May 13th. — At 9, A. M., being convinced that any further attempts to discover valuable die-woods on the banks of this river would prove fruitless, we gave up the pursuit, and embarked in our boats to return to the vessel. We descended the river leisurely, gliding down with the current, and stopping occasionally in some beautiful valley or variegated grove, to shoot foxes, birds, and deer. We arrived at Calexchem's village at about seven in the evening; and, after landing the old chief, with many thanks and some trifling presents, we proceeded about ten miles down the bay; when at 10, P. M., we landed near the mouth of a fresh-water river on the north shore.

After cooking part of our venison, and making some bread coffee, we all partook of a hearty supper. As it was now raining severely, we were obliged to pitch our tent, which was never done in fair weather. About midnight the watch was set, and the rest turned in, soon forgetting their fatigues and wet jackets in dreams of home, and those rural scenes which smiling May was at this moment decorating in all the charms of nature, at the distance of six thousand miles from the sleepers.

Source: "Narrative of Four Voyages", Capt. Benjamin Morrell Jr., New York, 1832
Transcribed: April 2007