TERRA DEL FUEGO. 121 



In making the changes necessary for this cruise to the south, I 

 regretted extremely being compelled, from the want of junior officers, 

 to supersede temporarily both Passed Midshipmen Reid and Knox in 

 command of the two tenders. These officers had not their superiors 

 in the squadron for the situations they occupied ; but the duty I owed 

 the Expedition and country compelled me to do it, and also to refuse 

 their application to be transferred from the tenders, for I was well 

 satisfied, as long as they were on board, the vessels would be well 

 taken care of. I had a very high opinion of Mr. Reid, from the expe- 

 rience I had had of him ; and as respects Mr. Knox, I feel it my duty 

 here to acknowledge how much the Expedition is indebted to him for 

 nis services on board the Flying-Fish. He not only had the ability, 

 but the necessary perseverance and ambition, to perform his duties 

 well. So arduous were they, that I was for a time obliged to transfer 

 him to my ship on account of his health. The moment his health 

 permitted it, he was again put in command of the Flying-Fish, to the 

 great advantage of the service. In according thus much to his indus- 

 try, ability, and zeal, I am well satisfied that I but speak the opinion of 

 every officer in the squadron. 



The vessels were well supplied with fuel, provisions, and various 

 antiscorbutics, for ten months. A spot for the observatory was fixed 

 upon, and orders left for the duties to be performed during the absence 

 of the squadron.* 



The 22d of February was duly celebrated by the hoisting of flags, 

 but we had not time to make a holiday of it. 



During our stay, we had at various times, visits from the natives. 

 They were all at first very shy, but after they found our friendly dis- 

 position towards them, they became more sociable and confiding. 



Before our departure from Orange Harbour, a bark canoe came 

 alongside with an Indian, his squaw, and four children. The tribe to 

 which they belonged is known by the name of the Petcherai Indians. 

 They were entirely naked, with the exception of a small piece of seal- 

 skin, only sufficient to cover one shoulder, and which is generally 

 worn on the side from which the wind blows, affording them some 

 little shelter against its piercing influence. 



They were not more than five feet high, of a light copper colour, 

 which is much concealed by smut and dirt, particularly on their faces, 

 which they mark vertically with charcoal. They have short faces, 

 narrow foreheads, and high cheek-bones. Their eyes are small and 



* The instructions issued for the proceedings of the vessels will be found embraced in the 

 Appendix, from XXV. to XXX. inclusive. 



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