The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-09-21

May 81, 1854
sutliag d;ycsioas ,or Napho islaad Great Leredee.
This is the principal seaport Island and perhaps
the only possessing the privileges OF port OF entry
It's nuer or sunk harbor has depth of water OF FROM
three athoms, and though SMALL is sufficiently
large accommodate with the fifteen or twenty mod
eraie1ed junks which usually found moored IN It,
These mostly Japanese, with few Chinese and some
small coasng craft, which to carry sluggish
trade with the neighboring islands.
The outer arbor is protected to the eastward and south
ward by the main land whilst in other directions il is
rounded by merely chain of coral reefs which answer
toeabe breakwater against swell from the northward
or westward but affords of course shelter from the
wind The holding ground is good, however, that n
well found ship could ride ont here almost any gale in
safety.
The cearest approach Napha from the westward is
by passing to the northwa of the Anlakarima Islands
and sighting Agenhu island, from whence steer Sc
for the harbor passing on either side of Rect
Islands being careful however approach them too
near the western and southern sides the reefs below
water in these directions said 10 be extensive than
is shown by the charts.
After clearing Reef islands, bring Wood Hill to bear
SSE when standing down for it, until getting upon the
line Of bearing for South channel This will carry yon
we'll clsar Of Blossom reef yet far off but that the
White Tomb and olump of bushes TO the south
ward of Tumai Head lsee view No. on Chart be
easily distinguished. An ENE. f., or ENE course will
now take you in clear of all dangers, and give good
chorage the Sevenathop bank, about half a
mile TO the northward and westward of False Capsan
Head This channel being perfectly straight is more de-
srse for stranger entering the harhor than chan
mel which though wider has the disadvantage OF its being
necessary vessel alter her four or five
points Just when she is in ihe midst Of reefs which
nearly all below the surface of the water.
70 inter ~ oar channel
Bring the centre Of the island in Junk harbor known
by The deep yerdpre Of its vegeation f the gap be
the forts the entrance OF junk harbor see view
No ON chart and steer Sc. f. until Capsian
Head bears east when haul up TO ENE and anchor as be
fore directed.
The North channel
yar, much contracted la, of detached
making from the reef the west side and should not
under ordinary circumstances be attempted by stranger
at high water the reefs amos, entirely covered and
is difficult 10 judge Of your exact position unless ianil
lar with the various localities and landmarks To enter
BY this North channel bring remarkable notch in the
southern range Of hills in line with small hillock just
the eastward Of False Capsan Head tsee view No on
chart,l and stand in this range by +, T. until Tu-
mai Head bears f. NJ When open little 10 the south
ward. give The reef 10 the eastward BERTH and
select your anchorage,
There is black spar-buoy anchored on Blossom rect
aGy .rag batisea is eastern aud eeeN srcefies, red
spar-buoy the point Of reef 70 TIE w westward OF
Abbey point and white spar-bpoy the southeast
emiiy of Oar reef Flags of corresponding eolors at
aohed to ali these buoys and they afford good guides or
the South and Oar channels There large stakes
the reefs the eastward and westward of North chan
nell planted there by the natives this being the channel
mostly used by junks trading 10 the northward.
An abundance OF water always be obtained at the
fountains in junk river where there is excellent landing
for boats There is good spring near the ombs in Tumai
bluff but unless the water is perfectly smooth the landing
= mpracticabe and under circumstances it is ineo-
Reient from tho want of sufficient depth except AT high
tide
II directed BY the eommandern-eie that the vessels
of the squadron under his command shall heave to APP
preaching Napha. and make signal for pilot when
officer familiar with the localities and landmarks will se
sent off from the vessel in port to pilot her in point ont
to her commander the position Of the dangers TO he
avoided.
should there however he vessel in port then boats
be ahead and anchored upon the extremitirs Of
The reefs between which the vessel intends to pass
l.v order Of Commodore NJ &. Perry:
SILAS BENT
Lieutenant 7 $. NAVY