LETTERS OF A FRIEND TO THE NAVY. 359 



a huge flagstaff, it would appear that he has renounced his former 

 theory of a great opening of sixteen degrees at the pole ; that is, 

 if he is in earnest in his plan of leaving the American flag to wave 

 on the axis of the earth, of which there is some doubt. 



The extravagances of Mr. have created many difficulties 



in fitting out this expedition ; yet all these can be obviated if he 

 will be content with the distinguished and lucrative situation as- 

 signed him in the same, and not ostentatiously and offensively at- 

 tempt the direction of the enterprise, to the great annoyance of 

 officers who have entered the navy with hopes of distinguishing 

 themselves in battle for their country, and who have no ambition 

 to engage in the service now proposed for them under his au- 

 spices. 



Respect is due to the pride and feelings of gallant officers of 

 whom unusual, unexpected, and subordinate duties are required. 



On this expedition much time must be spent in collecting and 

 examining subjects of natural history ; much time must be spent 

 in tracing the shores and dredging in the deep seas in search of 

 new and undescribed animals. By these labours great additions 

 will be made to science highly interesting to the gentlemen en- 

 gaged in making discoveries, and highly honourable to the coun- 

 try, but somewhat irksome to officers performing a subordinate 

 part in these operations, and who aspire to service more properly 

 belonging to their professional duties. 



To such labours and discoveries no more force should be applied 

 than what is absolutely necessary. 



In other countries exploring expeditions are fitted out, but gen- 

 erally on a small scale. 



Among the most splendid exploring voyages of modern times 

 is that of the Astrolabe, a corvette of eighteen guns and a crew 

 of eighty men. 



Two ships would be quite enough for the purposes of survey 

 and exploration on this South Sea expedition, and an additional 

 vessel for the search of wrecked mariners. 



Five ships and six hundred men cannot be wanted for any pur- 

 pose whatever necessarily connected with the expedition, not even 

 for the purpose of gleaning molluscous treasures from coral reefs, 

 in which it seems our countrymen are engaged wherever a keel 

 can go. 



