io the Kwth-West Coast of America. 13 



disappeared. Vernaci was then glad to return the same 

 way he had come, and to proceed into the great channeK 

 He had been absent ten days, and great apprehensions for 

 his safety bec;an to De entertained. 



The Spanish navigators, beiujr now joined, thought only 

 of getting out towards the north-east from this long chan- 

 nel, into which they had entered about two months before: 

 but they were not yet at the end of their labours. On the 

 9th of August they fell in with the English brig Venus, 

 captain Henry Shepherd, which was returning from Ben- 

 gal, and had touched at Nootka and the Strait de Fuca, 

 From captain Shepherd the Spaniards learned that in this 

 strait the Indians had kilkd the pilot of the Spanish frigate 

 lia Princessa. They sailed some time in company with the 

 English captain; and the three vessels anchored within reach 

 of two tribes, the guacos and the Majoia, on the western 

 coast of the great island, in about lat. 50'^ 40', and a little 

 to the east of long. 121". They soon saw canoes approach- 

 ing them in every direction, in one of which was the tais 

 of the Majoia, who announced himself by presenting an 

 otter's skin to each of the three conmianders. These In- 

 tlians brought a great many more, some of which were pur- 

 chased rathcf through politeness than with a view to spe- 

 culation ; for they were much dearer than they had found 

 them on the coasts of California. These Indians are well 

 made, and have an easy gait, but a fierce and savage look. 

 They seem to be "exceedingly irritable. One pf them wlio 

 was unarmed, having quarrelled with a Spanish sailor, im- 

 mediately disappeared to borrow a knife from one of his 

 comrades; but he found on his return that the sailor was 

 waiting ibr him with his drawn hanger. A great murmur- 

 ing now took place among the Indians : they called with 

 loud shouts for their tais, who was on board one of the 

 Spanish ships ; and it was not without great difficulty that 

 tranquillity was restored and preserved until the moment of 

 their departure, which took place soon after. 



Next day they resumed their voyage, and, proceed- 

 ins; some leagues north-east, found eood anchorage 

 after they had passed a number of small isles. This place 

 they named Port Guenies, from the name of the family of 

 the viceroy of Mexico. As the wind was contrary, they re- 

 mained herf twelve davs. They found here abundance of 

 fish of different sorts; such as salmon, rav«, soles, and 

 small cod like those of Falkland's Islands. The Indians of 

 Port lie Guejnes appeared to be very unsociable^ and almost 

 stupid. 



Pursuing 



