VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY OF PUGET SOUND [end of page f897p9m4_000_01.gif] The MM Co. [end of page f897p9m4_000_02.gif] CAPTAIN GEORGE VANCOUVER. From the painting by Lemuel F. Abbott, in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Engraving made in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_000_02p.jpg ] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY OF PUGET SOUND PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF THE MEN HONORED IN THE NAMING OF GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF NORTHWESTERN AMERICA BY EDMOND S. MEANY PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SECRETARY OF THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY New York THE MACMILLAN COMPANY LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD. 1907 {1907/00/00} All rights reserwed [end of page f897p9m4_000_03.gif] COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. Set up and electrotyped. Published March, 1907. {1907/03/00} Norwood Press S. Cushing & Co. - Berwick & Smitb Co. Norwood, Mass. U. S. A [end of page f897p9m4_000_04.gif] To MY ALMA MATER THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED [end of page f897p9m4_000_05.gif] PREFACE THE sources for a work of this kind are not easily accessible. Part of them have been printed in Journals and voyages, the books being long since out of print and rare; but by far the greater portion of the sources are in the public and private archives in England and Spain. To search these and to glean from them the information needed, to ether the portraits wanted from public and private collections, to verify obscure or disputed items, - these have been the hardest tasks. The kindest encouragement and the most faithful assistance have been received from far and near. The names of most of these helpers are mentioned here with this expression of sincere aratitude. The late Mr. Frank George of Bristol freely volunteered to supervise the researches in England. Under his direction, Mr. Frederick V. James Of 24 Belgrave Road, South Norwood, S.E., proved a most valuable and painstaking worker. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty were exceedingly gracious in making available the vast store of documents in the Public Records Office and in other departments under their controL Equally kind were the Elder Brethren and the officers of Trinity House during the search for inAwniation about old Dungeness. The Director of Greenwich Hospital gave special permission to obtain a photograph of the monument to Lord Hood and others in the old cemetery. The officers of the Linnean Society in London gave their consent for a special photograph to be made of Archibald Menzies, the naturalist of Vancouver's expedition. Officers of the National Portrait Gallery also granted favors. vii [end of page f897p9m4_000_07.gif] PREFACE Many of the photographs used are copyrighted, the right being. secured to use them in this work for England and America. These excellent photographs were made by Augustin Rischgitz, Linden Gardens, Bayswater, W.; Walker & Cockrell, 16 Clifford's Inn, London, E.C.; F. W. Reader, Aldenham Road, Watford; W. Heath & CO-, 24 George Street, Plymouth; and H. Goulton-May, ii Hill Rise, Richmond, S.W. Professor J. K. Laughton, 9 Pepys Road, Wimbledon, the historian, whose fine work on the lives of naval men in the "Dictionary of National Biography" has been of immense help, gave some special attention to the effort to find information about Admiral Peter Puget. Rev. W. H. Oxley, Vicar of Petersham Parish, gleaned all that was possible to find about the burial place of Vancouver. W.-H. K. Wright, Borough Librarian at Plymouth, assisted in tracing up the facts about Lieutenant Zachary Mudge. S611well & Sons, 42 Pall Mall, London, searched the old ledger accounts of Puget for some possible sidelight on his life. In Spain the greatest help was rendered by Mr. Cesareo Fernandez Duro, Secretary of the Royal Academy of History., who responded nobly to the request for information about Bodega y Quadra. In British Columbia Sir Henri Joly G. de Lotbiniere, ,former Lieutenant- Governor of the Province., encouraged the work and personally paid the Canadian customs duty on the monument at Nootka. R. E. Gosnell, former Secretary of the Bureau of Provincial Information, gave useful hints about the location and meaning of geographic names. Rev. Father AA. J. Brabant of Hequiat, Vancouver Island, freely contributed from his knowledge acquired during thirty years of missionary work among the Indians. Professor George Davidson, the veteran geographer of the., Pacific Coast, President of the Geographical Society of the, Pacific) Professor of Geography in the University of California, and a member of many learned societies throughout the world, has been of great help through his book viii [end of page f897p9m4_000_08.gif] PREFACE " Pacific Coast Pilot " --- and through correspondence extending over many years. Mr. Greene Kendrick of West Haven, Connecticut, while at work on the genealogy of the Kendrick family, found much of the forgotten or unknown history of Captain John Kendrick and his companion, Robert Gray. From this store he gave suggestions helpful in the general researches. Mr. Orion 0. Denny of Seattle defrayed the cost of the Nootka monument, and Mr. H. C. Coffman of Chehalis, Washington, formerly Librarian of the University of Washington, and Miss Mary Banks, of the Seattle Public Library, assisted in collecting and searching old records. The officers and members of the Washington University State Historical Society have furthered the work by a manifestation of interest and encouragement. Vancouver's journal was published in London in 1798 {1798/00/00}, in three folio volumes and an atlas. The second edition appeared in 1801 {1801/00/00}, in six octavo volumes and without the atlas. For convenience in handling, the second edition is used in this work. It is designed to follow the explorer from the time he strikes the shore of the present State of Washington, below Point Grenville, on into Puget Sound, and around Vancouver Island, and, finally, through the negotiations at Nootka. This requires the reproduction of Volume 11 from page 33 to page 385. The page numbering and dating with be retained in brackets to facilitate future citations or comparisons. The interpolation of the biographies and portraits will be arranged so as to quicken rather than to retard interest in the explorer's own narrative. The biographical interpolations are also set in smaller type to permit the original journal to be followed more readily than if the same type were used throughout. Three of the six steel engravings reproduced from the original journal were engraved by John Landseer, father of the famous artisq Sir Edwin Henry Landseer. All six of the engravings were drawn by W. Alexander from sketches made on the spot by members of the expedition. ix [end of page f897p9m4_000_09.gif] PREFACE In conclusion, I wish to thank the following citizens of Seattle whose friendly and generous aid has made possible this first editionThomas Burke, Will H. Parry, John H. McGraw, Edward C. Cheasty, J. M. Colman, J. E. Chilberg, Samuel Hill, Hervey Lindley, J. M. Frink, and Lj. E. Holmes. EDMOND S. MEANY. UNIVERSITY OF WASRINGTON, SEATTLE, U.S.A., January, 1907 {1907/01/00} x [end of page f897p9m4_000_10.gif] CONTENTS Introduction . CHAPTER I PAGE CHAPTER II Biography of Captain George Vancouver, R.N. Historic Nootka Sound . CHAPTER III 22 CHAPTER IV Life of Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Puadra CHAPTER V 50 That part of Book 11, Chapter III, of the journal described as - See the Land of New Albion - Proceed along the Coast - Fall in with an American Vessel - Enter the supposed Straits of De Fuca -Anchored there " CHAPTER VI Chapter IV of the journal 1, Proceed up the Straits - Anchor under New Dungeness - Remarks on the Coast of New Albion - Arrive in Port Discovery- Transactions there-Boat Excur- sion - Ouit Port Discoverv - Astronomical and Nautical Obser- vations 77 Xi [end of page f897p9m4_000_11.gif] CONTENTS CHAPTER VII Chapter V of the journal - Description of Port Discovery and the adjacent Country - Its Inhabitants - Method of depositing the Dead - Conjectures relative to the apparent Depopulation of the Country ". PAGE CHAPTER VIII Chapter VI of the journal - Enter Admiralty Inlet - Visit an Indian Village -Account of several Boat Excursions -~- Proceed to another part of the Inlet - Take Possession of the Country " . 127 CHAPTER IX Chapter VII of the journal - Quit Admiralty Inlet, and proceed to the Northward - Anchor in Birch Bay - Prosecute the Survey in the Boats - Meet two Spanish Vessels - Astronomical and Nautical Observations " . CHAPTER X 17z Chapter VIII of the journal " The Vessels continue their Route to the Northward - Anchor in Desolation Sound - The Boats dispatched on Surveying Parties - Discover a Passage to Sea - Quit Desolation Sound -Pass through Johnstone's Straits " . 212 CHAPTER Chapter IX of the journal " Pass through Broughton's Archipelago, to pursue the Continental Shore ' -The Vessels get aground - Enter Fitzhugh's Sound Reasons for quitting the Coast, and proceeding to Nootka CHAPTER XII . 259 Chapter X of the Journal I I Passage from Fitzhugh's Sound to Nowtika - Arrival in Friendly Cove - Transactions there, particularly those respecting the Cession of Nootka -Remarks on the Com- merce of North-west America - Astronomical Observations 3 00 Xii [end of page f897p9m4_000_12.gif] CONTENTS APPENDIX PAGE Muster Tables of the Sloop Discovery and the Armed Tender Chatham 335 INDEX. 341 Xiii [end of page f897p9m4_000_13.gif] ILLUSTRATIONS FACING PAGE Captain George Vancouver, from a painting by Lemuel F. Abbott, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London Frontispiece George Washington, from the painting by Gilbert Stuart Vancouver's Grave at Petershain Churchyard 8 Monumental Tablet to Vancouver in Petersham Church, Surrey, England 2 14 Friendly Cove, reproduced from the steel engraving in Vancouver's journal Nootka Monument at Meeting Place of Quadra and Vancouver, erected by the Washington University State Historical Society Lord Grenville, from a painting by J. Hoppner, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London Old Lighthouse at Dungeness, from a water-color drawing now in Trinity House Remarkable Poles at Port Townsend, from the steel engraving in Van 55 6,+ couver's journal 85 The Marquis of Townshend, from a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, engraved by C. Turner Peter Rainier, Admiral of the Blue Lord Hood, from a painting by Lemuel F. Abbott, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London 95 99 Monument to Lord Hood and Other Naval Heroes in the Old Ceme- tery of Greenwich Hospital 113 Mount Rainier, from the steel engraving in Vancouver's journal 138 Admiral James Vashon, painted by George Watson and engraved in mezzotint by John Young . log . 145 King George 111, from a painting by Allan Ramsay, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London . 167 Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, engraved by Fenner from a painting by Sir William Beechey 16g xv [end of page f897p9m4_000_15.gif] ILLUSTRATIONS Sir Harry Burrard Neale, from a mezzotint by C. painting by Matthew Brown Admiral Earl Howe, from the painting by Henry the National Portrait Gallery, London . rACINC. ptyrlt Admiral Sir John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, from a Painting by Sir William Beechey 202 22 John, Earl of Bute, from an engraving by Richard Purcell, after the painting by Allan Ramsay . Village of Friendly Indians, from the steel engraving in Vancouver's journal . Admiral Zachary Mudge, from the painting by John Upic, now owned by Arthur Mudge, Esq. Sidney, Plympton, Devon. Mudge Window in St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, England Baron Loughborough, from a painting by William Owen, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London 230 Earl of Hardwicke, from an engraving by W. Giller, after the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence Second Earl of Chatham, from a mezzotint by C. Turner, after the painting by John Hopprier 3 224- zz6 Lora Thurlow, from the painting by T. Phillips, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London . Cheslakee's Village, from the steel engraving in Vancouver's journal Admiral John Knight, fiom an engraving by Ridley, after the Painting by Smart t1_ r 738 7-45 252 z6z Grave of Captain William Robert Broughton, in the English Burial Ground at Leghorn, Italy . Sir Philip Stephens, from an engraving by J. Collyer, after the painting by Sir William Beechey . Sloop Difcovery on the Rocks, from the st,~A 270 journal engraving in Vancouver's ,-Queen Charlotte, from the painting by Allan Rarnsay now in National Portrait,Gallery, 'London Penelope'Pitt,' Lady Rivers., from the portrait by R. Houston Archibald' Menzies, from the Painting by Eddis, now in possession of dt Wean Society, London 3xvi 276 182 Z92 795 [end of page f897p9m4_000_16.gif] MAPS AND CHARTS FACING PAGE Part of Meares's famous map, showing the supposed track of the sloop Lady Washington in 1789 {1789/00/00}. From his -Voyages," published in London, 1790 {1790/00/00} 32 Map of Quadra's Voyage Of 1775 {1775/00/00}, from "Miscellanies," by Daines Barrington, London, 1781 {1781/00/00} Vancouver's Chart of Puget Sound, from the original atlas, London, 1798 {1798/00/00} 61 Chart of Dungeness, England, from the original, published in London, 1794 {1794/00/00} 79 xvii [end of page f897p9m4_000_17.gif] CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION THE white settlers first made their homes on the shores of Puget Sound, and these homes, in multiplying, spread along the shores northward and northwestward, carrying with them the name of Puget Sound. The same inclusive notion of the term is used in the tide and scope of this book. In this expanded region of Puget Sound we find an abundance of English names scattered along the shores of the great inland sea. The reason for this is easily comprehended after a little reflection. The geographic names on the Atlantic seaboard were in use for more than a century before the war of the American Revolution was fought. just as that war was beginning the first Spanish caravels crept northward from New Spain toward the fabled Straits of Anian. After the war was ended the wild coasts along the Pacific were a lure for the explorer and the fur trader. Voyages of this kind increased, breeding disputes over sovereignty, which culminated in Great Britain's geographic and diplomatic expedition of 1792 {1792/00/00}. The commanding officer, Captain George Vancouver of the Royal Navy, was the friend and acquaintance of many men who bad taken part for their country in the disputes and the war with the American colonies. It was perfectly natural that he should compliment those men as he discovered or rediscovered places that needed naming. An explorer of the same nationality, but of an earlier or a later period, would, of course, have given us a different set of names famous in British history. The American who loves the history of his country is usually broad enough to love also the great achievements of 1 [end of page f897p9m4_001.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY his kin beyond the seas. He therefore not only tolerates but actually grows fond of such names as Hood, Howe, Rainier, Puget, and Vancouver, as applied to the geography of the northwest. With all this broad and liberal spirit there is another feeling that would cause the American to rejoice over the fact that the unconscious trend of history has erased from the map the name of the British King of 1792 {1792/00/00} and placed in its stead that of the American President of the same year. At the same time there is probably not one intelligent British subject of the present day who would complain over the geographic fact that Vancouver's New Georgia has become the American State of Washington. In fact, the British have themselves substituted for the name of Hanover, another compliment for George III, a name that is also one of the loved and much-used terms in American geography. They have changed New Hanover into British Columbia. The geography of the Puget Sound region . was probably not very familiar to the members; of Congress in 1853 {1853/00/00}, when the bill was up for creating the Territory of Columbia. A motion was warmly welcomed to change the name to the Territory of Washington, and thus was the name of the com- mander-in-chief of the Continental Army placed over a host of names of those who had been pitted against him on land and sea. Besides honoring his King by calling the land New Georgia, Vancouver sought to further honor him by calling the whole inland sea he had explored by the name of the Gulf of Georgia. Part of that name still "remains to designate the waterway between the southeastern end of Vancouver Island and the mainland. This curtailment is recognized by all mapmakers, British as well as American. In the process of restricting the geographic scope of the name of Gulf or Straight of Georgia the name of Washington again appeared as is recorded in the " Pacific Coast Pilot", page 556, as follows, "'The Canal de Haro and Rosario Strait were surveyed by , the United States Coast Survey in 1853 {1853/00/00} and 1854 {1854/00/00} and when the name of Washington Sound was applied to the archipelago between the mainland and Vancouver 2 [end of page f897p9m4_002.gif] GEORGE WASHINGTON From the painting by Gilbert Stuart. [end of page f897p9m4_002p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND Island." That name of Washington Sound appears on all United States government charts, but on ordinary American maps the region is designated as San Juan County of the State of Washington. On the other hand, the United States Coast Survey added another English name to the chart in 1855 {1855/00/00}. While surveying Fort Discovery, which Vancouver had named after his ship, the Coast Survey discovered a mountain south of the bay, having an elevation of 2110 feet. It was named Mount Chatham, in honor of the armed tender accompanying the sloop Discovery. In studying the biographies of the naval heroes honored by Vancouver, a landsman would be puzzled by the degrees and grades of admirals. Of the rank of admiral there are three degrees,--- admiral, vice-admiral, and rear-admiral. Of these degrees, each formerly had three grades distinguished by red, white, and blue flags, the red being the highest. On the union of England and Scotland, the red flag was put aside and the union flag took its place. The red flag was revived in the general promotions and jollifications in November, 1805 {1805/11/00}, after the victory off Trafalgar. By an order in council dated August 5, 1864 {1864/08/05}, the three grades of red, white, and blue flag officers were abolished and the white flag was chosen as the sole emblem of an offer of the Royal Navy. It is not necessary to discuss here the quality of Vancouver s work. That will appear in all its excellence during the perusal of the portion of his journal reproduced. However, it will not prove out of the way to say a few words about the general features of observation. The expedition was designed for the dual object of exploring and of transacting diplomatic work with the Spaniards at Nootka. For this reason the work in and around Puget Sound was hurried. Notwithstanding this baste the work was remarkably well done, and the maps are marvels for accuracy under all the circumstances. The observations of the soil, the climate, the trees, flowers, and birds are surprising when one remembers the newness of all to members of the party. Especially valuable and interesting are the recorded observations of the 3 [end of page f897p9m4_003.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY natives. Their houses, canoes, weapons, clothing, food, and language, all were commented upon in a way that will always prove of help to the student of these aborigine in I peoples. In pursuing this investigation a curious comment was not covered in the "Miscellanies" of Daines Barrington, published in London, 1781 {1781/00/00}, where the author discusses the experience of Bodega y Quadra in 1775 {1775/00/00} W the natives in the vicinity of the present city of Sitka as follows- "This contempt for bugles, and other trifles, offered by the Spaniards is a further proof of the civilization of these Indians, whose progenitors, it should seem, must be rather looked for on the Asiatic, than Labradore coast, as I am informed that they have beards, which the Indians of the central and Eastern coast of N. America have not. It is said indeed by some, that these Indians eradicate their beard from its earliest appearance; but I can as little believe that this can be effected by any industry, as that they could by any art or pains make hair grow upon the palms of their hands." This suggestion was made in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and in the dawn of the twentieth century we see the Jesup expedition of the American Museum of Natural History of New York, carrying on an extensive investigation among the survivors of these very Indians to see if a possible Asiatic origin could be traced. Although Vancouver did not generalize his observations among the Indians, he did generalize on the mountains he saw, and suggested that possibly the peaks he had seen were parts of a chain "in one barrier along the coast." He was exceedingly accurate as to the waterways, capes, and mountains, but he was not quick at detecting rivers. He denied the existence of both the Columbia and the Fraser rivers, though he passed near the mouth of each one of them. On the other hand, he had a clear appreciation of the timber resources of the region, and readers of his journal will find that, while anchored off Restoration Point, opposite the present city of Seattle, he uttered a remarkable prophecy about the future greatness of the country. 4 [end of page f897p9m4_004.gif] OF PUGET SOUND It has been erroneously asserted that Vancouver honored only English nabobs and British admirals in compiling his chart of the Puget Sound country. In the region covered by this work he bestowed a total of seventy-five names. Of these, forty-three were for people at home in England, but out of those forty-three, twenty were humble friends who have since disappeared from the records of the time. Nine of the names were for members of his own crews, who were participating in the work of discovery and exploration. The two ships account for two of the names, and one name New Dungeness --was given because of its resemblance to Dungeness on the English Channel. Because he celebrated Restoration Day gave rise to Restoration Point, and because he took possession of the land for his King caused the christening of Possession Sound. This accounts for all but eighteen of the names, and these we find were given for natural objects or conditions like Protection Island, Birch Bay, Deception Pass, Strawberry Bay, Hazel Point, Foulweather Bluff, Cypress Island, and so on. There is another false impression calling for a word of comment. It is often claimed that the Spaniards were browbeaten out of their northern possessions and, in the process, Vancouver was but a tool in the hands of the British government. To discuss the original dispute would be out of place here. It is enough to say that up to 1788 {1788/00/00} honors were about even between the two powers. Drake, Cook, Barclay, and others for England, bad certainly equaled the work of Ferrelo, Perez, and Quadra for Spain In 1788 {1788/00/00} Meares built a fort to protect his shipbuilders. The next year the Spaniards started a fort and were hasty enough to seize English ships and men, which led to their undoing as a power north of California. In the negotiations at Nootka, Vancouver proved himself a gentleman of tact, dignity, and refinement. No one was quicker to recognise and to warmly appreciate these qualities than Senor Quadra, the representative of Spain. Vancouver was evidently one of that intelligent, alert, well disciplined class of men who would have succeeded in any walk of life. 5 [end of page f897p9m4_005.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY No effort has been made to gather statistics about the present condition of Puget Sound and its environs. Some such facts might prove entertaining to show the progress made since the times of these beginnings of recorded history, but the purpose of this work is to tell the story of the discoveries and to explain the meaning of the geographic names in use. Other works will record the deeds of the pioneers, who came to the wilderness and made their rude log-cabin homes, who toiled, suffered, triumphed and rejoiced, who saw the forests fall and the cities rise. 6 [end of page f897p9m4_006.gif] OF PUGET SOUND CHAPTER II BIOGRAPHY OF VANCOUVER GEORGE VANCOUVER is one of those characters whose lives are, crowded with achievements, the record of which receives passing approval at the time, but the fame of which assumes enormous proportions in the years that follow death. His was a brief life, and yet his two score years rounded out one of the most honorable and useful careers in the annals of the sea. To one who has lived on the shore of lands discovered and made known to the world by Vancouver it is a matter of surprise, on beginning, a research into his life and work, to find how very little is known of the man himself. His official record is scheduled with others in the archives at London; the rare volumes of his magnificent "Voyage" preserve the account of his greatest service to humanity; brief biographies in the encyclopedias keep his name from total oblivion. Through all these nothing is said of his family or his personality, the place of his birth is not mentioned, and even the exact date is unknown. We know he had a brother, John Vancouver. This information is not gathered from the published histories, but from the dedication of Vancouver's "Voyage." The discoverer lived to complete his work and to read the proofs on all but the last few pages, when he died, and the dedication was written by the brother. That dedication is of sufficient importance to be reproduced here- " TO THE KING "Sir, "Your Majesty having been graciously pleased to permit my late brother 'Captain George Vancouver, to present to 7 [end of page f897p9m4_007.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY your Majesty the Narrative of his labours during the execution of your commands in the Pacific Ocean, I presume to hope, that, since it has pleased the Divine, Providence to withdraw him from your Majesty's service, and from the society of his friends, before he could avail himself of that condescension, your Majesty will, with the same benignity, vouchsafe to accept it from my hands, in discharge of the melancholy duty which has devolved upon me by that unfortunate event. "I cannot but indulge the hope that the following pages will prove to Your Majesty, that Captain Vancouver was not undeserving the honour of the trust reposed in him; and that be has fulfilled the object of his commission from your Majesty with diligence and fidelity. "Under the auspices of your Majesty, the late indefatigable Captain Cook had already shewn that a southern continent did not exist, and had ascertained the important fact of the near approximation of the northern shores of Asia to those of America. To those great discoveries the exertions of Captain Vancouver will, I trust, be found to have added the complete certainty, that, within the limits of his researches on the continental shore of North-west America, no internal sea,, or other navigable communication whatever exists, uniting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. "I have the honor to be " Sir, "With the most profound respect, "Your Majesty's "Most faithful and devoted "Subject and servant, "JOHN VANCOUVER." Besides showing that the discoverer had a brother, the above document shows that the explorations in the, Pacific were counted of considerable importance in 1798 {1798/00/00}. George Vancouver was born about 1758 {1758/00/00}. All the encyclo- pedias, apparently following the " Encyclopedia Britannica," make that assertion. His tombstone in Petersham Church- 8 [end of page f897p9m4_008.gif] VANCOUVER'S GRAVE From a photograph taken in Petersham churchyard. Engraving made in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_008p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND yard says he died in the year 1798 {1798/00/00}, aged forty. In a little pamphlet called St. Peters, Petersham, Parish Notes, printed at Richmond, Surrey, in 1886 {1886/00/00}, appears a short sketch of Vancouver, giving his birth as in 1750 {1750/00/00}. All biographies say he entered the navy at the age of thirteen and accompanied Cook on his second voyage (1772-1774) {1772/00/00} - {1774/00/00}, as well as the third voyage 1776-1779)- {1776/00/00} - {1779/00/00}.If he was thirteen in 1772 {1772/00/00}, his birth year would, of course, be 1759 {1759/00/00}. In the Admiralty Registers, Public Record Office, London, is found the passing certificate of George Vancouver, "who by certificate appears to be more than twenty-three years of age, and find that he has gone to sea more than eight years." The date of this document is October 19, 1780 {1780/10/19}, making the birth year 1757 {1757/00/00}. This same document gives the "quality" of his first service on the sloop Resolution under Captain Cook as that of "able seaman." Granting that he was thirteen when he joined the crew of the Resolution, it was certainly a young age to be rated as an able seaman. However, youth prevailed on the sea in those days. Of the crews that sailed with Vancouver in 1791 {1791/00/00} but one had reached the age of forty and many were under twenty. The youngest was Thomas Heddington, a midshipman on the Chatham, aged fifteen. On the Discovery were Honorable Thomas Pitt and Honorable C. Stuart, each sixteen years of age and each rated as able seaman. So, all things considered, we must be content for the present,with the statement that George Vancouver was born about the year 1758 {1758/00/00}. At what would now be considered the tender age of thirteen we find him launched upon his career as a sailor under the best master of that day, Captain James Cook. After that master's death, at the hands of the natives of the Sandwich Islands, Vancouver returned to London in October, 1780 {1780/10/00}, passed his examination, and on December 9 {1780/12/09} of that year he received his commission as a lieutenant, serving first in the Martin sloop. From this sloop he was moved into the Fame, one of the shops that sailed with Rodney for the West Indies in December, 1781 {1781/12/00}. There Vancouver took part in the battle of April 12, 1782 {1782/04/12}- The Fame returned to England in 9 [end of page f897p9m4_009.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY the summer of 1783 {1783/00/00}, and in 1784 {1784/00/00}, Vancouver was appointed to the Europa. In 1786 {1786/00/00} the Europa went to Jamaica with Commodore Alan Gardner, on whom Vancouver later conferred a great honor. In September, 1789 {1789/09/00}, Vancouver was paid off the Europa, and at Gardner's suggestion he was appointed to go out with Captain Henry Roberts as second in command of an expedition into the southern Pacific where Cook had gained so much fame. This arrangement pleased Vancouver greatly, who at once plunged into the work of fitting the sloop just bought by the government and named the Discovery.. This work was nearly completed when all England was startled by the famous memorial filed with Parliament by Captain John Meares. The English flag had been violated, English territory seized, English ships made prizes and their crews prisoners by Spaniards at Nootka on the northwest coast of America. This was no time for a peaceful voyage of exploration into the South Sea. Great Britain gathered the greatest fleet of war vessels known in history up to that date. It was known as "the Spanish Armament." ' The men and officers intended for the Discovery were distributed to other vessels. Captain Henry Roberts was sent to the West Indies. Vancouver was assigned to the Courageux, commanded by Sir Alan Gardner. George Washington had just been inducted into office as the first President of the United States when this trouble began, and it looked for a time as if the new Republic would be forced to take sides in the impending war between Spain and Great Britain. Spain insisted that she was entitled to aid from America because of the assistance she rendered during the American War for Independence. Great Britain asserted the right to march armed troops through her former colonies in order to strike Spain in Louisiana. President Washington took his stand upon a position of neutrality, which is now counted the real beginning of the later Monroe Doctrine' in American history. On the show of such warlike force by Great Britain, Spain yielded, and on October 28, 1790 {1790/10/28}, signed at Madrid what is known as the Nootka Convention. Captain Rob- 10 [end of page f897p9m4_010.gif] OF PUGET SOUND erts was still in the West Indies, but when the Courageux was paid off, Vancouver was promoted on December 15, 1790 {1790/12/15}, to the rank of Commander, and was selected to command the Discovery on her peaceful expedition to the Pacific. There was now an added reason for this voyage. How Vancouver succeeded Captain Roberts as chief of the expedition is best told in his own words "Toward the end of April the Discovery was, in most respects, in a condition to proceed down the river, when intelligence was received that the Spaniards had committed depredations on different branches of the British Commerce on the coast of Northwest America, and that they had seized on the English vessels and factories in Nootka Sound. This intelligence save rise to disputes between the courts of London and Madrid, which wore the threatening appearance of being terminated by no other means than those of reprisal. In consequence of this an armament took place, and the further pacific equipment of the Discovery was suspended; her stores and provisions were returned to the respective offices, and her officers and men were engaged in more active service. On this occasion I resumed my profession under my highly esteemed friend, Sir Alan Gardner [for whom he subsequently named Port Gardner, on whose shores stands the city of Everett], then captain Of the Courageux, where I remained until the 17th of November {0000/11/17} following, when I was ordered to repair to town for the purpose of attending to the commands of the board of admiralty. "The uncommon celerity and unparalleled dispatch which attended the equipment of one of the noblest fleets that Great Britain ever saw, had probably its due influence upon the court at Madrid, for, in the Spanish convention, which was consequent on that armament, restitution was offered to this country for the captures and aggressions made by the subjects of his Catholic Majesty; together with an acknowledgment of an equal right with Spain to the exercise and prosecution of all commercial undertakings in those seas, reputed before to belong only to the Spanish crown. The extensive branches of the fisheries, and the fur trade to China, being 11 [end of page f897p9m4_011.gif] considered as objects of very material importance to this country, it was deemed expedient that an officer should be sent to Nootka to receive back in form a restitution of the territories on which the Spaniards had seized, and also to make an accurate survey of the coast, from the 30th degree of north latitude northwestward toward Cook's river; and further, to obtain every possible information that could be collected respecting the natural and political state of that country. "The outline of this intended expedition was communicated to me, and I had the honor of being appointed to the command of it." Vancouver's instructions from the "Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland" are dated March 8, 1791 {1791/03/08}. They are signed by Chatham, Hopkins, Hood, and Townshend, and countersigned by Ph. Stephens, evidently as secretary. By this document he was ordered to proceed to Nootka and receive from a representative Spain would send there "the buildings and tracts of land, situated on the north-west coast above mentioned, or on islands adjacent thereto, of which the subjects of his Britannic Majesty were dispossessed about the, month of April, 1789 {1789/04/00}, by a Spanish officer." Besides the Discovery with a complement of one hundred men, Vancouver was to have the armed tender Chatham with a complement of forty-five men. The latter was to be commanded by Lieutenant William Robert Broughton. Being allowed to choose his own route, Vancouver decided on first visiting the places partly known to him through his voyages with Cook. He therefore rounded the Cape of Good Hope and began his explorations on the southwest coast of Australia, then known as New Holland. He discovered and named King George the Third's Sound, Cape Hood, Mount Gardner, and other points, and then steered for New Zealand. He had visited Dusky Bay with Cook, and remembered that that captain had left part of it unexplored and called it " No Body Knows What." Vancouver made for this place at once, and on Monday, November 14, 12 [end of page f897p9m4_012.gif] OF PUGET SOUND 1791 {1791/11/14}, he makes this entry, "The heads of these arms, in conformity with Captain Cook's name of their entrance, I have called 'Some Body Knows What."' On leaving New Zealand, Lieutenant Broughton took a different course, and in doing so he discovered Chatham Island, which he named after his vessel. The two commanders met at the Sandwich Islands, where they wintered. Here they left the native Towereroo, who had been carried to England and was being sent home by this expedition. The instructions of March 8, 1791 {1791/03/08}, included, besides the proposed transactions at Nootka, orders to survey the western coast of America from 30o northward. On Friday, March 16, 1792, {1792/03/16}Vancouver left the Sandwich Islands for the coast of America, and on Tuesday, April 17 {1792/04/17}, he saw the coast of what was then known to British sailors as New Albion. Proceeding along the coast from 39o toward the north, they approached the entrance of the strait of Juan de Fuca. This part of the story is told by the explorer himself in the reproduced portion of his journal. Failing to arrive at a satisfactory agreement with the representative of Spain at Nootka, Vancouver sent home for further instructions. He then devoted himself to the work of exploration s far north along the Alaskan coast as Cook Inlet which be carefully examined. He was scrupulously magnanimous and generous and always recognized the, geographic names bestowed by his predecessors of any nation whatsoever. It is undoubtedly true that he would have preserved many Indian names of places if he could have learned them. Besides the difficulty of the language, subsequent investigators have found that Indians rarely have fixed or permanent names for places. After spending the summers of 1793 {1793/00/00}and 1794 {1794/00/00} in this valuable work, making charts that were successfully used by navigators for nearly a century afterward, Vancouver sailed for home, rounding Cape Horn, and passing St. Helena. Off the Cape Verde Islands he fell in with the Sceptre and the St. Helena convoy and was by them conducted home in safety. This was fortunate, because Great Britain and France were 13 [end of page f897p9m4_013.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY at war, and the French Directory had not issued the usual orders to respect ships engaged in scientific work. The Discovery arrived home on October 20, 1795, {1795/10/20} Vancouver had spent his winters at the Sandwich Islands. he was greatly interested in those people and received,from them a cession of the sovereignty of the islands for Great Britain, but this cession was never followed up by the British government. Rev. Herbert H. Gowen, now of Seattle, was a missionary in those islands about twenty years ago. He learned that the natives loathed the memory of Cook, claiming that he and his sailors brought a disease there which developed into leprosy. On the other hand, those natives loved the memory of Vancouver. While at work on the coast of Alaska, Vancouver had been advanced to post rank on August 28, 1794 {1794/08/28}. Upon his arrival home he gave himself wholly to the work of preparing his journal for publication, but before this was done, on May 10, 1798 {1798/05/10}, he died. His life was evidently shortened by the hardships endured on his great expedition. He never spared himself, and was frequently exposed to rough weather in open boats, short of food, and roughing it like the hardiest of his men. Some of the geographic names that be bestowed, like Point Mary and Point Sarah, would possibly hint at a sweetheart at home in England. Still, Vancouver died unmarried. While Vancouver thus died early with the rank of captain several of his lieutenants lived to be promoted to the high rank of admiral. It is probably quite true, however, that such names as Admiral Rainier, Admiral Hood, Admiral Gardner, Admiral Peter Pum and others would be much less, known to the world at large today if it had not been for the "honors generously conferred upon them by Captain Vancouver. Among the colorless biographies of Vancouver heretofore published there is found one relieving flash in that of the, "Dictionary of National Biography" as follows "It has been said, and recorded by Sir Joseph Banks, on what be considered sufficient evidence, that Vancouver's discipline during 14 [end of page f897p9m4_014.gif] MONUMENTAL TABLET TO VANCOUVER. Photographed in Petersham Church, Surrey, and engraving made in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_014p.jpg] his voyage was harsh in the extreme; and Lord Camelford - whom he flogged three times, put in the bilknoes, and finally discharged him to the shore - bitterly resented the treatment." Here is a little of warm human interest that is wholly absent from the other sketches. It is interesting and important to follow up the clew. In the first place the published account of the "Voyage" reveals the fact that splendid discipline was maintained. All of the principle officers and even some of the petty officers were signally honored by the Captain. Promotions were made on every suitable occasion, and the whole work went on with but very few mentions of any punishments dealt out to the men. They often landed and brewed "excellent spruce beer." They were given double allowances on special days. They answered Spanish cheers with stout British ones. The account is a daily chronicle, and yet all evidence of harshness in discipline is avoided in those pages. However, evidence of severe discipline is not entirely wanting. In the Public Record Office at London, among the Admiralty Records, are present the logs of both vessels. These were kept by different officers and make a bulky record in unpublished manuscripts. From the log kept by John Stewart, who shipped as an able seaman, are taken the following entries- "March 10, 1791 {1791/03/10}, Punished John Laithwood and Sam Manning (S) for drunkenness. "April 14 {0000/04/14}. Upon opening a cask of cheese found one to be rotten and unwholesome, threw it overboard. " April 18 {0000/04/18}This day we began to serve sourgrout and portable soup to the ship's company. " April 19 {0000/04/19}. Punished Francis Griffin with 1 doz. lashes for neglect of duty. " May 19 {0000/05/19}. Punished John Simpson (M) with 2 dozen lashes for quarreling and insolence to his superior officer. " May 22 {0000/05/22}. Punished Thomas Spears (S) with 1 dozen lashes for contempt to his superior officer. "May 26 {0000/05/26}. Punished Thos. Glaspole (M) with 24 lashes for theft. 15 [end of page f897p9m4_015.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY "June 24 {0000/06/24}.' Punished Walter Dillon with 3 dozen lashes for drunkenness. "June 25 {0000/06/25}. Punished Walter Dillon with 2 dozen lashes for being, accessory to breaking into hold and stealing liquor, the rest not being found out. " June 27 {0000/06/27}. Punished Wm. [William] Bailey and Jno. [John] Carter same for similar theft. "June 21, 1795 {1795/06/21}. At 5 Richard Jones (S) fell overboard from ye main chains, hove the ship to and threw a grating to his assistance but finding it impracticable to send a boat to his assistance, bore up again and made sail."' These random quotations from a document written during the voyage would seem to justify the position taken by Sir Joseph Banks as to the harshness of discipline. It should be held in mind however, that the flogging of seamen was the rule of discipline in that day, the captain was thrown wholly upon his own responsibility so far from headquarters, and the offences of theft, drunkenness, and insubordination called for severity. The case of Lord Camelford deserves more extended notice. Any one who will study the life of that pampered child and quick-tempered man will come to the conclusion that he surely deserved any punishment that Vancouver may have authorized or caused to be inflicted. We have already seen that the Honorable Thomas Pitt was shipped on the Discovery as an able seaman at the age of sixteen. The fact that he was thus favorably shipped and the prefix " Honorable " put upon the muster book shows that he had been accustomed to some pampering. He was the son of Thomas Pitt, the first Lord Camelford, and was born at Boconnoc, Cornwall, on February 19, 1771 {1771/02/19}. His early years were spent in Switzerland and later at the Charter house. In the autumn of 1781 {1781/00/00}, while he was under seven years of age, his name was borne on the books of the Tobago, but he probably entered the navy, regularly in September, 1789 {1789/09/00}, when he was fourteen. The lad was certainly not without bravery. He was on the old ship Guardian, carrying stores to New South Wales, when she struck an ice field near the Cape of Good Hope. She 16 [end of page f897p9m4_016.gif] OF PUGET SOUND was deserted by most of the crew, but young Pitt was one of the few who staid by the ship and brought her into Table Bay. In March, 1791 {1791/03/00}, he joined Vancouver in the Discovery. Of course Commander - Vancouver knew of Pitt's family standing, but he bad no way of learning on the wild coast of Alaska that Lord Camelford had died on June 19, 1793 {1793/06/19}, and that his troublesome seaman was from that date a member of the British House of Lords. Troubles evidently culminated on shipboard, for on February 7, 1794, {1794/02/07} his Lordship was discharged on the shore of Hawaii. He found his way to Malacca, entered the Resistance as an able seaman on De- cember 8, 1794 {1794/12/08}, three weeks later be was appointed acting lieutenant, but on November 24, 1795 {1795/11/24}, was summarily dis- charged and left to find his own way home. He took passage in the Union, which was cast away on the coast of Ceylon. In September, 1796 {1796/09/00}, be joined the Tisiphone in the North Sea, was moved to the London of the Channel Fleet, and on April 5, 1797 {1797/04/05}, he passed his examination. He remembered his troubles with Vancouver, and both being in London he challenged the Captain to fight a duel. Vancouver expressed his willingness to go out if any flag officer to whom the case should be submitted would decide that he owed Camelford satisfaction. Camelford refused this arrangement and meeting Vancouver on the street started to cane him, when he was prevented by onlookers. Camelford was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on April 7, 1797 {1797/04/07}, and saw service under Captain Russell on the Leeward Island station. He was appointed acting commander of the Favorite over the head of First Lieutenant Charles Peterson, who was his senior by two years. Peterson got himself transferred to the Perdrix, and these two ships were one day alone in the same port when the young commanders quarreled over rank. Peterson drew up his men to resist, but Camelford walked up to him, snatched a pistol from an officer, and on Peterson's thrice refusing to obey his orders shot him dead in front of his own men. Camelford was acquitted by a court-martial trial probably because of the panic over mutinies. at that time, and it was construed that 17 [end of page f897p9m4_017.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Peterson was in mutiny instead of Camelford, though that was certainly not true under strict military law. Camelford was promoted by the Admiralty and in October 1798 {1798/10/00}, he was appointed to the Charon and resolved to obtain a set of French charts. From a prisoner of war he got a letter to Barras, but was suspected in France and arrested. He got his liberty, but the Admiralty disapproved his conduct and suspended him, when he indignantly demanded his name to be stricken from the list of commanders, which was done. While living in London he became notorious. On May. 17, 1799 {1799/05/17}, he was fined 50­ [pounds] for knocking a man downstairs in a quarrel in a theater. He refused to illuminate his house in Bond Street to celebrate the peace. He fought the mob with a bludgeon until he was injured, and the angry mob smashed the darkened windows. His last quarrel was with his friend Best, who was reported to have made uncomplimentary remarks about Camelford to a lady. In the duel Camelford missed, but Best was a fine shot Lord Camelford fell and died March 10, 1804 {1804/03/10}. Lord Camelford was unmarried. The title became extinct. In his will he desired that his body should be buried in Switzerland at a place dear to, his childhood. War prevented the immediate compliance. The body was temporarily stored and afterward lost sight of entirely. One of the literary quips of that day was, " What has become of Lord Camelford's body?" So, taking all things into account, it seems unfair to charge Vancouver with unjust or excessively harsh treatment of his men. The worst item found is in the Stewart log, where Richard Jones was allowed to drown with little effort made to save him. On this point, however, the Captain tells a different story in his published journal as follows "About half past five o'clock on Sunday morning, Richard Jones, one of the seamen, unfortunately fell overboard from the main chains and was drowned. The accident had no sooner happened than a grating was thrown overboard, and the ship was instantly hove to, for the purpose of affording him every assistance; but this was to no effect, for the 18 [end of page f897p9m4_018.gif] OF PUGET SOUND poor fellow sunk immediately, and was never more seen. By this melancholy event the service lost a very able seaman, and his comrades a good member of their society." No description of Vancouver's personal appearance has been found, but the National Portrait Gallery at London has a fine painting of the Captain. The description in the catalogue, under No- 503, gives at least an idea of how Vancouver appeared to the artist. It is as follows" Painted probably by Lemuel F. Abbott 1760-1803).{1760/00/00} - {1803/00/00} A half, length figure wearing dark blue suit with gilt buttons and a plain white, neck cloth,seated towards the right. On a table to the right lies a volume inscribed 'Holy Bible.' In the background, arranged on 3 shelves, are books of voyages, inscribed Cook's, Anon's, Magellan and Drake. A red curtain is behind to the left. The terrestrial globe beside him shows the North Pacific Ocean, and a line across it is inscribed 'Cook's track.' Eyes dark yellow grey, fair complexion, smooth cheeks, red lips, double chin. Eyebrows broad, very dark, arched and remarkably short. Countenance rather youthful." This portrait in dimensions is three feet, eight inches by two feet, nine inches. It was purchased by the Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery of Messrs. Christie, Manson & Woods, 8 King Street, St. James Square, London, on June 29, 1878 {1878/06/29}. The price paid was ,31[pounds] 10s. The owner who sold it was Mr. T. Ford. The sale catalogue called it "Unknown Portrait of Vancouver the Navigator." After its purchase it was assigned to the artist Abbott. The portrait was evidently made soon after Vancouver's return from his famous voyage, for it was made the subject of a caricature that bears the date of October 1, 1796 {1796/10/01}. In the Register of Petersham. Parish, Surrey, is the following entry "Captain George Vancouver of the Royal Navy, Aged 40, of this parish, was buried May 18, 1798 {1798/05/18}. Registered May 18, 1798 {1798/05/18}, by Jas. Messenger, Clerk." On the side of the Register, under date of December 17, 1892 {1892/12/17}, W. H. Oxley, M.A., Vicar, makes this addition "In a bricked grave, S.E. corner, head and foot stones. N.B. 19 [end of page f897p9m4_019.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY The head and foot stone over the brick grave in which the remains of Capt. George Vancouver lie were in my presence lifted, raised six inches and drawn six inches aside to the south. The consent of the Agent General of British Columbia and two church-wardens of this parish having been previously obtained in order to effect an improvement to the churchyard and to place a rail to the Tollemache tomb." Later the railing to the Tollemache tomb was removed on the death of Mina, Marchioness of Aylesbury, and was replaced by a low curb. Vicar Oxley has been greatly interested in the history of Vancouver. He has gleaned every possible shred of information at the place of the explorers burial. He says" Vancouver came as a traveller to the Star and Garter, Richmond, which is in Petersham parish, stayed a fortnight there and died. On entering the Brewer Room in the old Star and Garter, Richmond Hill, in 1798 {1798/00/00}, Vancouver declared 'In all my travels I never clept eyes on a more beautiful spot than this 1 Here would I live and here would I die.' There are of course no records about here which in any way relate to Vancouver. His words were given to me by the daughter of the landlady and landlord of Star and Garter who heard them, and I took them down at her mouth." The Vicar continues, "Some British Columbians had an idea or erecting a suitable monument a few years since, but it fell through and I tried hard for a new church and wrote the brochure to create interest." The little brochure mentioned is a loving tribute in verse by Mr. Oxley to the beauties of Petersham Hill. The following stanza deserves a place here- Here Courtiers, Statesmen, Cavaliers, The Penns, Vancouver, Berrys, Peers, And peasants, long since dead With Indians from some far-off shore, Proud Lauderdale' and many more, Rest in their quiet bed." ' The Public Librarian of Richmond sends the following quotation from E. B. Chancellor's " History and Antiquities 20 [end of page f897p9m4_020.gif] OF PUGET SOUND of Richmond"". . . beneath it is the most interesting memorial in the Church, that of Captain Vancouver, who lived at Petersham in the latter years of his adventurous life. The plain marble slab has this inscription on it- "' In the cemetery adjoining, this Church were interred in the year 1798 {1798/00/00} the mortal remains of Captain George Vancouver, R.N., whose valuable and enterprising voyage Of discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and round the world, during twenty-five years of laborious survey, added greatly to the Geographical knowledge of his countrymen. In the memory of that celebrated Navigator, this monumental tablet is erected by the Hudson's Bay Company, March, 1841"{1841/03/00} Besides these interesting memorials at his place of burial it is well known that his memory is preserved by his name being bestowed upon the large island around which he sailed in 1792 {1792/00/00}and also upon the metropolis of the Province of British Columbia and upon the oldest city in the State of Washington. Vancouver is a name that is sure to be remembered and honored along the western coast of America as long as the English language endures. Professor George Davidson now of the University of California, was for more than forty years engaged with the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey on the Pacific Coast. A few years ago, in a letter to the present writer, he said, " I have gone over every foot of the work done by Vancouver on this coast and I wish to say that he was a great big man." This is a monument greater than the naming of an island, more enduring than an engraved slab of marble. The whole world will always honor Vancouver for his brilliant achievements in the science of geography. 21 [end of page f897p9m4_021.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY CHAPTER III HISTORIC NOOTKA SOUND FOR a period of thirty-seven years, from 1774 {1774/00/00} to 1811 {1811/00/00}, Nootka Sound was the best-known and most-frequented harbor on the Northwest Coast of America. The first date given is that of the harbor's discovery by the Spaniard, Juan Perez, and the second that of the founding of Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River'. During those years Nootka was filled with the romance of the sea, of the Spanish conquistador of the explorer, and the British and American traders in furs. Savage life was dominant. Some white men were massacred and others enslaved. Nootka was certainly famous then; but, after the white slaves were rescued in 1806 {1806/00/00}, the place dropped into practical oblivion, where it remained for just one complete century. In 1906 {1906/00/00} the Provincial government of British Columbia granted licenses and privileges to timbermen who are about to erect a steam sawmill in the famous harbor. Nootka will again begin to figure in the reports of commerce, not as the source of valuable sea-otter skins, but as the shipping point of the more serviceable cedar lumber. In 1578 {1578/00/00} Drake sailed along the coasts of what he called Nova Albion, claiming to have reached as high as 48o north latitude. In 1741 {1741/00/00} Bering, at Mount St Elias, discovered Alaska for the Russians. On the coast, between these points mentioned, Juan Perez was the pioneer. He was instructed to make no settlements, but to pick out good places for them. He was to sail as to north as 60o if possible, to take possession of the lands for Spain, and to plant bottles containing the evidence. He sailed from Monterey in the Santiago on June 11, 1774 {1774/06/11}, and reached 51o 42' by July 15 {1774/07/15}, when a junta 22 [end of page f897p9m4_022.gif] FRIENDLY COVE, NOOTKA SOUND. From a steel engraving by heath in Vancouver's Journal. Drawn by W. Alexander from a sketch on the spot by H. Humphries. The little cove on the right marked A,B,C, includes the territory offered by Spain to Great Britain in September, 1792. {1792/09/00} [end of page f897p9m4_022p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND decided to make port for water. In that vain search they reached 55o, gave to islands and capes some names that have since been supplanted by others, and then turned toward the south. On August 7 {1774/08/07} he made a landfall at 49o 35' and called the indication of a harbor there by the name of San Lorenzo. Later it was called San Lorenzo de Nutka, and in 1789 {1789/00/00}Estavano Martinez changed it to Santa Cruz de Nutka, but common usage made it simple Nootka. On proceeding south, on August 10, 1774 {1774/08/10}, Perez saw in latitude 48o 10o a beautiful snow-white mountain, which he named Santa Rosalia. Fourteen years later it was rechristened by John Meares, the English captain, and from that time it has been known as Mount Olympus. Thus did Nootka enter the realm of recorded history. In 1778 {1778/00/00} Captain Cook called the place King George's Sound, but the name did not hold, and in 1791 {1791/00/00} Vancouver gave the same King's name to a sound on the southwest coast of Australia. In contemplating the history of Nootka it is somewhat difficult to understand why the Spaniards were so slow in exploring and occupying the lands north of Mexico. Their brilliant achievements Jill the sixteenth century with a marvelous record of exploration, conquest, occupation, and national expansion. So far as the northern shores of America are concerned, the Spanish record is almost a blank for the seventeenth and the first three-quarters of the eighteenth century. Then there came a sudden awakening in the voyage of Perez and those that followed. Perhaps one explanation may be found in the curious notion that then prevailed to the effect that gold did not exist except in the tropics and adjacent lands. Vancouver grapples with this singular supineness of the Spaniards in the introduction to his journals. He overlooks the voyage of Perez and starts with the 1775 {1775/00/00} voyage of Quadra. His comment is as follows- "This apparent indifference in exploring new countries, ought not, however, to be attributed to a deficiency in skill, or to a want of spirit for enterprise, in the commander (Senor Quadra) of that expedition; because there is great reason to 23 [end of page f897p9m4_023.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY believe, that the extreme caution which has so long and so rigidly governed the court of Madrid, to prevent, as much as possible, not only their American, but likewise their Indian, establishments from being visited by any Europeans (unless they were subjects of the crown of Spain, and liable to a military tribunal), had greatly conspired, with other considerations of a political nature, to repress that desire of, adding to the fund of geographical knowledge, which has so eminently distinguished this country. And hence it is not extraordinary, that the discovery of a north-western navigable communication between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans should not have been considered as an object much to be desired by the Spanish court. Since that expedition, however, the Spaniards seem to have considered their former national character as in some measure at stake; and they have certainly become more acquainted than they were with the extensive countries immediately adjoining to their immense; empire in the new world; yet the measures that they adopted, in order to obtain that information, were executed in so defective a manner, that all the important questions to geography still remained undecided, and in the same state of uncertainty." The western and northern shores were visited in 1775 {1775/00/00}and in 1779 {1779/00/00} by Spanish expeditions of which Bodega y Quadra was one of the officers in command. The work of exploration was then suspended on account of the American War for Independence into which Spain had been drawn as one of the enemies of Great Britain. During this lull, Russia began to occupy ports from which the Spaniards succeeded in dislodging them through diplomacy. In 1789 {1789/00/00} they proceeded to occupy and fortify the harbor of Nootka. In the meantime British. explorers and traders had visited Nootka. First and greatest of these was the famous Captain James Cook, during his third and last voyager in the Pacific. His secret instructions on this voyage cautioned him to be friendly with the natives, but with their consent to take possession of the soil in the name of England, and he was to receive a reward Of 20,000 [pounds] if he found the North 24 [end of page f897p9m4_024.gif] OF PUGET SOUND west Passage. On March 7, 1778 {1778/03/07}, he sighted the shores of Nova Albion and began to name the principal points. On March 22 {1778/03/22} he discovered and named Cape Flattery and then made this entry in his journal- "It is in this very latitude where we now were that geographers have placed the pretended Strait of Juan de Fuca. But we saw nothing like it; nor is there the least probability that ever any such thing existed." The reason for this singular entry is quite clear. He was driven from his newly found cape by a gale and could not approach land for a week. When he did so, on March 29 {1778/03/29} , he found himself in Hope Bay, Nootka Sound, and he concluded that there could be no extensive strait between the two points touched, a rather violent conclusion, to be sure, since there is a difference of more than one whole degree in the latitude of the two points. Cook remained at Nootka for a month. One of the midshipmen in his crew was George Vancouver, who then got his first glimpse of the land where he was destined to achieve for himself undying fame. Among other things accomplished here was to gather as many as possible of the native words to be used in efforts to talk with other natives of the coast. On April 26 {1778/04/26} Cook sailed for the north and made more discoveries, one of the greatest of which bears the name of Cook Inlet. He was a fair man and honest explorer, respecting the names given and work done by Spaniards, Russians., and others. He returned to winter at the islands he had discovered and named after the Earl of Sandwich. Some natives stole a boat. At the head of a few men, Cook sought to recover it, but was killed by the natives on February 14, 1779 {1779/02/14} Cook's work pointed the way for the fur hunters. The first of these arrived at Nootka in August, 1785 {1785/08/00}. This was James Hanna, an Englishman, who sailed from China in a brig of sixty tons. On this first voyage be Lot 560 sea otter skins, which be sold in China for $20,50­ His second voyage in 1786 {1786/00/00} was not nearly so successful. He named 25 [end of page f897p9m4_025.