Clarifies issues discussed in an earlier letter. Discusses whether the project of making meteorological observations will be feasible if the Board of Longitude does not offer financial support. Attempts to arrange a meeting with JH.
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Clarifies issues discussed in an earlier letter. Discusses whether the project of making meteorological observations will be feasible if the Board of Longitude does not offer financial support. Attempts to arrange a meeting with JH.
Shares JH's doubts whether the Board of Longitude will fund the Teneriffe expedition, the importance of which he again stresses. Cannot personally cover the costs. Thanks JH for his support and praise.
Encourages JH to bring ES's proposal for Teneriffe experiments before the R.S.L. Council.
Clarifies that the six artillery men are at ES's disposal but under JH's command. Agrees to oversee arrival of the rockets. If expenses are to be paid by the Department of Ordinance, a request must be made by the Secretary of the Board of Longitude. Agrees to keep a record of expenses, not including his time spent, which he considers 'public service.'
Reports on his meeting with Charles Bonne and their subsequent failure to see any signals the first night from either Mont Javoul or La Canche. Worries that the distances are too great for measurements so close to the sea. Speaks of similar measurements between Paris and Strasburg.
Reports his 'entire failure' with Charles Bonne to see signals from both La Canche and Mont Javoul on the same night. Tells of moving the telescopes to Tuniers on 1825-7-15. Speaks of similar experiments elsewhere, which also failed. Concludes that distance is not the only factor in distinguishing signals. Plans to visit JH on 1825-7-25.
Reports Charles Bonne's voyage to Mont Javoul and discovery that the rockets there had been sent off too early, accounting for the previous failures. Reports subsequent successes. Conveys his plans to arrive at Teneriffe.
An account of the rocket experiments and P. S. Laplace's letter will be left at the R.S.L. Finds in Laplace's letter encouragement for the corroboration regarding the measurement of latitudinal degrees. Dismisses Laplace's opinions that the climate of Spitzbergen is too unfavorable for experimentation and expounds on the many reasons to favor this town.
Encloses a copy of a letter from the astronomer [George] Fisher, who strongly supports the practicability of work in Spitzbergen. Says the letter will be presented to the Council for its consideration in hopes that a special committee will be appointed. Urges JH to show the members the copy.
Claims 'it never entered [his] head' that an appointed committee would be influenced solely by the need to defend its decisions. Restates his opinion that the subject should be properly considered.
Thanks JH and Charles Babbage for their paper on the magnetic experiments. Asks to have 20 extra copies of the paper on the rocket experiments made when it is printed. Speaks of travel expenses. Mentions [T. F.] Colby's opinions regarding the Spitzbergen measurements.