Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-11-20
AN EXPEDITION TO THE PACIFIC,


thought it due to the Importance OF the subject that
the information which it contains should be full, as
we'll as accurate, Though not officially We have
been at some pains, therefore, to obtain all the ma
tera points embraced in the plans and objects of the
expedition, .il
About the first of January next expedition
will depart from the port of Norfolk for the per-
Torrance of important and arduous duties in the
far-off seas and islands of the Pacific ocean. It's
objects will be to survey portions Of the China and
Japan SEAS the route between China and California,
and the North Pacific ocean in the region of Ben
rings straits. 1t may probably also ascend the Sea
of Tartary, to make some examinations needed for
the advantageous prosecution of commercial enter
prises in those comparatively unknown waters.
In the North, however, it will no doubt find a
very wide field for its operations in making such
Investigations as are desirable for the furtherance
of our important interests in the whale fisheries.
The Sandwich Islands viii for time be the
principal rendezvous of the vessels Of this expe-
dition; but it is not unlikely that its arrival at
Japan will be so timed as to make it available in
facilitating the efforts of Commodore PERRY, whose
fleet will tarry considerable time in the vicinity Of
those islands. ta
This expedition will consist of-First. The sloop-
of-war Nincennes Commander CADWALADER RING
GOLD, with Lieut.. f. A. BUDD and other officers
not yet designated, and Its men. This sloop is
now at New York. Second. The steam propeller
John Hancock, Lieut.. JOHN RODGERS commanding,
with sixty men, She is now undergoing thorough
repairs at Boston Third. The brig Po,poise, Lieut..
II. B. DAVIS commanding, with sixty men. She
is now at New York. Fourth. A tender, to be
called The Pilot, with about twenty men. We
believe her commander is not yet chosen. iia
The passed midshipmen, 1nidshipmen, and many
other officers are not yet designated.
The most eminent medical skill in the service
will be detailed, and scientific men in every de-
partment will be selected with reference to their
high reputation and eminent suitableness for the
duties in view. The crews also will consist alone
of young, healthy, vigorous, and efficient sea-
men; men capable of enduring all the requisite la
Dor and privations, and intelligent enough to APP
preciate the Importance and salutary results of the
mission upon which they are to be sent.
In every particular this expedition will be
thoroughly prepared for the work before it. The
vessels will all be peculiarly adapted for it in their
construction and equipment. All the late and we'll
established improvements in the machinery of
steamers have been introduced into the John Han
cock; and the boats have been constructed in the
best manner, with special reference to the contem-
plated surveys. ~
In the selection of the requisite ornaments efforts
have been successfully made to obtain the most
perfect of every kind, and such as win prove efficient
In their appropriate uses Thus Sharp's breech-
loading rife, with Maynards primer, and Colts i'm
proved revolver will occupy their places among the
small arms
In the scientific departments the same circum-
spection is manifested The astronomical instru-
ments are obtained through the National Observa-
tory at Washington, and are of the very best
quality. Many of them, we understand, have been
made in this city under the supervision of Mr.
WUNDERMAN, and possess the advantage of all the
improvements suggested in the experience of the
coast and typographical surveys, and of the naval
service. We are assured, indeed, by those who are
competent to Judge of their merits, that instru-
ments SO perfect and well adapted to their uses
could not elsewhere be obtained either in this coun
Ny VI III
Scientific and miscellaneous libraries for the uses
Of both the officers and men, have also been pro-
vided and thus the best means Of preserving order
and discipline, and of securing improvement, will
constantly be at hand
The means of collecting information in natural
history have been exceedingly well cared for even
to the most minute particular insomuch that COM
plete Photographic apparatus will form part of the
implements supplied.
In the stores of these vessels the same particular
regard is had to all the possible wants Of the jour
ney. Clothing adapted to the many vicissitudes of
the varying climates food of the most wholesome
and fitting kinds preventives and remedies for the
scorbutic affections generally attendant upon long
voyages-thcse and all other precautions, suggested
by experience and benevolence, have been provided
literally to give every assurance of the safety
and welfare Of the several crews
We understand that this expedition will probably
consume three years in the accomplishment Of its
varied and important work, and in returning to the
Atlantic coast. In this time it will traverse the
waters of many Of the hitherto unfrcquented regions
bordering upon the Pacific ocean. On the one side
are the coasts Of California and Oregon on the
other, the regions Of Kamtschatka and the islands of
Japan; in the north, to very high degree of lati