Arrive at Valparaiso. 279 



ing ground, in an excellent roomy berth, away from the 

 bustle of the merchantmen. 



The voyage from Tahiti, 5000 nautical miles, was accom- 

 plished in 118 days, and although a considerable portion 

 must be marked as '^ lost," owing to our having steered for 

 the zero point of magnetic declination, we yet arrived at our 

 destination sooner than merchantmen which left Papeete 

 before us, or in company, but had steered south of the Pao- 

 motu group. 



Mr. Flemmich, the Austrian Consul-general at Valparaiso, 

 immediately sent our letters on board, but the regular packet, 

 which we had expected to find here before us, had not 

 come in, and the delay served to double the anxiety of all on 

 board, in view of the political clouds that were hovering over 

 our native land. 



