LETTERS OF A CITIZEN 307 



hands upon this enterprise, in the success of which the honour of 

 our country is so deeply concerned. 



But, sir, have you presented the whole case to this board in a 

 proper light ? I fear not. I have been informed, from good au- 

 thority, that the whole case has not been presented to them by 

 your instructions. For what was this board instituted (stripped 

 of all disguise) but to sit in judgment upon the deliberate opinions 

 of the people of the United States in Congress assembled ? Will 

 these officers thank you for such an unenviable office 1 It will 

 be seen, if they are ready to say, that Congress knew nothing of 

 the subject, and that the force authorized by that body, and deemed 

 necessary by President Jackson, after he had examined more 

 thoroughly into the objects of the expedition than you have ever 

 done, was too large for the attainments of the objects proposed. 



Had the duties of this board been confined to subjects relating 

 to naval matters, to the examination of the vessels, for instance, 

 there would have been no complaint ; but you have asked them to 

 revise the act under which you have proceeded. Every one knows 

 that the force to be employed on any enterprise must depend en- 

 tirely upon the objects to be accomplished by it. Had you given 

 this board instructions, fully and fairly setting forth the great la- 

 bours the expedition was expected to perform, which have been 

 so clearly set forth in the proceedings of Congress that he who 

 runs may read, the country would have had no fears of their re- 

 ducing the force provided and deemed indispensable by the friends 

 of the expedition ; but, if confined to your limited instructions, 

 that board can only take a partial view of the subject, and, of 

 course, give you but a partial answer. 



Jf there be any member on that board who thinks the present 

 force is unnecessary for all the great purposes contemplated by 

 Congress and the friends of the measure, the public would be 

 much indebted to him for a programme of his views ; I am no 

 advocate for a redundant and proud equipment, and, for one, should 

 be glad to see them. 



But, in sober truth, what instructions have you given this board ? 

 Will you tell the public the whole story, and let the Senate, and 

 House of Representatives, and the friends of the expedition become 

 thoroughly acquainted with all your views ? Perhaps this would 

 be asking too much ; but, certainly, in this case you are bound to 