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Sea Otter Harbor, St. Patrick's Bay, Smith Inlet, and Fitzhugh Sound. In 1786 {1786/00/00} John Meares made a voyage from China to Alaska, but little is known beyond the fact that the voyage was made and that his ship was called the Nootka. In June of this same year James Strange arrived at Nootka with two vessels the Captain Cook, Lorry, master; and the Experiment, Guise, master. He got six hundred otter skins and named Queen Charlotte Sound. Nathaniel Portlock and George Dixon made their famous voyages along the coasts in 1786 {1786/00/00} and 1787 {1787/00/00}, spending the winter at the Sandwich Islands. They bad been companions of Cook and mingled science and commerce in their enterprise. They named many geographic features along the shores of Alaska and collected 2552 sea-otter skins, which they sold in China for $54,857, Captain Barclay sailed in November, 1786 {1786/11/00}, in the ship Imperial Eagle, from the Belgian port of Ostend, under the flag of the Austrian East India Company. He arrived in Nootka in June, 1787 {1787/06/00}, and though he went no farther north, he secured eight hundred sea-otter skins during his voyage. At Nootka he found McKey, who had been left there the year before by Captain Strange. McKey, who had lived during the year with the natives, said he had learned from them that Nootka was really on a big island around which a boat could be sailed. This is the first intimation of the existence of what later became known as Vancouver Island. In July {1787/07/00}Barclay sailed southward and discovered Barclay Sound, which, with its long arm called Alberni Canal, is one of the best-known harbors of Vancouver Island. From Bamfield, at the mouth of this harbor, starts the Pacific Cable. Barclay also noted the Strait of Juan de Fuca, but did not attempt to enter or to name it. This captain was accompanied by his wife who was the first civilized woman to see the Northwest Coast. From fragments in other journals it is learned that Captain Duncan, in the,ship Princess Royal, and Captain Colnett, in the ship Prince of Wales, were outfitted by the King 26 [end of page f897p9m4_026.gif] OF PUGET SOUND George's Sound Company, sailed from England in September, 1786 {1786/09/00} , and arrived at Nootka in July, 1787 {1787/07/00}. They traded along the Queen Charlotte Islands, and Duncan was the first to sail through the water separating those islands from the mainland. He 'wintered on the coast, returning to Nootka the next year. John Meares is one of the most picturesque characters in the history of Nootka. A retired lieutenant of the British Navy, he sought his fortune in the fur trade of the Pacific. His first trip in 1786 {1786/00/00} has been mentioned. In 1787 {1787/00/00} a company of English merchants in India fitted out two ships the Felice Adventurer of two hundred and thirty tons, in command of John Meares, and the Iphigenia Nubiana of two hundred tons, commanded by William. Douglas. The latter was to coast southward from Alaska, while Meares was to go direct to Nootka. To avoid excessive port charges in China, and to evade the necessity of a license from the South Sea or the East India monopolies, Cavalho, a Portuguese, was made a nominal partner and through him the Governor of Macao was induced to furnish the ships with Portuguese Rags, papers, and captains If it should become necessary to use these, the real captains would appear as mere supercargoes. Only one occasion called for the use of those Portuguese colors at Nootka, which will be referred to later. Travelling under false or double colors is despised on land, but -it is counted close kin to piracy on the sea. In the light of these conditions the following instructions to the captains of this expedition sound almost facetious- "Should you meet with any Russian, English or Spanish vessels, you will treat them with civility and friendship; and allow them, if authorized, to examine your papers, which will shew the object of your voy age- But you must at the same time guard against surprise. Should they attempt to seize you, or even carry you out of your way, you will prevent it by every means in your power, and repel force by force. You will, on your arrival in the first port, protest before a proper officer such illegal procedure. Should you in such conflict have the superiority - you will then take possession of the 27 [end of page f897p9m4_027.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY vessel that attacked you) as also her cargo; and bring both, with the officers and crew, to China, that they may be condemned as legal prizes, and their crews punished as pirates." took as a passenger, Comekela, a sub-chief of Nootka who was returning home, and likewise Tiana, who was Hawaiian chieftain, took passage with Douglas. The Felice had a force of fifty men,-crew and artisans,- some of which were Chinese. This may be called the very first introduction of Chinese labor on the Pacific Coast of America, for Wares had come prepared to use these artisans in the construction of a sloop to be built for the fur trade. The great chief of the natives at Nootka was Maquinna, who is prominent through all the early history of the place and whose name is still revered by his people. Wares arrived at Nootka on May 13, 1788 {1788/05/13}. He at once bought from Chief Maquinna a small tract of land in what the, English called Friendly Cove, at the mouth of Nootka Sound. The price he paid for the land was two pistols. On this ground he built a house for the workmen and stores, and promised, when through with it, to give the house to Maquinna. In front of the house he raised some breast works on which was planted a small cannon. This was the first act of occupation on the Northwest Coast, but nothing appears in any of the transactions or records up to that time to indicate that it was intended for anything more than temporary protection. just outside the fort the keel was laid and work was begun on the first vessel built on the Pacific Coast of America north of the Spanish ports in California and Mexico. Leaving a crew to work on the schooner, Meares sailed southward on June 11 {1788/06/11} He spent two weeks, at Clayoquot Sound, which he named Port Cox. He was very successful in the fur trade and was lavishly entertained by Chief Wicananish. He left Clayoquot on Saturday, June 28 {1788/06/28}, and the next day in latitude 48o 39' he found a great entrance and declared that he named it after the "original discoverer of Juan de Fuca-" Ten years before Cook had denied the existence of this strait, and one year before Barclay had seen it but did not deign to give it a name. 28 [end of page f897p9m4_028.gif] OF PUGET SOUND Sailing across the mouth of the strait he was warmly welcomed by Chief "Tatootch." Exploring a little island there in a small boat he gave it the chief's name, and to this day it is called Tatoosh Island. Proceeding southward, on July 4 {1788/07/04}, he saw a beautiful mountain in latitude 48o 10'. He either did not know that the Spanish Captain Perez had named it Santa Rosalia in 1774 {1774/00/00}, or, knowing it, he did not care. He remembered his days at school, and declaring that the mountain was fit to be the home of the gods he called it Mount Olympus. On July 5 {1788/07/05} he found a harbor which he called Shoalwater Bay, but which has since been renamed Willapa Harbor. On Sunday, July 6 {1788/07/06}, he rounded a promontory at latitude 46o 10', hoping to find a river hinted at by the Spaniards. He was met by dashing breakers and rough weather. He called the bay Deception and. the cape Disappointment. Sailing away he wrote in his journal, "We can now with safety assert that no such river as that of Saint Roc exists as laid down in the Spanish chart." Arriving at Barclay Sound on July 11 {1788/07/11}, he started into trading operations, while he sent Mr. Duffin with thirteen men in the long boat. to explore the strait. At "Hostility Bay," Duffin and several of his men were wounded in a conflict with the natives; yet Meares later claimed in his famous memorial to Parliament that he had taken possession of the " Straits of John de Fuca ", and had-obtained.-from-the native chiefs permission,to erect, houses and to carry on exclusive trade. When Meares returned to Nootka on July 26 {1788/07/26} he found that his shipbuilders were prospering well and he started again for Clayoquot when the crew, headed by the boatswain, mutinied. Later all submitted but eight who refused to be ironed. They were turned loose among the natives, who promptly made slaves of them. Meares then sailed away on August 8 {1788/08/08}, adding more values to his harvest of furs. On August 24 he returned to Nootka and was joined on August 27 {1788/08/27} by Captain Douglas with the Iphigenia. He had not been successful along the Alaskan coast, but now all hands bent every energy to finish the new schooner and to fit the Felice 29 [end of page f897p9m4_029.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY for her return to China. The exiled mutineers were received back except the boatswain who was confined to the house but later escaped. On September 17 {1788/09/17} Meares received a peculiar shock. A vessel was approaching under a flag he did not recognize. He hastily called for the Portuguese colors and papers, and made ready to appear other than English. He sent a boat to meet the approaching stranger. His messenger returned with the reassuring news that all was well. "That flag of white and red stripes, with the blue field and white stars, is the flag of the United States, the new nation on the Atlantic coast of America. The vessel is the Lady Washington and her master is Captain Robert Gray." The Portuguese colors were hauled down and Captain Meares made ready to welcome the Lady Washington to Friendly Cove. Two days later Nootka witnessed a big event. The English and American captains and crews and the Chinese artisans joined in the cheering, while the wonder struck natives looked on in amazement. The new schooner was successfully launched. She was christened the Northwest America, and was put in command of Robert Hunter. All the furs had been loaded into the Felice, and she now proceeded to take on a deck-load of spars, probably the first lumber shipped from this region. The spars were intended for the market in China., Meares sailed at once for China by way of the Sandwich Islands. Soon after he had gone Captain John Kendrick arrived in the Columbia. The two American captains decided to winter at Nootka, and so they gave aid to Douglas and Funter, who proposed to winter at the Sandwich Islands. They left on October 26 {1788/10/26} and by agreement with Meares they returned to Nootka on April 24, 1789 {1789/04/24} , to begin the traffic in furs north of that harbor. This was the crucial year of 1789 {1789/00/00}. We have seen Estavano Martinez establishing his fort at Nootka to hold the place for Spain. Meares had abandoned his little fort after the schooner was launched. He had intended to come back in the Felice and join with his two companions in the fur trade. Instead of that he entered into a much larger scheme. 30 [end of page f897p9m4_030.gif] OF PUGET SOUND He formed a joint stock company with Mr. Etches, representing the King George's Sound Company. The Felice was sold, and the Argonaut was bought and put in command of Captain Colnett, and the Princess Royal was put in command of Captain Thomas Hudson. These captains were instructed to establish a permanent trading post to be called Fort Pitt. They were to carry materials for-a small vessel of thirty tons, which they were to construct and launch as had been done with the Northwest America. Seventy Chinese were embarked as laborers and it later developed that the plan included a scheme to secure a Kanaka wife for each Chinese settler and thus would Nootka be populated. There was no need now for the double colors, for the King George's Sound Company had a license from the East India Company. The two ships sailed from China in April {1789/04/00} and May, 1789 {1789/05/00} On April 29 {1789/04/29} Funter sailed from Nootka and obtained over two hundred sea-otter skins on Queen Charlotte Island, but in the meantime Douglas was having trouble. Martinez arrived at Nootka on May 6 {1789/05/06} and began to build his fort. He did not like the attitude of the English captain and at the end of the first week he seized his ship as a prize. Changing his mind he released the Iphigenia and sold Douglas needed supplies on the promise that he would go to the Sandwich Islands. Douglas gave an order on Cavalho for payment of the supplies received from Martinez and then sailed on June 2 {1789/06/02}. Instead of going south he made a successful trip to the north and reached Macao in October with his furs. Martinez learned that Cavalho was bankrupt and so when Funter arrived at Nootka on June 9 {1789/06/09} the Spaniard seized the schooner to make good that draft from Douglas. Captain Hudson arrived at Nootka on June 14 {1789/06/14} and took the company's furs from the seized schooner. He was treated well by the Spaniards and sailed on a trading; cruise July 2. {1789/07/02} The next day Captain Colnett arrived in the Argonaut. He seems to have been a peppery individual. At any rate, be rubbed the Spanish fur the wrong way by declaring that he was going to take possession of the region and establish a permanent post. On July 4, {1789/07/04} the day after his arrival, his 31 [end of page f897p9m4_031.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY ship was seized and he and his crew were prisoners to the Spaniards. He not only brought trouble on himself, but he made it hot for Hudson who had been so nicely treated. When the latter arrived at Nootka on July 14 {1789/07/14}, his vessel was promptly seized. The ships as prizes and the crews as prisoners were sent to Mexico, or New Spain, arriving at San Blas on August 15 {1789/08/15} and 27 {1789/08/27}. The Spanish authorities at San Blas appreciated the gravity of the situation much more keenly than had Martinez. They released the vessels after refitting them in good shape, and they released the men, paying each one wages for the time of detention at the rates prevailing for relative rank in the Spanish navy. While this attempt at reparation seemed ample and fair to the Spaniards, it was far from sufficient in the eyes of the offended Englishmen. Captain Meares posted of to London in haste and filled with Parliament his famous memorial, dated April 30, 1790 {1790/04/30}. He placed his damages, at more than $653,43. He claimed the territory about Nootka by right of discovery and purchase from the natives. He also published a journal, which is one of the interesting and valuable documents of that period. , In that journal he publishes a map showing Nootka was not on the mainland, but on a large island, and that the Lady Washington had sailed around it, Captain Robert Gray was known to have sailed out to Nootka in the Lady Washington. So Vancouver, having read the record given by Meares in London in 1790 {1790/00/00}, was delighted to meet Gray off Cape Flattery in 1792 {1792/00/00}, and was more delighted still to learn that he (Gray) had not sailed around the supposed island. When Vancouver later did sail around the island that now bears his name, he did so by cautiously feeling his way in small boats. It was to him a real discovery. There is an unfortunate confusion in the history at this interesting point. It is true that Gray did not sail around the island, but it is also undoubtedly just as true that the Lady Washington may have made that important cruise. The confusion arises from the scant record of authentic nature preserved of the work done by the two pioneer American cap- 32 [end of page f897p9m4_032.gif] PART OF MEARE'S FAMOUS MAP. From his "Voyages" published in London in 1790 {1790/00/00}. Here is shown the supposed track of the sloop Lady Washington in 1789.{1789/00/00} [end of page f897p9m4_032p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND tains, -John Kendrick and Robert Gray. There are masses of documents and records during subsequent boundary disputes. Among these is a Congressional Report in the first session of the Thirty-second Congress of the United States. The heirs of Kendrick and Gray had memorialized Congress for relief on account of the public services rendered by those explorers. It is not the purpose or desire to exploit this phase of the history at this time. One item does need attention, however. All accounts lay great stress on the map and journal published by Meares in London in 1790 {1790/00/00}. George Dixon criticized that map at the time, and Meares published an answer in which he claims that he got his information from a man who bad talked with Captain Kendrick upon his arrival in China late in 1789 {1789/00/00}. This shows that the map was constructed on information obtained by word of mouth from a second party, and probably accounts for the great inaccuracies of the map, if Kendrick actually did sail around the land. Kendrick was heard from on other points after this, but he laid no claim to this discovery, which, if true, would have been of far greater importance than the items he did report on. While there may thus be some doubt about the American having made this discovery, there is none about the participation of these and other Americans in the early history of Nootka. We have seen their arrival in the harbor and their determination to winter there. On October 1, 1788 {1788/10/01}, they celebrated the anniversary of their departure from Boston. The four captains - Douglas, Funter, Kendrick, and Gray - all dined on board the Columbia. Five days later the Englishmen departed for the Sandwich Islands, and the Americans were alone at Nootka. They bad been outfitted by the Boston Company and had come to trade in furs. It is quite likely- that it was hoped that the expedition would do some geographic work and would make for the new Republic some friends among the natives and thus give the United States a substantial footing in the new lands. At any rate, a medal was prepared for the Indians. On one side are the pictures of two ships and around the edge this legend" Columbia and Washington. Commanded by J. Kendrick." Around the 33 [end of page f897p9m4_033.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY edge on the other side are the words" Fitted at Boston N. America for the Pacific Ocean," and in the Centre" By J. Barrel, S. Brown, C. Bulfinch, J. Darby, C. Hatch, J. M. Pintard, 1787." {1787/00/00} About the middle of March {1789/03/00}the fur trade was begun. Gray sailed southward, going into the Strait of Juan de Fuca probably as far as had been explored by Meares's boat the year before. He returned to Nootka on April 22 {1789/04/22}and sailed again, this time toward the north on May 3 {1789/05/03}. He struck a new spot for trade on the shore of Queen Charlotte Island, where he obtained two hundred sea-otter skins, worth about $8000, for one old iron chisel. Captain Kendrick had also been successful in trade. This is the year in which Martinez brought matters to a crisis by seizing the English ships. The Americans were witnesses and later gave evidence in favor of the Spanish side in the dispute. Captain Kendrick decided to exchange ships with Captain Gray and to send him home by way of China, where the catch of furs, could be sold and a new cargo bought of teas, spices, and silks. The Columbia sailed about the middle of July, 1789 {1789/07/00}, and arrived in Boston in August, 1790 {1790/08/00}, In this way Captain Robert Gray was the first one to carry the Stars and Stripes around the globe. Governor Hancock gave a fine reception to the owners and officers of the Columbia. A procession marched up State Street, and in it marched Captain Gray arm in arm with Atloo, a Hawaiian chieftain who had taken passage with the Columbia to see the outside world. The voyage was not a financial success, but the Boston Company reorganized a little and sent Gray back to Nootka. 'On this voyage he left Boston on September 8, 1 790 {1790/09/08}, and arrived at Clayoquot Sound, near Nootka, on June 5, 1791 {1791/06/05}. He traded and explored to the northward, and in August he started south for winter quarters. Meeting storms he put back into Clayoquot, decided to winter there, built a house, and fortified it. On October 3, 1791 {1791/10/03}, he laid the keel of a schooner, which was named the Adventurer and successfully launched on February 23, 1792 {1792/02/23}. Gray promoted his mate, Robert Haswell, to be captain of the new boat. 34 [end of page f897p9m4_034.gif] OF PUGET SOUND In the meantime Captain Kendrick finished the year 1789 {1789/00/00}, bringing up in China. He did not return to the American coast until 1791 {1791/00/00}- On entering Nootka he was treated well by the Spaniards, but he was suspicious and sailed northward, where he experienced successful trade. He bought for himself and for the company large tracts of land, going to the trouble of making out deeds which the native chiefs signed with their marks. These deeds were saved and published during the later disputes. He sailed away for China and then practically disappears from our record. Captain Gray reached the climax of his life during the year 1792 {1792/00/00}. Haswell went north in the Adventurer when Gray went south. On April 29 {1792/04/29} he met Vancouver and told him he had found a river at 46o 10', but could not enter because of the breakers. He would try again. As he approached his river, on May 7 {1792/05/07}, he found a fine bay which he named Bulfinch Harbor, after one of the owners of the Columbia. Later the name was changed to that of the discoverer and it is still known as Gray's Harbor. Four days after that important discovery he succeeded in passing over the bar and called the great river after the name of his ship. This discovery had most of all to do with giving the Americans a standing among the powers contending for sovereignty on the Pacific Coast. During his trips into Gray's Harbor and the Columbia River, Gray had obtained seven hundred sea-otter skins and fifteen thousand other furs. Haswell had not been so success- ful, but between them they had made a good season's harvest. They sold the new schooner to the Spaniards and sailed for home. was Captain Joseph Among the other Americans at Nootka Ingraham, who had been mate of the Columbia on her first voyage and was on the coast in 1791 {1791/00/00} and 1792 {1792/00/00} as master of the brig Hope. Captain James McGee was there in 1792 {1792/00/00}. He also came from Boston. Captain R. D. Coolidge. in the Grace had come from New York. He was an exception~ as most of the Americans came from Boston -a fact that impressed the Indians in a way that will be referred to later. After the rough experiences in 1789 {1789/00/00}, Englishmen seem to 35 [end of page f897p9m4_035.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY have avoided Nootka. Not so the Spaniards. While the government of old Spain was being menaced with a serious war by Great Britain, the government of New Spain was making strenuous eHbas to riva more securely its hold upon Nootka and the adjacent regions. Lieutenant Francisco Elisa, Lieutenant Salvador Fidalgo, and Ensign Manuel Quimper sailed from San Blas on February 3, 1790 {1790/02/03}, in the ship Concepcion, the snow San Carlos, and the sloop Princesa Real. By April 7 {1790/04/07} all three had arrived at Nootka. They had brought supplies for a year and soldiers for the garrison. The mention of these soldiers brings to mind the discovery of the Alberni document. In 1899 {1899/00/00} Dr. J. P. Sweeney of Seattle obtained from one of his patients, David Ferguson, now of San Diego, California, a bundle of Spanish documents he had collected during a residence of thirty years in Mexico. Among them was one signed by Pedro de Alberni, in which he gives many strong reasons why he should be excused from going, to Nootka, and incidentally mentions that his company has a, branch garrison at Nootka, composed of two first corporals and eighteen soldiers. This document was dated January 1, 1793 {1793/01/01}- It is quite likely, therefore, that the branch garrison was maintained at Nootka for at least three years. The fact that the Spaniards had a garrison at Nootka has never been disputed. If it had been, this old Alberni document would dispel all doubts. A translation of the first page of the document is as follows- "FREE COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS OF CATALONIA "Relation of the force that constitutes the above-mentioned company on this day, at the present writing, the number short of completion, and the additions and diminutions that occurred during the expedition "NOTE "That the number of officers is complete; sergeants, short two seconds;' corporals, short, one first and one second; according to the last regulations of the 17th of May, 1792 {1792/05/17} 36 [end of page f897p9m4_036.gif] OF PUGET SOUND "OTHER (NOTE) "This company has a branch garrison in the establishment at Nootka (Nuca), composed of two first corporals and eighteen soldiers; others in the frigate Aranzazu, composed of one second corporal and eight soldiers; others in the brig Activa, composed of one corporal and eight soldiers; and two soldiers in Mexico in pursuit of their vacation. "OTHER (NOTE) "The one who was discharged is the second sergeant, Peter Guiterrez, who, upon the order of your excellency, passed into the department of San Blas. "SICK IN THE COMPANY " Officers, 1 ; sergeants, 1 ; drummers, -1 ; corporals, 1 ; soldiers, 5; and of these one is in Guadalajara, crippled; and four are in this garrison sick with fever; and the drummer is injured in the hand. "Topic, 1st of January, 1793 {1793/01/01}- " PEDRO DE ALBERNI." Two years before the discovery and publication of this Alberni document, R. E. Gosnell published this paragraph in the Year Book of British Columbia for 1897 {1897/00/00}- "Alberni Canal was named after a Spanish officer, Don Pedro Alberni, who was in command of a company of volun- teer soldiers in the expedition to Nootka, under command of Lieutenant Elisa sailing from San Blas February 5 {1790/02/05}, arriving at Nootka April 5, 1790 {1790/04/05}-" tfrom the docu- If this statement be true,then it is evident that Alberni did not remain with what he calls the branch garrison at Nootka. Three days after the entire Ehsa expedition reached Nootka, April 10, 1790 {1790/04/10}, the Spaniards went through a formal act of taking possession. Fidalgo made a trip to the north and returned to San Blas. Quimper explored the Strait of 37 [end of page f897p9m4_037.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Juan de Fuca, giving many Spanish names to places which were later supplanted by English or Indian names. His Porto de la Bodega y Quadra became Port Discovery, his Santa Cruz became Dungeness, and his Nufiez Goana became Neah Bay. He sailed away to Monterey without returning to Nootka. Elisa wintered at Nootka and in March the San Carlos arrived in command of Alfarez Ramon Antonio Savedra y Guyraldo, with Juan Pantojo y AFriago as his pilot. They brought Elisa instructions to survey from Mount St. Elias to the Port of Trinidad; he took the San Carlos, and instead of starting north he surveyed Clayoquot Sound and then went around to what is now known as the Strait of Georgia. He gave that waterway this name, "Gran Canal de Nuestra Sehora del Rosario la Marinera." Of this passage he wrote to the Viceroy as follows, "It appears that the oceanic passage so zealously sought by foreigners, if there is one, cannot be elsewhere than by this great channel." As a memento of his work we still have with us the name of Rosario Strait, though at a place removed on the map from its original location. In the year 1792 {1792/00/00}Lieutenant Jacinto Caamano arrived at Nootka and explored around Queen Charlotte Island. Fidalgo also arrived and proceeded to build at Neah Bay a little fort which was never completed and was abandoned the same year. Dionisio Galliano and Cayetano Valdes were two men whom the scientist and explorer Malaspina loaned to Viceroy Gigedo. They arrived at Nootka in May {1792/05/00} and proceeded to explore the Gulf of Georgia. There they met Vancouver, who tells the story of mutual courtesies in the journal that follows. The negotiations between Vancouver and Quadra at Nootka in the same year of 1792 {1792/00/00}is fully discussed in subsequent chapters. On September 3, 1794 {1794/09/03}, Vancouver visited Governor Alava, who retained his residence on board of the Princesa, which shows that the post at Nootka was not at all looked upon as a permanent settlement) especially as the governor continued 38 [end of page f897p9m4_038.gif] OF PUGET SOUND his official residence on shipboard. Alava had not been given sufficient credentials to cede Nootka according to the demands of Vancouver, but such instructions were expected to arrive at any hour. They agreed to wait for such papers until October 15 {1794/10/15}. They were disappointed in regard to the arrival of these papers, so both departed for Monterey. Vancouver arrived at the latter port on November 6 {1794/11/06}. There were no dispatches there for him. Possibly some might be at San Diego. Governor Arguello sent a courier for the letters, if there should be any there. This Journey was fruitless, but Senor Alava stated to Vancouver that his government had notified him that Spain would not longer resist the British demands, but would settle the dispute practically on the same lines as those offered by Vancouver to Quadra in 1792 {1792/00/00}. The Spaniard also stated that another English officer would receive the cession from the Spaniards. Vancouver construed this to mean that he was at liberty to quit the coast, and he lost no time in starting for home by way of Cape Horn, arriving in the Shannon on Sunday, September 13, 1795 {1795/09/13}, the great expedition having consumed four and one-half years. Vancouver had gone home, but his place was taken by Lieutenant Thomas Pierce of the marines. He and Alava sailed from Monterey on March 1, 1795 {1795/03/01}, for the north. They arrived at Nootka on March 23 {1795/03/23}. The ceremonies attending this meeting have been locked almost wholly in silence or mystery. Historians differ. One states that the Spanish flag and the British flag were hauled down simultaneously. Another claims that the British flag remained as the emblem of sovereignty in conformity with Vancouver's interpretation of the 1790 {1790/00/00} treaty It is well established, however, that the Spanish fort was dismantled and the settlement was abandoned, and never again was a Spanish attempt made at settlement north of California. The element of horrible tragedy entered into the history of Nootka in the year 1803 {1803/00/00}. The Indians had known about white men for nearly thirty years at that time. Chief Maquinna had grow wise, as he thought, with his advancing years. He had been honored and flattered so often by the 39 [end of page f897p9m4_039.gif] VANCOUVER'S, DISCOVERY visiting strangers, and partly in consequence of that fact, and partly because of his own prowess the neighboring tribes of Indians held him in such high repute that he began to expect and demand the deference due a king. This was his attitude on March 12, 1803 {1803/03/12}, when be clad himself in his royal robe, consisting of magnificent sea-otter skins, sprinkled his hair with swan's down, and stalked out on to the deck of the ship Boston. This was the finest and largest ship that had ever visited the Northwest Coast. She was owned by the Amorys of Boston and had gone to Hull, England, for a cargo of iron and copper implements suitable for the Indian trade. At that English port a blacksmith by the name of Jewitt persuaded Captain John Salter to take along his boy, John R. Jewitt, and give him a chance at the new business. The old blacksmith had figured out a beautiful dream of wealth for the family. They would convert all their worldly possessions into trinkets, send them with John out into the Pacific, where they would trade for furs, sell the furs in China, buy silks and teas which they would sell in England. A large profit at each turn would put the whole Jewitt family beyond want. All this did not influence Captain Salter, but another thing did. Young Jewitt had been his father's helper and was himself a clever worker of iron. This quality would be useful and as it turned out this quality was also the means of saving this interesting history for the world. Young Jewitt was shipped on the Boston as armorer. A forge was rigged up for him between decks, and after he got over his attack of seasickness he busied himself making axes, knives, and spears for the Indian trade. This forge and this work were marvels to the Indians as they watched the young man making the things they prized so highly. Captain Salter knew Maquinna was a great chief. If he had not known it, he could have guessed it from his manner. So he treated him well and gave him a beautiful fowling piece. The next day the chief returned, saying the gun was no good. The captain spoke gruffly and probably swore at the Indian's clumsiness. He then threw the gun to Jewitt 40 [end of page f897p9m4_040.gif] OF PUGET SOUND the armorer for repairs. The rudeness was new to Maquinna. He grabbed his own throat with his hands and left the ship in haste. He planned a frightful revenge. On March 22 {1803/03/22} he asked the captain when he would sail. The captain said he would leave the next day, and then he accepted the chief's suggestion to send part of the crew to the Indian fishing grounds for salmon. This was Maquinna's hour. He and some of his men loitered listlessly about the deck. Others were paddling near in canoes. Suddenly the chief gave his signal. He himself grappled with Captain Salter, whom he threw overboard. There in the water he was promptly killed by the Indians in the canoes. The other white men were overpowered and killed. Those at the fishing grounds were killed by Indians there. The head of each was severed from the body, and these twentyfive heads were then ranged in a ghastly row on the deck of the fine ship Boston, which had thus suddenly fallen into savage hands. While contemplating their awful work the Indians were startled by a cry from below. A prowler bad found another white man still alive, and soon armorer Jewitt, wounded and scarcely able to stand, was dragged to the upper deck. Maquinna held up his band. He took Jewitt, whom he knew as the maker of knives, and by signs made him understand that if he would be the chief's slave, he could live; if not, his head would be put over there with the others. He chose slavery. Then began the plundering of that rich cargo. Each Indian had guns, many guns,. and blankets and cloth and beads and iron. They were rich and, of course, the chief's share made him richest of them all. The news spread. Other tribes visited Nootka, and they went away enriched with lavish presents. Four days after the tragedy two vessels, the Mary and the Juno of Boston, approached Nootka, but the Indians fired upon them and made such signs of hostility that they left. Jewitt found that Maquinna had a son of whom he was passionately fond. The white man soon became the companion of this boy. Then there was an uproar in camp. 41 [end of page f897p9m4_041.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Another white man had been found in the Boston. Jewitt managed to save the fellow's life by claiming to be his son. He asked Maquinna if he loved his son. Then he declared he could make no knives if his father were killed. In this way John Thompson of Philadelphia, the sail maker, was saved. A few days afterward, while seeking more plunder in the hold of the ship with the aid of a pine torch, one of the Indians started a fire, and the Boston was destroyed. Jewitt and Thompson were in savage slavery, and now even their ship was gone. Jewitt got along very well. He was a prime favorite, but old Thompson was dreaded. He was a rough old tar, who was ready at any moment to quit and to sell his like as dear" as possible in a struggle with his owners. Jewitt's counsel prevailed. Their lives at Nootka for nearly three years were filled with wonderful adventures. After their rescue Jewitt published the experiences in a frail little volume full to overflowing with valuable information about the Indians and their home. Maquinna became suspicious of the diary and put a stop to it. Then Jewitt kept notes on birch bark, using berry Juices for ink. He had saved a portion of a Book of Common Prayer and, though Thompson was far from religious, be accompanied Jewitt each Sabbath in a little service on the banks of the small lake back of Friendly Cove. On other days they went to this pond to bathe and wash their blankets. Maquinna saw them and made them wash his blankets. While doing this they were taunted by young Indians. Old Thompson was furious. He drove them off. They returned and trampled the drying blankets with dirty feet. Thompson caught one, cut his head off, and carrying the head in one band and the soiled blanket in the other reported to the chief, who approved the execution because the bad boy had walked on the chief's blanket. War with a neighboring tribe added to their excitement. Maquinna had accumulated some furs. He desired more trade with white men. He had told Jewitt that when Salter talked bad to him his heart started to jump out of his mouth. Now he did not feel mad and would trade with the white men. 42 [end of page f897p9m4_042.gif] OF PUGET SOUND But he had no idea of giving up Jewitt. So as the Lydia, Captain Hill, of Boston, approached Nootka in July of 1805 {1805/07/00}, Maquinna got Jewitt to write him a letter to the captain. This letter was dated at Nootka, July 19, 1805 {1805/07/19}, and read as follows- "The bearer of this letter is the Indian king by the name of Maquinna. He was the instigator of the capture the ship Boston, of Boston, in North America, John Salter captain, and of the murder of twenty-five men of her crew, the two only survivors being now on shore - Wherefore I hope you will take care to confine him according to his merits, putting in your dead lights, and keeping so good a watch over him, that he cannot escape from you. By so doing we shall be able to obtain our release in the course of a few hours." This was a serious matter for a slave to write such a letter about his master. Jewitt in his rare little book comments on it as follows "I have been asked how I dared to write in this manner my answer is, that from my long residence among these people, I knew that I had little to apprehend from their anger on hearing of their king being confined, while they knew his life depended upon my release, and that they would sooner have given up five hundred white men, than have had him injured." Jewitt translated the letter in a way that satisfied Maquinna, who went on board and was promptly put in chains. Then there was a terrific clamor on shore, but it all ended in the safe release of the white men and the chief was given his liberty by Jewitt. It has been seen that Maquinna was loved and obeyed by his people. He was undoubtedly the greatest chief on that coast. His descendants and successors in the chieftainship, while exercising much less power, have gloried in the name of Maquinna. Probably the one to approach him nearest in power was the chief who died at Nootka about five years ago. He was the great-grandson of t - he old and famous Maquinna. His body was secreted and then the people erected a gorgeous monument to his memory. It is a huge thunder bird in con- flict with a whale. At the base are two sewing-machines contributed by the squaws who shared in the great grief of the 43 [end of page f897p9m4_043.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY tribe. This figure is emblematic of the tradition that when it storms the thunder bird is in battle with the whale. At such times the Indians make great noise with drums to help the thunder bird, for when the whale is allowed to triumph the world will be destroyed in a great flood. This monument faces the sea from a point of rocks. Near this singular example of primitive art there had fallen to the ground a large white cross, on the arms of which had been painted this legend, "He made potlatch nine different times." To Coast Indians this is a superlative of greatness. Potlatch is a custom held in high esteem. A man accumulates property and then invites friends and relatives from far and near. To these he gives away his property. This makes him a great man, a sort of tyee. The late Maquinna was thus nine times as great as one of these ordinary great men. The potlatch is also a sort of economic institution, a sort of Indian savings bank, for when a man has made a potlatch he has an undisputed right to participate as a beneficiary in all other pot latches of that neighborhood. Nootka is the birthplace of the Chinook jargon, that strange and unique "Esperanto" of the western Indians. The range of this jargon is from California to Mount St. Elias and from the Rock Mountains to the Pacific. Take, for example, the name of Nootka itself. The harbor was named San Lorenzo by Perez in 1774 {1774/00/00}. To this was soon added "de Nutka." Whence came this "de Nutka" remained a mystery until Rev. Father A. J. Brabant, a Belgian priest who has been a missionary among those people for more than thirty years, began to study the intricacies of the native language. He says that "Noot-ka-eh" is a native verb meaning " go around." It is now supposed that the first ship paused on the lee of an island, and when the Spaniards followed the motions of the friendly Indians, when they did "go around," they saw the little village in what was later called Friendly Cove and, jumping to the conclusion that " Nootka-eh " was the name of that village, they adopted it as the name of the harbor. As Nootka it has been known from that day to this. The name by which these Indians themselves know their 44 [end of page f897p9m4_044.gif] OF PUGET SOUND village is "Mowitch-at," meaning "people of the deer." The reason is clear to one who visits their home. The forests literally abound in deer. That one village ships out thousands of deerskins every year. It is not possible to trace the origin of all the words in the jargon, but " Mowitch " means "deer," and it is shown that this came from the Nootka language. It is also found that many others came from the same tongue, such as " Klootchman," meaning -woman"; " tanass," little; " cam-mass," fruit; " klat-a-wah," go away; " makook, " sell; " clah-how-yah," how do you do; " sie-yah," sky or far away; "Wik," no. And one of the best examples of all is the word "tyee," meaning chief. Jewitt uses this word in addressing Chief Maquinna, and of course, Jewitt got his Indian words wholly from Nootka. Vancouver also uses the word in speaking of chiefs, and Vancouver relied upon his Nootkan words wherever he met Indians. Cook made a list of Indian words at Nootka in 1778 {1778/00/00}. This list, with whatever additions he could have collected, is the one that Vancouver used in 1791 {1791/00/00} So "pree" as a Chinook jargon word is clearly traced back to Nootka. When the Hudson Bay Company came, they added to and developed the jargon. In fact, they are usually credited with having invented it. The Canadian voyagers added many French words. The jargon was really an evolution and began at Nootka through the necessities of the explorers and fur traders. It is not difficult to see how this happened. Nootka was the first harbor visited, and for many years was the only one known on the whole coast north of Monterey. The captains listed as many of the native words as they could, and these fell into the hands of other discoverers and fur traders, who repeated them far and wide in an effort to talk with other tribes and, of course, helped out with signs. Pointing to a deer they would say "mowitch," and thus many tribes learned what that word meant to the white men. Nearly every vessel that came to Nootka under the Stars 'and- Stripes came from Boston. The officers and men spoke the name of Boston frequently and with pride. Then came the destruction of the ship Boston, and Americans as they 45 [end of page f897p9m4_045.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY approached the coast asked for and near for news of the Boston. This taught the Indians to associate the Stars and Stripes with the name of Boston. That, also, was planted into the Chinook jargon in which language " Boston-man " means " American." In a similar way the Englishmen of that day were always talking about King George and what he could do for his friends, the Indians, and the Chinook jargon was enriched with the phrase " King George-man," meaning Englishman. " While pointing out the origin of the Chinook jargon at Nootka it may also be well to call attention to the fact that the name frequently occurs in disguised forms in scientific literature. The early explorers always collected specimens of the plants, birds, and animals. There are many fine evergreen trees in the botanical gardens of Europe grown from seeds collected on these shores by those first visitors. When the botanists or zoologists found that the specimens were new to science, they would proceed to describe them as from Nootka, and so we find such Latinized names as Nutkana, Nutkanus, and Nutkaensis bestowed upon a large number of species. Nootka, wild, romantic Nootka, deserted and neglected by white men for more than a century, though once the most frequented harbor on the Pacific Coast of America, what a lure is this Nootka to one who has searched for truths among the rare and scattered records! With a heart filled with enthusiasm the present writer visited the famous little harbor of Friendly Cove in the summer Of 1903 {1903/00/00}. Being secretary, he undertook, on behalf of the Washington University State Historical Society; to erect a monument of granite to mark the place where Vancouver and Quadra met in August Of 1792 {1792/08/00}. The cost of the monument was borne for the Society by the pioneer, Orion O. Denny, the first white boy born in Seattle. Canadian law offered an obstacle in the way of customs charges. This condition annoyed the genial and dignified governor, Sir Henri Joly G. de Lotbiniere, who asked the privilege of bearing the charges himself. Thomas Stockham was about to construct a little trading post at Friendly Cove and volunteered to help with his crew of three white 46 [end of page f897p9m4_046.gif] OF 'PUGET SOUND men and one Indian to hoist the heavy granite to its place on the summit of a rocky islet in the mouth of the harbor. Here we placed the monument, with its inscription facing the sea, on August 23, 1903{1903/08/23}. Vancouver was fortunate in having with him some artists of real merit. One was John Sykes, who was mustered in at the age of nineteen as a midshipman, though he was promoted to master's mate on February 1, 1791 {1791/02/01}. The beautiful pictures engraved on steel for the illustrations of Vancouver's "Voyage " were drawn by Sykes, Mudge, and Humphries. The view of Friendly Cove was very useful during this visit over a century afterward. By it could be picked out the famous acre in dispute where Meares had built his schooner. On that spot was found a small Catholic chapel and Mission home, where Father Brabant lived when he visited the village of Indians once a year. On this same acre we camped while erecting the monument. With the same picture could be located the little Spanish fort, and exploration in that vicinity was rewarded by the Ending of a number of the flat tile-like Spanish brick known to have been used in the foundations. The scenes of Jewitt's experiences as one of Maquinna's slaves were visited, more especially the little lake where he and Thompson stole away for their rude religious services. The little Indian village had undergone many changes during the last century, but the lake shows that it has remained the same. The shores are clothed with forest and undergrowth. The path that leads from the village to the lake is worn deep in the gravel, evidence, probably, of several centuries of use. Herring spawn in this harbor by the millions. The Indians gather hemlock boughs and weight,them down in the water with stones. When covered with eggs they are dried on special built racks, and then the eggs are stored for winter use. Jewitt described the process accurately in 1803 {1803/00/00}, and the same kind of racks were found there in 1903 {1903/00/00} It would, seem appropriate to add one more item of research. Washington Irving's charming book "Astoria" reaches a climax on this same west coast of Vancouver Island, when the ship Tonquin was blown up and Captain 47 [end of page f897p9m4_047.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Jonathan Thorn and his entire crew were lost. There has never been any doubt as to the loss of the ship and her crew; the how and the where have baffled all searchers up to the present time. Irving in his beautiful diction causes James Lewis the clerk to become prophetic on leaving the newly planted log fort at Astoria. Lewis tells his friends that he will meet a strange fate. The ship sailed away to trade with the Indians. Off Gray's Harbor an Indian called Lamanse was picked up and made a member of the party as guide and interpreter. Irving then causes the ship to anchor at Nootka in a harbor he calls Newetee. Captain Thorn neglected the strict orders of John Jacob Astor against allowing more than a very few Indians on deck at a time. In parting with his captain, Astor reiterated this caution by saying, "All accidents which have as yet happened there arose in too much confidence in the Indians." Captain Thorn, reared in the old-fashioned navy, was a strict disciplinarian and had abundant confidence in his men and guns. The Indian chief was a haggler, and Thorn snatched his roll of Ras and rubbed the chief's nose with it. He felt triumphant the next day when the Indians seemed ardent for trade. Each brave chose a knife for his pay, and as the captain finally listened to the warning of his men and gave orders to clear away, the Indian signal was given and the crew was promptly slaughtered. Five fell through an open hatch, and these put the Indians to flight by shooting through the hatchway. Four of the men sought safety by flight in an open boat during the night. Clerk Lewis remained on the ship. The next day the Indians, seeing but one man who made friendly Signs, cautiously approached and before long the deck was crowded. Then Lewis fired the magazine, and a terrific explosion followed. Many Indians were killed, and the remnant of the village -was in a ferment of rage. The four sailors, held in the harbor's edge by storms, were found, and the author says it would have been well for them had they shared the tragic fate of Lewis. All having been destroyed, how did Irving learn these tragic details? It is known that Irving collected all of Astor's 48 [end of page f897p9m4_048.gif] OF PUGET SOUND papers and many books, and that he got the rich fur trader so deeply interested that the fine Astor Library of New York is one of the results. One of the books most useful to Irving -was that by Gabriel Franchere, one of the clerks at Astoria. This author secured his story of the Tonquin from Lamanse on his return to Gray's Harbor. This Indian guide was spared in the slaughter by his becoming a voluntary slave and later escaped to his own people. His scant record was amplified in "Astoria." Since then the harbor of Newetee has been searched for by no less an authority than Professor George Davidson, of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, and now of the University of California. He could not locate it, nor has any one else been able to do so with certainty. Since the other details have depended upon the story of Lamanse, so now the location of the tragedy will depend upon the story of Teetska, or "Smiling Tom." This Indian is a native of Clayoquot and later lived at Hesquiat, just south of Nootka Sound. He was still living there in 1903 {1903/00/00}and was then counted about sixty-five years of age. Hesquiat is the home of Father Brabant, the missionary already referred to, who settled there in the spring Of 1874 {1874/00/00}. Teetska's father was a slave at Clayoquot. About twenty years ago, this slave, after attaining the age of about eighty years, died and was buried by Father Brabant. Teetska became the friend of the missionary and moved to Hesquiat. Among other information Father Brabant received from Teetska was the tradition obtained from his father of the blowing up of a ship and the place was located at "Clayoquot-Tskwe." The tradition helps to locate the place by the floating of blankets to the shore from the wreck. ather Brabant thus locates the scene of the Tonquin tragedy at a place called " Itsape, " or on the lee of Lennard Island, at the entrance of Clayoquot Sound., In relating this tradition to the present writer in 1903 {1903/00/00}, Father Brabant stated that Captain Walbran, formerly of the steamer Quadra, bad also obtained the same account from an old Indian doctor. 49 [end of page f897p9m4_049.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY CHAPTER IV LIFE OF BODEGA Y QUADRA ON Tuesday, August 28, 1792 {1792/08/28}, Vancouver says that he an. anchored in Friendly Cove, where we found riding his Catholic Majesty's brig the Active, bearing the broad pendant of Senor Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, commandant of the marine establishment of St. Blas and California.." This is the greatest Spaniard of them all. It is extremely aggravating to find him wholly ignored in almost every one of the encyclopedias and other collections of biographies. The exact year of his birth is unknown, but is usually put at about 1740 {1740/00/00}. He was born in Lima, Peru, and, though his parents were of noble blood, his birthplace was a handicap. It needs only to be remembered that offices and commands in the new world were given to those of Castilian birth to know how difficult it was for a native of Lima to climb to high station. That is likely the reason that Bruno Heceta was given chief command of the famous expedition Of 1775 {1775/00/00} Quadra was second then, but he achieved so much in the sloop Sonora, a little boat only thirty-six feet long, twelve feet wide, and eight feet deep, that he was quickly honored and rapidly advanced. He proved his courage and ability on this and other occasions until 1792 {1792/00/00}he was selected for the unpleasant duty of going to Nootka, where he was to fulfill the terms of the Nootka Convention between Spain and Great Britain of October 28, 1790 {1790/10/28}. He was to represent Spain, and at Nootka he would be met by a man authorized to represent Great Britain. Vancouver and Quadra at once became strong personal friends, and enjoyed many visits with each other, but they 50 [end of page f897p9m4_050.gif] MAP OF QUADRA'S VOYAGE OF 1775. {1775/00/00} From "Miscellanies" by Daines Barrington, London, 1781 {1781/00/00}, page 469. [end of page f897p9m4_050p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND could not possibly agree on the points at issue. Quadra insisted that all he was to deliver up was the little piece of ground on which Meares had erected his hut and fort in 1788 {1788/00/00}. Vancouver insisted that he should receive possession of Nootka and Clayoquot, and that the settlement of Neah Bay should be considered a free port for both nations. Dignified letters passed back and forth, and finally they agreed to disagree and report all negotiations to their respective governments, ask for further instructions, and to meet again at Monterey. Quadra left a Spanish garrison at Nootka, in charge of Lieutenant Fidalgo, who quitted the Neah Bay post, bringing to Nootka all the live stock and other properties. Quadra sailed away in the Active, and with him went the other Spanish vessels. It is altogether likely, however, that the troops mentioned by Alberni as being at "Nuca" remained for that winter under Fidalgo. During the negotiations between the two commissioners, Quadra asked that some geographic feature be named for them jointly to commemorate their historic meeting at Nootka. Vancouver at once christened the large island he had discovered and, courteously putting the Spaniard's name first, he called it " Quadra and Vancouver's Island." This partnership name endured for half a century, but now the name of Quadra has almost disappeared. Victoria, the chief city on the island, has an avenue named in his honor. The principal government steamer also bears his name. In addition, Mr. R. E. Gosnell, Secretary of the Natural , History Society of Victoria, writes that an island north of Vancouver being found to be two islands instead of one, the name of Quadra has been bestowed upon one of them. All this will help to preserve the memory of a brave and patriotic man. On Tuesday, November 26, 1792 {1792/11/26}, Vancouver and his little fleet, now consisting of the Discovery, the Chatham, and the Dadalus, arrived at the Spanish port of Monterey and exchanged courtesies with the Spaniards. Senor Quadra again renewed his pleasant attentions. He told Vancouver that on his return from Nootka he found orders from Spain directing 51 [end of page f897p9m4_051.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY him to arrest all vessels on the North American coast, except those under the flag of Great Britain. The Spaniard readily agreed to aid Lieutenant Broughton to pass through New Spain to the Atlantic coast so as to enable him the sooner to reach London with Vancouver's dispatches. The winter months were spent by Vancouver in exploring about the Sandwich Islands. On May 20, 1793 {1793/05/20}, Vancouver again appeared at Nootka, where he saluted the Spanish fort, which salute was answered by Lieutenant Fidalgo. The visit on this occasion as pleasant, but had no effect upon the settlement of the Nootka controversy. From this time Vancouver busied himself with the work of exploring the Alaskan coast. The year 1794 {1794/00/00}. was also devoted to explorations on the Alaskan coast. As the summer drew toward a close Vancouver determined to return to Nootka, thinking that by this time dispatches would certainly be there in answer to those sent home by Lieutenant Broughton. He cast anchor in Friendly Cove on the evening of September 2, 1794 {1794/09/02}. Here he found the Spanish armed vessels Princesa, Aranzazu, and San.Carlos. Fidalgo had been to San Blas and had returned the evening before in the Princesa, and he brought with him Brigadier General Don Jose Manuel Alava. Under date of Tuesday, September 2, 1794 {1794/09/02}, Vancouver tells why Alava was at Nootka and at the same time pays a fine tribute to Quadra as follows-_ "The appointment of this gentleman as governor of Nootka had taken place in consequence of the death of our highly valuable and much esteemed Senior Quadra, who in the month of March had died at St. Blas, universally lamented. Having endeavored, on a former occasion, to point out the degree of admiration and respect with which the conduct of Senor Quadra towards our little community had impressed us during his life; I cannot refrain, now that t he is no more, from rendering that justice to his memory to which it is so amply intitled, by stating, that the unexpected melancholy event of his decease operated on the minds of us 52 [end of page f897p9m4_052.gif] OF PUGET SOUND all, in a way more easily to be imagined than described; and NvYlst it excited our most grateful acknowledgments, it produced the deepest regret for the loss of a character so amiable., and so truly ornamental to civil society." The other occasion referred to by Vancouver was during the visit of his little Fleet of three vessels in the harbor of Monterey, California. At that time he paid such deference to the generosity of Quadra that a full quotation from his journal is here made in the hope that it will aid toward a better appreciation of this character. Vancouver wrote at the end of December, 1792 {1792/12/00}, as follows- "The well known generosity of my other Spanish friends, will, I trust, pardon the warmth of expression with which I must ever advert to the conduct of Senor Quadra; who,' regardless of the difference in opinion that had arisen between us in our diplomatic capacities at Nootka, had uniformly maintained towards us a character infinitely beyond the reach of my powers of encornium to describe. His benevolence was not confined to the common rights of hospitality, but was extended to all occasions, and was exercised in every instance, where His Majesty's service, combined with my commission, was in the least concerned. "To Senor Quadra we were greatly indebted, for waiting our arrival at Monterey, for the friendly and hospitable reception we experienced, and afterwards for remaining there for the sole purpose of affording me an opportunity of transwriting through the medium of his kind offices, my dispatches to England; when his time, no doubt, would have passed infinitely more to his satisfaction at the town of Tepic, the place of his residence in the vicinity of St. Blas. Such sacrifices did not however fill the measure of Senor Quadra's liberality; for, on my requesting an account of the expenses incurred for the refreshments, with which the three vessels under my command had been so amply supplied, here and at St. Francisco, together with the charges attendant on the cattle, sheep, corn, etc., etc., put on board the Daedalus for his majesty's infant colony in New South Wales, be not only revolted at the idea of receiving any payment, but gave strict 53 [end of page f897p9m4_053.