| RefNo | MS/957/55 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Thomas Colby, Folkestone, to Captain [Henry] Kater, 1 Union Place, Regent's Park, London |
| Creator | Colby; Thomas Frederick (1784-1852); British surveyor and army officer |
| Recipient | Kater; Henry (1777-1835); British geodicist and metrologist |
| Date | 1 September 1822 |
| Description | He came to Folkestone with Mr [Richard Lovell] Edgeworth and yesterday at 5.00am the weather was clear. They put up the Reichenbach [instrument] to ascertain if Dunkirk could be seen, and although they could see Gravelines, Calais and other places, Dunkirk was not visible. In the evening they used the Great Theodolite to see Gravelines, but again without success for Dunkirk. He thinks that the idea of observing Dunkirk from that station should be abandoned. If they observe the South Foreland Lighthouse which was taken from Blanc-Nez, and if the French measure from Dunkirk the angle between the lighthouse and Blanc-Nez, they should have two good triangles. The French coast is 'beautifully clear' and when the heat abates they will be able to take all the required angles that evening. The Dover Station staff is still up, and they might observe the Montlambert and Blanc-Nez staves, but they cannot dictate to the French on placing these. [James] Gardner says that money will be wanted when Kater comes down. Edgeworth is in good health. Fraser is well again, the Hastings doctor Ranken having cured him.
A pencilled postscript commences: 'Fine white staff just put up on Blancnez - well done Arago!...' |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| Dimensions | 228x185mm. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA3821 | Colby; Thomas Frederick (1784 - 1852) | 1784 - 1852 |