A    TOUR


                          to


               OREGON          TERRITORY



     April 2 6th , 1841. This morning I started from my
residence, near Napoleon, Ripley County, Indiana, for the
Oregon Territory, on the Columbia River, west of the Rocky
Mountains; though many of my friends tried to dissuade me
from going, telling me of the many dangers and difficulties
I should have to go through, exposed to hostile Indians and
the wild beasts, and also on account of my advanced age,
being at this time in my 64th year. But my mind leads me
strongly to go; I want to preach to the people there, and
also to the Indians, as well as to see the country. I try
to put my trust in the God of heaven, who rules the earth,
and seas, and mountains, and the savage tribes, and all the
wild beasts of the forest, and the storms, and all the
poisonous vapors of the earth and air; who preserves all who
put their trust in him. My soul seems wholly resigned to
his will in all things, whether to live or die, to prosper
or suffer. All is right that the Lord doeth; why then
should we fear? So I bade my children and friends farewell,
not knowing that I should ever see them again in this world.
Lord keep us near thee!

     That night I reached the neighborhood of St. Omer, on
Flat Rock Creek. The next night I stayed at brother
Rector's, and the next day. Soon after I started, the rain
began to fall in torrents-- the coldness of the wind and
rain rendered me very uncomfortable. This day I passed
through Indianapolis, and that night stayed at Bridgeport,
Next morning I started very early, the cold west wind
blowing in my face, and at night reached brother Messer's,
in Putnam County. Next day I attended to some temporal
business, and rested my horse. On Sunday, went to hear
brother Belotte preach, at the brick meeting-house; and in
the afternoon, tried to preach myself, from Ephesians v, 14:
" Awake, thou that sleepest." Stayed that night at brother
Clearwater's, and enjoyed myself very well. Next day
traveled twenty-eight miles, and stayed at brother Daniel
Dickenson's, a Methodist preacher. That same day, had a
short controversy with a Campbellite preacher on baptism.
The next day, I passed through Terrehaute, stayed at a
class-leader's, having traveled thirty-three miles that day.
Next day, passed several small towns, Preached at Woodbury
that night, on the waters of Embarrass River, in Illinois.
Stayed with Mr. Needham, where I slept comfortable, and rose
happy in the morning. This dear people want religion; 0
that the Lord would breathe on them his Spirit's influence,
and make them Christians! Next day rode thirty-three miles,
and stayed at Mr. Buy's. He seems much of a gentleman, and