| Description | Bylam refers to an enclosed letter from [Thomas] Spring Rice to Sir [Hussey] Vivian, dated 10th April 1839, under the consideration of the Board of Ordnance. Rice refers to the governments decision to commission a ‘vessel of war’ to carry out magnetic observations, with Lord Minto making necessary arrangements. Refers to personnel and places to carry out observations. Rice advises Vivian that [Edward] Sabine will give his ‘exact’ views on the matter while representing the Council of The Royal Society.
Bylam refers to an enclosure from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the Lord Commissioners of H M Treasury about ‘relieving the naval party’ responsible for ‘the magnetic observatory at Hobarton by substituting a detachment of the Royal Artillery’.
Discusses the importance of the magnetic observations at Hobarton, the cost they incur and the possible need to reduce expenditure. Refers to the number of [non-commissioned] officers and private soldiers. Suggestion regarding the ‘efficiency of the Royal Artillery for military duties’. |