LETTERS OF A FRIEND TO THE NAVY. 387 



Now let me implore the " Citizen" not to make any serious im- 

 pression upon the fears of the officers of the navy. Although 

 brave, there are some things of which they stand in awe. They 

 are willing to encounter men, but not giants. They do not fear 

 cannon balls, but may dread " a withering review" from the '* Citi- 

 zen" in the public papers. Therefore let me entreat you, " Mr. 

 Citizen," not to intimidate them. Don't, Mr. Giant; do not, in 

 your wrath and fury, play the part of the terrible lion, 



" Who roared so loud, and looked so horrid grim. 

 His very shadow durst not follow him." 



Be satisfied with letting these officers know, as you have done, 

 that they are open to censure when " they claim to assume the 

 performance of duties for which their previous training and dis- 

 tinct line of action have left them totally unqualified." That " our 

 public vessels have been round the world, and our officers in 

 them, among islands, and in places rarely visited ; but what con- 

 tributions to science have resulted?" This will be sufficiently 

 humiliating to those officers, who have heretofore believed that 

 among their number were many whose writings have added much 

 to the character of their country for science and literature. In- 

 deed, it would appear, from reading domestic and foreign reviews, 

 that, in these respects, they have gained a high reputation, both 

 at home and abroad. But under this withering review of the 

 " Citizen" let them be humble. If the " Citizen" will only put 

 off the lion's skin, and cease, by his awkward attempts at roaring, 

 to frighten folks who do not know him, the affairs of the exploring 

 expedition will go on much more smoothly. 



Every measure has been adopted for making the necessary al- 

 terations in the two barks and the schooner for the expedition, and 

 they will be as soon fit for service as any vessels like them ever 

 can be. 



There is still much reluctance on the part of the officers to join 

 the squadron ; but it is believed that a sufficient number will be in- 

 duced to enter this service as a matter of duty, and that they need not 

 be compelled to this by finding themselves in the hands of a giant. 



Great confidence is placed in the gentlemen of the scientific 

 corps. Their competency to perform the duties that will be res- 

 pectively assigned to them with honour to themselves and their 

 country is undoubted ; and from their urbanity, prudence, and 



