120 COLUMBIA RIVER. 



sions that the boats might lose their way, I thought it better for us 

 to make for the Chinook shore, and follow it until we reached the 

 cape. It may seem strange that this precaution should be taken, but 

 it is necessary at all times, even in clear weather ; for the tide is 

 frequently so strong, that it cannot be stemmed by oars ; and too 

 much caution cannot be observed in passing across the bay. As 

 little frequented as it is, many accidents have occurred to boats and 

 canoes, by their being swept by the tide into the breakers on the bar, 

 where all hands have perished. The Indians are very cautious, and 

 it is only at certain, times of the tide that they will attempt to make 

 the passage. 



We reached Baker's Bay in two hours, and formed our encamp- 

 ment; and here we determined to remain until the weather should 

 become clear, and allow us to proceed with our duties. 



As no news had been received from Passed Midshipman Eld's 

 party, whom it will be recollected I had despatched from Nisqually 

 to Gray's Harbour, by the Chickeeles, and as the time for which he 

 had provisions had expired, I became apprehensive lest some accident 

 might have detained him. I therefore despatched Lieutenant De 

 Haven and Acting-Master Baldwin, with a few Indians, along the 

 coast to Gray's Harbour, which is about forty miles distant, to convey 

 a supply of provisions for that party, and to bring intelligence of 

 them. This duty was executed by these gentlemen with prompt- 

 ness, and they reported that the party were struggling with diffi- 

 culties of no ordinary character, of which I shall have occasion to 

 speak hereafter. 



The weather continued rainy and cold ; but this did not seem to 

 trouble our native pilots, Ramsey and his brother George. While 

 we were preparing our huts, these men were seen upon the bank, 

 deliberately stripping off their clothes, which they carefully folded 

 up, and placed upon the ground for pillows; they then lay down, 

 and covering themselves with a blanket, slept as sound as if on beds 

 of down. I happened to see them arising in the morning, and they 

 appeared refreshed and perfectly content, although it had rained hard 

 all night. 



These men were exceedingly fond of rum, the hope of obtaining 

 which, when the daily ration was served out, was the great induce- 

 ment that led them to accompany our parties. 



These two were good specimens of the Flathead Indians, and I was 



