- MS 561;D Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, 30 [January or July] 1838 [Requests the appointment of William Smith of Norfolk Navy Yard as boatswain] holograph, photograph
- MS 466/7;MJ Journal, 10 August 1838 to 2 February 1840 [On board Vincennes and Porpoise] microfilm
- MS 466/8;MJ Journal, 3 February to 26 December 1840 [On board Vincennes and Porpoise] microfilm
- MS 466/9;MJ Journal, 27 December 1840 to 9 June 1842 [On board Vincennes and Porpoise] microfilm
Wilkes, United States Exploring Expedition
- This material is held at
- ReferenceGB 15 Charles Wilkes/United States Exploring Expedition
- Dates of Creation1838-1842
- Name of Creator
- Physical Description3 journals and letter. The journals are on microfilm.
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 undertook a major exploration of the southern oceans including the Polar Regions. The expedition consisted of six ships, Vincennes, Peacock, Porpoise, Sea Gull, Flying Fish and Relief. Upon reaching Tierra del Fuego the squadron divided. Porpoise and Sea Gull sailed to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsular. Peacock and Flying Fish sailed southwest towards the area explored by James Cook's British Naval Expedition, 1772-1775. Following work in the Pacific ocean the vassals returned to the Antarctic sailing along the west coast of Wilkes Land, visiting Macquarie Island and searched for the non existent 'Emerald Island'. Relief was sent home when it became clear she was unfit for the rough seas of the southern oceans. Sea Gull was lost with all hands off the Chilean coast in 1839 while Peacock sank off the Pacific coast of North America in 1841.
Arrangement
Chronological.
Alternative Form Available
These are all copies.
Location of Originals
The originals are held by United Sates National Archives, Washington, U.S.A. (1982)