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1837.] both sides giving twenty-five, thirty, and forty fathoms, close in at our tacking position, almost touching the rocks.

About nine we anchored at the mouth of the small entrance to the inner harbour, in seven fathoms; pretty nearly in the position mentioned by Vancouver.

The weather immediately became threatening, blew very hard, brought one anchor home, and compelled us to let go the second.

We were visited by the Russian residents, who betrayed some little alarm at our arrival, and at one time I thought would have retired. The stay of the principal was short, but he returned after we anchored, enveloped in his waterproof cloak, formed of the small intestines of the seal, and endeavoured to persuade us to enter the inner harbour. This I certainly would have done, had I purposed remaining long. The day continued pouring with rain, debarring any kind of occupation or amusement.

The day following the wind subsided, but continued from the same quarter, with frequent showers. I called on the Russian resident, who evidently had made some preparation to receive me, so far as hot water and a clean table-cloth were concerned, but the prevailing odour was that of seal-oil. He regretted that he had nothing to present to me but a tanned skin dress, embroidered by the natives of the Aleutian islands, precisely similar to those