United States exploring expedition (1838-1842)

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The United States Exploring Expedition under the command of Charles Wilkes left U.S.A. Aug. 1838, returning July 1842. The ships in the expedition were the Flying Fish, Oregon, Peacock, Porpoise, Relief, Seagull and Vincennes. The expedition visited the Antarctic, Sydney Harbour, Bay of Islands, N.Z., various islands in the Pacific and areas on the coast of South America and U.S.A.

From the description of Records [microform]. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225845806

The U. S. Exploring Expedition ("Wilkes Expedition") was the first attempt by the United States to undertake an expedition for scientific and navigational investigations on the order of contemporaneous British and French expeditions. The expedition sailed from the Chesapeake Bay on August 18, 1838 under the command of Charles Wilkes. It proceeded to Madeira, Cape Verde, South America, Antarctica, Pacific Islands, Australia, Oregon and California coast, Hawaii, Philippines, Singapore, around the Cape of Good Hope, St. Helena and returned to New York in June 1842. Botanical collections were made by William Rich, William Dunlop Brackenridge, Charles Pickering and others, including naval officers. Asa Gray assisted in producing the first botanical report (1854), with other botanists' reports appearing between 1854 and 1874.

From the description of Records of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 (inclusive). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122565370

The United States Exploring Expedition, also known as the Wilkes Expedition, was authorized by an act of Congress in 1836 as "a surveying and exploring expedition to the Pacific Ocean and South Seas." It was prompted by a desire to obtain information concerning an area which was rapidly becoming of interest to American traders and whalers. A contingent of scientists accompanied the expedition, commanded by Drayton, JosephLieutenant Charles Wilkes of the United States Navy, including Charles Pickering, Titian Ramsay Peale, Joseph Pitty Couthouy, James Dwight Dana, William Rich, William Dunlop Brackenridge, and Horatio Hale. In addition to the scientists, two illustrators, Joseph Drayton and Alfred T. Agate, also accompanied the expedition. The expedition, which consisted of five ships and crews provided by the United States Navy, sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, in August, 1838. By the time it returned to New York in June, 1842, it had visited and explored Madeira, both coasts of South America, Tierra del Fuego, the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, the Hawaiian Islands, Oregon, California, the Philippine Islands, Singapore, the Cape of Good Hope, and St. Helena. Wilkes' voyage along the Antarctic coast during the expedition established the existence of that continent. During the voyage, the scientists gathered specimens and studied the flora and fauna of each place visited. At various points along the route specimens were packed and sent back to the United States. Eventually, the specimens were installed in the Great Hall of the Patent Office. They remained there until their removal to the Smithsonian Institution in 1858.

