APPENDIX. 431 



patent log, and run a base, and get what results you can in passing it, 

 particularly the latitude and longitude of its points and peaks. 



On your way to the northward, I have concluded you will be 

 enabled to reach Vavao without difficulty. You will therefore have 

 communication with it so far as to ascertain the dispositions of the 

 Shylock's men, without delay. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 Lieut. Com. C. Ringgold, 



U. S. Brig Porpoise. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



August 12th, 1840, 

 Sir, — 



You will proceed and make the reef off Kie, and sail it close aboard, 

 as far only as Round Island. You will not look for it to the westward 

 of Round Island, from whence you will proceed to carry out my 

 order of the 11th inst., with all despatch. 



You will use the patent log, and report the result of all your trans- 

 actions to me. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 Acting-Master Sinclair, 



Tender Flying-Fish. 



XVI. 



U. S. Ship Peacock, 



August 1st, 1840. 

 Sir, — 



I address you this letter, for the purpose of stating the circum- 

 stances attendant upon the death of Smith, a man attached to the 

 Kai-viti, under my command. I was at anchor on the night of the 

 14th of July, pretty near the land. Happening to be awake at eleven 

 o'clock, I thought I would ascertain if the look-out was awake. I got 

 up in the companion-way, and called him by name two or three times. 

 Receiving no answer, I went forward and found him asleep. Taking 

 up a small piece of sennit stuff, I struck him with it smartly on the 

 hand. He awoke, and I reproached him for having neglected his 

 duty. He denied having been asleep, and became insolent. I began 



