APPENDIX. 427 



XLL 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, July 16th, 1839. 



With a view of avoiding any misapprehension in regard to the 

 duties of the artists attached to the Exploring Expedition, and that 

 their services and time may be as usefully engaged as possible, I deem 

 it proper to state, that they will not confine themselves exclusively to 

 any particular branch, without directions from me, but will divide their 

 duties among the different departments in such a manner as may be 

 deemed most conducive to the interest and benefit of the whole. 



Very respectfully, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



ORDERS FOR OBSERVATIONS, ETC. 



The following arrangements with regard to observations will be 

 daily attended to on board the different vessels of the squadron, under 

 the directions of their respective commanders : returns will be made 

 to me weekly. 



1st. The lieutenant, passed midshipman, and midshipman, of the 

 first watch will assist the master in the forenoon observations for time 

 and azimuth. 



2d. Those of the mid-watch will take the meridian altitude. 



3d. Those of the morning watch will assist in the afternoon obser- 

 vations. 



4th. The officers who have no night-watch will be called upon for 

 measuring distances during the night. 



5th. The master will be informed in time, when opportunities occur 

 for making observations for amplitude, in the morning and evening. 



6th. The results of each officer, signed by him, will be sent to the 

 commander daily, and entered by his clerk in a book of observations, 

 who will note the time when required. 



(Signed) Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, July 16th, 1839. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, August 2d, 1839. 

 Sir, — 



When you suppose your vessel at her designated distance, you wil' 



hoist your ensign for firing, which will be answered as soon as seen. 



