252 FROM NISQUALLY TO COLUMBIA RIVER. 



bought from the Indians. This state of things lasted until the 

 18th of August, when Lieutenant De Haven who had been 

 sent by Captain Wilkes to afford us relief, arrived with a 

 supply of provisions. This enabled us to go on our usual ration, 

 and in a few days we all regained our strength, and were able 

 to proceed with our surveying duties. 



From Mr. De Haven we learned for the first time the loss 

 of the " Peacock" on the bar off the mouth of the Columbia 

 River. 



On the 24th the survey was completed, and we set out for 

 Astoria, where the Squadron was now lying. 



The soil in the vicinity of Grey's Harbor is of an inferior 

 quality, and the harbor itself seems to offer but few facilities 

 for commercial purposes. The channel is narrow, the width 

 being from one-half to two- thirds of a mile, with dangerous 

 breakers on both sides. The depth of water is from five to 

 seven fathoms. The space after entering is extensive, but the 

 greatest part of it is filled up with mud flats which are bare at 

 low water, and confine the harbor for the anchorage of vessels 

 to a few hundred yards. The River Chickelees before enter- 

 ing into the harbor, increases in width some six or seven hun- 

 dred feet and is navigable for vessels drawing ten or twelve 

 feet of water for several miles above its mouth. 



Fogs prevail in the summer season, and some days during 

 our stay we found them so dense as to render it impossible for 

 us to proceed with our surveying duties. 



The tides are irregular and influenced by the winds ; the 

 time of high water at change and full was found to be 11 

 hours 25 minutes. 



The Indians, who inhabit the shores of the harbor, call them- 

 selves Chickelees, and their number is about two hundred ; 

 they construct their huts after the manner of the Sqnarnish 



