199 
ever, was soon removed by the distribution of some trivial presents amongst them; and 
their reception being made known to their companions, who had landed, these without 
the least hesitation joined our party also. They were well-prepared with arras, consisting 
of long spears, bows, and arrows, together with an iron dagger that each man wore about 
his neck or wTist.’* (Vol. II, pp. 334-335.) 
“Amongst these visitors was one whose character we could not define. This was a 
S )ung man, who seemed to differ very materially from the rest in his general deportment. 
e was dressed in a blue jacket and trousers, and .seemed to be perfectly at his ease, par- 
ticularly with respect to the pockets, which to persons unacquainted with their use generally 
produce embarrassment; he w'as very fond of cigars, which he smoked in the Spanish 
fashion, discharging the fumes through his nostrils, and also of snuff; and we had great 
reason to believe that he had made free with a snuff-box that was in the cabin, and which 
W'as the only thing missed during the visit of these people. All our different kinds of pro- 
visions were perfectly familiar to this young man, who ate and drank of everything that was 
given to him for this purpose, without the least hesitation, and with the greatest glee and 
appetite. His person had nothing of the European character in it, but from attentively 
ob^rving his countenance, w'e w'ere inclined to suppose him a native of New Spain, who 
might possibly have deserted from some of the Spanish vessels employed in the examin- 
ation of this coast. He was more intelligent than any of the Indians we had found on these 
shores, particularly in respect of the different channels leading through this divided 
country.” (Vol. II, p. 394.) 
“So far as any conclusion could be drawn from this short interview, the Russians 
seemed to live upon the most intimate terms of friendship with the Indians of all descrip- 
tions, who appeared to be perfectly satisfied in being subjected to the Russian authority.” 
(Vol. Ill, p. 123.) 
“Although W'e could not gratify our curiosity to the extent I could have wished 
respecting the situation of the Russians, yet I could not avoid feeling a degree of satisfaction 
in observing the comfortable manner in wduch they seem to five amongst these untutored 
children of nature; having gained them over to be obedient to their wishes they appear to 
maintain their influence not by fear, as their conquerors, but by having found the way 
to their hearts, and by securing an affectionate regard.” (Vol. Ill, p. 199.) 
“The interest that the Indians seem to take in the success and welfare of the Russians 
originates in principles of attachment and regard which do not ajjpcar likely to be easily 
removed by the influence of strangers to the prejudice of the Russian commercial interest, 
and which from the practice of the present day may probably be strengthened in the 
succeeding generations; for although the Russians did not appear to uj either studious 
or learned, yet it was understood that in all their establishments the children of the natives 
are taken at an early age to apartments provided on purpose, where they are maintained 
and educated in the Russian language, and no doubt instructed in such principles as are 
most likely hereafter to be advantageously directed to the interests of that nation.” 
(Vol III, p. 201.) 
“He hoped that we should be much pleased by being entertained according to their 
manner of receiving visitors. 
This indescribable group of figures was drawn up before us; and notwithstanding 
we W’ere perfectly satisfied of the harmless and peaceable intentions of these people, yet 
I believe there was not one of our party entirely free from those sensations wdiich will 
naturally arise from the sight of such unusual objects; whose savage and barbarous appear- 
ance W'as not a little augmented by their actions and vociferous behaviour, accompanied 
by an exhibition that consisted principally of jumping in a very peculiar manner. In this 
effort the legs did not seem to partake much of the exertion, although they sometimes 
raised themselves to a considerable height; and we understood that those were considered 
to be the best performers who kept their feet constantly parallel to each other, or in one 
certain position, wdth the least possible inclination of the knees. After these had finished 
their part, Maquinna performed a mask dance by himself, in which, with great address, 
he frequently and ahnost imperceptibly changed his mask; this seemed to be a very 
favourite amusement of his, as he appeared to be in high spirits, and to take great delight 
in the performance. The masks he had made choice of, certainly did credit to his imagin- 
ation in point of w'himsical effect; his dress was different from that worn by any of the other 
performers, consisting of a cloak and a kind of short apron, covered with hollow shells, 
and small pieces of copper so placed as to strike against each other, and to produce a 
jingling noise; w’hich, l^ing accompanied by the music before described as a substitute for 
a drum, and some vocal exertions, produced a savage, discordant noise as offensive to 
the ear as the former exhibition had been to the eye.” (Vol. Ill, pp 308-309.) 
