LOSS OF THE PEACOCK. 485 



resumed, and a finish made of those of the Canal de Arro. This was 

 effected through the strenuous exertions of both officers and men, and 

 the same night we reached the Vincennes. 



Although we had completed all that was essential for the naviga- 

 tion of the Canal de Arro, I regretted that I had been deprived of the 

 opportunity of examining the southeast end of Vancouver Island, 

 which I have reason to believe offers many fine harbours. Three 

 days more would have enabled me to accomplish this portion to my 

 satisfaction. 



On the 29th, the brig again joined us, and Mr. T. W. Waldron 

 was at once sent with despatches to Nisqually, to pass across the 

 country to the Cowlitz, and thence down the Columbia to Astoria. 

 Among the despatches was an order to all the ward-room officers of 

 the Peacock, to report to me in writing the circumstances that led to 

 the loss of that ship. These will be found published in Document 

 No. 427, House of Representatives, 28th Congress, 1st Session, dated 

 10th April, 1844. 



On the 31st, towards noon, the wind and tide permitting, we got 

 under way, and stood down the Straits of De Fuca ; but, owing to the 

 light winds, we made little progress. Of the northern side of these 

 straits it had been my intention to make a very particular examination, 

 after completing the survey of the Canal de Arro. I have understood 

 that there is a fine harbour near the eastern end of the island, where a 

 post has been lately established by the Hudson Bay Company ; that 

 of San Juan, near the mouth of the straits, the Porpoise was ordered 

 to survey on the 2d of August, while the Vincennes was engaged 

 in the survey of Neah Harbour, lying on the south side of the straits, 

 just within Cape Flattery. Port San Juan was found to afford little 

 shelter, being exposed to the southwest winds, and the heavy swell 

 of the ocean ; and is reported as being unsafe, except for temporary 

 anchorage. 



Neah Harbour is but a small indentation in the coast, which is partly 

 sheltered on the northeast by Neah Island. It is the position where 

 the Spaniards attempted to establish themselves in 1972, and which 

 they called Port Nunez Gaona. The remains of an old fort are still to 

 be perceived, and some bricks were found that were supposed to have 

 belonged to it. Water is to be obtained here in some quantity, and 

 a small vessel would have no difficulty in getting enough. It offers a 

 tolerably safe anchorage, though somewhat exposed to the northwest 

 gales ; yet by anchoring well in, which a small vessel may do, protec- 

 tion even from these gales might be had. 



On the night of the 2d, we had an eclipse of the moon. 



20.2 



