364 Peter Skene Ogden Journals passed here; Burnt River, but how long since we could not from the tracks discover. Tomorrow I shall separate from my party leaving Messrs. McDonald, McKay and Dears to proceed to Nez Perces and then go to Fort Vancouver in boats with the furs. The appointment to meet Gervais on July 15th is the cause of my going. Our horses are in a low state to undertake it, but I cannot abandon my men and must see if they be dead or alive. Thursday, June 29th. Separated^ this morning for my camp of February 3d. Saw tracks and hopes of our men, but found a bit of Spanish blanket which makes me conclude this must be the path of Snakes. Tuesday, July ist. Reached the waters of Day's River; a bad road from trees lying crosswise. Saturday, July 8th. Encamped on waters of Willamette. Sunday, July i6th. Arrived at Willamette River at 2 p. m., where we found a freeman encamped. The man can accom- modate us with a canoe. I was happy to learn our friends on the Columbia are safe and well, and Sylvaille and party safely arrived, but no word of Gervais and party. Monday, July 17th. Embarked; arrived at falls at 10; ex- changed our two canoes for a large one. I should suppose the height of the falls to be about 45 feet. We reached Ft. Van- couver a little after sunset; received by Dr. McLoughlin with every mark of attention. Distance from where I started this morning to Ft. Vancouver is 56 miles. With the exception of the falls not a ripple to be seen ; a finer stream than the Wil- lamette is not to be found ; soil good ; wood of all kinds in abundance; roots, elk, deer, salmon and sturgeon abundant; man could reside here and with but little industry enjoy every I Mr. Ogden himself with small party proceeds west across Blue Mountain Range and Central Oregon and the Cascade Range to Willamette River by some route. He evidently had never before seen the Willamette as far south as that. His men and furs proceed direct to Ft. Walla Walla by way of Powder River and
Grand Ronde Valley, as usual.----
