316 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



the expedition in your instructions to the board. Let the mem- 

 bers of that board report. For the objects to be attained you state 

 the/orce designated is too large. For those objects, as under- 

 stood by Congress and the whole country, neither you nor they 

 will venture to reduce it. 



I am prepared to meet you, or any one who thinks with you, 

 in argument, and to demonstrate that the present force is wisely 

 proportioned to the accomplishment of the ends proposed, or, if 

 altered, should be increased rather than diminished. Before I 

 have done with you I will go still farther, and prove that you are 

 in honour bound not only to cease all opposition, but to fit out the 

 expedition on its present plan, and that you cannot persist in your 

 present course without a sacrifice of honour which would tarnish 

 the reputation of any man in the common concerns of life. 



This is strong language, sir, but I know what I am saying, and 

 hold myself responsible for what I have said. In my next I shall 

 bring the matter nearer to your department in the further exami- 

 nation of your precious instructions. 

 Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant and fellow 



CITIZEN. 



New-York, July 1, 1837. 

 ' 



III. 



To the Honourable Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy. 



Sm, 



I proceed to a further examination of your precious instructions 

 to the naval board, as promised in the conclusion of my last let- 

 ter. I feel humiliation in the task of holding you up to the pub- 

 lic gaze as unfaithful to your duty in neglecting to execute a 

 twice-repeated law of Congress, unfortunately for the honour of 

 our country intrusted to your hands. I still deal with your pub- 

 lic acts. In the private walks of life it is said you are amiable 

 and kind. I am glad that it is so. To your observance of the 

 courtesies of your office I can myself bear testimony. I can 

 dwell upon them, and upon the domestic virtues claimed for you, 



