The American Squadron (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. J. Jarves, Editor. Saturday, June 20, 1840, page 6.

The Squadron, which is under the command of Capt. Wilkes, is pursuing very important objects.  Let us express a hope that they may be successful, and that they will return to their native land, not merely with safety, but enjoying the proud consciousness that they have been successful in the project they have undertaken. The American Officers -one and all- express themselves in the highest terms which a sense of gratitude can suggest, for the attention which is they have met with in this Colony; while, on the other hand, all who had intercourse with them, uniformly express their admiration of the gentlemanly conduct, and the intelligence of every Officer of the Squadron. But we had much in our favour, and they had much to incline us to them. We have sprung from the same stock, and the shoot is rapidly overshadowing the earth. Yes; let scoffers rail -let jesters joke- but the equitable principles maintained by the American people are being carried on the winds all over the civilized world. We speak the same language as the Americans -through our veins,

“Their hearts’ blood tracks its parent lake”

to the “parent” country, and why should not we and they be as friends, -as brethren? We are so at present -long may it continue so! At this distant part of the world, the Americans must have heard the same language which they use, and witness the same mode of life to which they have themselves been accustomred, with strange feelings, but at the same time with great pleasure. The expedition will, we have no doubt, be beneficial to science: and this Colony will still farther be appreciated. Books relating to colonial affairs, and the colonial newspapers will be dispersed throughout United States; and the people here will thus be brought into notice. Some of the gentleman connected with the squadron have remained in the Colony for the purpose of prosecuting scientific pursuits; and we are quite sure that, in the journeys which they may find necessary to make, they will experience the hospitality for which the settlers of New South Wales are distinguished. 

Sydney Herald.