558 APPENDIX. 



anchorages : there are many times when it can be done very success- 

 fully in deep water, and the results would be more rare and valuable. 



As respects your astronomical observations, those by the north star 

 I should much prefer to the sun. for your latitude, and the time by 

 a star I consider fully as good as by the sun ; and, after a little prac- 

 tice, observations on stars with the artificial horizon will be found 

 easy and convenient, interfering but little with your surveying duties 

 during the day. The accuracy of the survey depends so much on 

 these observations, that a few hours taken from sleep will be amply 

 repaid. 



Let all yoiir work on paper bear date, scale, and name. The 

 names of the Indian tribes, numbers, and extent of the districts be- 

 longing to them, it is desirable to get; all curiosities, &c., you will 

 of course preserve. 



Referring you to my General Order of May 1st, and wishing you 

 success in the execution of these instructions, 



I am, &c.. 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



Lieut. Com. C. Ringgold, 



U. S. Brig Porpoise. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 

 Nisqually Harbour, 



May 1 6th, 1841. 



Sir, 



You will proceed with the launch, first cutter, Ariel, and Pilot, 

 accompanied by Acting Master Totten, Passed Midshipmen May 

 and Colvocoressis, to the point in the passage west of Vashon's Island, 

 below the Narrows (where Mr. Colvocoressis's signal was placed), 

 from which you will begin the survey of the passage, proceeding 

 northward until you reach the north end of Vashon's Island, where 

 you will connect your work with the Porpoise on a staff erected there 

 by that vessel. If you should find none, you will erect a large pole- 

 signal, somewhat similar to those we have observed in the different 

 bays ; and also one on the small island opposite, which I have named 

 Bainbridge Island, leaving a note of your having done so for Lieu- 

 tenant-Commandant Ringgold, to which he will connect his work. 



You will from thence proceed (not meeting the Porpoise) direct 

 for Port Lawrence, the place in which we once anchored, at the mouth 



