RGO 14/5

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea; and for examining, trying and judging of all proposals experiments & Improvements relating to the same, on the 30th of June 1737. Present.

Sir Charles Wager Rt Hon.~ Arthur Onslow ...Speaker Lord Monson. Sir John Norris. Sir Hans Sloane. D.r Halley. D.r Bradley. D.r Smith.

Mr John Harrison produced a new invented Machine, in the nature of Clock Work, whereby he proposes to keep time at sea with more exactness than by any other Instrument or method hitherto contrived, in order to the discovery of the Longitude at sea; and proposed to make another machine of smaller dimensions within the space of two years, whereby he will endeavour to correct some defects which he hath found in that already prepared, so as to render the same more perfect; Which Machine, when completed, he is desirous to have tried in one of His Majesty’s Ships that shall be bound to the West Indies; But, at the same time represented that he should not be able, by reason of his necessitous Circumstances, to go on with and finish his said Machine, without Assistance and requested that he may be furnish’d with the sum of 500£ to put him in a capacity to perform the same & to make a proper experiment thereof;

The Board examined & considered of the said Machine & were of Opinion that the same may tend very much to the Advantage of Navigation & that an Experiment thereof should be made; Resolved to grant him the sum of Five hundred pounds accordingly, to enable him to make such experiment; to be paid him in the manner following, Vizt,

One Moiety thereof as soon as conveniently may be; And the other Moiety, when he shall produce to the Commissioners of the Navy a Certificate, from the Captain of such one of His Majesty’s ships as shall be appointed to receive the same, that he hath put it on board into such Captain’s Possession.

And to desire the Commissioners of the Navy to cause the said John Harrison to enter into Articles with them, not only to complete the said Machine with as much expedition as may be, but that he, or some proper person to be by him appointed shall actually proceed to the West Indies in the aforesaid ship to explain the Theory & Use of the Machine, in order to the making a more carefull & exact Trial thereof, & that, when the ship doth return to England, both the Machine which he hath already made, & the other which he hath proposed to make, shall remain in their possession for the Use of the Public.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners for the Discovery of the Longitude &ca on the 16.th Jany 1741. Present.

Sir Cha.s Wager ... First Lord Commr of the Adm~ty. Lord Monson. Sir Tho.s Hanmer. Sir John Norris. Adml of the Fleet M. Folkes Esqr .P. R. S. D.r Smith.... Prof. Astr. Camb: D.r Bradley.... Do Oxon.

Mr William Whiston representing that he hath procured a Newset of Astronomical Instruments for finding out the Longitude and Latitude on the Coasts of this Kingdom with the variation of the Needle, and that having been at a considerable expence already in the preparing of the said Instruments and in purchasing divers things necessary for the better enabling him to make Observations with them as also in making such Observations on the Coast at several times by himself & the persons by him employed as appears by an Account which he delivered under his hand, And that he shall not be able to proceed in completing his said Observations along the Coast and as far as Cape Clear in the Kingdom of Ireland unless he is supplied with the sum of £500; And the Board being of Opinion that the said Instruments may tend very much to the Advantage of Navigation & that careful experiments thereof should be from time to time made,

Resolved to give the said Mr Whiston the sum of £500 to enable him to make such experiments, upon Condition that he will not, without particular orders for so doing, put the Public to any Further expence on any Account whatever in relation to his said Instruments in the making any Trial or Trials of the same

A Certificate being read of the Usefullness of a Machine invented by Mr John Harrison for finding out the Longitude at sea, by measuring time it being an Improvement which he hath made on two others which were before contrived by him, but of a different Construction & considerably less than either of them; And Mr Graham informing the Board that Mr Harrison hath been Ten years from first to last employed on the said Machine & been at very great expence in employing several persons to assist him in making the same and that, in his Opinion, it may in all probability effect, when completed, the finding out of the Longitude at Sea: But Mr Harrison representing that his Circumstances are such that he shall not be able to complete his said Machine unless he can be supplied with the sum of £500 but that, with such encouragement, he will under-take to put his Machine together & in motion by the first day of August next & in a condition by the 1st of August 1743 to be placed on board one of His Majesty’s ships in order to the making a Trial thereof And the Board being satisfied that the said Machine may be of Advantage to Navigation in finding out the Longitude & that therefore experiments thereof ought to be made,

Resolved,

To give him the sum of £500 to enable him to finish his said Machine, upon his entering into Articles that he himself, or some proper person to be by him appointed, shall actually proceed in the ship, where his said machine shall be placed, to the West Indies or such other place or places where -to she shall be bound, to explain the Theory & Use thereof; And that he, or his Executors in case of his death, shall deliver not only this Machine but the two others before contrived, with their Appurtenances, to the Commissioners of the Navy to remain in their Possession for the Use of the Public And if upon Experiment, it shall be found that the said Machine will contribute to the finding out of the Longitude & that, thereby, the said Mr Harrison shall be entituled to receive any of the Rewards mentioned in the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, that then, & in such Case, the Sum of £500 hereby granted to him & such other sum or Sums of Money as he hath heretofore received on Account of other Engines invented by him for finding out the Longitude shall be deducted out of such Reward.

Sir John Norris having by Letter acquainted the Board that Mr K. Graham F. R. S. hath contrived an Instrument shewing at one view, without Calculation the Latitude a Ship is in at sea with the True time of the Day, by taking the Sun’s Altitude twice at any different times of the Day; Resolved to take the same into Consideration this day Ten nit in the Morning.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca at the Admiralty Office on the 4th of June 1746. Present.

