* Extracts from the Affidavit of Charles Willoughby. [84]
I, Charles Willoughby, of the City of Port Townsend, County of Jefferson, in said Territory, do solemnly swear that I am a native-born American Citizen, aged 41 years, a Master Mariner, and have, since December, 1850, been Master of a Vessel. * * * *
In 1861 I made another voyage in Bark Naramisse to Nanaimo for Coal. Took a pilot at Victoria, who was recommended to me by the Harbor Master as an old and experienced Hudson Bay Co. pilot; his [Page 165] name I have forgotten. We were again piloted, as before, through Haro Canal. In the latter voyage we encountered a gale from S. E., veering to south, which struck the ship at 6 A. M., and lasted eight hours; ship under close-reef main top-sails, and blowing very heavy all the time. The position of the ship at the time we took the gale was off Chatham Island, with ebb tide. The pilot, as well as myself, entertained no fears for the safety of the ship, as the shores were bold, the water deep, currents so regular, and plenty of sea-room; and we had no fears of the result. I would not like to be caught in Rosario Straits in the same manner. When the gale broke, we were up by Sidney Island—nearly up to the Active Pass. From my experience then and knowledge now, I pronounce the Haro Channel the best Channel or passage between any of the Islands, or between the Main-land and Islands North of the Straits of Fuca. * * * * * * *
[SEAL OF THE sup. court.]