INTRODUCTION. XXlll 



moral principle. All the regulations and operations were made to tend to this 

 end. I considered this as one of my first duties, and in it I have been well sup- 

 ported by Captain Hudson and Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, and by most 

 of the officers of the Expedition. I feel great satisfaction in having received tes- 

 timonials from the different missionaries, that my course has been fully appreciated 

 by them. Indeed, I have reason to rejoice that I have been enabled to carry the 

 moral influence of our country to every quarter of the globe where our flag has 

 waved ; and I trust that the Expedition will compare advantageously with any 

 other that has preceded it, in its moral and correct deportment. 



CHARLES WILKES. 



Washington City, 



November, 1844, 



