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CORRESPONDENCE. 



PHILADELPHIA, June 20, 1836. 



DEAR SIR I received the copies you sent of Mr. Hamer's in- 

 teresting speech, and must beg you to excuse my not acknowledg- 

 ing them before ; I have been prevented by engagements which so 

 often unexpectedly occur to interfere with our intentions. In this 

 community, there is but one sentiment in regard to the excellent 

 undertaking to which Mr. Hamer refers, and with which your own 

 name is so honorably connected. 



It is universally approved. Men of science look forward to im- 

 portant results, which may place our country and our enterprising 

 citizens, with distinction equal to others, in the contest for useful 

 discoveries. Mercantile men, with one voice, say that the greatest 

 benefits will be afforded to commerce and navigation. 



These bold and adventurous voyages are the chivalrous exploits 

 of our times ; they require the same courage and enterprise, disin- 

 terestedness and perseverance, as those of old : but how much 

 more virtuous and enlightened in their motives ! How much more 

 conducive to human prosperity and happiness in their results ! 



To you, who have studied the subject so fully, and devoted to it 

 so much thought and experience, it is scarcely necessary to say 

 any thing as to the contemplated arrangements ; but I do hope the 

 expedition will be so fitted out, as to obtain, in the fullest extent, all 

 those advantages in regard to science, for which there will be so 

 fair an opportunity. 



The first American voyage of discovery ought to be, in its re- 

 sults, worthy of the genius and enterprise of our people. I am 