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY orders that no account whatever should be rendered; nor would he accept of the most common voucher, or other acknowledgment, for the very liberal supply we had received, of such essential importance not only to our health and comfort at the time, but to our subsequent welfare. "On my first arrival at Monterey I had questioned Senor Quadra, as to the supply of refreshments, and the price of the different species we should require. To the first he assured me that everything the country afforded was at our service; and as to the last,'he said that could be easily settled on our departure. On this ground I now strongly urged his compliance with his former promise, especially as the account between us was of a public nature; but all my remonstrances were to no effect; he insisted that he had' fulfilled his promise, since the only settlement in which he could possibly engage was that of seeing we were accommodated to the extent of our wishes, with every supply the country could bestow; adding, that repayment would most amply be made, by the promised success attending every creature and production, that we had either received for our own use, or that were destined for other purposes. And as it was probable our respective courts would become acquainted with our several transactions, he should submit all further acknowledgment to their determination "The venerable, and respectable father president of the Franciscan missionaries, with all the excellent and worthy members of that religious order together with Seniors Caamano, Arguello, Sal, and the whole of the Spanish officers with whom we had the honor of being acquainted, demand from us the highest sentiments of esteem and gratitude. Even the common people were entitled to our good opinion and respect, as they uniformly subscribed to the exemplary conduct of their superiors, by a behavior that was very orderly and obliging. "To the reverence, esteem, and regard, that was show Senor Quadra by all persons and on all occasions, I must attribute some portion of the respect and friendship we relieved; and consider the general disposition in our favor 54 [end of page f897p9m4_054.gif] THE NOOTKA MONUMENT. Erected at Friendly Cove by the Washington University State Historical Society, in August, 1903. {1903/08/00} [end of page f897p9m4_054p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND to have acquired no little energy, by the noble example of that distinguished character." Knowing these pleasant testimonies as to the excellence of Quadra's character, it was a delight to honor his memory by the erection of the monument at Nootka as already de- scribed. After visiting the place and studying the scenes of these notable transactions, the anxiety to know more about Quadra was greater than ever. Vancouver's life work is largely, told in his published ' journal. He also gives us a glimpse of Quadra, but there are few published records that show the real life and work of Quadra. His voyage in 1775 {1775/00/00} was recorded by Maurelle, the pilot, and in 1781 {1781/00/00}an English version was published by Daines Barrington in his "Mis- cellanies." This abbreviated account tells of the bravery, industry, and kindness of Quadra on that famous voy- age in the little Sonora. It is a scant record, however, to reflect the life of a big man. In the quest for more information, pictures of the Nootka monument were sent, with appeals for facts about Quadra, to Mexico, Peru, and to the Royal Academy of History at Madrid, Spain. The last-named institution responded generously. With the extreme dignity and politeness for which the Spanish people are justly famous, Cesareo Fernandez Duro, Secretary of the Royal Academy, wrote as follows- "This Royal Academy, to which I have given an account of your communication of the 12 of December, 1903 {1903/12/12}, has conferred upon me the charge of answering it, beginning by expressing its gratitude to your Society for the honor done to the Spanish Navy in the person of Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, by engraving his name on the monument erected in Nootka (British Columbia), and continuing by gathering together the biographical data concerning the distinguished hydrographer, which may serve to satisfy your desires. "The facts are not many I do not know of any special biographer of Quadra, nor do I believe there exists any por- trait 4 him; from data scattered in various works, I have 55 [end of page f897p9m4_055.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY formed the adjoining account, and it will please me greatly if it be of any use to you." The adjoining account to which he refers consists of four printed pages, evidently from the proceedings of the Royal Academy of History, dated at Madrid, January 15, 1904 {1904/01/15}, and signed like the letter by Senor Duro. The account is, of course, in the Spanish language, a translation of which is given here because of the light thrown upon the little-known career of Quadra, who richly deserves to be rescued from threatening oblivion. It will be noticed that the coasts of California and British Columbia are confused. Under the caption of "Monument Erected in California to Vancouver and Bodega y Quadra," the document is as follows- " In the month of August of the past year, 1903 {1903/08/00}, there was erected at the port of Nutka (Coast of California), under the direction of Mr. Edmond S. Meany, Secretary of the Washington University State Historical Society, in honourable recognition, a prismatic and quadrangular monolith of granite, sustained by a simple parallelopiped of the same material. The inscription in the English language, engraved on the anterior face of the prism, explains its object, reading 'Vancouver and Quadra met here in August, 1792 {1792/08/00}, under the treaty between Spain and Great Britain of October, 1790 {1790/10/00}- - Erected by the Washington University State Historical Society, August, 1903 {1903/08/00}.' Which translated into Spanish reads(when follows the same inscription in Spanish) "The monument, then, relates to the services of the captain in the Spanish Navy, Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, Knight of the Order of Santiago, and especially to those which are here mentioned as follows- , In a meeting of authorities of the vice royalty of New Spain, at the initiative of the visitador Don Jose Galvez, in the year 1768 {1768/00/00}, they agreed upon the occupation of the ports of San Diego and Monterey, on the coast of California, by founding military garrisons and missions for religious purposes, to which end they dispatched by sea the packet boats San Antonio and San Carlos, constructed for this purpose at the 56 [end of page f897p9m4_056.gif] OF PUGET SOUND naval station of San Blas, sending at the same time auxiliary expeditions by land. "In the first part of the year 1775 {1775/00/00}there was organized another maritime expedition in charge, of the lieutenant of a man-of-war, Don Bruno de Heceta, who commanded the frigate Santiago, having under his orders the schooner Sonora, captained by Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, above mentioned. They conducted a notable and profitable campaign they went as far north as 56o 47' Of latitude and no farther, because the cold and the epidemic of scurvy harassed the crews terribly. Nevertheless they examined ports, coves, rivers, capes, seldom seen or entirely unknown; they gave names to the harbors of la Trinidad, los Martires, Guadalupe, Remedio ' s, Bucarelli; they drew maps, corrected the general chart of & coast; they gathered ethnographic notes and gained honorable recognition among discoverers. "Two corvettes constructed in Guayaquil, the Princesa and the Favorita, continued the exploration in February of 1779 {1779/02/00}, in command of the lieutenants of the Navy, Don Ignacio de Arteaga and the above mentioned Bodega y Quadra. They were to go north, according to their instructions, as far as 700 of latitude, and amplify what had been formerly observed. They did so with regard to orography and the variety of minerals, plants, birds, and fish; they drew a sketch of the port of Bucarelli, the Bay of Regla with the contiguous island and its channels, prolonging the work so that in the autumn it came to be very laborious, and they could go north as far as 60 only. "While these examinations were suspended, on account of the war with Great Britain, Russian expeditions crossed Bering Strait and secretly established trading houses on the islands of Trinidad, Onalaska and Nutka, until this fact having been found out diplomatic claims were set on foot with complete success, and they dislodged the intruders. The port of San Lorenzo de Nutka was settled and fortified in consequence, by sending an expedition to that effect in 1788.{1788/00/00} [This is evidently a mistake of one year. It should be 1789 {1789/00/00} 57 [end of page f897p9m4_057.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY "Ships from the United States of America and from Portugal tried to enter into transactions, without result, and shortly after, in July, 1789 {1789/07/00}, there appeared there the English packet boat Argonaut, whose captain declared he had received orders from the British Company of the South, to which he belonged to take up station and install a commercial trading post for sea-otter skins; the Spanish commandant denied such claims and as the conduct of the said captain was not suited to his station as foreign guest, the ship was detained and sent to San Blas, an event which was the origin of remonstrances on the part of the English Government and a question of gravity which came to the point of rupture. " It was concluded amicably, the treaty or agreement being signed at San Lorenzo del Escorial the 28th of October, 1790 {1790/10/28}, in which were settled the differences relative to fishing, shipping and trading points on the Pacific Ocean. There remained pendent only the details of execution, in order to determine the which there were designated on the part of, England the celebrated navigator and discoverer Vancouver, who went directly to Nutka with the ships Discovery and Chatham; on the part of Spain Don Juan de la. Bodega y Quadra, at the time commandant of the naval station San Blas in California. The definite treaties of Whitehall on the 12th of February, 1793 {1793/02/12}, and that of Madrid of the 11th of January, 1794 {1794/01/11}, were the result of these conferences. "Bodega died this same year. "I have no information that there has been written any especial biography of this famous sailor nor do I know of any portrait of him, but eulogies are paid him in the hydrographical Annals, above all in the works cited below " D. Luis de Salazar, 'Discurso sobre la Hidrografia.' "D. Martin Fernandez de Navarrete, 'Biblioteca Maritima,' 11, 190. "Idem, 'Noticia de las expediciones en busca del paso, de oro.' 4"Anuario de la Direccion de Hidrografia,' ano III. Madrid, 1865 {1865/00/00} 58 [end of page f897p9m4_058.gif] OF PUGET SOUND "D. Manuel de Mendiburu, 'Diccionario biografico his. torico del Peru.' Lima, 1876 {1876/00/00}, V, 50. "' Catalogo de manuscritos espanoles del Museo Britanico,' 11,366. "Fernandez Duro, 'Armada espanola,' t. VII y VIII. "The especial achievement alluded to by the above works is the following "General map concerning what, up to to-day, has been discovered and explored by the Spaniards on the northern coast of California formed on very positive knowledge, according to the meridian of San Blas, which is 88o, 15' to the West of Tnerife, by D. Juan Francisco de la. Bodega y Quadra, of the order Santiago, Captain of a battleship of the Royal Navy and Commandant of the Department. Year of 1791 {1791/00/00} "The following series as its complement "'The Voyage of the frigates Santa Gertrudis, Aranzazu, Princesa and the schooner Active to the northwest coast of northern America in 1792 {1792/00/00},' by the same Bodega. "Villavicencio engraved in Mexico, in 1788 {1788/00/00}, another geographical chart of the west coast of California, by the same author. "In the document of proofs in order to obtain the insignia of the Order of Santiago commenced in December, 1775 {1775/12/00}, and concluded in the following year, the original of which is preserved in the Archivo Historico Nacional (Madrid), it is stated that D. Juan Francisco de la Bodega was then about thirty or thirty two years old, that is to say, that he was born about 1744 {1744/00/00}, in Lima, the capital of Peru, his parents being D. Tomas de la Bodega, a native of San Julian de Musques in the valley of Somorrostro, under the laws of Viscaya, and Dona Francisca Mollinedo, a native of Lima. "His paternal grand-parents were D. Juan de la Bodega and Dona Agustina de las Llanas, both natives of the same San Julian de Musques. "His maternal grand-parents, D. Manuel De Mollinedo, a native of Bilbao, and Dona josefa Losada, who was from the town of Chamcay in Peru, but of Galician descent. "His paternal great grandmother was Dona Isabel de la 59 [end of page f897p9m4_059.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Quadra and this surname the candidate for the insignia. used in the second place, doubtless because his father also had adopted it, and because the latter moved to Peru, at the instigation of his relative, D. Antonio de la Quadra, a gentleman who was there established in a good position. "Twenty four witnesses convoked in Madrid, in San Julan de Musques, in Bilbao and in San Salvador del Castro dc~ Oro (GaUcia), for proving the nobility of the fan&,; declared in the writs that they had an ancestral house and coat of arms in San Julian, and tl-iat the ancestors had been mayors, iWigistrates and captains, on account of all of which, and in view of the documents proving it, the insignia was conceded to Don Juan Francisco in 1776 {1776/00/00}, at that time lieutenant in the Royal Navy, stationed in California." Fragmentary as the record seems, it is enough to show that Bodega y Quadra was a man of great bravery, warm-hearted, kind, and dignified. He had wrought out his own careerand had achieved success, clin-ibing to high station by the force of his own character. He deserves to be remembered by all who care for the early history of this western land. 60 [end of page f897p9m4_060.gif] VANCOUVER'S CHART OF PUGET SOUND. Reproduced from the map in original Atlas, London, 1798 {1798/00/00}. [end of page f897p9m4_060p.jpg] OF PUGET CHAPTER V [April,1792] {1792/04/00} FROM cape Look-out, which is situated in latitude 45o 32', longitude 236o 11', the coast takes a direction about N. 8 W. and is pleasingly diversified with eminences and small hills near the sea shore, in which are some shallow sandy bays, with a few detached rocks lying about a mile from the land. The more inland country is considerably elevated; the mountains stretch towards the sea, and at a distance appeared to form many inlets and projecting points; but the sandy beach that continued along the coast renders it a compact shore, now and then interrupted by perpendicular rocky cliffs, on which the surf breaks violently. This mountainous inland country extends about io leagues to the north from cape Look-out, where it descends suddenly to a moderate height; and had it been destitute of its timber, which seemed of considerable magnitude and to compose an intire forest, it might be. deemed low land. Noon brought UT UP with a very conspicuous point of land composed of a cluster of hummocks, moderately high, and projecting into the sea from the low land bekwe mentioned. These hummocks are barren, and steep near the sea, but their tops are thinly covered with wood. On the south side of this promontory was the appearance of an inlet, or small river, the land behind not indicating it to be of any great extent; nor did it seem accessible for vessels of our burthen, as the breakers extended from the above point two or three miles into the ocean, until joined those on the beach nearly four leagues further South. On reference to Mr, Meares's description of the coast south of this promontory, I was- at first induced to believe it to be 61 [end of page f897p9m4_061.gif] original Journal, VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY pages 34-35.1 [April, 1792.] {1792/04/00} cape Shoalwater, but on ascertaining its latitude, I presumed it to be that which he calls cape Disappointment; and the opening to the south of it, Deception bay. This cape was found to be in latitude 46o 19', longitude 236o 6'. The sea had now changed from its natural, to river coloured water; the probable consequence of some streams falling into the bay, or into the ocean to the north of it, through the low land. Not considering this opening worthy of more attention, I continued our pursuit to the N. W. being desirous to embrace the advantages of the prevailing breeze and pleasant weather, so favorable to our examination of the coast, which now took a direction N. 12 W.; the latitude at this time was 46o W; longitude 236o 11/2'; and the variation of the compass 18o eastwardly. In this situation we had soundings at the depth Of 33 fathoms, black sandy bottom; the northernmost land seen from the deck bore by compass north; the promontory of cape Disappointment, from N. 14 E. to N. 32 E.; this, the nearest shore, was about two leagues distant; and the southernmost land in sight bore S. E. by S. The country before us presented a most luxuriant landscape, and was probably not a little heightened in beauty by the weather that prevailed. The more interior parts were somewhat elevated, and agreeably diversified with hills, from which it gradually descended to the shore, and terminated in a sandy beach. The whole had the appearance of a continued forest extending as far north as the eye could reach, which made me very solicitous to find a port in the vicinity of a country presenting so delightful a prospect of fertility; our attention was therefore earnestly directed to this object, but the sandy beach bounded by breakers extending three or four miles into the sea, seemed to be completely inaccessible until about four in the afternoon, when the appearance of a tolerably good bay presented itself. For this we steered, in the hope of finding a division in the reef, through which, should admittance be gained, there was great reason to expect a well sheltered anchorage; but on approaching within two or three miles of the breakers, 62 [end of page f897p9m4_062.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [original Journal, pages 35-37] [April, 1792] {1792/04/00} we found them produced by a compact reef, extending from a low projecting point of land along the shores to the southward, until they joined the beach to the north of cape Disappointment. This projecting point is somewhat more elevated than the rest of the coast, and is situated in latitude 46o 40'; longitude 236o. Not a little disappointed, we resumed our route along the shores of this pleasant country. The projecting point, at six, bore compass N. 10 E; the center of the bay, and the nearest part of the reef in a line N. 69 E.; distant from the former about seven, and from the latter, about three miles. Immediately within the point, the interior country is more elevated than to the north or south of it; rising in gradual ascent to land of a moderate height. In respect of latitude, this point answered nearly to Mr. Meares's cape Shoalwater; but, from his description of the adjacent country, it should rather appear to be his Low Point; and the bay we endeavoured to enter to the south of it, Shoalwater bay; as in it there appeared two openings, the one taking a northerly, and the other an eastwardly direction. Mr. Meares likewise states, " that, with their glasses, they traced the line of the coast to the south of cape Shoalwater, which presented no opening, that promised like an harbour"; those to the south of both these points flattered our expectations, until the breakers, extending across each of them, gave us reason to consider them inaccessible, and unworthy any loss of time whilst accompanied by so favorable a breeze. At sun-set we again shortened sail, and as usual hauled our wind to preserve our station until morning. Our soundings were from 24 to 43 fathoms, dark brown sandy bottom. It was calm for a few hours during the evening and night, attended with a heavy fall of rain. The next morning, Saturday 28th {1792/04/28}, at 4 o'clock, with a light breeze at E. S. E. we again steered in for the land, and found that we had been materially affected by a northern current. The land we had been abreast of the preceding evening, now bore by compass S. E. six or seven leagues distant; and the coast to the north of it still continuing to appear 63 [end of page f897p9m4_063.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [April, 1792] {1792/04/00} a straight and compact shore, I did not attempt gaining a nearer view, but passed on to the northward, keeping at about a league from the land which now took an almost north' direction, to a point that, after the Right Honorable Lord Grenville, I named POINT GRENVILLE, situated in latitude 47o 22', longitude 235o 53', once the coast tends N. N W. Lying off point Grenville are three small rocky islets, one of Aich, like that at cape Look-out, is perforated. From hence, as we proceeded to the north, the coast began to increase regularly in height, and the inland country, behind the low land bordering on the sea shore, acquired a considerable degree of elevation. The shores we passed --------------------------------------------- Lord Grenville., There is but one Lord Grenville. He won the title in the course of his political career, and as he died without issue that title passed with him to the grave. William Wyndham Grenville was born on ,October, 25, 1759 {1759/10/25}. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, studied at the Inns of Court, but did not practice at the bar. When less than twenty-three years of age he was elected to Parliament for the county of Buckingham. In September of the same year, 1782 {1782/09/00}, he became secretary to his brother, the Marquis of Buckingham, who had been made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. "Returning to England on the overthrow of Lord Shelburne's cabinet in 1783 {1783/00/00}, he was appointed Paymaster of the Forces by his cousin, Pitt. In 1789 {1789/00/00} he was chosen Speaker of the House of Commons, but during the same year he became Secretary of State and was thereupon transferred to the Upper House with the title of Lord Grenville. In 1791 {1791/00/00} he exchanged his office for that of Secretary of Foreign Affairs. He sympathized strongly with Pitt's desire to remove political disabilities from the Catholics, and on the king's declining to make any concessions on this point he resigned with Pitt in 1801 {1801/00/00}. Pitt resumed office in 1804 {1804/00/00}, but did not stipulate for Catholic emancipation, on which account Grenville not only refused to join his ministry, but went into close alliance with Fox. On the death of Pitt in 1806 {1806/00/00} the Government known as "All the Talents" was organized with Grenville as the nominal head. This Government abolished the slave trade, but was otherwise unsuccessful and was greatly weakened by the death of Fox, the real leader. In March, 1867 {1867/03/00}, the king demanded of Grenville an assurance that he would not initiate any measures for the relief of the Catholics, where upon he resigned. Some of his colleagues disapproved this conscientiousness, and Sheridan voiced their sentiment as follows, "I have known many men to knock their heads against a wall, but I never before heard of a man collecting bricks and building a wall for the express purpose of knocking 64 [end of page f897p9m4_064.gif] LORD GRENVILLE. From the painting by J. Hoppner, in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photograph copyrighted by Walker & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. Engraving made in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_064p.jpg] this morning, differed in some respects from those we had hitherto seen. They were composed of low cliffs rising perpendicularly from a beach of sand or small stones; bad many detached rocks of various romantic forms, lying at the chstance of about a mile, -with regular soundings, between 16 and ig fathoms, soft sandy bottom. Noon brought us in sight of land, which was considered to be that named by Mr. Barclay, Destruction island; bearing by compass from N. 14. W. to 5o 17 NV; the southernmost land in sight, S- 53 E.; the northernmost N. 36 W.; and the nealest shore N. 65 E. at the distance of about four miles; in this situation our observed latitude was 47o 30', longitude 235o 49', and the variation of the compass 18o eastwardly. OF PUGET SOUND ------------------------------------------ out his own brains against it." He never held office.again. He continued one of the principal advocates for Catholic emancipation and generally voted with the Whigs. He died at his home, Dropmore, Buckinghamshire, January 12, 1834 {1834/01/12}. Lord Grenville was not a great statesman, but he wielded considerable influence by his industry, straightforwardness, and political knowledge. He also attained some rank in literature. Among other things he edited the letters from the Earl of Chatham to his nephew, Thomas Pitt, afterwards Lord Camelford, who has been referred to in the biography of Vancouver. In 1809 {1809/00/00}Grenville was chosen Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In 1792 {1792/00/00}he married Anne Pitt, daughter of the first Lord Camelford. Destruction Island. This island has an interesting history. On July 14, 1775 {1775/07/14}, Quadra took shelter on its lee while Heceta in the Santiago a few miles south took formal possession of the land in the usual Spanish manner. He landed with Padre Sierra, Surgeon Davales, and Second Pilot Cristobal Reveilla. These were the first civilized men to touch foot to soil in Oregon or Washington. On landing they took possession and, erecting a cross on the shore, they planted at its foot a bottle sealed with wax in which was placed a record of the event. While this ceremony was in progress, Quadra was witnessing a terrible tragedy. The Indians had given every evidence of friendliness. As with Perez at Nootka in 1774 {1774/00/00}, so now with Quadra, these Indians, though startled at the first appearance of white men, seemed sure that the visitors would bring wealth. They held up bits of iron and copper and in unmistakable sign language asked for more. Native copper has been found in the western river gravel, but the iron was a mystery. Indian tradition and even written records as, for example, Nathaniel J. Wyeth's letter, published as an appendix to Washington Irving's "Adventures of Captain Bonneville," tell of Japanese junks being wrecked on the western coasts. 65 [end of page f897p9m4_065.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [Original Joumal, Pages 38-39] [April, 1792.] {1792/04/00} In the afternoon the wind we had been so happily favored with died away, and was succeeded by calms and light variable breezes. These, with a current or tide setting rapidly in shore, obliged us to anchor in 21 fathoms, on a bottom of soft sand and mudthe coast, which now formed a straight and compact shore, bore by compass from N. 30 Wto S. 4.9 E.; the nearest part of the main land, cast, about Eve miles; Destruction island being the nearest land N. 5 E. to N- 5 W. about a league distant, some breakers extending ftom its north point N. 8 W. This island is situated in latitude 47o 37'; longitude 235o 491; and is by far the largest detached land yet observed on the coast. It is about a league in circuit, low, and nearly flat on the top, presenting a very barren aspect, and producing only one or two dwarf trees at each end. A canoe ------------------------- This may account for these Indians having iron. The Sonora needing water, Quadra sent ashore six men under Boatswain Pedro Santa Ana. An ambush of savages rushed out, killed the men, threw their bodies into the sea, tore the boat to pieces for the iron and copper fastenings, and then fled into the woods. Quadra was furious and wanted to march at the head of thirty men to seek revenge. He was overruled by a council of officers and was forced to sail away after calling the place " Isla de Dolores," or the " Island of Sorrows." Twelve years later, in July, 1787 {1787/07/00}, Captain Barclay saw the little river near this island. He sent a boat ashore for fresh water. The crew of five men, under Mr. Millar, were all killed by the Indians. He called the place " Destruction River." The next year, 1788 {1788/00/00}, John Meares found among the Indians at Nootka a seal that had belonged to Mr. Millar and the hand of a white man, probably cut from the body of Millar or one of his unfortunate companions. Since that time the names have been shifted and we have "Destruction Island," while the river is known by the Indian name Hoh, sometimes given on maps as Ohalat. In the summer Of 1905 {1905/00/00} the present writer made the journey on foot from Gray's Harbor to Neah Bay. It may be imagined what thoughts filled his mind as he visited the scenes of these tragedies of the long ago. The native village at the mouth of Hoh River gives evidence of having existed there for ages. The winding foot-path leading back into the forest from the village was explored for about a mile. Quadra would certainly have been defeated if he had sought revenge from Indians in that kind of a place, with its tangled undergrowth, and logs, rocks, and huge trees to serve as fortifications for the lurking savage warriors. 66 [end of page f897p9m4_066.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [Original Journal, Pages 39-40] or two were seen paddling near the island. It was a fact not less singular than worthy observation, that, on the whole extensive coast of New Albion, and more particularly in the vicinity of those fertile and delightful shores we had lately passed, we had not, excepting to the southward of cape Orford and at this place, seen any inhabitants or met with any circumstances, that in the most distant man ner indicated a probability of the country being inhabited. Notwithstanding the serenity and pleasantness of the weather, our voyagge was rendered excessively irksome by the want of wind; our progress was slow, and our curiosity was much excited to explore the promised expansive mediterranean ocean, which, by various accounts, is said to have existence in these regions. The several large rivers and capacious inlets that have been described as discharging their contents into the pacific, between the 40th and 48th degree of north latitude, were reduced to brooks insufficiet for our vessels to navigate, or to bays, inapplicable as harbours, for refitting; excepting that one of which Mr. Dalrymple informs us, that "it is alledged that the Spaniards have recently found an entrance in the latitude Of 47o 451 north, which in twenty-seven days course brought them to the vicinity of Hudson's bay; this latitude exactly corresponds to the ancient relation of John De Fuca, the Greek pilot, in 1592 {1592/00/00}." * Vide Mr. Dalrymple's plan for promoting the fur trade, etc., page 21, 1789 {1789/00/00} _____________________________ Straits of Juan de Fuca. This is one of the great geographical puzzles of the world. Samuel Purchas (1577-1626) {1577/00/00} - {1626/00/00}, an English clergyman and author, published in 1613 {1613/00/00} "Purchas his Pilgrimage, or Relations of the World and the Religions observed in all ages and places, etc." After a second edition in 1614 {1614/00/00}there were added four succeeding volumes, compnsmg articles from Hakluyt's publications and manuscripts, which appeared in 1625 {1625/00/00}under the title, "Hakluytus Postbumus, or Purchas his Pilgrimes containing a history of the World, in Sea Voyages and Land Travels by Englishmen and Others." In this work Purcbas included a note from Michael Lok, a man well known for his interest in geographical matters. Lok bad met in Venice in 1596 {1596/00/00}Juan de Fuca, a native of Cephalonia, whose real Greek name was Apostolos Valerianos. He claimed to have been for forty 67 [end of page f897p9m4_067.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [original Journal, Page 40-41 ] [April, 1792.] {1792/04/00} This inlet could be now only ten miles from us; and another that had been visited by Mr. Meares and other traders on the coast, was not more than twenty leagues distant. We had been extremely fortunate in the favorable winds that bad attended us along this coast, and their absence at this juncture made us impatient for their return. Our anxiety was, however, of no long duration; as by three o'clock on Sunday morning the 29th {1792/04/29}, we were indulged with a pleasant breeze, with which at day-ligbt we weighed and stood along the shore to the N. W. Whilst at anchor we found a constant current, without intermission, setting in the line of the coast to the northward, at an uniform rate of near half a ____________________________________ years in the Spanish service as pilot in the West Indies. While on the coast of California in 1587 {1587/00/00}he had been captured and robbed by the English Captain Cavendish and thereafter be bad escaped and had been sent by the viceroy of New Spain to find the supposed Straits of Anian. Lok's note in " Purchas his Pilgrimes " then continues as follows- "Also he said, that shortly after the said Voyage was so ill ended, the said Viceroy of Mexico sent him out againe Anno 1592 {1592/00/00}, with a small Caravela, and a Pinnace, armed with Mariners onely, to follow the said Voyage, for a discovery of the same Straits of Anian, and the passage thereof, into the Sea which they call the North Sea, which is our North-west Sea. And that he followed his course in that Voyage West and North-west in the South Sea, all alongst the coast of Nova Spania, and California, and the Indies, now called North America (all which Voyage bee signified to me in a great Map, and a Seacard of mine owne, which I laied before him) untill bee came to the Latitude of fortie seven degrees, and that there finding that the Land trended North and North-east, with a broad Inlet of Sea, between,47 and 48 degrees of Latitudebee entred thereinto, sayling therein more than twentie dayes, and found that Land trending still sometime North-west and North-east, and North, and also East and South-eastward, and very much broader Sea then was at the said entrance, and that he passed by diuers Ilands in that sayling. And that at the entrance of this said Strait, there is on the North-west coast thereof, a great Hedland or Iland, with an exceeding high Pinacle, or spired Rocke, like a piller thereupon. "Also he said, that he went on Land in divers places, and that he saw some people on Land, clad in Beasts skinsand that the Land is very fruitfull, and rich of gold, Silver, Pearle, and other things, like Nova Spania. " And also he said, that he being entred thus farre into the said Strait and being come into the North Sea already, and finding the Sea wide enough' every where, and to be about thirtie or fortie leagues wide in the mouth of the 68 [end of page f897p9m4_068.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [April, 1792.] {1792/00/00} Pages 40- 41] league per hour. Since we had passed cape Orford, we had been regularly thus affected, and carried further to the north by ten or twelve miles per day than we expected. At four o'clock, a sail was discovered to the westward standing in shore. This was a very great novelty, not having seen any vessel but our consort, during the last eight months. She soon hoisted American colours, and fired a gun to leeward. At six we spoke her. She proved to be the ship Columbia, commanded by Mr. Robert Gray, belonging to Boston, whence she had been absent nineteen months. Having little doubt of his being the same person who had formerly commanded the sloop Wasbington, I desired he ______________________________ Straits, where hee entred; hee thought he had now well discharged his office, and done the thing he was sent to doe." This is the famous first announcement of the discovery of the long-supposed Straits of Anian. Many writers who followed Purchas copied and credited the story, which is now generally believed to have been a fable and myth foisted upon Lok by the Greek mariner who was seeking a good employment at the hands of the English. Years upon years of search have failed to reveal one shred of contemporaneous evidence of Fuca's ever having made the voyage he claimed. It is not necessary here to enter into the long debate on the subject by three centuries of writers. In drawing the record of his "Voyage" to a close Vancouver says "By my having continued the name of De Fuca in my journal and charts a tacit acknowledgment of his discoveries may possibly, on my part, be inferred; this however I must positively deny, because there has not been seen one leading feature to substantiate his tradition on the contrary, the sea coast under the parallels between which this opening is said to have existed, is compact and impenetrable; the shores of the continent have not any opening whatever, that bears the least similitude to the description of De Fuca's entrance; and the opening which I have called the 'supposed straits of Juan de Fuca,' instead of being between the 47th and 48th degrees, is between the 48th and 49th degrees of north latitude, and leads not into a far broader sea or Mediterranean ocean. The error, however, of a degree in latitude may, by the advocates of De Fuca's merits, be easily reconciled, by the ignorance in those days, or in the incorrectness in making such common astronomical observations; yet we do not find that Sir Francis Drake, who sailed before De Fuca, was liable to such mistakes." George Davidson, the justly famous modern geographer of the Pacific Coast says in the "Pacific Coast Pilot," edition of 1889 {1889/00/00}, page 520, "There is not a single statement in the so-called narrative of Juan de Fuca as given by 69 [end of page f897p9m4_069.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY would bring to, and sent Mr. Puget and Mr. Menzies on board to acquire such information as, might be serviceable in our future operations. The most remarkable mountain we had seen on the coast of New Albion, now presented itself. Its summit, covered with eternal snow, was divided into a very elegant double fork, and rose conspicuously from a base of lofty mountains clothed in the same manner, which descended gradually to hills of a moderate height, and terminated like -that we had seen the preceding day, in low cliffs falling perpendicularly on a sandy beach; off which were scattered many rocks and rocky islets of various forms and sizes. This was generally considered, though it was not confirmed by its latitude, to be the mount Olympus of Mr. Meares; it being the only conspicuous mountain we had observed on the part of the coast we had visited. Mount Olympus is placed in latitude 47o 10'; whereas our latitude now was 47o 38'; and as this mountain bore N. 55 E. it must consequently be to the north of us; although we were unable to determine its precise Situation, by the thick hazy weather which shortly succeeded. On the return of the boat, we found our conjectures had not been ill grounded, that this was the same gentleman _______________________________________________________________ Matthew [Michael] Locke, the elder, that applies to this strait. The whole story is a fabrication." The Spaniards had no record of De Fuca's discovery. In Daines Barrington's "Miscellanies," published in London in 1781 {1781/00/00}, is the first English version of Bodega y Quadra's voyage Of 1775 {1775/00/00}. The journal was kept by Don Francisco Antonio Maurrelle, second pilot of the fleet. On page 493 is this entry, "On the 9th of July {1775/07/09}I conceived myself to be in the latitude of the mouth of a river [footnote says 'perhaps gulf (boca)'], discovered by John de Fuca (according to the French map) which we therefore endeavored to make for." So these Spaniards of New Spain depended on the French map for their knowledge of De Fuca's supposed voyage. The Englishmen depended upon Purchas of 1625 {1625/00/00}and his successors. Meares had these statements and restatements in mind when on Sunday, June 29, 1788 {1788/06/29}, he saw the actual inlet and named it after its "original discoverer Juan de Fuca." This has fixed the name for all subsequent geographers. Captain Barclay had noted the inlet in 1787 {1787/00/00}, but did not attempt to explore or name it. 70 [end of page f897p9m4_070.gif] OF PUGET SOUND who had commanded the sloop Washington at the time, we are informed, she had made a very singular voyage behind Nootka. It was not a little remarkable that on our approach to the entrance of this inland sea, we should fall in with the identical person who, it had been stated, had sailed through it. His relation, however, differed very materially from that published in England. It is not possible to conceive any one to be more'astonished than was Mr. Gray, on his being made acquainted, that his authority had been quoted, and the track pointed out that he had been said to have made in the sloop Washington. In contradiction to which, he assured the officers, that he had penetrated only 50 miles into the straits in question, in an E. S. E. direction; that he found the passage five leagues wide; and that he understood from the natives, that the opening extended a considerable distance to the northward; that this was all the information he had acquired respecting this inland sea, and that he returned into the ocean by the same way he had entered. The inlet he supposed to be the same that De Fuca had discovered, which opinion seemed to be universally received by all the modern visitors. He likewise informed them of his having been off the mouth of a river in the latitude Of 46o 10', where the outset, or reflux, was so strong as to prevent his entering for nine days. This was, probably, the opening passed by us on the forenoon of the 27th {1792/04/27}; and was, apparently, inaccessible, not from the current, but ftom the breakers that extended across it. He had also entered another inlet to the northward, in latitude 54o; in which he had sailed to the latitude Of 56o, without discovering its termination. The south point of entrance into De Fuca's straits he stated to be in 48o 24', and conceived our distance from it to be about eight leagues. The last winter be bad spent in port Cox, or, as the natives call it, Clayoquot, from whence be had sailed but a few days. During the winter be had built a small vessel, in which he had dispatched a mate and ten men to barter for furs on Queen Charlotte's islands, and was himself now commencing his summer's trade along the coast to the southward. Whilst he remained at Clayoquot, 71 [end of page f897p9m4_071.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Wicananish, the chief of the district,.had concerted a plan to capture his ship, by bribing a native of Owyhee, whom Mr. gray had with him, to wet the priming of all the firearms on board, which were constantly kept loaded; ipon which the chief would easily have overpowered the ship's crew, by a number of daring Indians who were assembled for that purpose. This project was happily discovered, and the Americans being on their guard the fatal effects of the enterprize were prevented. Having obtained this information, our course was again directed along the coast to the northward. It continued to increase in height as we advanced, with numberless detached rocky islets, amongst which were many sunken rocks, extending in some places a league from the shore. As we passed the outermost of these rocks at the distance of a mile, we plainly distinguished the south point of entrance into De Fuca's straits, bearing by compass N. 8 W.the opposite side of the straits, though indistinctly seen in consequence of the haze, plainly indicated an opening of considerable extent. The thick rainy weather permitted us to see little of the countryl yet we were enabled to ascertain that this coast, like that which we had hitherto explored from cape Mendocino, was firm and compact, without any opening into the Mediterranean sea, as stated in latitude 47o 45'; or the least appearance of a safe or secure harbour, either in that latitude, or, from it southward to cape Mendocino; notwithstanding that, in that space, geographers have thought it expedient to furnish many. Those, however, who from such ideal reports may be induced to navigate, in the confidence of meeting such resorts for shelter or refreshment, will, it is greatly to be apprehended, be led into considerable error, and experience like myself no small degree of mortification. We now saw several villages scattered along the shore, whose inhabitants came off for the purpose, as we supposed, of trading; as the Columbia brought to for a short time, and again made all the sail she could after us; which led us to conjecture, that Mr. Gray had not been perfectly satisfied with the account given by our officers, and suspected that 72 [end of page f897p9m4_072.gif] OF PUGET SOUND our object was of a commercial nature like his own, as he had informed our gentlemen that he was immediately going a considerable way southward. We were at this time within two or three miles of the shore; the wind blew a fresh gale, attended with thick rainy weather from the E. S. E. But as it was favourable for entering this inlet, we were eager to embrace the opportunity it afforded, and shortened sail that the Chatham might take the lead. About noon, we reached its, south entrance, which I understand the natives distinguish by the name of Classet*; it is a projecting and conspicuous promontory; and bore, by compass, from N. 56 E. to N. 39 E. distant from its nearest part about two miles. Tatooche's island, united to the promontory by aledge of rocks over which the sea violently breaks, bore from N. 17 E. to N. 30 E.; and the rock lying off the island, as described by Mr. Duncan in his excellent sketch of the entrance into the inlet, N. 14 E. In the latitude, however, there appears to be an error of ten miles; which, from Mr. Duncan's accuracy in other respects, I was induced to attribute to the press. The south entrance is by him stated to be in 48o 31; whereas, by our run, and making every allowance, we could not place it so far north as Mr. Gray. * Cape Flattery. _____________________________________ I Cape Flattery. It is noticed that Vancouver mentions the Indian name of Classet in the text, and in the footnote gives the name of Cape Flattery, which had been applied by Captain Cook on Sunday, March 22, 1778 {1778/03/22}. Vancouver was with Cook when that name was given. He writes it full and clear on his chart, but the journal seems to indicate that he really preferred the other name. Cook's journal of the last voyage, Volume 11, page 263, gives the reason for the name as follows- " Between this island or rock, and the Northern extreme of the land, there appeared to be a small opening, which flattered us with the hopes of finding an barbour. These hopes lessened as we drew nearer; and at last, we had some reason to think, that the opening was closed by low land. On this account I called the point of land to the North of it Cape Flattery" After this be stood off from the shore, was overtaken by a gale, and, when he next approached the shore on Sunday, March 29, 1778 {1778/03/29}, he was on the west coast of what was later known as Vancouver Island and this caused him to deny the existence of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 73 [end of page f897p9m4_073.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY No great violence ot tide was expenenced; nor did we observe the Pinnacle rock, as represented by Mr. Meares and Mr. Dalrymple, in order to identify these as De Fuca's straits, or any other rock more conspicuous than thousands along the coast, varying in form and size; some conical, others with flat sides, flat tops and almost every other shape that can be figured by the imagination. We followed the Chatham between Tatooche's island and the rock, hauling to the eastward along the southern shore of the supposed straits of De Fuca. This rock, which rises just above the surface of the water and over which the surf breaks with great violence, I called ROCK DUNCAN, in commemoration of that gentleman's discovery. It is situated, as he represents, about N. 20 E. nearly half a league from Tatooche's island; forming a passage, to all appearance, perfectly clear. The island of Tatooche is of an oblong shape, lying nearly in a N. W. and S. E. direction, about half a league in circuit, bearing a verdant and fertile appearance, without any trees. On & east side is a cove which nearly divides the island into two parts; the upper part of the cliff in the center of the cove, bad the appearance of having been separated by wart for the protection or conveniency of the village there situated; and has a communication from cliff to cliff above the houses of the village by a bridge or causeway, over which the inhabitants were seen passing and repassing. On the beach were seen several canoes, and some of them would most probably have visited us, had ine thought proper to shorten sail. This promontory, though not greatly elevated, rises very abruptly from the sea in steep barren cliffs; Duncan Rock. The naming of this rock at Cape Flattery, so well known to all mariners who enter the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is thus recorded by R. E. Gosnell in the 1897 {1897/00/00} edition of the Year Book of British Columbia, page 78"After Captain Charles Duncan, of the merchant ship Princess Royal, named by Vancouver in 1792 {1792/00/00}, to whom Duncan had given valuable inforination relating to the North-West Coast. Duncan had served in the Royal Navy as Master Duncan Rock is a serious menace to navigation. Keepers of the lighthouse at Cape Flattery say the United States government has had estimates made on the feasibility and probable cost of removing the rock. 74 [end of page f897p9m4_074.gif] OF PUGET SOUND above these it seems well wooded; but the badness of the weather that obscured the adjacent country, prevented also our ascertaining its situation. From the north-west part of Tatooche's island, which bears from the north point of the promontory of Classet N-79 W. distant about two miles, the exterior coast takes a direction nearly south about ten leagues; where, as we passed, I anxiously looked out for the point which Captain Cook had distinguished by the name of Cape Flattery, of which I could, not be completely satisfied, on account of the difference in latitude. A shallow bay, however, does extend about three leagues to the southward of Classet, which falls some distance back from the general line of the coast; and the base of the inland mountains which preject there, and form deep ravines, present at a distance the appearance of a safe and secure port; but, on a nearer approach, the whole was found firmly connected by a sandy beach. This, most probably, is the bay which the Resolution and the Discovery stood into; and Classet is the point with an island lying off it, which Captain Cook called Cape Flattery. The difference in latitude, (if Mr. Gray is correct, who has passed it several times, and always made it nearly the same,) may have been occasioned by a current similar to that which we had lately experienced along the coast; affecting the Resolution in the same manner, between noon, when their latitude was observed, and late in the evening, when Captain Cook hauled off the coast. As we proceeded along the shore, we passed the village of Classet, which is situated about two miles within the Cape, and has the appearance of being extensive and populous. As the fresh southwardly wind became much moderated by the intervention of the high land we were now under, some of the inhabitants found no difficulty in visiting us; this they did in a very civil, orderly, and friendly manner, requesting permission before they attempted to enter the ship; and on receiving some presents, with assurances of our friendship, they very politely and earnestly solicited us to stop at their village. The situation of the anchorage however being much exposed, and wishing for some snug port where, with 75 [end of page f897p9m4_075.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY ease and convenience) the various necessary services we now ~eq~ired might be performed, I declined their very cordial invitation, and directed our course up the inlet, entertam, no doubt that we should soon be enabled to accommodate ourselves with a more advantageous station. The few natives who came off resembled, in most respects, the people of Nootka. Their persons, garments, and behaviour, are very similar; some difference was observed in their ornaments, particularly in those worn at the nose; for instead of the crescent, generally adopted by the inhabitants of Nootka, these wore straight pieces of bone. Their canoes, arms, and implements, were exactly the same. They spoke the same language, but did not approach us with the flornaility observed. by those people on visiting the Resolution and Discovery; which may probably be owing to their having become more familiar with strangers. The wind veering to the S. E, obliged us to turn up along shore on the southern side of the straits, which, from cape Classet, takes a direction S. 70 E. About two miles within the village we passed a small open bay, with a little island lying off its eastern side, apparently too insignificant to answer our purpose of refitting. The weather becoming more unpleasant as the day advanced, at seven in the evening we came to anchor in 23 fathoms water, on a bottom of black sand and mud, about a mile from the shore I now became acquainted that after we bad passed within Tatooche's island a rock was noticed, and supposed to be that represented as De Fuca's pinnacle rock; this howoever was on only for a few minutes, from its being close to the shore of the main land, instead of lying in the entrance of the straits; nor did it correspond with that which has been so described. It was somewhat remarkable, that although we rode all night by the wind, the Chatham, though anchored not a quarter of a mile in shore of us, rode to a regular six hours tide, running near half a league per hour; and, by the appearance of the shores, the ebb and flow seemed to have been very considerable. 76 [end of page f897p9m4_076.gif] OF PUGET SOUND CHAPTER VI THE WORK IN AND AROUND PORT DISCOVERY The evening of the 29th {1792/04/29}brought us to an anchor in very thick rainy weather, about eight miles within the entrance on the southern shore of the supposed straits of De Fuca. The following morning, Monday the 30th {1792/04/30}, a gentle breeze sprang up from the N.W. attended with clear and pleasant weather, which presented to our view this renowned inlet. Its southern shores were seen to extend, by compass, from N. 83 W. to E; the former being the small island we had passed the preceding afternoon, which lying about hald a mile from the main land, was about four miles distant from usits northern shore extends from N.68 W. to N. 73 E.; the nearest point of it, distant about three leagues, bore N. 15 W. We weighed anchor with a favorable wind, and steered to the east along the southern shore, at the distance of about two miles, having an uninterrupted horizon between between east and N.73 E. The shores on each side the straits are of a moderate height; and the delightful serenity of the weather permitted our seeing this inlet to great advantage. The shores on the south side are composed of low sandy cliffs, falling perpendicularly on beaches of sand or stones. From the top of these eminences, the land appeared to take a further gentle moderate ascent, and was entirely covered with trees chiefly of the pine tribe, until the forest reached a range of high craggy mountains, which seemed to rise from the woodland country in a very abrupt manner, with a few scattered trees on their steril sides, and their summits covered with snow. The northern shore did not appear quite so highit rose more gradually from the sea-side to the tops of the 77 [end of page f897p9m4_077.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY mountains, which had the appearance o of a compact range, infinitely more uniform, and much less covered with snow than those on the southern side. Our latitude at noon was 48o 19'; longitude 236o 19l; and the variation of the compass 18o eastwardly. In this situation, the northern shore extended by compass from N. 82 W. to N. 51 E. ; between the latter, and the eastern extremity of the southern shore, bearing N. 88 E., we had still an unbounded horizon; whilst the island before mentioned, continuing to form the west extremity of the southern shore, bore S. 84 W. By these observations, which I have great reason to believe were correctly taken, the north promontory of Classet is situated in latitude 48o 23'; longitude 235o 38'. The smoothness of the sea, and clearness of the sky, enabled us to take several sets of lunar distances, which gave the longitude to the eastward of the chronometer, and served to confirm our former observations, that it was gaining very materially on the rate as settled at Otaheite. As the day advanced, the wind, which as well as the weather was delightfully pleasant, accelerated our progress along the shore. This seemed to indicate a speedy, termination to the inlet; as high land now began to appear just rising from that horizon, which, a few hours before, we had considered to be unlimited. Every new appearance, as we proceeded, furnished new conjectures; the whole was not visibly connected; it might form a cluster of islands separated by, large arms of the sea, or be united by land not sufficiently high to be yet discernable. About five in the afternoon, a long, low, sandy point of land was observed proiecting from the craggy shores into the sea, behind which was'seen the appearance of a wellsheltered bay, and, a little to the S. E. of it, an opening in the land, prombim'g a safe and extensive port. About this time a very high conspicuous craggy mountain, bearing by compass N- 50 E. presented itself, towering above the cloudsas low down as they allowed it to be visible, it was covered with snow; and south of it, was a long ridge of very rugged snowy mountains, much less elevated which seemed to stretch to a considerable distance. 78 [end of page f897p9m4_078.gif] DUNGENESS ON THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. Photograph of this old chart secured by special permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. [end of page f897p9m4_078p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND As my intention was to anchor for the night under the low point, the necessary, signals were made to the Chatham; and at seven we hauled round it, at the distance of about a mile. This was, however, toco near, as we soon found ourselves in three fathoms water; but, on steering about half a ale to the north, the depth increased to ten fathoms, and we rounded the shallow Spit, which, though not very conspicuous, is shewn by the tide causing a considerable rippling over it. Having turned up a little way into the bay, we anchored on a bottom of soft sand and mud in 14 fathoms water. The low sandy point of land, which from its great .,,'resemblance to Dungeness in the British channel, I called NEW DUNGENSS, bore by compass N. 41 W. about three ______________ New Dungeness. The word is sometimes spelled Dengeness, as by Montague, Burrows, "Cinque Ports," page 236, " that tract of land with the separa!e borough of Dengemarsh of which the mooring Dengeness or Dungeness is gives a in the extreme point." Halliwell's Dictionary, 1847 {1847/00/00}, Meaning of "den" as "a sandy tract near the sea as at Exmouth and at other places.," Murray's great dictionary traces , den" and "dene" to "dune." "Ness" is easily traced to the Anglo-Saxon "naess," meaning cape.It is interesting to observe that the Indians of the Pacific Coast through their Chinook jar on call a cape "nose." Dungeness, then, means a sandy or dunelike cape. The journal of the Royal Geographical Society, volume IX, 1897 {1897/00/00}, page 536, has a paper called " Dungeness & Forellind," by F. P. Gulliver. The author produces a chart, comparing Dungeness Fore ' land with West Point, north of Seattle, and also with "False Dungeness Harbor, Port Angeles," probably in this last case confusing Port Angeles with New Dungeness. On page 546 of the same journal appears the following "English sailors have recognized in other parts of the world forms similar to Dungeness Foreland and have applied the same name to two widely separated deposits, both having a similar geological structure. One is in Puget Sound and the other is South of Patagonia in the Strait of Magellan." The Illustrated London News in February 1, 1873 {1873/02/01}, in describing a wreck, used the following "Dungeness is fourteen miles from Folkestone by road from Romney, the last four being a track over a shingly beach. The Ness runs out from the highland more than a couple of miles and creates a kind of breakwater." During the search for Vancouver's reason for giving this name to the first harbor he found in Northwestern America, special permision was obtained from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to photograph an old chart. 79 [end of page f897p9m4_079.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY miles distant, from whence the low prejecting, land extends until it reaches a bluff cliff of a moderate height, bearing from us S. 60 W. about a league distant. From this station the shores bore the same appearance as those we had passed _______________________________________________________ The chart was published on May 12 1792 {1792/05/12} while Vancouver was exploing Cook's Inlet in Alaska. It is therefore practically contemporaneous with the naming of New Dungeness. Search was also being made for a picture of the old lighthouse at Dungeness when the Lords Commissioners sent word through their Secretary, Evan MacGregor that they had no picture of the lighthouse. " My Lords would suggest reference to the Trinity House for accurate information, as, the light was originally established by the Elder Brethren." At Trinity House was found a water-color drawing of the old lighthouse as damaged from lightning. The Elder Brethren kindly gave their permission for a photograph to be made for this work, and in regard to the damages indicated in the picture, T. Matthews of Trinity House writes "I have had search madq be regret that we are unable to,fix the exact date when the lighthouse at Dungeness was struck with Uglimhg. There is, however, a reference in one f the documents, dated 5th May 1846 {1846/05/05}, to the effect that the brickwork of the Tower walls was shaken 'by lightning many years back."' The Corporation of Trinity House is an exceedingly interesting institution of itself. lt is an association of English mariners and got its first charter from Henry VIII in 1514 {1514/00/00}, when it was described as the "guild or fraternity of the most glorious and undividable Trinity of St. Clement." Henry VIII intrusted it with the direction of the new naval dockyard at Deptford. Elizabeth, in 1573 {1573/00/00}, conferred a grant of arms and gave it authority to erect beacons and other marks for the guidance of navigators along the coast of England. In 1604 {1604/00/00} the Elder Brethren received control while the other members were called Younger Brethren. The corporation was dissolved by act of Parliament in 1647 {1647/00/00}, but was restored in 1660 {1660/00/00}. In 1836 Trinity House was empowered to buy all hothouses and maintain them by tolls, the surplus to go toward the maintenance of indigent mariners. In 1853 {1853/00/00} the control of the funds passed to the Board of Trade. They still erect lighthouses, buoys, and beacons, and serve, in an advisory capacity, the High Court of Admiralty. According to the records of Trinity Home, the first lighthouse at Dungeness was built in 1615 {1615/00/00}, It was rebuilt in 1792 {1792/00/00}. In 1904 {1904/00/00}a finer and higher lighthouse was built, bearing this inscription, "This lighthouse and that on the Point together with the Fog Signal were erected in the year 1904{1904/00/00} to supersede the lighthouse built in 1792 {1792/00/00}." A clipping from an English newspaper Of 1904 {1904/00/00} gives some interesting information about the new lighthouse as follows "The new lighthouse at 80 [end of page f897p9m4_080.gif] OLD LIGHTHOUSE AT DUNGENESS, ENGLAND. Photograph of a water-color drawing, secured by special permission of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House. [end of page f897p9m4_080p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND in the morning, composing one entire forest. Ile snowy mountains of the inland country were, however, neither so high nor so rugged, and were further removed from the sea shore. The nearest parts bore by compass from us, south about half a league off; the apparent port S. 50 E. about two leagues; and the south point of an inlet, seemingly very capacious, S 85 E.; with land appearing like an island, moderately elevated, lying before its entrance, from S. 85 E.; to N. 87 E.; and the S. E. extremity of that which now appeared to be southern shore, N. 71 E. From this direction round by the N and NW. the high distant land formed, as already observed, like detached islands, amongst wbich the lofty mountain, discovered in the afternoon by the third _______________________________________ Dungeness, which next to Cape Gris Nez, on the French Coast, has the most powerful light in the English Channel, was used for the first time last night. It has taken two years to construct, and supersedes the old building, which has been in existence for 114. years, but which now, owing to the accumulation of shingle, stands nearly half a mile inland. The illuminant is oil-gas, burnt on the incandescent principle, the intensity of the flash is 144,000 candle power, and the light is visible for seventeen and a half miles. There is also a subsidiary light in the same tower which can be seen for thirteen miles." This reference to the changing of the beach at old Dungeness in England recalls a recorded change at New Dungeness near Puget Sound. Professor George Davidson, in his " Pacific Coast Pilot," page 530, discusses the curious harbor as follows"This point is so low that vessels bound in or out of the harbor, before the erection of the Light-house, were upon it before they were aware of their danger. Several had run ashore on the outside beach; and in 1855 {1855/00/00}, while we more anchored close under the point, with the weather thick and hazy, a vessel from Admiralty Inlet had been set out of her course by the currents, and came driving in with studding sails set, and only saw her mistake and danger when the black hull of our vessel attracted her attention." Then in a footnote on the same page "On the 2nd of December, 1871 {1871/12/02}, there was a violent gale of wind from the northwest, during which the sea made a breach across the spit nearly fifty yards in width, cutting off communication along the spit from the main land to the Light-bouse, except at low water and with a smooth -sea. This cut was temporary. The sea also cut over one hundred feet into the spit northeast of the Light-house and reduced the distance of the Light-house from the water by that amount. At times during this gale clouds of sand arose and completely enveloped the top of the tower." G 81 [end of page f897p9m4_081.