'793- the moft rude and extravagant geftures that can be imagined. The
|3eptt.iii_ cr., prjncjpaj parts were performed by the chiefs, each in fucceffion becoming
the leader or hero of the long'; at the feveral paufes of
which, I was prefented by the exhibiting chief with a fea otter flcin
and the Indian fpeftators feemed to regret the performance was at an end,
from which they had apparently derived great amufement.
There were five chiefs belonging to the affociated parties ; thefe, after
they had played their parts, defired to be admitted on board. Onon-
nijloy gave us to' underftand, that as peace and goodwill were now completely
eftablilhed, he wifhed that trading might be allowed ; this taking
place accordingly, lèverai fea otter Ikins o f a middling quality, a
great number of falmon, and various trivial articles, were purchafed. Firearms
and ammunition were at firll demanded in exchange, but on finding
that thefe were pofitively and uniformly with-held, they very foon became
reconciled to the refufal, and entered into a brille traffic for blue
cloth, filés, and tin kettles, which they preferred next to fire-arms, in
exchange for their fea otter Ikins ; but their fifh and other lefs valuable
articles, Were readily parted with, for pewter fpoons, looking glalfes, beads,
and other trinkets. The party of Indians thus alfembled amounted to about
fixty perfens, who conduced themfelves with ftrift honefly and much
propriety.
Amongft thefe vifitors was one whole character we could not define.
This was a young man, who feemed to differ very materially from the
reft in his general deportment. He was dreffed .in a blue jacket and
trowlers, and leaned to be perfeftly at his eafe, particularly with refpeft
to the pockets, which to perfons unacquainted with their ufe generally
produce embarraffment ; he was very fond of fegars, which he fmoked
in the Spanilh falhion, difeharging the fumes through his noftrils, and
alfo o f fnuff ; and we had great reafon to believe that he had made
free with a fnuff-box that was in the cabin, and which was the only
thing miffed during the vifit o f thefe people. All our different kinds
o f provifions were perfeftly familiar, to this young man, who ate
and drank of every thing that was given to him for this purpofe,
without the leaft hefitation, and with the greateft glee and appetite..
R O U N D T H E WOR L D .
tite. His perfon had nothing of the European character in it, but from
attentively obferving his countenance, we were inclined to fuppofe
him a native of New Spain, who might poffibly have defer ted from
fome of the Spanifh veffels employed in the examination o f this coaft.
He was more intelligent than any of the Indians we had found on thefe
fhores, particularly in refpeft of the different channels leading through
this divided country. From his information we clearly underflood, that
the opening to the north-weft: of cape Caamano would be found to
have fome branches on its northern fhore, terminating at fome diftance
in land; and although it was a great diflanoe from hence, yet that that
branch led to the ocean. His fondnefs for tobacco favored the conjecture
o f his not being a native of thefe fhores, as he was the firft
who had fought after this luxury. Under the idea of his having de-
ferted from the Spaniards, we interrogated him in their language, but
to no effeCt; and if we were right in this conjecture, he conducted him-
felf in a manner fo as to evade our queftions, and to avoid detection;
for he did not betray the leaft knowledge of the Spanifh tongue. This,
however, he might have artfully concealed, left he fhould have been taken
from his prefent way of life, which he undoubtedly preferred, as he declined
my offer of taking him with me on board the Difcovery.
The period for Mr. Johnftone’s return began now to draw near, and
that we might on his arrival be immediately ready to follow up his re-
fearches, the brewing utenftls and all our other matters were taken from
the fhore, the {hip was warped out of the port, and anchored near its
fouthern point of entrance, in 25 fathoms water, foft bottom.
This port I named after Mr. John Stewart, one o f the mates, P o r t
S t e w a r t , in compliment of that gentleman’s having made a very
good furvey of i t ; its fouth point o f entrance is fituated in latitude 55
38' 15"/longitude 228° 24', with 28° 30' eaftwardly variation. It is formed,
as before Hated, by a bay in the land, having feveral iflets and rocks
lying before i t ; within thefe, from the fouth point o f its entrance, it
takes a courfe n . 27 w., about half a league in length, and three quarters
of a mile in breadth. In this fpace it affords good and feeure an-
g E 2 choragea
395'
September.
Monday si