Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 14.djvu/64



56 LIEUTENANT HOWISON REPORT ON OREGON, 1846

mark them for future distinction among the civilized portion of the world.

With great respect, I am, sir, &c., &c.,

NEIL M. HOWISON, Lieut. Commanding, U. S. Navy.

To the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

Of the U. S. Naval forces in the Pacific Ocean.

APPENDIX. A.

HER MAJESTY'S SLOOP MODESTE, Fort Vancouver, Columbia River, Sept. 13, 1846.

SIR : It was with the greatest regret that I this morning received information of your vessel being on the sands at the mouth of the Columbia. From the hurried information I have received, I much fear my boat will be too late to render any as- sistance in saving the vessel ; but in the possibility of your not having bee'n able to save provisions, &c., I beg to offer for your acceptance a few of such articles as are not likely to be obtained at Clatsop.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

THOS. BAILLIE, Commander. Lieut. HOWISON,

Commanding U. S. Schooner Shark.

B.

FORT VANCOUVER, Sept. 11, 1846.

DEAR SIR: We have just heard of the unfortunate accident which has befallen the Shark on the bar of this river, and we beg to offer our sincere condolence oh the distressing event.