TJir Gojcsis of iJic U)iilcd Stales National Miisciim. 121 



In Septciiil)er, 1842, Doctor Charles Pickering became curator. He 

 had been a member of the Wilkes exploring expedition and was occu- 

 pied during his comiection almost entirely in the work of unpacking and 

 arranging its collections. 



from any motive of economy, or derangement of the organization all will be ruined, 

 and we shall become the laughingstock of Europe, and all the praise that has been 

 lavished on our Government for its noble undertaking prove but "satire in 

 disguise. ' ' 



What will be the reputation of those who have had the ordering of things since its 

 return, on their becoming known on the other side of the waters? For the reception 

 of myself I can easily account; but that of the officers and crews is truly unaccount- 

 able, particularly the want of any expression of thanks from the Department to the 

 latter on their discharge ; it was felt by every officer and remarked by every man. 

 On minor duties I have been gratified by it formerly, and I have with pleasure seen 

 its effects upon many of the men that formed a part of the crews of this Expedition 

 when on other service with me ; I have urged it all in my power, but without effect ; 

 every day develops some new opposition to the Expedition. I am aware you think I 

 want cause for this opinion; perhaps I am mistaken, but I can not but feel myself 

 bound up in it ; indeed it would be strange if I was not, and I must say it is heartsick- 

 ening to me to hear those who have shared its dangers and troubles complaining of 

 a want of attention and courtesy, and exhibiting the unceremonious discharges from ' 

 their duties, with little or no prospect of consummating the labors in which they 

 have been engaged for the last four years, and before they have even seen their fami- 

 lies. Some are suffering under sickness contracted from their exposure in the serv- 

 ice of their country. They are now suddenly cut off and destitute of support for 

 themselves and families. These facts are well known. Such treatment is without 

 precedent in the service of this, or any other country. 



Contrast our Expedition with those of the French and English engaged in the same 

 service, and at the same time, honor and rewards are heaped on all at and before 

 their return. Examine our results, compare them with theirs, contrast us in every 

 way with them you please, or with Expeditions that have gone before us, and then 

 ask if we have not reason to feel mortified. 



Do not misunderstand me. I ask nothing for myself at present, and will not as 

 long as this mist hanging over me exists, but which any fair and candid examina- 

 tions into my actions and conduct would have long since dissipated ; neither do I ask 

 impossibilities or undeserved praise; no greater punishment can be inflicted on the 

 head of one who receives it. But I would ask : Is it not fully apparent and placed 

 beyond cant that the men of the Expedition have done their duty, and did deserve 

 the thanks of the Department before they were disbanded? It was openly com- 

 plained of when they were paid off. 



I have greatly to complain of the course the Department has pursued towards 

 myself, but I forbear to touch on this subject at present. 



In conclusion, my dear sir, I beg you will excuse this long letter and its tone. 

 Whenever these subjects are brought to my mind I feel it acutely. All I do hope is 

 that, for the credit of the Expedition, the honor and reputation of the country, you 

 will not lose sight of what ought to be done. Fully confident I am that there is no 

 subject in which the reputation of our country is so much at stake as the develop- 

 ment of the results of the Exploring Expedition and on which its conduct will be 

 so closely scrutinized abroad. I have the honor to be, with great respect. 

 Yours, most truly, 



Charles Wilkes. 



Hon. Wm. C. Preston, Senator, U. S., Washington. 



