COLUMBIA RIVER. 137 



party over to the weather shore, where they could encamp in a less 

 exposed place. The offer was gladly accepted, and they were taken 

 over to the village. 



Mr. Eld here endeavoured to treat for the purchase of a large 

 canoe, in which attempt his patience was soon exhausted, for when 

 the bargain was all but closed, difficulties of a trivial nature were 

 brought up which entirely broke off the negotiation. The Indians of 

 this village proved themselves to be in all respects like the tribes in 

 the interior, who will never adhere to a bargain if they can avoid it. 



Mr. Eld and his party had now a great many difficulties to contend 

 with in carrying forward the survey of the harbour. These arose as 

 well from the weather as the want of means. The Indians for some 

 days continued unwilling to lend them any aid in the management 

 of their canoes, and none of them could be induced to venture out in 

 what they deemed stormy weather ; another reason for not engaging 

 in the service was, they did not wish to leave their wives behind. It 

 being at last agreed that their wives should accompany them, Mr. 

 Colvocoressis embarked in order to join Mr. Eld ; but to do this it 

 was necessary to encounter both the wind and sea, in consequence of 

 which the Indians refused to proceed unless they had an extra allow- 

 ance of powder and tobacco. 



This being refused, they quietly steered the canoe back to the 

 encampment. On arriving there, it soon became evident to Mr. 

 Colvocoressis that their intention was to take away their canoe, for 

 they at once began to put in her the few things they possessed. He 

 therefore took two of their guns, and concealed them in one of 

 the tents. An Indian, the moment Mr. Colvocoressis's back was 

 turned to the tents, drew his knife, rushed into them, and brought 

 forth the guns, one of which he handed to a woman. The musket 

 which the squaw had was again taken, upon which the Indians 

 said that they would complete their bargain, and induced Mr. Col- 

 vocoressis to believe they would do so. He therefore embarked, 

 and they proceeded with apparent willingness, until they came 

 opposite their own village, where they landed, and refused to go 

 any further. They, however, offered him a small canoe, to take 

 him across the river, and the Indian to whom the musket they 

 had taken belonged, ferried him across. In the evening, the In- 

 dians returned to ask for the musket, but it was refused until they 

 should return the axe that had been left in the canoe, and agree to 

 abide by the bargain they had made to render them assistance. The 



vol. v. 35 



