commenced clearing here, and is about to erect a dwelling-house, and make this place his home. May success crown his efforts to serve Oregon in this capacity of a judge to administer the laws, as well as in his labors to cultivate and improve the soil.
On reaching the vicinity of Woody Island it grew dark, and a strong wind blowing, we anchored for the night. During the night we experienced heavy squalls, and our anchor dragged at one time so considerably, that it was deemed prudent to get up stream to keep from drifting on shore. Serious apprehensions were, for a short time, entertained, for the safety of the boat and the passengers on board, by those who were asleep—but as soon as the efficient engineer, Mr. Kamm, informed us that "steam was up," our fears vanished, "and all was well."
On the morning of the 27th we got under way, and on arriving at Astoria we were saluted by the loud booming of cannon. The U. S. Pacific Mail Steamer Oregon having just arrived, we received from the gentlemanly Purser, files of late California papers.
Astoria is well known as being the first settlement of the white men in the territory. It was for many years the principal trading post of the North West Fur Company. The location of this place so near the mouth of the Columbia, will insure its growth and advancement as the country increases in trade and commerce; and the same may be also said of her younger sister, Pacific City, a thriving little town, on the north side of the river and some 18 or 20 miles distant from Astoria. It has a good harbor, known as Baker's Bay. We visited the place on the afternoon of the 28th; but being late we did not any of us land; but the citizens of the place to the number 12 or 15 met us in a boat—came on board—exchanged friendly salutations; and on leaving gave three cheers for the "Lot Whitcomb," which was responded to by three cheers for Capt. Holman; and three cheers for Pacific City, when we returned to Astoria, and anchored for the night.
