, 1853-06-18

/ measuring tnem. OnC5 lDdt was NOV oOiVS'
ed as the largest, for there were many of
equal if not greater length and diameter
was measured, and part that lay in one piece
was found to be two hundred feet long an
other piece of the same tree was twenty
five feet long, and at the small end Of theI
latter, it was still ten inches in diameter
Allowing twelve feet for the portion de-
stroycd by fire, Mr.. Ed thought twenty
five ought to be added for its top which
makes the whole length Of the tree, when
growing, two hundred and sixty feet
Others were believed TO exceed this, both il
height and diameter.
During the time of Mr.. Eds absence,
| Mr.. Colvocoressis remained at the camp,
and Mr.. Breckenridge made short excur-
sions to the south of the Chickecles. The
country on this side of the river is covered
with thick spruce forest, the soil appears
to differ much from that Of the north, being
poor, and composed of mixture Of sand
and gravel, while on the north side it is an
alluvial deposit, averaging from a half 10
two-ihrds of mile in width, well adapted
to yield good crops Of grain. From the marks
on the trees, however, it is believed to be
subject to an annual inundation Of consd-
cradle depth. The weather continued dry
and clear.
Near this encampmenl were found some
rudely carved painted planks, Of which Mr..
Ed made drawing. These planks were
placed upright, and nothing could be learned
Of their origin. The colors were exceed
ingly bright, of kind of red pigment.
In descending the Chickeeles the next
morning, they soon perceived by its shores
that there was an ebb and flow of the waters.
Mr.. Ed tried its current, and found it set
ting food about one fathom per hour. As
they proceeded, the shores lod some oftheir
luxuriance of foliage, the banks had become
high, and SO muddy that they had some diff
ficulty in finding suitable place TO encamp
Some talcose slate was seen 10 compose the
bluffs on the south side Of the river, but it
was so soft and fragile that il could not be
brought away. The only natives seen this
day were two miserable-looking beings Of
the Chickeeles tribe, but they could not un-
derstand the interpreter Joe, either in the
Nisqually or Chinook dialect. The party
encamped in hemlock grove, so thick as TO
render il impossible for the usual nightly
observations to be taken. The surf was dis
tincily audible from the camp during the
night
On the 3lst, after passing two elbows in
The river, the cape on the south Of the en-
trance 10 Gray's Harbor was seen. The
flood tide was very strong against them,
SO that they made but slow progress, and as
they opened out the harbor and entered il,
they found strong southwest wind blowing,
which caused a short and disagreeable sea,
that they very nearly swamped their small
canoe, and obliged them 10 run for the lee
shore. Here all the things were taken out
and placed to dry, on one of the huge
trees that had been brought down by the
freshets. From this awkward situation they
were relieved by the old squaw chief, who
had preceded them from Nisqually. She
came over in her large canoe, with ten In.
dians, and offered to carry the party over to
the weather shore, where they could encamp
in less exposed place The offer was gladly
accepted, and they were taken over 10 the
village.
Mr.. Ed here endeavored to treat for the
purchase Of large canoe, in which attempt
his patience was exhausted, for when the
bargain was all but closed. difficulties OF q
trivial nature were brought up which entire
ly broke off the negotiation. The Indians
Of this village proved themselves 10 be in
all respects like the tribes in The interior,
who will never adhere 10 bargain if they
can avoid it.
MIR. Ed and his party had now a great
many difficulties 10 contend with in carrying
forward survey of the harbor. These
arose as well from the want Of weather as
the want Of means. The Indians for some
days continued unwilling to lend them any
aid in the management Of their canoes, and
none of them could be induced TO venture
out in what they deemed stormy weather :;
another reason for not engaging in the ser
vice was, they did not wish to leave their
wives behlnd. 1t being at last agreed that
their wives should accompany them, MIR.
C0lvocoressis embarked in order 10 Join Mr..
Ed but to do this it was necessary to en-
counter both the wind and sea, in conse-
quence Of which the Indians refused 10 pro-
coed unless they had an extra allowance of
powder and tobacco.
This being refused, they quietly stcercd
the canoe back to the encamPmcnt. On ar
irving there, it soon became evident to Mr..
Colvocoressis that their intention was 10
take away their canoe, for they at once be-
gan to put in her the few things they pos
sesscd. He there fore took two of their guns,
and concealed them in one Of the tents. An
Indian. the moment Mr.. Colvocoressis's
back was turned TO the tents. drew his knife,
rushed into them, and brought forth the guns,
one of which he handed to woman. The
muskct which the squaw had was again
taken, upon which the Indians said that they
would complete their bargain, and induced
/ Mr. ColVororcesis Io haI,ava th,,. ,,,,,,IJ A.,