Duke of Bedford. Lord Monson. Sir John Norris Sir Chaloner Ogle M. Folkes Esqr P. R. S. Dr Smith Dr Bradley.

The Board took into Consideration a Petition from Mr John Harrison Mr Maskelyne has it to his Grace theDuke of Bedford setting forth that, in order to find the Longitude of a ship at Sea, he made a Machine for keeping time on Ship Board which, upon Trial, after a voyage to Lisbon & back again, had corrected the Ship’s Reckoning at the Mouth of the Channel about a Degree & a half or 90 Miles as appears by a Certificate from the Master of the Ship;

That a Board of Longitude having seen & approved that Machine, were pleased to encourage him to make another of the same kind but with several Improvements;

That, after this Second Machine was finished a Journal of it's Motion, compared with an excellent Pendulum Clock of his Invention, has been kept ever since with little Interruptions; That, at sundry times, the Machine has been very much heated by fire & suffered to cool again & has been agitated for several hours together, with greater violence than what it could possibly receive from the motion of a ship even in astorm, the Results of which experimts is this, that, as far as can be determined, without making a voyage at sea, the motion of the Machine is sufficiently regular & exact for finding the Longitude of a Ship within the nearest Limits proposed by Parliament & probably much nearer.

But as all inventions are capable of Improvements he, by the knowledge he has acquired from Experience of these two Machines was enabled to contrive a Third still upon the same principles but of a Construction something different, which, when put in execution, will have the following Advantages above the former;

That being of a smaller size it will be more commodious; That being of a simpler & plainer Construction it will be less subject to any disorder, will be easier adjusted & will serve as a better Model for Workmen to make others by; so that ships may be furnished with like Machines at a Cheaper rate; That, upon a more particular Representation of the foregoing Facts to many of the best Judges in these Matters, they were pleased to recommend him to the favour of the Commissioners appointed by the Longitude Act in the following words,

January 1741/2

We whose names are underwritten are of opinion that Mr Harrison’s Machines, even in their present degree of Exactness, will be of great & excellent Use, as well for determining the Longitude at Sea as for correcting the Charts of the Coasts. And as every step towards further exactness, in a matter of such importance to the Public is greatly to be valued; We do hereby recommend Mr Harrison to the favor of the Commissioners appointed by the said Act, as a person highly deserving of such further Encouragement & Assistance as they shall judge proper & sufficient to finish his third Machine.

M. Folkes ...P. R. S. Rob.t Smith ...D.D. Ast. Prof. Camb: James Bradley ...AM. Do... Oxon J. Colson ...AM. Lucas. Prof. Camb.~ Geo.~ Graham Edm.d Halley W.m Jones Macclesfield James Jurin Cha.s Cavendish A. De Mowre John Hadley

That, upon this Recommendation the Commissioners aforesaid were pleased to consider the Premises and to allow him the sum of £500, which was all he asked for, judging it sufficient at that time both for discharging part of the Debts he had contracted while he was making the said second Machine, and also for enabling him to execute the design of the Third; That he having made the third Machine & observed it's motion for many months is in hopes of an Opportunity of shewing it at the Board of Commissioners.

That, tho^ it does not go so well at present as he expected it would, yet he plainly perceives the Cause of its present Imperfection to lye in a certain part, which, being of a different form from the corresponding part in the other machines, had never been tried before.

That, after much time & thought spent in making many new experiments upon springs and in various methods of tempering them, in order to remedy the imperfection in the part aforesaid he has, at Last, gained so much knowledge in the Properties of Springs, as he doubts not will enable him to remove the said Imperfection & render the motion of the Machine entirely answerable to the degree of exactness which he first expected to find in it

That he is very desirous to pursue this design, but, to his great Mortification, is quite unable to proceed in it, without such further Assistance as the said Commiss.rs shall think proper for that purpose

& for the support of himself & family during the execution of it; Which he hopes will not be look’d upon as an unreasonable Request considering that the Difficulty in the Contrivance & the Nicety in the execution of many parts of these new designs have so entirely ingrossed his time & thoughts for many years past as to render him quite incapable of following any gainfull employment for the support of himself & family; And therefore praying his Grace would be pleased to appoint a time for meeting of the said Commissioners in order to a due Consideration of the Premises & to obtain their Judgement upon them.

The Board took the said Petition into Consideration; After which the Machine was examined, and Mr Folkes, D.r Smith, & Dr Bradley assuring them of the great Improvement of the said Machine, from their own Observations & Experiments of it, They were unanimously of Opinion that so usefull an Invention should be carried on to as great a degree of Perfection as the Nature of it will admit and therefore,

Resolved,

To give the said John Harrison the sum of £500 to encourage & enable him to go on in endeavouring to bring his said Machine to Perfection upon entering into Articles of the same nature wth those mention'd in the Minutes of the 16th of January 1744.

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude &ca, at the Admiralty Office on Saturday the 5th March 1747. Present.

The Duke of Bedford. Sir John Norris. Sir Cha.r Ogle. Adml Rowley. Adml Martin. Adm.l Townsend. Mr Folkes.

The Rev.d Mr S. Hardy having prepared a description of an Improvement on the Reflecting Telescope, and the same being read & he discoursed with thereupon The Commissioners were of Opinion that no Advantages could be drawn therefrom either with regard to the discovery of the Longitude or any other Usefull discoveries.

