1844.] CORDIALITY OF THE GOVERNOR, 107 



repeated the wishes of the Governor of Manila ; to these 

 the Colonel gave his hearty acquiescence, desiring me to 

 select any position for my observatory, I should think 

 most advantageous, and tendering all the assistance his 

 authority could command to further the objects of our 

 mission. After passing a few agreeable hours, I returned 

 to the ship, and on the following morning, before the 

 sun was available for our purpose, we pitched our tents 

 near the nearest western Vigia, or watch-house, and 

 conveyed thither the instruments necessary for obtaining 

 the requisite observations. As my presence was strictly 

 required for this duty, I was unable to pay that attention 

 at the Casa Real, which, probably, some official about the 

 person of the Governor, thought indispensable ; all ap- 

 peared to be progressing with ease and regularity, when, 

 on the afternoon of the second day a very abrupt verbal 

 message arrived by a naval officer intimating, " that our 

 boats were to cease sounding instantly." Suspecting that 

 this could not proceed from the Governor, I requested him 

 to return to the person from whom it emanated, and say 

 that when the Governor intimated his wish in writing it 

 should be obeyed, but as he must be aware that sounding 

 was the most important part of our duty, I felt satisfied 

 there must be some misconception. At the same time 

 1 despatched the First Lieutenant in order to explain my 

 views to the Governor ; and, on his return, I arranged 

 matters so as to meet any objections which might be urged 

 by the superior authorities of Manila. My Lieutenant 

 acquainted me that the Governor was just on the point of 

 starting upon an expedition with the gun-boats and troops 

 to the eastward, to arrange some little disputes with the 



