58 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



port to the commandant, and in as delicate a manner as possi- 

 ble represent to him that you are come to aid in the work to 

 be done on board the vessel, and to act in providing the money 

 to be paid by Mr. Bennett for labor ; and request his permis- 

 sion to ask the cooperation of the constructor, chief engineer, 

 and equipment officer, in every way which may present itself 

 for saving money. Then wait upon the three last named gen- 

 tlemen and ask to be permitted to look at and after any work 

 which may be going on, not as an interference with them, but 

 as one going on the expedition, acquainted with the ship, know- 

 ing my views and desirous of giving information on various 

 subjects, and with time enough to go into various small details, 

 which they, in their great occupations with more important 

 things, would not care to be bothered with, etc. Request also 

 that they would indicate to you such methods of procedure as 

 seem right and proper to carry out our views without infring- 

 ing upon any etiquette whatever. 



" As the work designated has been ordered done through 

 the commandant by the various chiefs of bureaux, the laborers 

 and workmen will, of course, be hired by the navy yard au- 

 thorities. But should it seem to you that too many men are 

 employed, or that any man so employed is idling his time, a 

 proper representation to the liead of the Department will no 

 doubt have the necessary effect. This is a delicate affair, 

 which I must leave to your tact and discretion, advising you 

 simply that there can be no impropriety in any one's wishing 

 to save money, and I do not see how it can be objected to. . . . 



" I will now leave the matter in your hands, asking you to 

 use your best tact and discretion to accomplish my wishes in a 

 smooth way and to the benefit of the expedition. We are all 

 interested in making the expense as small as possible, both to 

 the Government and to Mr. Bennett, and there are many ways 

 in which this can be done. The earnest cooperation of Mr. 

 Fletcher and Mr. Much [officers connected with the yard] is 

 promised, and they may point out to you many little econom- 

 ical plans." 



How strongly Captain De Long felt the force of 

 these instructions to Master Danenliower appears fur- 