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY lieutenant, and in compliment to him called by me MOUNT BAKER, rose a very conspicuous object, bearing by compass N. 43 W. apparently at a very remote distance. A small Indian village was near us on the south side of the bay, but we had not yet been visited by any of the inhabitants. We hhad now advanced further up this inlet than Mr. Gray, or (to our knowledge) any other person from the civilized world; is said to have been entered by de Fuca, in support of which oral testimony is the only authority produced; a tradition rendered still more doubtful by its entrance differing at least 40' in latitude. Considering ourselves now on the point of commencing an examination of an entirely new region, I cannot take leave _____________________________ Third Lieutenant Joseph Baker. Diligent and extensive search has thus far failed to bring a portrait or biographical sketch of this young officer in whose honor was named one of the finest mountains on the Pacific Coast., The Muster Book of his Majesty's sloop Discovery, now on file in the Public Record Office, London, carries the name of Joseph Baker as Third Lieuten- ant, whose commission was issued on December 18, 1790 {1790/12/18}. Unfortunately, however, the place of birth and age are omitted for most of the officers, though given for the others. So we do not have even those items. By the muster table of the Discovery at the time of paying off from October 1 {1791/10/01} to November 3, 1791 {1791/11/03} it is shown that Vancouver had promoted Baker to be Second Lieutenant on September 26, 1792 {1792/09/26}, and to be First Lieutenant on November 25, 1794 {1794/11/25} . It probably took some time to have these promotions con- firmed. At any rate, we have the record that he died in 1817 {1817/00/00}after attaining the rank of Captain. Besides the honor conferred upon him by Vancouver, this same young officer was honored by Lieutenant Broughton in the Chat- ham, who named a group of islands found in the Columbia River, Baker Islands, "after the second lieutenant of the Discovery," which recognizes his promotion after the discovery of the mountain. Finally, Vancouver, as he bids farewell to his ship, speaks of Baker as follows "and the following day, after having seen the Discovery safely moored, and giving such instructions, as circumstances demanded, to my first lieutenant, Mr. Baker, I whose zeal for the service, and abilities as an officer, a long experience justified me in implicitly confiding; I resigned my command of the Discover into his hands, and with such books, papers and charts as had been previously selected, as being essential to the illustration of the services we had performed, I took leave of my officers and crew; not, however, without emotions which, though natural, on parting with a society 82 [end of page f897p9m4_082.gif] OF PUGET SOUND of the coast already known, without obtruding a short remark on that part of the continent, comprehending a space of nearly 215 leagues, on which our inquiries had been lately employed under the most fortunate and favorable, circumstances of wind and weather. So minutely had this extensive coast been inspected, that the surf had been constantly seen to break on its shores from the masthead; and it was but in a few small intervals only, where our distance precluded its being visible from the deck. Whenever the weather prevented our making free with the sbore, or on our hauling off for the night, the return of fine weather and of day-light uniformly brought us, if not to the identical spot we had departed from, at least within a few miles of it, and never beyond the northern limits of the coast which we had previously seen; An examination so directed, and circumstances happily concurring to permit its being so executed, afforded the most complete opportunity of determining its various turnings and windings; as also the position of all its conspicuous points, ascertained by meridional altitudes for the latitude, and observations for the chronometer, which we had the good fortune to make constantly once, and in general twice every day, the preceding one only excepted. It must be considered as a very singular circumstance that, in so great an extent of sea-coast, we should not until now have seen the appearance of any opening in its shores, which presented any certain prospect of affording, shelter; the whole coast forming one compact, solid, and nearly straight barrier against the sea. The river Mr. Gray mentioned should, from the latitude he assigned to it, have existence in the bay, south of cape Disappointment. This we passed on the forenoon of the ___________________________________ with whom I had lived so long, shared so many danLyers. and from whom I had received such essential services, are yet more easily to be imagined than I have the power to describe; and in the course of a few days I arrived at the Admiralty, where I deposited my several documents." The chart in the published journal showing part of the coast of Northwest America bears a legend to the effect that it was prepared by Lieutenant Joseph Baker, under the " immediate inspection " of Captain Vancouver. 83 [end of page f897p9m4_083.gif] 27th {1792/04/27}; and, as I then observed, if any inlet or river be found, it must be a very intricate one, and inaccessible to vessels of our burthen, owingy to the reefs and broken water which then appeared in it neighborhood. Mr. Gray water which then appearing to enter it, stated that he had been several days attempti which at length he was unable to effect, in consequence of a very strong outset. This is a phenomenon difficult to account for, as, in most cases where there are outsets of such strength on a sea coast, there are corresponding tides setting in be that however as it may, I was thoroughly convinced, as were also most persons of observation on board, could not possibly have passed any safe navigable opening, harbour, or place of security for shipping on this coast, from cape Mendocino to the promontory of Classet; nor had we any reason to alter our opinions, notwithstanding that theoretical geographers have thought proper to asse~rt, in that space, the existance of arms of the ocean, communicating with a mediterranean sea, and extensive rivers, with safe and convenient ports. These ideas, not derived from any source of substancial information, have, it is much to be feared, been adopted to the sole purpose of giving unlimited credit to the traditionary exploits of ancient foreigners, and to undervalue the laborious and enterprizing exertions of our own countrymen, in the noble science of discovery . Since the vision of the southern continent, (from which the Incas of Peru are said to have originated,) has vanished; the pretended discoveries of De Fuca and De Fonte have been revived, in order to prove the existence of a northwest passage. These have been supported by the recent concurring opinions of modern traders, one of whom is said to conceive, that an openina still further to the north is that which De Fuca entered. Under this assertion, should any opening further to the northward be discovered leading to a N. W. passage, the merit of such discovery will necessarily be ascribed to De Fuca, De Fonte, or some other favorite voyager of these closet philosophers. The preceding evening brought us to an anchor under New Dungeness. Our May-day, Tuesday, was ushered in by a 84 [end of page f897p9m4_084.gif] REMARKABLE POLES AT PORT TOWNSHEND. From the steel engraving by J. Heath in Vancouver's Journal. Drawn by W. Alexander from a sketch on the spot by J.Sykes. [end of page f897p9m4_084p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND morning of the most delightfully pleasant weather, affording us, ftom the broken appearance of the coast before us, the prospect of soon reaching a safe and commodious harbour. Indeed, our present situation was far from ineligible, as it promised to admit us as near the shore as we might think proper to take our station. Mr. Whidbey was therefore dispatched in the cutter, to sound, and search for fresh water. The appearance of the huts we now saw, indicated the residence of the natives in them to be of a temporary nature only; as we could perceive with our glasses, that they differed very materially from the habitations of any of the American we had before seen, being composed of nothing more than a few mats thrown over cross sticks; whereas those we had passed the preceding day, in two or three small villages to the eastward of Classet, were built exactly after the fashion of the houses erected at Nootka.* The inhabitants seemed to view us with the utmost indifference and unconcern; they continued to fish before their huts as regardless of our being present, as if such vessels had been familiar to them, and unworthy of their attention. On the low land of New Dungeness were erected perpendicularly, and seemingly with much regularity, a number of very tall straight poles, like flag * Vide Cook's last Voyage. ________________________________________ Tall Poles at New Dungeness. Vancouver here meets with work of the Indians which puzzled him throughout his explorations. He refers to such tall poles several times in his journal and always with the same mystery. While at Port Townshend, Ktist Sykes drew a sketch of the place showing four of these remarkable poles. That sketch makes one of the fine steel engravings in the original publication. The present writer counts it a piece of good fortune that he has been able to learn from the Indians themselves just what use were made of these great poles. During the summer of 1905 {1905/00/00}he visited the eighteen Indian Reservations in the State of Washington. gathering materials for another work in course of preparation- On be Lummi Reservation, Bellingham Bay, were found the ruins of an old, potlatch house from the site of which a long sand spit formed a connection with the lower islandlike portion of the Reservation. It is called by the Indians " Swolhasen." At the present time the place is a favorite stand for the duck hunters from Bellingham and neighboring cities. Ducks fly low there in passing from Bellingham Bay to the outer waters. The old Indians gave this in 85 [end of page f897p9m4_085.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY staves or beacons, supported from the ground by spurs. Their first appearance induced an opinion of their being intended as the uprights for stages on which they might dry their fish; but this, on a nearer view, seemed improbable, as their height and distance from each other would have required spars of a greater size to reach from one to the other, than the substance of the poles was capable of sustaining. They were, undoubtedly, intended to answer some particular purpose; but whether of a religious, civil, or military nature, must be left to some future investigation Mr. Whidbey found frorn ten to three fathoms water close to the shore. He landed at the upper part of the bay, but could not find any water; nor did be see the appearance of any along the shore near the inhabitations of the Indians, who remained as before described, or fishing on the water, without paying any more attention to the cutter, than if she had been one of their own canoes. On receiving this report, the Chatham's cutter with the Discovery's yawl and cutter, were ordered to be armed and supplied with a day's provision; with which we set off to examine the two apparent openings nearest to us. We found the surface of the sea almost covered with aquatic birds of various kinds, but all so extremely shy that our sportsmen were unable to reach them with their guns, although they made many attempts. The first openiing to the S. E. appeared to be formed by two high bluffs; the elevated land within them seemingly at a considerable distance. It proved, however, to be a close and compact shore, the apparent vacant space being occupied by a very low sandy beach, off _______________________________ formationLong ago their people had no muskets, but they got many canoeloads of ducks by large nets. They set great high poles in the ground. From one of these to another they stretched nets woven of willow twigs. At night or in hazy weather the ducks would strike these nets when the watchers would pull a rope of twisted roots or twigs fastened to a loop of the net and down would come a flap, holding in the strong meshes of willow the entire flock of ducks. It was practically a fish net made to work on land. The Indian tradition clears away the mystery found by the first white man to visit this inland sea. 86 [end of page f897p9m4_086.gif] OF PUGET SOUND which extended a flat of very shallow soundings. From hence we rnade the best of our way for land, appearing like an island, off the other supposed opening; from whose surn- mit, which seemed easy of access, there was little doubt of our ascertaining whether the coast afforded any port within reach of the day excursion. On landing on the west end of the supposed island, and ascending the eminence which was nearly a perpendicular cliff, our attention was immediately called to a land-scape, almost as enchant ingly beautiful as the most elegantly finished pleasure grounds in Europe. From the height we were now upon, our conjectures of this land being an island situated before the entrance of an opening in the main land were confirmed. The summit of this island presented nearly a horizontal surface, interspersed with sorne, inequalities of ground, which produced a beautiful variety on an extensive lawn covered with luxuriant grass, and di- versified with an abundance of flowers. To the northwest- ward was a coppice of pine trees and shrubs of various sorts, that seerned as if it had been planted for the sole purpose of protecting from the N. W. winds this delightful meadow, over which were promiscuously scattered a few clumps of trees, that would have puzzled the most ingenious designer of pleasure grounds to have arranged more agreeably. Whilst we stopped to contemplate these several beauties of nature. in a prospect no less pleasing than unexpected, we gathered some gooseberries and roses in a state of considerable forwardness. Casting Our eyes along the shore, we had the satisfaction of seeing it much broken, and forming to all appearance many navigable inlets. The inlet now before us did not seem so extensive as we had reason to believe it to be from the ships; yet there was litt'te doubt of its proving sufficiently secure and convenient for all our purposes. We therefore proceeded to its examination, and found its entrance to be about a league, wide, having regular good soundings frorn io fathorns close to the shores, to 30, 35, and 38 fathoms in the middle, without any apparent danger from rocks or shoals. Fresh water, however, seemed hitherto a scarce comodity, and yet, from the general face. 87 [end of page f897p9m4_087.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY of the country, a deficiency in this respect was not to be apprehended. The shores of the harbour were of a moderate height; its western side, bounded at no very areat distance by a ridge of high craggy mountains covered with snow, were, as I conceived, connected with the mountain we took for mount Olympus. In quest of the only great object necessary for constituting this one of the finest harbours in the world, we prosecuted our researches; until almost despairing of success, I suddenly fell in with an excellent stream of very fine water. The design of our excursion was thus happily accomplished; and, after taking some little refreshment, we returned towards the ships, and arrived on board about midnight, perfectly satisfied with the success of our expedition, and amply rewarded for our labour. During my absence, some of the natives had been trading with the vessels in a very civil and friendly manner. They did not appear to understand the Nootka language; as those of our people who had some knowledge of it were by no means able to make themselves understood. A light pleasant breeze springing UP, we weighed on Wednesday morning the 2d {1792/05/02} and steered for the port we had discovered the preceding day, whose entrance about four leagues distant bore S. E. by E. The delightful serenity of the weather greatly aided the beautiful scenery that was now presented; the surface of the sea was perfectly smooth, and the country before us exhibited everything that bounteous nature could be expected to draw into one point of view. As we had no reason to imagine that this country had ever been indebted for any of its decorations to the hand of man, I could not possibly believe that any uncultivated country had ever been discovered exhibiting so rich a picture. The land which interrupted the horizon between the N. W. and the northern quarters, seemed, as already mentioned, to be much broken; ftom whence its eastern extent round to the S. E. was bounded by a ridge of snowy mountains, appearing to lie nearly in a north and south direction, on which mount Baker rose conspicuously; remarkable for its height, and the snowy mountains that stretch from its base to the north and 88 [end of page f897p9m4_088.gif] OF PUGET SOUND South. Between us and this snowy range, the land, which on the sea shore terminated like that we had lately passed, in low perpendicular cliffs, or on beaches of sand or stone, rose here in a very gentle ascent, and was well covered with a variety of stately forest trees. These, however, did not conceal the whole face of the country in one uninterrupted wilderness, but pleasingly clothed its eminences, and chequered the valleys; presenting, in many directions, extensive spaces that wore the appearance of having been cleared by art, like the beautiful island we had visited the day before. As we passed along the shore near one of these charming spots, the tracks of deer, or of some such animal, were very numerous, and flattered us with the hope of not wanting refreshments of that nature, whilst we remained in this quarter. A picture so pleasing could not fail to call to our remembrance certain delightful and beloved situations in Old England. Thus we proceeded without meetmig any obstruction to our progress; which, though not rapid, brought us before noon abreast of the stream that discharges its water from the western shore near five miles within the entrance of the barbour; which I distinguished by the name of PORT DISCOVERY, after the ship. here we moored, in 34 fathoms, muddy bottom, about a quarter of a mile from the shore. The entrance of this harbor is formed by low projectin points, extending, on each side, from the big woodland clifffs which in general bound the coast; bearing by compass from N 48 W. to N. 54 W. in a line with two corresponding points from the island already described, lying off this harbour. Had this insular, production of nature been designed by the most able engineer, it could not have been placed more happily for the protection of the port, not only from the N. W. winds to the violence of which it would otherwise be greatly exposed, but against all attempts of an enemy, when properly fortified; and hence I called it PROTECTION ISLAND. The stream of water, near which we had taken a very convenient station, appeared to have its source at some distance from its outfall, through one of those low spits of sand already mentioned, which constitute most of the projecting points 89 [end of page f897p9m4_089.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY we had seen since our having entered this inlet. These usually acquire a form somewhat circular, though irregular; and, in general, are nearly steep to, extending from the cliffy woodland country, from one to six hundred yards towards the water's edge, and are composed of a loose sandy soil. The durface of some was almost entirely occupied by a lagoon of salt water, or brackish swamp; others were perfectly dry; no one of them produced any trees; but were mostly covered with a coarse spiry grass, interspersed with strawberries, two or three species of clover, samphire, and a great variety of other small plants; some of which bore very beautiful flowers. On a few of the points were some shrubs that seemed to thrive excessively; such as roses, a species of sweet briar, gooseberries, raspberries, currants, and several other small bushes, which, in their respective seasons, produce most probably the several fruits common to this and the opposite Side of America. These all appeared to grow very luxuriantly; and, from the quantity of blossoms with which they -were loided, there was great reason to believe them very productive. We had little trouble in clearing a sufficient space for our encampment, which was very commodiously situated close to the north side of the stream or brook. The tents, observatory, chronometers and instruments, guarded by a party of marines, were sent on shore after dinner; and, whilst they were properly arranging, I made a short excursion up the harbour. It extended nearly in a south direction, about four miles from the ship, and then terminated in a muddy flat across its head, about a quarter of a mile from the shore. The water, which was seven fathoms deep close to the flat, gradually deepened to 10, 20, and 30 fathoms, good holding ground. On this bank were found some small indifferent oysters. The shores beyond it are low and thickly wooded, and through them there appeared to run a very considerable stream of water, with several smaller ones, emptying themselves into the harbour. The back country had the appearance of a swampy fen for a considerable distance. Wetanded not far from the largest rivulet, where we found a deserted 90 [end of page f897p9m4_090.gif] OF PUGET SOUND village capable of containing an hundred inhabitants. The houses were built after the Nootka fashion., but did not seem to have been lately the residence of the Indians. The habitations had now fallen into decay; their inside, as well as a small surrounding space that appeared to have been formerly occupied, were over-run with weeds; amongst which were found several human sculls, and other bones, promiscuously scattered about. On Thursday mornitig the 3d {1792/05/03}we sat seriously to work on board, and on shore here the sailmakers were repairing and altering the sails; coopers inspecting the casks; gunners airing the powder; and parties cutting wood, brewing spruce beer, and filling water whilst those on board were as busily employed in necessary repairs about the rigging; getting the provisions to hand; clearing the main and after holds for the reception of shingle ballast, of which we had for some time stood in much need; some of our carpenters were stopping leaks about the bows, and the rest assisted in caulking the Chatham's sides. The serenity of the climate and season was extremely favorable to the execution of their several duties, as also to our astronomical inquiries. The part of the coast that we had now reached being nearly destitute of inhabitants, few circumstances occurred to divert our attention, or interfere with the pursuits in which we were all engaged. So little leisure or rest had been afforded in the several ports we had hitherto visited since we left Cape of Good Hope, that it was not until this morning, Sunday the 6th {1792/05/06}, that our people could be indulged with a holiday, for the purpose of taking some recreation and exercise on shore. A few of the natives in two or three canoes favored us with their company, and brought with them some fish and venison for sale. The latter was extremely good, and very acceptable, as we had not hitherto obtained any; though on our first arrival we had entertained hopes of procuring a supply, from the numerous tracks of deer which appeared fresh, and in all directions. These people, in their persons, canoes, arms, implements, 91 [end of page f897p9m4_091.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY etc. seemed to resemble chiefly the inhabitants of Nootka; though less bedaubed with paint, and less filthy in their external appearance. They wore ornaments in their ears, but none were observed in their noses; some of them understood a few words of the Nootka language; they were clothed in the skins of dew, bear, and some other animals, but principally in a woolen garment of their own manufacture, extremely well wrought. They did not appear to possess any furs. Their bows and implements they freely bartered for knives, trinkets, copper, etc.; and, what was very extraordinary, they offered for sale two children, each about six or seven years of age, and, being shewn some copper, were very anxious that the bargain should be closed. This, however, I peremptorily prohibited, expressing, as well as I was able, our great abhorrence of such traffic. As our several employnents, on board and on shore, would still require some time before they could be fully completed; and as I was desirous of obtaining some further knowledge of this inlet, in order that, when the vessels should be ready, we might extend our researches without fear of interruption; I directed the Discovery's yawl and launch, with the Chatham's cutter, properly armed, and supplied with stores for five days, to be in readiness early the next morning. I committed to Mr. Broughton the charge of the ships, and to Mr. Whidbey that of the observatory and encampment, with directions to make a survey of the port, and such further necessary observations as circumstances would admit during my absence. Mr. Menzies, with two of the young gentlemen, accompankd me in a yawl, Mr. Puget commanded the launch, and Mr. Johnstone the Chatham's cutter. With these arrangements, about five o'clock on Monday morning the 7th {1792/05/07}, we took our departure for the purpose of becoming more intimately acquainted with the region in which we had so very unexpectedly arrived. The day did not promise to be very auspicious to the commencement of our examination. That uninterrupted serenity of weather that we had experienced the last seven days, seemed now to be materially changed; 92 [end of page f897p9m4_092.gif] OF PUGET SOUND the wind which, in the day-time, had constantly blown from' the N. W. with light southwardly airs, or calms, from sunset until eight or ten o'clock in the forenoon, had now blown, since the preceding evening, a moderate gale from the S. E.; and, before we had proceeded a mile from the ship, brought with it a very thick fog, through which we steered, keeping the starboard, or continental shore, on board, trusting that towards noon the fog would disperse itself and clear away. On our arrival in port Discovery, we passed to the S. W. of Protection island; another channel, equally as safe and convenient, we now found to the S. E. of it.Having rowed against a strong tide along the shore about two or three leagues to the N. E. from the entrance of port Discovery, we rounded a low projecting point, and though the fog prevented our seeing about us, yet there was no doubt of our having entered some other having entered some other harbour or arm in the inlet that took a southwardly direction. Here I proposed to wait until the weather should be more favorable, and in the mean time to haul the seine; which was done, along the beach to the southward, with little success. Prosecuting our labours as fishermen along the beach, we were led near a point similar to that we had passed, and distant from it about two miles; here the fog entirely dispersmiLy, afforded an opportunity of ascertaining its latitude to be 48o 7' 30", its longitude 237o 31 1/2' A very spacious inlet now presented itself, whose N. E. point, in a line with its S. W. being the point from which we had last departed, bore by compass N. 25 W. and seemed about a league asunder mount Baker bore N. 26 E.; a steep bluff point opposite to us, appearing to form the west point of another arm of this inlet, S. 87 E. about four miles distant; the nearest eastern shore S. 5o E. about two miles; and a very remarkable high round mountain, covered with snow, apparently at the southern extremity of the distant range of snowy mountains before noticed, bore S. 45 E. the shores of this inlet, like those in port Discovery, shoot out into several low, sandy, projecting points, the southernmost of which bore S. 9 E. distant about two leagues, where this branch of the inlet 93 [end of page f897p9m4_093.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY seethed to terminate, or take some other direction. Here we dined, and having taken the necessary angles, I directed Mr. Puget to sound the mid-channel, and Mr. Johnstone to ex-' amine the larboard or eastern shore, whilst I continued my, researches on the continental shore, appointing the southern-, most low point for our next rendezvous. As we advanced, the country seemed gradually to improve in beauty. The cleared spots were more numerous, and of larger extenq and the remote lofty mountains covered with snow, reflectedgreater luster on the fertile productions of the less elevated country. On arriving near our place of rendezvous, an opening was seen, which gave to the whole of the eastern shore under the exa.mination of Mr. Johnstone, the appearance of being an island. For this we steered, but found ,it closed by a low sandy neck of land, about two hundred yards in width, whose opposite shore was washed by an extensive Salt lake, or more probably by an arm of the sea stretching to the S. E. and directing its main branch towards the high round snowy mountain we had discovered at noon but where its entrance was situated we could not determine though conjecture led to suppose it mould be found round the bluff point of land we had observed from our dinner station. In the western comer of this isthmus was situated a deserted Indian village, much in the same state of decay as, that which we had examined at the head of port Discovery. No signs of any, inhabitants were discernible; nor did we visit it, it being expedient we should hasten to our appointed, station, as night was fast approaching, during which Mr. Johnstone did not join us; this led us to suppose he had found some entrance into the above lake or inlet that had escaped my notice; and which afterwards proved to have been thcause of his absence. Having determined the extent of this inlet, whose south extremity is situated in latitude 47o 59' 4 1', longitude 237o 31'; at day-break the next morning, Tuesday the 8th {1792/05/08},'we embarked in pursuit of the entranceinto the lake or inlet that we had discovered the preceding evening. About this time we bend and answered the report of a swivel gun. A very strong run of water was now observed, but 94 [end of page f897p9m4_094.gif] THE MARQUIS OF TOWNSHEND. From a mezzotint by C. Turner after Sir Joshua Reynolds. Photograph copyrighted by Augustin Rischgitz. Rights secured for this work in England and America. [end of page f897p9m4_094p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND being brackish, we were under the necessity of carrying kegs nearly mile into the country to replenish them, not having found any fresh water since we left the ships. Whilst we were engaged, Mr. Johnstone came up. He had found a narrow chank into the inlet, which had flattered him with returning by. the isthmus that had opposed our progress; but to his great mortification he found it closed, and was obliged to keep rowing the greater part of the night, in order that he might join us by the same passage he had entered, which be had now just effected. Its southern entrance was found to be navigable for small boats only, from half flood to half ebb, and was dry at low water; but as as northern pan formed a snug little port, and, with its tide, seemed likely to be made useful in careening; Mr. Johnstone was induced to prosecute its examination. The survey of this inlet, which had occupied our time since the preceding day at noon, having been finally accomplished by the joining of the boats, it proved to be a very safe and more capacious harbour than port Discovery; and rendered rnore pleasant by the high land being at a greater distance from the 'water-side. Its soundings also give it a further advantage, being very regular from side to side, frorn 10 to 20 fathoms depth of water, good holding groundbut, with respect to.fresh water, so far as we could determine by our transitory visit, it was very deficient, as as been already observed. To this port I gave the name of PORT TOWNSHEND, in honor of the noble Marquis of that name. ____________________________________________ Marquis Townshend. For many years Port Townsend (this is a 'case where the Americans, and not the English, drop an "h") has been the principal port of entry for the entire Customs District of Puget Sound. As such it has become well known to mariners and commercial men throughout the world. It is clear from the text what Townshend was honored by Vancouver in this case, and yet there are probably but few men among those familiar with the geographical term who remember the remarkable history of the man who bore that name. How few students who have been thrilled by the dramatic scene on the Plains of Abraham back of Quebec, which culminated in the death of the immortal Wolfe, recall the fact that the command of that British army then fell to Brigadier-General George Townshend. His life was full 95 [end of page f897p9m4_095.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Mr. Johnstone, who had a much better opportunity than I had of seeing the above lake or inlet, represented it as appearing very extensive and divided into two or three branches; but he had not been able to determine its communication either with the ocean or the main inlet, although he had great ___________________________________________ of interest, in which all was not glamour or greatness. There were Ables and selfishness which have not been overlooked by his own countrymen, as is evidenced from the thoroughgoing sketch written by Robert Dunlop in the "National Dictionary of Biography." George Townshend was born on February 28, 1724 {1724/02/28}, and at his baptism had King George I as one of his sponsors. He graduated as Master of Arts from St. John's College, Cambridge, on July 3, 1749 {1749/07/03}, and completed his education by travelling on the continent. Before his graduation, while visiting at The Hague in January, 1745 {1745/01/00}, he was offered high military command and actually accepted the post of captain of dragoons, serving under the Duke of Cumberland. He was advanced in military rank, becoming lieutenant colonel in 1748 {1748/00/00}. Then the young man met with a backset. For family reasons he had been placed in the family of the Duke of Cumberland, who now took great offence because of Townshend's indiscreet use of his talent as a caricaturist. He retired from the service in 1750 {1750/00/00} and the next year the breach with his royal patron was widened by the appearance of a harsh pamphlet attributed to him, criticising the military capacity of the Duke of Cumberland. He hated Fox and tried to draw his brother Charles into opposition to the Duke of Newcastle. His hostility to the Duke of Cumberland and his dread of a standing army caused him to advocate the bill which became a law in 1757 {1757/00/00}, establishing the militia on a national basis. He was proud of this and later acts along that line. In his portrait, while he was Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland and had not yet attained the title of Marquis, painted by Thomas Hudson, he holds in his hand a document inscribed, "A Bill Intitled An Act for the Better Order of the Militia Forces &c." His penchant for caricaturing bred him hosts of enemies, calling out among other evidences a bitter pamphlet called "Art of Political Lying." On the retirement of the Duke of Cumberland, Townshend returned to the army and was promoted Colonel on May 6, 1758 {1758/05/06}, being assigned to the staff of George II. He asked Pitt to be remembered if any services were intended against France, and in February, 1759 {1759/02/00}, he was appointed Brigadier General in America under Major-General James Wolfe, in the expedition against Quebec. He took part in all those operations, but as the summer wore on he grew dissatisfied and wrote to his wife "General Wolfe's health is but very bad. His generalship, in my poor opinion, is not a bit better this only between us. He never consulted any of us until the latter end of August, so that we have nothing to answer for, I hope, as to the success of this campaign." 96 [end of page f897p9m4_096.gif] OF PUGET SOUND reason to believe it did communicate by the way of the bluff point already mentioned; which about noon was confirmed. In our way thither, we found on one of the low points projectinig from the eastern shore, two upright poles set in the ground, about fifteen feet high, and rudely carved. _____________________________ The consultation referred to was the letter written by Wolfe from his sick bed on August 29 {1759/08/29}, asking his three Brigadiers - Monckton, Townshend, and Murray -to meet and consider the best method of attack. The plan then adopted was the one that led to victory, and friendsof Townshend claimed it was his suggestion. Monckton was disabled when Wolfe was killed at the very moment of victory. The command of the army therefore devolved upon Townshend. The battle was on September 13 {1759/09/13}, and four days later the city capitulated to Townshend, and on September 20 {1759/09/20} he sent to the Secretary of State an account of the battle and his own success. This was in language much more stilted than the famous message from Wolfe. George Augustus Selwyn, meeting Charles Townshend, exclaimed, "Charles, if your brother wrote Wolfe's despatch, who the devil wrote your brother George's ?' Monckton recovered, Murray was made Governor of Quebec, and Townshend sailed away home in the fleet, "there to parade his laurels and to claim more than his share of the honors of victory." The last are the words of Francis Parkman, the American historian in his "Montcalm and Wolfe." Hot pamphlets, appeared and Townshend was accused of enmity toward the nation's hero, Wolfe. He challenged the Earl of Albemarle, but the meeting was averted. He was sworn a privy councillor on December 2, 1760 {1760/12/02}, and with the rank of Major-General he was appointed Lieutenant-General of Ordnance on May 14, 1763 {1763/05/14}, which position he held until 1767 {1767/00/00}. On March 12, 1764 {1764/03/12}, he had succeeded to his father's title and became fourth Viscount Townshend. On August 12, 1767 {1767/08/12}, he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. Here he found stormy experiences for five years. Mr. Lecky, in his "History of England," says" Lord Townshend is one of the very small number of Irish viceroys who have been personally disliked . . . his abilities were superior to those of many of his predecessors and successors; but he was utterly destitute of tact and judgment. . . . He sought for popularity by sacrificing the dignity and decorum of his position, and he brought both his person and his office into contempt. In his effort to be popular he wore Irish cloth. There is no doubt that he sympathized with the toiling peasants. In his "Meditations upon a Late Excursion in Ireland" are some verses beginning Ill-fated kingdom with a fertile soil, Whose factors mock the naked peasants, toil." 97 [end of page f897p9m4_097.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY On the top of each was stuck a human head, recently placed there. The hair and flesh were nearly perfect; and the heads appeared to carry the evidence of fury or revenge, as, in driving the stakes through the throat to the cranium, the sagrittal, with part of the scalp, was borne on their points some inches above the rest of the skull. Between the stakes a fire had been Made, and near some calcined bones were observed, but none of these appearances enabled us to satisfy ourselves, concerning the manner in which the bodies had been disposed of. The situation of this point is a little to the southward of the narrow passage Mr. Johnstone had gone through; the north extremity of which is hamwd by a very long sandy spit, where seventeen of the long supported poles were seen like those before described on New Dungeness. These poles had frequently presented themselves, though in less numbers than on the present occasion; but though these afforded us an opportunity of examining them; they did not contribute the least instruction concerning the purpose! for which the), were intended. They were uniformly placed in the center of the low sandy spit, at the distance of about eighty yards from __________________________ In the midst of his troubles with the Irish Parliament, Townshend allowed his pencil to betray his feelings. He drew caricatures of himself, showing his hands tied and his mouth open. He was recalled from Ireland in September, 1772 {1772/09/00}. The eventful portion of his life was ended. He was promoted to General on November 20, 1782 {1782/11/20}, and to Field Marshal, July 30, 1796 {1796/07/30}. He received a host of appointments to offices, such as Governor of Hull, Governor of Chelsea Hospital, Governor of Jersey, Lord-Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral of the County of Norfolk. On October .31, 1786 {1786/10/31}, he was created Marquis Townshend of Rainham. It was this newly conferred honor that Vancouver remembered as he sailed from England in 1791 {1791/00/00}, The Marquis died at Rainham. on September 14, 1807 {1807/09/14}, and was buried in the family vault there on September 28 {1807/09/28}. Besides the portrait by Hudson already referred to there is another full length painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This was painted in his later days after he had become Marquis. This painting recently sold at Christie's for; 2205 [pounds]. As this portrait shows the man as he was when Vancouver placed his name upon his chart, it has been chosen for an illustration of the present work. 98 [end of page f897p9m4_098.gif] PETER RAINIER, Admiral of the Blue. Photograph from the collection of Augustin Rischgitz, London. [end of page f897p9m4_098p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND each other; and it should seem that they were required to be of certain definite heights, although not all equally high. They were, in general, about six inches in diameter at the bottom, and perfectly straight; and, when too short, a piece, was added, which was very -neatly scarfed on; the top of each terminating in two points like a crescent, or rather like the straight spreading horns of an ox. The tallest of these poles I should suppose to be about one hundred feet, the shortest not so high by ten or fifteen feet. Between several of them large holes were dug in the ground, in which were many stones that had been burnt, which gave these holes the resemblance of the cooking places in the South-Sea islands. There was, however, no appearance of any recent operations of that kind. In most of my excursions I met with an indurated clay, much resembling fuller's-earth. The high steep cliff, forming the point of land we were now upon, seemed to be prmcipally composed of this matter; which, on a more close examination, appeared to be a rich species of the marrow stone, from whence it obtained the name of MARROW-STONE POINT. East of this cliff, the shore is extended about a quarter of a mile by one of those sandy projecting points we had so frequentl met with. Here we dined, and had an y xcellent view of this inlet, which appeared to be of no inextent. The eastern shore stretched by com~~pass from N. 41 W. to S. 51 E.; the south extremity of the 'western shore bore S. 26 E. ; and, between these latter bearings, the horizon was occupied by islands, or land appearing much broken. The weather was serene and pleasant, and the country continued to exhibit, between us and the eastern snowy range, the same luxuriant appearance. At its northern extremity, mount Baker bore by compass N. 22 E.; the round snowy mountain, now forming its southern extremmy, and which, after my friend Rear Admiral Rainier, I distinguished bythe name Of MOUNT RAINIER, bore N. [S.] 42 E. ___________________ Rear-Admiral Rainier. The United States government has created the Mount Rainier National Park. And now, in order to make more available 99 [end of page f897p9m4_099.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Having finished all our business at this station, the boats received the same directions as before; and having appointed the western. part of some land appeanng like a long island, and bearing S. E. by S. four leagues distant, for our evening's rendezvous, we left Marrow-Stone point with a pleasant grale, and every prospect of accomplishing our several tasks., The favourable breeze availed us but little; for we had not advanced a league before we found the influence of so strong an ebb tide that, with all the exertions of our oars in addition to our sails, we could scarcely make any progress along the ____________________ to the citizens the wonders and beauties of that park, the government is building through it a road of easy grades. The mountain itself is one of the highest and most beautiful on the whole American hemisphere. For a score or more of years there has been a rather heated contest over changing the name to "Tacoma," supposed to have been the name used by the Indians living within sight of it along the shores of Puget Sound. For these reasons there ought to be a desire to know something of the life of the man whom Vancouver so greatly honored on that Monday, May 7, 1792 {1792/05/07}. Upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, among the Huguenots who went to England, was a Poitevan family who spelled their name Regnier. Daniel Regnier had a son, who, being an Englishman born and bred was called Peter Rainier of Sandwich. He took to himself an English wife named Sarah Spratt, and to this pair was born about the year 1741 {1741/00/00}a son who received the full name of his father and became a famous sailor. He is the subject of this brief sketch. When about fifteen years old, in 1756 {1756/00/00}, he entered the British navy on board the Oxford. He served on her two years and then in the Yarmouth to the East Indies for service on the Tiger. He was in the actions of April 29 {1758/04/29}and August 3, 1758, {1758/08/03} and September 10, 1759 {1759/09/10}. In June, 1760 {1760/06/00}, he was moved to the Norfolk under Rear-Admiral Stevens at the siege of Pondicherry and later at the reduction of Manila under Vice-Admiral Cornish. The Norfolk was paid off in England in 1764 {1764/00/00}, and for the next ten years Rainier saw no service in the navy, though he was carried on the lists. He passed his examination, February 2, 1768 {1768/02/02}, his certificate stating that he was then over twenty-six years old. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on May 26, 1768 {1768/05/26}. During these years he seems to have been employed under the East India Company. In 1774 {1774/00/00} his active work in the navy was resumed. He went to the West Indies in the Maidstone under Captain Alan Gardner, whose name figures often in this book. On May 3, 1777 {1777/05/03}, Vice-Admiral Clark Gayton promoted young Rainier to the command of the Ostrich sloop. This was the time of the American War for Independence, and of course Lieutenant Rainier was 100 [end of page f897p9m4_100.gif] OF PUGET SOUND coast. Towards sunset, both the wind and the weather materially changed; the former became light and variable, from the southern quarter, and brought with it incessant torrents of rain. He persevered, however, in our endeavors to gain our destined point, but without success, until about eleven at night; when, having collected the boats by signal, we bore up for the western, which was nearest the s6re, and landed about one in the morning. completely drenched. With some difficulty we got a fire, and-found-a tolerable pJace for our tents. This, though uncomfortable, protected us in some degree from the inclemency of the weather, which de ____________________________ on the British side. In his newly acquired command, on July 8, 1778 {1778/07/08}, he captured a large American privateer after a severe struggle. In this fight Rainier was severely wounded. His victory met with warm approval. The Admiralty advanced him to post rank, October 29, 1778 {1778/10/29}, and in the following January {1779/01/00}he was given command of the Burford, of sixty-four guns. In her, under Sir Edward Hughes, he took part in all the engagements in the East Indies, including the reduction of Negapatam and Trincomalee. After the war the Burford returned to England and Rainier was put on half-pay. His active service seems to have been revived in 1790 {1790/00/00}when he commanded the Monarch in the Channel. Early in 1794 {1794/00/00} he sailed again for the East Indies, this time in the Suffolk, of seventy-four guns. He was Commodore and Commander-in-Chief, and with the Suffolk, went a large convoy. This fleet arrived at Madras in November {1794/11/00}without having made a stop, which was in that day considered a great achievement. He was promoted to the active rank of Rear-Admiral on June 1, 1795 {1795/06/01}, and to that of Vice-Admiral on February 14,1799 {1799/02/14}. He continued as Commander in-Chief on the East India station until 1804 {1804/00/00}. During that time he assisted in the capture of several ports yielding immense booty, his share of which made him a rich man. His principal duty in the East Indies was to protect British subjects and British interests. His long experience in that section fitted him to render this service well, and even after he returned to England and retired from active service the ministry continued to consult him on East Indian affairs. In the Trafalgar promotions of November 9, 1805 {1805/11/09}, Rainier was advanced to the rank of Admiral of the Blue. He was elected to Parliament for Sandwich in May, 1807 {1807/05/00}, On April 7, 1808 {1808/04/07}, he died at his house on Great George Street, Westminster. In his will he left one-tenth of his property, proved at 250,000 [pounds], toward the extinguishment of the national debt. He was a bachelor; but there have been nephews, grand nephews, and great-grand nephews by the name of Rainier in the British navy from the days of Admiral Peter to the present time. 101 [end of page f897p9m4_101.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY tained us all the next day. tin Wednesday morning the 9th {1792/05/09} we found ourselves near the south extremity of the narrow shoal passage through which Mr. Johnstone had passed from port Townshend, in a very fine cove, affording good anchorage from 10 to 25 fathoms, excellent holding ground, and sufficiently capacious to accommodate many vessels. We traversed its northern shores, but could not find any water, except such as dripped in small quantities from the rocks. Whilst detained by this unfavorable weather, some of the young gentlemen in their excursions found several oak-trees, of which they produced specimens; but stated that they had not seen any exceeding three or four feet in circumference. In consequence of this valuable discovery, the place obtained the name Of OAK COVE. The weather in some measure clearing up soon after daybreak on Thursday the 10th {1792/05/10}, we again embarked, and continued on the same western or continental shore, making a very slow progress, owing to a strong ebb tide, and a fresh S. E. wind, against us. We had been long out of Oak cove, when we descried some Indians paddling slowly under the lee Of a rocky point, with an apparent intention of waiting our approach. In this they were soon gratified, and on our arrival, they did not seem to express the least doubt of our friendly disposition towards them. They courteously offered such things as they possessed, and cordially accepted some medals, beads, knives, and other trinkets, which I presented to them, and with which they appeared to be highly pleased. We were now employed in taking such necessary angles as the weather permitted us to obtain, and in acquamig some further information of this inlet. It appeared to be divided into two branches; the most extensive one took its direction to the south-eastward of land appearing like a long, low island; the other, apparently much less, stretched to the south-westward of the same land; the shores of which terminating in a high perpendicular bluff point, was, in consequence of the change we experienced in its neighborhood, called FOULWEATHER BLUFF. 102 [end of page f897p9m4_102.gif] OF PUGET SOUND As my intentions were not to depart from the continental boundary, the western arm was the first object of our examination; and we directed our course towards a high lump of land that had the appearance of an island, entertaining little doubt of finding a way into the south eastern, or main arm, south of the supposed long low island. Off this point lie some rocks above water, wit others visible only at low tide, extending at the distance of three fourths of a mile, and nearly a mile along the shore. The country thereabouts presented a very different aspect from that which we had been, accustomed to see. Instead of the sandy cliffs that form the shores within the straits, these were composed of solid rocks. On them the herbage and shrubs seemed to flourish with less luxuriance, though the trees appeared to form a much greater variety. Having landed about nine o'clock to breakfast, and to take the advantage of the sun. and wind to dry some of our clothes, our friends the Indians, seventeen in number, landed also from six canoes about half a mile ahead of us, and then walked towards our party, attended by a single canoe Along the shore; they having hauled up all the others. They now approached us with the utmost confidence, without being armed and behaved in the most respectful and orderly manner. On a line being drawn with a stick on the sand between the two parties, they immediately sat down, and no one attempting to pass it, without previously making signs, requesting permission for so doing. In their persons, dress, canoes, etc. they much resembled the Indians of port Discovery; they had not the most distant knowledge of the Nootka language, and it was with some difficulty that any of their numerals were acquired. They had not any thing to dispose of excepting their bows, arrows and some few of their woollen and skin garments; amongst the latter appeared to be the skin of a young lioness. These they exchanged fur trinkets, and other things of little value, and in the traffic conducting themselves in a very fair and honest manner. After we had embarked they examined the place where we had been sitting, and then paddling towards their village, 103 [end of page f897p9m4_103.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [May, 17921 which was situated in a very pleasant cove a little to the S. W. and built with wood, after the fashion of the deserted ones we had before seen. The wind blowing strong from the southward so much retarded our progress, that at noon we had only reached the N. W. point of the arm we had been steering for, and which was not more than five miles from our station in Oak cove, in a direction S. 14 E.; its observed latitude was 47o S3', longitude 237o 36', Foulweather bluff forming the opposite point of entrance into the arm, bore east about half a. Lague distant The strength of the ebb tide obliged us to stop near two hours, and from its rapidity we were induced to believe, as we had before suspected, that either the eastern shore was an island, or that the tide had extensive inland communication. On the flood returning, we resumed our route, and found our supposed high round island connected with the main by a low sandy neck of land, nearly occupied by a salt-water swamp. Into the bay, formed between this point and that we had departed from, descended a few small streams of fresh water; with which, so far as we were enabled to judge, the country did not abound. This opinion was sanctioned by the Indians who visited us this morning, bringing with them small square boxes filled with fresh water, which we could not tempt them to dispose of. Hence this branch of the inkt takes a direction about S.W. 24 S. near 13 miles, and is in general about half a league wide. Its shores exhibited by no means the luxuriant appearance we had left behind,, being nearly destitute of the open verdant spots, and alternately composed of s.andy or rocky cliffs falling abruptly into the sea, or terminating on a beach; whilst in some places the even land extended from the water side, with little or no elevation. The low projecting points cause the coast to be somewhat indented with small bays, where, near the shore, we had soundings from five to twelve fathoms; but in the middle of the channel, though not more than two miles in width, no bottom could be reached with 110 fathoms of line. We had not advanced more than two or three miles before we lost the advantage of the flood tide, and met a stream that 104 [end of page f897p9m4_104.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [MAY, 1792.] {1792/05/00} ran constantly down. This, with a very fresh S. W. wind, so retarded our progress, that it was not until Friday the 11th {1792/05/11} at noon that we reached the extent above mentioned, which we found to be situated due south of our observatory in port Discovery, in the latitude Of 47o 39'. From this station, which I called HAZEL POINT in consequence of its producing many of those trees, the channel divides into two branches, one taking a direction nearly due north, the other S. W. We still continued on the right hand, or continental shore, and found the northern arm terminate at the distance of about seven miles in a spacious bason, where bottom could not be found with 70 fathoms of line. As we returned to take up our abode for the night at the S. W. point of this arm, we observed some smoke on shore, and saw a canoe hauled up into a small creek; but none of the inhabitants could be discovered, nor did we hear or see any thing of them during the night. The next morning, Saturday the 12th {1792/05/12}, at four o'clock, we again embarked. Having been supplied for five days only, our provisions were greatly exhausted, and the commencement of this, which was the sixth, threatened us with short allowance. Our sportsmen had been unable to assist our stock; and the prospect of obtaining any supplies frorn the natives was equally uncertain. The region we had lately passed seemed nearly destitute of human beings. The brute creation also had deserted the shores; the tracks of deer were no longer to be seen; nor was there an aquatic bird on the whole extent of the canal; animated nature seemed nearly exhausted; and her awful silence was only now and then interrupted by the croaking of a raven, the breathing of a seal, or the scream of an eagle. Even these solitary sounds were so seldom heard, that the rustling of the breeze along the shore, assisted by the solemn stillness that prevailed, gave rise to ridiculous suspicions in our seamen of hearing rattlesnakes, and other hideous monsters, in the wilderness, which was composed of the productions already mentioned, but which appeared to grow with infinitely less vigour than we had been accustomed to witness. 105 [end of page f897p9m4_105.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY To the westward and N. W. lay that range of snowy mountains, noticed the morning we spoke with the Columbia. These gradually descended in a southern direction, whilst the summit of the eastern range now and then appearing, seemed to give bounds to this low country on that side. Between the S. E. and S. W. a country of a very moderate height seemed to extend as far as the eye could reach; and, from its eminences and vallies, there was reason to believe that this 'inlet continued to meander a very considerable distance, which, made me much regret that we were not provided for a longer excursion. Yet, having proceeded thus far, I resolved to continue our researches, though at the expense of a little hunger, until the inlet should either terminate, or so extensively open, as to render it expedient that the vessels should be brought up ; which would be a very tedious and disagreeable operation, in, consequence of the narrowness of the channel, and the great depth of the water. Soundings in some places only could be gained close to thi shore; and in the middle no bottom had anywhere been found with ioo fathoms of line, although the shores were in general low, and not half a league asunder. Having very pleasant weather, and a gentle favorable breeze, we proceeded, and passed several runs of fresh water. Near one of the largest we observed our latitude at noon to be 47o 27'; and once again had the pleasure of approaching an inhabited country. A canoe, in which there were three men, went alongside the launch, and bartered a few trifles for beads, iron, and copper, but declined every invitation from us to come on shore. From Mr. Puget I learned, that they appeared to be very honest in their dealings, and had used their utmost endeavors to prevail on the party in the launch to attend them home, which he understood to be at the distance of about a league, and for which they seemed to make the best of their way, probably to acquaint their friends with the approach of strangers. Soon after we had dined, a smoke was observed near the supposed place of their residence; made, as we concluded, for the purpose of directing us to their habitations, for which we immediately set off, agreeably to their very civil invitation.' 106 [end of page f897p9m4_106.gif] OF PUGET SOUND An idea during this excursion had occurred to us, that part of the brute creation have an aversion to the absence of the human race; this opinion seemed now in some measure confirmed, by the appearance for the first time during the last three days, of several species of ducks, and other aquatic birds. I do not however mean absolutely to infer, that it is the affection of the lower orders of the creation to man, that draws them to the same spots which human beings prefer, since it is highly probable that such places as afford the most eligible residence in point of sustenance to the human race, in an uncivilized state, may be, by the brute creation, resorted to for the same purpose. The habitations of our new friends appeared to be situated nearly at the extremity of this inlet, or where it appeared to take a very sharp turn to the S. E. still favoring our hopes of returning by the great eastern arm. These, however, vanished on landing, as we found its S. W. direction terminate in land, apparently low and swampy, with a shoal -extending some distance from its shores, forming a narrow passage to the south-eastward into a cove or bason, which seemed its termination also in that direction. Here we found the finest stream of fresh water we had yet seen; from the size, clearness, and rapidity of which, little doubt could be entertained of its having its source in perpetual springs., Near it were two miserable huts with mats thrown carelessly over them, protecting their tenants neither from the heat nor severity of the weather; these huts seemed calculated to contain only the five or six men then present, though previously to our quitting the boats we supposed a greater number of persons bad been seen; those were probably their women, who on our approach had retired to the woods. These good people conducted themselves in the most friendlv manner. They had little to dispose of, yet they bartered away their bows and arrows without the, least hesitation, together with some small fish, cockles, and clams; of the latter we purchased a large quantity, a supply of which was very acceptable in the low condition of our stock. They 107 [end of page f897p9m4_107.