Mr Richard Heaton likewise attending produced a Plan for the discovery of the Longitude which being judged by the Commissioners of no sort of Utility he was desired to withdraw.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca at the Admiralty Office on the 17th of July 1753 Present.

Lord Anson. Earl of Macclesfield Arthur Onslow Esqr – Speaker Henry Legge Esqr James Stewart Esqr W.m Martin Esqr Isaac Townsend Esqr D.r Bradley. D.r Smith. Mr Colson.

A Petition from Mr John Harrison to the R.t Hon~ble Lord Anson was read; setting forth that he was very desirous of completing his Third Machine for finding the Longitude of a Ship at Sea, but was unable, from the want of money to proceed further therein; & praying that his Lordship would please to assemble a Board of Longitude to consider the state of the said Machine, who, he humbly hoped, would please to order him such further sum for perfecting the same as they should judge proper; Money having been granted the last

Session of Parliament which is applicable by the said Commissioners for such uses.

The Commissioners then examined into the said Machine and, upon discoursing M.r Harrison thereupon, were of Opinion that the same was capable of Improvement and, when completed in the manner he proposes, will be a means of discovering the Longitude at sea; And,

Resolved,

To give the said M.r Harrison £500 to encourage & enable him to proceed in bringing the said Machine to as great perfection as possible.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca at the Admiralty Office the 19th June 1755. Present.

Lord Anson Rt Hon~ Arthur Onslow Esqr Earl of Macclesfield P. R. S. James Stewart Esqr Isaac Townsend Esqr Doctor Bradley Sir Tho.s Salusbury James West Esqr John Clevland Esqr Edw.d Falkingham Esqr .

A Petition from Mr John Harrison to Lord Anson was read, setting forth that his Third Machine is now nearly perfected save only in what further relates to it's adjusting which he hopes may be completed by next spring (the appointed time); And proposing, if he can be enabled so to do, to make two watches, one of such a size as may be worn in the Pocket & the other bigger, while his Machine is adjusting having good reason to think from the performance of one already executed according to his direction (tho^ not brought to Perfection) that such small Machines may be render’d capable of being of great Service with respect to the Longitude at Sea; and may, after brought to Perfection, be purchased at a much cheaper Rate than his superior Machines And therefore praying the same might be taken into consideration & that he may have a further sum to enable him to adjust his superior Machine and to complete two such watches

The Board examined the Principles of the said Watches & discoursed Mr Harrison thereupon, And, being of opinion that by encouraging ingenious Persons to invent & make further Improvements & experiments in order to find out the Longitude such discoveries may at length be produced as will effectually answer that end,

Resolved

To grant the said M.r Harrison £500 to enable him to adjust his Machine & to complete & bring the said two Watches to as great Perfection as possible.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude &ca, at the Admiralty on the 6th of March 1756. Present.

Lord Anson Earl of Macclesfield Rt Hon~ G. Doddington Esqr Sir William Rowley Isaac Townsend Esqr Doctor Bradley Mr Colson Sir Thos. Salusbury James West Esqr Nic.s Hardinge Esq.r John Clevland Esqr Cha.s Saunders Esqr

Lord Anson, having received from Mr Professor Meyer of the University of Gottingen his new invented Tables of the Moon’s Motions and some other papers relating to the method of finding the Longitude at sea, laid the same before the Board, together with a Letter from Doctor Bradley, to whom the said Tables &ca had been referr’d, recommending them as very deserving of the Attention of a Board of Longitude

Which Letter was read,

And Doctor Bradley then spoke in further Commendation of the said Tables & method of finding the Longitude at sea, and very strongly recommended that Trials & Experiments thereof should be made at sea, but that, previous thereto, proper Instruments should be made to take the necessary Observations on Ship board, Hadley's Quadrant not being, in his opinion, altogether fit for that purpose.

Upon which the Commissioners took the whole into consideration & unanimously Resolved,

That Doctor Bradley be desired to cause Three Instruments to be made, under his immediate direction, such as he shall judge most proper for taking the Observations necessary to be made on Ship Board in the intended Trials of Mr Meyer's Method of finding the Longitude of a ship at sea.

That the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty be desired, when the said Instruments are made, to appoint Three Commanders of His Majesty’s ships to make such Trials and Experiments as may be proper to be made on Ship-board, in order to judge whether Observations for this purpose can be taken at sea with the desired Accuracy,

And that Doctor Bradley be then further desired to give such Instructions as he shall judge most likely to answer so important an End.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca on the 28th of Novemr 1757. Present.

Lord Anson Rt Hon~ A. Onslow Esq.r Geo~. Grenville Esqr S.r Will.m Rowley. Isaac Townsend Esqr Thos. Griffin Esqr Earl of Macclesfield Doctor Bradley Mr Colson Ja.s West Esq.r Nich.s Hardinge Esqr . John Clevland Esqr Geo~ Cokburne Esqr .

A Letter from Mr John Harrison to Lord Anson was read, setting forth that he hath completed his Third Machine so that great exactness in Longitude may be had from it's performance, but that the adjusting & bringing the said Machine to it's present degree of perfection hath prevented his making that Progress in the two Watches which might have been expected, as well as exhausted the money which hath been paid to him for those purposes; And the Board having discoursed Mr Harrison touching the said Machine & Watches, they were of Opinion that the Machine should continue under Mr Harrison’s Inspection about twelve months in order to be further adjusted & then sent to sea for such experiments to be made of it as shall be judged necessary; And that the Watches should, if possible, be completed so as to be sent to Sea with it, to the end that the Operations of the one may be compared with those of the Others; And therefore

Resolved,

To give the said Mr Harrison £500 to enable him to proceed in the adjusting his said Machine and to complete & bring the said Watches to as great perfection as possible.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude at sea &ca at the Admiralty Office on the 18th of July 1760. Present.

