APPENDIX. 493 



the brig Porpoise, in order to trace Palmer's Land on its eastern 

 side, (but too late for any trial to reach high latitudes,) and hoping 

 that the lateness of the season would enable me to run some distance 

 along it. I got within three miles of the coast, and saw it trending to 

 the south-southeast about thirty miles ; but it was so blocked up with 

 ice as to render it impossible to get through. I have little doubt 

 myself, in favourable seasons, WeddelPs track may be followed, not- 

 withstanding what the Frenchman may say, there being no land to 

 which the ice is attached ; and that the ice in those parts changes 

 very much, the currents being exceedingly strong, as I myself wit- 

 nessed. I could not afford the time to be frozen up, as my other 

 duties were and are paramount to passing the winter in such a 

 situation. But you are differently situated, and I should advise you, 

 by all means, to try to penetrate between longitude 35° and 45° W. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



To Captain James C. Ross, 



Commanding H. B. M. Ships Erebus and Terror. 



XXV. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Sydney Cove, Dec. 23d, 1839. 



Sir, 



The following instructions will claim your particular attention 

 dtiring our contemplated Antarctic Cruise. 



1st. It cannot be too strongly impressed upon you the necessity to 

 use every means in your power to avoid a separation, as the lives of 

 those entrusted to your particular care, and those comprising the 

 squadron, may be jeoparded by it. 



2d. The most careful attention must be given by you to the health 

 and comfort of your crew, and the most economical care and expen- 

 diture of your stores and provisions. The greatest attention to the 

 cleanliness and airing of the vessels, and the drying of the clothes and 

 bedding, to avoid all dampness and foul air, are likewise essential. 



In the event of your being frozen up or detained by the ice, your 

 responsibilities will be great, and every precaution must be taken to 

 insure your safety. You may rest assured that every exertion will 

 be made to relieve you at the earliest possible day. 



