The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-19
LETTER OF COMMODORE JONES.
New Prospect Hill, Virginia, !
December g. 1897

DeCeHDeI looI.S
To JAMES ARMSTRONG Esq.
Commander Of the U. s. Frigate Macedonian
My Dear Sir-The state Of my health al the time
of my departure from New York prevented me from
personally taking leave of the officers and men
prsing the crews of the several vessels of the South
Sea Surveying and Exploring Expedition.
| The seemingly uneeremonous hauling down Of
! the insignia Of my command, which am informed
took place at meridian, on the 9Th nst appraised you
Of an event. which was not myself informed of Till
the receipt, few moments since, of a communica-
ton from the Hon. Secretary of the Navy bearing
date Washington, December the 9Th.
The ties which connected me with those under
my late command being thus suddenly severed, both
as regards time and circumstances leaves me no OPP
portunity of officially addressing them; but should
do violence to my own feelings and injustice TO those
who have won my esteem and highest appreciation
by their jealous and devoted services, if | should
part from them in silence, and without attempting at
least to express some Of those emotions which such
an event is calculated to inspire.
We all embarked, my dear sir in a noble under
taking; one worthy Of the Republic and in the sue
cessful termination of which we might have INDUCED
the surest hopes of winning reputation for ourselves
and mperishable honor for our country. The Con-
gress OF the Union, responsive to the will of their
constituents, with lbcrality which has received the
applause of the world long since appropriated the
means 10 carry into effect first great national
terprise, upon scale commensurate with the great
objects TO be attained; but after delays the most I'M
precedented cmbarraSsmentS the most vexatious, and
difficulties hitherto unknown in any equipment, and
in any outfit the expedition Still fingers in the waters
of the United States, and you ale Still left in doubt
and uncertainty as well as TO the time OF your de-
parture, as to the final plan Of your voyage and the
duration and extent of your operations.
II is not meet that should speak in detail Of the
difficulties and embarrassments which have been
thrown in my way in almost every matter connected
with my command or of the causes from which
those difficulties and embarrassnents spring--much
less of the circumstances under which was con.
ctr nod IN aha fha yna1it her thaSa
shall all be known, as one day they will be, am
persuaded it will be found that have been more
jealous Of my own honor and professional repua-
tion than regardful of The rights interests and fame
of those over whom was placed as Commander-in-
Chief
leave the expedition with spirits wearied out by
continued Disappointment, and with my health Sc
rousy impaired by the inceSSant and extraordinary
duties which have been imposed upon me-but con-
scious of the purity of my own motives and the in
tegrity of my conduct shall have nothing to regret
save The prostraion of the proud hopes which in
spircd me in the undertaking, and the parting with
those who have stuck to the cause through good re-
port and through evil repor-whom neither the hope
of favor could seducc, nor the accumulation OF diff
culties could drive from the expedition, and upon
whose zeal and devotion to their duty might at
all times with such confidence have relied.
He who shall be, or who is already named as my
successor to carry into effect the wishes and inten-
tons of the constituted authorities may be more for
tunate in the aid and countenance he may receive
from those in authority, but he cannot be attended
on bis voyage with hands more ready hearts more
willing than had the honor to command.
You, my dear sir, who have been so fully acquaint-
ed with all my views in reference to the expedition,
who knew what were my early hopes and have seen
how my fondest anticipaiions have been dsappoint-
ed, will appreciate my motives in writing this letter,
and will take such means TO carry its contents to the
officers Of my late command, as shall be right and
proper; accepting for yourself the assurances of my
lasting esteem, and expressing to them in my simple
farewell my sincerest wishes for their happiness,
prosperity, and future fame.
Very truly and faithfully yours,
THOS. AP CATESBEY JONES'