Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-23
UNITED STATES SHIP VINcENNEs,
Co.. D.. ~ Togo

UNITED STATES SHIP VINCENNES,
Simon's Bay, Oct. Is 1853.
Sir: In order that the department may under
stand the duties which will occupy the attention
of the expedition during its progress, have the
honor to submit outlines Of the proposed plan Of
operations after leaving this place. To render
to be prepared sketch illustrating the routes and
field of labor. The East Indies offer to commerce
certain accessible routes and channels of approach
which may be availed Of according 10 seasons.
The northeast monsoons prevail from October
TO March. Ships approaching from the west, ma
Cape of Good Hope, must, 10 avoid these adverse
winds, seek the imperlectly surveyed eastern
routes, in contradistinction to those through the
China seas, so direct in the season Of the south
west monsoon. Several of these routes offer
themselves, and it is part of my duty to make
reconnaissance of ALL in order to develop the re-
sources ofeach. Since the commencement of the
recent active trade by our commerce with Aus
tralia, new question ofimportance has presented
itself. / refer to the probable route from the Aus
tralian ports 10 China, to the east of New Holland,
and perhaps through some of the various groups
of islands known as the New Hebrides, New Bri-
tania New Guinea, thence up by the Caroline,
Pellew and Philippine isles, to Canton.
Fully sensible ofthe necessity of rendering every
assistance and facility to our commerce with the
east, and in view of the new impulse given TO il
by the remarkable events alluded TO as occurring
in Australia, / am of the opinion that my true
course is TO explore the heretofore unfrequented
route from Australia TO China. In connection
with it-and while an active and efficient portion
Of the squadron, well adapted TO the service, is
diligently employed in careful reconnaissance of
the usual and much frequented seas and straits
leading 10 China, adverted to in my preceding re-
marks, but which, even at this advanced state Of
photographic knowledge, are yet known TO con-
tain inaccuracies which often prove fatal TO our
ships navigating them-Lieutenant Maury called
my attention, and first directed me, to the consid-
Grafton OF this important subject.
Circumstances, and some intercourse with in
telligent men engaged in this new enterprise, have
since confirmed the strong impression made upon
my mind by that intelligent and persevering Off
GER
To extend the usefulness of the expedition, I
have decided thus to divide the expedition, and
thoroughly develop the new route. while all the
Investigations necessary to early and safe nav
igaton Of the East Indies, and ordinary courses
are well examined and explored. To this end, /
select the vessels best suited TO the respective
duties.
In the accomplishment of this important inves-
tigaton and reconnaissance shall confne myself
strictly TO practical and useful ends The object
Of our enterprsing navigators is to have, without
delay, comparatively safe and practicable route
explored, by which they may pass quickly from
Australian ports to those of the Celestial empire.
A survey of some sections of the supposed
routes-for instance the intricate and much
INSTRUCTED strait of Dampier, formed by New
Modern navgators confirm the experience of
early researches with respect TO the impractical
bility of the last-named portions of the route.
From the information before me, would not
be justified in bestowng valuable time upon that
which most likely would prove nnavailing shall,
therefore, devote myself diligently 10 the examna-
ton of two or three routes, formed by the great
chain of islands lying between the meridians of
$50 degrees and 10 degrees east longitude in the
hope my results, when presented to the depart
ment, may prove worthy. and safeguard and
protection to such ofour citizens as shall pass on
their enterprising and lawful occasions, over our
track II will be my duty TO conciliate the tribes
Of natives | may communicate with, having pro-
vided ample presents suitable 10 liberal distri-
button among them. II is also my intention, so
far as rapid movement viii justify to carefully
examine some harbors. locate and investigate
their facilities with reference to commercial pur-
poses and as points of refuge.
Portions of the Pacific ocean which will come
under my notice have proved 10 be successful
fisheries for our whale ships, and have recently
been much frequented Advantages, it is hoped,
will be secured by the reconnaissance for this por-
ton of active citizens. shall not fail TO look
closely 10 their interests in this respect. il i
should succeed in the accomplishment of this,
our first important work-and i doubt il not-l
shall have secured advantages sufficient 10 prove
the usefulness of the expedition. j embark upon
the service with confidence, and expected to de-
spatch from Macao, on my arrival there carefully
drawn charts embracing all the necessary infor-
nation. and in state for immediate publication.
My calculations upon the suppostion that this
duty will occupy space of time not exceeding
ninety days.
am, very respectfully,
Your obedent servant,
CADWALADER RTNGOLD,
Cong Exp'n TO North Pacific Ocean, &c.
| Hon ]. G. DoBBrN,
Sec. of the Navy, Washington, d. G.