Caption:

Engraving by Dougal after an original work by Titian Peale. From 'United States Exploring Expedition. During the years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842' by John Cassin, (Philadelphia, 1858). This first US scientific expedition led by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes (1798-1877), visited South America, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, the Northwest coast of North America and the China Sea. Its aims were: to improve knowledge of the Pacific, the Hudson's Bay Company's settlements, and the Indian tribes and their allegiances; to explore trading opportunities; to record the flora and fauna encountered and to find a southern continent. The charting of a significant portion of Antarctica was one Wilkes' main achievements.