1842.] THE JVATIO?fAL INSTITUTION. 157 



From W. C. Zantzinger. 



Washington, February 7, 1842. 



Dear Sjr : I take great pleasure in enclosing for the library of the National In- 



stitution, a book entitled, " Statements and documents relative to the establishment 



of Bteam navigation in tho Pacific, with copies of the decrees of the Government 



of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, granting exclusive privileges to the undertaking ;" to 



which is annexed throe charts, showing the proposed route of the steamers from 



England to the Isthmus of Panama, from Panama to Chile and Mexico ; a tabular 



Btatement showing the distance in nautical miles between the several ports in the 



Pacific, the time now emploj'ed, and to be employed, in running between each ; also 



the survey of that part of the Isthmus of Panama eligible for effecting a commu- 



nication between the Atlantic and Pacific. 



Since the publication of this volume, the enterprising projector of steam naviga- 

 tion in the Pacific, William Wheelright, Esq., has commenced running two of his 

 hne of steamers, as you will perceive by a letter from that gentleman, which is an. 

 nexed, and to which I would most respectfully invite the attention of the scientific 

 corps of our country, as it opens the way to a knowledge of the mineral produc 

 tions of the south of Chile, heretofore almost unknown. The great difficulty in 

 procuring fuel for the steamers induced Mr. Wheelright to explore that portion of 

 tlie country, and his exertions have been crowned with success, having found coal 

 ill great quantities, well adapted for the use of steamers ; and which can bo obtained 

 at so moderate a pric3 as to supersede the necsssity of importing it from England, 

 which was done in the first instance, at groat cost, and the supply of which could 

 not be confidently calculated upon, owing to tho protracted and boisterous passages 

 from England via Cape Horn. 



In conclusion, I take the liberty of nominating Mr. Wheelright as a correspond, 

 ing member, feeling assured that, as a scientific gentleman, ho will duly appreciate 

 the honor, and prove a useful member of the Institution. 



I am, dear sir, with great respect, your friend and obedient servant, 



WILLIAM C. ZANTZINGER. 



From Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. 



Pedee, South-Carolina, February 7, 1842. 



Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th 

 ultimo, informing mo that tlie National Institution had at the annual meeting for 

 tho election of oflicer.<! reelected me President. I am very sensible of and grateful for 

 this distinguished mark of tlieir favor, and hope to have it in my power in a short 

 time to express my thanks in person, and to assume the duties of tho station thoy 

 have thought proper again to confer upon mo. I hear on every side the most flat- 

 tering accounts of our increasing collections, and congratulate you upon tho pro- 

 gress of the Institution. The national legislature will, I trust, see in its prosperity 

 a sufficient reason to continue its protection, and the expediency of entrusting us 

 with the disposal of a fund destined to diffuse knowledge among men. I shall look 

 ■witii impatience for tho next bulletin. 



With groat esteem and regard, I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, 



J. R. POINSETT. 



