496 APPENDIX. 



On the night of the 7th, and morning of the 8th of February, we 

 had frequent and unusually brilliant displays of the aurora australis, 

 one of which made its first appearance in the southwest portion of 

 the horizon, but soon diffused its beams of light from east to west, 

 throwing them up to a concentrated point in the zenith, where they 

 were attended with continued quick flashes, resembling heat light- 

 ning, and extending over about a third part of the heavens. The rays 

 or beams of light composing this magnificent spectacle, varied in 

 colour from a light orange to tints of pale red, assuming in their 

 changes hues I should in vain attempt to describe. 



During intervals of the brightest flashes in the zenith, however, 

 they lost their distinctive outlines, and mingled in the glow of bright 

 twilight which nearly overspread the heavens. 



This exhibition was to us so perfectly unique and strongly marked 

 in character, as to excite the attention of those on board most indif- 

 ferent to such phenomena, and called forth from all exclamations of 

 surprise and pleasure. 



The ship's compasses were minutely examined on this occasion, 

 but exhibited no symptoms of being affected by the presence of the 

 aurora. The motion of the ship, however, from the effect of the sea 

 at the time, would have rendered any change imperceptible, if the 

 disturbing cause had not produced an oscillation of the needle 

 beyond four or five degrees. 



During the aurora, a single squall of light hail passed over the ship. 



After a rough and boisterous passage north, we anchored within 

 the Heads at Sydney, on the night of the 21st of February. 



The officers and crew have all enjoyed good health ; indeed, we 

 have been for some days past without a man on the sick-list, and it 

 affords me great pleasure again to bear testimony to the zeal and 

 efficiency of the officers and men in the performance of their various 

 duties. 



I feel quite confident we shall have completed our repairs, and be 

 ready to leave Sj'dney, in about three weeks. 



I am, sir, most respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 

 (Signed) William L. Hudson, 



Commander. 



To J. K. Paulding, Esq., 



Secretary of the Navy. 



