INTRODUCTION. XIX 



enabled to bring the Narrative to completion at a much earlier day than I at first 

 anticipated. 



To the Hon. Benjamin Tappan especially, I feel under obligations for the great 

 interest he has ever taken in the Expedition. The law for the publication was 

 originally reported by him ; he was at an early day appointed the Agent of the 

 Committee to superintend the whole work in its progress; and it has afforded me 

 great pleasure, as well as satisfaction, to co-operate with one so competent to 

 the task. 



Since 1845, the Hon. James A. Pearce, U. S. Senator, has been chairman of the 

 Joint Library Committee, and has had the direction of the whole work. I need 

 only refer to his several able reports, to show the effectual progress of the publica- 

 tion of the results of the Exploring Expedition under his efficient guidance, and 

 that it will be a lasting monument, alike honourable to the country and to all those 

 who have been engaged in it. 



I am aware that some dissatisfaction was occasionally felt at the outset by a few 

 of the naturalists, because they were not allowed all the opportunities they desired 

 of making investigations. It was not to be supposed, from the many interests, and 

 their inexperience in naval duties, that all could agree that the particular objects 

 of their several departments received the proper consideration. Each would natu- 

 rally look upon his own as the most important. They were not aware of my in- 

 structions, and of the duties that were enjoined upon me; and I think did not take 

 into consideration the loss of time I had met with from various causes, and that my 

 intentions were at times unexpectedly frustrated. Besides, it was my duty to look 

 to the essential objects of the Expedition, which were entirely unknown to them. 

 They are now, after the cruise has passed, I believe, fully satisfied that it was not 

 possible, without sacrificing the greater interests, to give more attention than I did 

 to subordinate parts. 



I cannot avoid bearing testimony to their perseverance, industry, zeal, and strict 

 conformity to the rules and regulations laid down for the government of us all. 

 The result of their labours will shortly be before the public, and will show the 

 manner in which they have performed their duties. They messed with the ward- 

 room officers, and received all the privileges, respect, and attention due to that rank. 



In the following Narrative, it may perhaps be necessary to state, that although 

 our time was limited to a few days at some of the places we visited, yet the num- 

 ber of officers and gentlemen engaged under my command, enabled me to have 

 every thing worthy of notice examined. The result of our observations, I am 



