COLUMBIA RIVER. 123 



The Columbia river was now very different in appearance from 

 what it had been in the month of June. The stream was confined 

 within its narrowest limits, and was nineteen feet below high-water 

 mark. 



The Indians were now encamped on the strands, over which the 

 volume of water had rushed, in its swollen state, with irresistible 

 force. Vancouver exhibited the aspect of an extensive farming esta- 

 blishment, with its well-stored granaries, stacks of grain, &c. All 

 showed that the crops had been plentiful, and gave ample proof of the 

 industry and success of agriculture. 



Soon after the wreck of the Peacock, Captain Hudson, hearing that 

 Dr. M'Laughlin was in want of hands to aid him in the harvest, 

 despatched the Kanakas belonging to the Peacock up to Vancouver, to 

 assist in gathering it. It afforded some little pleasure to contribute 

 this aid, and thus in some small degree to repay the attentions and 

 kindness of the Company's officers. 



While at Vancouver, my time was taken up by the astronomic and 

 magnetic observations. The former gave its position in longitude 

 122° 39' 34-6" W., and latitude 45° 36' 53" N. 



Having understood, from the gentlemen at Vancouver, that both 

 Mr. David Douglas and Captain Belcher had found some discrepan- 

 cies in their magnetic observations, which were quite unaccountable ; 

 and as they had experimented within the fort, I determined to make 

 mine in my tent, on the banks of the river, where no apparent local 

 attraction existed. There were, notwithstanding, some irregularities 

 which I could not account for. 



While I was thus engaged, Captain Hudson carried on the repairs 

 of the Oregon with great rapidity. The articles necessary for this 

 purpose which we ourselves were not able to supply, were cheerfully 

 furnished us, at reasonable prices, from the stores and workshops of 

 the Company. Indeed, nothing could exceed the kind attentions that 

 were lavished upon us; and the moment we expressed a desire, it 

 was immediately complied with. 



On the 1st of September, Passed Midshipmen Eld and Colvocoressis, 

 with Mr. Brackenridge and party, arrived. Orders were immediately 

 given for them to join Lieutenant Emmons's party, on the Willamette ; 

 and they were finally despatched on the tour through to California. 



It will be remembered that Passed Midshipmen Eld and Colvocores- 

 sis were ordered to make a journey through the Chickeeles country, to 

 Gray's Harbour, just as the ship was getting under way from Nisqually, 

 and that circumstances rendered their departure more hurried than it 

 was desirable it should be. But through the kindness of Mr. Anderson 



