ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 263 



were compelled to make for the shore and wait until it subsided. 

 \Vc lay by about an hour, when, the water becoming more 

 smooth, we again got under way, and arrived at Fort George 

 about noon. 



On the 5th of November, I returned to Vancouver, and imme- 

 diately commenced packing my baggage, collection, &c., for a pas- 

 sage to the Sandwich Islands, in the barque Columbia, which is now 

 preparing to sail for England. This is a fine vessel, of three hundred 

 tons, commanded by Captain Royal ; we shall have eight passen- 

 gers in the cabin; Captain Darby, formerly of this vessel, R. 

 Cowie, chief trader, and others. 



On the 21st, we dropped down the river, and in two days 

 anchored off the cape. We have but little pi'ospect of being able 

 to cross the bar ; the sea breaks over the channel with a roar 

 like thunder, and the surf dashes and frets against the rocky cape 

 and drives its foam far up into the bay, 



I long to see blue water again. I am fond of the sea ; it suits 

 both my disposition and constitution ; and then the reflection, that 

 now every foot I advance will carry me nearer to my beloved 

 home, is in itself a most powerful inducement to urge me on. 

 But much as I desire again to see home, much as I long to em- 

 brace those to whom T am attached by the strongest ties, I have 

 nevertheless felt something very like regret at leaving Vancouver 

 and its kind and agreeable residents. I took leave of Doctor 

 McLoughlin with feelings akin to those with which I should bid 

 adieu to an affectionate parent ; and to his fervent, " God bless 

 you, sir, and may you have a happy meeting with your friends," 

 I could only reply by a look of the sincerest gratitude. Words 

 are inadequate to express my deep sense of the obligations which 

 I feel under to this truly generous and excellent man, and I fear 

 I can only repay them by the sincerity with which I shall always 

 cherish the recollection of his kindness, and the ardent prayers 1 

 shall breathe for his prosperity and happiness. 



