440 APPENDIX. 



of the squadron surveying, you will despatch them back, provided 

 you have completed the work as far as you have gone. You will 

 take up their points, and carefully examine their operations, making 

 and continuing your charts up to Muthuata. It is impossible for 

 me to point out the length of time this will occupy you ; but it is 

 hoped you will do the work as quickly as possible, and at the same 

 time effectually. 



In the event of accident, you will inform me at Muthuata, by the 

 earliest opportunity. 



Before leaving Somu-somu, you will ascertain whether any of the 

 boats of the squadron have been seen to pass around the island of 

 Vanua-levu. 



The Porpoise will be kept supplied with three months' wood and 

 water, filled at those places where it may be had without impeding 

 your operations. I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition . 



Lieut. Com. C. Ringgold, 



U. S. Brig Porpoise. 



X. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, January 29th, 1840. 



Sir, 



You will proceed with the Flying-Fish, to beat up for the Horse- 

 shoe Shoal, ascertain its correct latitude and longitude from Ovolau, 

 and angling from it on the different islands in sight, and getting its 

 extent. Thence to the island of Goro, which you will carefully exa- 

 mine for harbours, and sounding carefully any that may be found ; 

 tracing its reefs and shores, and ascertaining the latitude and longi- 

 tude of one of its points, by observations with the sextant and 

 artificial horizon. 



After completing this duty, you will stand in for Savu-savu, and if 

 I should not be there, you will proceed direct to Sandalwood Bay. 



It is expected that this duty will be quickly, at the same time 

 effectually, performed. Mr. Colvocoressis, with a boat and her crew, 

 will join you from his ship. I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



Lieutenant James Alden, 



U. S. Ship Vincennes. 



