SOUTHERN OREGON. 245 



raised himself on his hind quarters, and looked, with a cool indif- 

 ference, upon the party. Mr. Peale dismounted and fired at him, 

 upon which he ran off, under a shower of balls from the rest of the 

 party, many of which hit him. They did not, however, succeed in 

 killing him, and he finally made his escape. 



They encamped on the south branch of the Umpqua river, after 

 having passed along its eastern bank for some miles. 



On the 21st, their route along the bank of the stream was through 

 a country of the same description as before. They were approaching 

 gradually the Umpqua Mountains, and stopped at the place where 

 it is usual to encamp, previous to making the ascent. During the 

 day they passed several deserted Indian huts, and met with some 

 Indians, who were desirous of joining the camp. They declared 

 themselves friendly to the whites, and were anxious to obtain powder 

 and ball, which, however, were not furnished them. They were 

 armed with guns, bows, and arrows, and were very particular in their 

 inquiries about the time that Michel's party was to be expected. 



During the night, an armed Indian was found lurking about the 

 camp. He was recognised as an acquaintance by Warfields, one of 

 the trappers ; and on expressing his desire to accompany the party 

 to California, permission to do so was given him by Lieutenant 

 Emmons. 



It now became evident that the Indians were on the watch to take 

 advantage of any want of vigilance. The trappers had all become 

 contented, and seemed quite willing to do their duty. They well 

 knew that they had now entered a hostile country, and that it would 

 be dangerous for any one to straggle or desert. 



On the 22d, they began their route across the Umpqua Mountains. 

 The ascent was at first gradual and easy ; the path was quite narrow, 

 and lined with dense underbrush, through which they were at times 

 obliged to cut their way. The party were obliged to follow each 

 other, and formed a line of nearly a mile in length. The path was 

 continually rising and falling, until they came to a steep bank, ascend- 

 ing very abruptly to the height of one thousand feet. This occasioned 

 many of the pack-horses to stumble, but without any material acci- 

 dent. On the top was a small grassy plain, along which they 

 travelled for a short distance, after which they descended rapidly 

 into a valley, where water was found. The most difficult part of the 

 day's journey was the ascent from this valley, to effect which they 



vol. v. 62 



