"My authorities are the inhabitants of Oahu, who, on our arrival there, a few days after Captain Aulick left, told us of the report; one and all gave Captain Aulick as the author of it, 'that it must be so, for Captain Aulick had said it, and that there was no continent left for us.'
"On my return to the United States, Captain Aulick's name was again attached to the report, and being an officer of high standing, gave it weight and currency throughout the Union that otherwise it would not have had. I was desired by a number of gentlemen of high standing, friends of the Expedition, to state the facts for the credit of the Expedition and country, which I have done in my Synopsis.
"I never, myself, thought enough of this attack on the Expedition to have any feeling on the subject as regards Captain Aulick; nor did I intend any thing personal towards him in the remarks in my Synopsis, as I told a mutual friend, some days since, who spoke to me on the subject.
"My language is erroneously quoted when I am made to say, that Captain Ross 'ought' to have examined, whereas I only express surprise that he should not closely have inquired into the statements, as I think any one would have done similarly situated.
"As for Captain Aulick's charge of negligence against me, as an apology for Captain Ross's error, I am well assured, from the personal acquaintance I have had with the latter, he never would have made it himself. I can truly say that I rejoice in his success. With Captain Ross, as an individual, I am not at issue; but when an unjust attack is made on the Expedition and the results of our hard labours, which belong to the country, I feel it my duty to defend them.
"Nov. 19th, 1842."
