502 APPENDIX. 



and comfort to the crew, ever keeping in mind, and rigidly adhering 

 to, your sanitary regulations. 



I cannot sufficiently express the satisfaction I feel in reporting the 

 very exemplary conduct of the crew ; a universal desire to perform 

 their several duties was evinced, from the eldest to the youngest. 

 I beg leave to recommend them in the strongest terms to your notice 

 and consideration. 



To the officers I return my thanks : they were ever attentive and 

 unremitting in their duties, greatly contributing to the gratifying and 

 safe termination of the cruise. 



I feel great pleasure in speaking in high terms of them, and feel 

 assured they will receive from you the merit which they deserve. 



The observations resulting from the cruise, together with the 

 currents, soundings, &c, are minutely and correctly placed upon the 

 chart accompanying, which indicates the track of our researches 

 along the Antarctic Circle. 



I have the honour to be, 

 Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 

 (Signed) Cadwalader Ringgold, 



Lieut. Com. U. S. Navy. 



To Charles Wilkes, Esq., 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



XXXI. 



[Copy.] 



Sir, 



In reply to your letter of yesterday, I have to inform you that 

 Captain William Hobson, R. N., arrived here on the 29th January, 

 ult, in H. B. M. ship Herald, and that on the following day the two 

 proclamations now enclosed were made. During the next week 

 meetings with some of the chiefs were held by Captain Hobson, when 

 the treaty (of which I have forwarded you a copy) was signed by a 

 few chiefs. Subsequently Captain Hobson and suite visited Hokianga 

 and the Thames, and obtained a few signatures at either place ; 

 hitherto these are the only proceedings which have taken place rela- 

 tive to the cession of any rights, by the chiefs of New Zealand, to the 

 British crown. 



