NORTHWEST COAST OF AMERICA. 237 



When dinner was over, the amusements of the morning 

 were exchanged for the excitement of horse-racing — the 

 horses having been engaged from the Indians for that pur- 

 pose. Sailors like this sport better than almost any other, 

 though very few are able to ride well ; but, on this occasion, 

 fortunately, no one was hurt, although a good many were 

 thrown by their steeds. 



All the officers, together with Captain McNeil, Dr. Rich- 

 ards, and • Mr. Henderson, dined at the Observatory, with 

 Captain Wilkes. Captain McNeil and Dr. Richards are 

 native Americans. The Captain came here a number of 

 years since, and engaged in the fur business, and succeeded so 

 well in it, that the Hudson's Bay Company were glad to buy 

 him off. He is now a trader in the Company's service, own- 

 ing stock, and receiving a share of the dividends. He is 

 married to a half-breed, and resides in the fort, with Mr. An- 

 derson. 



Dr. Richards- is attached to the Methodist Mission, and 

 appears to be a kind, gentlemanly man ; his residence is 

 situated near the Observatory, and I called there, in the 

 course of the afternoon, to pay my respects to his lady, who 

 received me very kindly. 



The doctor informed us that the Mission had but recently 

 been established, and so far, it had not been able to accom- 

 plish much ; and it was his honest opinion that it never would 

 answer the expectations of its friends at home. 



After the rejoicings were ended, I. returned the men on 

 board the ship, in the same good order as they had landed, 

 and, I dare say, it will long be remembered by us all, as one 

 of the most pleasant celebrations we have ever experienced. 



July 6th. We received, this morning, a visit from Dr. 

 McLaughlin. The doctor is the Chief Factor and Governor 



