The United States Exploring Expedition returns by way of the Philippines, the Sulu Archipelago, Borneo, Singapore, Polynesia and the Cape of Good Hope, reaching New York on June 10, 1842.

Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, after having completely encircled the globe (his is the last all-sail naval mission to do so), has logged some eighty-seven thousand miles and lost two ships and twenty-eight men.

Wilkes is court-martialed upon his return for the loss of one of his ships on the Columbia River bar, for the regular mistreatment of his subordinate officers, and for excessive punishment of his sailors.

A major witness against him is ship doctor Charles Guillou.

Wilkes is acquitted on all charges except illegally punishing men in his squadron.