450 APPENDIX. 



I descended the plain, where I joined you, and at 8 p. m. had 

 reached the Porpoise with the force, all in good order. 



I am, very respectfully, &c, 



C. Ringgold, 



Lieutenant-Commandant. 



Charles Wilkes, Esq., 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



P. S. If you require it, I will without delay furnish a more minute 

 detail of my proceedings. 



Respectfully, 



C. Ringgold. 



COPY OF THE REPORT OF LIEUTENANT ALDEN. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Feejee Islands, August 1st, 1840. 



Sir, 



In compliance with your instructions, I have the honour to submit 

 to you the following report of transactions which fell under my ob- 

 servation, between the 21st and 24th ultimo. At daylight on the 

 morning of the 22d, the Flying-Fish stood to sea from the anchorage 

 near the south end of Naviti Island. Soon after, I followed with the 

 boats, and made the best of my way towards my destination. At 

 sunset, the wind failing, anchored under one of the small islands to 

 the northward of Malolo. Next morning got under way, and at 5 

 p. M. anchored in the harbour on the east side of that island. Sup- 

 posing it possible that the Porpoise had anchored on the opposite 

 side, where you had directed me to join her, I despatched Lieutenant 

 Underwood, with directions to land near the opening between the 

 islands, where, by ascending a slight eminence, he would have a 

 view of her anchorage; communicating to him my doubts of the good 

 feeling of the natives, with which I had been impressed in the short 

 time I had had of observing their conduct on my previous cruise, 

 also that we had held no intercourse with them ; directing him at the 

 same time to be well armed, and return before sunset. A few minutes 

 after he had landed, I saw him return to his boat, with one of his 

 crew, who had landed with him, and a native; at the same time I 

 observed certain movements among a party of natives, who at the 

 moment appeared around the point near which Lieutenant Under- 



