LOSS OF THE PEACOCK. 51 3 



that a passage existed to the north into Bellingham Bay, boats were 

 sent to explore it. Tiie information proved to be correct; but the 

 water was so shoal, that it is, at lowest point, almost a mud-flat; and 

 the channel, besides, is tortuous. This duty being completed, the 

 Porpoise, on the 26th, was moved through the passage, and anchored 

 under one of the small isles at the entrance. 



The Indians from various parts of Admiralty Inlet, were constantly 

 around the brig, endeavouring to derive some advantage in the way 

 of trade. They were found to occupy various points, each tribe 

 keeping distinct. Their names were, the Scocomish, Suquamish, 

 Clalams, and Sachets, who live in harmony with each other, 

 although they do not scruple to call one another "peshac," or bad; 

 but this epithet is invariably given to those of a different tribe by 

 all the Oregon Indians. The term, however, is applied with greater 

 force to the more northern tribes, who frequently undertake incur- 

 sions on them, in strong marauding parties, for the purpose of 

 obtaining slaves : they are, in consequence, held in great dread. 

 During the stay of the brig, an alarm occurred, which produced 

 much consternation among them. Many sought shelter in the 

 woods ; others went off to their strongholds, and some women sought 

 shelter alongside the brig in their canoes. 



These Indians suffer little inconvenience in their changes of resi- 

 dence ; for, having but few chattels, they can remove at a few 

 moments' notice ; and after landing at an entirely strange place, they 

 are at home the moment their fires are lighted. 



The 4th of July was spent near Point Roberts ; and on the 5th, the 

 brig reached the mouth of Eraser's river, which is about a mile wide, 

 with a serpentine channel, leading through an extensive mud-flat. 

 Fort Langley, of the Hudson Bay Company, is situated about twenty 

 miles from the mouth. The country immediately around is low, 

 and has a rich alluvial soil. It is inhabited by the Nanitch tribe, 

 who accompanied the brig thither from Birch Bay. The mouth 

 of Eraser's river was found to be six miles north of latitude 49° N. 



Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, on the 20th, received further 

 instructions from me to push the survey to the north; but being short 

 of bread, he had sent Passed Midshipman Sandford to obtain a supply, 

 which was at once despatched in the launch, although I expected to 

 meet the brig at New Dungeness in a few days. 



On the 20th, as before mentioned, the brig joined the Vincennes at 

 New Dungeness. 



VOL. IV. 129 



