394 THE ANTARCTIC MANUAL. 
cases are consequent upon the extreme hardships and exposure they 
have undergone during the last gales of wind, when the ship has been 
surrounded with ice. 
“This number is not large, but it is necessary to state that the 
general health of the crew, in our opinion, is decidedly affected, and 
that under ordinary circumstances the list would be very much in- 
creased, while the men under the present exigencies, actuated by a 
laudable desire to do their duty to the last, refrain from presenting 
themselves as applicants for the list. 
“ Under these circumstances we feel ourselves obliged to report that, 
in our opinion, a few days more of such exposure as they have already 
undergone, would reduce the number of the crew by sickness to such 
an extent as to hazard the safety of the ship and the lives of all on 
board. 
“Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 
(Signed) J. L. Fox, 
Assistant Surgeon, 
T. S. Wurrtte, 
Assistant Surgeon. 
“To CHARLES WILKEs, Esq., 
Commanding Exploring Expedition.” 
Although my own opinion, as I have stated, differed from that ex- 
pressed in the report, I deemed it my duty to ask the opinion of the 
ward-room officers, and also, in order to procure additional medical 
advice, restored to duty Acting-Surgeon Gilchrist, who was under sus- 
pension. The opinion of the ward-room officers was asked in a written 
circular, of which the following is a copy. 
“US. Ship Vincennes, 
At Sea, January 31st, 1840. 
‘‘Gentlemen,—The receipt of the enclosed report of Drs. Fox and 
Whittle, relative to the health and condition of the crew of this ship 
at this time, renders it necessary for me to decide whether it is ex- 
pedient to push farther south in exploration under the present circum- 
stances. 
“ As you are acquainted with all the circumstances, it is unnecessary 
to repeat them, except to remark that your opinion is requested before 
I decide upon the course to be pursued, in consequence of the strong 
bias self-interest might give me in the prosecution of our arduous 
duties. I wish the report returned to me, and for you to communicate 
your opinion in writing. 
“T am, respectfully, etc., 
CHARLES WILKES, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
“To the Ward-Room Officers, 
U.S. Ship Vincennes.” 
