| RefNo | MS/257/1/138 |
| AltRefNo | Sa.138 |
| Previous numbers | ES1/22/138 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Pieter Adrian Bergsma, Utrecht to Edward Sabine |
| Date | 11 June 1859 |
| Description | Bergsma references the ‘unhappy event’ that led him to leave England sooner than he expected. Bergsma recalls visiting Dublin and Dr [Humphrey] Lloyd, and found his company very useful, though he his mind was preoccupied on account of being there on the day of his father’s burial. Bergsma had hoped to see Sabine before leaving England but unfortunately Sabine had not returned ‘from the country’. Bergsma thanks Sabine for the kind reception, imparting knowledge on magnetism and the opportunity to study and practice with [magnetical] instruments at the Kew observatory. Bergsma references if he is ever able to make magnetical observations in the Indian archipelago he will be ‘indebted’ to Sabine.
Bergsma hopes that the Dutch government will establish a magnetical observatory in Java, and requests Sabine to use his influence in this regard, especially since they have lost the influence of Alexander von Humboldt. Bergsma advises Sabine to write to the Dutch Minister of Colonies to urge him of the necessity of building the observatory.
Bergsma informs Sabine about the current Dutch Minster of Colonies, Mr [Jan Jacob] Rochussen, and his previous role as ‘Governor General of the Dutch profession in India’ at the time of Captain Elliot’s survey of the Indian archipelago.
Bergsma acknowledges that Sabine may not be inclined to write to the Dutch government, therefore would be grateful if Sabine could write to Bergsma instead and offer any suggestions that Bergsma could present to the Dutch government. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8279 | Sabine; Sir; Edward (1788 - 1883) | 1788 - 1883 |