INTRODUCTION. 



Reports, Pacific and Indian Oceans, Samuel L. Southard, Commit- 

 tees on Commerce and Naval Affairs, Final Passage of the Bill, 

 Speech of Mr. Harmer, of Ohio, &c., &c., will be found to exhib- 

 it in the most honourable light, not only the liberal and persevering 

 action of Congress, but the unanimity and enthusiasm with which 

 the intelligence of the country sustained the action of that body. 



The controversy between the late secretary of the navy and 

 myself succeeds, and may require a few words in the way of in- 

 troduction. The law authorizing the expedition received the sanc- 

 tion of Congress May 14, 1836. The action of the executive 

 was prompt, as will be seen from the following official and semi- 

 official announcement. 



" Washington, June 9th, 1836. 



" MY DEAR SIR, 



" About to leave the city for a short time, and feeling a lively 

 interest in the Exploring Expedition directed by Congress, and 

 more particularly from the great solicitude expressed by all the 

 members of Congress that it should be sent out as early as possi- 

 ble, and more particularly as the executive is anxious that nothing 

 should be wanting on our part to secure it success, and, if unsuc- 

 cessful, that no blame should rest upon us, it is my desire that am- 

 ple means, as authorized by Congress, be furnished, and prompt 

 measures taken to prepare and complete the outfit. To effect 

 these objects, let Captain Jones be informed that, while he will be 

 responsible for the due execution of the project of the enterprise, 

 the proportion of the means, the selection of the officers and 

 agents, &c., and a general superintendence of the outfit under the 

 secretary of the navy will be with him. That these views may be 

 carried into full effect, I desire that the secretary of the navy order 

 Captain Jones to repair to Norfolk and New- York stations, there 

 to confer freely with the commanding officers of those stations 

 touching the arrangements and equipments of the ships and other 

 vessels which are to compose the expedition ; and that Captain 

 Jones may be instructed to enter at once into this business ; and 

 that Captain Jones, with such other officers as are or may be se- 

 lected for this expedition, as may be necessary, be ordered to open 

 rendezvous for recruiting their respective crews. That harmony 

 may exist, I would suggest the propriety that no officer should be 



