APPENDIX. 405 . 



:mart; and you will stop at Port Famine, on your way there and 

 back, and such other safe harbours as may appear to offer advantages 

 for scientific observations and collections ; and you will return to this 

 anchorage by the Straits of Le Maire, on or before the 15th of April 

 next, if possible, where you will find me, or orders on the summit of 

 Burnt Island ; in the absence of which, you will proceed direct to 

 Valparaiso. 



7th. The north side of the Straits of Magellan affords at all times 

 good anchorage ; you will keep it close on board. 



8th. The period of your absence must not exceed fifty days, if it 

 can be avoided ; during which time I have no doubt all on board will 

 exert themselves in making the best possible use of the short space of 

 time allowed. 



9th. You will avoid being blown off to the eastward, as in such 

 event the Expedition will suffer. 



10th. Should any accident happen to the Relief, you will despatch 

 without delay a boat to this anchorage, under charge of an officer, 

 through the route you are to enter, pursuing thence Whale-Boat and 

 Darwin Sounds, through the Beagle Channel, as far as the passage 

 of Host and Navarin Islands, thence into Nassau Bay to Orange 

 Harbour. 



11th. Mr. Percival has been ordered to the Relief as pilot; he has 

 been in the Straits of Magellan, and will afford you all the aid in his 

 power. 



You will give particular attention to the health and comfort of all 

 under your command. 



Wishing you a safe and successful cruise, 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 Lieut. Com. A. K. Long, 



U. S. Ship Relief: 



XXXI. 



U. S. Ship Peacock, 

 At Sea, lat. 60° S., long. 84° W., 

 April 1st, 1839. 

 Sir,— 



After separating from you in Orange Bay on the 25th of February, 

 I proceeded with the tender Flying-Fish, under the command of 

 Lieutenant Walker, to carry out your instructions, in making a recog- 

 nizance south. On the afternoon of the 26th, a few miles to the west- 



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