COMMANDER DE HAVEiN. 
493 
to cominit, the least act of hostility against the enemy, of whatever nation he 
may be. 
Notwithstanding the directions in which you have been recommended to 
carry your examinations, you may, on arriving out upon the field of operation, 
find that by departing from them your search would probably be more effectual. 
The Department has every confidence in your judgment, and relies implicitly 
upon your discretion; and should it appear during the voyage that, by directing 
your attention to points not named in this letter, traces of the absent expedition 
would probably be found, you will not fail to examine such points. But you 
will on no account uselessly hazard the safety of the vessels under your com- 
mand, or unnecessarily expose to danger the officers and men committed to 
your charge. 
Unless circumstances should favor you, by enabling you to penetrate, before 
the young ice begins to make in the fall, far into the unexplored regions, or to 
discover recent traces of tlie missing ships and their gallant crews, or unless 
you should gain a position from wliich you could commence operations in the 
season of 1851 with decided advantage, you will endeavor not to be caught in 
the ice during the ensuing winter, but, after having completed your examina- 
tions for the season, make your escape, and return to New York in the fall. 
You are especially enjoined not to spend, if it can be avoided, more than one 
winter in the Arctic regions. 
Wishing you and your gallant companions all success in your noble enter- 
prise, and witfi the trust in God that He will take you and them in his holy 
keeping, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
William Ballard Preston. 
To Edwin J. De Haven, Lieutenant commanding the ) 
American Arctic Expedition, &c., New York. > 
