SAML. L. SOUTHARD. 187 



the best advantages to ourselves, and be richly paid, even in a 

 calculation of expenditure and profit. 



The bill need not contain any other provisions, as the amount 

 of the appropriation will limit the expenditure; and I do not 

 presume that Congress would desire to prescribe the size of the 

 vessels, their equipage, or the number and character of the persons 

 to be employed. 



In either of the plans proposed, whatever is done will be under 



the direction of this department, and the expense may be greatly 



diminished by permitting certain of the naval officers to join the 



expedition, and by using other facilities which are under its control. 



I have the honour to be, 



Very respectfully, &c. 



SAM. L. SOUTHARD. 

 Hon. MICHAEL HOFFMAN, it<"'\ 



Chairman of the Committee of Naval Affairs, H. R. 



