242 PROCEEDINGS OF [1842. 
Resolved , That Lieut. Wilkes be requested to furnish the Insti¬ 
tute with such a succinct account or memoir of the Expedition, as in 
his discretion may seem proper for present publication. 
Mr. WicldifFe addressed the meeting, and said he thought the re¬ 
port first due to the Government, &c., &c. 
Mr. Preston advocated and explained his resolution, saying, that 
the objects of the Expedition were public; but, at the same time, 
distinctly disclaiming any intention to trench upon the official rights 
of any one, &c., &c. 
The Hon. Mr. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy, said that he could 
not perceive the slighest impropriety in Mr. Wilkes giving a synopsis 
of his cruize, confiding fully in his discretion and judgment that he 
would not publish anything that it might be found proper to with¬ 
hold. 
Mr. Preston said he never doubted that his distinguished friend at 
the head of the Navy Department would give his powerful aid to 
the advancement of science, and the gratification of the eager and 
enlightened curiosity of the public. 
Mr. Upshur replied, and further stated his views. 
Mr. WicldifFe explained his motives in having opposed the mo¬ 
tion, and commented very favorably on the results of the Expedition, 
and was happy to find that no objection existed to render the publi¬ 
cation of the narrative improper. 
Mr. Couthouy remarked, that it was customary for the comman¬ 
ders of expeditions to make a synopsis, on their return, for publica¬ 
tion. 
Mr. Upshur then proposed the following Resolution, which was 
adopted: 
Resolved , That Lieut. Wilkes be requested to furnish for the use 
of the Institute, a succinct statement of the remarks made by him 
this evening, and to be continued on another occasion, respecting the 
movements of the Exploring Expedition, or such other general view 
of the progress and results of the Expedition as to him shall seem 
proper. 
Special Meeting , June 23, 1842. 
A large audience being present, Lieut. Wilkes continued his nar¬ 
rative. 
Special Meeting , June 27, 1842. 
A large audience being present, Lieut. Wilkes concluded his nar¬ 
rative of the discoveries and other events of the Exploring Expedi¬ 
tion, illustrating his remarks by many charts and drawings. 
