510 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



" It contains the names of a majority of representatives from 

 Indiana, of Illinois, and Rhode Island; of a great portion of Penn- 

 sylvania ; and of gentlemen of distinction from a majority of the 

 other states of the Union. 



" No. 3 consists of letters from gentlemen of respectability and 

 science, from various quarters of the country, to the same effect. 

 They all speak the same language and breathe the same spirit. 



" These documents, taken together, leave no doubt of the state 

 of public opinion upon this question. All who have reflected 

 much upon the subject feel the necessity of an efficient organiza- 

 tion, with a responsible chief, to produce unity and harmony of ac- 

 tion. All who are aware of the large space which Mr. Reynolds 

 fills in the public eye, in connexion with the great enterprise, at 

 once point to him as the most suitable person to fill this station ; 

 that he ought to obtain it (in the character of commercial agent, or 

 such other as may be thought advisable), and be allowed to write 

 the history of the expedition, I have never doubted for a moment. 



" Few persons seem to be aware of the immense importance of 

 this expedition to our national character. It will rivet the atten- 

 tion of every intelligent man in Christendom for years to come, 

 and it will be looked upon hereafter as an epoch in our history. 

 It will surprise the elder nations of Europe to see that a new peo- 

 ple like us have undertaken this voyage. But how much will 

 their wonder be increased to perceive that we have organized it 

 upon a plan which, for enlargement of conception, liberality of 

 sentiment, and efficiency of action, renders it decidedly superior to 

 anything of the kind which they have attempted. 



" That this great undertaking may redound to the honour of 

 your administration, and to the glory, happiness, and prosperity of 

 our beloved country, is the ardent prayer of 



" Your excellency's obliged friend 



" And obedient servant, 



T. L. HAMER. 



"To his Excellency Andrew Jackson." 



Sir, 1 here repeat what I have said in another place, viz., that 

 you shall not shift the responsibility from your own shoulders to 

 those of Mr. Paulding, much less shall you screen yourself behind 

 your commander, whose excessive vanity is only equalled by the 



