404 APPENDIX. 
U.S. Ship Vincennes, 
Ovolau, May 12th, 1840. 
Sir,— 
The launch and first cutter of the Peacock, with Chaplain Elliott, 
Mr. Blunt, and Mr. Dyes, twelve men, and a pilot, are placed under 
your orders, for a surveying excursion along the south side of the 
island of Vitilevu. 
You will observe the following instructions very particularly, and 
in no case depart from them, unless it is for the preservation of your 
party. 
You will avoid landing on the main land or on an island, unless the 
latter should be uninhabited. 
Every precaution must be observed in treating with the natives: 
none of them must be suffered to ‘come alongside or near your boats, 
without your boarding-nettings being up. All trade must be carried 
on over the stern of your boat, and your arms ready to repel any 
attack. You will avoid all disputes with them, and never be off your 
guard or free from suspicion: they are in no case to be trusted. Your 
two boats must never be separated at night, but anchored as near 
together as possible. You will adhere to the following route of pro- 
ceeding, viz.: leaving the ship, you will proceed round the north end 
of Ovolau, running down the reef of the west side of it, until you make 
and get observations on the insulated rock between it and the island 
on the south side of Ovolau (Moturiki), thence to the main land of 
Vitilevu, off a point nearly opposite, near which you will find a small 
island. In running down, you will fix the reef on the east side of the 
passage. At this island you will ascertain your latitude and longitude, 
and observe azimuths on the trending of the coast, east and west. 
From thence you will proceed to the southward, tracing the coast, 
reefs, and channels that may be practicable for vessels towards Ambau 
and Viwa, and getting a knowledge of the route for vessels navigating 
towards these places, in order that sailing directions may be obtained 
from your chart. From thence you will proceed round Kamba Point 
inside the reefs, laying down their positions, trending, and passages 
through them, if any occur. One is supposed to exist near the two 
small islands off Kamba Point. Thence you will follow the reefs 
inside of those towards Rewa, in like manner tracing the land, &c. 
Rewa Harbour you will make a survey of, and the passages leading 
into it, and as far up as the town, noting the best anchorages, &c., 
and ascertain its latitude and longitude. 
After completing this duty, you will proceed along the reefs to the 
island of Mbenga, and if safe for your boats, as far as Vatulele; but 
