| Reference number | MS/257/1/123 |
| Alternative reference number | Sa.123 |
| Previous numbers | ES1/17/123 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Francis Beaufort, Admiralty to Edward Sabine |
| Date | 5 April 1854 |
| Description | Beaufort informs Sabine regarding their expedition for the [Benue River], previously known as ‘river Chadda’ [referencing the Niger expedition of 1854]. The command of the vessel’s movements will be under the direction of the contactor (Macgregor Laird), and the conduct of the exploring operations will be given to ‘and old Niger navigator’, Captain [John] Beecroft, [British] Consul at Fernando Po [colonial name, now Bioko].Beecroft will be assisted by Dr [William Balfour] Baikie, surgeon of the Royal Navy. Beaufort notes that Baikie is a ‘well instructed man…with a competent knowledge’, he is familiar with ‘all the ologies except perhaps magnetology’. Beaufort suggests Baikie should wait for Sabine’s instructions and books that he will supply. Beaufort informs Sabine of the numerous other tasks that Baikie will be responsible for. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Ink on paper |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA5914 | Beaufort; Sir; Francis (1774 - 1857); hydrographer | 1774 - 1857 |
| NA8279 | Sabine; Sir; Edward (1788 - 1883) | 1788 - 1883 |