Lord Anson Rt Hon~ Arthur Onslow Esqr Isaac Townsend Esqr Sir Edw.d Hawke Cha.s Knowles Esqr Hon.~ John Forbes Doctor Bradley John Clevland Esqr George Cokburne Esqr

Mr John Harrison acquainted the Board that he had perfected his Third Large Machine and was ready to make Trial of the same when directed to do so; He also produced a Large Watch made in consequence of his proposal which was approved the last meeting, and represented that the same, altho^ lately put together, answered beyond his expectation, and, by an Account he had kept of it's going, would sufficiently answer the ends of a Time-keeper to ascertain the Longitude at sea, but he thought it necessary to make further experiments in the different Seasons of the Year and therefore desired ‘til April next to bring the said Watch to Perfection, when the Experiment directed by Act of Parliament might be made at the same time with his Large Machine, but that he had been at so great an Expence in bringing this Machine & Watch to it's present state of Perfection that he could not proceed without further Assistance.

The Board took the same into Consideration and were of Opinion that the Watch should be completed to send to sea with the Machine that the Operations of the one may be compared with those of the other, and being satisfied of the Necessity of advancing a farther sum of money to bring to Perfection so usefull a Work,

Resolved,

To give the said Mr Harrison £500 to enable him to proceed to complete the said Watch and another which he has in Hand and to bring the same to as great a degree of Perfection as possible.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca, at the Admiralty Office on the 12th of March 1761. Present.

Lord Anson Earl of Macclesfield Hon~ Osborn Esq.r Isaac Townsend Esqr Hon.~ John Forbes Doctor Bradley Sir W.m Rowley. Mr Shepherd Geo~ Cokburne Esq.r

A Letter of the 26th of last month from Mr John Harrison to Lord Anson was read; setting forth that since his Watch was first put together or set agoing, he has found such room to improve it that it will hardly be inferiour to his third Machine, and desiring his Lordship to assemble a Board of Longitude to consider thereof. The Commissioners accordingly took the same into Consideration and were of Opinion that it would be proper that the said Machine & Watch (which are to be ready by this day month) should be put on board one of His Majesty’s ships to go to the West Indies for Trials to be made how far the said Timekeepers are capable of ascertaining the Longitude at Sea; And therefore

Resolved,

To recommend it to the Lords Commissrs. of the Admiralty to cause One of His Majesty’s Ships to be appointed for the Reception & Trial of the said Timekeepers;

To give the said Mr Harrison £250 to fit out his Son, (who is to go the Voyage to explain the Theory & Use of them), if there shall be so much unapplied, or as much as is unapplied, if less;

And to enquire of Mr Robertson Head Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth if he can find the true time at that Place with an equal Altitude Instrument, if one is sent to him for that purpose, and whether he will be so obliging as to take that trouble, after the beforementioned Machine & Watch get to Portsmouth & before they are sent to sea.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca; at the Admiralty Office on the 2d of June 1761. Present.

Lord Anson Rt Hon.~ George Grenville Henry Osborn Esqr Isaac Townsend Esqr Hon~. John Forbes George Pocock Esqr Chas. Knowles Esqr Lord Sandys Sir Thos. Salusbury James West Esqr John Clevland Esqr . George Cokburne Esqr Doctor Bradley Mr. Bliss

A Memorial of the 28th of April last from Mr John Harrison was read setting forth that his Son William Harrison was arrived at Portsmouth with the time piece or Clock & that he himself intended to carry the Watch to that Place and proposing a Plan for the more certain & adequate making the intended experiment of the said Time piece or Clock & the Watch; The Commissioners took the same into Consideration and came to the following resolutions vizt,

That immediate Application be made to the Lords Commiss.rs of the Admty for a Ship with a proper Commander to be appointed to carry the said Machines to Jamaica, in order to make the proposed Experiment;

And that the President & Council of the Royal Society be wrote to and desired to consider of the said Plan and to give the Commissrs their Sentiments thereupon; to let them know if they think any other Observations or Cautions necessary than those therein proposed.

They are also to be requested to recommend a proper person or persons to accompany the said Machines the intended Voyage to assist in making the proposed Experiments.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude at sea &ca on the 13th of October 1761. Present.

Lord Anson Isaac Townsend Esqr Henry Osborn Esqr Charles Knowles Esqr Sir Geo~. Pocock Geo~. Cokburne Mr. Shepherd.

A Letter of the 25th of June last from Doctor Moreton was read (in return to one wrote to the Royal Society by Agreement of the Commissioners at the last meeting) in which the Council of the Royal Society propose a plan for an adequate Trial of Mr Harrison’s Timekeepers: Also another Letter of the 3d of July last was read from Dr. Moreton upon the same Subject & representing what Instruments will be proper for making the Observations proposed.

Then a Memorial from Mr Harrison was read; setting forth that the time of the Year is too late for making correspondent Observations in England and Jamaica of the Eclipses of Jupiter's Satellites (one of the particulars proposed by the Council of the Royal Society) And proposing his son may be sent with the watch to Portsmouth and thence in the Deptford to Jamaica, and that Observations may be made at both those places and the times of making the same marked down by the Watch &ca.

