488 APPENDIX. 



XXVII. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, January 31st, 1840. 



Sir, 



It becomes my duty, in consequence of the report of the assistant- 

 surgeons of this ship (a copy of which is enclosed), relative to the 

 health and condition of the crew of this ship, to restore you to duty 

 for their benefit, and to obtain all the medical advice in my power to 

 enable me to carry out the instructions of the government. 



You will, after due examination and consideration, relative to the 

 health and condition of the crew, report to me, in writing, your 

 opinion in regard to the same. 



I am, very respectfully, 

 Your obedient servant, 



(Signed) Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



Dr. Edward Gilchrist, 



Acting Surgeon, Vincennes. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, January 31st, 1840. 



Sir, 



I have received your letter of this date, restoring me to duty, 

 enclosing a report of the assistant-surgeons of this ship, and directing 

 me, after due examination and consultation relative to the health and 

 condition of the crew, to report to you in writing my opinion in 

 regard to the same. 



In obedience to that order, I respectfully report that, in my opinion, 

 the health of the crew is materially affected by the severe fatigue, 

 want of sleep, and exposure to the weather, to which they have lately 

 been subjected ; that a continuance of these hardships, even for a very 

 short period, will entirely disqualify a great number of men for their 

 duty ; and that the necessary attention to the health of the crew, and 

 their future efficiency and usefulness, demand the immediate return 

 of the ship to a mild climate. 



I am, very respectfully, 



Edward Gilchrist, 



Acting Surgeon. 



Charles Wilkes, Esq., 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



