PENRHfN ISLAND. 281 



N. They then experienced light northeast winds, with strong equa- 

 torial currents, which with the strength of the northeast trades carried 

 them to leeward, and prevented their making the Hawaiian Islands. 

 This rendered necessary the curtailment of the rations to less than 

 one-half. The officers, with proper spirit, shared the privations of 

 the men, and tendered their stores to the commander for the common 

 stock. 



On their way north, Palmyra Island was seen; and on the 

 evening of the 24th of March, they anchored off Honolulu, after an 

 absence of four months and nine days, only eight of which were passed 

 in port. 



The results of this cruise of the Porpoise were satisfactory to me, 

 although it had been found impossible to carry out all the duties 

 embraced in her instructions. The performance of those that were 

 accomplished was attended with much fatigue from the adverse state 

 of the weather, an obstacle I was somewhat apprehensive of, but not 

 to the extent that they experienced. Had I been at liberty, or had 

 time allowed, I should have gladly chosen another season for it. With 

 suitable weather, there would have been ample time to accomplish the 

 whole. 



While on this cruise, they were more troubled with sickness on 

 board the brig than at any other time during our absence : several 

 cases of dysentery occurred, one of which, as before mentioned, proved 

 fatal. 



From the report of Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, relative to 

 the Porpoise, and on examination of her bottom, the copper was found 

 so far gone as to make it necessary to re-copper her. This cause of 

 detention was unlooked for, and I had been in hopes to give her crew 

 a short relaxation ; but there was no opportunity for it. The necessity 

 of a speedy departure admitted of no delay. She was accordingly 

 hauled into the wharf, and they commenced heaving her down. The 

 crew of the Vincennes assisted in these duties. Some few difficulties 

 occurred, but by the uninterrupted and constant attention of all, the 

 work was soon completed, and the brig again prepared for sea. 



During this time the effect that the introduction of French wines 

 and brandies had had upon the habits as well as morals of the lower 

 orders, became very evident ; and to avert this evil influence from the 

 crews of both vessels became one of the most troublesome duties the 

 officers had to perform. So great is this annoyance, that I think it 

 sufficient to prevent the making of any repairs but what can be done 

 at anchor in the harbour, and will ere long, I fear, prevent this port 

 from being the resort of the whaling fleet, or even of casual vessels. 



VOL. IV. Y2 36 



