TWENTY-NINTH CONGEESS, 18-15-1847. 359 



Heretofore our iistronomioal knowledge has been chieii}^ derived 

 from foreign nations. We have used the English Nautical Almanac, 

 and our vessels have been guided upon the broad ocean by observa- 

 tions and tables prepared by our rivals and adversaries in all commer- 

 cial enterprise. We have contributed nothing whatever to this branch 

 of science, useful as it is, and directly connected with the great inter- 

 ests of commerce and navigation. For our most important charts, 

 also, we have been dependent upon other nations. Until recently, if 

 even now, we have had no establishment at which our vessels could be 

 supplied with maps and charts necessary to enable them to perform 

 a cruise with convenience and safety, and we certainly have not had 

 the information of a hydrographical character which would enable 

 the Navy Department to plan an attack upon any foreign port, even 

 in the Gulf of Mexico. 



But, sir, the establishment of the Observatory, if its important 

 objects be liberally seconded, will remedy these defects and wipe off 

 from our character what I can not but consider a disgrace to the most 

 enlightened people upon earth. Its services will not be confined to 

 the preparation of maps and charts, the preservation of nautical 

 instruments, the regulation and correction of chronometers, with 

 other kindred practical duties; its operations will be still more exten- 

 sive and important. Already have the elements for an American 

 nautical almanac been obtained by observation, and the liberal patriot- 

 ism of the House is invoked for a small appropriation to compute and 

 print them. It is now in contemplation, too, if the work has not 

 already been commenced, to enter upon a sj^stem of most extensive 

 observation, including all the important fixed stars to be observed in 

 our latitude — a more comprehensive and magnificent, as well as use- 

 ful, work than has ever j^et been undertaken in any part of the world. 

 I have it from the highly intelligent and scientific Superintendent of 

 the Coast Survey that the number of stars noted in the Nautical 

 Almanac is too limited for the convenient conduct of his important 

 observations. 



It will be found here, as well as in other important works of a 

 similar kind, that the labors about to be entered upoTi at the Observa- 

 tory will prove to be highly important and valuable. They will 

 enable us to make some return to the science of the world for that 

 large supply which we have heretofore illiberallj^ drawn from it; and 

 they will contribute to elevate our Government in the eyes of other 

 nations. 



I have said so much upon this subject, sir, because no provision is 

 made in this bill for any astronomical establishment, and because, 

 upon former occasions, it has been urged with great ability, and from 

 a distinguished quarter, that the greater part, if not the whole of this 

 fund, should be appropriated for this purpose. The venerable gen- 

 tleman from Massachusetts will understand my allusion. It has been 



