season had now arrived, and I much doubted even of the propriety of nearing, much more attempting to enter, the river Columbia.
On the morning of the 9th October, having completed our observations at Friendly Cove, Nootka, we sailed, intending to call off the mouth of the river Columbia, and if tranquil enter; but twenty-four hours after our departure, the weather proved boisterous, attended by a long westerly swell, which rendered it necessary to preserve our offing, and make the best of our way to San Francisco.
On the morning of the 19th October, we made Punta de los Reyes and the Farallones, the weather being beautifully fine, and the sea smooth; but the breeze throughout the day did not enable us to make much progress, and further tantalized us by springing up at sunset. Having closely surveyed the entrance to this port in 1827, I felt satisfied that it was safer and less harassing to our crew to enter by night, than to remain outside, subject to sudden bad weather, as well as the chance of drifting on the bar, where a very unpleasant swell prevails with the ebb.
About nine we entered the heads, and shortly after midnight, as the moon cleared the eastern hills, we dropped anchor in Yerba Buena Bay. We were fortunate in having entered, as it presently blew half a gale, and the Starling outside experienced very unpleasant weather.
