Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-09-08
COM MERvINE's GUANoExPEDITIoN

We have already given brief extract from Com Mer-
vines account OF his search in the u s. ship ndepen-
dencs for the supposed guano island in the Pacific Mr..
A Benson who accompanied the expedition has made
report the New York Guano Company who claim to
be the original discoveries OF the island The following
is abstract OF Mr.. BIS report:
We made the Western islands the noon of March
last, but owing TO remarkable current setting 10 the
west dTifted past it during the night and unable 10
regain il without proceeding north We arrived again oil
the Island the l4th March, TO windward quarter to
O'Clock p ~ bringing the island close aboard aud stood
of and until dark. We then enabled TO observe
its appearance, approaching il did, within feet
sand beach abruptly some ten or twelve feet
above the level Of the sea- receding in places oul
two hundred feet Within this the land rose ten
eleven feet higher covered, to all appearance with
growth Of grass interpreted with bushes Myriads OF
birds lowered it; and towards night the sky
ed with them returning 10 their nests. barrier rect OF
coral surrounds the island. No landing made upon
the island aud only attempt TO give soundings
aud thar within small circle With only five lathoms
OF line used whereas ships often anchor with twice that
length of chain the Chncha sands and in some other
places in greater depth of water We remained in the
neighborhood Of the island in all four hours and
/ minutes.
had reason believe that would have been allowed
passage IN the boat that shore end anchorage
but permitted; failing ia which asked for boat
to land the Island but the Commodore replied il vas
impossible land, the surf high; and he Houd no,
send his with such risks. then said, II would man
the with volunteers aud take the helm myss; that
was accustomed 70 landing IN the SURF had been
business had followed" He answered II let you have
boat in the morning. here" This squivs-
lent to telling me could have boat At all; because
by daylight Of the day far away vest
ward Of the leland and further attempt made 70
reach It,
respectfully submit that had my request been com.
piled with and my efforts seconded the Island would
been landed upon the quantity Of the guano thereon az.
ce'tained and the company placed in possession OF sam
plies Of the same.
By reference 70 the rough sketches Of the island here
with submitted you will observe IL il about aud hall
miles long, extending Dorthery aud souherly drec
ton, and from threequarters mile in width from east
10 west consider the interior growing elevation Of ten
or eleven feet above the outer rim TO be deposit Of
no. the quantity and quality OF which, of course at pres.
ent remain unascertancd. have no doubt ships can
safely lie aud load the westerly side OF said and du.
ring the nine months Of hs year that the Wind
blows from the eastward and during the months OF Jan
ary February and March, the proper prepare
tons shall have been made safely them az the
occurrence Of violent gales Of wind ia that vicinity
! never known.
After the Commodore had abandoned the idea Of land
ing upon the Westernmost Island and made bic way
North addressed him the 18th March, that "if L
would be consistent with his views and practicable
would like TO touch at the port Of Honolulu Sandwich u
lands a. vas lOd 10 believe could obtain such infor
mston with regard to the Easemost Island ~ would be
Of advantage both 10 the saving Of time on his part and
unnecessary expense 10 the company on mine"
This the Commodore refused receive saving IL i'm.
piled an obligation the part Of the government 10 visit
the Eastern land which the fact but that from
observations had made IN regard thereto his prerog
alive, he should make attempt TO reac that island and
pursue such duty should prompt