Washington Irving described him in his book "Astoria" as "a shrewd old savage, with but one eye," and referred to his trade and diplomacy skills. Modern historian James Ronda characterizes Comcomly as a talented diplomat and shrewd businessman. He was friendly to the British and Euro-American explorers whom he encountered, including Robert Gray and George Vancouver, and he received peace medals from Lewis and Clark. He also assisted the Pacific Fur Company, also known as the Astor Expedition, and offered to help the Americans fight the British during the War of 1812, but Astoria was sold to the British instead. Comcomly was friendly with the British as well. He was entertained at Fort Vancouver by John McLoughlin and he piloted Hudson's Bay Company ships up the Columbia.