LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 503 



of Comparative Anatomy, Dr. R. Coates, and Natural Philoso- 

 phy, Professor Johnson. On the return of the expedition to the 

 United States, you will probably find more leisure to review these 

 matters than when your war capacities were so severely taxed in 

 directing the military campaigns of Florida. Unfortunately for the 

 Seminoles, you will then have ceased to control the movements of 

 the " Southern army." 



I propose, however, in closing this correspondence, to say a few 

 words in relation to another individual who, it was supposed, had 

 some claims to a place in the expedition. Were I to defer to your 

 wishes and feelings, this point, I am aware, would be passed over 

 in silence ; but truth and justice demand plain dealing in this as 

 well as the other matters connected with the expedition. You 

 have not forgotten that, about two weeks before the squadron sail- 

 ed, I addressed a letter to you in reference to myself, of which the 

 following is a copy : 



" New- York, July 30, 1838. 

 "SIR, 



" It is now about two months since a letter was sent to the pres- 

 ident by a portion of the Western delegation in Congress, in refer- 

 ence to my position in the South Sea Expedition. As neither my 

 friends nor myself have received any answer. I would respectfully 

 inquire what determination, if any, has been made in reference to 

 my appointment. If it be determined that I shall hold no station, 

 either with or without duties defined and a salary attached, then 

 and in that case I beg leave respectfully to inquire if I may be 

 permitted to accompany the expedition in the capacity of a volun- 

 teer, without compensation, without duties defined, and at my own 

 expense, in which capacity, as volunteer, I will ask no other con- 

 sideration or protection from the department or the commander than 

 is guarantied by the rules of the service to a sailor before the mast. 

 An answer to the above is respectfully requested at your earliest 

 convenience, as I should like a few days for preparation. 

 . " I am, vfcry respectfully, your obedient servant, 



: "J.N.REYNOLDS. 



" Honourable Joel R. Poinsett." 



Subjoined is your reply : 



