Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 1.djvu/388

290 and pointed out the tracks of his vessels marked on it in red ink, and passing directly over the spot assigned to the land; which we all considered as laid down by Lieutenant Wilkes to represent the northeastern limit of his supposed antarctic continent, and where he (Ross) said they had a clear sea as far as the eye could reach. Such was the evidence on which my belief of his report was founded. To my mind it was conclusive, and I cheerfully leave it to the judgment of others to determine whether or not, under all the circumstances here stated, it be just cause of 'surprise' that Captain Ross should have boldly asserted that he had run over a clear ocean where Lieutenant Wilkes had laid down the land; and that I should have taken it for granted, without further examination, that such was the fact.

"In making this statement, I can say, with perfect sincerity, I am actuated by no unkindness of feeling towards Mr. Wilkes; but, fully persuaded as I am that the erroneous statement for which he publicly censures Captain Ross, and shows a little temper towards me, was the result of his own negligence alone, I considered it due to that distinguished navigator, as well as to myself, that the matter should be publicly explained.(Signed) "."

I cannot sufficiently express my thankfulness to Captain Aulick for his honourable and generous