CHAPTER IX. 



COLUMBIA RIVER. 

 1841. 



On the 5th April, 1841, we had completed our repairs, and made 

 arrangements for the transportation of our stoi'es to the Columbia 

 river by the brig Wave. The Porpoise was ordered to leave the 

 harbour in the afternoon, and anchor near the Vincennes in the outer 

 roads. Towards sunset, we took leave of our kind and numerous 

 friends, and the same night at ll"" 30", the signal was made for 

 getting under way. We soon afterwards made sail, and steered to 

 the westward, in order to pass between the islands of Oahu and 

 Kauai. 



Light winds prevailed for several days, during which we made but 

 little progress. The second day after our departure, Lieutenant- 

 Commandant Ringgold made signal that the rudder of the Porpoise 

 was out of order, and would not work. We therefore hove-to, and 

 sent the carpenters of the Vincennes on board the Porpoise, who 

 returned in a short time and reported that it was all right. The 

 winds for these first few days were northerly, and therefore not only 

 light, but contrary. 



During this time the crew of the Porpoise was much afflicted with 

 sickness. This, according to the report of Assistant Surgeon Holmes, 

 was caused by the constant labour which the men had undergone, 

 and to their dissipation while in port. The cases were of a very 

 serious character : four of them took the typhoid fever, and what was 

 singular, seven of the persons affected were petty officers. The worst 

 case was that of the carpenter, who had probably undergone more 

 fatigue than any other person. 



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