This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER X. MY FATHER AND FAMILY AND MRS. WELCH GO DOWN THE COLUMBIA RIVER IN FLAT BOATS AND INDIAN CANOES. On the day following our departure from the Dalles on our perilous journey across the Cascade mountains my father began the work of loading all our goods on the improvised boats. The wagons were taken to pieces and loaded a piece at a tims first. Then the household goods were placed around our trunks and chests. It has been well said that on such a journey one should take only the bare necessities of life, but in every home there are many treasures that are most valuable for their associations than for their intrinsic value or usefulness. My little chair made of Sugar Maple wood, a chest of books sent me from Massachusetts when but eight years of age, calicoes bought during the Revolutionary war and paid for at the rate of $75.00 a yard was used to make most of my stock of spare quilts, also many rare bits of needle work, some of which are still in existence. These were valued for their associations and father was careful to see that not one of our keep-sakes was misplaced. My sheetings, pillow covers, towels and all other household linen were of pure bleached homespun linen and this was all packed in the great Walnut-wood sea chest that had been sent to me from Massachusetts. Mrs. Welch and her little ones were also aided in the work of loading their goods. Mother, you see, was not able to do much of this work, besides the care of my little brother occupied her time and attention. These floats were constructed of Indian canoes lashed together. The family and children were placed in the ship yawl, as some of the women were too nervous to attempt riding in the Indian canoes. There was no difficulty in securing the aid of Indian boatmen and on the thir...