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY made us clearly to understand, that in the cove to the S. E. we should find a number of their countrymen, who had the like commodities to dispose of; and being anxious to leave no doubt concerning a further inland navigation by this arm of the sea, and wishing to establish, as far as possible, a friendly intercourse with the inhabitants of the country, which, from the docile and inoffensive manners of those we had seen, appeared a task of no great difficulty, we proceeded to a low point of land that forms the north entrance into the cove. There we beheld a number of natives, who did not betray the smallest apprehension at our approach; the whole assembly remained quietly seated on the grass, excepting two or three whose particular office seemed to be that of making us welcome to their country. These presented us with some fish, and received in return trinkets of various kinds, which delighted them excessively. They attended us to their companions, who amounted in number to about sixty, including the women and children. We were received by them with equal cordiality, and treated with marks of great friendship and hospitality. A short time was, here employed in exchanges of mutual civilities. The females on this occasion took a very active part. They presented us with fish, arrows, and other trifles, in a way that convinced us they had much pleasure in so doing. They did not appear to differ in any respect from the inhabitants we had before seen; and some of our gentlemen were of opinion that they recognized the persons of one or two who had visited us on the preceding Thursday morning; particularly one man, who bad suffered very much from the small pox. This deplorable disease is not only common, but it is greatly to be apprehended is very fatal amongst them, as its indelible marks were seen on many; and several had lost the sight of one eye, which was remarked to be generally the left, owing most likely to the virulent effects of this baneful disorder. The residence of these people here was doubtless of a temporary nature; few had taken the trouble of erecting their usual miserable huts, being content to lodge on the ground, with loose mats only for their covering. 108 [end of page f897p9m4_108.gif] LORD HOOD. From the painting by Lemuel F. Abbott, in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photograph copyrighted by Walter & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. Engraving made in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_108p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND From this point, which is situated nearly at the south extremity of the channel in latitude 47o 21', longitude 237o 63 1/2;, little doubt existed of the cove terminating its navigation. To ascertain this, whilst I remained with these civil people, Mr. Johnstone was directed to row round the projection that had obstructed our view of the whole circumference of the cove, which is about two miles; and, if it were not closed, to pursue its examination. Our former conjectures being confirmed, on his return we prepared to depart; and, as we were putting off from the sbore, a cloak of inferior sea otter skins was brought down, which I purchased for a small piece of copper. Upon this they made signs that if we would remain, more, and of a superior quality, should be produced; but as this was not our object, and as we had finished our proposed talk sooner than was expected this morning, to the no small satisfaction of our whole party, we directed our course back towards port Discovery, from which we were now about 70 miles distant. A fresh northwardly wind, and the approach of night, obliged us to take up our abode about two miles from the Indians, some of whom had followed us along the beach until we landed, when they posted themselves at the distance of about half a mile, to observe our different employments; at dark theyall retired, and we neither heard nor saw any thing more of them. The rise and fall of the tide, although the current constantly ran down without any great de-aree of rapidity, appeared to have been nearly ten feet, and it was high water 3h 50' after the moon passed the meridian. Early on Sunday morning the 13th {1792/05/13}, we again embarked; directing our route down the inlet, which, after the Right Honorable Lord Hood, I called HOOD'S CHANNEL; but our _____________________________________ Lord Hood. Any one visiting the shores of Hood's Canal, that beautiful inlet of the sea, runrung parallel with and counted a part of what is now gen erally known as Puget Sound, will be confused with the theories advanced as to the origin of the name. These theories cluster around the local tradition that years ago one of the first settlers bore the name of Hood, and, being killed by the Indians, his name was given to the waterway. The falsity of this tradition and its accompanying theories is seen by a perusal of 109 [end of page f897p9m4_109.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY progress homeward was so very slow, that it was Monday afternoon, the 14th {1792/05/14}, before we reached Foulweather bluff. This promontory.is not ill named, for we had scarcely landed, when a heavy rain commenced, wh.ich continuing the rest of the day, obliged us to remain stationary. This detention I endeavoured to reconcile with the hope that the next morning _______________________________________ Vancouver's journal, wherein on Sunday, May 13, 1792 {1792/05/13}, the discoverer names the waterway Hood's Channel, "after the Right Honorable Lord Hood." It is a curious fact that Vancouver named many places " channels " in his journal, but wrote them down as "canals" on his excellent charts. This was the case with Hood's Canal. Lord Hood was again honored by this expedition. In October, 1792 {1792/10/00}, while Lieutenant Broughton was exploring the Columbia River lie saw a fin, mountain and on receiving his report, Vancouver wrote in his journal as follows"The same remarkable mountain that had been seen from Bell, Vue point, again presented itself, bearing at this station S. 67 E.; and though the party were now nearer to it by 7 leagues, yet its lofty summit was scarcely more distinct across the intervening land whi ' ch was more than moderately elevated. Mr. Broughton honored it with Lord flood's name; its appear- ance was magnificent; and it was clothed in snow from its summit, as low down as the high land, by which it was intercepted, rendered it visible. Mr. Broughton lamented that he could not acquire sufficient authority to ascer- tain its positive situation, but imagined it could not be less than 2o leagUeS from their then station." The station referred to is now occupied by the city of Vancouver. Rumors and traditions about the Canal's name are not the only confusiing matter, for it is unexpectedly discovered that there is also confusion in tile biographies of the Hoods, There have been many of them prominent in English history. Two of them, cousins, bore the same name, were contemporaneous, and each attained high rank in the Royal Navy. However, the Samuel flood who could be referred to in 1792 {1792/00/00}as the "Right Honorable Lord" is the one in whom we are interested at this moment, and there is but one such among all the Hoods of that day. He was born on December 12, 1724 {1724/12/12}. His father was vicar of Butleigh in Somerset. His education was that of a sailor, for on May 6, 1741 {1741/05/06}, he entered the navyas captain's servant under Captain Thomas Srnith, popularly known as "Tom of Ten Thousand." flood's junior service was in ships along the coast of Scotland, in the North Sea, and in the British Channel, always, however, under splendid officers. He became a lieutenant in 1746 {1746/00/00} and experienced considerable service in American and other stations until he -as posted to the Lively on July 22, 1756 {1756/07/22}. This promotion was deserved, but just as his chance seemed best he was transferred to the Grafton, which soon returned to England and was paid off. 110 [end of page f897p9m4_110.gif] OF PUGET SOUND would permit some examination, or at least afford us a view of the great eastern arm, before we returned to the ships ; but in this I was disappointed. After wating until ten o' clock in the forenoon of Tuesday the 15th {1792/05/15}, without the least prospect of an alteration for the better, we again set out with a fresh breeze at S.S.E. attended with heavy squalls and torrents ___________________________________ In January, 1757 {1757/01/00}, Hood wrote to Lord Temple that he was "no ways inclined to be idle ashore while anything can be got to employ me." He offered his services to take tempormy command of any ship Whose, Captain was absent on the court-martial of Admiral Byng. He then received several such temporary appointments, and while in one of them he drove a French ship of fifty guns ashore and captured two privateers. In approving this the Admiralty gave him permanent commd. Sailing in the Vestal for America under Commodore Holmes he over-took the. French frigate Bellona, which was captured by Hood after a severe single-handed fight. Returning to England, he was employed along the coast of France. In 1760 {1760/00/00} he requested and received service in the Mediterranean for the benefit of his failing health. In 1765 {1765/00/00} he carried a regiment of foot soldiers to North Arnerica in the Thunderer, and in April, 1767 {1767/04/00}, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief in North America. He returned to England in 1771 {1771/00/00}. Hood's career up to this time was successful but not remarkable. It was thought to have come to a close in January, 1778 {1778/01/00}, when hee was appointed Commissioner at Portsmouth and Governor of the Naval Academy. This idea was emphasized in May {1778/05/00}when the king, on visiting Portsmouth, created Hood. a Baronet. It was a matter of surprise, therefore, when in Septernber, 1780 {1780/09/00}, Hood was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Blue and was sent with a strong squadron to reenforce Sir George Rodney in the West Indies. Under Rodney and later under Admiral Hugh Pigot, Hood remained as second in command in the American waters until the peace Of 1783 {1783/00/00}- He took part in nearly all of tile stirring naval engagements that marked the close of the American War for Independence. He received his share of the severe criticism for the. failure to relieve Cornwallis at Yorktown. The entire campaign was counted a success, and Hood's participation was especially approved. Before his return to England on September 12, 1782 {1782/09/12}, he was raised to the Irish peerage as Baron Hood of Catherington, Hampshire. On his return he was presented with the freedom of London in a gold box, and was elected to PaParliament for Westminster In September, 1787 {1787/09/00}, he became Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and in July, 1788 {1788/07/00}, was made a member of the Board of Admiralty under the Earl of Chatham. In this capacity he, signed the original instructions for Vancouver's voyage., which is probably another reason for his being honored. by Vancouver. Admiral Flood remained in this position until the outbreak of the war of the French Revolution, when he again saw active service. He captured 111 [end of page f897p9m4_111.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY of rain; and about four in the afternoon arrived on board, much to the satisfaction I believe of all parties, as great anxiety had been entertained for our safety, in consequence of the unexpected length of our absence. The swivels fired from our boat and that of the Chatham's the morning after our departure, were heard on board, and were the cause of much alarm after the expiration of the time appointed for our return. Such attention had been paid to the several common occupations going forward when I left the ships, that I had the satisfaction to find everything accomplished. But from Mr. Whidbey I understood, that the weather had been so unfavorable to our astronomical pursuits, that he had not been able to obtain any lunar distances, though he had suc- _______________________ Corsica, but the major portion of his work in this campaign was in the famous case of Toulon. The situation was one of terrible confusion, viewed from Hood's position. There was the disaffection of the French themselves, the presence of the Spaniards and the English. When the crisis was reached and Hood decided to leave Toulon, the populace clamored to be carried away to safety. Fifteen thousand of these were embarked, including all who seemed liable to punishment, and yet of those who were left a number estimated at from one thousand to six thousand were guillotined or shot by officers of the Convention. On leaving Toulon, Hood gave orders to destroy the French ships, which orders were imperfectly carried out. Toulon was a failure, but Corsica was a brilliant success. Lord Nelson, then a captain under Hood, wrote to his brother, "All has been done by seamen and troops embarked to serve as marines, except a few artillery under the orders of Lord Hood, who has given in this instance a most astonishing proof of the vigour of his mind and of his zeal and judgment." But Hood was recalled and on that occasion Nelson. wrote, "The fleet must mourn the loss of Lord Hood, the best officer, take him altogether, that England has to boast of; great in all situations which an admiral can be placed in." When recalled Hood was succeeded by his friend Sir William Hotham, who wrote of him"I never saw an officer of more intrepid courage or warmer zeal; no difficulties stood in his way, and he, was a stranger to any feeling of nervous diffidence of himself. Without the least disposition to severity, there was something about him which made his inferior officers stand in awe of him. He was so watchful upon his post himself that those who acted with him were afraid to slumber; and his advanced age at the time he was last employed appears neither to have Impaired the vigour of his understanding nor in any way cooled the ardour, of his zeal. He was exceedingly liberal, and never was nor would have been a rich man." 112 [end of page f897p9m4_112.gif] MONUMENT TO LORD HOOD AND OTHERS. In the old cemetery at Greenwich Hospital. Photograph secured by special permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. [end of page f897p9m4_112p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND ceeded in ascertaining the rate of the chronometers. Having, however, acquired sufficient authority of this nature for correcting our survey, and carrying it further into execution, I determined to depart as soon as the weather should break up. This did not happen until Thursday afternoon the 17th {1792/05/17}; when the tents and observatory were re-embarked, and every thing got in readiness for sailing the next morning, Friday the 18th {1792/05/18} A light air from the S. E. and pleasant weather, favored our departure; and about breakfast time, the ship arriviring, at the entrance of the port, I landed on the east end of Protection island, in order, from its eminence, to take a more accurate view of the surrounding shores. In most directions, they seemed much broken, particularly in the northern quarter, being there occupied by an archipelago of islands of various sizes. On my return on board, I directed Mr. Broughton _________________________ Before his recall he had been elected an Elder Brother of Trinity House on March 25, 1795 {1795/03/25}and on April 12 {1795/04/12} of the same year he was promoted to the rank of Admiral. In March, 1796 {1796/03/00}, he was appointed Governor of Greenwich Hospital, a post he held until his death. On June 1, 1796 {1796/06/01}, be was created Viscount Hood in the peerage of Great Britain. In 1815 {1815/00/00}, on the restoration of the Order of the Bath, Hood received the Grand Cross of the Bath. His friend Hotbam, is authority for this, "He was very attentive to his religious duties, and talked of and viewed his approaching dissolution with the courage of a strong mind and the hope of a religious one." Though attaining to the age of ninety-two years, he retained his ' faculties to the last. He died on January 27, 1816 {1816/01/27}, and was buried in the old cemetery of Greenwich Hospital. There are several portraits of this famous man in existence. The one selected for reproduction in this work is Number-628 in the National Portrait Gallery. It was painted by Lemuel F. Abbott. In seeking information about his last resting place, special permission was obtained from the Director of Greenwich Hospital to secure a photograph of the magnificent rnonument to Hood and others buried in the old cemetery. This monument was erected by order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in 1892 {1892/00/00}. Part of the inscription reads, "In memory of the gallant officers and men of the Royal Navy and marines, the number of about 20,000, formerly inmates of Greenwich Hospital, whose remains were interred in the cemetery betweert the years 1749 {1749/00/00}and 1869 {1869/00/00}." In a letter on this subject the Director says, " I may add that the original grave of Viscount Hood was not interfered with for the erection of this monument, and I am not aware that reference has been made to the monument in any book or published document." 113 [end of page f897p9m4_113.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY to use his endeavors, in the Chatham, to acquire some information--in that line whilst I continued my examination with the Discovery up the inlet which we had discovered in the boats, to the eastward of Foulweather bluff; appointing the first inlet to the south-eastward of that point on the starboard, or continental shore, as our place of rendezvous'. We parted about noon in pleasant weather, and with a fine, breeze directed our vessels agreeably to our respective pursuits. As a more particular description of port Discovery and the surrounding country would have interfered with our primary object of ascertaining the boundary of this coast, I shall reserve it for the subject of the following short chapter; and shall conclude this with such astronomical and nautical, observations as circumstances permitted us to make whilst in port, as well as those made previous to our arrival and after our departure; which have assisted in fixing its longitude as well as that of the exterior coast of New Albion southward to cape Mendocino. A pan of this coast, prior to our visit, had been seen by diNdent navigator and the position of certain head lands, capes, etc given to the world. Several of these I have found myself under the necessity of placing in different latitudes and longitudes, as well those seen by Captain Cook, as others laid down by the different visitors who have followed him. This, however, I have not presumed to do, from a consciousness of superior abilities as an astronomer, or integrity as an historian; but from the conviction, that no one of my predecessors had the good fortune to meet so favorable an opportunity for the examination under the happy circumstances of which I have been induced to assign, to the several conspicuous head lands, points, etc. the positions ascertained by the result of our several observations; from which, as it evidently appeared that our chronometer had materially accelerated on its Otahetean rate, it may not be unacceptable to state the mode I adopted for the correction of that error. In our passage towards, and during our stay,amongst, the Sandwich islands, the chronometer, agreeably to its 114 [end of page f897p9m4_114.gif] OF PUGET SOUND Otabeitean rate, seemed to have been accurate to a ' scruptilous degree of nicety;. but, by some observations mode prior to the 26th of March {1792/03/26}, it appeared to have deviated manifestly from the truth. The observations made on that day were the, most remote ones I made use of on this occasion; and, by the mean result of all made since in port Discovery, instead of the chronometer gaining at the rate of 4" 3" per day only, it was found to be gaining 11" 51" per day; and therefore, instead of the allowance of the former rate, from the 26th of March {1792/03/26}to our arrival on the coast, it was increased to 8" per day; and from the 17th of April, {1792/04/17}11" 30.. were allowed as the rate of the chronometer, for the purpose of reducing all our observations from that period to, our arrival in port Discovery; which medium, I trust, will hereafter be found fully to answer my expectations. The following will serve to exhibit the different observations made to estabhsh this point, comprebending two hundred and twenty sets of lunar distances, each set containing six observations, taken by the several officers and gentlemen on board, as follows Mr. Puget, nine sets taken between the 28th March {1792/03/28} and 9th of April {1792/04/09}....................................... 237o 19' 5" Mr. Whidbey, fifty-eight ditto, the 26th March{1792/03/26} and 12th of June {1792/06/12} 237o 23' 38" Mr. Orchard, fifty-three ditto, ditto . . 237o 22' Mr. J. Stewart, twentyfour ditto, 27th March {1792/03/27} and 29th April {1792/04/29} 237o 25' 50" Mr. Ballard, thirty-eight ditto, do 237o 22' 50" Myself thirty-eight ditto, the 28th of March {1792/03/28} and 5th of May {1792/05/05} 237o 21' 9" Hence the longitude of the observatory deduced from the mean result of the above observed distances of the sun, moon and stars was 237o 22' 19' On our arrival in port Discovery, the chronometer, by the Portsmouth rate, on the 4th of May {1792/05/04}, showed 237o 51' By the Otaheitean rate 235o 59' Mr. Arnold's chronometer on board the Chatham, by the Otabeitean rate ..... 235o 27' From the above observations, and nine days corresponding altitudes, Kendal's chronometer was found, on the 13th of 115 [end of page f897p9m4_115.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY May {1792/05/13} at noon, to be fast of mean time at Greenwich 45' 46", and to be gaining on mean time at the rate of 11" 55" per day. By the same observations, Mr. Arnold's on the 13th of May {1792/05/13}at noon, was fast of mean time at Greenwich 2h 56' 49" and was gaining on mean time at the rate Of 27' per day. The latitude of the observatory, by the mean result of nine meridian altitudes was 48 o 2' 3" The variation~ by all our compasses in eleven sets of azimuths, differing from 20o to 26o, gave their mean result 21o 30' The vertical inclination of the magnetic needle. Marked end North face East 73o 50' Ditto West. 75o 57' Ditto South face East ............... 72o 17' Ditto'West. 75o 55' Mean vertical inclination of the North point of the marine dipping needle 74o 30' In port Discovery, the tide was observed to flow on the hAl of the moon, about ten feet; and was high water 3h 50' after the moon passed the meridian. 116 [end of page f897p9m4_116.gif] OF PUGET SOUND CHAPTER VII DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY AND THE NATIVE PEOPLES I SHALL now proceed to relate such matters respecting the country of New Albion as appeared entitled to notice and which are not inserted in the preceding narrative. Port Discovery, already mentioned-as a perfectly safe and convenient harbor, has its outer points 1 3/4 miles asunder, bearing from each Other S. 63 W. and N. 63 E.; its entrance, is situated in latitude 48o 7'. longitude 237o 20' whence the port first takes a direction S- 30 E. about eight miles, and then terminates S. W. by W. about a league further. If it lies under any disadvantage, it is in its great depth of water; in which respect, however, we found no inconvenience, as the bottom was exceedingly good holding ground, and free from rocks. Towards the upper part of the harbor it is of less depth; but I saw no situation more eligible than that in which the vessels rode, off the first low sandy point on the western shore, about 4 1/2 miles within the entrance. Here our wooding, watering, brewing, and all other operations were carried on with the utmost facility and convenience. The shores of Protection island form on its south side, which is about two miles long a most excellent roadstead, and a channel into port Discovery, near two miles wide on either side, without any interruption, which, with other nautical particulars, are exhibited in the chart. The country in the neighborhood of this port may generally be considered of a moderate height, although bounded on the west side by mountains covered with snow, to which the land from the water's edge rises in a pleasing diversity by hills of gradual, ascent. The snow on these hills probably dissolves as the summer advances, for pine trees were produced 117 [end of page f897p9m4_117.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY on their very summits. On the sea shore the land generally terminated in low sandy cliffs; though in some spaces of considerable extent it ran nearly level from high water mark. The soil for the most part is a lkht sandy loam, in several, places,of very considerable depth, and abundantly mixed with decayed vegetables. The vigor and luxuriance of its productions proved it to be a rich fertile mould, which possibly might be considerably improved by the addition of the calcareous matter contained in the marrow stone that presented itself in many places. In respect to its mineral productions no great variety was observed. Iron ore, in its various forms, was generally found; and from the weight and magnetic qualities of some specimens, appeared tolerably rich, particularly a kind much resembled the blood stone. These, with quartz, agae, the common flint, and a great intermixture of other silicious matter, (most of the stones we met with being of that class) with some variety of calcareous, magnesian, and argilaceous earths, were the mineral productions generally found. The parts of the vegetable kingdom applicable to useful purposes appeared to grow very luxuriantly, and consisted Of the Canadian and Norwegian giant hemlock, silver pines, the Tacamahac and Canadian poplar, arbor-vitae, common yew, black and common dwarf oak, American ash, common hazel, sycamore, sugar, mountain, and Pennsylvanian maple, oriental arbutus, American alder, and common willow; these, with the Canadian alder, small fruited crab, and Pennsylvania cherry trees, constituted the forests, which may be considered rather as encumbered, than adorned, with underwood; although there were several places where, in its present state, the traveller might pass without being in. the least incommoded, excepting by the undecayed trunks of trees which had fallen. Of suculent vegetables we found but few; the white or dead nettle, and samphire, were most common; the wild orache, vulgarly called fat-hen, with the vetch. Two or three sorts of wild peas, and the common hedge mustard, Were frequently though not always met with, and were considered by us as excellent of their kinds, and served to relish, 118 [end of page f897p9m4_118.gif] OF PUGET, SOUND ' our salt provisions, on which, with a very scanty supply of fish, all hands subsisted. Amongst the more minute pro- ductions, Mr. Menzies found constant amusement; and, I believe -was enabled to make some addition to the catalogue of plants. The knowledge we acquired of the animal kingdom was very imperfect. The skins of the animals already noticed were such as are commonly found amongst the inhabitants on the sea coasts under the same parallel, and towards Nootka; these were mostly of the coarser and more common sorts. Garments of sea otter skins were not worn, nor did many such skins appear amongst the inhabitants. The only living quadrupeds we saw, were a black bear, two or three wild dogs, about as many rabbits, several small brown squirrels, rats, mice, and the skunk, whose effluvia were the most intolerable and offensive I ever experienced. Few of the feathered tribe were procured, although, on our first arrival the aquatic birds were so numerous, that we expected a profuse supply of wild fowl; but these were all so extremely shy and watchful, that our guns seldom reached them; and, on being fired at, they disappeared. About the shores and on the rocks, we found some species of the tern, the common gull, sea pigeon of Newfoundland, curlews, sandlarks, shags, and the black sea pye, like those in New Holland and New Zealand; these were however not so abundant as the others. Nor did the woods appear to be much resorted to by the feathered race; two or three spruce partridges had been seen; with few in point of number, and little variety, of small birdsamongst which the humming birds bore a great proportion. ' At the outskirts of the woods, and about the water side, the white beaded and brown eagle; ravens, carrion crows,, American king's fisher, and a very handsome woodpecker, were seen in numbers; and in addition to these on the low projecting points, and open places in the woods, we frequently saw a bird with which we were wholly unacquainted, though we considered it to be a species of the crane or heron; some of their eggs were found of a bluish cast, considerably larger than that of a turkey, and 119 [end of page f897p9m4_119.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY well tasted. These birds have remarkably long legs and necks, and their bodies seemed to equal in size the largest turkey. Their plumage is uniformly of a light brown, and when erect their flight,on a moderate computation, could not be has than four feet. They seemed to prefer open situationg and used no endeavors to hide or screen themselves from our sight, but were too vigilant to allow our sportsmen taking them by surprise. Some blue, and some nearly white herons of the common size were also seen. The sea was not much more bountiful to us of its animal productions than was its shores. The scanty supply of fish we were enabled to procure, consisted in general of the common sorts of small flat-fish, elephant fish, sea brearn, sea perch, a large sort of sculpin, some weighing six or eight pounds, with a a greenish color about their throat, belly, and gills. These were very coarse, but no ill effects were consequent on eating them. The above, with a few trout, a small sort of eel extremely well tasted, of a yellowish green color, were the fishes we most generally caught. A small common black snake, a few lizards and frogs, together with a variety of common insects, none of which could be considered as very, troublesome, were the only creatures of the reptile tribe we observed. This country, regarded in an agricultural point of view, I should conceive is capable of high improvement, notwithstanding the sod in general may be considered to be light and sandy. Its spontaneous productions in the vicinity of the woods are nearly the same, and grow in equal luxuriance with those under a similar parallel in Europe; favoring the hope, that if nutritious exotics were introduced and carefully attended to, they would succeed in the highest degree. The mildness of the climate, and the forwardness of every species of plants, afforded strong grounds in support of this opinion. The interruptions we experienced in the general serenity,, of the weather, were probably no more than were absolutely, requisite in the spring of the year to bring forward the annual productions. These were amended with no violence of wind, and the rain which fell, although disagreeable to travellers, 120 [end of page f897p9m4_120.gif] OF PUGET SOUND was not so heavy as to beat down and destroy the first efforts of vegetation. Under all these favorable circumstances, the country yet labors under one material disadvantage, its scarcity of fresh water. The streams however that we met with. appeared sufficient to answer all purposes, in the domestic economy of life, to a very numerous body of inhabitants and, were the country cleared and searched, there can be little doubt that a variety of eligible situations might be found for establishments, where, with proper exertions, wholesome water might be procured. What the low country before us toward the range of snowy mountains may produce, remains for future investigation; but judging from what we had seen, it seemed more than probable, that those natural channels of the sea wind in various directions; and that they are capable of affording great advantages to commercial pursuits, by opening communications with parts of the interior country commodiously and delightfully situated. The great depth of water may be offered as an insuperable objection; yet, on a more minute examination, it is likely that many eligible and convenient stopping places might be found for the security of such vessels as would necessarily be employed in those occupations. Having considered with impartiality the excellencies and defects of this country, as far as came under our observation, it now remains to add a few words on the character of its inhabitants. None being resident in port Discovery, and our intercourse with them having been very confined, the knowledge we may have acquired of them, their manners, and customs, must necessarily be very limited, and our conclusions drawn chiefly from comparison. From New Dungeness we traversed nearly one hundred and fifty miles ortheir shores without seeing that number of inhabitants. Those who came within our notice so nearly resembled the people of Nootka, that the best delineation I can offer is a reference to the description of those people, which has before been so ably and with so much justice given to the public.* The only difference I observed *Vide Captain Cook's last Voyage. 121 [end of page f897p9m4_121.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY was, that in their stature they did not generally appear quite so stout ; and in their habits were less filthy; for though these people adorn their persons with the same sort of paint, yet it is not laid on in that abundance, nor do they load their hair with that immense quantity of oil and coloring matter, which is so customary amongst the people of Nootka; their hair, as before mentioned, being in general neatly combed and tied behind. In their weapons, implements, canoes, and dress, they vary little. Their native woollen garment was most in fashion, next to it the skins of deer, bear, etc.; a few wore dresses manufactured from bark, which, like their woollen ones, were very neatly wrought. Their speas, arrows, fishgigs, and other weapons, were shaped exactly like those of Nootka; but none were pointed with copper, or with muscle shell. The three former were generally , barbed, and those pointed with common flint, agate, and bomo seemed of their original workmanship. Yet more of their arrow's were, observed to be pointed with thin flat iron, than with, bone, or flint, and it was very similar that they should prefer exchanging those pointed with iron to any of the others. Their bows were of a superior construction these, in general were from two and a half to three feet in length; the broadest part in the middle was about an inch and a half, and about three quarters of an inch thick, neatly made, gradually tapertng to each end, which terminated in a shoulder and a hook, for the security of the bow string. They were all made of yew, and chosen with a naturally inverted curve suited to the method of using them. From end to end of the concave side, which when strung became the convex part, a very strong strip of an elastic hide is attached to some, and the skins of serpents to others, exactly the shape and length of the bow, neatly and firmly affixed to the wood by means of a cement, the adhesive property of which I never saw or heard of being, equalled. It is not to be affected by either dry or damp weather, and forms so strong a connection, with the wood, as to prevent a separation without destroying the component parts of both. The bow string is made of the 122 [end of page f897p9m4_122.gif] OF PUGET SOUND sinew of some marine animal laid loose, in order to be twisted at pleasure, as the temperature of the atmosphere may re- quire to preserve it at a proper length. Thus is this very neat little weapon rendered portable, elastic, and effective in the highest degree, if we may be allowed to judge by the dexterity with which it was used by one of the natives at port Discover . We had little opportunity of acquiring any satisfactory information with regard to the public regulations, or private economy, of these people. The situation and appearance of the places we found the m generally inhabiting, indicated their being much accustomed to a change of residence; the deserted villages tended to strengthen the conjecture of their being wanderers. Territorial property appeared to be of little importance; there was plenty of room for their fixed habitations, and those of a temporary nature, which we now found them mostly to occupy, being principally composed of cross sticks, covered with a few mats, as easily found a spot for their erection, as they were removed from one station to another, either as inclination might lead, or necessity compel, and having a very extensive range of domain, they were not liable to interruption or opposition from their few surrounding neighbors. From these circumstances alone, it may be somewhat premature to conclude that this delightful country has always been thus thinly inhabited; on the contrary, there are reasons to believe it has been infinitely more populous. Each of the deserted villages was nearly, if not quite, equal to contain all the scattered inhabitants we saw, according to the custom of the Nootka people; to whom these have great affinity in their persons, fashions, wants, comforts, construction of these their fixed habitations, and in their general character. It is also possible, that most of the clear spaces may have been indebted, for the removal of their timber and underwood, to manual labor. Their general appearance furnished this opinion, and their situation on the most pleasant and commanding eminences, protected by the forest on every side, except that which would have precluded a view of the sea, 123 [end of page f897p9m4_123.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY seemed to encourage the idea. Not many years since each of these vacant places might have been allotted to the habitations of different societies, and the variation observed in their extent might have been conformable to the size of each village; on the scite'of which, since their abdication, or extent nothing but the smaller shrubs and plants had yet been able to rear their heads. In our different excursions, particularly those in the neighborhood of port Discovery, the scull, limbs, ribs, and back bones, or some other vestiges of the human body, were found in many places promiscously scattered about the beach, in great numbers. Similar relics were also frequently met with during our survey in the boats; and I was informed by the officers, that in their several perambulations, the like appearances had presented themselves so repeatedly, and in such abundance, as to produce an idea that the environs of port Discovery were a general cemetery for the whole of the surrounding country. Notwithstanding these circumstances do not amount to a direct proof of the extensive population they indicate, yet, when combined with other appearances, they warranted an opinion, that at no very remote period this country had been far more populous than at present. Some of the human bodies were found disposed of in a very singular manner. Canoes were suspended between two or more trees about twelve feet from the ground, in which were the skeletons of two or three persons; others of a lareer size were hauled up into the outskirts of the woods, which contained from four to seven skeletons covered over with a broad plank. In some of these broken bows and arrows were found, which at first gave rise to a conjecture, that these might have been warriors, who after being mortally wounded, had, whilst their strength remained, hauled up their canoes for the purpose of expiring quietly in them. But on a further examination this became improbable, as it would hardly have been possible to have preserved the regularity of position in the agonies of death, or to have defended their sepulchres with the broad plank with which each was covered., The few skeletons we saw so carefully deposited in the 124 [end of page f897p9m4_124.gif] OF PUGET SOUND canoes were probably the chiefs, priests, or leaders of particular tribes, whose followers most likely continue to. possess the highest respect for their memory and remainsand the general knowledge I had obtained from experience of the regard which all savage nations pay to their funeral solemnities, made me particularly solicitous to prevent any indignity from being wantonly offered to their departed friends. Baskets were also found suspended on high trees, each containin-a the skeleton of a young child; in some of which were also small square boxes filled with a kind of white paste, resembling such as I had seen the natives eat, supposed to be made orsaranne root; some of these boxes were quite full, others were nearly empty, eaten probably by the mice, squirrels, or birds. On the next low point, south of our encampment, where the gunners were airing the powder, they met with several holes in which human bodies were interred slightly covered over, and in different states of decay, some appearing to have been very recently deposited. About half a mile to the northward of our tents, where the land is nearly level with high water mark, a few paces within the skirting of the wood, a canoe was found suspended between two trees, in which were three human skeletons; and a few paces to the right was a cleared place of nearly forty yards round; where, from the fresh appearance of the burnt stumps, most of its vegetable productions had very lately been consumed by fire. Amongst the ashes we found the sculls, and other bones, of near twenty persons in different stages of calcination; the fire, however, had not reached the suspended canoe, nor did it appear to have been intended that it should. The skeletons found thus disposed, in canoes, or in baskets, bore a very small proportion to the number of sculls and other human bones indiscriminately scattered about the shores. Such are the effects; but of the cause or causes that have operated to produce them, we remained totally unacquainted; whether occasioned by epidemic disease, or recent wars. The character and general deportment of the few inhabitants we occasionally saw, by no means countenanced the latter opinion; they were uniformly civil and friendly, without 125 [end of page f897p9m4_125.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY manifesting the least sign of fear or suspicion at our approach; nor did,their appearance indicate their having been much inured to hostilities. Several of their stoutest men had been seen perfectly naked, and contrary to what might have been expected of rude nations habituated to welfare, their skins were mostly unblemished by scars, excepting such as the small pox seemed to have occasioned; a disease which there is great reason to believe is very fatal amongst them. It is not, however, very easy to draw any just conclusions on the'true cause from which this havoc of the human race proceededthis must remain for the investigation of others who may hav more leisure, and a better opportunity, to direct such an inquiryyet it may, not be unreasonable to conjecture, that the present apparent depopulation may have arisen in some measure from the inhabitants of this interior part having been induced to quit their former abode, and to have moved nearer the exterior coast for the convenience of obtaining in the immediate mart, with more ease and at a cheaper rate, those valuable articles of commerce, that within these late years have been brought to the sea coasts of this continent by Europeans and the citizens Of America, and which are in great estimation amongst these people, being possessed by all in a greater or less degree. 126 [end of page f897p9m4_126.gif] OF PUGET SOUND CHAPTER VIII DISCOVERY OF PUGET SOUND - THE COUNTRY CALLED NEW GEORGIA AGREEABLY to the proposed destination of each vessel, the Discovery and Chatham, at noon, on Friday the 18th of May {1792/05/18}, directed their course towards the objects of their respective pursuits; and as I had already traced the western shore in the boats, we now kept the eastern side~on board, which, like the other, abounds with those verdant open places that have been so repeatedly noticed. On , one of these beautiful lawns, nearly a league within the entrance of the inlet, about thirty of the natives came from the surrounding woods, and attentively noticed us as we sailed along. We did not discover any habitations near them, nor did we see any canoes on the beach. On the south side of the lawn, were many uprights in the ground, which had the appearance of having formerly been the supporte s of their large wooden houses. We used our endeavors to invite these good people on board, but without effect. - After advancing about four leagues up 'the inlet, the pleasant gale, which had attended us from the N. W. died away, and a strong ebb making against us, we were compelled to anchor for the night, in 18 fathoms water, about half a mile from the eastern shoreMarrow-Stone point bearing by compass N. 56 W.; the N. E. point of Oak-cove S. 48 W.; and the Foulweather bluff S- 51 E. During the night, we had a gentle southerly breeze, attended by a fog which continued until nine o'clock on Saturday morning the 19th {1792/05/19}, when it was dispersed by a return of the N. W. wind, with which we pursued our route up the inlet; our progress was, however, soon retarded by the fore- 127 [end of page f897p9m4_127.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY topsail yard-giving way in the slings; on examination it appeared to have been in a defective state some time. The spare fore-topsail yard was also very imperfect; which obliged us to get the spare main-topsail yard up in its room; and it was a very fortunate circumstance, that these defects were discovered in a country abounding with materials to which we could resort; having only to make our choice from amongst thousands of the finest spars the world produces. To describe the beauties of this region, will, on some future occasion, be a very grateful task to the pen of a skilful panegyrist. The serenity of the climate, the innumerable pleasing landscapes, and the abundant fertility that unassisted nature puts forth, require only to be enriched by the industry ,of man with villages, mansions, cottages, and other buildings, to tender it the most lovely country that can be imagined; whilst the,labour of the inhabitants would be amply rewarded, into bounties which nature seems, ready to bestow on cultivation. About noon; we passed an inlet on the larboard or eastern shore, which seemed to stretch far to the northward; but, am it was out of the line of our intended pursuit of keeping the continental shore on board, I continued our course up the main inlet, which now extended as far as, from the deck, the eye could reach, though, from the masthead, intervening land appeared, beyond which another high round mountain covered with snow was discovered, apparently situated several leagues to the south of mount Rainier, and bearing by compass S. 22 E. This I considered as a further extension of the eastern snowy range; but the intermediate mountains, connecting it with mount Rainier, were not sufficiently high to be seen at that distance. Having advanced about eight leagues from our last night's station, we'arrived off a projecting point of land, not formed I by a low sandy spit, but rising, abruptly in a low cliff about ten or, twelve flet from the, water side. Its- surface was a, beautiful, meadow covered-with luxuriant herbage;, on its, , western extreme, bordering, on, thewoods was,,an Indian village, consisting, of 128 [end of page f897p9m4_128.gif] OF PUGET SOUND temporary habitations, from whence several of the natives assembled to view the ship as we passed by; but none of them ventured off, though several of their canoes were seen on the beach. Here the inlet divided into two extensive branches, one taking a south-eastwardly, the other a southwestern direction. '&ear this place was our appointed rendezvous with the Chatham; and under a small island to the S. W. of us, appeared an eligible spot, in which, with security, we might wait her arrival; but, on approaching K'w found the depth of water no where less that 6o fath6 s, within a cable's length,, of the shore. This obliged 460, to turn up towards the village point, where we found a commodious roadstead; and about seven o'clock in the evening', anchored about a mile from the shore in 38 fathoms water black sand and mudd bottom. The village point bore by , my compass N 4 E.; the nearest opposite shore of the main inlet N 52 E. about a league distant; and the direction of its southern extent S. E.; the above island lying before the branch lead- ing to the south-westward, bore from S 36 E to south, about half a league distant; and the appearance-'of a small inlet or cove, west, about the same distance. We, had no sooner anchored than a canoe in which were two men, paddled round the ship. We attempted to induce them,, but they wtre not to be yw6vailed upon, to enter the vessel; and having satisfieA their curiosity, they hastily returned to the shore. Before the evening closed in, I proceeded to acquire some in- formation respecti , ng the small opening to the westward.' It was nearly dark Wore I reached the shore, which seemed to form a small cove about half a mile in width, encircled by, compact shores, with a cluster of rocks above water, nearly in its center, and little worthy of further notice. On my return on board, I directed that a party, under the command of Lieutenant Puget and Mr. Whidbey, should, in the launch and cutter, proceed, with a supply of provisions for a week, to the examination of that branch of the inlet leading to the south-westward; keeping always the starboard or continental shore on board; which was accordingly carried into execution, at four o'clock the next morning. 129 [end of page f897p9m4_129.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Our situation being somewhat incommoded by the meeting of diffrent tides, we moved nearer in, and anchored in the same depth, and on the same bottom as before, very conveniently to the shore. Our eastern view was now bounded by the raneg of snowy mountains from mount Baker, bearing by compass north to mount Rainier, bearing N. [S] 54. E. The new mountain was 'hid by the more elevated parts of the low land the intermediate snowy mountains in various rugged and grotesque shapes, were seen just to rear their heads above the lofty pine trees, which appearing to compose one uninterrupted forest, between us and the snowy range, presented a most pleasing landscape; nor was our western destitute of similar diversification. The ridge of mouniais on which mount Olympus is situated, whose rugged summits were no less fancifully towering the forest than those on the eastern side, bounded to a considerable' extent our western horizion; on these however, not one conspicuous eminence arose, nor could we now distinguish that which on the sea coast appeared to be centrally situated, and forming an elegant bi-forked-mountain. From the southern extremity of these ridges of mountains, there seemed to be'an extensive tract of land moderately elevated and beautifully diversified by pleasing inequalities of surface, enriched with every appearance of fertility. On Sunday the 20th {1792/05/20}, in the meadow and about the village many of the natives were seen moving about, whose curiosity seemed little excited on our account. One canoe only had been near us, from which was thrown on, board the skin of some small animal, and then it returned instantly to the shore. Our carpenters were busily engaged in replacing the top sail yards with proper spars, which were conveniently found for that purpose. Some beer was brewed from the spruce, which was here very excellent, and the rest of the crew were ,employed in a variety of other essential services. The gentle N. W. wind,generally prevailed in'the day, and calms, or light southerly breezes during the, night. owards noon I went on shore to the village point, for the purpose of observing the latitude; on which occasion I 130 [end of page f897p9m4_130.gif] OF PUGET SOUND visited the village, if it may be so dignified as it appeared the most lowly and meanest of its kind. The best of the huts' were poor and miserable, constructed something after the, fashion of a soldier's tent, by two cross sticks about five feet high, connected at each end by a ridge-pole from one to the other, over some of which was thrown a coarse kind of mat, over others a few loose branches of trees, shrubs, or grass, none however appeared to be constructed for protecting them, either against the heat of summer, or the inclemency of winter. In them were hung up to be cured by the smoke of a fire kept burning constantly, clams, muscles, and a few other kinds of fish, seemingly intended for their winter's subsistence. The clams perhaps were not all reserved for that purpose, as we frequently saw them strung and worn about the neck, which, as inclination directed were eaten two, tree, or half a dozen at a time. This station did not appear to have been preferred for the purpose of fishing, as we saw few of the people so employed; nearly the whole of the inhabitants belonging to the village, which consisted of about eighty or an hundred men, women, and children,, were busily engaged like swine, rooting up this beautiful verdant meadow in quest of a species of wild onion, and two other roots, which in appearance and taste greatly resembled the saranne, particularly the largest; the size of the smallest did not much exceed a large pea this Mr. Menzies considered to be a new genus. The collecting of these roots was most likely the object which attached them to this spot; they all seemed to gather them with much avidity, and to preserve them with great care, most probably for the purpose of making the paste I have already mentioned. These people varied in no essential point from the natives we had seen since our entering the straits. Their persons were equally ill made, and as much besmeared with oil and different colored paints, particularly with red ochre, and a sort of shining chaffy mica, very ponderous, and in color much resembling black lead; they likewise possessed more ornaments, especially such as were made of copper, the article most valued and esteemed amongst them. They seemed not 131 [end of page f897p9m4_131.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY wanting in offers of friendship and hospitality; as on our joining7their party, we were presented with such things as they had to dispose of' and they immediately prepared a few of the roots, and some shell fish for our refreshment, which were very palatable. In these civil offices, two men who appeared the most active, and to be regarded by their countrymen as the most important persons of the party, were particularly assiduous to please. To each of them I made presents, which were received very thankfully; and on MY returning towards the boat, they gave rise to understand by signs, the only means we had of conversing with each other, that it would not be long ere they returned our visit on board the ship. This they accordingly did in the afternoon, with no small degree of, ceremony Beside the canoes which brought these two superior people, five others attended, seem as an appendage to the consequence of these cheifs the would not repair immediately on board, but agreeably to the custom of Nootka, advanced within about two hundred yards of the ship, and there resting on their paddles a conference was held, followed by a song principally sung by one man, who at stated times was joined in chorus by several others, whilst some in each canoe kept time with the handles of their paddles, by striking them against the gunwhale or side of the canoe, forming a sort of accompanyment, which though expressed by simple notes only, was by no means destitue of an agreeable effect. This performance took place whilst they were paddling slowly round the ship, and on its being concluded, they came along side with the greatest confidence, and without fear or suspicion immediately entered into a commercial intercourse with our people. The two chiefs however required some little intreaty before they could be, induced to venture on board. I again presented them with some valuables, amongst which was a garment for each of blue cloth, some copper, iron in various shapes, and such trinkets as I thought would Prove most acceptable. In this respect either my judgment failed, or their passion for traffic and exchange is irresistable, for no sooner had they quitted the, cabin, than, excepting' 132 [end of page f897p9m4_132.gif] OF PUGET SOUND the copper, they bartered away on deck nearly every article I had given them, for others of infinitely less utility or real value, consisting of such things as they could best appropriate to the decoration of their persons, and other ornamental purposes, giving uniformly a decided preference to copper. In the morning of Monday the 21st {1792/05/21} fell a few showers of rain, which were neither so heavy as to retard our business on shore, nor to prevent the friendly Indians paying us a visit on board. Convinced of our amicable disposition towards them, near the whole of the inhabitants, men, women and children, gratified their curiosity in the course of the day by paddling round the ship; for neither the ladies nor the children ventured on board. This was the case also with the generality of the men, who contentedly remained in their canoes, rowing from side to side, bartering their bows and arrows; which, with their woollen and skin garments, and a very few indifferent sea-otter skins, composed the whole of their assortment for trading; these they exchanged, in a very fair and honest manner, for copper, hawk's bells, and buttons, articles that greatly attracted their attention. Their merchandise would have been infinitely more valuable to us, had it been comprised of eatables, such as venison, wild fowl or fish, as our sportsmen and fishermen had little success in either of these pursuits. All the natives we had as yet seen, uniformly, preferred offering such articles as composed their dress, arms, and implements for sale, rather than any kind of food, which might probably arise either from the country not affording them a superabundance of provisions, or from their having early discovered that we were more curious than hungry. In the evening, some of the canoes were observed passing from the village to the opposite shore, for the purpose, as we supposed, of inviting their neighbors to partake of the advantages of our commerce. This was confirmed the next morning, Tuesday the 22d {1792/05/22}, by the return of our friends, accompanied by several large canoes, containing near eighty persons, who after ceremoniously paddling round the ship, came alongside without the least hesitation, and conducted 133 [end of page f897p9m4_133.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY themselves with the utmost propriety. The principal number of these evidently belonged to the other side of the inlet; they were infinitely more cleanly than our neighbor,; and their canoes were of a very different form. Those of our friends at the village, exactly corresponded with the canoes at Nootka,,whilst those of our new visitors were cut off square at each end; and were in shape precisely like the canoes seen to the southward of cape Orford, though of greater length, and considerably larger. The commodities they brought for sale were trifles of a similar description to those offered by the other society in all other respects, they corresponded with the generality of the few inhabitants of the country with whom we had become acquainted. On Wednesday ihe 23d {1792/05/23}we had some lightning,' thunder, and rain, from the S. E.; this continued a few hours, after which the day was I very serene and pleasant.' Some of our gend men having extended, their walk to the cove I had visited the first evening of -our arrival, found it to communicate by, a very narrow passage, with an opening. apparently of some extent. In consequence of this information, accompanied by Mr. Baker in the yawl I set out the next morning, Thursday the24th {1792/05/24}, to examine it, and found the entrance of the opening situated in the western corner of the cove, formed by two interlocking points, about a quarter of a mile from each other; these formed a channel about half a mile long, free horn rocks or shoal & in which there was not less than five fathoms water. From the west end of this narrow channel the inlet is divided into two branches, one extending to the S. W. about five or six miles, the other to the north about the same distance, constituting a most complete and excellent port, to all appearance perfectly free from danger, with regular soundings from four fathoms near the shores, to nine and ten fathoms in the middle, good holding ground. It occupied us the whole day to row round, it, in doing which we met a few straggling Indians, whose condition seemed excessively wretchead-and miserable. The country that surrounds this harbor varies in its elevation; in some places the shores are low level land, in others of a moderate height, 134 [end of page f897p9m4_134.gif] OF PUGET SOUND falling in steep low cliffs on the sandy beach, which in Most places binds the shore, It produces some small rivulets of water, is thickly wooded with trees, mostly of the pine tribe, and with some variety of shrubs. This harbor, after the gentleman who discovered it, obtained the name of PORT ORCHARD. The best passage into it is found by steering from the village point for the south point of the cove, which is easily distinguished, lying from the former S. 62 W. at the distance of about 21 miles, then, hauling to the N. W. into the cove, keeping on the larboard or S. W. shore, passing between it and the rocks in the cove; in this channel the depth of water is from nine to fifteen fathoms, gradually decreasing to five fathoms in the entrance into the port. There is also anothen passage round to the north of these rocks, in which there is seven fathoms water; this is narrow, and by no means so commodious to navigate as the southern channel. On my return to the ship I understood that few of our friendly neighbors had visited the vessel. The party was evidently reduced, and those who still remained having satisfied their curiosity, or being compelled by their mode of life, __________________________________ H. M. Orchard. Rumors and traditions as to the origin of the name of Port Orchard are,quite as numerous and equally as groundless as in the case' of Hood's Canal. In this instance the traditions have to do with the early .planting -of fruit trees. It is quite clear from the jounal that the place was named for a member of the expedition. An examination of the muster tables of both the Discovery and Chatham discloses but one man by that name. H. M. Orchard was mustered in as clerk on the Discovery. His birthplace was given as Cornwall. He was older than many others of the crew, his age being given as thirty-one years. When paid off at the end.of the voyage, he is shown by the muster table to have been appointed midshipman on December 1, 1792 {1792/12/01}, but was again listed as clerk on December 1, 1794 {1794/12/01}. It is regretted that no further facts in the history of this man have come to light. Since the United States government has located in this harbor the Puget Sound Navy Yard, the name of Port Orchard has attained added importance. Future researches may yield more information about the discoverer of this important harbor. It may be,well to add that in October, 1792 {1792/10/00}, Lieutenant Broughton, while exploring the Columbia River, named a small tributary east of Gray's Bay, Orchard's River. 135 [end of page f897p9m4_135.