APPENDIX. 45: j 
It began, as noted on the deck-boards, at l h 18 m p. m., and the obser- 
vations closed at 4 h 53 m p. m. 
INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVE TO THE DECK-BOARD. 
The deck-board will be kept strictly according to the formula 
herewith sent. 
The officers of the deck will be particular in marking the times at 
which any of the vessels change their position, and the length of 
time they remain in them (by ship's time) ; also the times that the 
firing takes place. 
The measured angles will be at once communicated to this ship. 
The original deck-paper, with the calculated azimuth results, will 
be sent to me at the expiration of the day's work, a copy of which 
will be made previously, and kept on board. 
The particular attention of the officers is required to the " Instruc- 
tions for Boat Duty, Surveying, &c," of the 22d of February, 1839, 
also to the Manual of Surveying. 
Charles Wilkes, 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
At Sea, August 15th, 1839. 
X L II. 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, 
At Sea, August 25th, 1839. 
Sir, 
I was surprised to notice this evening, that the boats from the 
Peacock were not alongside at sunset, as there are positive written 
orders to that effect, unless the boats are previously recalled by signal. 
I presume, also, that the officers of the boats had no authority from 
you to land, although I saw several on shore, which must have caused 
some delay in regard to those engaged on surveying duty, a service 
second to none in the Expedition ; besides hazarding a difficulty with 
the natives, which might have occasioned also a delay to the whole 
squadron, as they are evidently hostile. 
I trust a similar occurrence will not come under my notice again 
during the present cruise. 
The orders to the officers of the boats must be well understood 
VOL. I. Hi 
