From Cook’s river, the Chatham proceeded to Nootka Sound, where she again joined the Discovery; with which ship she afterwards went to the southward, for the purpose of exploring Columbia river, then recently discovered. On arriving at the entrance thereof, the Chatham led in and anchored; but from the state of the weather, the Discovery was obliged to stand out to sea, and ultimately proceeded to Port St. Francisco, in New Albion.
The examination of Columbia river occupied near three weeks; in which time the constant gales of wind had thrown up so dreadful a surf across the entrance, that to gain the offing appeared almost impossible. For several days Mr. Manby was employed sounding the bar; and not finding less than three fathoms water, his commander resolved to make the attempt. A favorable breeze assisted their efforts; and notwithstanding the fury of the surf, by which she was often erected nearly an end, Mr. Manby, from the fore-top-sailyard, succeeded in conning her out to sea without any serious injury, although each surge, after breaking at the height of the lower yards, swept her deck, and threatened destruction to all on board. A more perilous time was never known by the oldest seaman.
At length Captain Vancouver, finding the officers he had sent to Europe, concerning the adjustment of the differences relative to Nootka Sound, did not return, promoted Mr. Manby from the Chatham, to be a Lieutenant in the Discovery, where he continued till that ship returned to England, and was paid off, in the fall of 1795.
This expedition added much to the geographical knowledge of the world, the vessels having kept sight of the continental shore from the 30th to the 62d degree of North latitude. On their passage home, they called at the island of Cocoa, the Gallapagos, and Valparaiso; rounded Cape Horn, and anchored at St. Helena.
Lieutenant Manby afterwards served in the Juste of 84 guns, commanded by the Hon. Thomas Pakenham; and in 1796, when the late Lord Hugh Seymour prepared a squadron for the South Sea, that nobleman applied for him to be placed under his orders; in consequence of which he was
