APPENDIX. 553 



every thing in their power to afford relief to those in distress, and 

 the deep feeling all attached to this squadron have evinced for the 

 relief extended to ourselves individually, during the late disaster ; 

 and it will only be placing a suitable boat in the hands of the Com- 

 pany, in which to afford relief more promptly. I therefore have 

 little doubt but that you will not object to assume the charge, and I 

 assure you it will afford me great satisfaction hereafter, to hear that 

 she has been of any use in saving lives or property. 



The launch will be left with Mr. Burnie, with all her fixtures 

 complete. 



I am, with much respect, 



Yours, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



To John M'Laughll>t, Esq., 



Chief Factor, H. B. C. Fort Vancouver. 



VI. 



U. S. Brig Porpoise, 



Columbia River, 



August 7th, 1841. 



Sir, 



You are transferred to the Vincennes, now laying off and on the 

 river, in order to carry her to the bay of San Francisco ; and you will, 

 without delay, proceed to that port, and report your arrival duly to 

 the Commandant of the Presidio as coming for the purpose of refresh- 

 ing the crew, and to await my arrival with the rest of the squadron. 



After this ceremony is performed, you will proceed with the ship 

 to anchor near the island of Molate, in the northern branch of the 

 bay ; when you will safely moor the Vincennes, leaving her in charge 

 of Lieutenant Carr, with one other lieutenant, Passed Midshipman 

 Davis, and three midshipmen, and proceed with six boats, including 

 your own, to examine the river Sacramento and its branches. This 

 you will do by running to its head waters, or as far as it is practicable 

 to pursue the river with a boat, and then bring the survey down from 

 the extreme point arrived at, where your latitude and longitude must 

 be carefully determined. This it is believed will be on the head 

 waters, called on the map "Pitt River." From this position and 



vol. v. 139 



