APPENDIX. 397 
preserving, in this first national Expedition, the usual appearance, 
habits, and customs of their own country. 
Very respectfully, 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
United States' Ship Vincenncs, 
At Sea, October 8th, 1838. 
United States 1 Ship Vincenncs, 
At Sea, November 1st, 1838. 
Sir, 
As some misapprehension may exist in relation to the use for which 
the reading-room, or forward cabin, is intended, I think it as well to 
briefly state my views respecting its uses, in which I have no doubt 
all will see the propriety of concurring. 
I view it then in the same light as the ship's library, or a place 
where every one may usefully employ himself, free from the usual 
interruption of the ship's duty, and not subject to other practices, 
which would cause interruption in the use of books. 
The accommodations, though not large, will with due respect and 
consideration for each other's views, be found to be ample, and will 
naturally prevent any one from appropriating exclusively its small 
conveniences to himself; or using its table for writing (intended for 
books and the facility of reference to them), as there no doubt exists 
sufficient room in the several apartments appropriated to the different 
officers for that purpose, without incommoding any one. 
You will therefore keep its use confined to these purposes, and not 
permit the issue of slops, &c, to take place in it. 
Respectfully, 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition, 
Lieut. Thomas T. Craven, 
United States' Ship Vincennes. 
ORDERS FOR THE VINCENNES. 
The following arrangements in regard to the scientific duties of the 
officers of this ship, will be adopted when in port. 
Lieutenant Craven will aid the scientific corps as Assistant Natu- 
ralist, when his duties on board can be dispensed with. 
VOL. I. 100 
