President James Buchanan Returns Wilkes Expedition Hero Commander Andrew K. Long to the Active List

In 1838, six U.S. Navy vessels set out on a great voyage of exploration. Aboard were several hundred seamen and scientists under the command of Lt. Charles Wilkes. Authorized by Congress, the U.S. Exploring Expedition (also known as the Wilkes Expedition) would explored and mapped the Pacific, Antarctica, and the northwest coast of the United States. A tremendous feat of navigation, the expedition broadened knowledge of uncharted areas of the world and helped expand American commerce, industry, and scientific knowledge. It cemented the nation’s status as a new world economic leader.

The USS Relief was part of the Wilkes Expedition. Launched in 1836 as a full-rigged ship of 468 tons and 7 guns, it in the late 1830s and 1840s served as a US Navy store ship. It completed a challenging journey after participating in the Wilkes Expedition, navigating severe storms near Cape Horn, and requiring repairs in Chile. It was also used to carry sick personnel and supplies, ultimately returning from the Pacific, arriving back in New York on March 28, 1840. In 1845, the USS Relief was actively operating as part of the Pacific Squadron, bolstering the fleet’s supply capabilities. It played a key role in supporting U.S. naval operations along the South American coast during the 1840s. The captain of the USS Relief was Lieut. Commander Andrew K. Long, who was for meritorious service promoted by President John Tyler to the rank of Commander in 1845.

In the 1850s Long went on the Reserve List, which contains all military reservists in active status but not on active duty. He remained part of the naval establishment; however, in time he wanted to return to active service. President James Buchanan obliged him. Document signed, with ornate engravings of an eagle, ships and Neptune, Washington, December 27, 1858, reinstating Andrew K. Long on the active list, and stating “I have nominated and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him a Captan in the Navy from the 14th of September 1855 on the ‘Active List’”. This is countersigned by Isaac Toucey, Secretary of the Navy. The reason the appointment was made retroactive for three years may have had something to do with pensions being higher on the active list.