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY were preparing to depart with all their stock and effects. These it required little labor to remove, consisting chiefly of the mats for 'covering their habitations, wherever it may be convenient to pitch them; their skin and woollen garments,their arms, implements, and such articles of food as they had acquired during their residence; which, with their family and dogs, all find accommodation in a single canoe; and thus the party is easily conveyed to any station, which fancy, convenience, or necessity, may direct. The dogs belonging to this tribe of Indians were numerous, and much resembled those of Pomerania, though in general somewhat larger. They were all shorn as close to the skin as sheep are in England; and so compact were their fleeces, that large portions could be lifted up by a corner without causing any separation. They were composed of a mixture of a coarse kind of wool, with very fine long hair, capable of being spun into yarn. This eave me reason to believe that their woollen clothing might in, part be composed of this material mixed with a finer, kind of wool from some other animal, as their garments were all too fine to be manufactured from the coarse coating of the dog alone. The abundance of these garments amongst the few people we met with, indicates the animal from whence the raw material is procured, to be very common in this neighborhood; but as they have no one domesticated excepting the dog, their supply of wool for their clothing can only be obtained by hunting the wild creature that produces it; of which we could not obtain the least information, The weather continued delightfully serene and pleasant; the carpenters had executed their task, and the topsail yards were replaced. In the course of the forenoon of Friday the 25th {1792/05/25}, some of our Indian friends brought us a whole deer, which was the first entire animal that had been offered to us. This they had killed on the island, and from the number of persons that came from thence, the major part of the remaining inhabitants of the village, with a Ereat number of dogs, seemed to have been engaged in the cbse. This and another deer, parts 136 [end of page f897p9m4_136.gif] OF PUGET SOUND of which remained in one of their canoes, had cost all these good people nearly a day's labor, as they went over to the island for this purpose the preceding evening; yet they were amply rewarded for their exertions by a small piece of copper not a foot square. This they gladly accepted as a full compensation for their venison, on which the whole party could have made two or three good meals; such is the esteem and value with which this metal is regarded! About four in the afternoon, agreeably to our expectations, the Chatham was seen from the mast head over the land and about sun-set she arrived and anchored near us. I . Broughton informed me, that the part of the coast he had been directed to explore, consisted of an archipelago of islands lying before an extensive arm of the sea stretching in a variety of branches between the N. W. north, and N. N. E. Its extent in the first direction was the most capacious, and presented an unbounded horizon. On due consideration of all the circumstances that had fallen under my own observation, and the intelligence now imparted by Mr. Broughton, I became thoroughly convinced, that our boats alone could enable us to acquire any correct or satisfactory information respecting this broken country; and although the execution of such a service in open boats would necessarily be extremely laborious, and expose those so employed to numerous dangers and unpleasant situations, that might occasionally produce great fatigue, and protract their return to the ships; yet that mode was undoubtedly the most accurate, the most ready, and indeed the only one in our power to pursue for ascertaining the continental boundary. The main arm of the inlet leading towards mount Rainier still remained unexplored. It became evident from the length of time Mr. Puget and Mr. Whidbey had been absent, that the inlet they bad been sent to examine, had led them to a considerable distance. We had no time to spare, and as it was equally evident none ought to be lost, I directed that Mr. Johnstone, in the Chatham's cutter, should accompany me in the morning, in the Discovery's yawl, for the purpose 137 [end of page f897p9m4_137.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY of examining the main arm; and that Mr. Broughton, on be return of our boats, which were now hourly expected, should take Mr. Whidbey in one of them, and proceed immediately to the investigation of that arm of this inlet, which we had passed on the eastern shore, stretching to the TV. TV. "E. ; and I desired that the Chatham might be anchored within its entrance in some conspicuous place on the starboard side, where the Discovery or the boats would easily find her, in case the result of my inquiries should render it expedient for the vessels to proceed further in that direction. On Saturday morning the 26th {1792/05/26}, accompanied by Mr. Baker in the yawl, and favored by pleasant weather and a fine northwardly gale, we departed, and made considerable progress. Leaing to the right the opening which had been the object of Mr. Puget and Mr. Whidbey's expedition, we directed our route along the western shore of the main inlet, which is about a league in width; and as we proceeded the smoke of several fires were seen on its eastern shore. When about four leagues on a southwardly direction from the ships, we found the course of the inlet take a south-westerly inclination, which we pursued about six miles with some little increase of width- Towards noon we landed on a point on the eastern shore, whose latitude I observed to be 47o 21', round which we flattered ourselves we should find the inlet take an extensive eastwardly course. This conjecture was supported by the appearance of a very abrupt division in the snowy range of mountains immediately to the south of mount Rainier, which was very conspicuous from the ship, and the main arm of the inlet appeanng to stretch in that direction from the point we were then upon. We here dined, and although our repast was soon concluded, the delay was irksome, as we were excessively anxious to ascertain the truth, of which we were not long held in suspense. For having passed round the point, we found the inlet to terminate here in an extensive circular compact bay, whose waters washed the base of inount Rainier, though its elevated summit was yet at a very considerable distance from the shore, with which it was connected by several ridges of hills rising towards it 138 [end of page f897p9m4_138.gif] FIRST PICTURE OF MOUNT RAINIER. From the steel engraving by J. Landseer in Vancouver's Journal. Drawn by W. Alexander from a sketch made by J. Sykes from the southern part of Admiralty Inlet, probably at Point Defiance. [end of page f897p9m4_138p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND with gradual ascent and much regularity. The forest trees, and the several shades of verdure that covered the hills, gradually decreasing in point of beauty, until they became invisible; when the perpetual clothing of snow commenced, which seelned to form a horizontal line from north to south along this range of rugged mountains, from whose summit mount Rainier rose conspicuously, and seemed as much elevned above them as they were above the level of the sea; tie whole producing a most,grand, picturesque effect. The lower mountains as they descended to the right and left, became gradually relieved of,their frigid garment; and as they, approached the fertile woodland region that binds the, shores of this inlet in every direction,, Produced a plea!ing variety. We now proceeded to the N. W. in which direction the inlet from hence extended, and afforded us some reason to believe that it communicated with that under the survey of our other party. This opinion was further corroborated by a few Indians, who had in a very civil manner accompanied us some time, and who gave us to understand that in the north western direction this inlet was very wide and extensive; this they impressed before we quitted our dinner station, by opening their arms, and making other signs that we should be led a long way by usuing that route; whereas, by bending their arm, or spreading , out their hand, and pointing to the space contained in the curveor the arm, or between the fore-finaer and thumb, that we should find our progress I soon stopped in the direction which led towards mount Rainier. The little respect which most Indians bear to truth, and their readiness to assert what they think is most agreeable for the moment, or to answer their own particular wishes and inclinations, induced me to place little dependance on this information, although they could have no motive for deceiving us. About a dozen of these friendly people had attended at our dinner, one part of which was a venison pasty. Two of them, expressing a desire to pass the line of separation drawn between us, were permitted to do so. They sat down by us, and ate of the bread and fish that we gave them without the 139 [end of page f897p9m4_139.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY least hesitation; but on being offered some of the venison, though they saw.us eat it with great relish, they could not be induced to taste it. They received it from LIS with great disgust, and presented it round to the iTst of the part;4 by whom it underwent a very strict examination. Their conduct on this occasion left no doubt in our minds that they believed it to be human flesh, an impression which it was highly expedient should be done away. To satisfy thern that it was the flesh of the deer, we pointed to the skins of the animal they had about them. In reply to this they pointed to each other, and made signs that could not be misunderstood, that it was the flesh of human being and threw it down in the dirt, with gestures of great aversion and displeasure. At length we happily convinced them of their mistake by showing them a haunch we had in the boat, by which means they were undeceived, and some of them ate of a remainder of the pye with a good appette. This behavior, whilst in some measure tending to substantiat their knowledge or suspicions that such barbarities have existance, led us to conclude, that the character given of the natives of North-West America does not attach to every tribe. These people have been represented not only as accustomed inhumanly to devour the flesh of their conquered enemies; but also to keep certain servants, or rather slaves, of their own nation, for the sole purpose of making the principal part of the banquet, to Satisfy the unnatural savage gluttony of the chiefs of this country, on their visits to each other. Were such barbarites practiced once a month, as is stated, it would be natural to suppose these people, so inured, would not 'have shown the least aversion to eating flesh of any description; on the contrary, it is not possible to conceive a greater degree of abhorrence than was manifested by these good people, until their minds were made perfectly easy that it was not human flesh we offered them to eat. This instance must necessarily exonerate at least this particular tribe from so barbarous a practice; and, as their affinity to the inhabitants of Nootka, and of the sea-coast, to the south of that place, in their manners and customs, admits 140 [end of page f897p9m4_140.gif] OF PUGET SOUND of little difference, it is but charitable to hope those also, on a more minute inquiry, may be found not altogether deserving such a character. They are not, however, free from the general faing attendant on a savage life. One of them having taken a knife and fork to imitate our manner of eating, found means to secrete them under his garment; but, on his being detected, gave up his plunder with the utmost good humor and unconcern. They accompanied us from three or four miserable huts, near the place where we had dined, for about four miles; during which time they exchanged the only things they had to dispose of, their bows, arrows, and spears, in the most fair and honest manner for hawk's bells, buttons, beads, and Such useless commodities. The first information of the natives we found perfectly correct; and it was not long before we had every reason to give credit to the second, by finding the inlet divided into two branches, one taking a northwardly direction towards the ships, giving that which, in the morning, we had considered to be the western shore of the main inlet, the appearance of an island, eight or nine leagues in circuit; the other stretched to the southwestward; and into which ran a very strong tide. Although there was little doubt of our having been preceded in the examination of this branch, yet, as the strength of the influx indicated its extremity to be at some distance, I deternined, as we were well supplied for the excursion, to embrace the advantage of so favorable an opportunity of keeping the larboard shore on board, and of examining such inlets as might be found leading to the left; that, in the event of Mr. Puget having been unable to accomplish the task assigned hirn, our survey inight be completed without another expedition into this region. With the assistance of the strong tide, we rapidly passed through a fair navigable channel near half a league wide, with soundings from 24 to 30 fathoms, free from any appearance of shoals, rocks, or other interruptions. The eastern shore was found nearly straight and compact; but on the western, three wide openings were seen, whose terminations were not 141 [end of page f897p9m4_141.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY distinguishable; and the strength with which the tide flowed into the two northernmost, induced us to consider them as very extensive. Having advanced in a direction S. 32 W. about three leagues from the south, or inner point of entrance, into an opening, situated in latitude 47o 19 1/2' , longitude 237o 42', we halted about eight in the evening for the night, on a small island, lying about a mile from the eastern shore. The general character of the situation in which we had now arrived, indicated it to be a continuation of the main branch of the inlet, we had been thus long navigating. The insular appearance of its western side, the rapidity of the flood tide, and its increasing width, gave us reason to suppose we should find it still more extensive. Whilst employed in arranging our matters for the night, we discovered, coming out of the southernmost opening, two small vessels, which, at first, were taken for Indian canoes, but, on using our glasses, they were considered to be our two boats. The evening was cloudy; and, closing in very soon, prevented a positive decision. The original idea was, however, somewhat confirmed on firing two muskets, which were not answered. During the night, we had some rain, with a fresh gale from S. E. w c a ated by the morning; the rain still continued, but not so violently as to prevent our proceeding. At four o'clock on Sunday morning, the 27th {1792/05/27}, we again embarked, and steered about S. W. by S.; in which direction the inlet seemed to shetch to some distance; and the appearance of the southern land gave rise to an opinion of its terminating in a river. The space we bad so considered was, by seven o'clock, proved to be a low swampy compact shore, forming the southern extremity of the inlet in this direction, about two leagues from our last resting place. The inlet' here terminated in an expansive though shallow bay, across which a flat of sand extended upwards of a mile from its shores; on which was lying an immense quantity of drift wood, consisting chiefly of very large trees. The country behind for some distance, was low, then rose gradually to a 142 [end of page f897p9m4_142.gif] OF PUGET SOUND moderate height; and, like the eastern shores of the inlet, was covered with wood, and diversified with pleasant inequalities of hill and dale, though not enriched with those imaginary parks and pleasure grounds we had been accustomed to behold nearer to the sea coast; the whole presenting one uninterrupted wilderness. From hence the direction of the inlet was about N. W. by N. still preserving a considerable width; the western shore appearing to be formed by a group of islands. Our progress was a little retarded by the rain in the forenoon; but, about mid-day the clouds dispersed, though not sufficiently early to procure an observation for the latitude. We had now reached a point on the larboard shore, where the inlet was again divided into two other large branches, one leading to the south-westward, the other towards the north. As my plan was to pursue the exanination of the larboard shore, the south-west branch became our first object. This we found divided into two narrow channels, leading to the southward, with the appearance of two small coves to the northward. Up the westernmost of the forn-ier, about six miles we took up our abode for the night, which was serene and pleasant. Early in the morning, Monday 28th {1792/05/28}, we again started, and soon found the channel to terminate about a league from the place where we had s1pt the night before, as the rest had done, in low swampy ground, with a shallow sandy bank extending to some distance into the channel. Here we met, as had been frequently the case, a few miserable Indians in their temporary habitations; these either had nothing to dispose of, or were not inclined to have intercourse with us; the latter seemed most probable, as our visit was not attended with that cordial reception we had generally experienced. 'rhAs however might have been occasioned by our having disturbed them unusually early from their rest; we made them some presents which they accepted very coolly, and having satisfied ourselves with the extent of the inlet in th,~is direction we returned, and about nine o'clock landed to breakfast about two miles within the main entrance of the south-west branch. We left behind us to the westward the 143 [end of page f897p9m4_143.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [May, -79-.1 appearance of two or three small islands or points, that might form similar inlets to those we had already examined, leading to the south. These could be of little extent, as scarcely any visible tide was found in the narrowest parts. From the length of time also that the other boats had been ,absent previous to our departure from the ships, together, with the appearance and direction of the inlet, I entertained little doubt that the greater part of what we had seen, as also that which we were now leaving unexplored, had undergone the examination of Mr. Puget and Mr. Whidbey. This induced, me to return on board, considering we were now me to little purpose; and as the branch of inlet before us stretching to the northward, presented every prospect of communicating with some of those we had, passed on Saturday evening,, ~ve pursued that route. The ,,situation' we quitted this, morning, according to my survem was in latitude 47o 3 longitude 237o 18', about 17 leagues Iona the sea coast of New Albion, towards which, from the moderate height of the country, there could be little doubt of an easy intercourse by land. About noon we landed on a point of the eastern shore, whose latitude is 47o 15-21', longitude 237o 171,'. From hence we proceeded with a pleasant southerly gale, to ascertain if any communication existed ,as we had before conjectured. The further we advanced the more doubtful it became, until at length, about three leagues north of the above point, it terminated like all the other channels in a shallow flat before a low swampy bog. Here we dined, and about four in the afternoon set out on our return by the way we had come, purposing to stop for the night at a cove a little to the south of the point we were upon at noon, where we arrived about nine in the evening., Mr. Johnstone, who had kept along the western shore in order to look into a small opening we had passed in sailing down, had the advantage by being on the weather shore, and had arrived a short time before us. He informed me the opening was very narrow, and could extend but a little way before it joined that which we had quitted this morning. Whilst he was on shore for the purpose of taking the necessary angles, 144 [end of page f897p9m4_144.gif] ADMIRAL JAMES VASHON. From a mezzotint by John Young after George Watson. Photograph copyrighted by Walker & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. [end of page f897p9m4_144p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND a deer came down to the beach, which Mr. Le Mesurier, the gentleman who had attended him in the boat, fired at, and fortunately 0110 It proved to be a very mne buck, and afforded our people a good fresh meal, which was some compensation for the disappointment we experienced in not finding a passage home by the route we had lately pursued. About day-break, as usual, on Tuesday morning the 29th {1792/05/29}, we again resumed our voyage towards the ships, which were now distant about 45 miles. Towards noon we landed on the north point of entrance into the second opening we bad passed on Saturday evening; the latitude of which is 47o 15' Ile strength of the ebb tide facilitated our progress, and our conjectures were soon proved to have been well founded in this being the same inlet, which I had directed the other party to examine. We were carried with great rapidity for some time up the branch leading to th.e northward, and through this channel we arrived in the evening on board, without seeing any other opening leading to the westward. The land composing the eastern shore of this channel, and the western shore of that we had pursued on Saturday morning, was now ascertained to be the most extensive island we had yet met with in our several examinations of this coast; which after my friend Captain Vashon of the navy, I have distinguished by the name Of VASHON'S ISLAND. _________________________ Captain Vashon. The large island that bears this name extends for more than half the distance between Seattle and Tacoma, the two principal cities of Puget Sound. It is natural, therefore, that the question should often be asked as to the origin and meaning of the name Vashon. Vancouver is clear as to whom he wished to honor. Vashon was a contemporary of his in the British Navy, and saw service under the same excellent officers, some of which officers were also honored by the explorer, notably Sir Alan Gardner. James Vashon was the son of James Volant Vasbon, the vicar of Eye in Herefordshire. He was born at Ludlow on August 9, 1742 {1742/08/09}. Like many other successful and famous seamen, he grew up in the navy. When thirteen years old, in August, 1755 {1755/00/00}, he began service in the Revenge under Captain Frederick Cornewall. In this ship the boy was present at the battle of Minorca on May 20, 1756 {1756/05/20}. On his captain being called to England to attend the trial of Admiral Byng, young Vashon was transferred into the Lancaster 145 [end of page f897p9m4_145.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Late on the preceding Saturday night, or rather on Sunday morning, our other party had returned. It was them we had seen the hrst evening of our excursion from the island, and they very distinctly saw our fire; but as they did not hear the report of the muskets, concluded it a fire of the natives, not having the least idea of any of our boats being in that _____________________ with Captain Edgecumbe and took part in the reduction of Louisbourg in July, 1758 {1758/07/00}. The Lancaster went to the West Indies and under Commodore John Moore participated in the reduction of Guadaloupe. Vashon was then moved into the Cambridge, the Commodore's Flagship, and under Captain Goostrey and Rear-Admiral Charles Holmes continued at Jamaica. He saw sharp service in the Boreas, being frequently lent to that ship employed in cutting out privateers. In the summer of 1761 {1761/00/00}, Captain Goostrey asked Rear-Admiral Holmes to make Vashon a lieutenant. Holmes said he would some day , but then he looked too much like a boy. Holmes died in November, 1761 {1761/11/00}, and Goostrey was killed in the attack on Morro Castle, Havana, July 1, 1762 {1762/07/01}. These two deaths were serious to Vashon. He passed his examination on September 7, 1763 {1763/09/07}, and continued active service in the West Indies and the Newfoundland station, and yet he was not promoted until June 1, 1774, {1774/06/01} when Sir George Rodney made him a lieutenant of the Maidstone. In 1777 {1777/00/00} the Maidstone was refitted in England and sent to the coast of North America under Captain Alan Gardner, where she nos engaged in active cruising early in 1778 {1778/00/00}. In March {1778/03/00}Lieutenant Vashon commanded the boats in setting fire to a ship which had been driven on shore. In this work he was defended by several field pieces. After carrying news of the French fleet to Lord Howe in New York in July {1778/07/00}, he rejoined the Maidstone and helped to capture the Lion, a large armed ship. With twentyfour men, Vashon was put in charge of the prize and some two hundred prisoners. The boat was unseaworthy and the condition was dangerous. Vashon made his prisoners work the pumps and took his prize in safety to Antigua. For this service Vashon was promoted to the rank of Commander on August 5, 1779 {1779/08/05}, was ordered home, appointed to the Alert, and again sent to the West Indies. Early in 1781 {1781/00/00} he was sent home with despatches from Jamaica, and after some service in the North Sea under Sir Hyde Parker he returned to the West Indies under Rodney, and the Alert was stationed off Martinique as a lookout ship. On April 12, 1782 {1782/04/12}, Vashon was with the fleet in the action off Dominica and took possession of the Glorieuse. He was active in saving people blown up in the Cesar. It was quite appropriate that he should have been promoted to the rank of Captain in a commission bearing this same date. Rodney transferred him to the Formidable as flag captain and, when Rodney was superseded, Vashon was transferred to the Sibyl in which he served until the peace From 1786 {1786/00/00} to 1789 {1789/00/00} Vashon was captain of the Europa with Commodore 146 [end of page f897p9m4_146.gif] OF PUGET SOUND neighborhood. They had explored all those parts of the inlet we had passed by, and found the three openings we had left unexamined, the ffirst afternoon, leading to the westward, to be channels dividing that shore into three islands; and those we had not attended to on Monday morning formed two small branches leading to the S.W.; the westernmost of which extends to the latitude 47o 61' about two leagues to the westward of our researches in that direction; that in which the deer was shot communicated with the S. W. branch of tk' inlet by a very narrow channel. They had also passed the opening we had pursued leading towards mount Rainier; but agreeably to my directions had not prosecuted its examination; the termination of every other opening in the land they had ascertained. Thus by our joint efforts, we had completely explored every turning of this extensive inlet; and to commemorate Mr. Puget's exertions, the south extremity of it I named PUGET SOUND. The Chatham had sailed on Monday, and Mr. Whidbey had departed in the Discovery's launch for the purpose of carryino, into effect the orders I had left with Mr. Broughton. _______________________ Gardner's broad pennant on board. In the great Spanish armament of 1790 {1790/00/00}, which broke up the first-planned expedition to the Northwest Coast of America, Vashon had command of the Ardent. During the war of the French Revolution, in 1793 {1793/00/00}, he commanded the St. Albans in the convoy service to the Mediterranean and to Jamaica. Later he commanded the Pompee off Brest and during the Spithead mutiny. After that outbreak was quelled, there was another on the Pompee. It was promptly suppressed and the ringleaders sentenced to death, but Vashon asked to be relieved of that command. He later served in the Neptune, the Dreadnaught,, and Princess Royal. On April 23, 1804 {1804/04/23}, Vasbon was made a Rear-Admiral and for four years commanded the ships at Leith and on the coast of Scotland. On April 28, 1808 {1808/04/28}, he was made Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and on June 4., 1814 {1814/06/4}, was advanced to the rank of Admiral. He died June 4, 1827 {1827/06/04}, at Ludlow, the place of his birth. He left one son in holy orders. The portrait used in this work is from an engraving by John Young, "Engraver in Mezzotints to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales," from a painting by George Watson. The painting was made while Vashon was Vice-Admiral of the Blue. 147 [end of page f897p9m4_147.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Mr. Puget had little more to communicate respecting his, late expedition than what had fallen under my own observation, excepting the disorderly behavior of an Indian tribe _________________ Lieutenant Peter Puget. The first whites to settle in this region were the Hudson, Bay Company men who organized the Puget Sound Agricultural Company and established Fort Nisqually near the mouth of Nisqually River. The first entry in the "journal of Occurrences at Nisqually House" is dated May 30, 1833 {1833/05/30}. This settlement was made as a necessary station on the route from Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River to Fort Langley, established near the mouth of Fraser River in 1827 {1827/00/00}. The first American settlements were made at Jackson Prairie and Turnwater near Olympia, in 1845 {1845/00/00} and 1846 {1846/00/00}. These settlements (except Fort Langley) were near the southern extremity of this inland sea -the very portion which Vancouver named Puget's Sound. That name became the familiar one, and as the white settlements moved northward along the shores that name was carried along regardless of other names, like Admiralty Inlet, Port Gardner, the Gulf of Georgia, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Puget Sound became the generic name for the whole region and is largely so used at the present time. It may interest some to know that the Indians call this waterway by the name of "Whulge." Because of this enormous and rapidly increasing importance of Puget Sound as a geographic term, the present writer has been extremely anxious to secure a portrait and biography of Peter Puget. A few years ago judge James Wickersham, then of Tacoma, now of Alaska, declared that he and others interested had for years been searching for a portrait and biography of Puget - all in vain. This was discouraging, but not wholly disheartening. A systematic search was undertaken in England and, though the results are lamentably meagre, they are certainly better than nothing and far more complete than have ever been assembled before. Mr. Frederick V. James, who conducted this search in England, writes about this particular case as follows"This important name has caused most research as very little is recorded of his services. The ' Dictionary of National Biography,' the Gentleman's Magazine, the Annual Register, have all been drawn blank." The extensive and valuable" Dictionary of National Biography " draws largely upon the talents of Professor J. K. Laughton for biographies of distinguished mariners and naval men. He omitted the life of Puget, but an appeal was made to him personally. From 9 Pepys Road, Wimbledon, he writes "I have no notes about Captain (died Rear-Admiral) Puget. In the Record Office there is a Service Book made up of returns from the several admirals and captains living in 1817 {1817/00/00}, Puget is (or ought to be -some few did not send in the returns) in this, and will give you all his service. In the 'Blockade of Brest' (issued by the Navy Record Society you can see it at the British Museum), 11, 3, is a biographical note; and there are several interesting papers relating to him in the volume. 148 [end of page f897p9m4_148.gif] OF PUGET SOUND he had met with at some distance up the first arm leading to the westward within the narrows, whose conduct had materially differed ftom that of the natives in general; and in particular from that of a party consisting of about twenty natives whom they had before seen in that route, and who had behaved with their usual friendship and civility. In this _______________________ Probably in the Gentleman's Magazine there will be a biographical notice as an obituary. I don't know the exact date of his death, but I believe 1821 {1821/00/00}or 1822 {1822/00/00}. Leyland speaks of him as alive in 1821. Marshall does not count him so in 1823 {1823/00/00}-" Such was the statement of probably the best-informed man on such subjects in all England. An appeal was then made to the Board of Admiralty, bringing from Evan' MacGregor, the Secretary, this reply"With reference to your letter of the 17th (October, 1903) {1903/10/17} instant, requesting permission to inspect documents relative to Rear-Admiral Peter Puget who died about 1820 {1820/00/00}, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the, Admiralty to inform you that the Admiralty records for the period in question are lodged at the Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, and are open to the public for purposes of research up to the end of year 1830 {1830/00/00} -" Thus it became a case of the Public Record Office and the wide open field outside. Puget's return for the Service Book mentioned by Professor Laughton was found. It gives in skeleton form his entire active career in the navy. It is headed "Memorandum of the Services of Captain Peter Puget, C.B.," and is signed "Peter Puget, Capt. R.N." It is a large double foolscap sheet, on which the information arranged in tabulated form. Being by far the most important document in existence relating to the life of Puget, each scrap of information is here reproduced. He evidently entered the navy on August 1, 1778 {1778/08/01}, as midshipman under Captain Milligen in the Dunkirk. He may have bad the usual boy's time as captain's servant before that, but, if so, he makes no account of it. On December 12, 1779 {1779/12/12}, he was transferred to the Syren under Captain E. Dodd, seeing service in the North Sea. On June 13, 1780 {1780/06/13} he followed Captain Dodd into the Lowestoft on the West Indies station. On November 16, 1782 {1782/11/16}, he was sent to the Thetis, and under Captain J. Blanket saw service at Gibraltar. On May 16, 1783 {1783/05/16}, he went, still as midshipman, to the Europa, in which he saw four years of service in the West Indies under Admiral Gambier, Captain Smith; Admiral Innes, Captain Fisher; Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, Captain Vashon. From this service he was discharged on July 22, 1787 {1787/07/22}, and then bad his first vacation until May 31, 1788 {1788/05/31}, when he was returned to the Lowestoft, Captain Dodd, with whom he served in the Channel. From November 21 1788 {1788/11/21}, to June 10, 1790 {1790/06/10}, he was midshipman on the Prince (West Indianman) under Captain R. Dundas, going to the East Indies. On June 11, 1790 {1790/06/11}, he was shipped as mate on the Discovery under Captain R. (probably meant for H.) Roberts. fie continued on this rating until 149 [end of page f897p9m4_149.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY arm they found the shores in general low and well wooded. About eight in the evening attended by some of the natives in two canoes, they landed for the night. These people could not be invited nearer our party than about an hundred yards, where they remained attentive to all the operations until the, ______________________ November 22, 1790 {1790/11/22}, and the station is given as Deptford. This is evidence that, when the excitement over the Nootka troubles caused the scattering of officers in the great Spanish Armament, Puget remained with the sloop Discovery at Deptford. On November 23, 1790 {1790/11/23}, he is booked as lieutenant on the Discovery under Captain Vancouver for a voyage " Round the World." On January 14, 1793 {1793/01/14}, he was transferred as commander to the armed tender Chatham and continued the "Voyage Round the World." From the Chat- ham he was discharged on October 17, 1795 {1795/10/17}. His next service was as com- mander in the Adelphi, taking advance stores to Gibraltar from February {1796/02/00} to September,1796 {1796/09/00}. He was then transferred to the Esther with despatches from Gibraltar, September 21, 1796 {1796/09/21}, to January 9, 1797 {1797/01/09}- His last service as commander was in the Theseus under Captain Aylmer to Lisbon from February 14 {1797/02/14}to April 28, 1797 {1797/04/28}. He was then posted to the rank of Captain on the St. Nicholas on April 29, 1797 {1797/04/29}, and in September {1797/09/00} was sent in a packet with despatches to England. During the year 1798 {1798/00/00}he was captain of the Van Tromp, no station being given. From December, 1798 {1798/12/00}, to December, 1900 {1900/12/00} he served on the . Charmel station as captain of the Temeraire, the Barfleur, and the Temeraire again, always under Rear-Admiral Whitshed. From March, 1801 {1801/03/00}, to May 22,1802, {1802/05/22} he was under Rear-Admiral Sir T. Graves on the Yarmouth station as captain of the Monarch. In the Fondroyant under the same admiral he served on the Brest station from February, 1804 {1804/00/00}, to June, 1805 {1805/06/00}. From April {1806/04/00}to September, 1806 {1806/09/00}, he served as agent of prisoners in France. From January, 1807 {1807/01/00}, to January, 1809 {1809/01/00}, he served as captain of the Goliath in the North Sea and off Copenhagen. he served under the Commissioners of the Navy at Flushing from May {1809/05/00} to December 1809 {1809/12/00} and at Madras from May 24, 1810 {1810/05/24}, to February 21,1818 {1818/02/21} , still having the rank of Captain in the Royal navy. This brief outline shows an active, varied, and successful career in the navy for the period of forty years. Such faithfulness deserved the fullest recognition. Had he lived to the ripe old age attained by some of his companions, he would undoubtedly have received greater honors. As it was, after the Order of the Bath was reorganized in 1815 {1815/00/00}, he became Companion of that ancient institution. In addition to this, in 1821 {1821/00/00}, just a year before his death, he was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Blue. Vancouver fully appreciated the abilities of his lieutenant, as is shown by the frequent occasions on which he used him for important duties, and especially the promotion to command the Chatham after Lieutenant Broughton had been sent home with despatches.In this new capacity Puget had a 150 [end of page f897p9m4_150.gif] OF PUGET SOUND tents were pitched, when it becarne necessary to discharge some loaded muskets, the noise of which they heard without any apparent surprize, and exclainied poo! after every report. They soon afterwards paddled away to the westward. The next morning Mr. Puget up the arm, which took __________________________________________ large share in the explorations of Cook's Inlet, Prince William Sound, and especially in Yakutat Bay or Port Mulgrave, which Puget surveyed while Vancouver was busy in Prince William's Sound. Vancouver again honored Puget by naming for hirn Cape Puget, near Montagu Island, at the entrance to Prince William Sound. This high regard for Puget was apparently shared by other members of the expedition, for when Lieutenant Broughton was "aminitig die Columbia River, while die Discovery had gone on to be Spanish settlements in California, he discovered a large island in the river which he named Puget's Island. That others, who are in a position to learn more than one living on the shores of Puget Sound, are beginning to appreciate the importance of Puget's life arid to grope around for facts, is shown by the " Despatches and Letters relating to the blockade of Brest, 1803 {1803/00/00}- 1805 {1805/00/00}," edited by John Leyland and issued by the Navy Records Society, London, 19oz. Facing the title-page Volume II , H is "Captain Peter Puget's Plan for the Destruction of the French Fleet in Brest Harbour, June 23, 1804 {1804/06/23}. Original in Possession of Colonel Cornwallis West." A note on page j of the sarne work is as follows"Captain Peter Puget was an officer of whose career too little is known. As a lieutenant he was a companion of Vancouver, and the deep inlet of Puget Sound was named after him. Greatly esteemed as a surveyor, when Broughton came home in 1793 {1793/00/00}, Puget succeeded him in command of the Chatham. Promoted captain April 29,1797 {1797/04/29}, In 1807 {1807/00/00}, in command of the Goliath, he took part in the expedition to Copenhagen, wbicb brougbt about the surrender of the Danish fleet and was hotly engaged inside the Treknor. He also accompanied the expedition to the Baltic in 1805 {1805/00/00}. Captain Puget became a Rear-Admiral in 1822 {1822/00/00} and died in that rank." The London Times of November 6, 1822 {1822/11/06}, announces Puget's death as follows "Admiral Puget who died on Thursday last at Bath was one of the, Companions of the Order of the Bath, sailed round the world with Captain Vancouver has commanded various men-of-war, and was many years Commissioner at Madras, the climate of which place greatly contributed to the destruction of his health." The same event was announced by the Bath Chronicle in its issue of November 7, 1822 {1822/11/07}, as follows " Died on Thursday 31 October 1822 {1822/10/31}at his. home in Grosvenor Place, after a long and painful illness Rear-Admiral Puget, C.B. This lamented officer had sailed round the world with the late Captain Vancouver, had commanded various men-of-war, arid was many years Commissioner at Madras,the climate of which place greatly contributed to the destruction of his health." Most prominent or successful rnen of that day sat to artists for their por 151 [end of page f897p9m4_151.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY a N. E. direction about a mile wide, narrowing as they advanced to one-fourth of that width; the soundings were found regular from cialit to thirteen fathoms. In this situation they saw a canoe making towards them, on which they rested on their oars to wait its approach. The canoe suddenly stopped, and no offers of presents, nor signs of friendly inclinations, could induce the Indians to venture near the boat. In order to remove their apprehensions, Mr. Puget fastened some medals, copper, and trinkets, to a piece of wood which he left floating on the water;. and when the boat was at a sufficient distance, the Indians picked it up. After repeating this twice or thrice they ventured, though not without some trepidation, alongside the boats. In their persons they seemed more robust than the generality of the inhabit __________________ traits. Puget seems to have been an exception. Failing to find trace of a picture of the man, it was thought that a picture of his grave would not be without interest in the present work. Helping in the search, Mr. 1. F. Meehan wrote" Rear-Admiral Peter Puget, C.B., died at 21 Grosvenor Place (now known as Grosvenor), Walcot Parish, where his widow was living as late as 1829 {1829/00/00}. A search in Walcot Parish Records may find other information. I have several hundred Bath portraits but none of Puget." The parish clerk of Walcot stated that, although Grosvenor was in that parish, there was no such name as Peter Puget in the Walcot Register of Burials. He suggested a trial at Bath Abbey, but Prebendary Boyd gave the information that the Registers there do not show the name. The Admiralty ReLyisters of Salaries and Pensions, Volume 47, in the Public Record Office, london, show that Rear-Admiral Peter Puget's half pay of 1.5.0 [pounds] per them ended on 31 October, 1822 {1822/10/31}, as he was dead and certified. The number of days due were 31, and the amount was paid to Thomas Stillwell for the widow Hannah, executrix. A query was then sent to Stillwell & Sons of 42 Pall Mail, London, who wrote "We beg to inform you that we have no record of Admiral Peter Puget beyond his ledger account. This was balanced by a payment to his widow in 1823 {1823/00/00}- Subsequently a sum Of 1-17,0 entered as Chatham Prize Money was credited in 1825 {1825/00/00}, and that amount was sent to Mrs. Hannah Puget on 22 August, 1834 {1834/08/22}, but to what place we are now unable to say." The City Librarian of Bath was unable to trace the date of Mrs. Puget's death, though he also found she was living at 21 Grosvenor Place as late as 1826 {1826/00/00}. Here the search has ended for the present. Some day we may learn more about Peter Puget, or at least find his last resting place. 152 [end of page f897p9m4_152.gif] OF PUGET SOUND ants; most of them had lost their right eye, and were much pated with the small pox. They now attended the boats for a short time, and having received some additional presents, returned to the shore. The whole of their'conduct exhibited much suspicion and distrust. When any question was endeavored to be put to them, they replied by poo! poo! pointing at the same time to a small island on which the party had breakfasted, and where some birds had been shot. They seemed well acquainted with the value of iron and copper, but would not dispose of their weapons, or any other article in exchange for either. About noon the party landed to dine; and whilst they were preparing to haul the seine before a flesh water brook, six canoes were seen paddling hastily round the point of the cove they were in, and directing their course towards the boats. The suspicious behaviour of those whom they had parted with in the morning, rendered it highly expedient that they should be upon their guard against any hostile design of these people; on whose approach, a line on the beach was drawn, to separate the two parties from each other; which was readily understood, and obeyed. They now divided their numbers into two sets, one remaining on shore with their bows and quivers, the other retiring to their canoes, where they quietly seated themselves. Thus, with every appearance of good order being established, the officers went to dinner, on an elevated spot a few yards from the water-side, where the crews were dining in their respective boats, and in readiness to act in case of any alarm. On a seventh canoe joining the Indian party, those on the beach immediately embarked; and the whole number, amounting to twenty four persons, evidently entered into a consultation, during which they frequently pointed to those in the boats, as well as to the officers on the bill. This conduct tended to increase the suspicions that their inclinations were otherwise than friendly, however imprudent they might deem it on the present moment, to carry their intentions into execution. But as our party could not be surprized, and as they were ready to act immediately on the defensive, Mr. Puget 153 [end of page f897p9m4_153.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY [May, 1792.1 and the other gentlemen did not consider their situation alarming and preferred quietly finishing their repast, to that of indicating any signs of distrust or apprehension, by a precipitate retreat Towards the conclusion of their conference, three of their canoes were stealing near to the boats; but, on finding they were discovered by the officers, instantly returned. & this time, an eighth canoe joined the party; on which all of them paddled to the beach, jumped on shore and strung their bows. This was manifestly preparing for an attack, as they had not ever been seen, on any former occasion, with their bows strung. The very man who appeared the principal in the canoe, they had met in the morning, and with whom so much,trouble was taken to obtain his good opinion, now seemed the leader of this party; and, with an arrow across his bow in readiness for immediate use, advanced towards the-station of the officers, whilst others of the party were moving that way. Such measures however were prudently resorted to, without proceeding to extremities, as obliged them all to retreat to the line of separation, where they again held a close and long consultation; and our gentlernen having rmw no object to detain them on shore, they re-embarked, leaving the Indians at the line of separation, sharpening their arrows and spears on stones, apparently much inclined, though irresolute, to attempt hostilities. In this undecided state of their minds, Mr. Puget thought it might answer a good purpose to fire a swivel, shotted; -the effect of which, that teach them to respect, hereafter, our powers of defence, and induce them, on the present occasion, to prefer a pacific deportment, and preserve the lives of many, that must have been loso had they been so injudicious as to have commenced an attack. Although, on the report of the gun, or the distant effect of the shot, which was fired over the water, not the least visible astonishment or apprehension was expressed, yet, the measure was almost instantly attended with every expected good consequence. Their bows were soon unstrung; and instead of their menacing a combat, their weapons became articles of traffic, in common with other trifles they had to dispose of, for copper, buttons, knives, 154 [end of page f897p9m4_154.gif] OF PUGET SOUND beads, and other ornaments; in which friendly intercourse, they accompanied the boats until towards the evening, when they peaceably took their leave, and returned to their home. From Mr. Puget I likewise understood, that, in the course of his excursion, himself and party bad visited, and bad received the visits of several tribes of Indians, whose behavior bad been uniformly civil, courteous, and friendly. Why this party, whose unfriendly intentions were too evident to be mistaken, should have been induced to assume, without the least provocation, a character so diametrically opposite to that which, in every other instance, seemed to govern their general conduct, is certainly very mysterious, and renders the foregoing an extraordinary circumstance, for which it is difficult to account. The country we had mutually explored, did not appear, to either party, from our transient view of it, materially to differ from that which bad already been described, either in As several productions from the soil, or in its general appearance of fertility. It did not, however, possess that beautiful var ety o andscape; being an almost impenetrable wilderness of lofty trees, rendered nearly impassable by the undermood, which uniformly incumbers the surface. By the termination of the western range of snowy mountains in their southern direction, taking place considerably to the northwestward, and the more elevated land intercepting the view of such mountains as may extend from the eastern range, southward of mount Rainier, we were presented with more than the whole southern horizon of land moderately high, extending as far as the eye could reach,, diversified by eminences and vallies, affording a probability of an easy intercourse by land with the sea coast; where some places of shelter for small vessels may possibly still be found, which, in the event of an establishment being formed, would prove highly advantageous. The scarcity of water has before been mentioned as the only disadvantage that the interior country seemed to labor under; but in Mr. Puget's survey, a greater supply of water was found than in the inlets and bays that underwent my 155 [end of page f897p9m4_155.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY own particular examination. The country had also been considered by us as nearly destitute of inhabitants; but this pinion we found to be erroneous, from the other party having, by accident, fallen in with near 150 Indians, and having seen several deserted villages. The point near our present station, -forming the north point of the bay, hitherto called the Village point, I have distinguished by the name of RESTORATION POINT, having cele\par _______________________ Restoration Point. Lying opposite the city of Seattle, this point is passed by every ship going to or from the city of Tacoma, and every vessel going to the Puget Sound Navy Yard must pass around it. For these reasons it is a prominent and well-known geographical feature. For years it was locally known as Bean's Point, because an early settler of that name had been killed by Indians there. A few years ago a meeting of pilots and masters in Seattle was addressed by a well-informed captain of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. In the course of his address he referred to this point, saying that Vancouver so named it because he had there restored his vessels. That is just where the captain made a slip. Vancouver says he gave the name because he had "celebrated that memorable event, whilst at anchor under it. The word "Restoration"' stands for different things in history. In Jewish history it means the return of the Jews to'Palestine about 537 B.C.; and also their future return and possession of the Holy Land as expected by many. In French history there are two Restorations first, the return of the Bourbons to power after the Napoleonic upheaval in 1814 {1814/00/00}; second, after the "Hundred Days" in 1815 {1815/00/00}. In English history there is but one "Restoration," and that is the return of the " Merrie Monarch," Charles 11, after the fall of the Cromwellian Commonwealth. Charles was convoyed from Holland to the coast of Kent landing, on May 25, 1660 {1660/05/25}. Lord Macaulay speaks of that event as follows "When he landed, the cliffs of Dover were covered by thousands of gazers, among whom scarcely one could be found who was not weeping with delight. The journey to London was a continued triumph." The anniversary of this restoration of the English monarchy was celebrated for more than a century. It is clear what Vancouver meant by giving the name to that point. If, however, another proof is needed, it is only necessary to turn over the pages of his journal for just one year. They were near Queen Charlotte's Islands, where they had found a ,safe harbor and had remained for some time, having created an observatory on shore. On June 10, 1793, {1793/06/10} Vancouver makes this entry, "and in the afternoon we weighed and towed out of the cove, which I distinguished by the name of Restoration Cove, having there passed and celebrated the anniversary of that happy event." 156 [end of page f897p9m4_156.gif] OF PUGET SOUND brated that memorable event, whilst at anchor under it; and from the result of my observations made on the spot, it is situated in latitude 47o 30', longitude 237o 46'. During our stay the tides were observed to be materially affected, by the direction or force of the winds, not only in respect to their rise and fall, but as to the time of high water. The former seldom exceeded seven or eight feet and the latter generally took place about 4h 10' after the moon passed the meridian. The variation of the compass, by six sets of azimuths taken on board, differing from 18o to 22o, gave the mean result Of 19o 36' east variation. Nothing occurring to detain us, on Wednesday morning, the 30th {1792/05/30}, with a pleasant southerly breeze, we directed our course to the opening under the examination of Mr. Broughton; the entrance of which lies from Restoration point, N. 20 E. five leagues distant. The breeze, as was usual, dying away, we advanced very slowly; towards noon, it was succeeded by a N. W. wind, accompanied with the floodtide, so that, by the time we had worked up the opening,, the ebb tide was rewrning not only with great strength, but attended by a sort of counter-tide, or under tow, that so affected the ship, as to render her almost unmanageable, notwithstanding we had a fresh breeze, and were assisted in working in by our boats. Having advanced about three miles within the entrance, which we found about half a league across, and, in the evening, seeing no appearance of the Chatham, a gun was fired, which was immediately answered from behind a point of land, on the starboard, or eastern shore, where, soon afterwards, we saw the Chatham bearing a light at her mast-head for our guidance; and, though within the distance of two miles, it was near midnight before we anchored in 32 fathoms water, about a cable's length from her; not having been able to gain soundings with I io fathoms of line, until we reached this station. The next morning Thursday 31st {1792/05/31}, we found ourselves about a cable's length from the shore, in a capacious sound; whose entrance bore by compass from S. 2 W to S- 30 W., about six miles from us, from whence it extended in a true 157 [end of page f897p9m4_157.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY N. N. E. direction. To the north was a high round island, bearing from N. 18 W. to N- 33 W.; on each side of which an opening was seen stretching to the northward. These openings were separated by a high narrow slip of land, which also appeared to be insular. The eastern side of the sound formed a deep bay, apparently bounded by solid compact land of a moderate height. Mr. Broughton informed me, he had navigated the east side of the round island in the brig, and had examined the eastern shore of the sound, which was, as it appeared to be, a compact shore. Mr. Whidbey, in our launch, accompanied by Lieutenant Hanson in the Chatham's, had, on the 29th {1792/05/29}, been dispatched to the two openings to the northward, with directions to examine the right hand, or easternmost, first; and, on finding its termination, to return with such information to the Chatham, before they proceeded to visit the other; that, in the event of the Discovery's arrival previous to their return, the vessels might follow them in such pursuit, observing to keep on the eastern shore until they should find it divide-d into two branches. This being the third day of their absence, it was concluded they had found the easternmost opening to be of considerable extent; in consequence of which I determined to follow them, but the weather being calm and gloomy, with some rain, we were prevented moving. On a low point of land. near the ship, I observed the latitude to be 47o 57' , Ion-gitude 237o 581. A light favorable breeze sprang up shortly after noon; but before the anchor was at the ship's bows it again fell calm, with much rain, which obhged us to remain quiet. Ile Chatham however weighed, and being soon off the bank, which does not reach a quarter of a mile from the shore, was instantly out of soundings, and was driven by the ebb-tide until nine in the evening to the entrance of the sound. At this time a fresh southerly breeze springinguP We W02hed, and directed our course northward, to pass on the western side of the round island. We had now been stationary upwards of 20 hours, and during that time the tide or current had constantly sat out; the like was observed by Mr. Broughton during his contin 158 [end of page f897p9m4_158.gif] OF PUGET SOUND uance in the same place. The southerly wind, attended by a heavy fall of rain, soon became so faint, that by eleven at night we had proceeded only five miles. Here we were obliged to anchor in twenty fathoms water, hard sandy bot- tom, near half way between the island and the point that divides the two openings, which are about a league asunder. About six in the morning of Friday, June the First, {1792/06/01} as- sisted by the flood tide, and a light south-easterly wind, we proceeded up the eastern arm; the entrance of which is about a mile wide, with soundings from 75 to 80 fathoms, dark sandy bottom. The weather being rainy, calm, or attended with light variable winds, most of the forenoon we made little progress. During this interval the Chatham gained some advantage of us, and about noon proceeded with a favorable breeze from the southward up the opening. The haze which had obscured the land all the fore part of the day, gave the inlet an extensive appearance, without any visible termina- tionbut on the fog's dispersing, it seemed to be closed in every direction, excepting that by which we had entered; but as soundings could not be gained with fifty fathoms of line, we continued our course up the inlet until about two o'clock, at which time we had advanced six miles from the entrance; and being perfectly satisfied that the inlet finished in the manner common to all we had hitherto examined, the signal mms rnade to the Chatham to bring up, and we short- ened sail accordingly. In a few minutes she was discovered to be a-ground, and had made the signal for assistance. On this we stood towards her, and anchored about a mile from her in 20 fathoms water, sandy bottom, and about half that distance from the eastern shore, which was the nearest land. Our boats were immediately sent to her relief; but as the tide subsided very fast, they could only lay out anchors for heaving her off on the returning flood. Although the upper part of the inlet bad appeared to be perfectly closed, yet it was not impossible a channel might exist on the western or opposite shore which by interlocking points might invisible to us on board, and through which our absent party might have found a passage. To ascertain this fact, I went 159 [end of page f897p9m4_159.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY in a yawl, and found the depth of water suddenly to decrease on leaving the ship to ten, seven, and two fathoms. We continued our researches in one and two fathoms water to the opposite side, where we landed nearly abreast of the ship, and found the shores of the inlet to be straight, compace, and about two miles apart. In several places we attempted to land near the upper end, but found ourselves as often repulsed by a flat sandy shoal, which extended directly across. The land there seemed of a swampy nature, was thinly wooded, and though it was the appearance of a shallow rivulet falling into the sea, further back it was more elevated, and the surrounding country being covered with a similar growth of timber that before notices, made us conclude the land to be qually fertile. This examination perplexed me extremely to account for an error that had certainly taken place. For under the conviction tthat this inlet had been cound navigable by the boats, I should not have hesitated to have prosecuted my way hither in the ship at midnight, in consequence of the party not having made any report to the contrary. This could only be attributed to a misunderstanding of the orders given, or to some unfortunate accident having befallen them,. The latter we had no reason to apprehend, unless from an attack of the Indians, which was not very likely to have happened, as we saw not the least indication of either permanent or temporary habitations. I called on board the Chatham on my return, and was happy to understand that there was little probability of her receiving any injury, having grounded on a muddy bank; and that there was every prospect of her floating off the next tide. In sounding to lay out their anchors, had sailed to their then station, they had run upwards of half a mile on this bank in two fathoms water, in consequence of the unpardonable negligence of the man at the lead, who had announced false soundings, and for which he was deservedly punished. She was hove off aboput midnight, and anchored near us without having received the least damage. The Chatham being in readiness by ten the next morning, 160 [end of page f897p9m4_160.gif] OF PUGET SOUND Saturday the 2d, {1792/06/02} with a light northerly breeze, attended with gloomy weather and some rain, we directed our route back by the way we had come, and it was not until three o'clock that we reached the sound, where we again anchored in fifty fathoms, a quarter of a mile from the eastern shore, and about six times that distance to the eastward of the arm we had quitted, which forms an excellent harbour, well sheltered from all winds; but during our short stay there we saw no appearance of any fresh water. Here our position was before a small bay, into which flowed two excellent streams, but these were so nearly on a level with the sea, that it became neces.;. sary either to procure the water at low tide, or at some distance up the brook; which latter was easily effected, as our boats were admitted to where the fresh water fell from the elevated land. In this situation the observed latitude was 48o 2 1/2', longitude 237o 57 1/2', being six miles S. S. E. from our last anchorage. As there was little doubt now remaining that the party had proceeded to the examination of the other inlet, and as the weather was thick and hazy with some rain, a gun was now and then fired to direct them to the ships in case they should be on their return. In the course of the afternoon we were tolerably successful with the seine, as we had also been in the above harbor, in taking a quantity of fish similar to those we procured in port Discovery. About eight in the evening we had the satisfaction of hearing our gun answered; and at nine the boats safely returned to the vessels. Mr. Whidbey informed me that on his return from the survey of the port we had quitted in the morning, he saw the Chatham working off the east end of the round island at so little distance, that he concluded the boats could not have escaped the observation of those on board; and under that impression, and his anxiety to forward this tedious service, he had availed himself of a favorable southerly wind, and flood tide, to prosecute his examination of the other branch, whose entrance he had found something wider than the harbor we had left, having sixty fathoms depth of water, with 161 [end of page f897p9m4_161.