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.
IT will be recollected that the destination of the Boston, when she
sailed from Astoria on the 4th of August in 1812, was to proceed
northwardly along the coast to Sheetka, or New Archangel, there to
dispose of that part of her cargo intended for the supply of the Russian
establishment at that place, and then to return to Astoria, where it was
expected she would arrive in October.
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