Smithsonian Institution Archives Field Book Project: CorporateBody : Description : rid_51_eid_EACE0051
Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Torrey, John, 1796-1873. John Torrey papers, 1869-1870. Library of Congress
referencedIn Beckwith, E. G. (Edward Griffin), 1818-1881. Papers of Edward Griffin Beckwith and John Laurence Fox, 1805-1909 (bulk 1837-1865). Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
referencedIn Blunt, Simon Fraser, 1818?-1854. Papers, 1833-1921. Virginia Historical Society Library
referencedIn Dale, John Blake, 1813-1848. Journals of John Blake Dale, 1831-1840. New England Historic Genealogical Society
referencedIn Fox, John Lawrence, d. 1864. John Lawrence Fox journals : mss., 1838-1861. UC Berkeley Libraries
referencedIn Attwater, George, 1797-1827. Maritime collection, 1727-1906. New Haven Colony Historical Society Library
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Papers of Charles Wilkes [microform], 1837-1847. Kansas State Historical Society
referencedIn Underwood, Joseph A., d. 1840. Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Relief, Lt. Commdg. A.K. Long, on a surveying and exploring expedition ... continued in the U.S.S. Vincennes, Charles Wilkes, Esqr. Commdg. Exg. Exd. / by Joseph A. Underwood, 1838-1840. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Correspondence : Wilkes and Torrey, 1847-1858. New York Botanical Garden, The LuEsther T. Mertz Library
referencedIn Colvocoresses, George M. (George Musalas), 1816-1872. United States Exploring Expedition journals, 1840-1852. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Morton, Samuel George, 1799-1851. Papers, 1819-1850. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Eld, Henry, 1814-1850. Henry Eld papers, 1841-1858. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Simeon A. Stearns papers, 1838-1841. New York State Historical Documents Inventory
referencedIn Dana family papers, 1805-1961 (bulk 1833-1894). Library of Congress
referencedIn Peale, Titian Ramsay, 1799-1885. [Journal extracts] [manuscript]. Libraries Australia
creatorOf Pickering, Charles, 1805-1878. Charles Pickering drawings and lists, ca. 1824-1849. Houghton Library
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Charles Wilkes correspondence, 1838-1852. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Fitzwilliam, W. J. W. J. Fitzwilliam letter to Lt. Charles Wilkes [[manuscript], 1852 April 11. Oregon Historical Society Research Library
referencedIn Holmes, Silas, d. 1849. Journal kept by Assistant Surgeon Silas Holmes during a cruise in the U.S. Ship Peacock and Brigs Porpoise and Oregon / by Silas Holmes, 1838-1842. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Collins, Frank S. (Frank Shipley), 1848-1920. Papers, 1872-1919. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Emmons, George F. (George Foster), 1811-1884. George F. Emmons letter to H.H. Bancroft : Princeton, New Jersey, 1879 December 20. UC Berkeley Libraries
referencedIn Fanning, Edmund, 1769-1841. Letter: to Asa Fish /by Edmund Fanning, 1840 Dec 7. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Budd, Thomas A., 1813-1862. Military papers of Thomas A. and Charles A. Budd, 1820-1862. Buffalo History Museum, Research Library
referencedIn Hudson, William Leverreth, 1794-1862. [Journal of the United States Exploring Expeditions, 1838-1842] [microform] / [by] Captain William Hudson. National Library of New Zealand
referencedIn Elliott, Jared Leigh, 1807-1881. Journal extracts [manuscript]. Libraries Australia
referencedIn Frank Shipley Collins papers, 1872-1919, 1872-1919 American Philosophical Society
referencedIn Beaufort, Francis, Sir, 1774-1857. Letter: to Charles Wilkes /by Francis Beaufort, 1838 Jun 8. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
creatorOf United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). Records [microform]. Libraries Australia
referencedIn Ramage, Helen. Wilkes Expedition 1841 / Helen Ramage. University of California, Bancroft Library, ARL
referencedIn Ticknor, Benajah, 1788-1858. Benajah Ticknor papers, 1818-1852 (inclusive). Yale University Library
referencedIn Dana family. Dana family papers, 1764-1967 (inclusive), 1805-1961 (bulk). Yale University Library
referencedIn Alden, James Madison, 1834-1922. Journal kept in the sloop-of-war Vincennes' United States Exploring Expedition of the Pacific [microform] / by James Alden. National Library of New Zealand
referencedIn Watson, John F. (John Fanning), 1779-1860. Correspondence of John Fanning Watson, 1805-1845. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
