1845.] TIA-USU AND PINNACLE ISLANDS. 317 



On the 16th, we endeavoured to obtain observations 

 on Tia-usu ; a landing was effected, but the absence of 

 sun prevented our obtaining satisfactory observations, 

 and bad weather coming on hastened our departure. 

 This group, comprehending Hoa-pin-san, Pinnacle Rocks, 

 and Tia-usu, form a triangle, of which the hypothenuse, 

 or distance between Hoa-pin-san and Tia-usu, extends 

 about fourteen miles, and that between Hoa-pin-san and 

 the Southern Pinnacle, about two miles. Within this 

 space lie several reefs ; and although a safe channel exists 

 between Hoa-pin-san and Pinnacle Islands, it ought not, 

 (by reason of the strength of the tides destroying steerage) 

 to be attempted if it can be avoided. This is also very de- 

 ceitful, as the slight deviation of course which would change 

 the current from the weather to the lee bow, would also 

 most materially change the rate of sailing particularly under 

 the variables which prevail here, and from the reliance on 

 what would be deemed a commanding breeze, the vessel 

 would be suddenly found unmanageable. To those em- 

 ployed on these critical examinations, and who are daily if 

 not hourly, subject to these nervous predicaments, these 

 facts are keenly felt, as the lives of all are constantly in their 

 keeping, and it is on quitting the ship at such moments 

 that the Commander feels the responsibility he incurs, 

 and which for the due execution of his peculiar duties it 

 is requisite for him to transfer into the hands of his Lieu- 

 tenant. Fortunately I felt that to no one could I entrust 

 this charge with more satisfaction than to my zealous sup- 

 porter Lieut. Anderson. But with the command I could 

 not give him the breeze which had accompanied us, and 

 I had the mortification to see him baffled all day, without 



