Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-06-07
"The River of the West. "

from Mr.. Victor'S new book entitled
the "River of the West" it being a
sketch of the hardships, exploits and
darings of a mountain trapper named
Joseph Meek, and general view of
Oregon in its infancy. 1t is very
entertaining book, and published by
S. NJ. Belts & Co., Hartford, Conn.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE COLUMBIA.
A bold and lucky man was Cap
tain Gray of the ship Columbia. No
explorer he-only an adventurous
and, withal, a prudent trader, with
an eye to the main chance; emulous,
too, perhaps, of little glory 1t is
impossible to conceive how he could
, have done this thing calmly. We
think his stout heart must have shiver-
ed somewhat, both with anticipation
and dread, as he ran for the "open-
ing" and plunged into the frightful
tumult-straight through the proper
channel thank God and sailed out
on to the bosom of that beautiful bay,
twenty-five miles by six, which the
great river forms at its mouth.
We trust the morning was fine
for then Captain Gray must have be-
held a sight which a discoyerer should
remember for a lifetime. This mag
nifcent bay, surrounded by lofty hills,
clad thick with noble forests of fir,
and lretted along its margin with
/ spurs Of the highlands, forming other
small bays and cQyes, into which ran
| streams whose valleys were hidden
| among the hills. From beyond the
farthest point, whose dark ridge iut-
[ ted across this inland sea, flowed
down the deep broad river, whose
/ course aud origin was still a magnif
cent mystery, but which indicated by
its volume that it drained a mighty
region of probable great fertility and
natural wealth Perhaps Captain
Gray did not fully realize the impor
tance Of his discovery. If the day
wa fue, with blue SKY, and the pur
pie shadows lying in among the hills
with smooth water before him anC
the foamy breakers behind-if he fell
what his discovery was, in point o
Importance, to the world, he was {
proud and happy man, and enjoyed
the reward OF his daring.
THE FIRST SERMON IN THE ROCKY NOUN
TAINS.
On the following day religious ser
vices were held in the Rocky Noun
tain Camp. A scene more unusua
could hardly have transpired thai
that Of company Of trappers listen
ing to the preaching Of the Word 0
God Very little pious reverenc
marked the countcnances Of that viii,
and motley congregation. Curiosity
incredulity, sarcasm, or a mocking lev
ity, were more plainly perceptible il
the expression Of the mems faces, tha
either devotion or the longing expeC
: fancy Of men habitually deprived q
what they once highly valued. TIL
Indians alone showed by their cage
), listening that they desired to bccom
u acquainted with the mystery of tb
unknown Cod
The Rev. Samuel Parker preached
and the men were as politely after
> tive as it was in their reckless nj
Z lures to be, until, in the midst of th
b, discourse, a band of buffalo appeare
= in the valley, when the congregatio
u incontineatIy broke up, without sta,
/ ing for a bencdiction, and every ma
u made haste after his horse, gun, an
rope, leaving Mr. Parker to discours
Z to vacant ground.
i The run was both exciting and su
i ces5ful About twenty fine bufalot
i were killed. and the choice piece
u brought to camp, cooked and cate
y amidst the mcrrimcnt, mixed wit
u something coarser, of the hunter
{ On this noisy rejoicing, Mr.. Parkt
~ looked with a sober aspect; and fc
u lowing the dictates of his religion
" feeling, he rebukcd the Sabbath-brea
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