MS COLUMBIA RIVER. 



are obtained, in from thirty to forty fathoms water, about fifteen or 

 twenty miles from the land. 



The coast south of the Columbia river I regretted we had not an 

 opportunity more particularly to examine: the attempt of the Flying- 

 Fish was unsuccessful ; the season had advanced so far as to make it 

 next to impossible to accomplish it in the manner I desired. I have no 

 reason to doubt the correctness of the examinations that have been 

 already made. No ports exist along any part of it, that are accessible 

 to any class of vessels, even those of but very small draught of water ; 

 and the impediment that the constant and heavy surf offers, along the 

 whole coast, to a landing in boats, makes this part of our territory 

 comparatively valueless in a commercial point of view. Along a great 

 part of it is an iron-bound shore, rising precipitately from the water. 

 Anchorage in a few places may be had, but only in fair weather, and 

 during the fine season. For a more particular description of the coast, 

 I refer to the Hydrographical Memoir. 



On the 18th, we made Cape de los Reyes and the Farallones. In 

 the afternoon we were boarded by a boat from the Company's bark, 

 Cowlitz, in which was her master, Mr. Brochier, and M. Duplot de 

 Mofras. The latter informed me that he had just made a tour through 

 Mexico and California, and was now going to the Columbia, for a 

 passage to Oahu. The same evening, finding that I could not reach 

 the port, I anchored in thirteen fathoms water. 



On the 19th, we were under way as soon as the tide made, and at 

 3 p. m. we anchored near the Vincennes, in Sausalito Bay, on the north 

 side of the entrance. I was gratified to find all well. Lieutenant- 

 Commandant Ringgold reported to me that he had fulfilled the instruc- 

 tions relative to the Sacramento river. Nothing had yet been heard of 

 Lieutenant Emmons; and the next day I despatched the launch up the 

 river to meet his party. The Oregon came in during the afternoon, 

 and I forthwith made such disposition of the officers and men, as I 

 deemed the future wants of the service would require ; this, and the 

 operations of the Vincennes, will form the subject of the next chapter. 



HATS, NORTHWEST COAST. 



