i l l I; I
miuli fi fitlil nti;
survey of this magnificent port, which possesses almost all the requisites C H A P .
for a great naval establishment, and is so advantageously situated
with regard to North America and China, and the Pacific in general,
Dec.
1826.
that it will, no doubt, at some future time, be of great importance. We
completed the examination of those parts of the harbour which were
likely to be frequented by vessels for some years to come, in which it
is proper to mention, in order to give as much publicity to the circumstance
as possible, that we discovered a rock between Alcatrasses and
Yerba Buena Islands, dangerous to both shipping and boats, in consequence
of its rising suddenly from about seven fathoms so near to
the surface, as to occasion strong overfalls with the tides. A shoal
was also found to the eastward of the landing-place off the presidio,
which ought to be avoided by boats sailing along shore. In my nautical
remarks, I purpose giving directions for avoiding both these dangers,
which are the only hidden ones in that part of the harbour, which is at
present frequented.
On the 28th, we took leave of our hospitable and affable friends,
Martinez and Padre Tomaso, full of gratitude for their kindness and
attention to our wants ; weighed anchor, and bade adieu to the Port of
Sán Francisco, in which we had all received material benefit from the
salubrity of its climate, the refreshing product of its soil, and the healthy
exorcise we had enjoyed there. In the ship’s company, in particular,
there was the most apparent amendment; some of them from being so
emaciated on their arrival, that the surgeon could scarcely recognize
them, were now restored to their former healthy appearance, and we
had the satisfaction of sailing without a single case of sickness on board.
AVe had to regret during our stay the loss of one of our best men, Joseph
Bowers, a marine. He had accompanied one of the officers on a shooting
excursion, and was led by his naturally ardent and bold disposition to
plunge into a lake after some wild fowl that had been shot, forgetting
that he could not swim. His eagerness led him beyond his depth, and
in his attempt to regain his footing, he unfortunately perished before
any aid could be brouglit. His body was interred at the burial ground
near the presidio landing place, and was followed to the grave by all the