CHARLES WILKES 
243 
stood clear of the ice and held on his course. On the 
30th as he was proceeding two strange vessels appeared 
and as they were smaller than the Vincennes or the 
Peacock Ringgold concluded that they must be the ships 
of the British expedition under Ross which he knew 
were expected in those seas. He hoisted his colours and 
was “ preparing to cheer the discoverer of the North 
Magnetic Pole/' when the strangers showed French 
colours and the Americans knew that they were D’Ur- 
ville’s. When almost up to the flagship his “ intentions 
too evident to excite a doubt ” Ringgold saw sail being 
made on D’Urville’s ship and jumping to the conclusion 
that an insult was intended he instantly hauled down 
his flag and bore on his course. Wilkes was much ex- 
cited when he subsequently heard of the episode and said 
hard things of D’Urville; but the explanation of the 
latter has already been given. It is simply incredible 
that any commander meeting another ship in such a 
region would wilfully insult a friendly flag, and we 
must conclude that the American captain was too quick 
to take offence. 
The barrier was occasionally sighted and the usual 
difficulties of navigation amongst the floating ice were 
successfully overcome. No land was reported, but dis- 
coloured ice was frequently observed and earth and 
stones were several times collected from the ice; on the 
13th a number of stones were taken “ from an immense 
mass of black earth identified with the barrier, some 
hundreds of yards back from the margin.” On Feb- 
ruary 14th the westward limit assigned had been passed 
and the Porpoise turned in ioo° E. and 64° 15' S. to 
examine the edge of the barrier as she sailed eastward. 
The crew were in good health and spirits and on Feb- 
