Halsey and Wallace having been sent on the 23d, with fourteen men, to establish a trading post on the Willamet, and Mr.M'Dougal being confined to his room by sickness, Mr.Clapp and I were left with the entire charge of the post at Astoria, and were each other's only resource for society.

Happily Mr.Clapp was a man of amiable character, of a gay, lively humor, and agreeable conversation.

In the intervals of our daily duties, we amused ourselves with music and reading; having some instruments and a choice library.

Otherwise we should have passed our time in a state of insufferable ennui, at this rainy season, in the midst of the deep mud which surrounded us, and which interdicted the pleasure of a promenade outside the buildings..