312 LETTERS OP A CITIZEN. 



Would surveys in that quarter render the property endangered 

 more secure, or add to the safety of our mariners by restraining 

 the untamed savage of the tropic isles ? 



Between the committee and the then secretary of the navy an 

 interchange of opinion took place. The latter said 



" I entertain the opinion that such an expedition is expedient. 

 My reasons are briefly these : That we have an immense and 

 increasing commerce in that region, which needs the protecting 

 kindness of government, and may be greatly extended by such an 

 expedition. The commercial operations carried on in that quarter 

 are difficult and hazardous. They are correctly represented in the 

 memorial of the inhabitants of Nantucket, to which I would refer, 

 as well as to some of the many other memorials which have been 

 addressed to Congress on this subject. It would seem wise in 

 government to render these commercial operations less hazardous 

 and less destructive to life and property. The commerce in the 

 Pacific Ocean affords one of the best nurseries for our seamen. 

 An expedition such as that proposed would be calculated to in- 

 crease that class of citizens ; an increase in which the government 

 and nation are deeply interested." 



It is unnecessary to dwell longer upon the records of that day 

 Sufficient information has been given to leave no doubt of the 

 opinions then entertained by men who had thoroughly investigated 

 the subject. You were at that time a member of the United States 

 Senate ; but, as the affair never came fairly before that body for 

 discussion, you may have forgotten these matters. I proceed, 

 therefore, to a later period, embracing the action of Congress since 

 you have been secretary of the navy. Of the transactions of the 

 legislature within that interval I cannot suppose you uninformed, 

 because such want of information would almost imply a dereliction 

 of public duty. 



Mr. Pearce, of Rhode Island, to whom the country is much in- 

 debted for the ability and zeal with which he advocated this meas- 

 ure before the committee on commerce, on the seventh of Febru- 

 ary, 1835, made a long report, which was accompanied by a bill 

 providing for an expedition. He commenced by stating that the 

 number and character of the memorialists, together with the opin- 

 ions they had expressed upon the subject of their petition, had 

 called the committee to an attentive and careful consideration of 



V -' > '-", -:.'* 



