438 APPENDIX. 



VIII. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Ovolau, May 31st, 1840. 



Sir, 



The launch and first cutter, with Messrs. De Haven, Thompson, 

 and Elliott, twelve men, and a pilot, are placed under your orders for 

 surveying duty. 



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 any where on the main land or islands, 

 unless the latter should be uninhabited. 



Every precaution must be observed in treating with natives, and 

 none 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 boats, and your arms and howitzers be always kept 

 ready to repel an attack. 



You will avoid any 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 proceed to the northward, and examine the reefs, passages, 

 and islands, towards the Buia land, on the west side of *Mokani and 

 *Vakai, connecting the positions of the different reefs and points with 

 those of Ovolau. At Passage Island you will obtain a round of angles 

 on the objects we have observed, or from Ovolau. I shall anchor there 

 with the tender on Tuesday or Wednesday, where you will await 

 me until Thursday morning. From Passage Island you will proceed 

 to *Labatoo, and from thence to Mbua Bay, making all possible 

 examinations and surveys. 



Chronometers are furnished to the boats, and their rates and errors 

 given. You will make careful comparisons daily, noting them in 

 your books. 



A patent log is furnished you to measure your distances run, and 

 an azimuth compass. You will observe the variation, and not omit 



* The names with an asterisk are now Mokungai, VVakaia, and Kombelau on the 

 chart, the order being given before the correct orthography was known. 



