The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-30

in some degree the estimation IN which the Navy Is
held by the country.
In = note which accompanied his communication,
Lieut. Wilkes desires TO request IFS Insertion IN
those papers which have published the letter of Cap
taiu Aulck.
TO THE EDITORS OF THE SPECTATOR.
GENTLEMEN The editorial notice in the columns
of your paper in which the remarks of Captain Au-
lick are Inserted full respects the discovery
of the Expedition, that should not have thought 1t
necessary to say another word relative the subject
if Captain Aulicks remarks might not give the idea
that the chart and letter sent Captain Ross by me,
were dsngenuous, in SO far that had attempted TO
claim greater extent OF discovery than the ENpedl-
ton was entitled TO-, and that had taken occasion TO
show some little temper towards himself, and
pass "public censures upon Captain Ross, while my
o,un negligence was the cause alone TO which TO be
ascribed the into which he thinks Capt, Ross
was unayoidaby led.
1t will, | think, be sufficiently shown, that had
the warmest feelings towards Captain Ross and the
English Expedition, by the simple perusal of my let
ter to him, giving him the information did. The
whole prepared in much haste, and when my
time much occupied and | doubt not all will
perceive the candor and irankness with which twas
written; and it ought certainly to go to prove that
was not afraid of rivalry, for every one knew that
Captain Ross about to explore our very track,
and thus would test our operations | am well
aware that many have blamed me Tor sending him
any information but have not changed my opinion,
that it was proper for me to do As the Comman-
der of great undertaking in the cause Of science,
was in dut bound to forward that of another Expe-
diuon Of foreign nation, similarly engaged, every
way in my power even al sacrifice to myself
On my arrival Sydney from the antarctic cruise,
/ was introduced TO Captain Briscoe, the discoverer
of Enderby's land and believe he gave the first
information of the English discovery" and its position,
which placed on my chart, marking it, English
discovery"
My impression is that the copy which | ordered to
be made (from my own Originally on tracing paper,
and sent to Captain Ross was perfect one and on
the original chart the English discovery is detached
and separate from ours, and stands alone At the
time sent my letter 10 Captain Ross did not know
the English dscoverer's name; but whether the Eng
lish discovery was so marked not is Of but little
consequence, for Captain Ross knew of Bellamy's
discovery before he left England. and therefore must
have seen at once the longitude and latitude of that
OF the tracing almost identically the same with
those OF Bellamy's; and am satisfied that he only
erroneous conclusion Captain Ross could ave been
led into by it, was that had verified BeIlamys DIS
coyery.
That felt and expressed surprise relative to Capt
Aulick having taken Capt. Ross assertion on point
(wlthou a full examination of all the data) in which
not only the credit of the Expedition, but the country
and Navy were concerned, is very natural, and
believe all who consider the subject Will agree with
| cannot suppose at the words in the synops s.
Captain Aulick) the 'ony or at least the first per-
SON to whom Captain Ross made the statement; but
| think and suspect it will strike ALL that coming as
II did, from an officer of rank in Navy, it would
obtain currency, and be generally believed from that
fact alone.
My authorities are the inhabitants of Oahu who
on our arrival here, few days after Captain Au
lick lett, told US of the report; one and all gave
Captain Auck the author of it, ''tha, il must be
so for Captain 7ulek had said il, and that there
continent LEFT for us
On my return 10 the United States Captain Au-
hicks name was again attached to the report and be-
Ing an officer of high standing gave it weight and
currency throughout the Union that otherwise it
would not have had. was desired by number of
gentlemen OF high standing, friends f the expcdi.
on to state the facts for tho credit of the expedition
and country, which ! have done in my Synopsis.
never, myself, thought enough of this attack on
the expedition to have any feeling the subject
regards Captain Aulck nor did intend any thing
personal towards him in the remarks in my Synopsis,
as told mutual friend, some days since, who spoke
to me on the subject.
My language is enormously quoted when am
made to say, that Captain Ross ought to have ex-
not closely hare inquired into The statements, think
any one would have done similarly situated.
As for Captain Auck's charge of negligence against
me, as apology for Captain Rosss error, am
well assured, from the personal acquaintance have
had with the latter, he would have made it
himself. can truly say that rejoice in his
cess. With Captain Ross, indici3uai am not at
issue ; but when an unjust attack is made on the EX
petition and the results of our hard labors which be-
long to the country, feel it my duty to defend them,
am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
CHARLES WILKES.