COMMERCE. 263 



glory seem now to be sealed, and sanctified by the calls of 

 humanity and imperious duty. 



" I wish not to be importunate, nor do I fear that I am : for the 

 accumulated weight of circumstances are above all argument or 

 entreaty, as they strike the heart and the understanding at the 

 same time. 



"As these things came crowding upon my mind, I had nearly 

 forgotten another important fact, which will be supported by the 

 able and experienced representative of the district of which Nan- 

 tucket makes a part ; and that is, that there are more than one 

 hundred and fifty islands, reefs, and shoals, known to our whale- 

 men, not laid down in any chart. Around these islands, reefs, 

 and shoals, are floating nearly forty thousand tons of shipping, 

 engaged in a trade of great national concern, with an immense 

 amount in property and lives, all of which are at the mercy of the 

 winds and waves. 



" If this be so and who can doubt their honesty ? should they 

 not be surveyed ? The future safety of our mariners demands 

 it; the advancement of commerce and our navigating interests 

 demand it ; the people demand it ; and our national honour cannot 

 suffer this fact to go abroad, and not carry with it the probability 

 of some effort for future information and security, i 



J. N. R." 



"WASHINGTON, February 26, 1828. 



" SIR : The committee on naval affairs, in the house of repre- 

 sentatives, through their chairman, have recently addressed me a 

 note, requesting my views of the character, value, and extent of 

 our trade in the South seas and Pacific' ocean. 



" A reply to that letter is herewith enclosed for your perusal ; 

 and as you have recently been in the Pacific, on official duty, and 

 have improved the favourable opportunity you had of acquiring 



