APPENDIX. 
ways, upper works, and decks, but through the eyes of her combings, 
I presume through the scarf in the stem, at all events running by 
buckets-full down the apron into the store-room, forcing such quan- 
tities of water on her berth-deck, that I found it necessary to scuttle 
it to carry the water off. 
The chain-cables of the ship I rowsed out of the lockers at sea, 
examined the shackles, and found it necessary in two of the cables to 
have almost every shackle put in the forge. So completely had the 
bolts rusted in, that they could not be started until fire had done its 
work upon them, and even then some of them had to be cut entirely 
out. While thus making an overhaul below, I examined the pump- 
well, and to my utter surprise and astonishment, found all the iron 
bands on the two after pumps, below the berth-deck, in the state of 
the one I now send to you for inspection ; and from the fact of one of 
them having entirely rusted off, and found lying in pieces at the 
bottom of the well-room, it may fairly be inferred they were not 
examined at all after the arrival of the ship at Norfolk. I had the 
two pumps, from which the bands had dropped off, well woulded at 
sea, and from the appearance of soft spots about them, am fearful 
when taken out, (which must be done at Rio,) we will find them 
rotten. 
I should have recommended taking them out here, but in conse- 
quence of having to raise up a portion of the spar-deck for that 
purpose, think we may venture to delay it until our arrival at that 
port. I have also to state that the bibbs of both the fore and main- 
masts have started and canted three-quarters of an inch forward, and 
work considerably while at sea. This we shall remedy by raising 
our lower rigging, tops, and trestle-trees, and endeavour to get them 
back in their places, and secure them with extra bolts. I have stated 
but a few of many defects, and can only say that I have, during my 
service, assisted in the fitting out of many vessels, and regret, under 
all the circumstances of the case, to be compelled to add, that taken 
as a whole, the Peacock has been fitted out, (so far as the navy-yard 
was concerned,) with less regard to safety and convenience, than any 
vessel I have ever had any thing to do with. 
Respectfully, &c, 
(Signed) Wm. L. Hudson, 
Commanding 77. S. Ship Peacock. 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
