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The articles that were stricken off the Requisition, were the most necessary for us of any thing contained therein; and I regret to say, that in consequence of the objections to allow indispensable articles for the service we are going on, we shall be obliged to go to sea much less efficient than we would had they been furnished, and which will compel me to subject the government to pay quadruple prices for the same articles at Rio de Janeiro.

I have to request, that you will show this letter to the Honourable Commissioners of the Navy, in order to notify them that the Requisition was not irregularly drawn, but duly approved by myself, and consequently assumed as my act.

I have the honour, &c.,

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I have this morning ascertained that only one set of pump-gear is on board this vessel, and one on board the Peacock, which are now in use.

The pumps of the Vincennes are 6 inches.

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We are now otherwise ready for sea, but cannot sail without these, as they cannot be obtained elsewhere; also two kedges are required, and a hose for the pumps, and pipe for the hose of the forcing-pump, and an iron brake for the Vincennes.

I have to request the favour of you to direct that three complete sets of pump-boxes, &c., for each vessel, may be furnished to-day.

All these articles have been repeatedly called for by the officers from this ship, but without success.

I am, most respectfully, sir,

Your most obedient servant,

CHARLES WILKES, Commanding Exploring Expedition.

COMMODORE L. WARRINGTON,

Navy-Yard, Gosport, Va.

VII.

U. S. Ship Vincennes,

SIR,

At Sea, August 22d, 1838.

You will proceed with all practicable despatch to Port Praya, in the island of St. Jago, where you will remain five days, and then proceed to Rio de Janeiro, where you will await further orders.

During your stay at Port Praya, you will fill up with water, and supply your crew fully with fresh provisions and vegetables.

You will leave a communication with the consul of that port on your departure addressed to me, in case you should not hear from me before that period.

I am, &c.,

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Should you arrive at Rio de Janeiro before this ship, you will inform the navy agent there, that about twenty-five thousand pounds of bread will be required at that port for the Exploring Expedition, on our arrival there, and request him to have the same prepared, of the first quality, that there may be no detention.

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THE squadron being now ready for sea, the undersigned, Commander of the Exploring Expedition, takes this opportunity to return his warmest thanks to the officers, scientific gentlemen, seamen, and marines, for the indefatigable exertions they have made in equipping the vessels in their several departments; being well aware that had it not been for the individual and united exertions of all, the preparations could not have been accomplished in the short space of time they have been; and he

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feels confident that the same hearty zeal and co-operation will carry us successfully through the arduous service in which we have embarked.

To all the officers of the Expedition the undersigned would remark, that every feeling which a devotion to such a cause can inspire, is felt by him; and that every thing will be looked to, which can tend to insure success in this undertaking, may be confidently relied on.

Harmony and good feeling he would enjoin upon all; the necessity of cultivating this, and the united exertions of all, cannot claim too much of your attention. Continue as you have commenced, and rest assured that we shall be successful in meeting the expectations of our country.

You may rest assured also of receiving impartial justice from me, and that in the assignment of duties and promotions, if any should occur; and that all will have the opportunities they desire of entering upon the scientific duties, nothing shall be wanting that can tend to this end.

To the scientific gentlemen, I have only to say, that they are, and always will be considered as one of us, and that every opportunity will be given them that can be imagined by the undersigned or suggested by them, to promote the success of the Expedition, in their particular departments. My conduct towards them will be the same as towards the officers with whom they are associated.

Those composing the crews of the several vessels of the squadron, may be assured that every thing will be done to promote their comfort, and every indulgence granted them compatible with the interests of the service; and it is confidently expected that they will strictly conform to the rules and regulations of the navy, and of the squadron; and that the same respect for their officers, good conduct, and good feeling for each other, will exist at all times.

(Signed)

CHARLES WILKES, Commanding Exploring Expedition.

U. S. Ship Vincennes.

IX.

