550 APPENDIX. 



The taking up of the party being the last duty previous to going to 

 Tahiti, you will be able to complete the survey of the island on 

 which the party is landed during the time the preparations are 

 making. 



During your passage through the group, you will be particular in 

 observing the transit-bearings, whether of islands or points. 



Your return will be expected off this harbour by the 15th March, 

 where you will await me or orders, beyond which time you must not 

 delay; and from the liberal calculations I have made, you will be 

 enabled easily to execute this duty in the time specified. 



You will as usual endeavour to gather all the information that may 

 lay in your power, relative to currents, winds, &c. ; making collec- 

 tions of specimens, &c. 



I am aware you have many difficulties to encounter in the exe- 

 cution of the duties assigned you; but I feel confident, that your 

 exertions will enable you to overcome them. 



You will make observations for dip, intensity, and variation, and 

 obtain sights for your chronometers at Point Venus. 



The rate of your chronometers is herewith enclosed. Wishing you 

 a pleasant cruise, I am, &c., 



Charles Wilkes, 



Cominanding Exploring Expedition. 



Lieut. Com. C. Ringgold, 



U. S. Brig Porpoise. 



VIII. 



U. S. Shiip Vincennes, 



Oahu, December 1st, 1840. 



Sir, 



You will proceed from this port with the Peacock and Flying-Fish, 

 (which vessel is placed under your command for the coming cruise,) 

 and follow the instructions herein pointed out. 



1st. You will steer for the equator, so as to fall in with it in about 

 160° W. About this position, or rather between the line and latitude 

 1° 30' S., an island is supposed to exist, called Broke, on which you 

 will make the magnetic observations for both dip and intensity, 

 making a survey of it at the same time, placing a bottle and a flag- 

 staff on its lee side, with information for me of your proceedings. 

 Thence you will steer to the westward, keeping as nearly on the line 



