404 
WE RETURN INTO THE OKOTSK. 
which time we sounded around for miles in search of a 
channel; but, finding that the Russians were evidently 
opposed to our proceedings on account of the existing 
war, the captain finally ceased work, and the next day 
Ave left them and were Avell clear of the dauirerous 
ground. Before leaving, however, the Russians, appa- 
rently ashamed of the indisposition they had evinced to 
our continuing the survey, offered to pilot us through 
into the Gulf of Tartary and till our bunkers with coal, 
if we would take the Palmetto in tow; but, as tlie}^ were 
evidently unable to find water enough even for her, wo 
did not sec much prospect of their taking our ship, 
which drew a foot more, through in safety. Moreover, 
Ave could not well liave consented had there been oceans 
of water, for the Allies Avould huA^e had just cause to 
complain of a violation of our neutrality. So we left 
them to their fate and steamed hack into the Okotsk. 
