EXPLORING SQUADRON.
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OFF Cape Henry, midnight, Aug. 8, 1893.


SIR: have just thought it might be asatisfaction
toyou to know something definite about the explor-
ing expedition. Our ship the Vncennes, is first
class sloop of war, of $50 tons, commanded by
Charles Wilkes, Esq. She has had light spar
deck put upon her, which gives her the appearance
and some OF the conveniences of small frigate.-
Her usual battery of twenty-five guns is reduced
to eight, and a correspondent reduction of her
complement Of upards of 200 men to so men, in
cluding scientific gentlemen, Of whom we have
three, and one horticulturist. The Peacock, Wm.
J.. Hudson, Esq, commander, is second class
soop of war, of the same construction, 600 tons
burthen-the same reduced battery, a crew Of 1870
men, including three scientific gentlemen. The
store ship Relief, A. r. Long, Esq, commander,
is $50 tons burlhen, has six guns, and rs men,
and the remaining two Of the scientific corps
The brig Porpoise, Lieut.. Cadwaader Ringgod,
Esq, commanding, is 200 tons, has guns, and
65 men and officers in all. There are also
two pilot boat schooners, recently purchased; late
the New Jersey, and the Independence of your
port. The first, now called the Sea Gull, com
manded by passed midshipman James Reed is
ITO tons burthen, and has Is men. The second,
now called the Flying Fish, commanded by pass
ed mldshipman Saml. Knox, is 90 tons and has 2
men, all told. The squadron left Hampton Roads
this afternoon, and are now off the pitch of the
Cape, and the pilot about to- leave and sever the
lastnk thatbinds us to home and native land The
squadron makes fine imposing appearance We
have fine breeze and are all as cheerful and hap
py as could be expected in the circumstances
The expedition is now fairly off, and you may
tender our countrymen our sincere and hearty
farewell and congratulations on the occasion.


In great haste, your ob't servant,


JARED L. ELLIOTT.


Editors Of the New York Times, &c.