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.

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.

Denies any knowledge of a R.S.L. Council meeting. Trusts the council will make its decisions based on public duty and science, not on the fact that the decision must be defended in later discussions. Has passed [George] Fisher's letter on to members as ES requested.

Urges JH to present to the B.A.A.S. a proposal regarding research in terrestrial magnetism.

Received JH's letter. Has been in Scotland working on magnetic observations. Eager to meet with JH at any time. Humphrey Lloyd has set up the three magnetic instruments, a 'great advance on Wilhelm Weber's investigations.'

Plans a meeting in London with JH, James Ross, Humphrey Lloyd, and himself. Says an earlier cost estimate was too low and worries that the government will not fund the 'special' magnetic project.

Writes to change the London meeting to Thursday to accommodate James Ross.

Humphrey Lloyd will attend the meeting [announced in ES 1838-10-24].

Speaks of translations being made of papers from Resultate [aus den Beobachtungen der Magnetische Vereins], some of which papers indirectly pertain to ES's simultaneous observations. Lists expenses.

Reports Francis Beaufort's response to providing needed equipment and funds [for the proposed magnetic survey]. James Ross has not yet arrived. Discusses publishing an article in the Resultate [aus den Beobachtungen der Magnetische Vereins].

Describes his meeting with Francis Beaufort and James Ross. Strongly urges that the Southern magnetic research begin in the spring. Speaks of efforts to have the expedition approved by the R.S.L., which is favored by the Board.

Writes about arrangements for an R.S.L. council meeting.

Writes of finding barometric data from some 1836 meteorological observations. Is sending two diagrams. Offers to help JH write a report for the R.S.L.

Encloses maps from the Magnetic Department and a paper published in 1836.

Cabinet found R.S.L. recommendations unsatisfactory. Merchants are urging the value of good geographical and magnetic charts of southern ocean. Geographical Society is preparing a document. Wolverly Attwood, M.P., questioning ministers in Parliament on this matter.

Discusses Harvard University offer to make magnetic measurements. Requests ES to read Admiralty extracts. Asks questions regarding JH's upcoming review [in Quarterly Review] of several works on terrestrial magnetism.

Strongly urges JH to support employment of artillery men in the St. Helena and Canada fixed observatories, citing the approval of the private secretary. Reports that four sets of magnetic instruments have been ordered.

Asks JH to read enclosed item and send it to [J. F.] Daniell, who in turn will send it to John Phillips, so that they might be ready to reply to the Council.

Speaks of his meeting with the acting general of artillery and the master general secretary, who approved of employing men and engineers in the fixed observation work in St. Helena and Canada. Encloses the remainder of the translation of C. F. Gauss's first volume.