CHARLES WILKES 217 
ceed to the Straits of Sunda, pass through the Straits of 
Billiton, which you will examine, and thence to the port 
of Singapore, where it is probable you may arrive about 
the beginning of April, 1841. . . . Having com- 
pleted this service, it is presumed the objects of your 
enterprise will be accomplished, and you will accordingly, 
after receiving your supplies at Singapore, return to the 
United States by the Cape of Good Hope, taking such a 
course as may be most likely to further the great pur- 
poses of the expedition.” 
The foregoing extract indicates the route to be pur- 
sued and the general allocation of time. The trips into 
the Antarctic regions were designed to be short sum- 
mer cruises, and no preparations were accordingly made 
for penetrating the pack-ice or for wintering in a high 
latitude. 
A large part of the instructions is devoted to hints 
for the treatment of savages; the scientific staff of nine 
civilians was selected with a view to studies in the 
tropical and temperate zones, and as a matter of fact 
they were not carried on the Antarctic cruise. The 
hydrography and geography of the various seas and 
countries were to be studied by the naval officers to 
whom were entrusted all researches connected with 
these departments as well as with astronomy, terres- 
trial magnetism and meteorology. Wilkes insisted upon 
this as one of the conditions of accepting the command. 
Very stringent orders were given as to the com- 
munication of the results of the expedition to outsiders. 
“ You will prohibit all those under your command 
from furnishing any persons not belonging to the Ex- 
pedition with copies of any journal, charts, plan, memo- 
randum, specimen, drawing, painting, or information 
