368 A P T E N D I X. 



full and complete memoranda of all observations, made at the time, 

 and entered in the journals. 



2d. I consider it of great importance, that every officer should know 

 the actual situation of the ship, from his own calculations, that when 

 called upon at any moment, he might be able to refer to his own 

 journal for the results. On this might possibly depend the safety and 

 ultimate success of the Expedition, as one or two might fall into error, 

 but it is not likely that many would. 



3d. The kind of journal required is not a mere copy of the log-board, 

 but it is a diary, in which will be noticed all that relates to public 

 information, being a record of all objects of interest, however small, 

 which may take place during the cruise, in the scientific or any other 

 department : and the views of the officer ought to be briefly expressed 

 concerning things that may come under his notice. The very record 

 that nothing has transpired during the day, may be of use ; but it is 

 believed that this will be of rare occurrence. 



The whole will form a mass of evidence for the use of the govern- 

 ment on our return, which will tend to illustrate and make clear the 

 transactions and occurrences that may have taken place, as well as 

 the habits, manners, customs, &c, of the natives, and the positions, 

 descriptions, and character of such places as we may visit. 



These memoranda are highly essential to me, in order that nothing 

 may be neglected or overlooked in conducting the Expedition to a 

 successful issue, in which we are all so deeply interested. I wish 

 particularly to avail myself of the results and observations of all, to 

 avoid the possibility of passing over any subject without full examina- 

 tion and remark. 



A casual memorandum or observation, believed at the time of little 

 importance, may lead to important and satisfactory results. These 

 journals, therefore, will become a useful medium of communication 

 between the officers and myself, relative to the scientific and other 

 duties in progress. 



I trust I need not remark that the above relates entirely to public 

 transactions. With private affairs I have nothing to do : they are, and 

 always should be deemed sacred, and, consequently, will form no part 

 of the records. 



I enclose a special order relating to this subject, which you will 

 promulgate to the officers of this ship. 



I am, respectfully, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 Thomas T, Craven, 



First Lieutenant, Vincennes. 



