The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-31
From, The Noc- York Epening Star.
VISIT TO THE EXPLORING SQUADRON.

I From, the Nep- York Eusning Star.
VISIT TO THE EXPLORING SQUADRON.
We visited, on Saturday the gallant little fleet
| In which the country takes, at this moment, on the
eve of their departure SO lively pride and deep an
! interest We embarked at Castle Garden in ten
/ cared barge, commanded by spirited young MILDLY,
scarcely younger, however than the hale and hary
looking youths who comprised the crew. The ar
was bracing and pure, with clear blue sky; the
white caps flung their spray upon us, and somewhat
moisened our black civilian dresses, spite OF the
tars rowing dry as the nautical expression IS
| But we did not mind the sprinkling, for it was
heavenly day, and the distant woods of our superb
bay tinged in the golden and carmine livery of an
| American autumn, never presented scene more
| gorgeous and picturesque. And there, too, cleavnS
| gaily through the foaming blue waters in every
/ direction were the craft Of steam and canvass OF
every description, that always forms so cheering and
| delightful panorama on our magnificent harbor
| Three of the squadron only are now lying of the
| Battery, the Macedonian having hauled round TO
| the Navy Yard. The first we came TO- was the sub
| stantial sore-shp called The Relief" and we
mounted up her bulwarks and landed on the polish
| ed quarterback, where we We're politely receiy-
ed by the officer of the day, we could not help
being struck with the neatnesS, discipline, COM
fort, and security which she presented and which
| looked, in truth, as if she was most rightly
| named, and every way calculated TO furnish
| to the hardy crew, when in their most perllous
| excursions all the good things of this earth
which they may chance to stand in need Of
An admirable hospital and c-ship she is calculated
| to Make and a most essential and indispensable
compartment is she to the squadron. For when men,
like brave seamen, stand ready to do all that men
dare do they should least have hand soace
which can be procured for them the spot to reward
them with snug berth, good nutriment and raiment,
and good nursing, where the tolls they must necessarily
be exposed to may make those comforts desirable, This
vessel too though her model is for strength, and
freight and accommodation, than for speed in good
/ - her in
respect learn most advantageously in coming round
| from Norfolk From the Relief we re-descended
into barge again, ami proceeded to the Pioneer,
hard by one of the stout little briggs which, with her
companion the Consor close to her and the very fact
smilie Of her, be the guard, to do all the
heavy and dangerous duties in battling the ice
bergs and sea-monsters animate and naniInate, that
may obstruct their path in the discovery Of the great
| problems left for American courage to solve in the
dreary regions Of the Polar Seas When looked at the
fine models Of these craft, and their neat rig, and then
examined their interior construction, we could not have
believed that much grace Of exterior could by the art
Of man, have been combined with SO much solidy and
strength AT the water line the bows they form in thick
ness wooden bulwaik Of seven feet Of massive beams,
and intervening layers Of plank all closely scanned and
clamped and braccd together; strengthened still more
by sauncheons that pass throughout the sides OF the
sci to the kelson prevent compression IT. haplessy as
they must expect to be- they occasionally wedged in
between moving masses Of floating fields of ice Even
if the outward pankngs are up and shattered there
remain heavy wooden walls yet impermeabe to water,
and mpregnabe to renewed attacks Every one OF the
company delighted with the whole arrangement Of
these vessels, and the perfect adaptation of their form,
structure and equipment to the purposes for which they
are to be employed. Much conversation also naturally
passed the Of protection against intense cold
and floating ce the value Of urs Of the portable soups
and white wines used by Parry, &c, and variety Of
other matters Lieut. Claiborne, the officer of the day,
politely explained every portion Of the vessel as had,
also Lieut. Pinkney Of the Relief and reaching the
Consort we were treated with the marked cvly
| by Capt Glynn, her worthy commander
At the Navy Yard, which we soon pulled round to
with spirited oarsmen we passed the dapper little
brig Actirc, the last and fifth vessel least in slze but
not by her rakish look destined think be the least
efficient of the gallant fo,illa, We reached the
noble frigate Macedonian the flag ship Of Commodore
Jones, commandern-chief Of the squadron. This ship
is built entirely anew and OF the strongest construction,
and with scarcely timber remaining Of the less elegant
British vessel, whose name she bears. We were con-
Quoted by the Commodore and his first lieutenant Mr..
Magruder, into every part Of the Frgate, and must for
want of space be excused from entering into all the adj
mirabe details of her arrangements for the scientific
corps, officers and crew, by remarkng in general terms
that every thing to the utmost mnuteness perfect and
complete. To the Naval Department, and to Commo-
dore Jones more especially is due the consummaon Of
details embodied in this igate to carry out with entire
and hope, triumphant success the noble task OF ex-
porng the unknown regions and resources OF the vast
true, made imperfect examinations, and brought much
valuable matter light, but never believe have I'M
dertaken the investigation perfect and extended
plan that which is about to set out from our
shores. ...
This great work has been protected and fondly che
rshed by all parties and classes in country its
most endearcd and favored project, as one which is to
eornize the reputation Of our naval flag, and open to us
incalcuabe resources of commercial wealth. In the
same proportion then to its magnitude aud Importance
the tribute and homage due to him whose lndefa-
gable and unhiuchng moral courage first suggested,
some ten years since, and has left means untricd
which strong powers Of mind and persuasive eloquence,
could supply, to bring to the proud state in which now
is this great expedition, fully and amply equipped
and provided for the objects intended We scarcely
need add, what all must anticipate, that the individual
alluded to is J. N Reynolds, Esq. Whatever may be
his designation destiny-whether place worthy Of
him has been assigned him not he at least will have
the proud satisfaction Of SAYING that in whatever part
of the earth he may be, his will for ever be nscpa
raby associated with this splendid national enterprise
the chief OF its founders and promoters and that he
may, with vanity nscribe on his shield, from now,
henceorward to all time come
| Jam9ue opus cxegi
| Cuus magma pars fu"