“Now commenced the tedious and laborious operation of warping* through the slough, rendered necessary by the strength of a current like a mill-race. This process of course devolved on the crew; but for the sake of our own progress, as well as to aid them, we took turns in lending a hand to the ropes. Two of the sailors taking a canoe and coil of strong rope, paddle near the shore, a distance along which they judge their line will extend to the vessel. Making securely fast to an old stump, or the trunk or limb of a tree, close to the water's edge, they return rapidly down the stream, unreeving the rope, taking care that it does not get foul either of trees or half-sunken snags. Reaching the vessel, the line is there seized by all hands, and with a yo heave O, she is slowly and steadily warped up stream, accidents from snags, shoals, and overhanging trees, frequently occurring, a gentle spice to the patience of the crowd.”
[California and Oregon, Or, Sights in the Gold Region, and Scenes by the Way, Johnson, Thurston, 1853]