426 APPENDIX. 



chronometers, morning and evening ; taking comparisons daily be- 

 tween them, which will be inserted in your note-Books. 



You will make a rough diagram as you proceed, on a large scale, 

 which you will have in readiness to send me by any opportunity that 

 may occur. 



Each boat will keep a log of her proceedings. 



You will always keep the boats within signal distance of each 

 other, separating them in cases of extreme necessity only for a short 

 time. 



You will communicate these instructions to Mr. Knox. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



Lieutenant James Alden, 



U. S. Ship Vincennes. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Ovolau, May 12th, 1840. 



Sir, 



The launch and first cutter of the Peacock, with Chaplain Elliott, 

 Mr. Blunt, and Mr. Dyes, twelve men, and a pilot, are placed under 

 your orders, for a surveying excursion along the south side of the 

 island of Vitilevu. 



You will observe the following instructions very particularly, and 

 in no case depart from them, unless it is for the preservation of your 

 party. 



You will avoid landing on the main land or on an island, unless 

 the latter should be uninhabited. 



Every precaution must be observed in treating with the natives: 

 none of them must be suffered to come alongside or near your 

 boats, without your boarding-nettings being up. All trade must be 

 carried on over the stern of your boat, and your arms ready to repel 

 any attack. You will avoid all disputes with them, and never be off 

 your guard or free from suspicion : they are in no case to be trusted. 

 Your two boats must never be separated at night, but anchored as 

 near together as possible. You will adhere to the following route 

 of proceeding, viz. : leaving the ship, you will proceed round the 

 north end of Ovolau, running down the reef of the west side of it, 

 until you make and get observations on the insulated rock between 