referencedIn Simeon A. Stearns papers, 1838-1841 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Wilkes family. Papers, 1818-1947, (bulk 1850s-1870s). University of North Carolina, Charlotte, J. Murrey Atkins Library
referencedIn Peale, Titian Ramsay, 1799-1885. Journals of Titian Ramsay Peale, 1819-1842. Library of Congress
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Draft of letter : to Messrs. Gales and Seaton, 1848 Jun 12. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Peale, Titian Ramsay, 1799-1885. Introduction to and A history, both manuscripts in the handwriting of the author, Titian Ramsay Peale, United States Exploring Expedition, under the command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. ... / presented to the Emma Shearer Wood Library of Ornithology by Chas. W. Richmond. McGill University Library
referencedIn Ticknor, Benajah, 1788-1858. Papers, 1818-1852 Bentley Historical Library
referencedIn Peacock (U.S. Ship). Peacock log, January 1, 1836 - November 5, 1837, and journal, August 19, 1838 - July 18, 1841. UC Berkeley Libraries
referencedIn Thomas Tizard collection, 1900-1912 Scott Polar Research Institute
referencedIn Peale family. Papers, 1794-1854. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Greenough, William W. (William Whitwell), d. 1899. Papers of William W. Greenough, 1823-1890. Library of Congress
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Papers, 1816-1876. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
referencedIn United States. Navy. Letter: to Commodore Isaac Hull. /by from Mahlon Dickerson of the United States Navy, 1837 Dec 20. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Eld, Henry, 1814-1850. Henry Eld papers, 1831-1849. Library of Congress
creatorOf United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). Records, 1838-1842. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Hamer, Thomas Lyon, 1800-1846. Papers of Thomas Lyon Hamer, 1825-1890 (bulk 1829-1840). Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
referencedIn Ticknor, Benajah, 1788-1858. Benajah Ticknor papers, 1818-1852. Bentley Historical Library
referencedIn Harvard University. Herbaria. Combined records of the Arnold Arboretum and the Gray Herbarium, 1850- Harvard University, Gray Herbarium
creatorOf United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). Records of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 (inclusive). Harvard University, Gray Herbarium
referencedIn Ticknor, Benajah, 1788-1858. Benajah Ticknor papers, 1818-1852 (inclusive). Yale University Library
referencedIn Knox, Helen, fl. 1841. Letter : to Robert Knox / by Helen Knox, 1841 Mar 29. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Hoyle, Raphael, 1804-1838. Raphael Hoyle letter, 1838 February 13. Washington State University, Holland and Terrell Libraries
referencedIn Case, Augustus L. Diary of Augustus L. Case, Wilkes Expedition [microform]. Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State
referencedIn Clark, Joseph G. Joseph G. Clark papers, 1838-1841. Library of Congress
referencedIn Frederick Stuart collection, 1838-1841 Scott Polar Research Institute
referencedIn Meehan, John Silva, 1790-1863. John Silva Meehan papers, 1828-1904. Library of Congress
referencedIn Records of William Bond & Son and The Bond Family, 1724-1931 (inclusive), 1769-1923 (bulk). Harvard University Archives.
referencedIn Asa Gray papers Harvard University, Botany Libraries
referencedIn Pickering, Charles, 1805-1878. Journal, 1838-1841. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn Dana family. Dana family papers, 1764-1967 (inclusive), 1805-1961 (bulk). Yale University Library
referencedIn Elliott, Jared L. (Jared Leigh), 1807-1881. Jared L. Elliott papers, 1838-1842. Library of Congress
referencedIn Ringgold, Cadwalader, 1802-1867. Letter: to Charles Wilkes /by Cadwalader Ringgold, 1838 Apr 21. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn National Institute for the Promotion of Science. Papers of National Institute for the Promotion of Sciences, 1816-1858. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
creatorOf Hudson, William L. (William Leverreth), 1794-1862. Journal of William L. Hudson, comdg. U.S. Ship Peacock, one of the vessels attached to the South Sea Surveying and Exploring Expedition under the command of Charles Wilkes Esq. American Museum of Natural History
referencedIn Dana family papers, 1805-1961 Yale University. Department of Manuscripts and Archives
creatorOf United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). Resolution. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Emmons, George Foster, 1811-1884. George Foster Emmons papers, 1828-1850. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn United States. Navy. Letter, 1837 October 28, to J.W. Randall, Boston, Mass. Dartmouth College Library
