402 APPENDIX. 
You will endeavour to obtain the native names of all the islands 
you survey. 
You will continue in company until signal is made to you to execute 
the above orders. 
Iam, &c., 
Cuartes WILKES, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
Lirut. Com. C. Rinecotn, 
U.S. Brig Porpoise. 
III. 
U.S. Ship Vincennes, 
Ovolau, May 10th, 1840. 
Sir,— 
The launch and first cutter, with Mr. Knox, Mr. Henry, and 
Dr. Whittle, twelve men, and a pilot, are placed under your orders 
for a surveying excursion along the north side of the island of 
Vitilevu. You will observe the following instructions very particu- 
larly, and in no case depart from them, unless it is for the preservation 
of your party. 
Ist. You will avoid landing any where on the main land or islands, 
unless the latter should be uninhabited. 
2d. Every precaution must be observed in treating with natives, 
and no natives must be suffered to come alongside or near your boats 
without your boarding-nettings being up. All trade must be carried 
on over the stern of your boat, and your arms and howitzers ready to 
repel any attack. 
3d. You will avoid any disputes with them, and never be off your 
guard or free from suspicion: they are in no case to be trusted. 
4th. Your two boats must never be separated at night, but anchored 
as near together as possible. You will adhere to the following route 
of proceeding, viz. : 
Leaving the ship, you will proceed round the north end of Ovolau 
and steer for the main island of Vitilevu, to a point off which there 
is a small island; observing, running down, and fixing the reefs that 
may lay in your way there, dividing your boats so as to obtain their 
outlines as accurately as possible, particularly the northern reef that 
leads to the inshore channel of that island, and along its north shore. 
From the above-mentioned point you will proceed to the westward, 
tracing the shore and line of reefs outside of you. The passage 
is supposed to be from two to five miles wide, and is said to be a 
good one for a ship. All coral patches and broken ground that may 
be fallen in with will be particularly observed, and their positions 
