APPENDIX. 421 



XXXVII. 



GENERAL ORDERS. 



The undersigned, commanding the Exploring Expedition, has atten- 

 tively examined the proceedings of the Naval Court of Inquiry, relative 

 to the detention of the boat at Good Success Bay, in March last, and 

 the conduct of Lieutenant Dale, who was in charge of her. 



In the opinion of the court he concurs ; having been an eye-witness 

 to the principal transactions, and believes that the whole difficulty and 

 detention of the boat arose and was occasioned by the inexperience of 

 Lieutenant Dale in managing a boat in the surf: the mode of using 

 the ample means he had; a want of determined perseverance to 

 execute his orders ; and some procrastination in effecting his progress 

 through the surf; being influenced by the timidity of some of those with 

 him, arising from the novelty of the situation they were placed in. 



In consideration of the remarkably long confinement of Lieutenant 

 Dale under suspension, and being fully impressed with the opinion of 

 the court relative to his good conduct and attention to the men during 

 his detention on shore; he is restored to duty, and will resume his 

 duties accordingly. 



The undersigned takes this opportunity to impress upon all under his 

 command, the great necessity of adhering strictly to and carrying 

 orders into execution, and of obtaining information relative to the 

 best modes of surmounting difficulties before encountering them ; also, 

 to provide themselves fully with the means necessary to execute 

 orders ; and all those who may be passengers in boats to abstain from 

 interfering or giving advice, unless it is asked, — as many delays and 

 difficulties may thus be avoided. 



He cannot refrain from expressing the high opinion he has of the 

 conduct of Lieutenant Hartstein ; also, of John Moore (quarter-master), 

 Francis Williams (boatswain's mate), and Samuel Stretch (quarter- 

 master), who volunteered in the attempt to afford assistance to the 

 party on shore, and he desires to return them his thanks for theii 

 conduct. 



The Naval Court of Inquiry, of which Captain William L. Hudson 



is President, is hereby dissolved. 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition 

 U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Callao, June 20th, 1839 

 2K2 



