Was this the fabled river of the
West, that Indians said ran to the setting sun? Away up in the
Athabasca Country of Canadian wilds was another man, Alexander
Mackenzie, setting to himself that same task of finding the great river
of the West. Besides, in 1775, Heceta, the Spanish navigator from
Monterey, had drifted close to this coast with a crew so stricken with
scurvy not a man could hoist anchor or reef sails. Heceta thought he
saw the entrance to a river; but was unable to come within twenty miles
of the opening to verify his supposition. And now Gray's crew were on
the watch for that supposed river; but more mundane things than glory
had become pressing needs. Water was needed for drinking. The ship
was out of firewood. The live stock must have hay; and in the crew of
twelve, three-quarters were ill of the scurvy. These men must be taken
ashore. Somewhere near what is now Cape Lookout, or Tillamook Bay, the
rowboat was launched to sound, safe anchorage found, and the _Lady
Washington_ towed in harbor.
{220} The _Lady Washington_ had anchored about half a mile from shore,
but the curiously carved canoes came dancing over the waves in myriads.
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