APPENDIX. 443 
squadron, and believing that the Honourable the Secretary of the 
Navy, after a perusal of all the documents in relation to this case, 
will coincide in my views, and justify my proceedings, I have de- 
termined under all the circumstances to retain them in the squadron. 
Passed Midshipmen Lewis and Harrison, and Midshipmen Blair 
and Henry, will therefore rejoin the Peacock forthwith. 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, 
Callao, June 23d, 1839. 
XXXIX. 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, 
Callao, July 11th, 1839. 
Sir, 
You will, on the arrival of the Sea-Gull at this port, proceed direct 
to Matavai Bay, Tahiti, Society Islands, pursuing the following 
route : 
Steering a course that will take you in or about the longitude of 
105° W., to the latitude of 20° S., which latitude you will pursue 
until you fall in with the Low Archipelago, and continue thereon 
until you reach the longitude of 134° W., where you will haul to 
the northward ; and make two islands, called by the English Minerva 
and Serle Island, and by the French Clermont de Tonnerre : they are 
in about latitude 18° 32' S., longitude 136° W., the latter or Serle 
Island, in latitude 18° 05' S., longitude 137° W. The French and 
English differ as respects the situation of this island. 
From thence you will stand again to the southward, passing in the 
latitude of 20° S., to see if Turnbull's Island does exist; it is said to 
be in latitude 20° 10' S., longitude 143° W. ; thence you will make 
and run over San Pablo Isle, another doubtful one, in latitude 20° S., 
and longitude 145° W., and from thence to Matavai Bay, where you 
will find me, or letters with the American Consul, directing your 
further movements. 
In the event of the Sea-Gull arriving after receipt of this letter, 
you will furnish her at Valparaiso with all necessary articles, and 
render her complete for the intended service. After having com- 
pleted which, you will lose no time in proceeding on the route 
designated above. 
