MADEIRA. 5 



direction of the Gulf Stream towards the Western Islands. We felt 

 its influence until we reached the longitude of 48° W., and found it to 

 set for the last few days to the northward of east. The winds had 

 been light and the sea smooth, indicating no other impulse than the 

 flow of the Stream. The temperature gradually decreased from 83° 

 to 75°. 



On the night of the 26th we parted company with the Peacock and 

 Flying-Fish in a squall, and did not again meet them until we reached 

 Madeira. The 2d September we spoke a brig from Salem on a 

 whaling voyage. The 5th of September, being near the reported 

 shoal of St. Anne, I determined to pass over its position. 



On the 6th we passed over it, the sea was smooth, the horizon clear, 

 and the day beautiful. At 8 a. m. the look-out cried out " Rocks, or a 

 wreck on the starboard bow !" which at once created an excitement 

 on board. We stood for it. It had at first every appearance of a 

 rock, then that of a wreck with the masts gone. It proved, however, 

 to be a large tree of cotton-wood, one hundred and twenty feet in 

 length, and fourteen feet in circumference at the height of five feet 

 above the roots. It had been a long time in the water, was full of 

 barnacles, and much eaten by the teredo navalis. Great quantities of 

 fish were about it, consisting of dolphins, sharks, &c. We did not, 

 however, succeed in taking any. In rough weather it might easily 

 have been mistaken for a rock, particularly if passed in twilight, or at 

 nis-ht. There is little doubt in my mind that many of the numerous 

 vigias that appear on our charts have as little foundation. No current 

 was experienced hereabouts, and I am led to the conclusion that a sort 

 of eddy or still water is here found, wherein most of the wood carried 

 by the Gulf Stream becomes deposited for a time. 



On the 8th, longitude 34° 08' W., latitude 37° 17' N., the current 

 was found setting to the southward and westward. 



In consequence of the wind being from the southward and westward, 

 I was compelled, after making the Peak of Pico, to go to the northward 

 of St. Michael's. I am satisfied, however, it is much better to keep to 

 the southward, as the wind will be found more steady and stronger. 

 Besides, the current, at that season of the year, sets to the westward 

 among the islands. 



As we passed St. Michael's, we amused ourselves by a view, through 

 our glasses, of its villas, groves, and cultivated fields. 



On the night of the 13th we laid by, just after passing the north end 

 of St. Michael's, in order to examine the position of the Tullock Reef 

 by daylight. We passed within a mile and a half of its reported 



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