PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. §7 



of La Peroiise at the mission, executed on board the 

 Astrohibe, by one of the officers of his squadron. I 

 much wished to possess this valuable relic, with which 

 however the padre was unwilling to part. 



We found lying in the port of Monterey an Ame- 

 rican brig endeavouring to dispose of a cargo of dry 

 goods, and to procure hides and tallow in return ; and 

 we opportunely received from her a supply of spirits, 

 as the last cask was abroach. On the 4th a Russian 

 brig, named the Baikal, belonging to the Russian 

 American Fur Company, anchored in the bay. This 

 vessel was employed upon the coast, trading between 

 Sitka, Bodega, and several ports in California, either 

 in carrying or arranging the supplies for the Russian 

 settlements to the northward. She was commanded 

 by an officer in the Russian navy, and had on board 

 IVIr. Klebnekoff, the agent. There are several of these 

 vessels upon the coast carrying guns, and wearing 

 pendants. On the 5th we took leave of our hospit- 

 able acquaintances, and put to sea on our passage to 

 the Sandwich Islands. 



