CHAPTER XI. 
HONOLULU. 
1840. 
Arter the squadron had cleared the reefs, I made signal to the 
Porpoise to part company, for the purpose of proceeding to execute 
the orders I had given her commander. I afterwards despatched the 
tender to run along the sea-reef as far as Round Island, before shaping 
her course for Oahu in the Sandwich Islands. 
The Vincennes and Peacock continued their course to the northward 
in company, and on the 13th, passed from east into west longitude, 
when we in consequence changed our reckoning a day. At the same 
time we lost the regular trade, and began to experience variable winds 
and light squalls. 
Having now made all the necessary arrangements with Captain 
Hudson, I determined that the vessels should part company. By so 
doing, our passage to Oahu would probably be expedited,—a matter 
of some importance, in consequence of the low state of our stock of 
provisions; and pursuing separate tracks, there would be a better 
opportunity of searching for some doubtful islands, and of obtaining 
information in relation to the currents and winds. The vessels there- 
fore parted company on the evening of the 14th, I having previously 
transferred Passed Midshipman Eld to the Vincennes, and Passed 
Midshipman Colvocoressis to the Peacock. 
On the 15th August, the winds inclined more to the south, and on 
the 16th, on board the Vincennes, we had variable winds, veering to 
the northward. I therefore tacked to the eastward, in order to take 
advantage of the change of wind in making easting. Many tropic- 
birds were now seen. Our latitude was 5° 41' S., longitude 175° 
46’ W. 
On the 17th we passed the position where an island has been re- 
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