The daily union., 1852-12-10


posed that exploration OF this region would lead 10
the discovery OF broad tract of fertile and healthy coun
nzalion which for Years past has greatly interested
The public attention. and recently attracted the fa
vorable consideration OF Congress.
The proposition submitted 10 my view by the society
aud referred to your approval regard which may
De rendered productive OF great public advantage, and IN
regard 70 which you might confidently bespeak and anti.
clpae the appreciation OF the country have therefore
not hesitated, with your To give il the aid
which u was IN the power OF the department to bestow.
AS could not however without special appfopra
ton 70 the object organize full and effective expedition
ior the prosecution OF this enterprise have thought that
6y the employment OF such have been provided
Tor the ordinary exgencies OF the service, might profit
ably pepate the way for such an expedition as Congress
might hereafter think fit TO authorize have according
ly directed preliminary investigation to be made by
officer OF the navy whom have attached to the African
squadron. with orders devote the months OF the coming
w.nter TO an examination o the necessary conditions
which this Undertaking may require.
In Commander Lynch, to whom the country is already
indebted Tor important service in another teld' have
found prompt and ardent volunteer for this employ
ment lie ~ now on his way to the African coast. He
will land at Liberia, Cape Pamas, and other points, and
will pursue his inquiries as far as the river Gaboon with
view to the ascertanment OF such localities the
gin o the African continent may present the greatest
facilities whether by the river by inland routes,
for penetrating with least hazard to the interior He will
collect Information touching the geographical character
OF the country it's OF aiordng the necessary sup.
plies OF men and provisions, the temper OF the inhabitants,
whether hostile friendly, the proper precautions to be
all other items of knowledge upon which may be prop
hereafter prepare and combine the forces essential 10
the success OF complete and useful exploration OF the
interior. In the performance OF this duty, under the
favorable circumstances he will encounter the per-
lis of climate famed for its unwhoesome influence upon
the white man. and may hardly hope to escape the exh.
btion of hostility from the natives. The spirit which
has prompted him to this perilous adventure,
honorable to his courage and philanthropy, trust will
enable him 10 brave every hazard with success. to
every obstacle his progress and 10 himself
"A pra which
these preparations directed In the me most
earnestly commend the subject of the exploration TO The
early and favorable attention of Congress- with the
preston OF my conviction that there is enterprise
Of the present day that deserves higher degree OF favor
or that will honorably sgnaze the enlightened
policy OF this government 10 The estimation o the present
pration OF money, and an enlarged discretion to be
fded 10 the Navy Department for the organization and
arrangement OF plan OF operations which must embrace
the employment OF number OF men, the supply OF boats
armaments and tools. and the enlistment OF such sclen
t6c aid long and laborious inland exploration, bese
with many dangers and difficulties. will suggest.
With a view TO the preparatory operations OF Com
mander Lynch, and also in consideration OF the need
which the African squadron has at all times for
such an auxiliary, have directed the small steamer
Vixen 10 be prepared without delay and sent 10 that
coast 10 constitute part OF the force under the command
OF Commodore Mayo, who is about 10 take charge OF the
squadron. lie will be instructed 10 furnish Commander
Lynch with every facility which his position may allow
small sum of money has also been placed at the dis
posa OF Commander Lynch for the contingencies OF his
present service
The second expedition TO which have referred has
grown out Of the recent decree of the provisional drec
rs OF the Argentine confederation which has very late
y reached this country, and which throws open TO
navigation that long sealed and excluded country lying
upon the tributaries OF the river La Plata. The Uragsay
and the Parana at last opened by this decree TO the
access oil all nations who may choose TO seek the
associations which they offer the spirit OF adventure.
vas, territory Of boundess resource, proverbia for its
treasures OF vegetable and mineral wealth, extending
like the Mississippi from south 10 north, and reaching
through tweny-our parallels Of latitude, with every
climate between the temperate and tod zones, and with
every variety OF product which may be gathered from
the auvia plains OF the border TO the heights OF
the Andeshisi IS the field into which the liberal decree
oil President Urquiza has invited the enterprise OF
country, as well sof other nations. who will he equally
prompt TO pursue II. We have waited with anxiety for
the occasion TO add this TO the industry of
our people and am sure 1t will crafty the commercial
PRIDE and please the emulous ambition Of the nalon,
sot less than will great and permanent advan
tages It's trade, 10 have the American flag and
uona vessel the brsl 10 receive the greetings OF the pop
uation who, al The loot OF the Andes and along the
naygable waters OF inland Brazil Bolivia and Paraguay
are ready to welcome the first messenger Of commerce,
and throw Their treasures into hts hand.
Anticipating the approach OF this opportunity,
with your approval sdnonshed Lieutenant Page. before
1t arrived, 10 hold himself ~ readiness for exploration
OF these rivers, and directed the steamer Water Witch to
be put in condition for the service She s now nearly
equipped and Lieut. Page will be ready to take his de.
psrure at the hfs moment that the may be tit TO
receive him. lie Is provided with able crew, we'll
adapted 10 the nature Of his expedition, and seconded by
officers chosen Tor their efficiency both in the sphere of
seamanshp and scientific labor. few boats are pro.
vlded, adapted to the navigation OF the upper streams
above their falls and the equipment, though OF simple
and inexpensive kind, will be in all respects such as
may enable Lieut. Page 10 accomplish the duty assigned
to him.
These four expeditions, each OF them OF highly in
erestng character, and likely to be productive o results
which will be benehcay felt and acknowledged long
alter the men who may procure them shall have passed
away, constitute IN great part the chief and impor-
ant topics which have engrossed the Of the Navy
Department, during the past year
gives me pleasure tn report, IN connexon with these,
the return OF Lieutenant Herndon, TO whom was as
signed, in conjunction with Passed Mdshipman (now
Leuenant) Gibbon, exploration OF the valley OF the
river Amazon and s tributaries These officers were
directed TO the Cordoras in Peru and Bolivia and
by selection of the judcious routes OF travel,
with a small company of men, for the employment OF
whom means furnished by this department. TO ex.
pore the valley OF the Amazon and descend that river
10 the sea More than year has been spent in the
1--we prosecution OF this duty Lieutenant Herndon reach
ed the United States in July last, bringing with him
large amount Of Interesting and useful facts industrious
y collected by him IN the OF his long and hazard
Gus journey, embracing many valuable statistics OF the
county, and adding most important contributions to the
hitherto unknown geographical character OF the country
lie Is now engaged in preparing lull report of the incl
dents and discoveries of his travel, which will be com
muncated TO you is placed in possession OF
this department. | beg to commend Lieutenant Herndon
to your special appreciation and thanks for the ine-
genee and ability and yet for the high professional
ZEAL he has exhibited in the performance oi his difficult
and honorable duty.
Lieutenant Gibbon, having taken dferen, route from
that OF Lieutenant Herndon has arrived but may be
expected in the of the winter When he returns
to this city the result OF his work will be submitted to
your notice
The brig Dolphin. which was employed during The