Fox requested to have regular sailors to man the boat, but the captain would not spare them from the service of the ship, and supposed the Canadians, being expert boatmen on lakes and rivers, were competent to the service, especially when directed and aided by Fox and Martin.

Fox seems to have lost all firmness of spirit on the occasion, and to have regarded the service with a misgiving heart.

He came to the partners for sympathy, knowing their differences with the captain, and the tears were in his eyes as he represented his case.

"I am sent off," said he, "without seamen to man my boat, in boisterous weather, and on the most dangerous part of the northwest coast.

My uncle was lost a few years ago on this same bar, and I am now going to lay my bones alongside of his." The partners sympathized in his apprehensions, and remonstrated with the captain.