APPENDIX. 385 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, 
At Sea, September 14th, 1838. 
Sir, 
It was with much surprise I learnt, a few days after sailing from 
Hampton Roads, that the pursers of the Exploring Expedition had 
received instructions from the Fourth Auditor, to check the marines 
now in the Exploring Expedition with the bounty paid them in 
November, 1837, by order of Commodore Jones. 
I flattered myself that I had, on sailing, overcome all the obstacles 
that had occurred, and I was not a little excited on finding that a new 
apple of discord had been thrown into the squadron, and particularly 
that part of it so valuable and necessary as the marines. 
I presume, however, this has been done without a knowledge of 
the mischief it might produce in the efficiency and progress of the 
Expedition, if carried into effect. 
As it appears that some of the marines who received this bounty 
had been in the service a long time, and none of them were recruits ; 
and with a view of preventing any mischievous effects upon those 
now in the Expedition, I have issued an order to the pursers not to 
check the bounty referred to ; a copy of which is herewith enclosed, 
marked No. 1 ; also a letter from Sergeant Stearns, in relation to the 
subject, marked No. 2; I take leave also to enclose a copy of the 
General Order issued by Commodore Jones to the Exploring Expedi- 
tion in October, 1837, marked No. 3, which appears to me to embrace 
the case, and has, in my opinion, pledged the faith of the government 
fully ; whether he was authorized by the Department to give such 
pledges or not, is, I think, wholly immaterial to the present case. It 
has been done : and those who have complied and received the bounty, 
believed such to be the fact, which the Department alone could give, 
thereby binding the contract on the part of the government ; which 
(acting for the best interests of the service in which we are engaged) 
I have thought proper to confirm by issuing the order referred to, 
which I cannot doubt will meet your approbation. 
I have the honour, &c, 
(Signed) Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
To the Hon. James K. Paulding, 
Secretary of trie Navy. 
vol. i. 97 
