366 EXPEDITION TOWARD THE NORTH POLE. 



may require, under tbe direction of the National Academy. The import- 

 ance of refusing to allow journals to be kept exclusively for private use, 

 or collections to be made other than those belonging to the expedition, 

 is too obvious to need special suggestion. 



In fitting out the expedition, the Smithsonian Institution has afforded 

 all the facilities in its power in procuring the necessary apparatus, and 

 in furnishing the outfit for making collections in the various depart- 

 ments of natural history. The Coast Survey, under the direction of 

 Professor Peirce, has contributed astronomical and magnetical instru- 

 ments. The Hydrographio Office, under Captain Wyman, has furnished 

 a transit instrument, sextants, chronometers, charts, books, &c. The 

 Signal Corps, nnder General Myer, has supplied anemometers, ther- 

 mometers, aneroid, and mercurial barometers, besides detailing a ser- 

 geant to assist in the meteorological observations. The members of 

 the committee of the Academy, especially Professors Baird and Hilgard, 

 have, in discussing with Dr. Bessels the several points of scientific in- 

 vestigation and in assisting to train his observers, rendered important 

 service. 



The liberal manner in which the Navy Department, under your direc- 

 tion, has provided a vessel, and especially fitted it out for the purpose 

 with a bountiful supply of provisions, fuel, and all other requisites for 

 the success of the expedition, as well as the health and comfort of its 

 members, will, we doubt not, meet the approbation of Congress, and be 

 highly appreciated by all persons interested in Arctic exx)lorations. 



From the foregoing statement it must be evident that the provisions 

 for exploration and scientific research in this cnse are as ample as those 

 which have ever been made for any other Arctic expedition, and should 

 the results not be commensurate with the anticipations in regard to 

 them, the fact cannot be attributed to a want of interest in the enter- 

 prise, or to inadequacy of the means which have been afforded. 



We have, however, full confidence, not only iii the ability of Captain 

 Hall and his naval associates to make important additions to the knowl- 

 edge of the geogTaphy of the polar region, but also in his interest in 

 science and his determination to do all in his power to assist and facili- 

 tate the scientific operations. 



Appended to this letter is the series of instructions prepared by the 

 committee of the Academy, viz, the instructions on astronomy, by Pro- 

 fessor Newcomb; on magnetism, tides, &c., by Professor J. E. Hilgard; 

 on meteorology, by Professor Henry; on natural history, by Professor 

 S. F. Baird; on geology, by Professor Meek; and on glaciers, by Pro- 

 fessor Aga'ssiz. 



I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



JOSEPH HENRY, 

 President of the National Academy of Sciences. 



Hon. George M. Eobeson, 



Secretary of the jV«rj/. 



