APPENDIX. 
433 
of preparations for such an emergency, my "Instructions" called 
upon me most imperiously to return; and I put our head to the 
northward, determined to keep it so until we should change our 
temperature; which, with a proper ambition to get beyond previous 
navigators, I did the less reluctantly, as I felt confident the season for 
operations in these latitudes had already passed, — the sun being 
already in northern declination, and little assistance to be expected 
from the moon and stars. 
On the 25th of March I fell in with you again, sir. It had been 
my intention that day, at noon, to stand to the eastward, and, if I 
found the sea sufficiently clear, to pass to the southward and eastward 
of the island of Peter I., in quest of the western extremity of Palmer's 
Land, and thence to execute what should remain unexecuted of my 
" Instructions," with which you are well acquainted. 
Fearful of an early separation from you, in the thick weather now 
so prevalent in these latitudes, I have hurriedly drawn up this report, 
which I trust will excuse its deficiency in minute details, for which I 
beg leave to refer you to my journal (which I shall lose no time in 
submitting to you), and to the log-book, and other journals of the 
schooner. 
I cannot close, sir, without expressing my entire satisfaction with 
the conduct of the crew of the schooner ; they have now been wet 
for thirty days, suffering from cold, and frequently covered with ice 
and snow; indeed, in my experience, I have never known men sub- 
jected to equal hardships. From such causes, from two to three of 
the number have generally been unfit for duty; nevertheless, the 
remainder have displayed an enthusiasm for the service in which 
they have been engaged, and have performed their duties with a 
cheerfulness and alacrity that, if equalled, I have never seen sur- 
passed. I confidently trust that you will so represent their conduct 
to the commander-in-chief, that it may be distinguished by a public 
expression of his approbation. 
In conclusion, sir, I must acknowledge my indebtedness to the skill 
and experience of Mr. Knox, and the ready attention of Mr. Ham- 
mersly, from whom I have received the most hearty co-operation. 
Very respectfully, yours, &c, 
(Signed) William M. Walker, 
Commanding II. S. Schooner Flying-Fish. 
Willia31 L. Hudson, Esq., 
Commanding If. S. Ship Peacock and Schooner Flying-Fish. 
vol. i. 109 
