TERRA DEL FU EGO. 125 
corps, remained in the Vincennes. Lieutenant Carr was put in 
charge of the observatory. 
In making the changes necessary for this cruise to the south, I 
regretted extremely being compelled, from the want of junior officers," 
to supersede temporarily both Passed Midshipmen Reid and Knox 
in command of the two tenders. These officers had not their 
superiors in the squadron for the situations they occupied ; but the 
duty I owed the Expedition and country compelled me to do it, and 
also to refuse their application to be transferred from the tenders, for 
I was well satisfied, as long as they were on board, the vessels would 
be well taken care of. I had a very high opinion of Mr. Reid, from 
the experience I had had of him ; and as respects Mr. Knox, I feel it 
my duty here to acknowledge how much the Expedition is indebted 
to him for his services on board the Flying-Fish. He not only had 
the ability, but the necessary perseverance and ambition, to perform 
his duties well. So arduous were they, that I was for a time obliged 
to transfer him to my ship on account of his health. The moment 
his health permitted it, he was again put in command of the Flying- 
Fish, to the great advantage of the service. In according thus much 
to his industry, ability, and zeal, I am well satisfied that I but speak 
the opinion of every officer in the squadron. 
The vessels were well supplied with fuel, provisions, and various 
antiscorbutics, for ten months. A spot for the observatory was fixed 
upon, and orders left for the duties to be performed during the 
absence of the squadron.* 
The 22d of February was duly celebrated by the hoisting of flags, 
but we had not time to make a holiday of it. 
During our stay, we had, at various times, visits from the natives. 
They were all at first very shy, but after they found our friendly 
disposition towards them, they became more sociable and confiding. 
Before our departure from Orange Harbour, a bark canoe came 
alongside, with an Indian, his squaw, and four children. The tribe 
to which they belonged is known by the name of the Petcherai 
Indians. They were entirely naked, with the exception of a small 
piece of sealskin, only sufficient to cover one shoulder, and which 
is generally worn on the side from which the wind blows, affording 
them some little shelter against its piercing influence. 
* The instructions issued for the proceedings of the vessels will be found embraced in 
the Appendix, from XXV. to XXX. inclusive. 
vol. 1. 32 
