The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-22
SAN Francisco, CALIFORNIA, I
April 25, 1850.
To the Hon. WM. M. MEREDITH,
If

Il vi.
Secretary Of the Ireds,Hy.
SIR: Although on furlough, yet feel that when
can give what believe to be useful information TO
the Department, it is my duty to do 50, and there
fore take the liberty of sending you brief report
Of my late voyage for the purpose Of exploring the
coast of California from Bodega bay to the anchor
age at Cape st. George.
sailed from this port in command of tho schooner
Laura Virginia, with party of gentlemen, for
Trinity bay, and also to max examinations for the
mouth of Trinity river. The schooner under my
command being well adapted for coasting, gave me
considerable advantage the numerous vessels
that had preceded me, and no doubt contributed
much to my ultimate success.
During the fret two days of my voyage, the wea-
Their was thick, and our progress slow; but from
Pinnacle Rock, in latitude 800 on, had an oppor-
tunity of seeing most Of the shore. The timber be-
gins to show itself some distance TO the south Of
Pinnacle Rock, and proceeded to the north
became more dense, and the trees nearer to the
ocean. The coast generally is rocky, but safe for
the purposes Of navigation, all danger seemed to
show itself The sea. breeze blows from northwest
but not regular, and comes in generally about IL ,
a. m, and ceases at b, p. m, which renders the
coast peculiarly well suited for steam navigation,
as il is almost calm within four miles OF the land
eighteen hours in the day; and the further we went
north the less regular found the northwest trade.
winds. After passing Cape Mendocin about six
miles, which in latitude 400 90 the land trends 10
the eastward, and forms a considerable indent aton
or bay, with valley of some ten or fifteen miles in
width, and running back as far as the eye could
reach.
We now ran along within half ruilc of a low
sand beach, upon which the sea was breaking hea.
Willy, expecting TO find river Of considerable mag.
nit ind stfch h. .nI k.J ~,
satisfaction Of seeing large stream winding lite
way among the woodlands.
! spent two days in the sounding and waiting for
a smooth sea to get over the bar, lat 40o AZ and
finally attempted II, but had the misfortune 10 up
set one Of our boats, by which accident valuable
life was lost. was in the other boat and succeeded
in saving the remaining gentlemen composing the
crew. was satisfied, however, that my vessel
could enter with safety, but the great difficulty
which presented itself to get her out for there
seemed 10 be heavy and constant run Of breakers
at it's mouth sufficient TO render a sail craft unman-
ageable have since been informed. by persons
competent to Judge that this river is nayigable for
forty or fifty miles, and that il passes through
section Of country diversified with hill and valley
woodland and prairie, with soil 90 rich and deep
that ages of culture will not exhaust it, We again
stood 10 the northward and, after passing head.
land, which have named Ridge Point, noticed
that the country still continued open the ocean,
and from the mast head discovered inside Of a sand
bank large bay, but no clear entrance showed IT,
self was. however, Of the opinion that 80 large
a sheet of water have an outlet Of considera-
bic depth; and from the anchorage at Trinity bay,
lat. 4lo 0S 55, party was despatched overland
on the 4th Of April TO examine the topography on
the shores Of the bay, and 10 gain some knowledge
Of the channel On April sth they returned to
Trinidad bay, and ! again proceeded 10 the en-
trance Of the large bay lat 400 4s and after sound
ing the bar and channel, sent in my boats and
landed psrty-did not find less than four fsthoms
water on the bar, and which, after crossing, deep
cned TO ten fathoms spcst two days in sound
ing the depth Of the water, and examining the ca
pacity Of this beautiful bay, which is about sixteen
miles in length, and fromone TO five in breadth, with
safe anchorage for two three hundred sail ofships
Latitude Of the point where our first tent was
pitched, 400 AZ 59'.
In both the northern and southern parts Of the
bay there arc extensive flats, dry at low water
but the country surrounding its shores has been
pronounced, by persons competent TO judge as pos
sessing in the highest degree, all that is requisite
for hourshing agricultural district, as well as TO
furnish timber for all the cities and towns in Cali
fornia. And, so far appearance goes, il lie one
Of the most beautiful sections Of country that have
ever looked upon, being well watered and possess
ing ss much prairie would probably be needed
ior culture for some years.