the Columbia, still under command of Grey, discovered "the great river of the West," which bears her name.
August 28, 1794, the sloop Union, 98 tons, commanded by Captain John Boit, sailed from Newport, R. I., for a voyage around the globe. It was successfully accomplished. Boit had been an officer on board the Columbia during her second voyage of discovery, and when he took command of the Union was only twenty-one years of age. The following is an extract from his journal written at the time:
"The sloop Union was fitted out in Newport, R. I., for a voyage to the North West coast of America, China, Isle of France and back to Boston. She was completely overhauled during the months of July and August, and on the 28th of August dropped into Coasters Harbor. Stores and provisions were taken aboard for a three years' cruise, besides a cargo of sheet copper, bar iron, blue cloth, blankets, trinkets, and other articles suitable for traffic with the North West Indians for furs. The sloop was completely fitted out for the voyage with a crew of 22 in number. Had good quarters, mounting 10-carriage guns, 6 & 3 pounders & eight swivels on the rails."
In closing his account of the voyage Captain Boit remarks, "During this voyage which lasted 22 ½ months the crew enjoyed good health. No doubt the care that was taken to keep them clean and to fumigate their berths was the best preventation for the scurvy that could possibly have been
