CHARLES WILKES:
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CHARLES WILKES: 1798-1877,
American Union Naval Officer and explorer.

Born in New York City, he entered the US Navy at the age of twenty.
Wilkes was 40 when he was given the command of the United States Exploring Expedition. Many senior officers had refused to take the job. The United States Congress and the Navy were against exploration in the high southern latitudes. Ultimately, they submitted to pressures exerted by the powerful American whaling industry. It was a massive, ill conceived and sullen expedition that set sail in 1838 with six ships and 400 men. Wilkes returned in 1840 with only two ships. 62 men had been discharged, 42 deserted, and 15 died. Yet he was able to sail the icy Antarctic coast for 1240 miles, as well as explore the south seas and the Oregon coast, doing significant research.
Back in the United States, the entire operation was questioned and his results challenged. Constant disputes led to his court- martial from which he was eventually acquitted.