NORTH WEST COAST OF AMERICA. lot 



C H A P. 

 V. 



1786. 



These people, quite contrary to the Ruffian cuftom, 

 were particularly careful nat to get intoxicated ; but 1 have 

 reafon to think, that this caution proceeded rather from j«iy 

 a fear of being furprifed by the neighbouring Americans ""^ ^^ ^^' 

 in a ftate of intoxication, than from any diflike they have 

 to liquor ; for Mr. M'Leod informed me that they were 

 conftandy on their guard, with their arms always ready, 

 and that no man flept without a riHe-barrelled piece under 

 his arm, and his cutlaJls and a long knife by his fide. 



We now began to be in want of wood, and the crews 

 ftood in need of fome exercife on fhore, therefore I deter- 

 mined to get into the adjacent harbour, and more particu- 

 larly as there was not the leaft ?*ppearance of any inhabi- 

 tants near it; fo that our bunnefs could be carried on 

 without danger or moleftiition. An additional reafon for 

 making this harbour was, that during the time our various 

 bufinefs was going forward, I might probably learn from 

 the Ruffians how laag they had been at this place, and what 

 time they intended to ftay; alfa the place where their 

 Hoops lay, as they had none in Cook's River; I likewife 

 particularly wifhed to know whether they procured their 

 furs, by bartering with the natives, or killing the animals 

 themfelves^ 



At three o'clock in the afternoon a light breeze fpring- 

 ing up from the North North Weft, we weighed anchor, 

 and ftood in for the North entrance of the opening. After 

 we were got fome diftance into the. harbour, the wind 

 failed us, and we were obliged to drop an anchor imder 

 foot, as there was- a ftrong current fetting diredly out, 



although 



