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Jonathan Thorn and the Tonquin (Part 2)

© Elizabeth Gibson

Astor's men went ashore to scout around for a good place to build their fort. Once again, Thorn was annoyed at the delay. He began dumping cargo anyplace he wanted on the north bank of the Columbia River. The partners had already decided they didn't like that spot because it was too exposed to storms and too visible from sea. They decided they'd better hurry and pick a spot because they would end up having to move their supplies bit by bit because Thorn would dump it anywhere. They picked a place on the south side of the Columbia. It wasn't the best spot, but its proximity to the Lewis and Clark site would please Astor.

The site was on top of a high knoll that they called Point George. They built a stockade, storehouse, powder magazine, and other outbuildings. They also built corrals for the livestock and planted a vegetable garden. They named it Fort Astoria. At first Thorn refused to retrieve the goods he dumped on the north bank of the Columbia. When MacDougall and MacKay threatened to tell Astor about his conduct on the voyage, Thorn acquiesced because he knew Astor had influence with the navy and could ensure he was disgraced.

The local Indians didn't like them building here. Chinook chief Concomly stirred up the other tribes and encouraged them not to trade with the white men. This situation seemed precarious because the Indians looked like they might attack. But Thorn didn't care. He prepared to set sail. Lewis and MacKay went along to look after Astor's interests. Just before they set sail, Thorn had another fit and fired his last remaining officer, John Mumford, his second mate.

Their first stop was Gray's Harbor on the Washington coast. The Indians there didn't seem interested in trading. They picked up a man named Kasiascall, who claimed he could interpret for the northern tribes. In June, Thorn reached the west side of Vancouver Island. The Indians seemed eager to trade, but Thorn didn't want to start lengthy negotiations so late in the day. Alexander MacKay went ashore with a few men to stay the night.

In the morning, Indians came and tried to board the ship en masse. Thorn had neglected to raise the nets that kept too many Indians from boarding at once. He had left it down against the advice of his aides. Soon the Indians outnumbered the white men, four to one. But still Thorn stood by arrogantly. He roughly shoved the Indians aside as he paced. He hated dealing with Indians as he considered them dirty and lowly.

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