174 September, 1854 China Sea A tern, and several small land birds, chiefly Swallows, flew on board and were captured. It was only necessary to seize them quickly as they let on a thread or rope. 27th N. Lat. 21° 14' - E. Lon. 120° 30' Course about S.E. Another Northeaster. Under close-reefed fore and main topsails, making but little headway. 28th N. Lat. 20° 49' - E. Lon. 121° 30' Still blowing a gale from the Northeast. In the afternoon we ran in under the island Payat, (one of the Bashees) getting quite close, and at night wore to the Northwestward. 29th N. Lat. 21° 15' - E. Lon. 121° 56 Cloudy. Wind S.E. Course N.E. We passed two small islands, (North Bashees) and at last were again sailing on the bright and smooth Pacific, an occasion of general rejoicing, assurances of pleasant times, and relief from most harassing ones. 30th N. Lat. 22° 25' - E. Lon. 123° 53' Wind S.E. Cse ENE Weather fine. We are sailing along on our course at 5 knots per hour.