, 1853-08-27
Extracts from Wilkes Exploring
Expedition.

COLUMBIA RIvER.-lsl2.

COLUMBIA KlNEh.-lOlZ.
am well aware that many opinions have
been, and probably still are entertained,
relative to the prudence Of venturing with
the ship byforelhe channel had been explor-
ed and examined by the tender and boats.
This is but natural to one unacquainted with
the bar Of the Columbia river and IFS dang
IRA After having paid much attention 10
this subject, and having been engaged there
with the tender and boats in the survey, J
frel myself entitled 10 give an opinion as 10
the course pursued BY Captain Hudson, and
think il altogether correct. on every ground
Of expcdicnty, as well as the only proper
one for him to have followed under these
circumstances. Il will be recollecled that
he had been detained nearly three months
beyond his appointed time, and that he was
we'll aware that this would occasion much
Inconvenience 10 the progress Of our duties /;
bis anxiety to prevent any farther delay,
even Of few houIs, can readily be imagin-
ed. Tho time was, to all appearance, pro-
plious, and hesitation then might have rem
dsred il impossible to have entered for a
week. The tender going in ahead would
have been little or no security, for SHE would
undoubtedly have pursued the same course,
and have been, in all probability, lost and
thus the Peacock would have been obliged
at last 10 trust to the knowledge of those on
board Of her As respects the examination
Of The bar in boats, this is a thing next 10
impossible for the tides are so strong as 10
be beyond the power Of oars to contend
with, To wait until thorough knowledge
could be had Of the bar from survey, would
have been equally impossible at that time /;
al were uniformed, or incapable Of judg-
ing Of the accuracy Of the directions but,
50 Tar as appearances went, they seemed to
be lrle, and they are such as ] should even
now give, so far as Compass bearings are
concerned. But there is one difficulty that
will ever exist in passing over the bar, and
this nothing but an inliWole acquaintance
With The locality will remove. ] allude 10
ihe cross-tides, which are changing every
hall-hour. These tides are at times so rap
ID, that il is impossible to steer a ship by her
compass, or maintain her position and no
ailing directions can possibly embrace the
various effects produced by them upon a
vessel. A singular fact in illustration Of
ibis remark is, that the safest time 10 cross
the bar 10 when both the tide and wind are
adverseS and this is>tbe only port, within
my knowledge, whete this is the case
Captain Hudson, in veniuring the attempt
ioenter the Colombia, manifested the strong
est desire to accomplish his orders and for
ward the objects of the Expedition. Dis
regarding the wrll-known perils Of the nav
lgaiion, be did not hesitate, when in his
judgment the time was propitious, to incur
ihe dangers Of the bar, rather than subj ,ct
lhe service 10 further delay, which might
have proved as disastrous 10 the Expedition
a The loss Of the vessel.
There are no pilots for The entrance of
ne Columbia river, or rather, none that could
Be relied upon. Neither old Ramsey nor
george observe the name, nor were there
any other persons known who had sny pre-
tensions 10 be considered as pilots.
Havlrg set this matter I resi, ! shall pro
eeed to give the details of tho loss of the
Peacock.
On the ship striking, the helm was immc-
antcly put alec, and every practicable ef-
0It was madr 10 bring her by the wiul, ard