A Certificate was also read, at the foot of the said Memorial given by several Members of the Council & other Members of the Royal Society, that the method proposed by Mr Harrison will afford a very fair & satisfactory Trial of his Timekeeper.

Then a paper signed by Mr James Short, One of the Members of the Council of the Royal Society, was read, setting forth, That the difference of Longitude between Greenwich and Kingston in Jamaica is as exactly determined by several Observations mentioned in the said Paper, as it ever can be by the Eclipses of Jupiter's Satellites.

The Commissioners then took the whole into Consideration, and agreed, as follows, vizt

That the watch be sent, in Charge of Mr Harrison's son to Portsmouth and that he proceeds in it from thence, in the Deptford, to Jamaica.

That, in addition to the Lock now upon the Case of the Watch (and of which Mr Harrison’s son is to keep the Key) there be Three other Locks, of different wards, affixed to the Case; The Key of one of which should be in the Possession of Governor Lyttleton (who is going in the Deptford to Jamaica); The Key of another, in the Possession of the Captain of the Deptford and the Key of the third to be kept by the first Lieutenant of that ship.

That Mr Robertson, Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth should be appointed to find the True Time at that Place, and to see the Watch set to that Time and send exact Information of the same to the Lords of the Admiralty.

That Observations of equal Altitudes should be taken by the said Mr Robertson; that the Times of taking them should be marked down agreeable to the Times shewn by the Watch; then sealed up & sent to the Lords of the Admiralty. All these matters to be done by Mr Robertson, before Commissioner Hughes, the Captain of the Deptford, and Mr Harrison’s Son and they to attest the sealed Accounts, which Mr Robertson is to send to the Lords of the Admiralty,

That Mr John Robison, a person recommended by Admiral Knowles as well skilled in the Mathematicks & particularly Astronomy, be sent in the Deptford to Jamaica, who is to find the True Time immediately upon the Ship’s Arrival there & note the same down before Governor Lyttleton, the Captain & First Lieutenant of the Deptford, and Mr Harrison’s Son, who are to attest the same; and also to note down the Time given by the Watch immediately upon the Ship’s Arrival before the same persons and to be attested by them; both which times, so attested, are to be sealed up and sent to the Lords of the Admiralty.

And Lord Anson was desired, to obtain the necessary orders from the Lords of the Admiralty, for carrying the aforementioned Matters into execution.

The Commissioners then consider'd what sum of Money might be proper to allow Mr Harrison and they agreed that he should have £500; but upon examining the State of the Cash at their disposal & finding there was only £200 remaining unissued They agreed that he should be paid that sum; And that, if the Parliament should assign any more money to their Disposal, he should be allowed so much out of it as will complete the aforesaid sum of £200 up to £500.

The Commiss.rs also agreed, that the Instruments represented by the Council of the Royal Society as necessary to make the Observations, be forthwith provided.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea &c – at the Admiralty Office on the 3d June 1762. Present.

Rt Hon.~ Sir John Cust Earl of Macclesfield L.d Visc.t Barrington Isaac Townsend Esqr Henry Osborn Esqr Hon~ John Forbes Cha.s Knowles Esqr Mr.Doctor Blisse Mr Shepherd John Clevland Esq.r

The Minutes of the Last Meeting of the 13th of October 1761, together with two Letters from Doctor Moreton and a Memorial from Mr Harrison therein referred to, were read.

Mr Harrison Jun~ was called in & examined touching the Experiments made for the Trial of the Watch and declared himself satisfied with the Observations made at Portsmouth & Jamaica: And then Withdrew.

Mr Bird, the Maker of the Instruments: employed in the Observations, was called in & asked some Questions concerning them.

Resolved,

That his Bill amounting to £113-10.0 be paid;

And that Mr Harrison & Mr Robison do immediately send for those Instruments that they may be examined.

The Instruments being accordingly sent for & brought in, were delivered to Mr Bird; And Doctor Blisse and Mr Shepherd were requested to take the trouble of examining them with Mr Bird; and to report their Opinion to this Board in writing. Mr Bird then withdrew.

Resolved,

That Copies of the Observations, made both at Portsmouth & Jamaica agreeable to the minutes of the 13th of the October last, be sent, on the nomination of Mr Blisse, to the undermentioned Gentlemen (their Leave being first obtained) And that they be requested to examine the said Observations & report their Opinion of their Accuracy & Correspondency, vizt

Matthew Raper Esqr John Howe Esqr Mr Gael Morris.

Mr Harrison Sen.~ was then called in & told that the Observations & Instruments should be examined as abovementioned; And that, then, another meeting of the Commissioners should be held to reconsider the same.

Resolved,

That the Navy Board be desired to pay Mr Harrison £300 to make up the sum of £500 granted to him by this Board at their last Meeting.

Mr Harrison was acquainted therewith & then withdrew.

Mr Robison was called in & asked several Questions concerning the manner of making the Observations at which he assisted, and the expences he had been at upon the Occasion – And then withdrew;

Resolved,

That he be paid the sum of £80 for the Expences he was at in going to, and returning from Jamaica;

And that Mr Clevland be desired to recommend him to Lord Anson to be made a Purser, as a Reward for the trouble he has had upon the Occasion.

Mr Christopher Irwin was called in and asked some questions concerning his Invention of a Machine called a Marine Chair for the better making of Astronomical Observations at sea; having answered which he retired.

