As yet, we are more indebted to other nations, than our own, for a knowledge of the continent of America. A knowledge of the north-west coast is interesting to the civilized world at large; but to none more so, than the United States; and I humbly think, that the honor and interest of this confederated Republic, are more deeply involved in this subject of making discoveries in the northern seas, than any other nation's can be. Should a voyage of discovery be undertaken by our government, it is hoped that the northern coast of the continent of America will, at least, be examined. The undertaking would not only redound to the fame of our country, and to that of the individual entrusted with the enterprise, but must be productive of immense advantage to our commerce and national prosperity; and carry our "star spangled banner" among a people with whom the civilized world, as yet, have had no intercourse. The prosecution of such an enterprise would be attended with no very considerable demands on the treasury; the employment of one or two of our ships of war, now in commission, for the object, would cause little additional expense. But, even admitting that a few thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, would be necessary; of what importance is it, when weighed against the magnitude of the object to be accomplished? Could our public vessels be better employed, than in surveying our north-west coast, and in discovery? Our naval officers would rejoice on seeing opened to their view a new path to fame, independent of the acquisition to their nautical experience. Many of our brave and skilful navigators would be proud of an appointment in such an enterprise; many naturalists and men of science, would cheerfully, at their own expense, if necessary, accompany such an expedition. And although we may not expect such an enterprise to be accomplished to the full extent of Captain Symmes's anticipations, and those who believe in his doctrines; yet, as Americans, we cannot but wish that the theory, which has been first advanced by a fellow-citizen, should be countenanced by our own government, and tested by the citizens of our own country. FOOTNOTES: [45] The application which the Dr. makes of this structure of the earth is this: that the concave sides of the spheres are made up of magnetic matter; that they revolve about their diurnal axes in about twenty-four hours; that the outer sphere moves either a little faster or a little slower than the internal ball; that the magnetic pole, both of the external shell and included globe, are distant from the poles of rotation; and that the variation arises from a change of the relative distances of the external and internal poles in consequence of the difference of their revolutions. [See life of Dr. Halley.]