This is a copy signed by the author: "To John". The sub title is America's Voyage of Discovery, the US Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842. It is the story of the United States effort to send out an exploration voyage. Other countries were doing it also.

It is a little known voyage because it was not an whole hearted success. Members of the exploration expedition did not appreciate the leadership of the organizer and leader, Charles Wilkes. Darwin's voyage of the Beagle ended in 1831.

Wilke's voyage made discoveries that would redraw the map of the world. "The U.S. Botanic Garden, the U.S. Hydrographic Office and the Naval Observatory all owe their existence to the Expedition."