49' W.,
steered N.W. Since leaving Easter Island, the variation had not been more
than 3 deg. 4', nor less than 2 deg. 32' E.; but on the 26th, at six a.m., in
latitude 15 deg. 7' S., longitude 119 deg. 45' W., it was no more than 1 deg. 1' E.;
after which it began to increase.
On the 29th, being in the latitude of 10 deg. 20', longitude 123 deg. 58' W.,
altered the course to W.N.W., and the next day to west, being then in
latitude 9 deg. 24', which I judged to be the parallel of Marquesas; where, as
I have before observed, I intended to touch, in order to settle their
situation, which I find different in different charts. Having now a steady
settled trade-wind, and pleasant weather, I ordered the forge to be set up,
to repair and make various necessary articles in the iron way; and the
caulkers had already been some time at work caulking the decks, weather-
works, &c.
As we advanced to the west, we found the variation to increase but slowly;
for, on the 3d of April, it was only 4 deg. 40' E., being then in the latitude
of 9 deg. 32', longitude 132 deg. 45', by observation made at the same time.
I continued to steer to the west till the 6th, at four in the afternoon, at
which time, being in the latitude of 9 deg.
