Instructions for sailing from the Outer Roads of Buenos Ayres to Monte Video, by the North and South of the Chico Bank.
By the North, or Main Channel.
1. From three fathoms in the outer roads, steer E. by S. by the compass, until Point Santiago of the Ensenada of Barragan bears S.W. by the compass. Off this point, you will find from 5½ to 6 fathoms of water, according to the state of the river.
2. When the above-mentioned point bears S.W. steer E.N.E. until you make the Ortiz Bank, which will be when you lessen your water to 3 or 3½ fathoms. This bank may be approached, on the South side, without danger, as the water diminishes gradually. It is a very good guide to navigate in the night, or in thick weather.
3. From 3 fathoms on the Ortiz Bank, steer S.E. by the compass, until you make Point Indio. In this track, you will deepen your water to 5 or 5½ fathoms, crossing the middle channel, according to the state of the river. Passing the middle of the channel, the water diminishes gradually, according as you near the land.
4. When you think you are about 7, 8, or 9 miles from the land, which will be in 3¼ or 3½ fathoms of water, steer E.S.E. and coast it along.
5. When Point Indio bears S.W. by the compass, steer N.E. by E. until you see Monte Video, which may be seen about 30 or 33 miles distant from the top of a common-sized vessel. Keeping your course N.E. by E. you will continue in 3½ fathoms of water, until you find yourself 6 or 7 leagues from Monte Video.
6. When you find 5 fathoms of water, you will be 9 or 10 miles from the harbour of Monte Video.
From the said 5 fathoms to the harbour, it will lessen to 2½.