30th.  Mr. Reynolds again writes, pressing the matter of the contemplated expedition, and the prospect it opens for discovery, and its advantage every way.  He couples his offer with most liberal and exalted sentiments, and with the opinions of distinguished men, whose approval is praise.  But notwithstanding all, there is something about the getting up and organization of the expedition, which I do not altogether like; and there is considerable doubt whether Congress will not cripple it, by voting meagre supplies and outfits, if they do not knock it in the head.

The expedition itself is a measure of the highest national moment, as it is connected with scientific discovery, and reflects the greatest credit on the projectors.  The experiments of Dr. Maskelyn denote a greater specific gravity in the central portions of the globe, than in its crust, and consequently do not favor the theory advocated by Mr. R., of an interior void.  Yet we are advertised, by the phenomena of earthquakes, that this interior abounds with oxygen, hydrogen gas, caloric, and sulphur; and that extraordinary geological changes are effected by their action.  It does seem improbable that the proposed expedition will trace any open connection “with such an interior world;” but it may accumulate facts of the highest importance.  I am not, therefore, insensible of the high honor of this offer, and however I may glow with the secret ardor of discovery, and the honor of place, my present engagements, domestic and public, have woven about me such a web, that it is impossible suddenly to break from it.  On full consideration and reconsideration, therefore, I declined going.[48]

[Footnote 48:  The expedition was, in fact, checked by various causes, and the project lingered for some years.  At length, the expedition started under the orders of Captain Charles Wilkes, United States Navy.]

June 1st.  Major Delafield, of New York, transmits a box of duplicate specimens of mineralogy from England.

“The box you forwarded for the Lyceum has not yet been sent to the rooms.  The catalogue I will present in your name to-night.  The several objects will prove extremely interesting.  The lake tortoise we have been endeavoring to obtain for a year past, to complete a paper relative to these animals.  Cooper is in Philadelphia editing the second volume of Bonaparte’s Ornithology.  He will be disappointed in not receiving the grosbeak,[49] of which I had spoken to him.”

[Footnote 49:  A new species discovered by me at Sault St. Marie.]

The study of Natural History presents some of the most pleasing evidences of exactitude and order, in every department of creation, and adds to life many hours of the most innocent and exalted enjoyment.  It drops, as it were, golden tissues in the walks of life, which there is a perpetual enjoyment in unraveling.

10th.  Mr. Reynolds writes again, without having received my last reply, respecting the exploring expedition.  He says:  “Mr. Southard, Secretary of the Navy, has expressed his deep regret that you will not be able to find it convenient to go on the expedition.”