TITLE: 'CHARLES WILKES’ CABINET OF CURIOSITY'
1999 21 X 18 INCHES

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

Born in New York City, he entered the US Navy in 1818. His scientific
interests led him to become the head of the Naval Department of Charts and
Instruments.

At the age of 40 he was placed in command of the United States Exploring
Expedition, after many senior officers had turned it down. The US Congress and
Navy were both against exploration in the southern oceans but submitted to
pressure from the powerful American whaling industry. Described as one of the most
ill prepared and unhappy expeditions, it set sail in 1838 with six ships,
returning in 1840 with only two. His ships were unworthy and his crews
scurvy-ridden, yet Wilkes was able to follow the Antarctic coast for 1240 miles,
sighting new land in many places. When he returned to the USA in June, 1842, his
discoveries had been challenged and the outcome of his voyage questioned; 62
men had been discharged, 42 deserted, and 15 died. Disputes with his officers
led to his court- martial. He was later cleared of charges and spent the next
twelve years working on the official report of the expedition.

He returned to active service in 1861 during the Civil War. As commander of
the San Jacinto , he removed two Confederate officials from the British ship
Trent, which almost caused the US. and Britain to go to war. Wilkes was
court-martialed again, convicted and forced to retire. It was years after his death
that Wilkes' work in the Antarctic was hailed as an achievement.