230 
SOUTHERN OREGON. 
the south fork of the Umpqua, which is similar in character to the 
northern. 
During this day’s ride, they saw one grisly bear, and had an 
encounter with another. On the first being perceived, chase was 
given, but he escaped, and while pursuing him, the second was seen. 
He was of large size, and approached within one hundred yards of the 
party, in their usual slow pace. As they came nearer to him, he raised 
himself on his hind quarters, and looked, with a cool indifference, 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 dan¬ 
gerous 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 accident. 