referencedIn Kearny, Lawrence, 1789-1868. Letter : to Mahlon Dickerson / by Lawrence Kearny, 1838 Jan 18. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Charles Wilkes correspondence, 1838-1852 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Guilloû, Charles F. (Charles Fleury), 1813-1899. Papers, 1838-1947. College of Physicians of Philadelphia
referencedIn Hale, Sarah Josepha Buell, 1788-1879. Letter to Margaret Bayard Smith [manuscript], 1841 February 10. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Whittle, John S., b. 1813. John S. Whittle's personal journal as surgeon on the U.S.S. Vincennes and Peacock [manuscript], 1838-1841. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn United States. Navy. Letter: to Charles Wilkes /by Mahlon Dickerson of the United States Navy, 1838 Apr 20. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Engelmann, George, 1809-1884. George Engelmann papers, 1831-1914. Missouri Botanical Garden, Peter H Raven Library
referencedIn Blair, James L. Journal of a cruise in U.S. Ship Vincennes. Charles Wilkes Esqre. Commander / by James L. Blair, 1841-1842. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Mathews, Gregory M. (Gregory Macalister), 1876-1949. Papers relating to vol. VIII of the United States Exploring Expedition. Libraries Australia
creatorOf United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). Mouth of the Columbia River : Oregon Territory / by U.S. Ex. Ex. University of California, Bancroft Library, ARL
referencedIn Ord, George, 1781-1866. Letters, 1832-1864, to Charles Waterton. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Thurber, George, 1821-1890. George Thurber papers, [184-?-189-]. Missouri Botanical Garden, Peter H Raven Library
referencedIn Pickering, Charles, 1805-1878. Journal [microform] : in his handwriting, kept by him while on the United States Exploring Expedition, Wilkes, commander / by C. Pickering. University of Wisconsin - Madison, General Library System
referencedIn Bailey, Jacob Whitman, 1811-1857. Correspondence : Bailey and Torrey, 1836-1857. New York Botanical Garden, The LuEsther T. Mertz Library
referencedIn McLoughlin, John, 1784-1857. Letters and deed, 1841-1865. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn United States. Dept. of the Navy. Library. US Navy ZO Files in the collection of the Navy Department Library Navy Department Library, Naval History & Heritage Command
referencedIn Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1877. Report upon the territory of Oregon, 1842. Oregon Historical Society Research Library
referencedIn Coates, Reynell, 1802-1886. Document, 1837, Aug. 24 : Philadelphia. Duke University, Medical Center Library & Archives
referencedIn Charles Wilkes Papers, 1607-1959, (bulk 1841-1865) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
referencedIn Ramage, Helen. Wilkes Expedition 1841 / Helen Ramage. University of California, Bancroft Library, ARL
referencedIn Ticknor, Benajah, 1788-1858. Papers, 1818-1852 Yale University. Department of Manuscripts and Archives
referencedIn Hudson, William Leverreth, 1794-1862. William Leverreth Hudson logs, 1838-1842 [microfilm manuscript]. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
referencedIn Peale, Titian Ramsay, 1799-1885. Sketches, 1817-1875, [n.d.]. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Knox, Samuel R., d.1883. Samuel B. Knox papers, 1838-1842. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
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associatedWith Ramage, Helen. person
associatedWith Reinbold, Theodor, 1840-1892 person
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associatedWith Robinson, Benjamin Lincoln, 1864-1935 person
associatedWith Saunders, De Alton, 1870- person
associatedWith Sauvageau, C., (Camille), 1861-1936 person
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associatedWith Schuh, Richard Edwin, b. 1860 person
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Place Name Admin Code Country
Hawaiian Islands
North Pacific Ocean
Oceania
Tierra del Fuego
Washington
California
Philippine Islands
Fiji
Columbia River
Australia
New Zealand
Antarctica
Cape of Good Hope
United States
Hawaii
South America
South Pacific Ocean
Oregon
Saint Helena
Subject
Anthropology
Botany
Discoveries in geography
Geology
Ichthyology
Invertebrates
Scientific expeditions
Voyages around the world
Occupation
Activity
Botanists

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Active 1842

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