12 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF Fl^ll AM) nSUEKIES. 



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

 soon becomes modified after ]n;ssing- up the straits. 



After linisliing work for the day we steamed into Esquimalt, anchor- 

 ing at 5:10 p. m. Official visits wereexclianged with Admiral ITothani, 

 E. N., the captain of H. 1:>. M. flagship Wan^pitc, and the dock-yard 

 officials. The U. S. Coast Survey steamer Me Arthur was a.t anchor in 

 the harbor, and H. B. M. S. (}arnct arrived on the Oth; 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 Navy 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, lieply 

 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 the navy-yard, 

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

 There were no instructions waiting us, and nothing further was he^ir*! 

 concerning the survey until the 19th, when the following letter was 

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

 gation, Navy Depai'tment, dated Washington, D.C., September 12, 1891 : 



Tlie Department lias been iuftn-med that the Jlbafross ^vill be placed under its 

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

 between Sau Francisco and Honolulu. The l^ureau 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 telegraph 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 metliods. Letter by mail. 



The followiug telegram from the Acting Commissioner of Fisheries, 

 dated September 18, was received on the 19tli: 



In compliance with request of Secretary of Navy the Jibalross is hereby placed 

 under liis directions lor making an ocean survey ibr telegrai)hic cable between 8au 

 Francisco and Honolulu. You will report to tlie Navy Dejjartment 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 Comiiiissioner of Fish and Fisheiies 

 placing Jibalross under your directions for surveying telegraphic route from San 

 Francisco to Honolulu. "Will wait your orders. Letter by maiL 



