212 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



This vessel is now at the ship-yard in Alexandria, Va., being strengthened 

 for ice navigation, and can be got ready for sea by the 15th of May, proximo, the 

 date upon which it is desirable that the expedition should sail. 

 Very respectfully, your obedient servant,' 



h. w. howgate. 



Executive Mansion, Washington, May i, 1880. 

 Captain H. W. Howgate, United States Army, Washington, D. C: 



Dear Sir, — Your communication of this morning is at had, and the very 

 generous proffer which it contains, of the Steamship Gulnare to the United States, 

 for the purposes of the important expedition into the Arctic regions which you 

 have recently projected, is hereby accepted, in pursuance of the authority con- 

 ferred upon me by Act of Congress, approved this day, entitled " An Act to 

 Authorize and Equip an Expedition to the Arctic Seas." 



In connection with this acceptance I desire to express to you my apprecia- 

 tion of the persevering devotion and untiring zeal with which you have labored 

 for the success of this undertaking. It will be a source of patriotic pride if to 

 American enterprise and generosity the honor may yet be due for the practical 

 solntion of the important scientific problem which is the object of the expedition, 

 and which has for so many years engaged the attention of the scientific world. 



I trust your efforts may be crowned with success. 



Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. 



MEMORANDUM. 



It is proposed to have the expeditionary vessel ready for sea on or about 

 May 15th, provided, the necessary men and supplies are promptly furnished. 



The crew of the vessel will consist of fifteen officers and men, as follows : 



One captain, two mates, two engineers, one steward, two firemen and seven 

 seamen. These men, and their necessary supplies, are to be furnished by the 

 Navy Department ; the men being enlisted for this especial service, as provided 

 in the act. The officers may be commissioned officers of the Navy, or exper- 

 ienced sailors employed for this purpose. The use of the vessel is to be limited 

 to the transportation to Lady Franklin Bay of the permanent exploring and 

 scientific parties, with their necessary supplies. Having landed these, the vessel 

 will return to the United States. It is estimated that the round trip will be made 

 within a period of five months, and an annual visit to the site of the colony or 

 station is contemplated, until it shall be withdrawn or abandoned. 



The Navy Department will furnish coal for the several voyages, and will also 

 furnish such articles of outfit and equipment for the vessel as can be supplied, and 

 are required. 



The permanent party will consist of officers and men detailed from the army, 

 and who will act under the instructions of the Secretary of War. 



The supplies for these men — such as food, clothing, shelter, means of trans- 

 portation, medicines, arms, &c., will be supplied by the several bureaus of the 



