The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-12
The Ringgold Exploring Expedition = Its
Movements and Results.

The Ringgold Exploring Expedition = Its
Movements and Results.
from the San Francisco Transcript Nov. 16.
The expedition despatched by our government
for the exploration OF the North Pacific and the
Arctic Seas is one in which California has pecu-
liar interest and any information bearing upon
the results TINS far attained cannot but prove &C.
oeptable to our readers. Commander Cadwallader
hnggold, under whom the expedition sailed,
and who was compelled by Ill health to relinquish
Temporarily, at least, his command, arrived in
city on board the Suaquehanna as previously an
nounced, route for Washington and will take his
departure to-day on the Golden Age. During his
brief scjourn, We have been enabled to CLEAN some
facts connected with the progress and results OF the
expedition, which we lay before the public.
Upon leaving the United States, and pending the
voyage to Madeira, Cape de Verde Isles, aod tue
Cape Of Good Hope, many useful results we're g.
cured ard much Information with reference to the
phenomena Of the ocean-such ~ currents, winds,
temperature at various depths. OF the Gaze of
Good Hope soundings were obtained, with 1900
fafhoms of line, with Brooke's sounding lead The
Southern ocean, from Caue OF Good Hooe
to Australia, was traversed in different ptral-
ieis OF latitude, in order TO test the streng h
and direction OF the winds, currents, &C., IN orier
to afford Lieut. Marry better opportunity aad
more data upon which to found his theory of ocean
currents phenomena etc., BY which to construct his
wind charts. division of the expedition entered
the China Sea through TIE Straits of Suuda, COM
menciDg and completing minute survey and recon-
noissaDce of Gaspar Straits, thence towards Cnina
The expedition assemble a. Hong Kong in May last
preparatory to service in the Japan seas. The Vim
cennes ana Porpoise entered the China seas by the
eastern route, carefully surveying two routes
through the Coral Sea, for the advantage of our
ships trading with California and China. On the
routes many islands were visited and surveyed and
the passages between the Santa Cruz, Soloman and
New Guinea groups we're examined and corrected.
Several reefs aud shoals hitherto doubtful and un
certain, searched for and located. Malicollo,
or Per0use island the scene of the dreadful disaster
and unfortunate shipvred Of the French navigator
and hta aHrOp cd In no
island minute guns were fired in honor Of the lost
Frencbmen, colors half masted, aud every respect
paid to their memory
Subsequently, and in TIE course of the passage
through this and the contiguous sea, the Caroline
Islanos were visited and many important corIec-
lions made among them may be mentioned the
island Of Ascension, a favorite depot for whaling
ships The Boroalsse Reef, very extensive aud
dangerous sboa lying In the track Of vessels coming
up from Australia, was surveyed. Several wrecks
OF vessels we're seen upon its desolats shores.
Thence the Vncennes visited aud made observ
upon the Ladrone and Basnee islands, two grouos
which lie In the path of our clipper ships hence for
China.
Since the completion OF these important duties,
the expedition has been occupied in protecting
American interest in China at moment most criti-
cal, and while Commodore Perry was with his
whole squadron at Japan. Bnt for the oppor une
presence of the exploring expedition in the Chinese
waters, our citizens would have been completely at
the mercy OF lawless pirates and rebels. We com
mend the officers and men for having protected the
lives and property Of our oun,rymen-pubc ships
will ever perform acceptable duty when guarding
tho rights Of citizens OF the United States, so often
left ct the mercy of anaIc hy and revolution. We
learn the expedition s nov occupied in the careful
survey of the BONN islands, about to become I'M
portaDt "a point in the route for our steamers
over the Pacific Ocean. Il is understood that
charts and all the information thus far will be forth
with published, as the originals are on their way
home. Thus living effect will be given to the re
suits Of the expedition.