NISQUALLY AND COLUMBIA RIVER. 



327 



one story, weather-boarded and painted white. It has a piazza and 

 small flower-beds, with grape and other vines, in front. Between the 

 steps are two old cannons on sea-carriages, with a few shot, to speak 

 defiance to the natives, who no doubt look upon them as very formi- 

 dable weapons of destruction. I mention these, as they are the only 

 warlike instruments to my knowledge that are within the pickets of 

 Vancouver, which differs from all the other forts in having no bastions, 

 galleries, or loop-holes. Near by are the rooms for the clerks and 

 visiters, with the blacksmiths' and coopers' shops. In the centre 

 stands the Roman Catholic chapel, and near by the flag-staff; beyond 

 these again are the stores, magazines of powder, warerooms, and 

 offices. 



=Cj,»/f 





FORT VANCOUVER. 



We went immediately to Dr. M'Laughhn s quarters. He was not 

 within, but we were kindly invited to enter, with the assurance that he 

 would soon return. Only a few minutes elapsed before Dr. M'Laughlin 

 came galloping up, having understood that we had preceded him. He 

 is a tall fine-looking person, of a very robust frame, with a frank manly 

 open countenance, and a florid complexion ; his hair is perfectly white. 

 He gave us that kind reception we had been led to expect from his 

 well-known hospitality. He is of Scotch parentage, but by birth, a 

 Canadian, enthusiastic in disposition, possessing great energy of cha- 

 racter, and extremely well suited for the situation he occupies, which 

 requires great talent and industry. He at once ordered dinner for us, 

 and we soon felt ourselves at home, having comfortable rooms assigned 

 us, and being treated as part of the establishment. 



The situation of Vancouver is favourable for agricultural purposes, 

 and it may be said to be the head of navigation for sea-going vessels. 

 A vessel of fourteen feet draft of water, may reach it in the lowest 

 state of the river. The Columbia at this point makes a considerable 

 angle, and is divided by two islands, which extend upwards about 

 three miles, to where the upper branch of the Willamette joins it. 



