PASSAGES. 



CAPES OF VIRGINIA TO THE CAPE DE VEItDE ISLANDS. 



From the 18th of August to the 7th of October, 1838. 



The passage first in order is that from the Capes of Virginia to the 

 Cape de Verde Islands. It was remarkable as illustrating the length 

 of passage caused by a difference of routes across the Atlantic. 



It was my intention to pass into the Gulf Stream, and continue in 

 it as long as it lay in my power, but the winds not permitting us to 

 pursue that course, we were compelled to pass outside of it. I feel 

 satisfied that it would have expedited our passage to Madeira, had we 

 kept within it, but the temptation of steering within a few points of 

 our course, which the wind permitted, prevailed, and we continued 

 our route without it, though nearly parallel to its direction, receiving 

 but little aid from it, and experiencing variable currents and light 

 winds, but, at the same time avoiding exposure to the heavy August 

 gales, which were to be expected, and from the experience of many 

 are believed to be much more severely felt within its limits, and are 

 extremely dangerous from the effect of the current, which renders the 

 sea higher and shorter. 



The Relief parted company when four days out, with orders to make 

 the best of her way to the Cape de Verde Islands. Lieutenant-Comman- 

 der Long chose a direct route across the Atlantic, between the parallels 

 of 32° and 34°, and continued it until he reached the longitude of 37° 

 west, after being out 37 days. During all this time they were scarcely 

 able to steer their course, but were constantly annoyed by light and 

 head winds with opposing currents; after this, easterly winds pre- 

 vailed, until within a few days sail of the port, preventing her from 

 reaching her destination until after a lapse of 60 days. 



The Relief was not to be classed among fast sailers, but it is be- 

 lieved will bear a fair comparison with ordinary merchant vessels that 

 carry a large cargo. At any other season, it is probable she would 

 have made better time ; but when the sun is approaching the northern 

 tropic, there is little doubt in my mind that the result must be the 

 same, by pursuing a similar route ; light and variable winds will al- 

 ways then be found to prevail, and as far as this passage serves, it 

 proves that they generally prevail from the east instead of the western 

 quarter. The log-book of the Relief only mentions her having set 

 studding-sails on 13 days. 



