12 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



will also be encountered, even in the calmest weather. Of course, tliis 

 soon becomes modified after passing up the straits. 



After finishing work for the day we steamed into Esqiiimalt, anchor- 

 ing at 5 :10 p. m. Official visits were exchanged with Admiral Hotham, 

 E. N., the captain of H. B. M. flagship Warsirite, and the dock-yard 

 officials. The V. S. Coast Survey steamer McArtliur was at anchor in 

 the harbor, and H. B. M. S. Garnet arrived on the 0th; official visits 

 were exchanged. 



SURVEY FOR A CABLE ROUTE BETWEEN CALIFORNIA AND THE 

 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 



Preparations for the survey. — On the evening of September 5, I was 

 informed by telegraph that the Kavy Department desired to have the 

 Albatross make the survey for a cable route between San Francisco and 

 Honolulu, for which a special provision had been made by Congress, 

 and that it was important to begin the same as soon as possible. Eeply 

 was made that the ship was in condition to make the survey and could 

 commence the work two weeks after arriving at San Francisco. On Sep- 

 tember 9 we went to Departure Bay for the purpose of coaling, where, the 

 following day, we received orders to proceed at once to San Francisco. 



Having finished coaling at 3 p. m., we left immediately for Port 

 Townsend, and thence to San Francisco, arriving at tlie navy-yard, 

 Mare Island, on the morning of the 15th, and reporting by telegraph. 

 There were no instructions waiting us, and nothing further was heard 

 concerning the survey until the IDth, when the following letter was 

 received from Commodore F. M. Eamsay, Chief of the Bureau of Navi- 

 gation, Navy Department, dated Washington, D.C., September 12, 1891 : 



^ Tlie Dopartment has beeu informed that the Albatross will be phiced under its 

 orders for the purpose of sounding out a route lor the proposed telegraph cable 

 between San Francisco and Honolulu. The Bureau desires to know what you will 

 need for the work and about what time the vessel will be ready. Arrangements 

 have been already made to supply you with wire, but there may be some delay in its 

 being delivered. 



The following reply was made by telegrai)li on September 19: 

 Letter of 12th received; will need wire, sinkers, cylinders, spare reel, additional 

 coal-bunker, docking and painting bottom. Time, 15 working days, following our 

 usual methods. Letter by mail. 



The following telegram from the Acting Commissioner of Fisheries, 

 dated September 18, was received on the 19th: 



In comi)liuuce with request of Secretary of Navy the Alhaiross is hereby placed 

 under his directions for making an ocean survey for telegraphic cable between San 

 Francisco and Honolulu. You will report to the Navy Department the receipt of 

 these instructions. 



The following message was accordingly sent to the Secretary of the 

 Navy on the same day : 



Have received telegram from United States Commissi(mer of Fish and Fisheries 

 placing Albatross under your directions for surveying telegraphic route from San 

 Francisco to Honolulu. Will wait your orders. Letter by mail. 



