4 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [2] 



The following correspondence will explain the arrangements finally 

 made with the Biirean of Navigation, and also the instructions under 

 which we were about to sail : 



Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, 



WasMngton, I). C, Novemher 27, 1883. 

 Sir : Eeferring to our conversation of a few days ago, I have the 

 honor to ask whether it will be practicable to obtain the use of the U. 

 S. F. C. steamer Albatross this winter, for the purpose of making surveys 

 and examinations in the Caribbean Sea under the direction of this 

 Bureau. 



Very respectfully, 



J. G. WALKER, 



Chief of Bureau. 

 Prof. Spencer F. Baird, 



Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1). G. 



U. S. Commission of Fish and FisnERii>s, 



Washington, I). C, December 1, 1883. 

 Sir : In reply to your letter of November 27, I beg to say that it will 

 give me much pleasure to authorize the use of the steamer Albatross 

 for the performance of the service desired by the Navy Department — 

 namely, of prosecuting soundings and surveys in the Caiibbean Sea. 



The steamer is now being placed in a thorough state of eflticiency and 

 equii)ment at the expense of the U. S. Fish Commission, and in the 

 event of her entering on your work it is to be understood that all 

 expenses of maintenance and repairs are to be borne by the Navy De- 

 partment during her term of service ; and that the vessel is to be re- 

 turned to the Commission at the navy-yard in Washington or in New 

 York by the 1st of May next, with clean bottom and in an equally i^er- 

 fect condition, and ready for service. 



Captain Tanner will be duly instructed to carry out any plan of oper- 

 ations you may designate as being desired by the Department. 

 I have the honor to be, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 



S. F. BAIRD, 



Commissioner. 

 Commodore J. G. Walker, 



Chief of Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department. 



Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, 



Washington, J). C, Dceemhcr 14, 1883. 



Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of 

 your letter of the 1st instant, authorizing the use of the Fish Commis- 

 sion steamer Albatross in the prosecution of surveys in the Caribbean 

 Sea, under the direction of the Bureau of Navigation, provided that 

 all the expenses of maintenance and repairs are to be borne by the 

 Navy Department during the term of her service, and the vessel to be 

 returned to the Fish Commission at Washington or New York by May 

 1st next, with clean bottom and in a condition as good as that in which 

 she was received. 



In reply I have the honor to state that all expenses ot maintenance 

 and repair of the vessel during the term she is under tlu^ direction of 

 the Bureau of Navigation will be borne l)y the Bureau, and the vessel 

 will be returned to the Fish Commission, either at New York or Wash- 



