APPENDIX. 
Navy. Bepartment, June 27th, 1831. 
• Sis ■ 
When the frigate Potomac is in readiness to leave Norfolk, you will 
proceed to New-York without delay, that her complete preparation and 
equipment may be effected at the navy-yard there. 
When she is in every respect ready for sea, which must certainly be 
accomplished by the first day of August next, you will receive, on board 
the Honourable Martin Van Buren, minister from the United States to 
England, and his suite, and immediately make sail, shaping your course 
for Portsmouth, on the southern coast of England, or for any other port 
within the British Channel which you may find to be more safe and con- 
venient, where you will land Mr. Van Buren and suite. 
After fulfilling this part of your instructions, you will, with all practi- 
cable despatch, direct your course for the Pacific Ocean, and assume the 
command of the naval forces on that station. You will touch on your way 
out at Porto Pray a of the Cape de Verd Islands, if not inconvenient, and 
also at Pernambuco, St. Salvador, and Rio de Janeiro, on the coast of 
Brazil ; and communicating with the consuls or commercial agents of the 
United States at these ports, and rendering every lawful aid and protec- 
tion to the persons and property of our citizens which may be needed ; 
not, however, making any unnecessary delay at either of these places. 
On your arrival in the Pacific, you will obtain from Master-commandant 
Gregory all necessary information relating to our commerce and squadron, 
and adopt suitable measures for executing and accomplishing the instruc- 
tions and objects which he has not had it in his power to fulfil previous 
to your arrival. A copy of his orders is furnished. 
The force under your command will consist of the Potomac, as flag- 
ship, the sloop-of-war Falmouth, Master-commandant Gregory, and the 
schooner Dolphin, Lieutenant John C. Long. 
It is , hoped that this force will be competent to afford efificient protec- 
tion to our extensive and important interests in that region of the world ; 
and placing every confidence in your skill, intelligence, and judgment, no 
doubt is entertained of your using every exertion in your power fully to 
accomplish the objects of your command. 
You will, on all occasions, render to our citizens, vessels, commerce, 
and interests, that assistance and protection to which they are lawfully 
entitled. 
For your information and government in the execution of the duties 
assigned to you, I transmit a volume containing the treaties concluded 
