of which is attended at this house in which Doct McLaughlin officiates in French, translates a sermon or a tract & reads a chapter in the Bible & a prayer. The singing in Mr Beavers church was done by the children. Some of their tunes were taught them by Mr Parker. Others by Mr Shepherd of the Methodist Mission.

"19thThe question is decided at last that we stay here perhaps four or five weeks. There is so much baggage to be taken up now that the boat will be sufficiently loaded for safty without us. Have the cheering promise that they will come for us in a short time if prospered. One thing comforts us they are as unwilling to leave us as we are to stay & would not if it was possible for us to go now From this we infer that they will make every possible effort to return for us soon. We are told the rainy season will commence soon & continue through the winter & late in the Spring, while at W W their is none Vancouver is subject to the Ague & Fever. These are quite good reasons for prefering W. W. even if we have to live in a lodge. Have been making some necessary purchases for our two boys Richard & John, which we are glad to do, partly as a reward for their faithful care of the cattle during the journey. We left them at W W. They regreted our leaving them & now to stay away from them all winter, I cannot feel willing too. Their anxiety to study continues the same especially Richard's. We love them both & feel deeply interested in their welfare & shall treat them as our own so long as they deserve it

"20Doct McLaughlin gave my Husband a pair of Lether


  1. Quite certainly not the family residence of Doctor McLoughlin. The reference is obscure.