50 EXPLORATION OF BURTON MOUND [PTH, ANN. 44 
VANCOUVER’S ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT TO SANTA BARBARA, 1793 
The visit of the Vancouver expedition to Santa Barbara in Novem- 
ber, 1793, is described by Vancouver as follows: 
The coast continued in this easterly direction about twenty-three miles from 
Point Conception, to a point where it took a southerly turn, from whence the 
country gradually rose to mountains of different heights. In the vicinity of 
the shores, which are composed of low cliffs or sandy beaches, were produced 
some stunted trees and groveling shrubs; and notwithstanding the dreary ap- 
pearance of the coast as we passed along, it seemed to be well inhabited, as 
several villages were seen at no great distance from each other in the small 
bays or coves that form the coast. 
By four in the afternoon we had sailed beyond the influence of our favorable 
NW. gale, which still continued to blow a little way astern of us, whilst we 
were perplexed with light variable winds from every quarter. With these, 
however, we endeavoured to approach the shore of the mainland, in order to 
anchor for the night. About sunset we were visited by some of the inhabitants 
in a canoe from one of the villages. Their visit seemed to be dictated by 
euriosity alone, which being satisfied, as they were about to depart, I gave them 
some iron and beads, with which they appeared to be highly delighted, and 
returned to the shore. é 
By seven in the evening it was nearly calm, and having at that time soundings 
at the depth of 37 fathoms, muddy bottom, we anchored in company with the 
Chatham and Dedalus. 
The surface of the sea, which was perfectly smooth and tranquil, was covered 
with a thick filmy substance, which, when separated, or disturbed by any little 
agitation, became very luminous, whilst the light breeze that came principally 
from the shore, brought with it a very strong smell of burning tar, or of some 
such resinous substance. The next morning, Sunday the 10th, the sea had the 
appearance of dissolved tar floating upon its surface, which covered the ocean 
in all directions within the limits of our view; and indicated, that in this 
neighbourhood it was not subject to much agitation. 
From this anchorage, situated in latitude 34° 24’, longitude 240° 32’, the 
coast as before mentioned takes a southerly turn, S. 48 E. about two leagues to 
a point bearing by compass N. 81 E. half a league distant from our station; 
the centre of the island of St. Miguel bore from $.°27 W. distant 11 leagues ; 
S‘™ Rosa from 8. 11 W. to S. 5 E.; the former 25, the latter 26 miles distant ; 
the island of S‘* Cruz from 8, 81 E. to S. 55 E.; and the main land in sight 
from S. 82 W. to S. 87 B. 
The want of wind detaining us in the situation, afforded an opportunity to 
several of the natives from the different villages, which were numerous in this 
neighbourhood, to pay us a visit. They all came in canoes made of wood, and 
decorated with shells like that seen on the 8th. They brought with them some 
fish, and a few of their ornaments; these they disposed of in the most cheerful 
manner, principally for spoons, beads, and scissors. They seemed to possess 
great sensibility, and much vivacity, yet they conducted themselves with the 
most perfect decorum and good order; very unlike that inanimate stupidity 
that marked the character of most of the Indians we had seen under the 
Spanish jurisdiction at St. Francisco and Monterrey. These people either did 
not understand the Spanish language, or spoke it in such a manner as to be 
1 Vancouver, George, A voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and round the 
World, Vol. I1, London, 1798, pp. 324-3838. 
