Jacob Herbert to Faraday   27 August 1852

Trinity House | 27, Aug: 52

My dear Sir,

It is the intention of the Board in the ensuing Spring to improve the Lights on the Casket Rocks near Alderney, by enlarging the Lanterns, giving them an encreased elevation of 20 Feet, and very probably replacing the present Reflecting Apparatus by Lenses, - and the needful preparations will progress here during the Winter that the Work may be commenced at the proper time next Year.

The Lights burn at equal Heights above the Level of the Sea in 3 distinct Lanterns and are revolving, - the arrangement is the same in each, viz 8 Lamps & parabolic Reflectors placed on a Circle, - the period of revolution bring 2 minutes, - & the present range of the Lights 15 miles - the additional Height will add something more than a mile to that range.

It is important that the present character or appearance of the Lights should remain unchanged, - and the Deputy Master¹ has instructed me to say that he will be obliged if you will consider how this may be best effected by dioptric apparatus of the Second Order & favor him at any time convenient to yourself by calling here & talking the matter over with him.

Believe me, | My dear Sir, | Very faithfully Yours | J. Herbert

M: Faraday Esq.

I think it will be desirable that you should let me know a day or two before hand, when you propose to come. | JH