1845.] SAN DOMINGO. 73 



feet over it, I imagine that it only breaks in rough wea- 

 ther. Soundings of 300 fathoms were obtained on one 

 occasion. The currents proving too strong for the pre- 

 vailing winds, and having made several fruitless attempts 

 to clear the Vele Rete rocks, endangering us constantly, 

 in the event of calm, of drifting either on them or Botel 

 Tobago, I determined, after seven days detention, on 

 making southing, and obtaining a fresh departure for our 

 Meridian distance from the Batan Islands. 



On the morning of the 6th of September, T joined the 

 ' Royalist ' with the Chronometer, and leaving the ' Sama- 

 rang ' to make her way to the westward, reached San 

 Domingo in time for the Observations. However, not much 

 progress was made by the 'Samarang,' for the next day, at 

 noon, the breeze had barely enabled her to hold her own, 

 about four miles to the westward of the town, where we 

 rejoined, and pursued our course more satisfactorily, taking 

 advantage of the southerly current between Batan and 

 Sabtan, after which I knew that we should fall into the pre- 

 vailing set to the south-west. I would strongly advise 

 vessels similarly circumstanced, to lose no time with an 

 adverse wind in the vicinity of Formosa and Botel Tobago, 

 as the currents setting to leaward neutralise what would 

 otherwise be deemed a fair working breeze. Whereas, 

 by standing boldly to the southward until attaining 

 the Latitude of the S.W. point of Ibayat, the south- 

 westerly current will be gained. Had I been free in 

 my choice, I should, without hesitation, have steered 

 direct for Batan, in the first instance, and reaching it on 

 the 1st of September, have gained, at the very least, five 

 days. 



