THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 
129 
. we embarked to return to the fhips. We had prevailed 
upon Pedro to launch his canoe, and accompany us; but 
we had fcarcely put off from the Ihore, when the wind 
began to blow very hard at North Well, which obliged 
him to put back. We proceeded ourfelves, but it was with 
a good deal of difficulty that we could reach the fhips ; 
where fome of the boats did not arrive till one o’clock 
the next morning; and it was fortunate that they got on 
board then, for it afterward blew r a perfect ftorm, with 
abundance of rain, fo that no manner of work could go 
forward that day. In the evening the gale ceafed, and 
the wind having veered to the Eaft, brought with it fair 
weather. 
The next day we refumed our v r orks; the natives ven¬ 
tured out to catch fifh; and Pedro, with all his family, came 
and took up his abode near us. This Chief’s proper name 
is Matahouah ; the other being given him by fome of my 
people during my laft Voyage, which I did not know till 
now. He was, however, equally well known among.fi: his 
countrymen by both names. 
On the 20th, in the forenoon, v r e had another ftorm from 
the North Weft. Though this was not of fo long continu¬ 
ance as the former, the gufts of wind from the hills were 
far more violent, infomuch that we were obliged to ftrike 
the yards and top-mafts to the very utmoft; and, even with 
all this precaution, it was with difficulty that we rode it 
out. Thefe ftorms are very frequent here, and fometimes 
violent and troublefome. The neighbouring mountains, 
which at thefe times are always loaded with vapours, not 
only increafe the force of the wind, but alter its direction in 
fuch a manner, that no two blafts follow each other from 
the fame quarter ; and the nearer the fhore, the more their 
effects are felt. 
Vol. I. S The 
1777. 
February. 
U.— y ——; 
Monday 17. 
Tuefday 18. 
Tliurfday 20. 
