404 APPENDIX. 



in the event of any loss of the latter, much detention would result to 

 the after operations of the Expedition. 



It is hoped that Lieutenant Alden will be enabled, prior to this duty 

 being undertaken, to finish the chart of the Rio Negro. 



Acting-Master North will assist Lieutenant Carr in the care and 

 attention to the chronometers, their rate, observations, &c. 



It is expected that all passed midshipmen, and midshipmen, will 

 exert themselves in carrying out the various and important duties 

 confided to them at this anchorage. 



Chaules Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition 



XXX. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 

 Orange Harbour, Terra del Fuego, 

 February 23d, 1839. 

 Sir, — 



You will receive on board the U. S. Ship Relief, under your com- 

 mand, the scientific gentlemen, who have been transferred from this ship 

 and the Peacock, to the Relief, for scientific duty during the present 

 cruise, and you will afford them every possible facility and accommo- 

 dation to enable them to make such observations and collections as 

 may be in their power. 



1st. You will proceed without delay to the Straits of Magellan, 

 entering by the west through Brecknock Passage, Cockburn's Channel, 

 and Magdalene Sound. 



2d. Captain King's chart of the Straits of Magellan may be depended 

 on for all requisite information ; his book of directions will also give 

 you a full knowledge of the tides, currents, anchorages, &e. ; I would 

 recommend its attentive examination. 



3d. You will keep full and complete journals of all your observations 

 as heretofore, in regard to the soundings, temperature, &c. 



4th. You will on anchoring set up tide-staves, and enter all observa- 

 tions agreeably to our formula ; and you will continue your meteoro- 

 logical journal hourly. 



5th. Should you experience any gales or storms, you will note their 

 progress, from the commencement to the end, with their appearance, 

 &c. ; and any occurrence of interest will be immediately noted in 

 your journal. 



6th. You will also explore and survey Useless Bay in the Straus of 

 Magellan, and connect your observations, &c, with Captain King's 



