porter's journal. 



on Colnel's chart, the only one which has been drawn of 

 the GalUpagos, I felt myself much staggered in the belief 

 of this being James'; but thought it not unlikely that the 

 want of correspondence might be owing to the general in- 

 correctness of the chart, as we have found it filled with er- 

 rors, none of the islands being laid down agreeable to their 

 true position. Nor are the shores of any of them correct- 

 ly traced ; and there are also many islands in this group 

 not noticed in his chart. But it is not to be wondered at 

 that captain Colnet did not make a correct chart of the 

 GalJipagos, as he merely sailed around the group, without 

 passing through it ; and had he even passed, as we have 

 done, twice through them, strong currents and foggy wea- 

 ther would have tended greatly to mislead his judgment, 

 and baffle all calculation as to distance. Having my doubts 

 as to this being James' Island, although its great extent ap- 

 peared to justify the belief, I made a signal for the Geor- 

 giana to proceed ahead, while we ran through the passage 

 between that and a smaller island on the larboard bow, 

 which to me had much the appearance of Barrington 

 Island. But as all declared it to be Norfolk Island, I must 

 acknowledge that I felt myself at a loss to know what part 

 of the cluster I had got into. I did not, however, believe 

 the large island to be James' ; and as a fine breeze sprang 

 up from the northward, and a strong current set from the 

 same quarter, I determined to give up the idea of making 

 any farther examination, with a view of getting to the 

 southward, with the dull-sailing vessels under my care, 

 hoping to reach Hood's Island, to get on board some terra- 

 pins, as a refreshment for the crew. I consequently made 

 a signal for a boat to be sent from the Georgiana, and sent 

 to lieutenant Dovv nes the following orders : 



United States frigate Essex, at sea, Chatham Island 

 bearing southeast, 12th May, 1813. 



Sir, 



You will proceed to Albemarle, searching Charles' or 

 James' Island, wliichever is most convenient, in your way. 

 I shall endeavour to get into the harbour at Hood's Island, 

 where I should wish you to join me if practicable ; from 

 thence 1 shall proceed to the continent to take in water, 

 probably at Tumbez. where you will proceed if you should 



