276 FROM OONALASIIKA 



On the 15th, at day-break, we sailed round the 

 northern point of the island of Akun, and found 

 ourselves in the strait, which appeared clear and 

 free from danger. . The island of Oonemak was 

 directly before us ; its majestic, lofty, and conical 

 peak, which occupies the middle of the island, was 

 free from clouds, and we estimated its height at 

 five thousand five hundred and twenty -five English 

 feet. A contrary wind detained us in these parts, 

 and the weather being fine, gave us an opportunity 

 of taking latitudes and longitudes, and enabled us 

 to make a good chart. This strait appears to me 

 so safe, and spacious, that I can recommend it to 

 all navigators. On the l6th, at eight o'clock in 

 the morning, we were in the open sea. 



October the 1st. Favoured by a strong wind 

 from N. andN.W., which sometimes blew a storm, 

 we made the voyage from Oonalashka to California 

 in a very short time. At midnight we saw by moon- 

 light the Cap de los Reyes, and at four o'clock in 

 the afternoon dropped anchor in Port St. Fran- 

 cisco, opposite the Presidio. Our little Rurick 

 seemed to throw the Presidio into no small alarm, 

 for as we approached the fortress of St. Toaquin, 

 which lies on a tongue of land, consisting of high 

 rocks, and forming the southern entrance, we saw 

 many soldiers on foot and on horseback, and in the 

 fortress itself they were employed in loading the 

 cannon. The entrance of the harbour is so narrow, 

 that you are obliged to pass the fortress within mus- 



