APPENDIX 



EXPLORING EXPEDITION, UNDER LIEUTENANT WILKES. 



Lieutenant Hudson received orders, while first lieutenant of tne 

 navy-yard, New York, to proceed to Washington. On his arrival, he 

 was told by the Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. Mahlon Dickerson, 

 that he had been sent for to go out in the Exploring Expedition, and 

 was directed to see Mr. Poinsett, then Secretary of War, under whose 

 direction these arrangements had been placed. After an interview 

 with the Secretary of W"ar, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Presi- 

 dent of the United States, Lieutenant Hudson declined going out in 

 the Expedition, under Lieutenant Wilkes, in consequence of his rank, 

 and the military character of the Expedition. Lieutenant Hudson left 

 Washington, returned to New York, and resumed his duties as first 

 lieutenant of the navy-yard, under Commodore Ridgely. 



After a short period the following communication was received from 

 the Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. 



II. 



[Copy.] 



Washington, June 5th, 1838. 

 Lieutenant Hudson, U. S. Navy, 



Sir, — The anxiety I feel, in common with the whole country, for 



the success of the Exploring Expedition, and the high estimate I have 



formed, from the testimony of your brother officers, of your character 



and abilities, render me exceedingly desirous of securing your services 



(351) 



