CORRESPONDENCE. 125 



sure the Secretary of the Navy will view it in this spirit ; but schol- 

 ars and scientific inquirers seem to be so much out of place in the 

 arrangement of naval or military expeditions, that a good word must 

 be said in their behalf. 



The officers of Napoleon used to laugh at the savans who 

 accompanied the army of Egypt; but how much have their re- 

 searches, drawings, and writings added to the fame of that remark- 

 able campaign ! 



I have not had an opportunity of seeing Dr. Patterson, but I am 

 very certain, from his well known devotion to the cause of science, 

 that he will feel the greatest interest in this undertaking, and give 

 that aid and advice which his talents and acquirements so peculiarly 

 enable him to do. 



Believe me very faithfully yours, 



H. D. GILPIN. 



J. N. REYNOLDS, Esq., 

 Washington. 



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