Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 22.djvu/316



304 JOHN BOIT

fields of grass, interspersed among the wood lands, made it delightfull. 115

10. N. Latt. 43 45'; W. Long. 122 11'. Abreast a small inlet in the land, which had some the appearance of an harbour. Hove to for some canoes that were coming off. These Natives talk'd a different language from any we have before heard. Their canoes had square stems, and the blades of the paddles oval. We purchas'd of them many fine Otter skins for Copper and Iron. They had some raw Buff aloe in the canoes, which they offer'd us for sale, and greedily devourd some of it, in that state, as a recommendation. I'm fearfull these fellows are Caniballs. 116 Mr. Smith, 2d Officer, was sent in the Cutter to look for an harbour but was unsuccessful. Bore off and made sail. Cape Gregory (so call'd by Capt. Cook) bore SE. Variation. Amp'd 15 57' East.

11. N. Latt. 42 50'; W. Long. 122 3'; Amp'd 16 4? E. Some Canoes came along side full of Indians and brought a few Otter and Beaver skins. Cape Mendocin bore ESE. 2 leagues. 117 Hauld again to the Northward.

17. N. Latt. 44 54'; W. Long. 122 23'; Azi. 16 57' E. Sent the Boat, under charge of 2d officer, to examine an -inlet abreast the Ship, to see if there was safe anchorage, but was unsuccessful. A large Canoe came along side full of the Natives. By their behaviour the Columbia was the first ship they ever saw. 118

22. ;N. Latt. 46 39'; W. Long 122 50'; Azi. 17 33' E. Still beating about, in pursuit of anchorage. Sent the boat in shore often, but cou'd find no safe harbour. The Natives fre-

115 Now off mouth of Alsea river and Bayview, Oregon.

116 Off the mouth of Umpqua river in Oregon. Of course, there were neither buffalo nor cannibals there, but with reference to the claim that cannibalism was practiced on the Northwest Coast of America it is of interest to quote a private letter from so high an authority as Dr. C. F. Newcombe, of Victoria, B. C, who says that no one making that statement has admitted ever being a witness to such an act. Then, referring to Cook, Ledyard, Meares, Galianp & Valdes, Malaspina and Roauefeuil, he says: "In none of these is there anything said that would give grounds for thinking that cannibalism in our province was anything more than a ceremonial affair." "Coming down to our own times, if you will look up that well known work of Dr. Boaz, 'The Social Organization etc. of the Kwakiutl Indians,' you will find ample evidence for believing that this tribe has to a very recent date kept up the observance of what to them is a religious rite."

1 1 7 Nearly as far south as Cape Blanco, on Oregon coast.

1 18 Returning northward. No inlet charted opposite this location. If the legendary claim that Capt. Gray landed on the coast of Oregon is true, this journal does not reveal the fact.