Letter from W H [William Hyde] Wollaston, 14 Buckingham Street, Fitzroy Square, to Monsr [Alexander] Marcet, chez Mons Le Professeur [Pierre] Prevost, Geneva Wollaston received Marcet's well-timed letter, just before the meeting of the Chemical Club and the Royal Society's Anniversary Meeting. He was gratified that his friend, whose opinion he values, thought that Wollaston had decided wisely [in withdrawing from the Presidency election]. Wollaston is now free of responsibility and is setting off for Beechwood, a visit deferred because of his Presidency. He makes joking reference to hunting 'Grand Tetras' [capercallies] in Sweden, before turning to the expedition of 'Parry, Sabine & Co.' He notes that they appear healthy, having endured temperatures as low as minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and extreme variations. He describes conditions of wind and snow and the appearance of quadrupeds such as reindeer and musk-ox on Melville Island. They had ptarmigan and venison for food. The expedition was ice-locked from September 1819 to August 1820 and Wollaston outlines their movements thereafter. He believes that next year an attempt will be made to get to Behring's Straits by keeping more southward. Parry has brought home eighteen specimens of waters and he has received a box with 'Dr. Marcet' on the lid which [William Edward] Parry has asked him to examine. Wollaston will send Marcet the results, but the specific gravity alone will give sufficient indication of the contents. Wollaston mentions the 'quiet' Royal Society Presidential election. Lord Colchester was nominated anonymously, but as he was not elected of Council, all votes of his were discarded, and [Humphry] Davy might be said to have been elected unanimously. 4 December 1820