Chapter IX

Passage of the Blue mountains--Sufferings from thirst--Utalla
river--A transformation--A novel meal--Columbia river
and Fort Walla-walla--A dinner with the missionaries--
Anecdote of Mr. Lee--Brief notice of the Fort--Departure
of the missionaries--Notice of the Walla-walla Indians--
Departure for Fort Vancouver--Wild ducks--Indian
graves--Visits from Indians--Ophthalmia, a prevalent
disease--A company of Chinook Indians--The Dalles--The
party joined by Captain Wyeth--Embarkation in canoes--A
heavy gale--Dangerous navigation--Pusillanimous conduct
of an Indian helmsman--A zealous botanist--Departure of
Captain Wyeth with five men--Cascades--A portage--Meeting
with the missionaries--Loss of a canoe--A toilsome duty--
Arrival at Fort Vancouver--Dr. John McLoughlin, the chief
factor--Domiciliation of the travellers at Fort Vancouver, 275