1779. THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 203 



seeing the major, and their strong expressions of 

 sorrow, on hearing he was so soon going to leave 

 them. 



We had dispatched a messenger to Captain Clerke, 

 from Bolcheretsk, with an account of our reception, 

 and of the major's intention of returning with us ; at 

 the same time, apprizing him of the day he might 

 probably expect to see us. We were therefore very 

 well pleased to observe, as we approached the har- 

 bour, all the boats of the two ships coming toward us, 

 the men clean, and the officers as well dressed as the 

 scarcity of our clothing would permit. The major 

 was much struck at the robust and healthy appear- 

 ance of the boats' crews, and still more at seeing most 

 of them without any other covering than a shirt and 

 trowsers, although at the very moment it actually 

 snowed. 



As Major Behm had expressed his intentions of 

 visiting the ships before he landed, as soon as we 

 arrived off' the town, I desired to receive his com- 

 mands; when remarking, that from the account we 

 had given of the very bad state of Captain Clerke's 

 health, it might be imprudent to disturb him at so 

 late an hour (it being now past nine o'clock), he 

 thought it, he said, most adviseable to remain that 

 night on shore. Accordingly, after attending him to 

 the Serjeant's house, I took my leave for the present, 

 and went on board to acquaint Captain Clerke with 

 my proceedings at Bolcheretsk. It was with the 

 utmost concern I found, that in the fortnight we had 

 been absent, this excellent officer was much altered 

 for the worse, instead of reaping that advantage we 

 flattered ourselves he might, from the repose of the 

 harbour, and the milk and vegetable diet with which 

 he was supplied. 



As soon as I had dispatched this business, I re- 

 turned to the major, and the next morning conducted 

 him to the ships; where, on his arrival, he was saluted 

 with thirteen guns, and received with every other mark 



