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. 



