324 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



habiting the islands in those distant seas makes this measure a 

 dictate of humanity." 



When this article appeared, why did you not remonstrate with 

 the president, and show him that he had misunderstood the true 

 objects of the undertaking ; that the allusions to our " whalemen," 

 to the " protection of commerce," to the impression contemplated 

 to be produced on the minds of the natives by a proper exhibition 

 of our " character, power, and policy," could not belong to an ex- 

 pedition intended only for high latitudes ? How can you answer 

 to your country for having omitted, at that early period, to set the 

 head of the nation right, and to correct the strange notions he had 

 formed about the purposes of the voyage ? 



To be serious. You know, sir, it was the wish of the execu- 

 tive at that time to be able to say, in his next annual message to 

 Congress, " The expedition has sailed ;" and had the directions 

 which he then left been obeyed in good faith, such had been his 

 language when the national legislature again convened ; or, at any 

 rate, long since had the vessels designated been ploughing the 

 waters of the Pacific. Sir, in your heart you know I speak the 

 words of truth and soberness ! 



In October the president returned to the capital. Do you re- 

 member his astonishment and displeasure on learning the little 

 progress which had been made during his absence ? You had, 

 however, by this time got hold of an excuse for the delay the 

 impossibility of procuring men. I will examine this impossi- 

 bility anon. It is true, you had despatched an agent to Europe to 

 procure instruments, and had sent a circular tr our learned so- 

 cieties, asking their advice and opinions as to the organization of 

 the scientific department of the enterprise. You received from 

 them able reports ; but the reading of many of them, if you have 

 read them at all, has been a labour of very recent date. 



The season was now far advanced, and all hope of sailing du- 

 ring the autumn had passed away. Congress was soon to assem- 

 ble, and it was apparent to all that the whole subject would come 

 once more before that body. That you again prepared to renew 

 your opposition with new expectations of success, your acts, as I 

 shall examine them, will abundantly prove. Did you ever hear 

 of any consultations having taken place before the precise plan of 

 attack was agreed upon ? Perhaps it is hardly fair to question 





