No. 5 [Copy] M. I. Ship Finesse Rio de Janeiro Decr. 25th, 1838 Sir, At the suggestion of your brother Mr. J. A. Peale of the Panama, I have requested the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy to place in your charge and receive certain boxes of Specimens in Natural History, Botany, Mineralogy, &c. which have been collected by the Scientific Corps of the Ex- ploring Expedition, and forwarded by the Brig Orient to the Navy Agent at Philadelphia. I enclose herewith list of the contents and num- bers of each box and have to request that on receiving in- structions from the Navy Department you will take charge of the boxes and keep them in a proper and secure place, until the return of the Expedition to the United States. I request particularly that none of the boxes be opened or disturbed at any time, except those marked as Containing Specimens in Glass and Spirit, which will re- quire Examination and filling up in the event of leaking, but there should be great care that none of the wrappers or labels be removed. Any services rendered in regard to these will confer a particular obligation, and any expenses incu- rred be cheerfully repaid, and the assurances of your brother induce the belief that no exceptions will be found on your part in complying with our wishes in regard to the Specimens. I am respectfully Sir, (Signed) Charles Wilkes Commanding Officer, U.S. Exploring Expedition To Mr. Franklin Peale Philadelphia