PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
S91 
survey of this magnificent port, which possesses almost all the requisites CHAP 
for a great naval establishment, and is so advantageously situated 
with regard to North America and China, and the Pacific in general, 
that it will, no doubt, at some future time, be of great importance. W^e 
completed the examination of those parts of the harbour which were 
likely to be frequented by vessels for some years to come, in which it 
is proper to mention, in order to give as much publicity to the circum- 
stance as possible, that we discovered a rock between Alcatrasses and 
It erbd Buena Islands, dangerous to both shipping and boats, in con- 
sequence of its rising suddenly from about seven fathoms so near to 
the surface, as to occasion strong overfalls with the tides, A shoal 
was also found to the eastward of the landing-place off the presidio, 
which ought to be avoided by boats sailing along shore. In my nau tical 
remarks, I purpose giving directions for avoiding both these dangers, 
which are the only hidden ones in that part of the harbour, which is at 
present frequented. 
On the 28th, we took leave of our hospitable and affable friends, 
Mai tinez and Padre Tomaso, full of gratitude for their kindness and 
attention to our wants ; weighed anchor, and bade adieu to the Port of 
San Francisco, in which we had all received material benefit from the 
salubrity of its climate, the refreshing product of its soil, and the healthy 
exercise we had enjoyed there. In the ship’s company, in particular, 
there was the most apparent amendment ; some of them from being so 
emaciated on their arrival, that the surgeon could scarcely recognize 
them, were now restored to their former healthy appearance, and we 
had the satisfaction of sailing without a single case of sickness on board. 
We had to regret during our stay the loss of one of our best men, Joseph 
Bowers, a marine. He had accompanied one of the officers on a shooting 
excursion, and was led by his naturally ardent and bold disposition to 
plunge into a lake after some wild fowl that had been shot, forgetting 
that he could not swim. His eagerness led him beyond his depth, and 
m his attempt to regain his footing, he unfortunately perished before 
any aid could be brought. His body was interred at the burial ground 
near the presidio landing place, and was followed to the grave by all the 
