828 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMA.C. 
equal to eight hundred and seventy-five statute nailes, averaging 
less than two miles an hour for twenty days ! At times, the very 
atmosphere seemed to be a sheet of fire, and the little sparrows, 
in their migrations from one island to another, would perch upon 
the frigate's rigging, panting for breath. A current generally set 
against the course of the frigate, which rendered it necessary to 
come to anchor so often, in order to hold on, and cling with a 
miser-like tenacity to every inch attained by the little cap's-full 
of wind which occasionally passed. This, rendered the ship's 
duty very arduous and harassing, both to ofiicers and men. 
During this rim, if a snail's pace may be so called, several 
islands were passed, which only deserve notice as landmarks to 
the mariner. St. Barbe is seven miles north of the equator, in 
longitude 107° 15' east; it is about three miles in length, high, 
bold, and of triangular form. When viewed at a distance, it as- 
sumes the appearance of three small islands, on account of two 
depressions on its surface. There is said to be anchorage on 
its east side, where water may be procured, and occasionally some 
fine green turtle. The St. Esprit group of islands lies in about 
0° 34' north, to which the frigate gave a wide birth, as no accurate 
surveys have been taken of them. In passing the north, middle, 
and south Anambas Islands, she kept about midway between them 
and Singapore Straits on the west. 
The Island of Pulo Aor, in latitude 2° 30' north, longitude 
104° 34' east, has attained some notoriety as a point of departure 
for ships bound to Canton, and for which vessels generally steer 
on their homeward-boimd passages. The island is small, but 
high, and covered with trees. The bay, on the northwest side, 
affords good shelter and anchorage during the northeast monsoon, 
and vessels often stop there when unwilling to enter the Strait 
of Singapore during dark weather. In passing Pulo Aor, the 
Potomac stood farther to the east than the usual track of vessels. 
On Wednesday, the second of May, the frigate was in latitude 
7° 10' north, longitude 105° 16' east, more than one hundred miles 
farther west than when she crossed the equator. The sick-list 
had not increased, but several cases of dysentery were rapidly 
approaching a fatal termination. The untiring and indefatigable 
assiduity of the gentlemen composing the medical department, 
tended to check, so far as human agency could produce that 
