352 LETTERS OF A FRIEND TO THE NAVY. 



more particularly in the high latitudes, and in the regions as near 

 to the pole as may be approached without danger ; to make in 

 these regions thus to be explored all practicable surveys and ob- 

 servations, with accurate descriptions of the same, connected with 

 geography or hydrography, by which the interests of commerce 

 and navigation may be promoted ; and to make all such researches 

 as the opportunities of the expedition will afford, to advance all 

 branches of science which have attracted the attention of the 

 governments of Europe in fitting out vessels for survey and dis- 

 covery. **^;. 



" In the beginning of July last your wishes to carry into effect, 

 to their full extent, the views of Congress in authorizing this ex- 

 pedition, induced you to make it a subject of immediate consider- 

 ation and action. 



" Captain Thomas Ap. C. Jones was selected to take command 

 of the expedition. The offer to take this command was made to 

 him, and accepted on his part. 



4< The confidence placed in this officer, which led to his selec- 

 tion for this important command, seemed to require that he should 

 be consulted as to the number and size of the vessels, and of the 

 vessels, and of the amount of force, of which his squadron was to 

 be held in a high degree responsible for the success of the expe- 

 dition. 



" He was of opinion that one frigate of the second class, one 

 store-ship, two barks, and one schooner, were indispensably ne- 

 cessary to the success of this object. 



" In accordance with this opinion, the most prompt measures 

 were adopted for preparing and fitting for sea the vessels required. 



" Captain Jones was instructed to visit the different navy yards in 

 which the vessels for his squadron were to be built and prepared, 

 and to make such suggestions as he should think proper as to the 

 manner of building and preparing the same, and to which the com- 

 mandants of the yards were directed to conform. 



" As, at the time of passing the act authorizing this expedition, 

 it was necessary to take -immediate measures for relieving our 

 squadrons on the Pacific and Brazilian stations, as well as to 

 send to the Gulf of Mexico a considerable force in addition to 

 that previously sent there, it was evident that the requisite number 

 of seamen for this expedition could not be recruited without ex- 



