94 



RETURN TO THE WASP. 



[1823. 



current, and stopping occasionally in some beautiful valley or varie- 

 gated grove, to shoot foxes, birds, and deer. We arrived at Calex- 

 chem's village at about seven in the evening ; and, after landing the old 

 chief, with many thanks and some trifling presents, we proceeded 

 about ten miles down the bay ; when at 10, P. M., we landed near the 

 mouth of a fresh-water river on the north shore. 



After cooking part of our venison, and making some bread coffee, 

 we all partook of a hearty supper. As it was now raining severely, 

 we were obliged to pitch our tent, which was never done in fair 

 weather. About midnight the watch was set, and the rest turned in, 

 soon forgetting their fatigues and wet jackets in dreams of home, and 

 those rural scenes which smiling May was at this moment decorating 

 in all the charms of nature, at the distance of six thousand miles from 

 the sleepers. 



May 14th. — At daylight I found the wind blowing a strong breeze 

 from the south-east, and as we could make but little headway in pull- 

 ing to windward with the tide against us, I ordered the men to prepare 

 themselves for hunting ; and after breakfast we all started in pursuit of 

 game of any kind that could be found. It was 5, P. M., when we re- 

 turned, having strayed many miles into the country ; and the result of 

 our sport was five deer, three foxes, and a number of birds of differ- 

 ent kinds. During this excursion I paid more attention to the qualities 

 of timber than to the duties of a sportsman. I found the same kinds 

 of trees here that I examined at Port Famine, and the wild-celery, 

 scurvy-grass, &c. were shooting into seed in almost every direction. 

 What marks of Divine wisdom are to be seen in every thing ! The 

 bane and antidote, if not placed side by side, are generally found 

 within hailing distance. High southern latitudes are thought to pro- 

 duce the scurvy on board of ships, and the same latitudes produce 

 on land the best possible antidotes to the disease, in the greatest 

 abundance. 



Our sportsmen were all fatigued and hungry, and therefore enjoyed 

 a good supper and a night's repose with the greater zest. At 2, A. M., 

 I found that the wind had changed to the westward, and produced fair 

 weather ; I therefore called upon all hands to turn out, and prepare for 

 a cruise towards the entrance of the sound. 



May \bth. — At 3, A. M., the tent was struck, the remainder of our 

 game put on board the boats, and every thing in readiness for a start. 

 We passed down the north shore with a gentle breeze from the west- 

 ward, frequently landing in some charming valley or waving forest, to 

 enjoy the scene and search for die-woods, but always without success. 

 We reached the Wasp at 9, P. M., finding every thing in the same order 

 as when we left it. I kept our friend Cheleule and his companions on 

 board during the night ; and the next morning, after giving them a good 

 breakfast, and many little presents of high value in their estimation, I 

 set them on shore at 8, A. M., where Cheleule was received by his 

 people with the strongest demonstrations of joy. On taking leave of 

 the old chief I expressed a wish to take one of his sons with me to the 

 United States, promising to bring him back again in about two years . 

 The father consented without hesitation, and presented me one of his 