Resolved,

That the Opinions of the Attorney and Sollicitor General be taken whether the Commissrs of the Longitude are authorized, by the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, to give any & what sum & out of what Fund, to the said Mr Irvine as a Reward for his said Invention

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude &ca at the Admiralty, on the 17th of August 1762. Present.

Earl of Halifax Sir John Cust Ld Visct Barrington Isaac Townsend Esqr Henry Osborn Esqr Thos. Griffin Esqr Hon~ John Forbes Earl of Macclesfield John Clevland Esqr Geo~. Cokburne Esqr Mr Blisse Mr Shepherd Chas. Knowles Esqr

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

The Board then proceeded to the Consideration of the Observations made at Portsmouth & Jamaica for the Trial of Mr Harrison’s Watch & the Reports of the Gentlemen to whom the same had been referred in pursuance of the Resolution of the last Board; And having maturely & deliberately weighed the same, were of Opinion that the experiments already made of the Watch have not been sufficient to determine the Longitude at sea; And thereupon came to the following Resolutions, vizt.

That Mr Harrison, or some proper Person in his stead, do proceed again to the West Indies to make further Trial of his said Watch and also of his Clock agreeable to the plan laid down by the Royal Society and his own proposal contained in his Memorial of the 3d of October last.

That it appears to them that the said Watch, tho^ not yet found to be of such great Use for discovering the Longitude as required by the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, is nevertheless an Invention of considerable Utility to the Public and therefore (being the Majority of the Commissioners appointed by Parliament) they think fit, in pursuance of the power reposed in them, to bestow upon the said Mr Harrison the Sum of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Pounds, as a Reward for his said Invention to be paid in the following proportions, Viz.t

Fifteen Hundred pounds, part of the said Sum to be paid unto him immediately, or as soon as conveniently may be; And the remaining,

One Thousand pounds when he, or such Person as shall go in his stead, shall return from making such further Trials in the West Indies.

But it is to be understood, in case Mr Harrison shall hereafter become entitled to either of the Rewards granted by Parliament for discovering the Longitude, the said Sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds shall be esteemed as part of such Reward and be deducted therefrom accordingly; And that the Watch is to become the Property of the Public.

Mr Harrison was called in & acquainted with these Resolutions, And being asked if he was willing that his watch should be sent to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, in order that some Observations may be made at that place for the trial of it by Mr Blisse, previous to it's being sent to the West Indies, he consented thereto so soon as it shall have undergone some Alterations which he thinks will bring it to greater perfection; the doing of which would probably take up four or five months.

He then withdrew

Mr Blisse was desired, so soon as the said Watch should be sent to him, to take the trouble of making such Observations at Greenwich as he should judge necessary for the Trial thereof, previous to it's being sent to the West Indies; And was empowered to furnish himself with an equal Altitude Instrument and a Reflecting Telescope of Two Feet Focal Length, in every respect similar to those already purchased of Mr Bird & used in making the beforementioned Observations at Portsmouth & Jamaica; Which latter, if not already in Mr Bird’s Custody, Mr Blisse is desired to get returned him, and to be put into proper order again for making future Observations.

A Letter from Mr Christopher Irvine, giving an Account of the Accidental Source of the Apparent great Erroneousness of the Tables of the Satellites, which was taken notice of at the last Board of Longitude was read, And the Board then went into the Consideration of the experiments which the said Mr Irvine had, at his own request, been permitted to make of the Marine Chair on board the Magnanime & other ships in the year 1759; And it appearing to them from Lord Howes Certificates, who was present at some of those experiments, that the said Marine Chair, notwithstanding it has not yet answered the expectations of the Inventor, is nevertheless an ingenious contrivance & will greatly facilitate the making Observations of the Cœlestial Phœnomena at sea, which will be of great public Utility; And being therefore of Opinion that it merits further Trial;

Resolved,

To grant unto the said Mr Christopher Irwin the sum of £500 to enable him to make further experiments of it's Utility accordingly: And to apply to the Right Hon~ble the Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty to desire their Lordships will please to order the said Marine Chair to be sent out to the Commander in Chief of some Squadron of His Majesty’s Ships at sea, with directions to such Commander in Chief to cause frequent experiments to be made therewith in all kinds of Weather, as far as the same can be done with convenience, on board the ships of his Squadron, in his own presence, or in the presence of the Commanders of such ships; And, after the said Chair shall have been sufficiently tried, to report a full and particular Account of the experiments made, together with his own Opinion & that of the other Officers, in whose presence such experiments shall have been made of it's Utility for making Astronomical Observations at sea; And that their Lordships will be pleased to favour this Board with such Reports, that further consideration & determination may be had thereupon:

The Board taking notice that the several Professors of the Mathematicks at Oxford & Cambridge who are nominated by Act of Parliament Commissrs. of the Longitude and have not any Salary or Allowance from the Public by virtue of their said Professorships, are put to great expences in coming up to London, from time to time, to attend at the meetings of this Board, where their Assistance and Advice is particularly & essentially necessary; And this Board not thinking themselves authorized to repay those Gentlemen their said expences out of the money assigned to their Disposal by Parliament;

Resolved,

To desire the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty to lay the same before the King & to endeavour to obtain His Majesty’s permission to defray such expences as the said Professors may be put to upon those Occasions out of such money as His Majesty shall please to direct.

