Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/23



general objects of the expedition which has been placed under your command having been set forth in their Lordships' orders, it becomes my duty to enter somewhat more diffusely into the nature and details of the service which you are to perform.

The first point to which your orders advert after quitting England is the Eight Stones. You will probably add one more to the many testimonies which have been already collected of their non-existence, at least in the position assigned to them in the old charts; but before we venture to expunge them it would be satisfactory to make all the inquiry in your power at Madeira, respecting the traditions on which their existence is asserted.

In approaching the coast of Brazil, you will have a good opportunity of verifying or discarding the bank of Rh