Letter from Francis Beaufort, Admiralty to Edward Sabine Beaufort clarifies that from his letter or his proposal on printing the charts, cannot be inferred that he had a “preference” to Captain Vidal’s observations over the mean results of all observations. Beaufort suggested that the man who determined the variation (with his compasses) on all sides of all the islands should have his determinations recorded. But without putting the accuracy of his observations or goodness of his instruments above the mean of all other observers or instruments. Beaufort would like Sabine to return the statement he sent with these alterations that Sabine feels better suited to the case. 7 July 1849