230 PACIFIC AND 



appeared lo be about 15 miles in circumference, not then laid 

 down in any chart. The inhabitants mild and peaceable ; the land 

 low, and the productions the same as the Friendly islands. 



Much other and more minute information has been given me 

 respecting the mode of doing business in the whale-fishery by the 

 gentlemen I have consulted; as, also, the number and nature of 

 their losses, with all the facts they have in their possession in re- 

 gard to those ships now missing, which may enable the expedition 

 to use the best methods of extending to these unfortunate people 

 assistance, if they are within the reach of aid. But these matters, 

 fully written out, would extend my communication to an unwar- 

 rantable length. Enough has already been given of what I have 

 collected, to. show how much remains to be done in that portion 

 of the globe ; and enough also, to prove to the Department that 

 it is in possession of more information of these seas than the Ad- 

 miralty of any other nation, however commercial, for those seas 

 are truly our field of fame. Too much credit cannot be given to 

 our whalers, sealers, and traffickers in those seas for the informa- 

 tion they have acquired, and the liberality, generally speaking, 

 with which they have imparted it. But, after all their exertions, 

 justice to ourselves as a great people requires that this mass 

 of information should be reviewed, analyzed, classified, and pre- 

 served in careful literary labours for the benefit of mankind. 



That this may be accomplished in your administration of the 

 marine of our country, and under your auspices, and especial care, 

 to the satisfaction of the public, and the honour of our country, is 

 my ardent wish. 



Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 



J. N. REYNOLDS. 



