APPENDIX. 417 



country, but also holding out to individuals the only way in which 

 they can be sure of procuring so desirable an end, as a complete 

 collection of all those obtained by the different vessels. 



(Signed) Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Orange Harbour, Terra del Fuego, 

 April 18th, 1839. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Valparaiso, May 17th, 1839. 

 Sir, 



I enclose herewith the general instructions relative to the collection 

 and preservation of specimens, shells, &c, for the information and 

 government of the officers of the Peacock, under your command. 



Some suitable person on board will be selected to preserve all articles 

 that may hereafter be obtained. 



I wish to call the attention of the officers of the squadron to the 

 duties required of them at every port we may visit, in relation to 

 making and noting observations, &c. 



To each and all of us attaches the obligation, not only of making 

 collections, but furnishing descriptions of foreign countries, and people, 

 their manners, customs, and inhabitants, their climate, soil, and pro- 

 ductions, with the many instructive and interesting incidents which 

 are afforded us. 



The government expects and requires this of all officers attached to 

 the Exploring Expedition, in addition to their other duties ; and I 

 trust that no opportunity will be omitted in complying with all that is 

 required or expected. 



I am, &c, 



Charles Wilkes, 

 Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 Captain Wm, L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 

 Lieut. Com. C. Ringgold, 



U. S. Brig Porpoise. 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



May 25th, 1839. 

 Sir — 



You will proceed to the port of Callao, with all possible despatch. 



The Bouqueron Passage is recommended to you to enter by, as it will 



save you much time. You will anchor at the island of San Lorenzo, 



near the wharf usually occupied by the Pacific Squadron. You have 



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