CORRESPONDENCE. jgj 



The means of observation and determination are within the power 

 of those who control ; and, should this opportunity be lost, it might 

 well happen that the most useful and interesting discoveries would 

 have been overlooked. Let me entreat you to urge, in the proper 

 place, that the scientific objects of the expedition be duly provided 

 for. Geology, zoology, botany, mineralogy, are those in which I 

 take the most interest ; but there are other philosophical inquiries 

 with equal claims to notice. 



The very liberal appropriations by congress seem to have pro- 

 vided for a thorough fulfilment of the project. To fall short in any 

 particular will not be a reproach to them. The details are of 

 much importance, and have been so long and so well studied by 

 you, that it is not for me to mention them. The old difficulty of 

 subjecting citizens to military usages in public ships has thwarted 

 the success of so many enterprises, that it should be well con- 

 sidered. Commanders of liberal minds and enlarged views can 

 alone avoid them. I believe the mistake often arises in consider- 

 ing the same kind of discipline essential, whether in search of an 

 island or an enemy. v, r ^ 



It was my design, when I commenced, simply to congratulate 

 you upon the present prospects of the expedition, and to call your 

 attention to the history of former and similar preparations ; but I 

 have been led on by the interest I feel in the results of this enter- 

 prise. We have long watched your untiring exertions in this mat- 

 ter, and trust that the time has arrived when the wishes of your 

 friends, and I believe I may add of the public, are to be gratified 

 in learning that the superintendence or direction of the civil depart- 

 ment is to be chiefly committed to you ; at all events, be assured it 

 is the wish of 



Your friend and obedient servant, 



JOS. DELAFIELD, 

 J N. REYNOLDS, Esq., 

 New York. 



F 1& 



