The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-30

NORTH West Coast-he has confirmed the respect
which all tribes and nations entertain Tor the nag OF
the United States. NOT WORD o. complaint mas
reached this government OF aggression upon any
people (however great the provocauon) by the Ex-
nloring Expedition. There not "A solitary por ia
which Captain Wikess squadron, en- naasse or IN
detuil harbored for time, but at which he and his
men would be greeted as old friends, were they 10
return With difficulties from the outset which few
men would have encountered-wlth obstacles
throughout the enterprise requiring settled liked
ness OF purpose, and unalterable determination,
he has pursued, with an unwearied intie xbllty OF
resolution the great objects OF the Exploring Expe
dition The books of the narrative, the scientific
and illustrative charts works OF science, works
collateral arts OF printing, however meritorious, are
still more honorable TO the unwearied industry and
attainments of thevarlous departments OF scientific
men under the Captains command.
Complaints of despotic disposition, OF desire
TO monopolize the glory of the cruize, Of various
acts of stern and rigid punishment tor nracnons OF
duty, are charged against Captain Wilkes, but he
will come out triumphant In the end. The counrywil
adiudge him clear verdict of acquttance, when all
the circumstances and impediments attendant upon
his position, are thrown into the scale. We have
barely an acquaintance with the man; we have had
no intercourse with him; we are half inclined to
think he regards us as preudiced against hun; but
as faithful public officer, who has come home from
a hard duty, and who has rendered an account Of
his stewardship, honorable to himself TO his assist
ants, TO his whole body OF men, to the expedition,
and the natlon we say, and will maintain IT, that he
deserves the appreciation Of his counIrymen. He has
done his duty like sailor, like officer like man,
and ought not, at least, TO be condemned without
hearing. ai
Captain Wilkes will doubtless be surprised that
stranger should take up the cudgels IN his defence;
but when man is unjustly and promiscuousy as
sailed there is precisely the case in which we have
ever, without question, come up to the rescue.
We are not satisfied that he punished his men at
all times with strict regard to mercy; but if the OBJ
jecs, the order and the discipline Of the service
were secured, without violation of the laws govern
ing the service, and the greater laws of humanity,
then will Captain Wilkes stand before his country
men approved as ga good and faithful servant"
We are informed that the illustrative scientific
plates and charts Of the expedition are in course Of
execution in this city, and that when completed,
(rom the specimens we have SEEM the entire work
will far surpass anything of the kind executed
by England, or even by France.
Congress neglected, 1--WE think it must have been
sheer negect,) to give copy of the books Of the
petition to the officers engaged in it. The gift
ought to be made to the officers complete, and
copy of the Narrative appropriated to every in
the expedition We scorn this picayune way of do
Ing business in giving couple Of copies to Captain
Wilkes, and there stopping the distribution.
We have nothing further to-day. w.