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY a soft muddy bottom. Its general direction led N. N. W. .Ha~in~ advanced about four miles, they found, on a low projecting point of the western shore, a village containing a numerous tribe of the natives. But as my orders, as well as the general inclination of the officers, were to prevent by all possible means the chance of any misunderstanding, it was the uniform practice to avoid landing in the presence of con- siderable numbers; and as it was now the dinner time of our party, Mr. Whidbey very prudently made choice of the opposite shore, in the hope of making a quiet meal without the company of the Indians. Having reached the place where they intended to land, they were met by upwards of two hun- dred, some in canoes with their families, and others walking, along the shore, attended by about forty dogs in a drove, shorn close to the skin like sheep. Notwithstanding their numbers, it was important to land for the purpose of taking angles; and they had the satisfaction of being received on shore with every mark- of cordial friendship. Mr. Whidbey however, thought it prudent to remain no longer in their society than was absolutely necessary; and having finished the business for which he had landed, be instantly embarked, and continued his route up the inlet until the evening, when he landed for the night about nine miles within its entrance. In the morning they again pursued their inquiry, and soon after they had landed to breakfast, they were visited by a large canoe full of Indians, who were immediately followed by an hundred. more of the natives, bringing with them the mats for covering their temporary houses, and, seemingly, every other article of value belonging to them. On landing, which they did without the least hesitation, their behavior was courteous and friendly in the highest degree. A middle-aged man, to all appearance the chief. or principal person of the party, was foremost in showing marks of the greatest hospitality; and perceiving our party were at breakfast, presented them with water, roasted roots, dried fish, and other articles of food. This person, in return, received some presents, and others were distributed amongst the ladies and some of the party. The chief, for so 162 [end of page f897p9m4_162.gif] OF PUGET SOUND we must distinguish him, had two hangers, one of Spanish, the other of English manufacture, on which he seemed to set a very high value. The situation of the spot where they had landed was delightful; the shores on each side the inlet being composed of a low country, pleasingly diversified by hills, dales, extensive verdant lawns, and dear spaces in the midst of the forest, which, together with the cordial reception they had met from the natives, induced Mr. Whidbey to continue his examination on shore; on this occasion he was accompanied by the chief and several of the party, who conducted themselves with the greatest propriety; though with no small degree of civil curiosity in examining his clothes, and expressing a great desire to be satisfied as to the color of the skin they covered; making signs, that his hands and face were painted white, instead of being black or red like their own; but when convinced of their mistake by opening his waistcoat, their astonishment was inexpressible. From these circumstances, and the general tenor of their behavior, Mr. Whidbey concluded they had not before seen any Europeans, though from the different articles they possessed, it was evident a communication had taken place; probably by the means of distant trading tribes. The people, who had been met in that inlet removing with their families, and all their moveable property, were not unlikely to be of this commercial description; particularly, as their voyage was towards the sea-coast, where, in some convenient situation near to the general resort of Europeans,, they might fix their abode until ,an opportunity was afforded them to barter their commociities for the more valuable productions of Europe, which are afterwards disposed of to the inhabitants of the interior country at a very exorbitant price. This circumstance tends, in some dearee, to corroborate an opinion hazarded on a former occasion to this effect. On the boats being ordered on shore to receive Mr. Whidbey and the gentlemen who bad attended him in his walk, the launch grounded, which was no sooner perceived by the Indian chief, than he was foremost in using every exertion to shove her off. This being effected, and the gentlemen em 163 [end of page f897p9m4_163.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY barked, most of these good people took their leave, and seemed to part with their newly-acquired friends with great reluctance. The chief, and a few others, accompanied our party, until they had advanced about fourteen miles from the entrance, when they, very civily, took their departure; here the arm branched off from its former direction of about N. N. W., to the westward, and N. E. The latter being the object of their pursuit, they soon arrived off another extensive and populous village, whence several canoes came off with not less than seventy of the natives in them; and several others were seen coming from the different parts of the shore. Those who approached the boats conducted themselves with the utmost propriety, shewing, by repeated invitations to their dwellings, the greatest hospitality, and making signs that they had plenty of food to bestow. In these entreaties the ladies were particularly earnest, and expressed much chagrin and mortification that their offers of civility were declined. As the boats sailed past the village those in the canoes returned to the shore. The direction which the land took to the N. E. conducted them to a considerable branch whose outer points lie fro each other N. 2o W., about a league asunder. From its eastern shore a shallow flat of sand, on which are some rocky islets and rocks, runs out, until within half a mile of the western shore, forming a narrow channel, navigated by them in nearly a N. N. W. direction, for about three leagues, The depth, at its entrance, was twenty fathoms; but gradually decreased to four, as they advanced up the channel which is formed by the western shore, and the sand-bank, continuing with great regularity, about half a mile wide, to the latitude Of 48o 24, longitude 237o 45, where it then ceased to be navigable for vessels of any burthen, in consequence of the locks and overfalls from three to twenty fathoms deep, and a very irregular and disagreeable tide. On meeing these impediments, the party returned, with intention of exploring the opening leading to the westward. As they repassed the village, they were again visited by their friendly chief, attended by two or three canoes only, who presented them with 164 [end of page f897p9m4_164.gif] OF PUGET SOUND a most welcome supply of very fine small fish which, in many respects, resembled, and most probably were, a species of the smelt. He accepted, with apparent pleasure, an invitation into the launch, where he remained with Mr. Whidbey until evening, ate and drank of such things as were offered with the greatest confidence, and on being made acquainted that the party was gomg to rest, bad them farewell with every mark of respect and friendship. In the morning, the examination of the western branch was pursued, and found to terminate in a very excellent and commodious cove or harbor, with regular soundings from 10 to 20 fathoms, good holding ground. Its western extent situated in latitude 48o 17', longitude 237o 38', is not more than a league from the eastern shore of the main inlet, within the straits. On each point of the harbor, which in honor of a particular friend I call PENN'S COVE, was a deserted village; in one of which were found several sepulchers formed exactly like a sentry box. Some of them were open, and contained skeletons of many young children tied up in blankets; the smaller bones of adults were likewise noticed, but no one of the limb bones could here be found, which gave rise to an opinion that these, by the living inhabitants of the neighborhood, were appropriated to useful purposes, such as poinning their arrows, spears, or other weapons. The surrounding country, for several miles in most points of view, presented a delightful prospect, consisting chiefly of spacious meadows elegantly adorned with clumps of trees; amongst which the oak bore a very considerable proportion, in size from four to six feet in circumference. In these beautiful pastures, bordering on an expansive sheet of water, the deer were seen _______________________ Friend Penn. There were undoubtedly many Penns in England at that time. The explorer does not leave a shred of information by which his "particular friend" maybe identified. The "Century Cyclopedia of Names" gives two who were living in 1791 {1791/00/00} when Vancouver left England. These were John Penn (1729 {1729/00/00}-1795 {1795/00/00} ) and Richard Penn (1736 {1736/00/00}-1811 {1811/00/00} ). Both were grandsons of William Penn. Both were born in England, and each served as lieutenant-governor of Pennsylvania. It probably never will be known whether or not it was one of these whom Vancouver thus honored. 165 [end of page f897p9m4_165.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY playing about in great numbers. Nature had here provided the well-stocked park, and wanted only the assistance of art to constitute that desirable assemblage of surface, which is so much sought in other countries, and only to be acquired by an immoderate expense in manual labor. The soil principally consisted of a rich, black vegetable mould, lying on a sandy or clayey substratum; the grass, of an excellent quaiity, grew to the height of three feet, and the ferns, which, in the sandy soils, occupied the clear spots, were nearly twice as high. The country in the vicinity of this branch of the sea is, according to Mr. Whidbey's representation, the finest we had yet met with, notwithstanding the very pleasing appearance of many others; its natural productions were luxuriant in the highest degree, and it was, by no means, ill supplied with streams of fresh water. The number of its inhabitants be estimated at about six hundred, which I should suppose would exceed the total of all the natives we had before seen; the other parts of the sound did not appear, by any means, so populous, as we had been visited by one small canoe only, in which were five of the natives, who civilly furnished us with some small fish. The character and appearance of their several tribes here seen did not seem to differ in any material respect from.each other, or from those we have already had occasion to mention. A fortnight had now been dedicated to the examination of this inlet; which I have distinguished by the name of ADMIRALTY INLET we had still to return about forty miles through this tedious inland navigation, before we could arrive on a new field of enquiry. The broken appearance of the region before us and the difficulties we had already en Admiralty Inlet. The body of water which Vancouver intended should bear this name extends from Port Townsend to Tacoma. It is rarely so used now except on official charts. The name of Puget Sound has supplanted it in common use. The Board of Admiralty supervises the work of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. In addressing this body the members are referred to as "My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty." Vancouver sought to honor this important portion of the British government by writing this name upon his chart. 166 [end of page f897p9m4_166.gif] KING GEORGE III. From the painting by Allan Ramsay, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Engraved in England for this work. [end of page f897p9m4_166p.jpg] countered in tracing its various shores, incontestibly proved, that the object of our voyage could alone be accomphshed by very slow degrees. Perfectly satisfied with the arduous- rwss of the task in which we were engaged, and the progress we were likely to make, I became anxiously solicitous to move the instant an opportunity should serve. The two following days were however unfavorable to that purpose, and after the great fatigue our people had lately undergone, were well appropriated to holidays. Sunday, the 3d {1792/06/03}, all hands were employed in fishing with tolerably good success, or in taking a little recreation on shore; and on Monday, the 4th {1792/06/04}, they were served as good a dinner as we were-able to, provide for them, with double allowance of grog to drink the Kings health, it being the anniversary of His birth; on which auspicious day, I had long since designed to take for- mal possession of all the countries we had lately been em- ployed in exploring in the name of, and for His Britannic Majesty, his heirs and successors. To execute this purpose, accompanied by Mr. Broughton and some of the officers, I went on shore about one o'clock, pursuing the usual formalities which are generally observed on such occasions, and under the discharge of a royal, salute from the vessels, took possession accordingly of the coast, from that part of New Albion, in the latitude of 39o 20' north, and longitude 236o 26' east, to the entrance of this inlet of the sea, said to be the supposed straits of Juan de Fuca; as likewise all the coast islands, etc. within the said straits, as well on the northern as on the southern shores; together with those situated in the interior sea we had discovered, extending from the said straits, in various directions, between the north-west, north, east, and southern quarters; which interior sea I have honored with the name of THE GULF OF GEORGIA, and the _____________________ George III. The name of Gulf of Georgia has been retained, though greatly restricted from its original extent, and changed on all modern charts to Strait of Georgia. Ile land binding the Gulf of Georgia and extendig southward to the 45th degree of north latitude, Vancouver called New Georgia. The mainland just north and northwest of New Georgia he called New Hanover, in honor of the " House" of the reigning family. By a pecul- 167 [end of page f897p9m4_167.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVE RY continent binding the said gulf, and extending southward to the 45th degree of north latitude, with that of NEW GEOR- _______________ iar iron of fate both of these intensely English names have been supplanted by two intensely American names, -Washington and British Columbia. George 11 ruled from 1727 {1727/00/00}to 1760 {1760/00/00}, so it was lie who was honored by the name given to the English colony planted by James Edward Ogelthorpe in the southeastern corner of the United States, just as his grandson was honored by the attempt to place his name on the land that was destined to become the northwestern corner. The other name of Possession Sound was given, as recorded in the journal, to commemorate the act of taking possession. On Vancouver's chart it is written on the bay where now stands the city of Everett. Recent maps show it moved southward from that bay to the channel between the south end of Whidbey Island and the mainland. It is not necessary that there should be attempted here a sketch of the life of George III. It is easily accessible in any cyclopxdia or standard work of history. Queen Victoria reigned sixty-four years from 1837 {1837/00/00}to 1901 {1901/00/00}. Next to that the reign of George III, from 1760 {1760/00/00} to 1820 {1820/00/00}, was the longest in English history. That long span of sixty years witnessed many events of prime im. portance to the history of the world. The French and Indian War in America, and the contest for control in India, were settled by the Treaty of Paris, 1763 {1763/00/00}The American War for Independence was successfully ended. The entire period of disturbances known as the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era fell wholly within the time of this reign. Few monarchs have impressed their personalities upon their governments to the extent that George III did from beginning to end. This was the cause of much turmoil, but it was a time when turmoil was natural. There was much of governmental evolution in the time of George III. Born on June 4, 1738 {1738/06/04}, he was the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, Frederick Louis. The boy loved his father and was greatly shocked by his death in March, 1751. {1751/03/00} His education was in the hands of lords, bishops, and tutors, but more particularly was it watched over by his mother, an exceedingly ambitious princess, who whispered continually in her son's ears, "George, be king." This motherly advice may have been the inspiration of the king~s life. His prevailing trait was called by himself "firmness"; by those opposed to him it was called "obstinacy." The first two Georges had been ruled by the great Whig families. This new king would break that influence. He wanted no party government. So he struggled on with one ministry after another, seeking to restore the prerogatives of the crown, while slowly but surely, in spite of his opposition, the elements of the present constitution were being developed. There is a sense in which George III May be called the last of the "unconstitutional" monarchs of Great Britain. With all his other faults, he was personally a sincerely pious man and a clean one in domestic life. Queen Charlotte declared that from the day 168 [end of page f897p9m4_168.gif] ADMIRAL SIR ALAN GARDNER. From an engraving by Fenner after Sir William Beechey. Photograph copyrighted by Walker & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. [end of page f897p9m4_168p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND GIA; in honor of His present Majesty. This branch of Admiralty inlet obtained the name of Possession Sound; its western arm, after Vice Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, I distinguished by the name of PORT GARDNER, and its smaller eastern one by that Of PORT SUSAN. __________________ of her wedding to the day of the king's first illness she had never known a day of real sorrow. This illness was a mental malady, developing periods of insanity. During his last nine years this malady was constant, and added to it was that of blindness. In perfect darkness he was led about the palace or its gardens, waiting for the call to rest which came on January 29, 1820 {1820/01/29}. Vancouver was a sailor. He was no politician. In selecting the names of great men to be honored during his explorations, he chose friends and enemies of the king with reckless impartiality. In one sense this was inevitable if he honored those great men at all. In his struggle with ministries the king had alternately loved and hated, trusted and suspected, almost every one of the great men of his realm. Take, for example, Lord Grenville, whose name Vancouver gave to that magnificent headland on the western coast of the State of Washington. George III trusted Grenville's father, but, as minister, he scolded and ' lectured the king about his stubborn blundering until George III hated him. But Grenville was powerful and was eventually called back to office. The king struggled against that necessity and petulantly declared, "I would rather see the devil in my closet than George Grenville." The son of this man was also suspected and then trusted, raised to the peerage, and made prime minister. Contrasted with this is the case of the Earl of Bute, whom the ministers hated and opposed as the king"s favorite. Vancouver honored him also by naming in his honor Bute Canal, now Bute Inlet. The portrait used in this work is Number 223 in the National Portrait Gallery. It is the work of Allan Ramsay, a Scottish portrait painter, son of the poet of the same name. Fortunately, the portrait of Queen Charlotte is by the same artist, as is also the one of the Earl of Bute. Evidently all three were painted in the nine palace, for the same Corinthian pillar appears in each, suggesting the similarity of background found in a series of photographs made in a gallery of the present day. The setting, the artist, and all suggest also the time when Bute was a prime favorite of the king. Sir Alan Gardner. This is one of the names that is loved and respected by British seamen everywhere. It is a matter of regret that the name Port Gardner is gradually disappearing from the geographies of Puget Sound. Originally Vancouver applied it to the waterway extending from Deception Pass to Possession Sound, or the present site of Everett. Now that waterway is charted as Saratoga Passage and occasionally we see the name Port Gardner applied to the bay of Everett. At this rate it will be the matter of but a few years when Port Gardner will be extinct as a geographic term. 169 [end of page f897p9m4_169.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY Not so is the name of Port Susan as applied to the waterway between Camano Island and the mainland. Alan has been dismissed, but the geographers have remained constant to Susan. For more than a century Vancouver's curt and brief honor to Susan has proved a baffling enigma. It has often been suggested that Susan was the sweetheart in England whom Vancouver did not live long enough to wed. The mystery is cleared away, however, when it is learned that Captain Alan Gardner, while serving in the West Indies, met, wooed, and wed a widow and heiress at Jamaica in 1769 {1769/00/00}. Her name was Susanna Hyde Turner. Vancouver had served under Gardner and the latter recommended Vancouver, who had just returned with him from the West Indies, to be second in command of the proposed expedition under Captain Henry Roberts. This was the very expedition of which Vancouver was later given the chief command. Then it was that Gardner as one of the Lords of the Admiralty signed his "Additional Instructions" for his great voyage. Therefore, when he named one port after Admiral Gardner, he named the other after the admiral's esteemed lady. Alan Gardner, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner of the Eleventh Dragoon Guards, was born at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, on April 12, 1742 {1742/04/12}. Like most of the British naval heroes, he entered service at a tender age,, joining-, the Medway, under Captain Peter Denis, in May, 1755 {1755/05/00}. In January, 1758, {1758/01/00} he followed Captain Denis into the Dorsetshire and was present at the battle of Quiberon Bay. He was promoted to be lieutenant of the Bellona, still under Denis, but he remained with that ship after she passed to the command of Captain Faulknor. He took part in the capture of the Courageux on August 14, 1761. {1761/08/14} On April 12, 1762, {1762/04/12} he was promoted to be commander of the Raven fireship. On May 17, 1766 {1766/05/17}, he was advanced to post rank and given command of the Preston. In her he went to Jamaica as flagship of Rear-Admiral Parry. In 1768 {1768/00/00}be was removed to the Levant frigate, which he commanded on the same station until 1771 {1771/00/00}. It was while in command of this frigate that he married Susan. In 1775 {1775/00/00} he received command of the Maidstone of twenty-eight guns, and was again sent to the West Indies. In 1778 {1778/00/00}he was sent to join Lord Howe on the North American coast, and carried the first news of the approach of the French fleet. On November 3, 1778 {1778/11/03}, he captured a French merchant- ship, which he carried with him to Antigua. He was then appointed to the Sultan of seventy-four guns, and had a share in the battle of Grenada on July 6, 1779 {1779/07/06}- In 1781 {1781/00/00}, in the Duke of ninety-eight guns, he accompanied Sir George Rodney to the West Indies and took part in the victory of April, 1782.{1782/04/00} After the peace Of 1783 {1783/00/00} he returned to England, but in 1786 {1786/00/00} he went again to the West Indies as commander-in-chief. His flag as commodore was in the Europa. During part of this time the captain of his flagship was, James Vashon, and during be whole of me cruise one of his midshipmenwas Peter Puget. 170 [end of page f897p9m4_170.gif] OF PUGET SOUND He returned to England in 1787 {1787/00/00}and was appointed to a seat at the Board of Admiralty in January, 1790 {1790/01/00}, 7hich he held until March, 1795 {1795/03/00}. During the famous Spanish Armament in 1790 {1790/00/00} he commanded the Courageux for a short time. In February, 1793 {1793/02/00}, having been appointed Rear-Admiral, he went once more to the West Indies with a large squadron, his own flag being in the Queen. This expedition against the French colonies was a failure, through lack of troops to co6perate with the navy. On returning to England he was attached to the grand fleet under Lord Howe and took part in the battle of June 1, 1794 {1794/06/01}, when the loss of the battleship Queen proved a severe matter. However, for his share in this action, Gardner was created a Baronet, and on July 4, 1790 {1790/0704} was advanced to the grade of Vice-Admiral. Vancouver evidently took it for granted that the advance was due to arrive, for he uses that as Gardner's rank in 1792 {1792/00/00}- Gardner was again with the fleet under Lord Bridfort, but bad little share in the action of June 23, 1795 {1795/06/23}, Off Lorient. During this time Gardner was also a member of Parliament, being elected in 1790 {1790/00/00}for Plymouth,7hkh seat be held until inQ when he was elected Ar Westminster. At the time of the mutiny at Spithead, in April, 1797 {1797/04/00}, Gardner had his flag in the Royal Sovereign. He had a conference with the delegates on board the Queen Charlotte, in which Gardner lost his temper. He seized one of the delegates by the collar and threatened to have him and his companions hanged. The admiral with difficulty escaped from the human tempest stirred up by his hasty threat. He was promoted to be Admiral of the Blue on February 14,1799 {1799/02/14}, and in August, 1800 {1800/08/00}, was appointed Commander-in-Chief on the coast of Ireland. In December, 1800, {1800/12/00} he was created a peer of Ireland, with the title of Baron Gardner. He was still being returned to Parliament by Westminster until he was transferred to the upper House by being raised in 1806 {1806/00/00} to the peerage of the United Kingdom, with the title of Baron Gardner of Uttoxeter. . In 1807 {1807/00/00} he was appointed to command the Channel Fleet, but his health was failing. He resigned his command in 1808 {1808/00/00}, and on January 1, 1809 {1809/01/01}, be died. 171 [end of page f897p9m4_171.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY CHAPTER IX WORK AROUND BELLINGHAM BAY AND THE GULF OF GEORGIA, NOW CALLED WASHINGTON SOUND A LIGHT breeze springing up from the N. W. about seven in the morning of Tuesday the 5th of June {1792/06/05}, we sailed down Possession sound. This wind brought with it, as usual, serene and pleasant weather. Whilst we were passing gently on, the chief, who had shown so much friendly attention to Mr. Whidbey and his party, with several of his friends came on, board, and presentd us with some fruit and dried fish. He entered the ship with some reluctance, but was no sooner on deck than he seemed perfectly reconciled; and with much inquisitive earnestness regarded the surrounding objects, the novelty of which seemed to fill his mind with surprise and admiration. The unaffected hospitable attention he had shewn our people, was not likely upon this occasion to be forgotten. After he had visited the different parts of the ship, at which be expressed the greatest astonishment, I presented him and his friends with an assortment of such things as they esteemed to be most valuable; and then they took their leave, seemingly highly pleased with their reception. The N. W. wind was unfavorable after we were clear of Possession sound, and obhged us to work to windward, which discovered to us a shoal lying in a bay, just to the Westward of the north point of entrance into the sound, a little distance from the shors It shews itself above the water, and is discoverable by the soundings gradually decreasing to teng seven, and Seven fathoms, and cannot be considered as any material impediment to the navigation of the bay. As the ebb-tide was greatly in our favor, I did not wait to examine 172 [end of page f897p9m4_172.gif] OF PUGET SOUND it further, but continued plying to windward until midnight, when being unable to gain any ground against the strength of the flood, we anchored in 2Z fathoms water about half a mile from the western shore of Admiralty inlet, and about half way between Oak cove and Marrowstone point; the Chatham having anchored before us some distance astern. The ebb agIn returned at the rate of about three miles per hour; but as it was calm we did not move until the N. W. wind set in about seven in the morning of Wednesday the 6th, {1792/06/06} when we worked out of the inlet. Having reached its entrance, we were met by several canoes from the westward. Some of the headmost, when they had advanced near to the ship made signs of peace, and came alongside, giving us to understand that their friends behind wished to do the same, and requested we would shorten sail for that purpose. They seemed very solicitous to dissuade us from proceeding to the northward by very vociferous and vehement arguments; but as their language was completely unintelligible, and their wishes not appertaining to the object of our pursuit, so far as we were enabled to comprehend their meanIngg we treated their advice with perfect indifference, on which they departed, joined the rest of their countrymen, and proceeded up Admiralty inlet, whose north point, called by Me POINT PARTRIDGE, is situated in latitude 48o 16l, longitude 237o 31', and is formed by a high white sandy cliff, having one of the verdant lawns on either side of it. Passing at the distance of about a mile from this Point owe very suddenly came on a small space of ten fathoms water, but immediately again increased our depth to zo and 30 fathoms. After advancing a few miles along the eastern shore of the gulf, we found no effect either from the ebb or flood tide, and the wind being light and variable from the northward, at _________________________ Point Partridge. It is probable that this name came from seeing there a pheasant or a grouse, or something that reminded them of a partridge. No individual bearing that name was listed with either the Discovery or the Chatham. If the name were that of some friend at home, the fact would likely be, mentioned. 173 [end of page f897p9m4_173.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY three in the afternoon we were obliged to anchor in 20 fathoms water, sandy bottom. In this situation New Dungeness bore by compass S 54 W.; the east point of Protection island S. 15 W.; the west ; point of Admiralty inlet, which after my much esteemed friend Captain George Wilson of the navy, I distinguished by the name of POINT WILSON, S. 35 E. situated in latitude 48o ', longitude 237o 31' the nearest shore east, two leagues distant; a low sandy island, forming at its west end a low cliff, above which some dwarf trees are produced from N. 26 W. to N. 4o W.; and the proposed station for the vessels during the examination of the continental shore by the boats, which, from Mr. Broughton who had visited it obtained the name Of STRAWBERRY BAY, N.11W. at the distance of about six leagues, situated in a region apparently much broken and divided by water. Here we remained until seven in the evening; we then weighed, but with so little wind, that after having drifted to the southward of our former station,. we were obliged again to anchor until six, the next morning, Thursday the 7th {1792/06/07}, when we made an ' attempt to proceed, but Were soon again compelled to become stationary near our last situation. On reflecting that the summer was now fast advancing, and that the slow progress of the vessels occasioned too much delay, I determined, rather than lose the advantages which the prevailing favorable weather now afforded Or boat expeditions, to dispatch Mr. Puget in the launch, and, Mr. Whidbey in the cutter with a week's provisions, in order that the shores should be immediately explored to the next intended station of the vessels, whither they would proceed as soon as circumstances would allow. In this arrangement, __________________ George Wilson. Here Vancouver mentions one of his Edends in the nalm He evidently did not attain high rank or much prominence. Usual sources of information about such are blank about this George Wilson. He was post captain, on the active lit in 1793 {1793/00/00}, and was still a captain in 1797 {1797/00/00} at the capture of Trinidad. He was at one time with the Bellona of seventy-four guns. These meagre facts are mentioned casually in the records of others- 174 [end of page f897p9m4_174.gif] OF PUGET SOUND I was well aware, it could not be considered judicious to part with our launch, whilst the ship remained in a transitory unfixed state in this unknown and dangerous navigation; yet she was so essentially necessary to the protection of our detached parties, that I resolved to encounter some few difficulties on board, rather than suffer the delay, or lose so valuable an opportunity for the prosecution of the survey. In directing this, orders were given not to examine any opertings to the northward, beyond Strawberry bay, but to determine the boundaries of the continental shore leading to the north and eastward, as far as might be practicable to its parallel, whither they were to resort after performing the task assigned. On this service they departed, and directed their course for the first opening on the eastern shore about 3 or 4. leagues distant, bearing by compass ftom the ship N. by E. Having repaired to the low sandy island already noticed, for the purpose of taking some angles, I found some rocks lying on its western side nearly three quarters of a mile from its shores; and that the eastern part of it was formed by a very narrow~ low spit of land, over which the tide nearly flowed. Its situation is in latitude 48o 24', longitude 237o 26 1/2 ' . Amongst the various bearings that it became necessary to take here, were those of the two remarkably high snowy mountains so frequently mentioned. Mount Baker bore N. 63 E.; mount Rainier S. 27 E.; and from a variety of observations purposely made for fixing their respective situations, it appeared that mount Baker was in latitude 48o 39', longitude 238o 2o', and mount Rainier in latitude 470 3', longitude 2380 zil. To the southward of these were now seen two other very lofty, round, snowy mountains, lying apparently in the same north and south direction, or nearly so; but we were unable to ascertain their positive situation. The summits of these were visible only at two or three stations in the southern parts of Admiralty inlet; they appeared to be covered with perpetual snow as low down as we were enabled to see, and seemed as if they rose from an extensive plain of low country. 175 [end of page f897p9m4_175.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY When due attention. is paid to the range of snowy mountains that stretch to the southward from the base of mount Rainier, a probability arises of the same chain being continued. so as to connect the whole in one barrier along the coast, at uncertain distances from its shores; although intervals may exist in the ridge where the mountains may not be sufficiently elevated to have been discernable from our several stations. The like effect is produced by the two former mountains, whose immense height permitted their appearing very conspicuously, long before we approached sufficiently near to distinguish the intermediate range of rugged mountains that connect them, and from whose summits their bases originate. About six in the evening, with a light breeze from the S. W. We weighed and stood to the north-ward; but after having advanced about i i miles, the wind became light and obliged us to anchor about nine that evening, in 37 fathoms water, hard bottom, in some places rocky; in this situation we were detained by calms until the afternoon of the following day, Friday the 8th {1792/06/08}. Our observed latitude here, was 48o 29', longitude 237o 29'the country, occupying the northern horizon in all directions, appeared to be excessively broken and insulated. Strawberry bay bore, by compass, N. io W. about three leagues distant; the opening on the continental shore, the first object for the examination of the detached party, with some small rocky inlets before its entrance that appeared very narrow, bore, at the distance of about five miles, S. 87 E.; point Partridge S. zi E.; the low sandy island south; the south part of the westernmost shore, which is composed of islands and rocks, S. 37 W. about two miles distant; the nearest shore was within about a mile; a very dangerous sunken rock, visible only at low tide, lies off from a low rocky point on this shore, bearing N- 79 W.; and a very unsafe cluster of small rocks, some constantly, and others visible only near low water, bore N. 15 W. about two miles and a half distant. This country presented a very different aspect from that which we had been accustomed to behold further south. 176 [end of page f897p9m4_176.gif] OF PUGET SOUND The shores now before us were composed of steep rugged rocks, whose surface varied exceedingly in respect to height, and exhibited little more than the barren rock, which in some places produced a little herbage of a dull color, with a few dwarf trees. Witli a tolerably good breeze from the north, we weighed about three in the afternoon, and with a flood tide, turned up into Strawberry bay, where, in about three hours, we anchored in 16 fathoms, fine sandy bottom. This bay is situated on the west side of an island, which, producing an abundance of upright cypress, obtained the name of CYPRESS ISLAND. The bay is of small extent, and not very deep; its South point bore by compass S. 40 E.; a small islet, forming nearly the north point of the bay, round which is a clear good passage west; and the bottom of the bay east, at the distance orabout three quarters of a mile. This situation, though very commodious, in respect to the shore, is greatly exposed to the winds, and sea in a S. S. E. direction. In consequence of the wind ceasing, the Chatham, whilst endeavoring to gain this anchorage, was, by a strong flood tide, driven to the eastward of the island, where she was compelled to anchor. The next morning, Saturday 9th {1792/06/09}, received from Mr. Broughton a letter acquainting me, that, having; been obliged to anchor on a rocky bottom, on account of the strength and irregularity of the tide, their stream cable had been cut through by the rocks; and that, after several attempts to recover the anchor, the rapidity of the tide had rendered all their efforts ineffectual; and he was very apprehensive that, remaining lonLyer in that situation, for the purpose of repeating his endeavors, might endanger the loss also of the bower anchor by which they were then riding. In reply, I desired, if the anchor could not be regained by the next slack tide, that they would desist, rather than run a risk of still greater importance. A fine sandy beach, forming the shores of the bay, gave us the hope of a good supply of fish, as the Chatham, on her former visit, 6d been very successful, we were 177 [end of page f897p9m4_177.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY however, unfortunately mistaken; the seine was repeatedly hauled, but to no effect. The Chatham arrived in the bay on Sunday morning, the 10th {1792/06/10}, with the loss of her stream anchor; and in the afternoon the boats returned from their survey. From the officers, I became acquainted, that the first inlet communicated with port Gardner, by a very narrow and intricate channel, which, for a considerable distance, was not forty yards in width, and abounded with rocks above and beneath the surface of the water. These impediments, in addition to the great rapidity and irregularity of the tide, rendered the passage navigable only for boats or vessels of very small burthen. This determined all the eastern shore of the gulf, from S. W. point of this passage, in latitude 48o 27', longitude 237o 37', to the north point of entrance into Possession sound, in latitude 47o 53', longitude 237o 47', to be an island, which, in its broadest part, is about ten miles across; and in consequence of Mr. Whidbey's circumnavigation, I distinguished by the name Of WHIDBEY'S ISLAND and this northern pass, leading into port Gardner, DECEPTION PASSAGE. Hence they proceeded to the examination of the continental coast leading to the northward, and entered what appeared to be a spacious sound, or opening, extending widely in three directions to the eastward of our present station. One, ___________________________________ Joseph Widbey. This. is another aggravating case of a name attaining increasing importance in geography while the life of its original owner is lost in oblivion. All that is now known of Joseph Whidbey is gleaned from Vancouver's journal of the voyage. Whidbey was mustered in as master on the Discovery and he remained ir~that position throughout the cruise. Being one of the officers, his name and rank only are recorded in the muster tables, while his age and birthplace are omitted. His name is frequently mentioned in the journals, for he was one of the most useful men on the expedition. He often had charge of crews in the small boats sent on side trips of exploration. It was in this way that he fbund the large island that bears his name. When the party started south from Nootka, Whidbey was directed to take one of the Discovery's boats into the storeship Daedalus and proceed with a survey of Grays Harbor. This work he did in his usual thorough mannert and Vancouver records the result with a chart of the harbor in his journals. 178 [end of page f897p9m4_178.gif] OF PUGET SOUND leading to the southward, and another, to the eastward, they examined, and found them to terminate alike in deep bays, affording good anchorage, though inconvenient communication with the shores; particularly towards the head of each bay, on account of a shallow flat of sand or mud, which met them at a considerable distance from the land. Having hxed the boundaries of the continent as far to the north as the latitude of this island, agreeably to their directions, they returned, leaving unexplored a large opening which took a northern direction, as also the space that appeared to be the main arm of the gulf, to the north-westward, where the horizon was unbounded, and its width seemed very considerable. The country they had seen to the north-cast of Deception passage, is much divided by water, and bore nearly the same sterile appearance with that of our present situation; excepting near the heads of the two large bays, which they had examined on the continental shore. There the land was of a moderate height, unoccupied by rocky precipices, and was well wooded with timber. In the course of this expedition, several deserted villages had been seen, and some of the natives met with, who differed not, in any material particular, as to their persons, nor in their civil and hospitable deportment, from those we bad been so happy, on former occasions, to call our friends. As our present, anchorage was much exposed, and supplied us with no sort of refreshment, excepting a few small wild onions or leeks, I determined, on this information, to proceed with the vessels up the gulf, to the N. W. in quest of a more commodious situation, from whence Mr. Whidbey might be dispatched, to complete the examination of the arm which had been left unhnished, and another party, prosecute their inquiries to the N. W. or in such other direction as the gulf might take. With a light breeze from the S. E. about four o'clock in the morning of Monday the 11th {1792/06/11}, we quitted this station, and passed between the small island and the north point of the bay to the north-westward, through a cluster of numerous islands, rocks, and rocky islets. On Mr. Broughton's hrst 179 [end of page f897p9m4_179.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY visit hither, he found a great quantity of very excellent strawberries, which gave it the name Strawberry bay; but, on our arrival, the fruit season was passed. The bay affords good and secure anchorage though somewhat exposed; yet, in fair weather, wood and water may be easily procured. The island of Cypress is principally composed of high rocky mountains, and steep perpendicular cliffs which, in the center of Strawberry bay, fall a little back, and the space between the foot of the mountains and the sea-side is occupied by low marshy land, through which are several small runs of most excellent water, that find thair way into the bay by oozing through the beach. It is situated in latitude 48o 3611, longitude 237o 341. The variation of the compass, by eighteen sets of azimuths differing from 18o to 21o taken on board, and on shore, since our departure from Admiralty inlet, gave the mean result of 18o 51 eastwardly. The rise and fall of the tide was inconsiderable, though the stream Was rapidthe ebb came from the east, and it was high water 2h 371 after the moon had passed the meridian. We proceeded first toi the north-eastward, passing the branch of the gulf that had beeri partly examined, and then directed our course to the N. W. along that which appeared a continuation of the continental shore, formed by low sandy cliffs, rising from a beach of sand and stones. The country moderately elevated, stretched a considerable distance from the N. W. round to the south-eastward, before it ascended to join the range of rugged snowy mountains. This connected barrier, from the base of mount Baker, still continued very lofty, and appeared to extend in a direction leading to the westward of north. The soundings along the shore were regular, from 12 to 25 and 30 fathoms, as we approached, or increased our distance from, the land, which seldom exceeded two milesthe opposite side of the gulf to the south-westward, composed of numerous islands, was at the distance of about two leagues. As the day advanced, the S. E. wind gradually died away, and, for some hours, we remained nearly stationary. In the evening, a light breeze favoring the plan I had in 180 [end of page f897p9m4_180.gif] OF PUGET SOUND contemplation, we steered for a bay that presented itself, where, about six o'clock, we anchored in six fathoms water, sandy bottom, half a mile from the shore. The points of the bay bore by compass S 32 W. and N. 72 W.; the westernmost part of that which we considered to be the main land west, about three leagues distant; to the south of this point appeared the principal direction of the gulf, though a very considerable arm seemed to branch from it to the northeastward. As soon as the ship was secured, I went in a boat to inspect the shores of the bay, and found, with little trouble, a very convenient situation for our several necessary duties on shore of which the business of the observatory was my chief object, as I much wished for a further trial of the rate of the chronometers, now that it was probable we should remain at rest a sufficient time to make the requisite observations for that purpose. Mr. Broughton received my directions to this effect, as also, that the vessels should be removed, the next morning, about a mile further up the bay to the N.E. where they would be more conveniently stationed for our several operations on shore; and as soon as the business of the observatory should acquire a degree of forwardness. Mr. Whidbey, in the Discovery's cutter, attended by the Chatham's launch, was to proceed to the examination of that part of the coast unexplored to the S. E.; whilst myself in the yawl, accompanied by Mr. Puget in the launch, directed our researches up'the main inlet of the gulf. Matters thus arranged, with a week's provision in each boat, I departed at five o'clock in the morning of Tuesday the 12th {1792/06/12}. The most northerly branch, though attracting our first attention, caused little delay; it soon terminated in two open bays; the southernmost, which is the smallest, has two small rocks lying off its south point; it extends in a circular form to the eastward, with a shoal of sand projecting some distance from its shores. This bay affords good anchorage from seven to ten fathoms waterthe other is ,much larger, and extends to the northward; these, by noon, 'we had passed round, but the shoals attached to the shores of ,each, and particularly to those of the latter, prevented our 181 [end of page f897p9m4_181.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY reaching within four or five miles of their head. The point constituting the west extremity of these bays, is that which was seen from the ship, and considered as the western part of the main land, of which it is a small portion, much elevated at the south extremity of a very low narrow peninsula; its highest part is to the S. E. formed by high white sand cliffs falling perpendicularly into the sea; from whence a shoal extends to the distance of half a mile round it, joining those of the larger bay; whilst its southwest extremity, not more than a mile in an east and west direction from the former, is one of those low projectinLy sandy points, with ten to seven fathoms water, within a few yards of it. From this point, situated in latitude 48o 57', longitude 237o 20', (which I distinguished by the name Of POINT ROBERTS, after my _______________________________ Captain Henry Roberts. Vancouver is the principal biographer of this man. His life is not included in the "Dictionary of National Biography" or any of the other standard sources of such information. However, in the introduction to his narrative, Vancouver gives a fine record of part of his life as Allows- "Captain Henry Roberts, of known and tried abilities, who bad served under Captain Cook during his two last voyages, and whose attention to the scientific part of his profession had afforded that great navigator frequent opportunities of naming him with much respect, was called upon to take charge of, and to command, the proposed expedition. "Aa that period, I had just returned from a station at Jamaica under the command of Commodore (now Vice-Admiral) Sir Alan Gardner, who mentioned me to Lord Chatham and the Board of Admiralty; and I was solicited to accompany Captain Roberts as his second. In this proposal I acquiesced, and found myself very pleasantly situated, in being thus connected with a fellow traveler for whose abilities I bore the greatest respect, and in whose friendship and good opinion I was proud to possess a place. And as we had sailed together with Captain Cook on his voyage towards the south pole, and as both had afterwards accompanied him with Captain Clerke in the Discovery during his last voyage, I had no doubt that we were engaged in an expedition, which would prove no less interesting to my friend than agreeable to my wishes." There followed the excitement which Captain Roberts was sent away to be read to fight over the Nootka episode and the Spanish Armament, in the Spaniards in the West Indies should war actually ensue. The treaty was signed, and because Captain Roberts was away the command of the expedition "Round the World "was given to Commander George Vancouver. 182 [end of page f897p9m4_182.gif] OF PUGET SOUND esteemed friend and predecessor in the Discovery) the coast takes a direction It 28 NV. and presented a task of examination to which we conceived our equipment very unequal. That which, from hence, appeared the northern extreme of ____________________ On the title-page of the published account of Captain Cook's last voyage is this phrase, " Illustrated with maps and charts from the original drawing's made by Lieut. Henry Roberts, under the direction of Captain Cook." It is well known that Captain Cook lost his life on the Sandwich Islands before the completion of his last voyage. The editor who prepared the journals for publication pays this tribute to Roberts"Lieutenant Roberts was also frequently consulted, and was always found to be a ready and effectual assistant, when any nautical difficulties were to be cleared up." In the same introduction to the 1784 {1784/00/00}edition of Cook's last voyage may be found a long letter signed by Henry Roberts and dated at Shoreham, Sussex, May15, 1784 {1784/05/15}. The scarcity of materials about the life and work of Roberts will justify the insertion here of the first paragraph of that letter as follows- Soon after our departure from England, I was intrusted by Captain Cook to complete a map of the world as a general chart, from the best materials he was in possession of for that purpose; and before his death this business was in a great measure accomplished; That is, the grand outline of the whole was arranged, leaving only those parts vacant or unfinished ' which he expected to fall in with and explore. But on our return home, when the fruits of our voyage were ordered by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to be published, the care of the general chart being consigned to me, I was directed to prepare it from the latest and best authorities; and also to introduce Captain Cook's three successive tracks, that all his discoveries, and the different routes he bad taken might appear together, by this means to live a general idea of the whole. This task having been performed by me, it is necessary, for the information of the Reader, to state the heads of the several authorities which I have followed in such parts of the chart as differ from what was drawn up immediately under the inspection of Captain Cookand when the Public are made acquainted, that many materials, necessary to complete and elucidate the work, were not, at the time, on board the Resolution, or in his possession, the reason will appear very obvious, why these alterations and additions were introduced contrary to the original drawing. Then follows a thorough discussion of the authorities used in preparing the general chart. The peculiar situation of Point Roberts will always draw attention to this name. The international boundary, along the forty-ninth parallel, cuts across the peninsula south of the mouth of the Fraser River and thus gives this important point to the United States, while the balance of the peninsula belongs to the Dominion of Canada. 183 [end of page f897p9m4_183.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY the continental shore, was a low bluff point, that seemed to form the southern entrance into an extensive sound, bearing N 25 W- with broken land stretching about 5o farther to the westward. Between this direction and N- 79 W- the horizon seemed uninterrupted, excepting by the appearance of a small though very high round island, lying N. 52 W. apparently at the distance of many leagues. Having thus early examined and fixed the continental shore to the furthest point seen from the ship, I determined to prosecute our inquiries to the utmost limits that care and frugality could extend our supplies; and, having taken the necessary angles, we proceeded, but soon found our progress along the eastern or continental shore materially impeded by a shoal that extends from point Roberts N. 80 W. seven or eight miles, then stretches N. 35 W. about Eve or six miles further, where it takes a northerly direction towards the above low bluff point. Along the edge of this bank we had soundings from ten to One fathom, as we increased or decreased our distance from the eastern shore; toapproach which all our endeavors were exerted to no purpose, until nine in the evening, when the shoal having forced us nearly into the middle of the gulf, we stood over to its western side, in order to land for the night, and to cook our provisions for the ensuing day, which being always performed by those on watch during the night, prevented any delay on that account, in the day time. As We stood to the westward, our depth soon increased to 15 fathoms, after which we gained no bottom until we reached the western shore of the "gulf, where, on our arrival about one o'clock in the morning) it was with much difficulty we were enabled to land on the steep rugged rocks that compose the coast, for the purpose of cooking only, and were compelled by this unfavorable circumstance, to remain and sleep in the boat. At five in the morning of Wednesday the 13th {1792/06/13}, we again directed our course to the eastern shore, and landed about noon, on the above mentioned low bluff point. This, as was suspected, formed the south point of a very extensive sound, with a small arm leading to the eastward the space, which 184 [end of page f897p9m4_184.gif] PUGET SOUND seemed to be its main direction, and appeared very extensive,, took a northerly course. The observed latitude here was 49 o 19l, longitude 237o 6' making this point (which, in compliment to my friend Captain George Grey of the navy, was called POINT GREY) seven leagues from point Roberts. The intermediate space is occupied by very low land, apparently a swampy flat, that retires several miles, before the country rises to meet the rugged snowy mountains, which we found still continuing in a direction nearly along the coast. This low flat being very much inundated, and extending behind point Roberts, to join the low land in the bay to the eastward of that point; gives its hiah land, when seen at a distance, the appearance of an islaridthis, however, is not the case, notwithstanding there are two openings between this point and point Grey. These can only be navigable for canoes, as the shoal continues along the coast to the distance of seven or eight miles from the shore, on which were lodged, and especially before these openings, logs of wood, and stumps of trees innumerable. From point Grey we proceeded first up the eastern branch of the sound, where, about a league within its entrance, we passed to the northward of an island which nearly terminated its extent, forming a passage from ten to seven fathoms deep, ______________________________ Captain George Grey. The name of this point is still retained on all the charts. It is a finely defined geographic feature at the entrance to Burrard Inlet. From Point Roberts to Point Grey, Vancouver passed the three mouths of the great Fraser River. Two of them he indicates as slight bays in the coast line. Later, as will be seen in the journal, he met Galliano and Valdes, the Spanish explorers. They reported to him that they had seen drift and other indications of a large river which, Vancouver says, was " Named by one of their officers Rio Blancho, in compliment to the then prime minister of Spain." Elsewhere the minister's name is spelled " Blanca." As in the case of the first report of the Columbia River, Vancouver denied the existence of this new river, which was finally discovered in 1806 {1806/00/00} by Simon Fraser by the overland route. Captain Grey so signally honored in this case is little known. He does not figure in the usual collections of biographies. He was probably one of the earlier companions of Vancouver who dropped from public view before attaining distinction. 185 [end of page f897p9m4_185.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY not more than a cable's length in width. This island lying exactly across the channel, appeared to form a similar passage to the south of it, with a smaller island lying before it. From these islands, the channel, in width about half a mile, continued its direction about east. Here we were met by about fifty Indians, in their canoes, who conducted themselves with the greatest decorum and civility, presenting us 'with several fish cooked, and undressed, of the sort already mentioned as resembling the, smelt. These good people, finding we were inclined to make some return for their hospitality, shewed much understanding in preferring iron to copper. For the sake of the company of our new friends, we stood on under an easy sail, which encouraged them to attend us some little distance up the arm. The major part of the canoes twice paddled forward, assembled before us, and each time a conference was held. Our visit and appearance were most likely the objects of their consultation, as our motions on these occasions seemed to engage the whole of their attention. The subject matter, which remained a profound secret to us, did not appear of an unfriendly nature to us, as they soon returned, and, if possible, expressed additional cordiality and respect. This sort of conduct always creates a degree of suspicion, and should ever be regarded with a watchful eye. In our short intercourse with the people of this country, we have generally found these consultations take place, whether their numbers were great or small; and though I have ever considered it prudent to be cautiously attentive on such occasions, they ought by no means to be considered as indicating at all times a positive intention of concerting hostile measures; having witnessed many of these conferences, without our experiencing afterwards any alteration in their friendly disposition. This was now the case with our numerous attendants, who gradually dispersed as we advanced from the station where we had first met them, and three or four canoes only accompanied us up a navigation which, in some places, does not exceed an hundred and fifty yards in width. 186 [end of page f897p9m4_186.gif] OF PUGET SOUND We landed for the right about half a league from the head of the inlet, and about three leagues from its entrance. Our Indian visitors remained with us until by signs we gave them to understand we were going to rest, and after receiving some acceptable articles, they retired, and by means of the same language, promised an abundant supply of fish the next day; our seine having been tried in their presence with very little success. A great desire was manifested by these people to imitate our actions, especially in the firing of a musket, which one of them performed, though with much fear and trembling. They minutely attended to all our transactions, and examined the color of our skins with infinite curiosity. In other respects they differed little from the generality of the natives we had seen they possessed no European commodities, or trinkets, excepting some rude ornaments apparently made from sheet copper; this circumstance, and the general tenor of their behavior, gave us reason to conclude that we were the first people from a civilized country they had yet seen. Nor did it appear that they were nearly connected, or had much intercourse with other Indians, who traded with the European or American adventurers The shores in this situation were formed by steep rocky cliffs, that afforded no convenient space for pitching our tent, which compelled us to sleep in the boats. Some of the young gentlemen, however, preferring the stony beach for their couch, without duly considering the line of high water mark, found themselves incommoded by the flood tide, of which they were not apprized until they were nearly afloat; and one of them slept so sound, that I believe he might have been conveyed to some distance, had he not been awakened by his companions. Perfectly satisfied with our researches in this branch of the sound, at four in the morning of Thursday the 14th {1792/06/14}, we retraced our passage in; leaving on the northern shore, a small opening extending to the northward, with two little islets before it of little importance, whilst we had a grander object in contemplation; and more particularly so, as this 187 [end of page f897p9m4_187.