Occasion
according to the Chinook toilet; by dint, however, of copious
ablutions, she was freed from all adventitious tint and
fragrance, and entered into the nuptial state, the cleanest
princess that had ever been known, of the somewhat unctuous tribe
of the Chinooks.
From that time forward, Comcomly was a daily visitor at the fort,
and was admitted into the most intimate councils of his son-in-
law. He took an interest in everything that was going forward,
but was particularly frequent in his visits to the blacksmith's
shop; tasking the labors of the artificer in iron for every
state, insomuch that the necessary business of the factory was
often postponed to attend to his requisitions.
The honey-moon had scarce passed away, and M'Dougal was seated
with his bride in the fortress of Astoria, when, about noon of
the 20th of August, Gassacop, the son of Comcomly, hurried into
his presence with great agitation, and announced a ship at the
mouth of the river. The news produced a vast sensation. Was it a
ship of peace or war? Was it American or British? Was it the
Beaver or the Isaac Todd? M'Dougal hurried to the waterside,
threw himself into a boat, and ordered the hands to pull with all
speed for the mouth of the harbor. Those in the fort remained
watching the entrance of the river, anxious to know whether they
were to prepare for greeting a friend or fighting an enemy. At
length the ship was descried crossing the bar, and bending her
course towards Astoria. Every gaze was fixed upon her in silent
scrutiny, until the American flag was recognized. A general shout
was the first expression of joy, and next a salutation was
thundered from the cannon of the fort.
The vessel came to anchor on the opposite side of the river, and
returned the salute. The boat of Mr. M'Dougal went on board, and
was seen returning late in the afternoon. The Astorians watched
her with straining eyes, to discover who were on board, but the
sun went down, and the evening closed in, before she was
sufficiently near. At length she reached the land, and Mr. Hunt
stepped on shore. He was hailed as one risen from the dead, and
his return was a signal for merriment almost equal to that which
prevailed at the nuptials of M'Dougal.
We must now explain the cause of this gentleman's long absence,
which had given rise to such gloomy and dispiriting surmises.
CHAPTER LVII.
Voyage of the Beaver to New Archangel.- A Russian Governor.-
Roystering Rule.- The Tyranny of the Table- Hard Drinking
Bargainings.- Voyage to Kamtschatka.- Seal Catching Establishment
at St. Paul's.- Storms at Sea.- Mr. Hunt Left at the Sandwich
Islands. -Transactions of the Beaver at Canton.-Return of Mr.
Hunt to Astoria.
