516 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



" Of the arrangements which have given dissatisfaction, the ap- 

 pointment of Lieutenant Wilkes to the command, over the heads of 

 his seniors and superiors in every respect, is not the least reprehen- 

 sible. Why was he selected 1 Was it because he was ready to do 

 the bidding of an incompetent secretary 1 This is no party meas- 

 ure. Strong men on both sides have been and are its supporters. 

 The country at large bears the expense, and has a right to ask why 

 matters have been thus managed. The people of Ohio have a 

 voice in the matter, and a right to inquire if injustice has been 

 done to one of her citizens the author of the measure who has, 

 by his researches and publications, fixed milestones and guide- 

 boards for those to carry on the expedition who have now got pos- 

 session of it, without the magnanimity to do justice to its projector. 

 The conduct of the managers of this affair towards Mr. Reynolds 

 will find no response from honourable men. They may do him 

 wrong, but cannot put him down ; for, going or staying, his triumph 

 has been complete. The spirit which his labours has awakened 

 will not sleep ; for, whatever is done in this expedition, or by others 

 which may and no doubt will follow, for the extension and security 

 of commerce and the acquisition of scientific knowledge, the coun- 

 try will not forget to whom it has been mainly owing." 

 Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant and fellow 



CITIZEN. 







