APPENDIX. 473 



and sudden transitions. The great anxiety I felt to attain a high 

 southern parallel, and obtain convincing proofs of the existence of 

 land from the indications presented, added to the ardour of the officers 

 and crew, often involved us in situations, alike interesting, critical, 

 and dangerous, attributing our escapes without injury to the too plain 

 guidance of the watchful hand of Providence. 



Among the most pleasing reflections are those of the perfect exemp- 

 tion from sickness and disease, — not a serious case occurring during 

 the whole period, and not a symptom of incipient scurvy. I have 

 avoided all unnecessary exposure, affording every convenience and 

 comfort to the crew, ever keeping in mind, and rigidly adhering to, 

 your sanitary regulations. 



I cannot sufficiently express the satisfaction I feel in reporting the 

 very exemplary conduct of the crew ; a universal desire to perform 

 their several duties was evinced, from the eldest to the youngest. I 

 beg leave to recommend them in the strongest terms to your notice 

 and consideration. 



To the officers I return my thanks : they were ever attentive and 

 unremitting in their duties, greatly contributing to the gratifying and 

 safe termination of the cruise. 



I feel great pleasure in speaking in high terms of them, and feel 

 assured they will receive from you the merit which they deserve. 



The observations resulting from the cruise, together with the currents, 

 soundings, &c, are minutely and correctly placed upon the chart accom- 

 panying, which indicates the track of our researches along the Antarctic 

 Circle. 



I have the honour to be, 



Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 

 (Signed) Cadwalader Ringgold, 



Lieut. Com. U. S. Navy. 



To Charles Wilkes, Esq., 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



XXXI. 



[Copy.] 

 Sir, — 



In reply to your letter of yesterday, I have to inform you that 

 Captain William Hobson, R. N., arrived here on the 29th January, 

 ult., in H. B. M. ship Herald, and that on the following day the two 

 proclamations now enclosed were made. During the next week 



VOL. II. 2 P 



