LOG OF THE COLUMBIA 307
and we soon see from the Mast head a passage in between the breakers. Bore off and run in NEBE., having from 4 to 9 fathom sand, an excellent strong tide setting out. The boat having made a signal for anchorage and a good harbour, we continued to stretch on till completely within the shoals when we anchor'd in 5 fm. in an excellent harbour. Vast many canoes came off, full of Indians. They appear'd to be a savage set, and was well arm'd, every man having his Quiver and Bow slung over his shoulder. Without doubt we are the first Civilized people that ever visited this port, and these poor fellows view'd us and the Ship with the greatest astonish- ment. Their language was different from any we have yet heard. The Men were entirely naked, and the Women, except a small Apron before made of Rushes, was also in a state of Nature. They was stout made, and very ugly. Their canoes was from the Logs, rudely cut out, with upright ends. We purchas'd many furs and fish.
. N. Latt. 46 58'; W. Long. 123 0'. Vast many canoes along side, full of Indians. They brought a great many furs which we purchas'd cheap, for Blankets and Iron. We was fearfull to send a Boat on discovery, but I've no doubt we was at the Entrance of some great river, as the water was brack- ish, and the tide set out half the time. This evening heard the hooting of Indians, all hands was immediately under arms. Several canoes was seen passing near the Ship, but was dispers'd by firing a few Muskets over their heads. At Mid- night we heard them again, and soon after as 't was bright moonlight, we see the canoes approaching to the Ship. We fird severall cannon over them, but still persisted to advance, with the war Hoop. 125 At length a large canoe with at least 20 Men in her got within y 2 pistol shot of the quarter, and with a Nine-pounder, loaded with langerege and about 10
125 Capt. Gray, in hit log, makes no mention of this attack. He had similar experiences on the coast of Vancouver Island and further north. The circum- stances suggest the presence of a war party from the south. The natives there would have been of the Chehalis or Chickales tribe of the Chinookan family. Compare with Vancouver's Voyages, ist Edit., vol. a, pp. 79-02, where is related the visit to this harbor of Lieut. Joseph Whitbey in the Daedalus, who remained there Oct. ipth-Nov. loth, 1702, and encountered very few Indians and those very peaceable. Whidbey bestowed the names Point Brown and Point New, which still remain. Capt. Gray left no nomenclature here.
