BBDICATION. 
I have had an opportunity of observing the devotedness of some 
of our naval officers abroad, in the great cause of national honour ; 
where they have exerted themselves seriously to impress on the 
minds of all, that the United States, as a people, have no appetite 
for conquest — ^no desire for monopoly; but wish for peace and re- 
ciprocal commerce with every nation under the sun, — offering no 
insults, committing no injuries, nor submitting to any offered to 
themselves. ' • 
With these views and feelings, I take the liberty of respectfully 
dedicating this volume, containing an account of the voyage of 
the United States *hip Potomac, under the command of Commo- 
dore John Downes, in the years eighteen hundred and thirty-one, 
two, three, and four, to the Honourable the Secretary and Offi- 
cers OF THE United States Navy, — believing that, whatever 
is well done by one, among a band of brothers, is done by all in 
feehng and principle ; for this is the only. way of making up the 
treasury of a nation's glory. 
THE AUTHOR. 
April, 1835. 
