

503 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



stant correspondence, and Mr. R. has at all times consulted with 

 me as to the steps necessary to be taken to effect the object for 

 which he has laboured so long. 



" At the last session I made a report in favour of the expedition 

 from the committee on commerce, which was not acted on by the 

 House for want of time. 



" At the present session Mr. Reynolds again conferred with me, 

 procured a recommendation from the Legislature of New-Jersey, 

 and, when he arrived in this city, I agreed with him that it was the 

 best plan to commence in the Senate, which was accordingly done. 

 The result, since that time, is known to you. The measure passed 

 by an overwhelming vote of both houses, and has been much ap- 

 proved in all sections of the country. These are some of the cir- 

 cumstances which enable me to speak so strongly in favour of Mr. 

 Reynolds, whose labours and sacrifices in this cause have made 

 him well known to the members of this House. I do not hesitate 

 to say that to his efforts, more than any man living, is the country 

 indebted for the successful prosecution of the measure before 

 Congress. 



" These facts made known to you, it will, I am sure, no longer 

 be a question as to the part which shall be assigned to. him* The 

 organization of the scientific corps could not be committed to 

 better hands ; and especially do I wish that to him may be assigned 

 the duty of writing the official account of the cruise. 



" With great consideration and respect,. 

 " I am your friend, 



" DUTEE JL PEARCE." 



To the President of the United States. 



" House of Representatives^ 3d July, 1836. 



"Sm, 



" I beg leave respectfully to recommend J. N. Reynolds, Esq., 

 for the chief of the civil appointments connected with the Ex- 

 ploring Expedition to be sent out to the South Seas. In this I am 

 governed by a desire to see merit adequately rewarded in the ap- 

 pointment of a gentleman whose past services and scientific nau- 

 tical researches appear to point him out as one who has earned 

 the place and is eminently qualified to fill it 



" The friends of Mr. Reynolds, particularlv in the western coun- 



