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



Froiu Kingston rnn a line to Santa Marta, 'New Granada, taking in 

 the (lonbttiil shoal on the way. 



Make an examination of the mouth of tlie Magdalena Eiver, for 

 whicli special instructions are sent you. 



From Savauilla run traverses along the coast to Aspinwall. 



From thence proceed to Cape San Antonio, west end of Cuba; take 

 deep-sea soundings oft' Cape San Antonio, in order to determine defi- 

 nitely that the reported dangers do not exist, and determine the exact 

 longitude of the light-house on Cajie San Antonio, if possible. 



Deep-sea soundings will be valuable whenever they are not already 

 on the charts furnished you. 



It is of great importance that the depths, temperatures, and currents 

 of the main Caribbean should be investigated, and the suggestions for 

 the lines of deep-sea soundings are for that purpose. 



The necessary expenditures for coal and other supplies required while 

 engaged in the duty strictly under this Bureau will be charged to the 

 ai)propriation, "Special Ocean Surveys," ISTavigation, 1883-84. As 

 this appropriation is limited in amount, it is expected that you will use 

 great care in economizing coal and other supplies. 



It is understood that this Bureau is not to be charged with the ex- 

 penses of the ship while you are engaged in work not under its cog- 

 nizance. 



Very respectfully, 



J. Cx. WALKER, 



Chief of Bureau. 



Lieut.-Connnander Z. L. Tanner, U. S. N., 



Commanding U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross. 



Bureau of ISTavigation, Xavy Department, 



Washington, December 26, 1883. 

 Sir : During the time you are engaged in surveying work in the 

 Caribbean Sea, it is exi)ected that you will make an examination of tl;e 

 entrance to the Magdalena Kiver and of its channels as far as Barran- 

 quilla. United States of Colombia. 



The inclosed c(>i)ies of letters from the Secretary of State and the 

 United States consul at Barrancjuilla show the necessity of the work. 

 Very respectfully, 



J. G. WALKER, 



Chief of Bureau. 

 Lieut.-Commander Z. L. Tanner, U. S. K, 



Commanding U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross, 



Washington, 1). C. 



U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, D. C, December 27, 1883. 



Sir : I have forwarded to you the (communications from the ISTavy De- 

 partment, embodying tlie information which it desires to obtain, and on 

 account of which it has been determined to send the Albatross to sea 

 for a winter's cruise. 



You will use your best endeavors to solve as many of the problems 

 presented by the Department as practicable, within the limit of time 

 allotted to your cruise. 



You are instructed to return to Washington as early in May as jjos- 

 sible, so as to be able to make a cruise in northern waters by the begin- 

 ning of June. This, of course, is subject to such contingencies as may 

 develop themselves hereafter. 



