DR. JOHN SCOULER'S JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO N. W. AMERICA.
[1824-'25-'26.]
III.
Departing Visit to the Columbia on the Return from the Voyage to the North and Homeward Bound.
1 September, 1825.—In the afternoon we were of[f] the Columbia River but as it was late we did not cross the bar but stood out to sea till next day. Off the bar we saw many birds of the genera Larus, Anas, & Colymbus. The Pelecanus onocrotalus was also very abundant. This bird we did not see during our first visit to the Columbia & I was informed that it only frequents the river in tire autumnal months.
3d.—We crossed the bar to-day with a favorable breeze & came to anchor in Baker's bay. Our Chinook friends soon visited us; they had heard many ridiculous reports concerning our fate, & seamed pleased that we were safe back again. During our absence they had been engaged in several quarrels & are at present as unsettled as when we first entered the river.
4th.— This forenoon we left Baker's bay & proceeded to point Ellis. In our progress we passed the burying ground of Comcomli; here in the space of two years, the unfortunate old man had deposited the remains of 8 individuals of his family. The canoes had a curious & melancholy appearance; they were covered with laced coats, silks & beads, & every article which the deceased possessed. The Indians, like our late [?] ancestors, deposit the canoes of the dead along with the body. C[omc]omly's sons had their