The Board taking notice also that all the Minutes & papers, since the first Appointment of Commissioners of the Longitude to the present time, are in great disorder & Confusion there never having been any Person appointed to take Charge of the same; And it being of great Consequence that the said Minutes & Papers should be forthwith digested & put into the best method their present disorder’d state will admit of; And that for the future, some fit Person should be appointed to attend them at their Meetings, to take minutes, write Letters & transact such other Business as may occur;

Resolved,

That the Lords of the Admiralty be further requested to represent the same likewise to the King and to receive His Pleasure concerning the Appointment of a Person for those Purposes & the making him a reasonable Allowance for his trouble & pains in that Employment, out of such Fund as His Majesty shall be pleased to direct.

A Note having been sent into Mr Clevland from Mr Monck representing that he was attending with a Scheme for finding the Longitude and a former Letter from him concerning the said Scheme being read: The Board directed him to be admitted in order to take the same into Consideration, but, upon enquiry, it appeared that he had been gone for some time; Whereupon the Consideration of that matter was postponed.

The Consideration of the Memorial from the University of Gottingen in behalf of the Widow & Children of the late Professor Meyer deceased, as transmitted by Mr Best, was also postponed ‘til some future meeting, on Account of the lateness of the day & the time it would take to read the several Letters & papers relative to that Affair, before any determination could be had upon the subject of the said Memorial.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca held at the Admiralty Office on Saturday the 26th. of February 1763. Present.

Rt Hon~ble George Grenville ...First Comm.r of the Admty. Rt. Hon~ble Sir John Cust ...Speaker of the Ho Com~ons Rt. Hon~ble Viscount Barrington ...Treasurer of the Navy Rt. Hon~ble Lord Sandwich ...Master of the Trinity House Sir William Rowley ...Admiral of the Fleet. Isaac Townsend Esqr ...} Henry Osborn Esqr ...} Thomas Griffin Esq ...}Admirals of the White Sir Edward Hawke ...Do Charles Knowles Esqr ...} Hon~ble John Forbes ...} Sir Geo~. Pocock ...} Admirals of the Blue Mr Waring ...Lucasian Professor of the Mathematicks at Cambridge. Mr Shepherd ...Plumian Professor of Astronomy & Experimental Philosophy at Cambridge. S.r Thos. Salusbury ...Judge of the High Court of Admiralty. Jeremiah Dyson Esqr ...Secretary of the Treasury John Clevland Esqr ...Secretary of the Admiralty. George Cockburne Esqr ...Comptroller of the Navy.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

A Memorial from Mr. John Harrison was read, setting forth that being fully satisfied of the sufficiency of his last improved Timekeeper for finding the Longitude at sea to much greater exactness than the nearest Limit required by the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne; and considering his advanced time of Life (being 70 y~res of Age) the weakness of his sight & the infirm state of his health, and being willing that the said Invention should be secure to the Public, he is ready to disclose & make known the Principles, upon which his sd Timekeeper is constructed, in such manner as shall enable other Workmen to execute the same, upon the present Advance of such a sum of money as to the Hon~ble House of Com~ons shall seem meet; Provided, that, when he shall have brought legal Evidence of the Sufficiency of such Timekeeper for finding the Longitude at sea, within the Limits required by the said Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, that, then & in such case, the Remainder of the Reward appointed by the said Act for the discovery of the said Longitude, shall be paid to him his Executors or Assigns; And also provided that, after the said Invention shall have been so made public, no other person shall be allowed to claim the reward for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea, by means of any Timekeeper, until Judgement shall have passed upon the Merits of his Timekeeper; And therefore begging the Commissioners Recommendation to the House of Commons for that purpose;

The Board took the same into Consideration and being of Opinion that it is of very great consequence that the said Invention should be secured to the Public; Unanimously agreed to recommend it to the said John Harrison to make such Application to Parliament accordingly.

Mr Harrison Jun~ . was called in &, being made acquainted therewith, declared himself fully satisfied & withdrew.

Resolved,

That the sending the Watch to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich for the previous Observations to be made before a Second Trial of it, agreeable to the Resolutions of the last meeting, be postponed; ‘til after the determination of Parliament upon Mr Harrison’s proposed Application, shall be known.

A Letter of the 17th Instant from Mr Christopher Irvine was read; setting forth some improvements he has made in his Machine called a Marine Chair (, the Trial of which he is desirous should be made with the utmost speed) and requesting, as he has been at a considerable Expence in making those Improvements & his own Affairs are not in condition to supply him, such further Assistance as shall be thought proper on the Occasion: The Board took the same into consideration, and Mr Irvine was called in & acquainted that they would apply to the Lords of the Admiralty to appoint a Ship, as soon as conveniently maybe, to receive his said Machine, in order to his making the Trial he mentions; but do not think fit to give him any further sum of money.

He then withdrew.

The Consideration of the Memorial of the University of Gottingen in behalf of the Widow and Children of the Late Professor Meyer, which was postponed at the Last meeting, was obliged to be longer postponed; The Board being desirous of having Mr Bliss present when that matter is considered as also Capt. Campbell, who made Observations at sea in the year 1757, for the Trial of Mr Meyer’s Method for the discovery of the Longitude

Mr Schulz, a Mechanic in the King of Denmark ’s Service, recommended by Count Bothmar the Danish Minister, who was attending with a machine for the Discovery of the Longitude, was called in: And, by his Interpreter, asked some Questions relating thereto; But the Board, not being able to judge, from the Account he gave, of the Merits thereof, or to enter into a particular examination, at this time, of a written Book of considerable Length which he presented in Explanation of the said Machine; Resolved that a Letter be wrote to the President & Council of the Royal Society to request the favour of them to examine into the Merits of the said Mr Schulz’s Machine and to report their Opinion as to it's utility for making the discovery proposed by the Inventor.

