460 APPENDIX. 



We are induced to think that an English brig lately arrived in this 

 harbour, and, in our judgment, very well adapted for such a service, 

 may be purchased at a reasonable rate ; and that, while the rest of 

 the squadron proceeds on the southern tour, we may be advan- 

 tageously employed in the survey and examination of many 

 interesting and important islands. We, therefore, respectfully 

 suggest the employment of this or a similar vessel, and volunteer 

 our best endeavours to perform to the spirit such duties as you may 

 conclude to assign to us during your absence in the south ; and we 

 beg you to accept our assurance, that, in case of your consent, no 

 exertion shall be spared to justify this proposal, and recommend our 

 temporary service to your highest consideration. 



Very respectfully, 



Wm. M. Walker,* 

 James Alden, 



Lieutenants. 



J. C. Palmer, 



Acting- Surgeon. 



Wm. Reynolds, 

 Simon F. Blunt, 



Passed Midshipmen. 



T. R. Peale, 

 Wm. Rich, 

 James D. Dana, 

 H. Hale, 

 Alfred T. Agate, 



Scientific Corps. 



Note. — No notice was taken of this letter ; it being one of the 

 official communications of the cruise, has caused me to insert it. 



Charles Wilkes. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 

 December 2d, 1839. 



In declining to sign the accompanying paper I do not wish to have 

 it understood that I disapprove of the proposition in the main. If the 



* Mr. Walker begs leave to disavow any thought of promotion on the projected 

 service, and, in anticipation, begs respectfully, but most earnestly, to decline any acting 

 appointment. 



