CHAPTER XIV. 



DE FUCA'S STRAITS AND LOSS OF THE PEACOCK. 



1841. 



When Lieutenant Johnson returned with his party, I was still en- 

 gaged with the boats in completing the surveys of the remaining arms 

 of Puget Sound. Orders had been left with Lieutenant Carr, to have 

 the ships prepared for sea against the return of the surveying party ; 

 and on the evening of the 16th June, when we reached the Vincennes, 

 we found every thing ready for our departure. 



Lieutenant Johnson was again ordered to fit out a party to proceed 

 across the country to Chickeeles river, descend that river to its mouth, 

 and make a survey of Gray's Harbour. The party, besides Lieu- 

 tenant Johnson, was to consist of Passed Midshipman Eld, Mr. 

 Brackenridge, Sergeant Stearns, three sailors, and two Indian guides. 

 I had understood that the proposed route was practicable, although 

 difficult and somewhat dangerous. 



On the 17th, in the morning, we were prepared to sail ; but the party 

 was not ready, and delay was caused by a necessary change in the 

 officers, which prevented us from taking advantage of the morning 

 breeze. Passed Midshipman Eld was ordered to take charge of the 

 party, and Passed Midshipman Colvocoressis to accompany him. The 

 orders will be found in Appendix XIV. 



I very much regretted that I had not the means to provide this party 

 with a better outfit, to overcome the difficulties in executing the duties 

 and surmounting the impediments that were in the way, and to endure 

 more effectually the privations they must experience during their ab- 

 sence from the ship. 



We had already taken leave of Mr. Anderson and Captain M'Niel, 

 and I have here to acknowledge the obligations we were under to 

 them for many attentions, and particularly for the facilities they 



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