Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 22.djvu/365



LOG OF THE COLUMBIA 353

eight, P. m., the entrance of Bulfinch's Harbor bore north, distance four miles; the southern extremity of the land bore south-south-east half east, and the northern north-north-west; sent up the main top-gallant-yard and set all sail. At four, A. M., saw the entrance of our desired port bearing east-south- east, distance six leagues ; in steering sails, and hauled our wind in shore. At eight, A. M., being a little to windward of the entrance of the Harbor, bore away, and run in east-north-east between the breakers, having from five to seven fathoms of water. When we were over the bar, we found this to be a large river of fresh water, up which we steered. Many canoes came alongside. At one, P. M., came to with the small bower, in ten fathoms, black and white sand. 4 The entrance between the bars bore west-south-west, distant ten miles; the north side of the river a half a mile distant from the ship; the south side of the same two and a half miles' distance; a village on the north side of the river west by north, distant three quarters of a mile. Vast numbers of natives came along- side; people employed in pumping the salt water out of our water-casks, in order to fill with fresh, while the ship floated in. So ends.

May 12th. Many natives alongside; noon, fresh wind; let go the best bower-anchor, and veered out on both cables ; sent down the main-top-gallant-yard ; filled up all the water-casks in the hold. The latter part, heavy gales, and rainy, dirty weather.

May 13th. Fresh winds and rainy weather; many natives along-side ; hove up the best bower-anchor ; seamen and trades- men at their various departments.

May 14th. Fresh gales and cloudy ; many natives alongside ; at noon, weighed and came to sail, standing up the river north- east by east; we found the channel very narrow. At four, P. M., we had sailed upwards of twelve or fifteen miles, when the channel was so very narrow that it was almost impossible to keep in it, having from three to eighteen fathoms water, sandy bottom. At half past four, the ship took ground, but

4 This anchorage, V, mile off shore between Pi Ellice and McGowani Station. wu exposed to the wind and current, which fact partly explains the use of more than one anchor and the determination to move further up the river two dajre liter.