Minutes of a meeting of the Council of the Royal Society Present at the meeting: the President in the chair; Sir Joseph Ayloffe; Mr Belchier; James Burrow Esq; John Campbell Esq; Lord Charles Cavendish; The Honorouble Henry Cavendish; Dr Knight; Mr Maskelyne; Dr Parsons; Samuel Wegg Esq; Daniel Wray Esq; Dr Morton and Dr Maty, Secretaries Minutes of the last meeting were read Discussed the proposed expedition to the North, and it was resolved; 'That application be made to the Lords of the Admiralty, acquainting them, that the Council being very desirous to fulfil the intention of His Majesty, in having granted a large sum of money for the purpose of observing the ensuing transit of Venus; and apprehending that it will greatly contribute to the said purpose; that observations should be made to the northward of Europe; and Cherry Island and the North Cape being proposed as places most suitable: They submit it to the Lords of the Admiralty, that they would please to appoint a Ship for carrying their Observers to, and bringing them back from, the said two places; and also for affording them such necessary assistance as they shall stand in need of, during their continuance at the North Cape and at Cherry Island. ' 15 December 1768