The United States Exploring Expedition, under the command of Commodore Charles Wilkes, made an extensive survey of many Pacific island groups. After rounding Cape Horn in March 1839, the expedition visited the Tuamotu Archipelago, Society Islands, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, and the Phoenix, Tokelau, Gilbert and Ellice (now Tuvalu) Islands. The expedition returned to the United States via the Cape of Good Hope in June 1842.

There are three sets of documents:<BR><BR>1. A narrative of the expedition by George M. Colvocoresses, a lieutentant.<BR>2. Sketchbooks made by George F. Emmons, 1839-41, an officer of the <I>Peacock</I><BR>3. Sketchbooks made by Henry Eld, Jr., 1838-42