- He likely means Strait of Juan de Fuco, which north of Port Townsend past Point Wilson. He mentions returning via Point Wilson in the next paragraph. Regarding Mr. Ross, Benjamin Ross is a possible candidate because he was in the vicinity at the time.
- We returned by way of Point Wilson, in order to see a stratum of what Mr. Hastings called “ignite.” We failed to see any bear, of which there were many indications, but we killed a few grouse and Dr. Haden wounded a large eagle, which I was foolish enough to approach. He attacked me fiercely, sinking his bill and claws firmly into my leg, causing intense pain. I was only released after I had cut his head off with my knife.
- At Mr. Hastings’ his wife had prepared a dinner of native products, which our walk of about ten miles had prepared us to enjoy. There was clam soup, a saddle of bear which I had sent up, fresh bread, butter and buttermilk and currant and gooseberry pie.
- This evening I paid my respects to the lords of the country. There were also some distinguished Americans among their number. “Gen. Taylor” showed a letter of recommendation he had received from Moses16, post collector; “John C. Calhoun” sold to us a pretty little canoe for the sum of $5.50 which we proposed to use as a tender to our launch in shallow water. The “Duke of Clarence” has stretched my bearskin for me.
- These Indians are of the Clallam tribe. They all claim to be chiefs, and their names have been given to them by the whites. A man named Hancock, of Port Townsend, gave me some information concerning an old man named Church, who had been killed on Whidby Island. He believed the Indians had killed & the Indians claim that he was killed by a Kikealis. I was told also that Col. Eby, the newly appointed collector of the post, can give me some definite knowledge, as he was on the coroner’s inquest. The colonel lives directly opposite on Whidby island. His residence is visible, as it is only six miles across the straits at this point.
