THE GENESIS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 309 



lu September, 1842, Dr. Charles Pickering became curator. He had 

 been a member of the Wilkes exploring expedition and was occupied 

 during his connection almost entirely in the work of unpacking and 

 arranging its collections. 



conchologist, who was with the expedition uutil the eud of November, 1839, after 

 whicli ijeriod his duties Avere divided among the rest and successfully performed. 

 These formed the nine ; to these was added a mechanic for the repair of instruments 

 and their proper jireservation. 



In all the above departments much remains to be done ; indeed, I view the services 

 of the above gentlemen as necessary now, and even more so than at any other period 

 of the cruise, nor can their services be dispensed with, or the work concentrated, 

 without great loss to the expedition and the reputation of the country. For my own 

 departments I reiiuire the services of Mr. Stewart, who was a clerk in the expedition, 

 but whom I have made hydrograjihical draughtsman, and some few of the officers, 

 who have been my principal assistants. Mr. Stewart will be enabled also to assist 

 me in copying, etc. He is one of my own scholars and is now engaged in the duties 

 assigned him. 



I truly regret that anything should have occurred to dampen the ardor of those 

 who are attached to the expedition and absolutely necessary to the bringing out the 

 results. The ardor that has been felt during the cruise has lieen all-important to our 

 success, and has been in every way encouraged Ijy me, and I did hope that it would 

 have been kejit alive until all had been accomplished. The reputation of our country 

 is at stake, and if what has 1)een attempted and succeeded in is not now tinished, 

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

 it shall become the laughing stock of Europe, and all the praise that has been 

 lavished on our Goverment for its noble undertaking prove but ''satan in disguise." 



What will be the rejjutation 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- 

 al)le, particularly the w ant 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 crew of this expedition 

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

 every daj^ develops some new opposition to the expedition. I am aware you think I 

 want cause for this opinion; perhajis I am mistaken, but I cannot 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 fam- 

 ilies. 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 withoiit 

 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 heai)ed on all at and before 

 their return. Examine our results, comi>are 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, luit 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 apjiarent and placed 

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

 the thanks of the Department liefore they were disbanded? — it was openly com- 

 plained of when they were ])aid off'. 



I have greatly to complain of the course the Department has pursued toAvards my- 

 self, but 1 forbear to touch on this subject at jjresent. 



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

 WhencA'er 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 ex])edition and on which its conduct will be so 

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

 Yours, most truly, 



Charlj:s Wilkes. 



Hon. Wm. C. Preston, Senator, l\ S., Wasliington. 



