408 APPENDIX. 



through the greater part of the night, which was of the clearest star- 

 light, — the Southern Cross garnishing the zenith, and the Magellan 

 clouds showing more distinctly than I had ever before seen them. 

 The weather, during our cruise south, was very unfavourable for 

 witnessing any very splendid exhibitions of the aurora ; for, with few 

 exceptions, during our stay in the Antarctic Circle, we were enveloped 

 in dense fogs, or found only occasional relief from such falls of snow, 

 as may fairly be classed with any one of our old-fashioned snow- 

 storms at home. 



The greatest dip obtained, from the experiments with Dolland's 

 needle, was 78° ; and in the latitude of 68° S., we found nearly four 

 points easterly variation. 



Mr. Peale has been fortunate enough to obtain as specimens, some 

 new and rare Antarctic birds. 



The officers and crew have enjoyed excellent health, been prompt 

 and efficient in the performance of their respective duties ; and for 

 their cordial co-operation and aid in carrying out my views, deserve 

 my warmest thanks ; and I beg you will officially say so in your report 

 to the Honourable Secretary of the Navy. I herewith enclose you 

 Lieutenant Walker's report, who certainly deserves, with his officers 

 and men, great credit for his perseverance. 



I have drawn up this report in great haste, for the purpose of 

 despatching the Flying-Fish to you, with the earliest intelligence, and 

 shall proceed direct to Valparaiso, to carry out your instructions there 



Very respectfully, 

 (Signed) Wm. L. Hudson, 



Commanding- U. S. Ship Peacock 



Captain Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



U. S. Schooner Flying-Fish, 



At Sea, March 26th, 1839 

 Sir, — 



In obedience to your order of to-day, I have the honour to report, 

 that after separating from you on the evening of the 26th ultimo, we 

 hove-to under a reefed foresail until near meridian the next day, when, 

 the gale moderating, we kept off the wind, with the hope of again 

 falling in with you ; and on the evening of the next day made a large 

 sail to the northward of us, standing to the westward ; we imme- 

 diately gave chase, but on coming up, made her out to be a British 

 merchantman. 



We then stood to the westw^n" for our first rendezvous with strong 



