456 APPENDIX. 



generally found that we got nearer to the shore in those places than 

 elsewhere. One thing I must tell you, as respects filling your water : 

 you will sometimes find a pond of delicious water on the top of an old 

 iceberg, frozen over, but on cutting through it you will see a supply 

 sufficient for a navy. It will save you fuel, and discomfort and cold 

 to you, your vessels, and their crews. 



I was very fortunate in the weather the latter part of the time ; and 

 indeed altogether I was scarcely a day without some observation, 

 (except during the gales, of which we had three, occupying about 

 eight days,) and generally half a dozen. 



My time for six weeks was passed on deck, and having all day- 

 light, I of course had constant employment, and with the many 

 assistants, I could make rapid progress ; and you will find that no 

 opportunity ought to be lost in this navigation, if one is to do any 

 thing. One's ship is in constant danger, and the Vincennes, a first- 

 class sloop of seven hundred and eighty tons, it requires all the fore- 

 sight and activity one is possessed of to look-out for her. 



1 consider that I have had a most providential escape; and if this 

 ship had not been enabled to " do every thing but talk," I should not 

 have been where I now am ; but she had inspired me with so much 

 confidence, among the coral reefs last summer, that I could put full 

 faith in her doing her duty. I must refer you to the chart, on which I 

 have noted remarks, variations, &c. 



I should have mentioned, that in 1838 and 1839 I went south in 

 the brig Porpoise, in order to trace Palmer's Land on its eastern side, 

 (but too late for any trial to reach high latitudes,) and hoping that the 

 lateness of the season would enable me to run some distance along it. 

 I got within three miles of the coast, and saw it trending to the south- 

 southeast about thirty miles ; but it w 7 as so blocked up with ice as to 

 render it impossible to get through. I have little doubt myself, in 

 favourable seasons, Weddell's track may be followed, notwithstanding 

 what the Frenchman may say, there being no land to which the ice is 

 attached ; and that the ice in those parts changes very much, the 

 currents being exceedingly strong, as I myself witnessed. I could not 

 afford the time to be frozen up, as my other duties were and are 

 paramount to passing the winter in such a situation. But you are 

 differently situated, and I should advise you, by all means, to try to 

 penetrate between longitude 35° and 45° W. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition 

 To Captain James C. Ross, 



Commanding H. B. M. Ships Erebus and Terror. 



