INDIAN OCEAN. 233 



many noble spirits will be found ready and willing to venture all, 

 and patiently meet the dangers and privations which such an ex- 

 pedition may demand, to fill the measure of their country's glory. 

 Sir, may I venture further, and look to the end of three short 

 years, and foretell the return of the gallant little band crowned' 

 with success rich in knowledge of tropical seas, and bearing the 

 high honour of having unfurled the stars of liberty even to the 

 verge of the Southern hemisphere. And with what pride what 

 glowing conscious pride, will not you, sir, and the honourable 

 committee to which the subject has been referred, hail the return 

 of that expedition which your efforts pushed forward ; bearing, too, 

 that information which is to render the South seas and Pacific 

 ocean more safe to our daring fishermen and other traffickers. 



With high hopes for the success of yourself and the honourable 

 committee, and with many sentiments of respect, 

 I remain, sir, 



Your obedient and humble servant, 



SYLVANUS GODON, 



Passed Midshipman U. S. Navy. 

 Hon. DUTEE J. PEARCE, 



Member of the Committee on Commerce. 



