Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1861-07-20

Flattery in honor of tie Nootka chief
Tatoochatticus, who at one time held
sway over that portion Of the coast. The
word Tootooche, or Tatooche, in the
Jargoh means milk, or breasts. 1t is
originally a Nootkan word. But in the
same language the word Tatootshe, very
similar in sound, means thunder, or
the fire from thunder, and in this sig
nifcation, the name Tatooche, thunder
or fire Island, seems very appropriate
name.
The houses of the Indians are built
on the rocks at the landing, so as to be
out of the way of the tide. They are
strongly made of cedar boards, aud are
both large and comfortable. I have not
space in this communication to give
what would be ofinterest to your read
ers, a full description of the Mackah
tribe of Indians, their manners and GUS
toms, their intrepidity and skill in the
management of their canoes, and their
fcarlessness in launching forth upon the
waves in pursuit Of whales, which at
certain seasons abound in this vicinity.
A full description of this interesting
tribe was published by me in the San
Francisco Bulletin last year, entitled
"Two Months among the Mackah In
dians." can only at this time give
your readers description of whaling
scene, of which was a witness from
the summit of the island.
A few days previous to this, the In
dams had killed a whale, and were rev.
cling in all the glories Of a blubber
teast-truly feast of fatness. There
had been q gale of wind, which had
now somewh1t abated, although there
was very heavy sea running which
made it dangerous to any but the most
expert to dare launch boat or canoe
with any expectation of getting through
the combers on the beach. From the
the top ofthe island nearthe light house
the Indians have lookout where, at
almost all times OF day or night, one or
more arc stationed, either to watch the
changes of the weather or else to look
out for whales. One of these watchers
on the afternoon of the day l speak of,
had stepped into the shelter of the lee
side of the light house, and while speak
ing with me he discovered something
floating to the windward of the island.
BY aid of spy-glass we saw that twas
dead whale, drifting in rapidly with
the tide. The Indian at once ran to
give the alarm, and in less time than it
takes me to write, there were six large
canoes, each containing eight men,
launched through the serf, and all put
off to secure the prize. A harpoon, to
which the ropewas fast, was darted into
the whales head, and then all the canoes
made fast to the rope aud slowly towed
the whale to the landing. The head
canoe, as they approached the breakers,
made fast tho end Of a spare rope to the
one they were towing the whale with,
and watching their opportunity, made
landing through tho surf; when hasti-
ly hauling their canoe out Of the reach
OF tide or waves, the eight men joined
by q crowd Of others on the beach, COM
meuced hauling in the line. The other
canoes now left of towing, and one At.
another effected . safe landing when
all hands took hold Of the rope and
hauled the whale upon the beach . far
q tho tide would Aoat him. They now
held . council about the prise. They
agreed that ~ no one among them had
killed the whale, no one was entitled
to the prior right, but that the chief
should have the choice cuts. The
whale was then LEFT for tho morning
tide (which ran out further than the
evening tide) to leave dry for them to
cut up. I went down to witness the
operation, and certainly Of al the hlthy
sights this was the filthiest I ever cav.
The whale had been killed By sword
Ash, and W. In that STATE called By
whalemsn "blasied," and consequently
the perfume emitted from it did not