NORTHWEST COAST OF AMERICA. 229 



those having men under their direction, to make it their espe- 

 cial duty to govern them so as to avoid any disputes, or mal- 

 treatment of the Indians ; and that force is never to be 

 resorted to, but in cases of self-defence. 



"No officer or man will be allowed to visit the shore, 

 without arms ; and boats' crews upon surveying, or other 

 duties, will be furnished with such as are necessary for their 

 protection. 



" United States ship ' Vincennes,' 



" CHARLES WILKES." 



We had a grand feast to-day, on fish and clams, which we 

 bought from the natives along-side. The latter are not so 

 large as those found on our own coast, but they are more 

 tender, and much better flavored. They may be obtained in 

 any quantities, any where along the beach. The fish were of 

 the salmon and cod kinds. It is yet rather too early in the 

 season for salmon, but they are very fine notwithstanding, es- 

 pecially when broiled. 



May 5th. Several of the boats have been employed to-day 

 in surveying the harbor. 



In the forenoon I visited the shore. The beach abreast the 

 ship was covered with Indian huts ; they were constructed in 

 the rudest manner imaginable, consisting of a few mats and 

 rushes spread out on poles, and offering little or no protection 

 against either the wind or rain. The fire was kindled upon 

 the ground near the centre, and the interior of the building 

 was filled with smoke. I was almost blinded by venturing 

 into one of them, and was very glad to get out again into the 

 open air. A mat or two spread on the ground near the fire, 

 was used for sitting and sleeping upon. This was the only 

 furniture to be seen, and the only article which could conduce 



