106 CORRESPONDENCE. 



- 



NEW-YORK, June 12, 1836. 



DEAR SIR The conversation I had with you the other day, 

 turned my mind to the subject of the exploring expedition to the 

 Pacific; and it has occurred to me that the following outline of 

 preparation will be indispensible, to enable it to fulfil the expecta- 

 tions of the nation and the world. 



The objects contemplated, appear to me to be, to forward the 

 interests of trade and navigation ; to enlarge the bounds of science ; 

 and to contribute to the national honor, by adding to the general 

 stock of useful knowledge. It would be a loss of labor, time, and 

 money, to fit out an expedition with no adequate means, and 

 consequently no rational probability, of attaining either of these 

 objects. Without making new discoveries, or ascertaining former 

 ones ; without going where others have never been ; or without 

 adding something material to the discoveries of those who have 

 preceded us in this track, the expedition would result only in 

 disappointment, perhaps in ridicule. 



To render it efficient, the first requisite is a sufficient armament; 

 and for this purpose, I should think a frigate, say the Macedonian, 

 proper for the accommodation of the officers and men, as well as 

 of the persons who may be attached to the expedition for scientific 

 pursuits and occupations. Our sloops of war do not afford this, 

 and nothing is more likely to create difficulties and discourage- 

 ments, than a perpetual recurrence of those little inconveniences 

 which originate in the want of ordinary comforts. Men seldom 

 persevere in any pursuit in the face of these petty irritations, and 



