Named by him Ensenada de Asuncion, or Assumption Inlet. The north point was called Cape San Roque, and the south, Cape Frondoso, (Leafy Cape). In the chart published in Mexico soon after the conclusion of the voyage, the entrance is, however, called Ensenada de Heceta, Hecta Inlet; and Rio de San Roque, River of St. Roc.
While in command of the sloop Washington, in August, Capt. Gray discovered, and attempted to enter this opening, but the sloop grounded on the bar and came near being lost; and was also attacked by Indians, who killed one man and wounded the mate.
Gray was shortly afterward transferred to the Columbia, and on another cruise entered the river; sailed up it about twenty miles, and bestowed the name of his vessel upon it.—(Three Years' Residence in W. T., pages 124 to 128.—Pacific States, vol. 22, page 163.—American Cyclopædia, vol. 5, page 513).
Many works published before the discovery refer to a river flowing westward, as "River of the West," "River of Aguilar," "River Thegays."—(History of Oregon and California,—Greenhow, pages 144-5).
1805.—Called by the Indians "Spocatilicum"—Friendly Water.—(Life on Puget Sound,—Leighton, page 50). The Indians also referred to it as Wahn-na, or Big River.
1816.—The bar was first surveyed by Capt. McClellan, of the Col. Allen.—(Pac. States, vol. 23, page 266).
1846.—Was considered accessible for vessels only three months in the year.—(The Oregon Territory,—Nicolay, page 42).
1853.—Comcomli.—This Indian Chief is spoken of by Winthrop as one Montgomery.—(Canoe and Saddle, page 77).
1841.—Commencement Bay.—Named by Wilkes. (Wilkes' Narrative, vol. 4, page 479).
1778.—Cook, Capt.—Sailed along the coast and sighted land at 44°, March 7.—(Oregon,—Moseley, page 8.—History of Oregon and California,—Greenhow, page 150).