In connection with our experience with tanbark there happened an instance which was partly verified by the proof being found washed up by the waves several days after the ships departure – News reached us on the 3^rd or 4^th day after seeing the schooner put to sea that she had ran afoul of one of a school of whales; by the way I should mention that after filling the whole of the boat we loaded in every spare space on deck as much as 80 cords on a side and all of 8 ft. high securely lashed. When the schooner ran into the whale it was reported to us that the whale left 500 lbs. Of himself clinging to the anchor. The force of the blow careened the schooner almost to a dipping angle causing the lashing to part and the port side lost her load of bark, then on righting again, the opposite side being the heaviest causing another dip of the boat and she lost her larboard load saving the schooner, but with the loss of a deck load of bark which came ashore for many many miles down the coast several days later. I vouch for, but the cause of the accident. I– only give it as it was given to me.

During a severe wind storm for several days we were compelled to stay near the camp except an occasional stroll up the beach-more for passtime [pastime] than pleasure during this weather. It was on one of these strolls, while the wind was blowing a gale and at a point where the kelp grew almost up to the shore that an otter was seen about 150 yds.

From shore driven in shore by the high sea and torn kelp outside. He did not see us, which caused his death, for a lucky shot brought him down, but as he would float he was save [safe] enough, still he lay where he was shot and no chance for us to get to him. Waiting depending on the wind and current to arive [arrive] the carcass ashore was monotonous, but it was all that could be done unless the wind lay, which was doubtful. After 3 or 4 hours waiting it was noticed that he was slowing [slowly] drifting toward shore and just before dark he was so near that one of the boys volunteered to swim out to him which he did after many words of advise and caution.

He succeeded in finally getting ashore amid great rejoicing as it had been many weeks since we had the slightest chance for a hunt outside.


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