The Madisonian., 1840-02-13

norlhwad Of Rariks, not laid down on any chart wncn
named Kings Island, from the name OF one q ''o
crew OF this ship, who fret discovered y IRON so,
We made survey Of II, and found the ionSNuue - 10
centre TO he IA deg. 81 min 40 sec west ana 'atuu1
is deg "A mn 10 sec south We landed oul cou'u
find inhabitants, although there were appearances "
the pearl fishery having been carried on py ,ne
From thence we visited Rarka ard made survey
Of IL the longitude Of tho entrance 70 i's lagoon 'aa on
deg 81 min 62 sec. west, latitude 10 deg mn 81
sec south We landed, aud found the natives very
friendly. We took on board an Enslsh'nan 'fon ms
island who had been left by vessel engaged ~ ihe
pearl fishery time previous
70 the westward, and IN sight OF Rarlka, we Disco
yered another large island. which Is not laid down on
any chart which | named Vinccuues Island, alter this
ship; its southwest point is in Longitude ! 10 deg, IL
MN west, and latitude l6 deg. 80 south north
west pon, in longitude l45 deg. Is min. latitude 10
deg So min 40 sec.
From thence made Csrls-Hof, % miles TO the
westward and in longitude las deg % min. SO soc
Latitude l6 deg. SO nun. SOUTH which, finding ero-
neonsly lad down. We surveyed.
From thence We made King Georges Group, and
searched for the two Islands to the westward OF thein
which have hitherto been considered Doubtful and we're
supposed be the Waierlsnd OF lie Mare The
northern island Wilson, or Wsefand, is in longitude
LAG deg. min 81 latitude Ia deg. 20 min.
these surveyed. and, having ascertalncd The exist
ence OF two islands, named the second one Peacock
Island, that ship first made the signal OF having DIS
covered il its longitude is lac deg 20 min 81 sec,
latitude II deg 81 min Here had an opportunity OF
observing the cclispe OF the sun.
The squadron then separated the Peacock passed
the Rpuck chain Of islands and along the sou'h side
Of Prince OF Wales Island, the Vincehnes isking the
north side, the Popolse and Flying Fish having been
ordered 10 make Investigations Of Islands IN that vicI-
nifty
These islands have been carefully examined on all
SIDES, which has resulted IN detecting macy errors oi
the charts and Of former determinations.
| From thence proceeded to Mslea Island, when
surveyed aud from thence direct to this anchoragc
| The explorations and surveys made IN the
boats and vessels frequently running With The vessels
within quarter half mile Of the shore and coral
reefs aud ! am happy to inform you that notwith-
standing lha dangerous navigation among these islanus
We haze escaped Without accident aud latter myself
that have carried into effect most fully all that part OF
your Instructions referred III the notes oil Admiral
krusensliern, which attached and formed part
! of them.
| No opportunity has been omitted TO land upon the
| islands, aud establish friendly intercourse with lhe
natives, and to make all possible observations aud col
econs in the different departments all Of which "i
! be disposed of agreeably your own Instructions
/ On nv arrival here gratfcd to hnd by the oh
| servaons had at Point Veuecrs, my chronometers IN
| point.
| shall remain here few days TO complete our obser-
vaons, and procure supply Of wood, water, freshpro
visions. and vegetables for the crew, and proceed to
carry your further instructions with all despatch
have the honor TO be- most respectfully, your
obedIenl servant, CHARLES WILKES,
Commanding Exploring Expedition
To the Hon j. X PAuLplNG,
Secretary OF the Navy.