INTRODUCTION. X1X 
t 
‘““Whilst on the South American Station, you 
are to consider yourself under the command of 
the Admiral of that Station; to whom we have 
expressed our desire that he should not interfere 
with these orders, except under peculiar neces- 
sity. 
‘«¢ Given under our hands the 16th of May 1826. 
(Signed) ‘“ MELVILLE. 
“ G. COCKBURN. 
“To Phillip P. King, Esq., Commander 
of His Majesty’s Surveying Vessel 
Adventure, at Plymouth. 
“¢ By command of their Lordships. 
(Signed) “J.W. Croker.” 
On the 22d of May, 1826, the Adventure and 
Beagle sailed from Plymouth; and, in their way 
to Rio de Janeiro, called successively at Madeira, 
Teneriffe, and St. Jago. 
Unfavourable weather prevented a boat being 
sent ashore at the northern part of San Antonio; 
but observations were made in Terrafal Bay, on the 
south-west side of the island: and, after crossing 
the Equator, the Trade-wind hung so much to the 
southward, that Trinidad could not be approached. 
without a sacrifice of time, which, it was consi- 
dered, might be prejudicial to more important 
objects of the Expedition. 
Both ships anchored at Rio de Janeiro on the 
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