414 APPENDIX. 



less reluctantly, as I felt confident the season for operations in these 

 latitudes had already passed, — the sun being already in northern 

 declination, and little assistance to be expected from the moon and 

 stars. 



On the 25th of March I fell in with you again, sir. It had been my 

 intention that day at noon to stand to the eastward, and, if I found the 

 sea sufficiently clear, to pass to the southward and eastward of the 

 island of Peter I., in quest of the western extremity of Palmer's Land, 

 and thence to execute what should remain unexecuted of my " Instruc- 

 tions," with which you are well acquainted. 



Fearful of an early separation from you, in the thick weather now 

 so prevalent in these latitudes, I have hurriedly drawn up this report, 

 which I trust will excuse its deficiency in minute details, for which I 

 beg leave to refer you to my journal (which I shall lose no time in 

 submitting to you), and to the log-book, and other journals of the 

 schooner. 



I cannot close, sir, without expressing my entire satisfaction with 

 the conduct of the crew of the schooner ; they have now been wet for 

 thirty days, suffering from cold, and frequently covered with ice and 

 snow ; indeed, in my experience, I have never known men subjected 

 to equal hardships. From snr.h causes, from two to three of the 

 number have generally been unfit for duty ; nevertheless, the remainder 

 have displayed an enthusiasm for the service in which they have been 

 engaged, and have performed their duties with a cheerfulness and 

 alacrity that, if equalled, I have never seen surpassed. I confidently 

 trust that you will so represent their conduct to the commander-in- 

 chief, that it may be distinguished by a public expression of his appro- 

 bation. 



In conclusion, sir, I must acknowledge my indebtedness to the skill 

 and experience of Mr. Knox, and the ready attention of Mr. Ham- 

 mersly, from whom I have received the most hearty co-operation. 



Very respectfully, yours, &c, 



(Signed) William M. Walker, 



Commanding U. S. Schooner Flying-Fish. 



William L. Hudson, Esq., 



Commanding U. S. Ship Peacock, and Schooner Flying-Fish. 



In looking over this communication, I believe it better to state that 

 the appearance noticed in the ice, and of which I have made mention 

 on the third page, amounted to a deep earthy stain. I cannot pretend 

 to account for it. 





