3 7 4 APPENDIX. 
fixed point, although not determined by absolute astronomical obser- 
vations. With respect to the coast of South America, Talcahuana, 
the longitude of which was determined by Captain Beechey, to be 
in 72° 56' 59" W., seems to me a well-determined point. Captain 
Duperrey is not of that opinion ; and it remains to be settled whether 
the longitude of Talcahuana, or Valparaiso, in 71° 33' 34" W., 
deserves the preference. 
Krusenstern. 
St. Petersburg, January 26, 1837. 
VI. 
United States' Ship Vincennes, 
Hampton Roads, August 14th, 1838. 
Sir, 
I have the honour to state, that since my arrival here, I have 
examined the General Requisition, complained of by Commodore 
Warrington and the Commissioners of the Navy, and find (as I was 
well aware was the case) it duly approved by me. 
The articles that were stricken off the Requisition, were the most 
necessary for us of any thing contained therein ; and I regret to say, 
that in consequence of the objections to allow indispensable articles 
for the service we are going on, we shall be obliged to go to sea much 
less efficient than we would, had they been furnished, and which will 
compel me to subject the government to pay quadruple prices for the 
same articles at Rio de Janeiro. 
I have to request, that you will show this letter to the Honourable 
Commissioners of the Navy, in order to notify them that the Requi- 
sition was not irregularly drawn, but duly approved by myself, and 
consequently assumed as my act. 
I have the honour, &c, 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
Hon. Jas. K. Paulding, 
Secretary ofUte Navy, Washington. 
