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Astoria

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Astoria is here in full — 390 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Washington Irving • Curated US English Learning Edition

Cover illustration for Astoria

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Narrator

Speed 0.75x

AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English

LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter XL Reading 1/78

Astoria

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Astoria is here in full — 390 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/78 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Line 2

ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

Line 3

It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Line 4

Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

Line 5

If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Alone adjective US /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading “If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?”

Merchant noun US /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading “If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?”

All words in this reading · 59

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

30th

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

accompanied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Agitation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

anchor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

anxious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

Arrival

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Astoria

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

at

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Baker's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Bay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

be

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

British

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

by

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Cape

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

Comcomly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

come

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Conduct

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

descried

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

did

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Disappointment

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

doubling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

English

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

His

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

If

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

in-Law

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Indignation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

inquiry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

It

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

morning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

nation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

November

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Offer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

ON

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

Possession

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

proved

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Sail

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

ship

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Son

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Strange

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

Taken

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

vessel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

war

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It came to anchor in Baker’s Bay, and proved to be a ship of war.

Warlike

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Arrival of a Strange Sail.--Agitation at Astoria.--Warlike Offer of Comcomly.--Astoria Taken Possession of by the British.--Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.

was

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ON the morning of the 30th of November, a sail was descried doubling Cape Disappointment.

what

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of what nation? was now the anxious inquiry.

where

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

why

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If English, why did it come alone? where was the merchant vessel that was to have accompanied it?

Chapter 40 of Astoria by Washington Irving holds 390 sentences, grouped into 78 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 40 of Astoria contain?

Chapter 40 holds 390 sentences of Astoria, unabridged, divided into 78 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 40 of Astoria by Washington Irving exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 390 sentences, grouped into 78 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 40 of Astoria?

Work through the 78 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 78 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 40 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 40 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Astoria

Common questions about reading Astoria by Washington Irving on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Astoria?

Yes. All 5686 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1371 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Astoria is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1371, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Astoria take to read?

About 473 minutes of reading across 1138 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Astoria section by section

How to work through Astoria section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

Open a chapter

Choose one of the 40 chapters of Astoria to begin.
Read one section

Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Listen and tap

Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Astoria

Words and structures a reader meets early in Astoria, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Objects: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Astoria; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
American: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Astoria; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Enterprise: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Astoria; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hunting: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Astoria; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.