CHAPTER XL 



HONOLULU. 

 1840. 



After the squadron had cleared the reefs, I made signal to the 

 Porpoise to part company, for the purpose of proceeding to execute 

 the orders I had given her commander. I afterwards despatched the 

 tender to run along the sea-reef as far as Round Island, before shaping 

 her course for Oahu in the Sandwich Islands. 



The Vincennes and Peacock continued their course to the north- 

 ward in company, and on the 13th, passed from east into west 

 longitude, when we in consequence changed our reckoning a day. 

 At the same time we lost the regular trade, and began to experience 

 variable winds and light squalls. 



Having now made all the necessary arrangements with Captain 

 Hudson, I determined that the vessels should part company. By so 

 doing, our passage to Oahu would probably be expedited, — a matter 

 of some importance, in consequence of the low state of our stock of 

 provisions; and pursuing separate tracks, there would be a better 

 opportunity of searching for some doubtful islands, and of obtaining 

 information in relation to the currents and winds. The vessels there- 

 fore parted company on the evening of the 14th, I having previously 

 transferred Passed Midshipman Eld to the Vincennes, and Passed 

 Midshipman Colvocoressis to the Peacock. 



On the 15th August, the winds inclined more to the south, and on 

 the 16th, on board the Vincennes, we had variable winds, veering to 

 the northward. I therefore tacked to the eastward, in order to take 

 advantage of the change of wind in making easting. Many tropic- 

 birds were now seen. Our latitude was 5° 41' S., longitude 175° 

 46' W. 



