APPENDIX. 381 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



At Sea, November 1st, 1838. 

 Sir, — 



As some misapprehension may exist in relation to the use for which 

 the reading-room, or forward cabin, is intended, I think it as well to 

 briefly state my views respecting its uses, in which I have no doubt all 

 will see the propriety of concurring. 



I view it then in the same light as the ship's library, or a place where 

 every one may usefully employ himself, free from the usual interruption 

 of the ship's duty, and not subject to other practices, which would cause 

 interruption in the use of books. 



The accommodations, though not large, will with due respect and 

 consideration for each other's views, be found to be ample, and will 

 naturally prevent any one from appropriating exclusively its small 

 conveniences to himself; or using its table for writing (intended for 

 books and the facility of reference to them), as there no doubt exists 

 sufficient room in the several apartments appropriated to the different 

 officers for that purpose, without incommoding any one. 



You will therefore keep its use confined to these purposes, and not 

 permit the issue of slops, &c, to take place in it. 



Respectfully, 



Charles Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition. 



Lieut. Thomas T. Craven, 



U. S. Ship Vincennes. 



ORDERS FOR THE VINCENNES. 



The following arrangements in regard to the scientific duties of the 

 officers of this ship, will be adopted when in port. 



Lieutenant Craven will aid the scientific corps as Assistant Natu- 

 ralist, when his duties on board can be dispensed with. 



Lieutenant Carr will be engaged with me in scientific duty at the 

 observatory. 



Lieutenant Johnson will perform the duty of first-lieutenant during 

 the absence of Lieutenant Craven, and will be excused from night 

 watch when so engaged. The officers will be divided into watches 

 for duty on board ship, at the observatory, and elsewhere, as follows : 



1st watch, Lieutenant Johnson and Passed Midshipman Totten. 



2d watch, Lieutenant Alden and Passed Midshipman Reynolds. 



3d watch, Lieutenant Maury and Passed Midshipman May. 



VOL. 1. 2G2 4Q 



