CORRESPONDENCE. 107 



I am convinced many great undertakings have failed from that 

 cause alone. 



Two vessels of about two hundred tons, and two tenders, one 

 of sixty, the other of one hundred tons. I say two tenders, and 

 recommend them to be different sizes, because, in case of the loss 

 of one, the expedition would still have another left, and it might 

 frequently happen that a vessel of fifty or sixty tons, would be able 

 to penetrate where one of a hundred could not. I am of opinion 

 that small vessels are preferable to large ones, for the progress of 

 discovery in unknown seas; and my opinion is sustained by the 

 fact, that almost all the great discoveries of former ages, were made 

 by vessels of that class. Besides, the loss of the tender, if there 

 were only one, might be a serious obstacle to the progress of close 

 investigation, among the groups of islands, where large vessels 

 could not penetrate. 



A store-ship, amply supplied, is, in my opinion, an indispensable 

 requisite, as the others would scarcely be able to carry a sufficient 

 quantity for such a long voyage. It is not certain, nay, it is ex- 

 tremely improbable that supplies of provisions and stores in a 

 sufficient quantity can be procured, except, possibly, from the 

 Sandwich Islands, which lie at a great distance from the scene 

 contemplated ; or perhaps it would be necessary to proceed to the 

 coast of America for that purpose. This would cause a great loss 

 of time, besides other great inconvenience. 



Great care should be exercised in the selection of officers, with- 

 out any view to patronage. So far as my acquaintance with navy 

 officers extends, I do not know any man whom I think better 

 qualified to command the expedition than Captain Catesby Jones, 

 of whose character and attainments I have had many opportunities 

 of judging. Of the subordinate officers, I am not so well qualified 

 to speak. 



In order to prevent ridicule, from announcing discoveries in 

 navigation as new, which have already been made, or making a 



