LOG OF THE COLUMBIA 303
27. I am sorry to be under the necessity of remarking that this day I was sent, with three boats all well man'd and arm'd, to destroy the village of Opitsatah. It was a Command I was no ways tenacious of, and am grieved to think Capt. Gray shou'd let his passions go so far. 112 This village was about half a mile in diameter, and contained upwards of 200 Houses, generally well built for Indians; every door that you enter'd was in resemblance to an human and Beasts head, the passage being through the mouth, besides which there was much more rude carved work about the dwellings some of which was by no means inelegant. This fine village, the work of Ages, was in a short time totally destroy'd.
CRUIZING TO THE S. AND E. OF DE FUCA STRAITS
April 2. Weigh'd in company with the Sloop, and left Clio- quot harbour, and stood to the South'd with the Ship, while the Sloop haul'd her wind to the Northward. Parted, with loud Huzzas, a proper rendevous being appointed.
3. On the 3d passed De Fuca Straits, experience blowing weather on the coast, but generally keep sight of the Land. The Shore seems sandy, and the land of a moderate height, with much clear ground fit for cultivation. 113 Lat. 45 15'. There is regular soundings of this Coast, which is not the case to the Northward.
7. N. Latt. 44 56'; W. Long. 122 52*. Very blowing weather, and quite cold. Beating off the Coast, waiting for to find a good harbour. 114 The weather grows pleasant.
9. N. Latt. 44 24'; W. Long. 122 17' Pleasant weather, wind NW. Running along shear to the South and East'd, about 2 miles off the land trended NBE. and NEW., and look'd very pleasant. The Shore made in sandy beaches, and the land rose gradually back, into high hills and the beautiful
1 12 Neither Haswell nor Hoskins mentions the destruction of this village Opitsitah; but there is no reason to doubt the fact. Gray had made a threat to give the natives powder and shot when he reached the village. His conduct after the attempt to take the ship was that of an angry man; Hoskins record* many instances of his exhibitions of passion, and complains bitterly of this con- duct, which was only ruining the chances of trade with these people, who were great hunters.
(Notes 113-138 inclusive by T. C Elliott.)
1 13 Cruising to southward along coast of state of Washington, and this observation taken off Cape Lookout
1 14 Observation taken a little north of Cape Foulweather on coast of Oregon.
