Mr Scouler's Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. 55 



their full developement ; and we found many of them in a 

 state of fructification, whose capsules are but rarely seen in 

 Europe. 



12th. — To-day we landed at Fort-George, which is situated 

 on the south side of the river about eight miles from the ocean, 

 and werereceived with much kindness by the company's ser- 

 vants who remained there ; but we were informed, that most 

 of the people are at present employed in building another fort 

 in a more convenient situation at Point Vancouver, about eighty 

 miles farther up the river. At the same time we learned, that 

 the different tribes that inhabit the banks of the Columbia 

 were at present engaged in war, a circumstance which would 

 oblige us to confine our excursions to the neighbourhood of 

 the fort. The history of this commotion may be interesting, 

 as it unfolds a very frequent cause of war among the Indians 

 of the N. W. coast. The chief of the Chunooks, whose vil- 

 lage is situated in the vicinity of the fort, had acquired much 

 wealth and influence from his invariable kindness towards the 

 settlers, was the leader of this war. This old chief, Comcom- 

 by, had two sons, who, from their amiable conduct, and their 

 desire to acquire such knowledge as would enable them to 

 improve their countrymen, were much esteemed by the Euro- 

 peans, and possessed in a high degree the affection of the In- 

 dians. The youngest of them, named Schalachun, was the 

 destined heir of his father, who had bestowed on him his own 

 name, was affected with a pulmonary disease, and his brother 

 was soon after seized with the same complaint. These young 

 men he committed to the care of a neighbouring chief, who 

 was thought to possess great skill in medicine, but in spite of 

 all his knowledge, both the chiefs fell victims of an incurable 

 disorder, and the ignorant natives thought the medical chief 

 had procured their deaths by enchantments. Another son of 

 Comcomby's resolved to punish the medical chief, and caused 

 him to be assassinated as he was going to visit the fort ; and 

 in consequence of this cruel deed, the different tribes took up 

 arms, some to punish, and some to protect the murderers. 

 The day on which we landed at the fort, friends of Comcom- 

 by were preparing to attack the other party ; but in spite of 

 their superior numbers, they were repulsed with disgrace. 



