372 APPENDIX. 



consider a defect, for two reasons : first, the small ones not discharging 

 as much water as the large ; secondly, having to use pump-boxes of 

 different sizes in the same ship, where from accident to one set, the 

 other cannot be used to make up the deficiency. As the sequel proved, 

 the ship leaked considerably the moment we got a breeze which drove 

 us through the sea ; not only through her water-ways, upper works, 

 and decks, but through the eyes of her combings, I presume through 

 the scarf in the stem, — at all events, running by buckets-full down the 

 apron into the store-room, forcing such quantities of water on her berth- 

 deck, that I found it necessary to scuttle it to carry the water off. 



The chain-cables of the ship I rowsed out of the lockers at sea, 

 examined the shackles, and found it necessary in two of the cables to 

 have almost every shackle put in the forge. So completely had the 

 bolts rusted in, that they could not be started until fire had done its 

 work upon them, and even then some of them had to be cut entirely 

 out. While thus making an overhaul below, I examined the pump- 

 well, and to my utter surprise and astonishment, found all the iron 

 bands on the two after pumps, below the berth-deck, in the state of the 

 one I now send to you for inspection ; and from the fact of one of 

 them having entirely rusted off, and found lying in pieces at the 

 bottom of the well-room, it may fairly be inferred they were not 

 examined at all after the arrival of the ship at Norfolk. I had the 

 two pumps, from which the bands had dropped off, well woolded at sea, 

 and from the appearance of soft spots about them, am fearful when 

 taken out, (which must be done at Rio,) we will find them rotten. 



I should have recommended taking them out here, but in consequence 

 of having to raise up a portion of the spar-deck for that purpose, think 

 we may venture to delay it until our arrival at that port. I have also 

 to state that the bibbs of both the fore and main-masts have started and 

 canted three-quarters of an inch forward, and work considerably 

 while at sea. This we shall remedy by raising our lower rigging, 

 tops, and trestle-trees, and endeavour to get them back in their places, 

 and secure them with extra bolts. I have stated but a few of many 

 defects, and can only say that I have, during my service, assisted in 

 the fitting out of many vessels, and regret, under all the circumstarices 

 of the case, to be compelled to add, that, taken as a whole, the Peacock 

 has been fitted out, (so far as the navy-yard was concerned,) with less 

 regard to safety and convenience, than any vessel I have ever had 

 any thing to do with. 



Respectfully, &c, 

 (Signed) Wm. L. Hudson, 



Charles Wilkes, Commanding U. S. Ship Peacock 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



