APPENDIX. 525 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Nisqually Harbour, 



May 16th, 1841. 

 Sir, — 



You will proceed with the launch, first cutter, Ariel, and Pilot, ac- 

 companied by Acting-Master Totten, Passed Midshipmen May and 

 Colvocoressis, to the point in the passage west of Vashon's Island, 

 below the Narrows (where Mr. Colvocoressis's signal was placed), 

 from which you will begin the survey of the passage, proceeding 

 northward until you reach the north end of Vashon's Island, where 

 you will connect your work with the Porpoise on a staff erected there 

 by that vessel. If you should find none, you will erect a large pole- 

 signal, somewhat similar to those we have observed in the different 

 bays ; and also one on the small island opposite, which I have named 

 Bainbridge Island, leaving a note of your having done so for Lieu- 

 tenant-Commandant Ringgold, to which he will connect his work. 



You will from thence proceed (not meeting the Porpoise) direct for 

 Port Lawrence, the place in which we once anchored, at the mouth 

 of Hood's Canal, which you will proceed to survey, and endeavour to 

 find a passage through the head of it, into Puget Sound, by some 

 outlet or channel that may possibly exist: if one should be found, 

 you will continue your survey through it, and into the waters of 

 Puget Sound ; if not, after completing the survey of Hood's Canal, 

 you will return by its entrance to Admiralty Inlet, and thence toward 

 the ship. 



On your arrival at the Narrows, you will again take up the survey, 

 connecting it with Mr. Totten's No. 1, and Mr. Eld's No. 8, and from 

 thence into Puget Sound, taking its northern side, and islands near it 

 in your progress to the southward and westward. From this point 

 you will despatch one of your boats to me, with information of your 

 progress. 



The signals you put upon these islands must be well marked, so as 

 to be distinctly seen and recognised. 



You will continue up the arms and inlets, until you reach the head 

 of the sound, and all its branches, after which you will continue the 

 survey toward the ship at Nisqually. 



In case of your falling in with the Porpoise, Lieutenant-Comman- 

 dant Ringgold has orders to retain you in company until he reaches 

 the mouth of Hood's Canal, when you will separate from him. 



The following instructions will guide you in your surveys. 



Whenever practicable, your bases will be measured by chain, and 

 the true direction of the line found. 



Astronomical observations will be particularly attended to, for lati- 



