LETTERS OP A CITIZEN. 451 



for the year ending September, 1834, the latest returns within my 

 reach, amounted only to fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and 

 sixty-three dollars ; the price of a single whale-ship. 



Now in this account, as you have done with reference to the 

 expedition, first put down the cost of the vessels, then calculate 

 and add the amount necessary to the mission for three years, and 

 behold what an enormous sum ! The whole of our trade protected 

 by our Pacific squadron has not amounted, since 1830, to a mil- 

 lion of dollars per annum ; and, notwithstanding the unsettled state 

 of the countries with which this traffic is carried on, they have no 

 force to prevent a sloop-of-war and two schooners from exacting 

 respect to our flag. What an argument here for reduction ! But 

 no statesman reasons thus. It is the settled policy of the country 

 to have constantly available an efficient naval force. The explo- 

 ring vessels should be regarded as a part of that force ; and the 

 only point at issue ought to be, whether this great nation could 

 afford the outfits, and forty-three thousand dollars a year for the 

 salaries of the civil corps ! 



Having now, as I feel, discharged my duty, it would give me 

 pleasure to anticipate that, like a generous antagonist foiled in a* 

 hard encounter, you will yield with a good grace, as yield I think 

 you must ! ! ! Sorry I am to say, however, that I can find no pre- 

 cedent on which to base so pleasing a supposition. But where 

 can you take a fresh stand ? Let me hope in charity that your 

 dernier resort, after the choice of a new commander, will not be 

 once more to intrench yourself in inveterate obstinacy, and from 

 behind that impregnable barrier to issue your dicta against sci- 

 ence, humanity, commercial interests, and national honour! 

 Very respectfully, 



I have the honour to be, your fellow 



CITIZEN. 



New-York, January 4, 183d. 



