He determined to send
the Enterprise to sea alone, and let her take the chance of making her
unprotected way across the ocean. Just at this time, however, a British
force made its appearance off the Hook; and the port of New York was
effectually blockaded. To send a ship to sea under these circumstances,
would be to expose her to almost certain capture. The Enterprise was,
therefore, unloaded and dismantled, and Mr. Astor was obliged to comfort
himself with the hope that the Lark might reach Astoria in safety and,
that, aided by her supplies, and by the good management of Mr. Hunt and
his associates, the little colony might be able to maintain itself until
the return of peace.
CHAPTER LVI.
Affairs of State at Astoria.--M'Dougal Proposes for the Hand
of An Indian Princess--Matrimonial Embassy to Comcomly.--
Matrimonial Notions Among the Chinooks.--Settlements and
Pin-Money.--The Bringing Home of the Bride.--A Managing
Father-in-Law.--Arrival of Mr. Hunt at Astoria.
WE have hitherto had so much to relate of a gloomy and disastrous
nature, that it is with a feeling of momentary relief we turn to
something of a more pleasing complexion, and record the first, and
indeed only nuptials in high life that took place in the infant
settlement of Astoria.
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