1842.] THE NATIONAL INSTITUTION. 157 
From W. C. Zantzinger. 
Washington, February 7, 1842. 
Dear Sir: I take great pleasure in enclosing for the library of the National In- 
stitution, a book entitled, “ Statements and documents relative to the establishment 
of steam navigation in the Pacific, with copies of the decrees of the Government 
of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, granting exclusive privileges to the undertakingto 
which is annexed three charts, showing the proposed route of the steamers from 
England to the Isthmus of Panama, from Panama to Chile and Mexico ; a tabular 
statement showing the distance in nautical miles between the several ports in the 
Pacific, the time now employed, and to be employed, in running between each; also 
the survey of that part of the Isthmus of Panama eligible for effecting a commu¬ 
nication between the Atlantic and Pacific. 
Since the publication of this volume, the enterprising projector of steam naviga¬ 
tion in the Pacific, William Wheelright, Esq., has commenced running two of his 
line of steamers, as you will perceive by a letter from that gentleman, which is an¬ 
nexed, and to which I would most respectfully invite the attention of the scientific 
corps of our country, as it opens the way to a knowledge of the mineral produc¬ 
tions of the south of Chile, heretofore almost unknown. The great difficulty in 
procuring fuel for the steamers induced Mr. Wheelright to explore that portion of 
the country, and his exertions have been crowned with success, having found coal 
in great quantities, well adapted for the use of steamers; and which can be obtained 
at so moderate a price as to supersede the necessity of importing it from England, 
which was done in the first instance, at great cost, and the supply of which could 
not be confidently calculated upon, owing to the protracted and boisterous passages 
from England via Cape Horn. 
In conclusion, I take the liberty of nominating Mr. Wheelright as a correspond, 
ing member, feeling assured that, as a scientific gentleman, he will duly appreciate 
the honor, and prove a useful member of the Institution. 
I am, dear sir, with great respect, your friend and obedient servant, 
WILLIAM C. ZANTZINGER. 
From Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. 
Pedee, South-Carolina, February 7, 1842, 
Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th 
ultimo, informing me that the National Institution had at the annual meeting for 
the election of officers reelected me President. I am very sensible of and grateful for 
this distinguished mark of their favor, and hope to have it in my power in a short 
time to express my thanks in person, and to assume the duties of the station they 
have thought proper again to confer upon me. I hear on every side the most flat¬ 
tering accounts of our increasing collections, and congratulate you upon the pro¬ 
gress of the Institution. The national legislature will, I trust, see in its prosperity 
a sufficient reason to continue its protection, and the expediency of entrusting us 
with the disposal of a fund destined to diffuse knowledge among men. I shall look 
with impatience for the next bulletin. 
With great esteem and regard, I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, 
J. R. POINSETT, 
