144 COLUMBIA RIVER. 



the 3d of October we passed through the Tongue Point Channel. Be- 

 fore doing this, we took the precaution to buoy it out, and then towed 

 the vessels through at high water. This enabled me to lay down its 

 tortuous course with accuracy, although I was aware that there is little 

 probability of its remaining over the season without some material 

 change. The new and direct channel discovered by us, leading up 

 from Tongue Point, will supersede the necessity of using it, and from 

 its direct course, is more likely to be permanent ; but the channels in 

 this river will be always more or less subject to change, from the im- 

 pediments the large trees drifting down cause, when they ground on 

 the shoals. 



The same evening we anchored about two miles above Astoria, and 

 in order to lose no time, I proceeded there in my boat to make ar- 

 rangements for getting off the stores, and embarking every thing pre- 

 vious to our departure. 



I found that Purser Speiden had prepared for us ten thousand pounds 

 of the best bread we had had during the cruise: this had been accom- 

 plished by his great perseverance and attention to the business, and I 

 was thus relieved from all anxiety in regard to that indispensable article 

 of the ration. 



On the 1st of October, the Porpoise anchored at Astoria, and every 

 body was now engaged in expediting the embarkation of stores on 

 board of both vessels ; the officers were detailed temporarily to the 

 Oregon, whilst the necessary observations for the chronometers and 

 magnetism were again made. 



It now became important that the two larger vessels should be got 

 to sea as early as possible. I therefore determined to seize the first 

 opportunity that should offer for crossing the bar, and to return myself 

 in the tender to complete the survey. We, in consequence, proceeded 

 on the 2d to Baker's Bay, whilst the boats were still employed under 

 Lieutenant De Haven in taking soundings. Acting-Master Knox and 

 Passed Midshipman Reynolds, were now ordered to the Porpoise and 

 Oregon, for the purpose of piloting them to sea, when an opportunity 

 should serve. In Baker's Bay we found the Company's schooner, the 

 Cadborough, which had been waiting three weeks for an opportunity 

 to get over the bar. 



As the Peacock's launch could not be taken with us, I had at one 

 time an intention of sending her along the coast to San Francisco. 

 The weather and advanced state of the season, however, would have 

 rendered such a voyage dangerous ; I therefore came to the determi- 

 nation of providing her with every essential to fit her to be used as a 

 pilot-boat in the mouth of the river, or for the relief of vessels in 