ORDERS RESPECTING THE RECEIPT, SAFE-KEEPING, AND EXPENDITURE OF

PROVISIONS, STORES, ETC.

A RETURN of all stores and provisions will be made before sailing, and thereafter, on the 1st of each month, of all stores and provisions on hand and expended.

The Relief having a large proportion of stores on hand, no expen

diture of stores will take place, unless by a requisition approved by me.

Great care and economy of stores is enjoined upon the commanders in regard to the expenditures of provisions and stores; and much is expected, in regard to their preservation and expenditure, from the well-known prudence and attention of the officer commanding the Relief.

The attention of the commanders of the respective vessels is particularly called to the expenditure of wood, and every precaution is enjoined for its economical consumption.

The monthly returns will not only embrace the actual condition of the provisions and stores, but the quantity of wood, water, &c., on hand, and expended.

CHARLES WILKES,

Commanding Exploring Expedition.

U. S. Ship Vincennes,

Hampton Roads, August 14th, 1838.

X.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVE TO OBSERVATIONS.

THE surgeon and his assistants will take the meteorological observations at 3 P. M., 9 p. M., 3 a. M., and 9 A. M.; viz, the standing of barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer.

The temperature at the masthead, and that of the water, wind, weather, and the force of the wind, the quantity of rain, &c.; the officers of the watch will note and make any remarks of their own, regarding facts that may have occurred, (during their watch,) in the meteorological journal: all astronomical and atmospherical phenomena, it is desired may claim attention, and be noted under their respective heads. Astronomical phenomena, such as shooting stars, zodiacal lights, aurora borealis, the height of their arcs, their colours, &c., measured and the direction they take in the heavens. Atmospherical phenomena, such as rainbows, halos, water-spouts, lightning, appearance of the clouds, rain, the Magellanic clouds, to be noted when first observed; in short, any unusual appearance connected with the weather.

Of the sea, all phosphorescent lights, fishes, and all substances adhering to weeds, must not fail to claim attention, and specimens of them obtained. Fish caught must be preserved till opened in the presence of an officer, and their stomachs carefully examined, and if any thing is found, it must be taken care of.

Things and animals that might in ordinary cases be deemed trouble.

some and useless, are not to be lost sight of, but are to be picked up for examination.

Every opportunity of trying the current must be taken advantage of, and marked.

Astronomical observations, viz., lunar distances of the stars, east, and west of the moon, of the sun, and of the planets, to be frequently taken.

Observations for chronometers must be taken daily, mornings and afternoons, when the weather will permit; azimuths and amplitudes, at least once or twice a day, in the morning, or in the afternoon, and the ship's head noted at the same time.

Any of the officers (among whom are considered the scientific gentlemen) will on all occasions promote the objects of the Expedition by procuring any article referred to in the foregoing instructions, or aiding in carrying into effect the same. And the officer of the deck is authorized to stop the ship's way, and perform any evolution with a view of carrying into effect the above, in which case he will report the same immediately to me, if time does not permit his doing so previously.

It is necessary for the sea-officers to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the heavenly constellations, in order to be efficient in noting the course of meteors, &c.

U. S. Ship Vincennes,

At Sea, August 25th, 1838.

CHARLES WILKES, Commanding Exploring Expedition

XI.

U. S. Ship Vincennes,

At Sea, August 25th, 1838.

THE undersigned, commanding the Exploring Expedition, in communicating the following instructions, from the Navy Department, for the government and information of those under his command, directs the particular attention of all persons in the Expedition to the same, and especially to that part of them, which prohibits any one furnishing to persons not attached to the Exploring Expedition, any communications which have reference to the objects or proceedings of the Expedition.

"Although the primary object of the Expedition is the promotion of the great interests of commerce and navigation, yet you will take all occasions, not incompatible with the great purpose of your undertaking, to extend the bounds of science, and promote the acquisition of knowledge. For the more successful attainment of this, a corps of

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