xx | v INTRODUCTION. 
But whatever our defects were, it was now entirely too late to remedy 
them. The great anxiety of the government to have us get to sea, 
after the vexatious delays that had before occurred in the sailing of 
the Expedition, disappointing the honest expectations of the whole 
country, and particularly the depressing effect any further delay 
would produce on the spirits and ardour of the officers and men, 
made me come to the resolution to put to sea at all hazards, and 
endeavour to remedy the defects as much as possible within our own 
means, or on our arrival at places where it could be done effectually. 
Before sailing from Hampton Roads, the internal rules and regula- 
tions for the government of the Squadron were issued, in order to 
make the terms of duties more uniform, and that in case of transfer of 
men and officers during the cruise, from one vessel to another, no one 
could be at a loss to know the duties he had to perform. These con- 
tinued without any material change to be rigidly enforced throughout 
the cruise. Signal-books were also arranged to supply the defective 
ones that are furnished the navy. 
I was called upon, in a few cases, to exercise the means in my pos- 
session to punish aggressions. Yet my aim has been throughout the 
cruise, so to conduct the duties devolving upon the Squadron, that it 
would carry with it the force of moral principle. All the regulations 
and operations were made to tend to this end. I considered this as 
one of my first duties, and in it I have been well supported by Captain 
Hudson and Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, and by most of the 
officers of the Expedition. I feel great satisfaction in having received 
testimonials from the different missionaries, that my course has been 
fully appreciated by them. Indeed, I have reason to rejoice that I 
have been enabled to carry the moral influence of our country to every 
quarter of the globe where our flag has waved, and I trust that the 
Expedition will compare advantageously with any other that has pre- 
ceded it, in its moral and correct deportment. 
CHARLES WILKES. 
Washington City, 
November, 1844. 
