33S ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



expressed 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 

 suspension. The opinion of the ward-room officers was asked in a 

 written circular, of which the following is a copy. 



U. S. 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 expedient to push 

 farther south in exploration under the present circumstances. 



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. 



I am, respectfully, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 To the Ward-Room Officers, 



U. S. Ship Vincennes. 



The answers to this letter will be seen in Appendix XXVII. ; and it 

 is sufficient here to say, that a majority concurred in opinion with the 

 report of the medical officers. Notwithstanding these opinions, I was 

 not satisfied that there was sufficient cause to change my original 

 determination of passing along to the appointed rendezvous; and 

 after full consideration of the matter, I came to the conclusion, at 

 whatever hazard to ship and crew, that it was my duty to proceed, 

 and not give up the cruise until the ship should be totally disabled, 

 or it should be evident to all that it was impossible to persist any 

 longer. In bringing myself to this decision, I believe that I viewed 

 the case on all sides with fairness, and allowed my duty to my 

 country, my care for those whom it had committed to my charge, 

 and my responsibility to the world, each to have its due weight. 



The weather now moderated, and I ordered sail to be made. The 

 2d of February found us about sixty miles to the westward of Piner's 