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY arm or channel could not be deemed navigable for shipping. the tide caused no stream; the color of its water, after we had passed the island the day before was green and perfectly clear, whereas that in the main branch of the sound, extending nearly half over the gulf, and accompanied by a rapid tise, was nearly colorless, which gave us some reason to suppose that the northern branch of the sound might possibly be discovered to terminate in a river of considerable extent. As we passed the situation from whence the Indians had first visited us the preceding day, which is a small border of low marshy land on the northern shore, intersected by several creeks of fresh water, we were in expectation of thier company, but were disappointed, owing to our travelling so soon in the morning. Most of their canoes were hauled up into the creeks, and two or three only of the natives were seen straggling about on the beach. None of their habitations could be discovered, whence we concluded that their village was within the forest. Two canoes came off as we passed the island, but our boats being under sail with a afresh favorable breeze, I was not inclined to halt, and they almost immediately returned. The shores of this channel, which after Sir Harry Burrard of the navy, I have distinguished by the name of BURRARD'S CHANNEL, may be considered, on the southern side of a _____________ Sir Harry Burrard. The name of this channel or canal has been changed on modern charts to Burrard Inlet. It has come into great prominence through the building there of the Canadian Pacific Railway's "Terminal City" called by the honored name of Vancouver. In honoring the name Burrard, Vancouver saved subsequent studens much trouble of adding the prase "of the navy". There were two other Sir Harry Burrards, both prominent in the British army and politics. They were the uncle and cousin of Sir Harry Burrard of the navy. Still the student is not without his troubles, for this Sir Harry Burrard was really Sir Harry Burrard Neale and is so recorded in the "National Dictionary of Biography." This new name assumed by royal license, dated April 8, 1795 {1795/04/08}, granting him the privilege of using the name and arms of Neale upon his marriage on April 15 {1795/04/15} with Grace Elizabeth, daughter and coheiress of Robert Neale of Shaw House, Wiltshire. 188 [end of page f897p9m4_188.gif] SIR HARRY BURRARD NEALE. From a mezzotint by C. Turner after the painting by Matthew Brown. Photograph from the collection of Augustin Rischgitz, London. [end of page f897p9m4_188p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND moderate height, and though rocky,'well covered with trees of a large growth, principally of the pine tribe. On the. northern side, the rugged snowy barrier, whose base we had now nearly approached, rose very abruptly, and was only _____________________ Burrard was born on September 16, 1765 {1765/09/16}, and in 1778 {1778/00/00} he entered the navy on the Roebuck under Sir Andrew Snape Hamond. In this ship he was present at the reduction of Charlestown in April, 1780 {1780/04/00}. Moved to the Chatham under Captain Douglas, he took part in the capture of the French frigate Magicienne, off Boston, on September 2, 1781 {1781/09/02}. He returned to England in 1783 {1783/00/00}as acting-lieutenant of the Perseverance. After service in the Hector under Sir John Hamilton, he went to the West Indies in the Europa and was officially thanked for saving five men from a wreck during hurricane. On September 29, 1787 {1787/09/29}, he was promoted to be lieutenant of the Expeition. In 1790 {1790/00/00} he was in the Southampton with Keats and later in the Fictory, Lord Hood's flagship. On November 3, 1790 {1790/11/03}, he was promoted to be commander of the Orestes. On April 12, 1791 {1791/04/12}, his uncle, Sir Hairy Burrard, died and he then succeeded to the baronetcy. On February 1, 1793 {1793/02/01}, he was advanced to post rank and accompanied Lord Hood to the Mediterranean, where he saw active service, returning to England at the end Of 1794. {1794/00/00} Shortly after his marriage Neale was appointed to the command of the San Fiorenzo of forty-two guns, stationed at Weymouth, in attendance on the king. In company with, the Nymphe, the San Fiorenzo, on March 9, 1797 {1797/03/09}, captured the French frigates Resistance and Constance off Brest. Neale and his crew won honors a little later during the mutiny at the Nore. This crew refused to join the mutiny, and the ship was ordered to anchor under the stern of the Sandwich. In a few days she made her escape, running past a fierce fire from the mutinied ships. This escape was fatal to the mutiny. On June 7 {1797/06/07} a meeting at the Royal Exchange of London merchants and shipowners thanked Neale, his officers and seamen, for their faithfulness and spirit. Neale continued in the same ship and, on April 9, 1779 {1779/04/09}, in company with the Amelia of thirty-eight guns, was off Lorient where three large French frigates were lying in the outer road, ready for sea. The Jmelia was partly dismasted by a sudden squall off the land, seeing which the French frigates slipped their cables and dashed for the lone San Fiorenzo. The Jmelia soon patched up her troubles and rejoined her mate. The two ships then compelled the three frigates to retire to Lorient after severe losses. Appointed to the Centaur of seventy-four guns in 1801 {1801/00/00}, Neale was soon after moved into the royal yacht. In May {1804/05/00} and June, 1804 {1804/06/00}, be was one of the Lords of the Admiralty, but in July {1804/07/00} returned to the royal yacht. In 1805 {1805/00/00}, the London of ninety-eight guns, he was with a small squadron under Sir 189 [end of page f897p9m4_189.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY protected from the wash of the sea by a very narrow border of low land. By seven o'clock we had reached the N. W. point of the channel, which forms also the south point of the main branch of the,soundthis also, after another particular friend, I called POINT ATKINSON, situated north from point Grey, about a league distant. Here the opposite point of the entrance into the sound bore by compass west, at the _________________________ John Borlase Warren, and had a remarkable fight on March 13, 1806 {1806/03/13}, with the French ships Marengo and Belle Poule, both of which were captured. The Marengo of seventy-four guns, in command of Admiral Linois, struck to the London after a running fight of four hours. In 1808 {1808/00/00} Neale was captain of the fleet under Lord Gambier during the abortive attack on the French ships on Basque Roads. On July 31, 1810 {1810/07/31}, he was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral and commanded a squadron on the coast of France from 1811 {1811/00/00} to 1814. {1814/00/00} On June 4, 1814 {1814/06/04}, he became a vice-admiral. On January 2, 1815 {1815/01/02}, he was nominated a Knight Commander of the Bath, and on September 14, 1822 {1822/09/14}, he received the Grand Cross of the same order. From 1823 {1823/00/00} to 1826 {1826/00/00} he was commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, which position, according to a rule then in force, carried with it a nomination for the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George. In 1824 {1824/00/00}he compelled the Dey of Algiers to obey the terms of the treaty of 1816.{1816/00/00} Neale became an admiral on July 22, 1830 {1830/07/22}, and on the death of Sir Thomas Foley in January, 1833 {1833/01/00}, he was offered command at Portsmouth on condition of his resigning his seat in Parliament. Neale, pointing out that such a condition was unprecedented and insulting, declined the command. The affair was probed in the Commons, but the Admiralty made their point stick. Neale died at Brighton on February 15, 1840 {1840/02/15}. Leaving no issue, his baronetcy fell to his brother, Rev. George Burrard, rector of Yarmouth. Neale was Lord of the Manor in the town of Lymington, which he had represented in Parliament for forty years. On Mount Pleasant, opposite this town, a handsome obelisk has been erected to the memory of Neale. The fine portrait used in this work was engraved in mezzotint by C. Turner from a painting by Matthew Brown. Point Atkinson. There was one member of the expedition who bore this name. He was Edmund Atkinson, master's mate of the Chatham. When mustered in he gave his age at twenty-two years and his birthplace as Carlisle. There is no likelihood that Vancouver had reference to him when he named this point "after another particular friend." Point Atkinson, on the northern entrance to Burrard Inlet, has a lighthouse and is altogether a prominent feature. It is a pity that the man thus honored cannot be identified. There were many Atkinsons contemporaries of Vancouver in Great Britain, but thus far no clew to the right one has been discovered. 190 [end of page f897p9m4_190.gif] OF PUGET SOUND distance of about three miles; and nearly in the center between these two points, is a low rocky island producing some trees, to which the name Of PASSAGE ISLAND was given. We passed in an uninterrupted channel to the east of it, with the appearance of an equally good one on the other side. Quitting point Atkinson, and proceeding up the sound, we passed on the western shore some detached rocks, with some sunken ones amongst them, that extend about two miles, but are not so far from the shore as to impede the navigation of the sound; up which we made a rapid progress, by the assistance of a fresh southerly gale, attended with dark gloomy weather, that greatly added to the dreary prospect of the surrounding country. The low fertile shores we had been accustomed to see, though lately with some interruption, here no longer existed; their place was now occupied by the base of the stupendous snowy barrier, thinly wooded, and rising from the sea abruptly to the clouds; from whose frigid summit, the dissolving snow in foaming torrents rushed down the sides and chasms of its rugged surface, exhibitin altogether a sublime, though gloomy spectacle, which animated nature seemed to have deserted. Not a bird, nor living creature was to be seen, and the roaring of the falling cataracts in every direction precluded their being heard, had any been in our neighborhood. Towards noon I considered that we had advanced some miles within the western boundary of the snowy barrier, as some of its rugged lofty mountains were now behind, and to the southward of us. This filled my mind with the pleasing hopes of finding our way to its eastern side. The sun shining at this time for a few minutes afforded an opportunity'of ascertaining the latitude of the east point of an island which, ftom the shape of the mountain that composes it, obtained the name of ANVIL ISLAND, to be 49o 30', its longitude 237o 3' We passed an island the forenoon of Friday the 15th, lying on the eastern shore, opposite to an opemng on the western, which evidently led into the gulf nearly in a S. W. direction, through a numerous assemblage 191 [end of page f897p9m4_191.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY of rocky islands and rocks, as also another opening to the westward of this island, that seemed to take a similar direction. Between Anvil island and the north point of the first opening, which lies from hence S. by W. five miles distance, are three white rocky islets, lying about a mile from the western shore. The width of this branch of the sound is about 4 league; but northward from Anvil island it soon narrows to, half that breadth, taking a direction to the N. N. E. as far as latitude 49o 39', longitude 237o 9', where all our expectations vanished, in finding it to terminate in a round bason, encompassed on every side by the dreary country already described. Alt its head, and on the upper part of the eastern shore, a narrow margin of low land runs from the foot of the barrier mountains to the water-side, which produced a few dwarf pine trees, with some little variety of underwood. The water of the sound was here nearly fresh, and in color a few shades darker than milk; this. I attributed to the melting of the snow, and its water passing rapidly over a chalky surface, which appeared probable by the white aspect of some of the chasms that seemed formerly to have been the course of water-falls, but were now become dry. Ile gap we had entered in the snowy barrier seemed of little importance, as through the vallies, caused by the irregularity of the mountain's tops, other mountains more distant, and apparently more elevated, were seen reading their lofty heads in various directions. In this dreary and comfortless region, it was no inconsiderable piece of good fortune to find a little cove in which we could take shelter' and a small spot of level land~ on which we could erect our tent; as we had scarcely finished our examination when the wind became excessively boisterous from the southward, attended with heavy squalls and torrents of rain, which continuing until noon the following day, Friday the 15th {1792/06/15}, occasioned a very unpleasant detention. But for this circumstance we might too hastily have concluded that this part of the gulf was uninhabited. In the morning we were visited by near forty of the natives, onwhose approach, from the very material alteration that had now taken place in the 192 [end of page f897p9m4_192.gif] ADMIRAL EARL HOWE. From the painting by Henry Singleton, in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photograph copyrighted by Walker & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. [end of page f897p9m4_192p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND face of the country, we expected to find some difference in their general character. This conjecture was however premature, as they varied in no respect whatever, but in possessing a more ardent desire for commercial transactions; into the spirit of which they entered with infinitely more avidity than any of our former acquaintances, not only in bartering amongst themselves the different valuables they had obtained from us, but when that trade became Slack, in exchanging those articles again with our people; in which traffic they always took care to gain some advantage, and would frequently exult on the occasion. Some fish, their garments, spears, bows and arrows, to which the people wisely added their copper ornaments, comprized their general stock in trade. Iron, in all its forms, they judiciously preferred to any other article we had to offer. The weather pemitting us to proceed, we directed our route along the continental or western shore of the sound, passing within two small islands and the main island, into the opening before mentioned, stretching to the westward from Anvil island. At the distance of an hundred yards from the shore, the bottom could not be reached with 60 fathoms of line, nor had we been able to gain soundings in many places since we had quitted point Atkinson with 8o and 1oo fathoms, though it was frequently attempted; excepting in the bason at the head of the sound, where the depth suddenly decreased from sixty fathoms to two. We had advanced a shore distance only in this branch, before the color of the water changed from being nearly milk white, and almost fresh, to that of oceanic and perfectly salt. By sun-set we had passed the channel which had been observed to lead into the gulf, to the southward of Anvil island; and about nine o'clock landed fbr the night, near the west point of entrance into the sound, which I distinguished by the name of HOWE'S SOUND, in honor of Admiral Earl Howe; _________________ Admiral Earl Howe. Of all the geographical names bestowed by Vancouver in his "Voyage Round the World" there is not one that suggests to an American reader more of his country's early history than does this name 193 [end of page f897p9m4_193.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY ________________________ of Howe's Sound. Emanuel Scrope Howe, second Viscount Howe, had four sons, three of whom impressed American history. The eldest was George Augustus Howe, a great favorite with the Colonials, who fell at Ticonderoga in 1758 {1758/00/00} during the French and Indian War. The second was the great Admiral Richard Howe, and the third was the great General William Howe. The general arrived at Boston in March, 1775 {1775/03/00}, with reenforcements for General Gage. He had desired to avoid Boston on account of the friendly feeling there for his brother who had fallen at Ticonderoga. Gage directed him to attack the American position on Charlestown Heights, which resulted,, in the famous battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 {1775/06/17}. Howe led the attack, and it is said that for a time he stood alone on the fiery slope, every officer and man around him being shot down. On October 10, 1775 {1775/10/10}, he succeeded Gage with the rank of General in America. There followed Washington's, sweepof Boston, and Howe on March 6,1776 {1776/03/06}, withdrew to Halifax. Reb.', forcements arrived in the summer Of 1776 {1776/00/00} in ships commanded by his brother, Admiral Richard Howe. Then came the Long Island Campaign, the winter in New York, the following winter in Philadelphia. He resigned and embarked for England on May 24., 1778 {1778/05/24}. Admiral Howe, who held the rank of Comm nder-in-Chief in America, assisted his brother's movements of troops. There was no American fleet to fight and, on the whole, he was exceedingly clever but unsuccessful in coping with the superior French fleet that arrived in July, 1776 {1776/07/00}, under d'Estaing. He had asked to be relieved as early as November 23, 1777 {1777/11/23}, but would not leave while a superior opposing force was present. When reenforcements arrived, he resigned the command to Rear-Admiral Gambier (whose name has since been given to the principal island in Howe's Sound) and arrived in Portsmouth on October 25, 1778 {1778/10/25}. Both these brothers seem to have had great respect for the Americans. Admiral Howe was a friend of Franklin. For this reason the brothers had been commissioned to treat for settlement with the colonies. The admiral did not arrive, however, until after the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776 {1776/07/04}, which he could not accept, and so the peaceful commission ended. Both were subjected to harsh criticism. Both complained of poor support from the home government. Am investigation by Parliament proved nothing. After the American peace and the change of ministers, both resumed commands and attained further distinctions. It was Richard Howe whom Vancouver honored by the name given to sound lying west and north of Burrard Inlet. He was born in London on March 8,1726 {1726/03/08}, and died on August 5,1799 {1799/08/05}. At the age of fourteen, on July 3, 1740 {1740/07/03}, he entered the navy in the Severn and accompanied Anam in bk ,voyage round the world. During those fifty-nine years, until his death, he saw a tremendous amount of service. A few times he was not popular, but most of his career he was continually hailed as a hero. Personally he was a quiet sort of man. Horace Walpole describes him in one of those famous epigrams, "Undaunted as a rock and as silent." Frequently in a position 194 [end of page f897p9m4_194.gif] OF PUGET SOUND where he could not grant all claims he was called by the unsatisfied ones, "Haughty, morose, hard-hearted, and inflexible." He was loved by his officers and men, one proverb running "I think we shall have the fight to-day. Black Dick has been smiling." His junior service, though passed in widely separated seas, was not particularly eventful. He was posted to captain's rank on April 10, 1746 {1746/04/10} In January, 1755 {1755/01/00}, he was appointed to the Dunkirk of sixty-four guns, and in April {1755/04/00} sailed with Boscawen for North America. On June 7 {1755/06/07}he fell in with a French fleet off the mouth of the St. Lawrence. The next morning he came up with the Alcide and Howe requested her to await the arrival of his admiral. On being refused, Howe opened fire and captured the Alcide. This was the first gun of the so-called Seven Years' War. During this war, Howe commanded a small squadron in the British Channel. In 1758 {1758/00/00} his squadron with land forces under Lieutenant-General Bligh destroyed Cherbourg as a naval post. It was during this time that Prince Edward, second son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, entered the navy and was put in charge of Commodore Howe on the Essex. Many years afterward Howe wrote in a private letter, "He came, not only without bed and linen almost of every kind, but I paid also for his uniform clothes, which I provided for him, with all other necessaries at Portsmouth." In 1762 {1762/00/00} Prince Edward became a rear-admiral, and Howe, at his own request, became his flag captain. At the peace in 1763 {1763/00/00} Howe entered the Board of Admiralty and in 1765 {1765/00/00} was made treasurer of the navy. At that time this was a lucrative position, but Howe refused to profit by the interest on the large funds, and "the balance was regularly brought up." He resigned this position on October 19, 1770 {1770/10/19}, when he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral. On December 7' 1775 {1775/12/07}, he was advanced to the grade of Vice-Admiral, and was then sent to North America as already recorded. In 1782 {1782/00/00} Howe with rather weak fighting force convoyed relief ships to Gibraltar and eluded the combined French and Spanish fleets. This achievement was greatly praised. There was one exception. Lord Henry published a letter reflecting on Howe, who called him out. They met, but the duel was stopped by Henry making a complete retraction. In January, 1783 {1783/01/00}, Howe became first Lord of the Admiralty, which important post he filled, with one brief interim, until July, 1788 {1788/07/00}, when he was succeeded by the Earl of Chatham, who held the place during Vancouver's voyage. During the Spanish Armament in 1790 {1790/00/00} Howe, then Senior Admiral of the White, was given command of the fleet in the Channel and was ordered to fly the union flag at the main in compliment to himself and other distinguished officers in his fleet. Not long after this came the war of the French Revolution, and Howe added more glory to his record in the latter part of May, 1794 {1794/05/00}, by whipping the French fleet. It was a day of enthusiasm when Howe took his fleet to Spithead on June 13, 1794 {1794/06/13}, with six French prizes. The king, queen, and three princesses visited Howe on his flagship. The king 195 [end of page f897p9m4_195.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY and this point, situated in latitude 49o 23', longitude 236o 51', POINT GOWER; between which and point Atkinson, up _________________ presented Howe with a diamond-hilted sword and promised to make him a Knight of the Garter. Gold chains were given to all the other admirals. Later there was some friction with Viscount Bridport, but Howe was promoted to be Admiral of the fleet in March, 1796 {1796/03/00}. He reluctantly resigned the post of Vice-Admiral of England, which he considered next to that of Lord High Admiral. He consented to hold nominal command at the behest of the king but his final resignation was accepted in May, 1797 {1797/05/00}, and even after that he consented to go to Spithead and settle the famous mutiny. He repaired to Bath for relief from the severe attacks of gout. In the summer Of 1799 {1799/00/00}, while his regular physician was absent, he was persuaded to try electricity, then thought to be a cure-all. It was afterward claimed that this drove the trouble to his head, for he died on August 5, 1799 {1799/08/05}. He was buried in the family vault at Langar, where a monument was erected. A larger one was erected at public expense in St. Paul's Cathedral. Howe had become fourth Viscount Howe on the death of his cider brother in 1758 {1758/00/00}. This Irish title now went to his brother, General William Howe, at whose death it became extinct, Richard Howe was elected to Parliament by Dartmouth in 1757 {1757/00/00}and held that seat until 1782 {1782/00/00}, when he was raised to the British peerage by being created Earl Howe. The portrait used in this work is from the painting by Henry Singleton, now in the National Portrait Gallery. Sir Erasmus Gower. This name of Point Gower presents one of the most peculiar incidents encountered in this entire research. The journal both in its first and second editions spells the word "Gower," while the. chart published with the first edition indicates the cape at the northwest entrance of Howe's Sound as Point Gore. Vancouver does not mention whether the honor is intended for a personal friend or prominent citizen. He simply issues the name without comment. Most of his names were for friends in the navy. The research developed that Sir John Gore (1772 {1772/00/00}-1836 {1836/00/00} ) attained the rank of Vice-Admiral and was a lieutenant when Vancouver sailed from home. This was likely the right man if the chart name was to stand. But the journal says " Gower and so do the British charts of the present. Therefore it must be taken that Sir Erasmus Gower was the man honored. At thirteen he entered the navy, in 1755 {1755/00/00}, under his maternal uncle, Captain Donkley. He was passed for lieutenant in 1762 {1762/00/00}. He saw service under several noted captains. In 1779 {1779/00/00} he was selected by Sir George Rodney as first lieutenant of his flagship, the Sandwich, and took part in the capture of the Spanish convoy on January 9, 1780 {1780/01/09}, and later saw active service in the East Indies. From 1786 {1786/00/00} to 1789 {1789/00/00} he mas on the Newfoundland station, and from 1792 {1792/00/00} to 1794 {1794/00/00} he commanded the Lion, taking to China Lord Macartney and his embassy. For this service lie was knighted. He was commodore on the Neptune during the mutiny at the Nore. He was 196 [end of page f897p9m4_196.gif] OF PUGET SOUND to Anvil island, is an extensive group of islands of various sizes. The shores of these, like the adjacent coast, are composed principally of rocks rbimig perpendicularly from an unfathomable sea; they are tolerably'well covered with trees, chiefly of the pine tribe, though few are of a luxuriant growth. At four o'clock on Saturday morning the 16th {1792/06/16}, we resumed our course to the northwestward, along the starboard or continental shore of the gulf of Georgia, which from point Gower takes a direction about W. N. W. and affords a more pleasing appearance than the shores of Howe's sound. This part of the coast is of a moderate height for some distance inland, and it frequently jets out into low sandy projecting points. The country in general produces forest trees in great abundance, of some variety and magnitude; the pine is the most common, and the woods are little encumbered with bushes or trees of inferior growth. We continued in this line about five leagues along the coast, passing some rocks and rocky islets, until we arrived at the north point of an island about two leagues in circuit with another about half that size to the westward of it, and a. smaller island between tlieni. From the north point of this island, which forms a channel with the main about half a mile wide, and is situated in latitude 49o 281', longitude 236o 31', the coast of the continent takes a direction for about eight miles N. 30 W. and is composed of a rugged rocky shore, with many detached rocks lying at a little distance. The track we thus pursued had not the appearance of the main branch of the gulf, but of a channel between the continent and that land, which, from point Roberts, seemed like a small though very high round island. This now appeared of considerable extent, its N. E. side formed a channel to the N. W. as far as the eye could reach, about 6ve miles in width. The main branch of the gulf, apparently of in6nitely greater extent, took a direction to the south-westward of this land, which ____________ promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on February 14,1799 {1799/02/14}; to Vice-Admiral on April 23,1804 {1804/04/23}; and to Admiral on April 23,1809 {1809/04/23}. He died at Hambledon in Hampshire on June 21, 1814 {1814/06/21}. 197 [end of page f897p9m4_197.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY now looked more like a peninsula than an island. Along this rocky shore of the main land we passed in quest of a resting place for the night, to no effect, until after dark; when we found shelter in a very dreary uncomfortable cove near the south point of an island, about a mile long, and 2bout two miles to the IS. S. E. of a narrow opening leading t0the northward. This on the return of day-light on Sunday the 17th {1792/06/17}, we proceeded to examine; and passed through a very narrow, though navigable channel, amongst a cluster of rocks and rocky islets, lying just in the front of its entrance, which is situated in latitude 49o 35-21', longitude 236o 26'. It is about half a mile wide, winding towards the N. N. E. for about three leagues, where it divides into two branches, one stretching to the eastward, the other to the westward of north, with an island before the entrance of the latter. Agreeably to our general mode of proceeding, the north-easterly branch became the first object of our attention, and was found from hence to continue in an irregular course to the latitude Of 49o 49', longitude 236o 35'; where, finding a tolerably comfortable situation, we rested for the night. We had seen about seventeen Indians in our travels this day, who were much more painted than any we had hitherto met with. Some of their arrows were pointed with slate, the first I had seen so armed on my present visit to this coast; these they appeared to esteem very highly, and like the inhabitants of Nootka, took much pains-to-guard them from injury. They however spoke not the Nootka language, nor the dialect of any Indians we had conversed with; at least, the few words we had acquired were repeated to them without effect; in their persons they differed in no other respect, and were equally civil and inoffensive in their behavior. The shores we passed this day are of a moderate height within a few miles of this station, and are principally composed of craggy rocks, in the chasms of which a soil of decayed vegetables has been formed by the hand of time; from which pine trees of an inferior dwarf growth are produced, with a considerable quantity of bushes and underwood. We passed a few rocky 198 [end of page f897p9m4_198.gif] OF PUGET SOUND islets near the division of the inlet. These 'Seemed steep., as soundings with the hand line could not be gained; nor the next morning, Monday the 18th {1792/06/18}, as usual, at four o clock, we proceeded up the inlet about three miles in a N. N. W. direction, whence its width increases about half a league in a direction nearly N. E. to a point which towards noon we reached, and ascertained its latitude to be 50o 1', longitude 236o 46'. The width of this channel still continuing, again flattered us with discovering a breach in the eastern range of snowy mountains, notwithstanding the disappointment we had met with in Howe's sound; and although since our arrival in the gulf of Georgia, it had proved an impenetrable barrier to that inland navigation, of which we had heard so much, and had sought with sanguine hopes and ardent exertions hitherto in vain, to discover. By the progress we had this morning made, which comprehended about six leagues, we seemed to have penetrated considerably into this formidable obstacle; and as the more lofty mountains were now behind us, and no very distant ones were seen beyond the vallies caused by the depressed parts of the snowy barrier in the northern quarters, we had ereat reason to believe we had passed the center of this impediment to our wishes, and I was induced to hope we should yet find this inlet winding beyond the mountains, by the channel through which we had thus advanced upwards of 11 leagues, though for the most part it was not more than half a mile wide. Under these circumstances, our reduced stock of provisions was a matter of serious concern, fearing we might be obliged to abandon this pursuit without determining the source of this branch of the seal, having now been absent six days with subsistence for a week only, which would consequently very materially retard our survey, by rendering a second visit to this inlet indispensibly necessary. The surrounding country presented an equally dreary aspect with that in the vicinage of Howe's sound; and the serenity of 199 [end of page f897p9m4_199.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY the weather not adding at present to the natural gloominess of the prospect, was counterbalanced by the rugged surface of the mountains being infinitely less productive. A few detached dwaf pine trees, with some berry, and other small bushes, were the only signs of vegetation. The cataracts here rushed from the rugged snowy mountains in greater number, and with more impetuosity than in Howe's sound; yet the color of the water was not changed, though in some of the gullies there was the same chalky aspect. Hence it is probable, that the white appearance of the water in Howe's sound, may arise from a cause more remote, and which we had no opportunity of discovering. Having dined, we pursued our examination. The inlet now took a N. W. by W. direction, without any contraction in its width, until about hve AN& in the evening, when all our hopes vanished, by finding it terminate, as others had done, in a swampy low land producing a few maples and pines, in latitude 5o' 61, longitude 236o 33'. Through a small space of low land, which extended from the head of the inlet to the base of the mountains, that surrounded us, flowed three small streams of fresh water, apparently originating from one source in the N. W. or left hand corner of the bay, formed by the head of this inlet; in which point of view was seen an extensive valley, that took nearly a northerly uninterrupted direction as far as we could perceive, and was by far the deepest chasm we bad beheld in the descending ridge of the snowy barrier, without the appearance of any elevated land rising behind. This valley much excited my curiosity to ascertain what was beyond it. But as the streams of fresh. water were not navigable, though the tide had risen up to the habitations of six or seven Indians, any further examination of it in our boats was impracticable, and we bad no leisure for excursions on shore. From the civil natives who differed not'in any respect from those we had before occasionally seen, we procured a few most excellent fish, for which they were compensated principally in iron, being the commodity they most esteemed and sought after. In all these arms of the sea we had constantly observed, even 200 [end of page f897p9m4_200.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [Original journal, [June, 1792.1 Pages 20"a"] to their utmost extremity, a visible, and sometimes a material rise and fall of the tide, without experiencing any other current than a constant drain down to the seaward, excepting just in the neighborhood of the gulf. On our approach to the low land, we gained soundings at 70 fathoms, which soon decreased as we advanced, to 30, 14P and 3 fathoms, on a bank that stretches across the head of the inlet, similar to all the others we had before examined. So far as these soundings extended, which did not exceed half a league, the color of the water was a little affected, probably by the discharge of the fresh water rivulets, that generally assumed a very light color. Beyond these soundings the water again acquired its oceanic color, and its depth was unfathomable. Not a little mortified that our progress should be so soon stopped, it became highly expedient to direct our way towards the ships, to whose station, by the nearest route we could take, it was at least 114 miles. This was now to be performed, after the time was nearly expired for which our supply of provisions had been calculated. Necessity directed that no time should be lost; especially as I was determined to seek a passage into the gulf by the branch of the inlet that we had passed the preceding day, leading to the N. W. conceiving there was a great probability that this branch might lead into the gulf at some distance beyond where we had entered this inlet; in which course we should have an opportunity of fixing the boundaries of the continent to the utmost extent that our present equipment would afford. For as our people had become wise by experience, I entertained little doubt of their having so husbanded their provisions as to enable our effecting this service; by which means any other excursion this way would be rendered unnecessary. About two leagues from the head of the inlet we had observed, as we paned upwards on the northern shore, a small creek with some rocky islets before it, where I intended to take up our abode for the night. On our return, it was found to be full of salt water, just deep enough to admit our boats 201 [end of page f897p9m4_201.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY against a very rapid stream, where at low tide they would have grounded some feet above the level of the water in the lnlet. From the rapidity of the stream, and the quantity of water it discharged, it was reasonable to suppose, by its taking a winding direction up a valley to the N.E. that its source was at some distance. This not answering our purpose as a resting place, obliged us to continue our search along the shore for one less incommodious, which the perpendicular precipices preclude our finding until near eleven at night, when we disembarked on the only low projecting point the inlet afforded. At four, on the morning of Tuesday the 19th {1792/06/19}, we again started, but having a strong southerly gale against us, it was past nine at night before we reached a small bay, about a mile to the north of the north point of the arm leading to the northwestward, where we rested for the night; and, at day-light, proceded as usual, along the continental shore. This first stretched a little way to the north-westward, and then to the S.W. into the gulf, as I had imagined it would; forming irregularly, a much more spacious channel than that by which we had entered, having an island lying between the two channels about three leagues in length, with several small islets about it. This island, and its adjacent shores, like those in the other channel, are of a moderate height, and reached the north point of the inlet; which, producing the first Scotch firs we had yet seen, obtained the name of SCOTCH - FIR POINT, and is situated in latitude 49o 42', longitude 236o 17'. To this arm of the sea, I gave the name of JERVIS's CHANNEL, in honor of Admiral Sir John Jervis. ________________________ Admiral Sir John Jervis. The name "Channel" is changed to "Canal" on Vancouver's chart, and on the present maps it appears asa Jervis Inlet. The man for whom the waterway was named is one of the most picturesque and interesting characters in the history of the British Navy, and that is acknowledged to be a strong statement. John Jervis was born at Meaford on January 9, 1715 {1715/01/09}. His father was a barrister-at-law, of an old but impoverished family. they intended the son should also follow the law and started him at school. In 1747 {1747/00/00} the 202 [end of page f897p9m4_202.gif] ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT. From a mezzotint after the painting by Sir William Beechey. Photograph copyrighted by Walker & Cockrell. Rights secured for this work in England and America. [end of page f897p9m4_202p.jpg] OF PUGET SOUND The boundry of the continental shore I now considered as determined to this point, from a full conviction that the ______________________ family moved to Greenwich on the father's becoming solicitor to the Admiralty and treasurer of Greenwich Hospital. Here the atmosphere of the navy was too strong for the boy and on January 4, 1749 {1749/01/04}, he entered the navy as an able seaman. For six years he put in his time on the Jamaica and other stations until he passed his examination on January 22, 1755 {1755/01/22}. Then his real climbing and his forceful career began. In this same year he was with Boscawen at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, where the Seven Years' War was begun. In 1756 {1756/00/00} he went to the Mediterranean with Rear-admiral Saunders and in May, 1758 {1758/05/00}, returned to England in command of the Foudroyant. In 1795 {1795/00/00} he went again with Saunders to North America. In command of the Porcupine he had the difficult task of leading the squadron past Quebec. General James Wolfe was favorably impressed with Jervis, and it is said that he intrusted to him his last message to the lady to whom he was engaged, and that Jervis delivered that message in person. He was sent to England with despatches and immediately sent back with important messages to General Amherst. He was posted to captain's rank on October 13, 1760 {1760/10/13}, and in 1762 {1762/00/00} was with Lord Colvill at the recapture of Newfoundland. He was sent to Genoa in 1769 {1769/00/00} in the Alarm with a freight of $200,000 for the merchants. On September 9 {1769/09/09} two Turkish slaves escaped from a galley to one of the Alarm's boats from which they were seized by pusuers. For this violation of the British flag, Jervis demanded instant apologies and the restitution of the slaves, both of which were granted on a show of spunk by the captain. On March 30, 1770 {1770/03/30}, while at Marseilles, his ship was driven in a violent gale on the rocks. He saved her and wrote to his father, "A glorious action in the midst of a war could not be more applauded than the gallantry of the officers and crew." In the years 1773 {1773/00/00}and 1774 {1774/00/00} he spent his time in an unusual way. He was supposed to be resting. He travelled in France, Germany, Denmark, Russia, and Holland, and returned to England with a vast collection of notes and figures that would be wonderfully useful to the future admiral. In command of the Foudroyant he served in the Channel and in relief cruised to Gibraltar. On April 19, 1782 {1782/04/19}, Barrington's squadron encountered a French convoy, which scattered, and the Foudroyant took after the largest, the Pegase, and at midnight captured her. For this action Jervis was made a Knight of the Bath. In 1783 {1783/00/00} he was married, promoted to the rank of Commodore, and elected to Parliment. In 1785 {1785/00/00} and 1786 {1786/00/00} he served on the commission to condifer the desireablility of fortifying Portsmouth and Plymouth. They reported against the plan, and though it was supported by the government, the Commons sided with the commission. He was promoted to the rank of Rear- Admiral on September 24, 1787 {1787/09/24}, and 203 [end of page f897p9m4_203.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY inlet under the examination of Mr. Whidbey, would terminate like those we had visited. Presuming our time to _______________________ to that of Vice-Admiral on February 1, 1793 {1793/02/01}. In 1794 {1794/00/00} he assisted General Sir Charles Grey in the campaign against Guadeloupe and Martinique. Returning to England, he was made Admiral on July 1, 1795 {1795/07/01}. He was then sent to the Mediterranean, and during the four years that followed he accomplished two significant things. The combination of the French and Spanish fleets would make them supreme in the Mediterranean. England was greatly alarmed. If those fleets defeated Jervis and sailed for the Channel, there was no telling what damage they would do. Jervis was determined that they would not pass him. He posted himself off Cape Saint Vincent and waited. The Spanish fleet approached and at noon, February 14, 1797 {1797/02/14}, the battle took place. Four Spanish ships were captured and the rest fled. The danger to England was over. Parliament voted its thanks, and granted a pension Of 43,000 a year to Jervis. The city of London voted the freedom of the city in a gold box and this was imitated by other cities. The king had previously nominated him for a peerage, and now the monarch selected the title and on July 16 {1797/07/16} he was created the Earl of Saint Vincent. The other significant event was the new and severe discipline which he introduced. Mutiny was rife. The danger was great and Jervis was austere, hanging the culprits whenever caught and proven guilty. This system stamped out mutiny, but it raised a clamor against Jervis. His health began to fail and his temper grew swift and hot. One writer said, "On stirring occasions of unofficer or unseamanlike conduct, or when retarded by laziness or factiousness, a torrent of impetuous reproof in unmeasured language would violently rush from his lips." Worn out, he relinquished his command on June 15, 1799 {1799/06/15}, and returned home for rest. As soon as he recovered a little he consented to take command of the Channel fleet, saying it mattered little to him whether he died Boat or ashore. He then began his severe discipline and aroused an enormous clamor, but kept at it until he succeeded. In 1801 {1801/00/00} Saint Vincent became first Lord of the Admiralty and in that capacity undertook his greatest struggle. The administration of the navy had become extremely corrupt. He hunted out the culprits, brought about reforms, caused Parliament to investigate, and all the former clamors were mild riffles compared to the one that now threatened to ingulf him. Again he gained his point and those ancient grafters were exposed and driven from their places. In 1806 {1806/00/00} he again took command of a fleet, but on April 24, 1807 {1807/04/24}, he was permitted to retire. He then attended the sittings of the House of Lords. He made his last appearance there in 1810 {1810/00/00}, and Sheridan put it beautifully when he said he retired "with his triple laurel, over the enemy, the mutineer, and the corrupt." 204 [end of page f897p9m4_204.gif] OF PUGET SOUND [June, 1792-1 [original journal, Pages 208-209.] have been not ill spent, we directed our course to the station where we had left the ships now at the distance of 84 miles, steering for the opposite shore, being the land before adverted to, as appearing to form an extensive island, or peninsula; the nearest part of which was about five miles across from Scotch-fir point; and with the continental shore still formed a passage, to all appearance, of the same width, in a direction N. 62 W., with an uninterrupted horizon in that point of view; so that, whether it was an island or peninsula, remains still to be determined. The shores of this land, nearly straight and compact, are principally formed of rocky substances of different sorts; amongst which, slate was in abundance; and the trees it produced were of infinitely more luxuriant growth than those on the opposite shore. In the forenoon of Thursday the us, we passed the south point of this land, and in remembrance of an early friendship, I called it POINT UPWOOD, situated in latitude 49o 0", longitude 236o 24'. This land, though chiefly composed of one lofty mountain, visible at the distance of 20 leagues and upwards, is very narrow appearing to form, with the western shore of the gulf, a channel nearly parallel to that which we had last quitted; though considerably more extensive, and coninniving some small idands. Its horizon was bounded by the summits of high distant detached mountains. As we were rowing, on the morning Of Friday tbe22d {1792/06/22}, for point Grey, purposing there to land and breakfast, we discovered two vessels at anchor under the land. The idea ________________________ On the coronation of George IV this old admiral was promoted one more grade, as Admiral of the fleet. It was an unusual honor and grateful to the worn-out earl. He died on March 14, 1823 {1823/03/14}. Sir William Beechey made two paintings of Earl Saint Vincent. One of them belongs to the Fishmongers' Company and the other belonged to Admiral Sir William Parker. The photograph for this work is of the lastnamed portrait. Point Upwood. It has not been possible thus far to trace this "early friendship" of Vancouver's. The name is still used on modern maps for the southern end or point of Texada Island. 205 [end of page f897p9m4_205.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY which first occurred was, that, in consequence of our Protracted absence, though I had left no orders to this effect, the vessels had so far advanced in order to meet us; but on a nearer approach, it was discovered, that they were a brig and a schooner, wearing the colors of Spanish vessels of war, which I conceived were most probably employed in pursuits similar to our own; and this on my arrival on board, was confirmed. These vessels proved to be a detachment from' the commission of Senor Malaspina, who was himself employed in the Phillippine islands; Senor Malaspina had, the preceding year, visited the coast; and these vessels, his Catholic Majesty's brig the Sutil, under the command of Senor Don D. Galiano, with the schooner Mexicana, commanded by Senor Don C. Valdes, both captains of frigates in the Spanish navy, had sailed from Acapulco on the 8th of March {1792/03/08}, in order to prosecute discoveries on this coast. Senor Galiano, who spoke a little English, informed me, that they had arrived at Nootka on the 11th of April {1792/04/11}, from whence they had sailed on the 5th of this month {1792/06/05}, in order to complete the examination of this inlet, which had, in the preceding year, been partly surveyed by some Spanish officers whose chart they produced. I cannot avoid acknowledging that, on this occasion, I experienced no small degree of mortification in finding the external shores of the gulf had been visited, and already examined a few miles beyond where my researches during the excursion, had extended; making land, I had been in doubt about, an island; continuing nearly in the same direction, about four leagues further than had been seen by us; and, by the Spaniards, named Favida. The channel, between it and the main, they had called Canal del Neustra. Signora del Rosario, whose western point had terminated their examination; which seemed to have been entirely confined to ______________________________ Texada Island. Vancouver here misunderstood the word in writing down that the Spaniards had called this island " Favida." Elisa's chart of 1791 {1791/00/00}, as reproduced in H. H. Bancroft's works, XXVII, 245, shows the island with the name Isla de Texada. It is still known as Texada Island, and is coming into prominence because of its deposits of iron ore. 206 [end of page f897p9m4_206.gif] OF PUGET SOUND the exterior shores, as the extensive arms, and inlets, which had occupied so much of our time, had not claimed the least of their attention. The Spanish vessels, that had been thus employed last year, had refitted in the identical part of port Discovery, which afforded us similar accommodation. From these gentlemen, I likewise understood, that Senor Quadra, the commander in chief of the Spanish marine at St. Blas and at California, was, with three frigates and a brig, waiting my arrival at Nootka, in order to negotiate the restoration of those territories to the crown of Great Britain. Their conduct was replete with that politeness and friendship which characterizes the Spanish nation; every kind of useful information they cheerfully communicated, and obligingly expressed much desire, that circumstances might so concur as to admit our respective labors being carried on together; for which purpose, or, if from our long absence and fatigue in an open boat, I would wish to remain with my party as their guest, they would immediately dispatch a boat with such directions as I might deem necessary for the conduct of the ships, or, in the event of a favorable breeze springing up, they would weigh and sail directly to their station, but being intent on losing no time, I declined their obliging offers, and having partaken with them a very hearty breakfast, bad them farewell, not less pleased with their hospitality and attention, than astonished at the vessels in which they were employed to execute a service of such a nature. They were each about forty-five tons burthen, mounted two brass guns, and were navigated by twenty-four men, bearing only one lieutenant, without a single inferior officer. Their apartments just allowed room for sleeping places on each side, with a table in the intermediate space, at which four persons, with some difficulty, could sit, and were, in all other respects, the most ill calculated and unfit vessels that could possibly be imagined for such an expedition; notwithstanding this., it was pleasant to observe, in point of living, they possessed many more comforts than could reasonably have been expected. I shewed them the sketch I had made of our excursion, and pointed out 207 [end of page f897p9m4_207.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY the only spot which I conceived we had left unexamined nearly at the head of Burrard's channel they seemed much surprised that we had not found a river said to exist in the region we had been exploring, and named by one of their officers Rio Blancho, in compliment to the then prime min- ister of Spain; which river these gentlenmen had sought for thus fir to no purpose. They took such notes as they chose from my sketch, and promised to examine the small openmig in Burrard's channel, which, with every other information they could procure, would be at my service. on our next meeting. From these new and unexpected friends we directed our course along the shoal already noticed, which I now called STURGEON BANK, in consequence of our having purchased of the natives some excellent fish of that kind, weiqhing from fourteen to two hundred pounds each. To avoid-this-bank, which stretches from point Roberts to -point Grey, a most excellent leading mark was observed along its western extremity, being Passage and Anvil islands in one, which lead by its edge in six fathoms water, deepening suddenly to the westward, and in many places to the eastward, shoaling' as suddenly to three, two, and one fathom. The circle which this bank occasioned us to make, made the distance to point Roberts upwards Of 30 miles. We were likewise unfortunate in having two flood tides against us. These, together with a light southerly breeze that prevailed the wbole time, obliged us to be constantly rowing from nine in the forenoon until after midnight, before we could reach the point, which was at length effected; though not before we were nearly exhausted by fatigue. Here we slept, and in the morning of Saturday the 23d {1792/06/23}, against a strong easterly breeze, about ten _________________________________ Sturgeon Bank. In looking at the chart and the journal at this interesting point the reader feels like shouting out to Vancouver in his small boats to turn in shore and discover that great river. He is rowing past the mouth. The habit of the sturgeon in seeking rivers should have prompted him to look more carefully. The Spaniards hinted at the river, as already related, but Vancouver calls the place Sturgeon Bank and moves on. The name is still found on the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey chart of Georgia Strait, Number 6300 208 [end of page f897p9m4_208.gif] OF PUGET SOUND in the forenoon we reached the ships, after having traversed in our boats upwards Of 330 miles. The broken part of the coast that Mr. Whidbey had been employed in examining, was found to extend but a few miles to the northward of the spot where his former researches had ended; forming altogether an extensive bay, which I have distinguished as BELLINGHAM's BAY. It is situated behind a cluster of islands, from which a number of channels lead into itits greatest extent in a north and south direction, is __________________ Sir William Bellingham. It is rather provoking to have Vancouver give this name in such an offhand way without indicating the man whom he sought thus to honor. Master Joseph Whidbey is the one who discovered and explored the bay while the Captain was away on his expedition to Texada Island. The Spanish chart by Elisa in 1791 {1791/00/00}, as reproduced by Bancroft, shows the bay clearly enough, but it is given no name, although Spanish names are sprinkled liberally on other places. Some have been retained, like the San Juan Archipelago, Guemes Island, Port Angeles, but most of them have been changed. Davidson"s " Pacific Coast Pilot," page 572, says that Elisa named this place Bahia de Gaston, and for a time the admiralty charts showed the upper part of the large bay as Gaston Bay, but even that has now disappeared. Vancouver's name for Bellingham's Bay has remained and, what makes the name still more important, the fine city on the bay has recently assumed the name of Bellingham. There were formerly three cities, Whatcom, Sehome, and Fairhaven. They have united under the one name. There was no one by the name of Bellingham on the muster books of the Vancouver expedition; but when they took on their stores and supplies on leaving England, their accounts were checked over and approved by Sir William Bellingham, Knight. He was thus one of the last administrative officers to come in contact with Vancouver and his officers. His office was controller of the storekeeper's accounts of his Majesty's Navy. It is claimed in Clowe's "Navy" that the office was discontinued on August 2, 1796 {1796/08/02}. It is quite clear that this Bellingham is the one honored. Thus far no picture or biography of him has been discovered. There is another bit of evidence to prove that this is the man honored by Vancouver. As was the case in other places, the explorer named the southern point at the entrance of the big bay after the knight's first or Christian name, and to this day it is known as Point William. He wrote the name on the chart, but did not mention the fact in the journal. Within the bay he also wrote the name of Point Francis, now Point Frances, on the charts. This name he also overlooked in the journal. There is no intimation as to the person for whom this last honor was intended. The name still stands at the original place at the southern extremity of the Lummi peninsula. 209 [end of page f897p9m4_209.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY from the latitude 48o 30' to 48o 49; the longitude of its eastern extremity 237o 50' It everywhere affords good and secure anchorage; opposite to its north point of entrance the shores are high and rocky) with some detached rocks lying off it. Here was found a brook of most excellent water. To the north and south of these rocky cliffs the shores are less elevated, especially to the northward, where some of those beautiful verdant lawns were again presented to our view. Near the north entrance into this bay, the two Spanish vessels had been described by Mr. Whidbey, who returned, and communicated the intelligence to the ships; in consequence of which the Chatham weighed and spoke them off point Roberts; they having passed our ships during the night undiscovered. Having now fixed the continental shore so far as from this station was within our reach, and having obtained sufficient observations for correcting the rate of our chronometers, every thing was immediately re-embarked, and we were in readiness to proceed in the morning. During my absence, the boats of the Discovery and Chatham bad been employed in attempting to gain some further knowledge of the numerous islands we passed on our arrival in this bay; but they were found so abundantly dispersed as to preclude any correct examination, without having sufficient leisure for the purpose. Nothing further occurred at this station worthy of notice, if we except an observation which bad been repeatedly made, that in proportion as we advanced to the northward, the forests were composed of an infinitely less variety of trees, and their growth was less luxuriant. Those most commonly seen were pines of different sorts, the arbor vitx, the oriental arbutus, and I believe, some species of cypress. On the islands some few small oaks were seen, with the Virginian jumiper; and at this place the Weymouth pine, Canadian elder, and black birch; which latter grew in such abundance, that it obtained the name of BIRCH BAY. The S. E. part __________________________________ Black Birch. Betula occidentalis was described and named by the English botanist Hooker. In Sargent's " Silva," IX, 64-66, its discovery is 210 [end of page f897p9m4_210.gif] OF PUGET SOUND of this bay is formed by nearly perpendicular rocky cliffs, from whence the higher woodland country retires a considerable distance to the north eastward, leaving an extensive space of low land between it and the sea, separated from the high ground by a rivulet of fresh water that discharges itself at the bottom, or northern extremity of the bay. On the low land very luxuriant grass was produced, with wild rose, gooseberry, and other bushes in abundance. I shall conclude this chapter by stating that, by the mean result of eleven meridional altitudes of the sun, we found Birch Bay situated in latitude 480 532"; the longitude 237o 331, was deduced from the observations made use of for settling port Discovery, including twenty-eight sets of lunar distances taken at this station, whence on the 22d {1792/06/22}, at noon, Kendall's chronometer was found to be 54f 11/1 291/1 fast of mean time Greenwich, and by six days corresponding altitudes, to be gaining on mean time at the rate of i2t, 45/// per day. Mr. Arnold's on board the Chatham, from the same authority was, on the same day at noon, fast of mean time at Greenwich, 3h 14' 4611, and gaining at the rate of 2S11 iS111 per day. The variation of the compass, by nineteen sets of azimuths, differing from 17-21 to 21 degrees, gave a mean result of igo 3o' eastwardly variation. Ile vertical inclination of the marine dipping needle, Marked end, North face East .... 72o 81' Ditto, Ditto West ... 73 --- Ditto South face East.... 73 28 Ditto, Ditto West......... 74 20 The mean vertical inclination of the magnetic needle. The tides were found to be very inconsiderable, but were not particularly noticed. ________________________________ credited to the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803 {1803/00/00}-1806 {1806/00/00}, who found it on the banks of the Jefferson River at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains. "'It was afterwards found by Dr. John Scouler near the coast of British Columbia." It is quite likely that this is the same species, and if so its real discovery should be accredited to Archibald Menzies at Birch Bay in 1792.{1792/00/00} 211 [end of page f897p9m4_211.gif] VANCOUVER'S DISCOVERY CHAPTER X THROUGH THE STRAIT OF GEORGIA AND JOHNSTONE'S STRAITS WITH a fine breeze, and very pleasant weather, we sailed out of Birch bay, on Midsummer morning; and, with the wind from the eastward, we directed our course up the gulf, to the north-westward. About two in the afternoon of Sunday the 24th {1792/06/24}, we were joined by the Spanish vessels, who saluted by cheering. This was returned; after which their respective commanders favored me with their company on board the Discovery; and we pursued our way up the gulf together. Senor Galiano informed me, that they had examined the small branch I had paved by in Burrard's channel, which was found very narrow, leading in a north direction nearly three leagues, where it terminated in a small rivulet. They favored me with a copy of their sketch of it, as also with their good company until sunset, when they returned to their vessels; point Roberts then bearing by compass S. 68 E. point Grey, N. 64. E.; which, being the nearest part of the continental or eastern shore, was at the distance of about three leagues; and the nearest part of the opposite shore of the gulf, bearing S. W. was distant about two leagues. During the night, and until noon the next day, Monday the 25th {1792/06/25}, the wind's were light and baffling. In the course of the forenoon a great number of whales were playing about in every direction; and though we had been frequently visited by these animals in this inland navigation, there seemed more about us now, than the whole of those we had before seen, if collected together. This circumstance, in some measure, favored the assertion in Mr. Meares's publication, that a passage to the ocean 212 [end of page f897p9m4_212.gif] OF PUGET SOUND would be found by persevering; in our present course; though this was again rendered very doubtful, as we had understood, from our Spanish friends, that, notwithstanding the Spaniards had lived upon terms of great intimacy with Mr. Gray and other American traders at Nootka, they had no knowledge of any person having ever performed such a voyage, but from the story of it published in England; and so far were these gentlemen from being; better acquainted with the discoveries of De Fuca or De Fonte than ourselves, that from us, they expected much information as to the truth of such reports. Senor Valdes, who had been on the coast the preceding year, and spoke the Indian language fluently, understood, from the natives, that this inlet did communicate with the ocean to the northward, where they had seen ships. He was, however, too well acquainted with their characters as reporters, to place much dependence on their information, which was incompetent to the forming of any idea how far remote such ocean might be A gentle gale springing up from the eastward, soon after mid-day, we brought to for the Spanish vessels, who were at som