Mr Schulz then withdrew.

The Consideration of Mr Monk’s scheme for the discovery of the Longitude was further postponed, he not attending to give the Board any explanation thereof.

Letters from the undermentioned persons, proposing schemes for finding out the Longitude, were read, viz~,

From Mr J. Hardy, dated at Ipswich the 25 of June 1762, proposing to discover it by observing the Rotation of the heavenly Bodies about their Axes. From John Hoskins, dated at Bristol the 22d Sep~ 1762, by an Instrument for the more accurate Observation of the Cœlestial Appearances. From W.m Ross, dated the 3d Feby 1763, by Instrumts & other methods. From Mr John Grey, dated at Cupar in Fifeshire the 11th Septem~. 1762, by an Instrument for observing the Meridian Altitudes of the Heavenly bodies. From Henry Pope, dated at Chepstow the 4th of Octo~ 1762. by the Variation of the Compass. From John Bell, dated this day, by squaring the Circle.

Resolved that the said persons be acquainted that they must obtain Certificates from persons of known Skill & Judgement that their schemes have been tried & have been found to answer what they propose by them ; or that there is a very great probability that they will do so upon Experiment, before this Board can take any notice of them.

One Robison, who was attending with a Machine, was called in, but the same appearing to be of no kind of Utility, he was desired to withdraw.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the Discovery of the Longitude &ca held at the Admiralty Office on Thursday the 4th August 1763. Present

Rt. Hon~ble Lord Sandwich ...1st Lord Commr Adm~ty Isaac Townsend Esqr ...} Henry Osborn Esqr ...} Admirals of the White Hon~ble John Forbes ...} S.r George Pocock ...} Admirals of the Blue Rev.d Mr Bliss ...Ast. Royal; & Savil: Prof: Geom. Oxon. Rev.d Mr Hornsby ...Savil: Prof: Ast: Oxon Rev.d M.r Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: & Exp.l Phil: Camb: S.r Tho.s Salusbury ...Judge of the High Court of Admiralty. Philip Stephens Esqr ...Secretary of the Adm~ty. George Cockburne Esqr Compt.r of the Navy.

The Minutes of the 17th of August last were read.

A Letter of the 8th of last month, from Mr John Harrison to Lord Sandwich, was read, desiring that a Board of Longitude may be summoned to take into consideration the three following heads before his son goes to the West Indies to make another Trial of his Timekeeper, vizt.,

1st. What sort of Observations are really necessary for a conclusive Trial of his Timekeeper; 2.dly. What number of Observations are necessary for such conclusive Trial; 3dly. That the Correctness & Propriety of the Instruments intended to be made use of, for making such Observations, be carefully examined.

Mr Harrison Jun~ (his Father not being present) being called in & asked if he had any Objection to his Timekeeper being sent to the Royal Observatory, for the previous Observations to be made by Mr Bliss agreeable to the minutes of the 17th of August 1762, he said that he did object to it as he does not chuse to part with it out of his own hands ‘til he shall have reaped some Advantage from it.

Mr. Harrison then desired that Capt. Campbell, a Gentleman well skilled in Mathematicks, may be called in & asked his opinion thereon: Which being consented to Cap.t Campbell was introduced & being asked if he thought the previous Observations beforementioned necessary, said, that he was of Opinion if Mr Harrison will send the rate of the going of his Timekeeper before he sails from Portsmouth & abide thereby, it might be sufficient; but that he did not see any Objection to the previous Observations being made ashore as proposed,

It was then proposed to Mr Harrison that he should send the rate of his Timekeeper’s going (immediately before he sails on his intended Voyage) sealed up, to the Secretary of the Admiralty & abide thereby upon it's Trial; To which he consented,

Mr Harrison was then asked if he objected to any parts of the plan laid down by the Royal Society & contained in Doctor Moreton’s Letters of the 25th of June 1762 & 3d of July following, he said, that he thought the determining of Longitudes of different places, by Correspondent Observations of Jupiter’s Satellites as therein proposed is liable to Error; But the Board were of Opinion it is the most accurate method at present by which the same can be ascertained & that the difference of Longitude between Portsmouth and

Jamaica may be established thereby with Certainty, with much less time than Mr Harrison mentioned.

Mr Harrison then desiring that the Clock may not be sent out as he intends to abide by the Watch only; The Board consented, that the Experiment should be made with the Timekeeper (which he calls a Watch) only; agreeable to his request.

The Board took into Consideration what persons to send to Jamaica to make Observations there of equal Altitudes, and also of Jupiter’s Satellites; And Mr Green, Assistant to the Royal Astronomer, And Mr Maskelyne F.R.S., being proposed Mr Harrison undertook to speak to the former and Mr Shepherd to write to the Latter & inquire upon what terms.

Mr Bradley, Purser of His Majesty’s Ship the Dorsetshire was proposed as a proper person to make the Observations of equal Altitudes & the Correspondent Observations of Jupiter’s Satellites at Portsmouth: Resolved, that he be wrote to to know if he will undertake to perform those services.

Resolved that the Reflecting Telescopes & Equal Altitude Instruments which have been prepared for making the Abovementioned Observations be sent to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich to be there compared & examined by Mr Harrison & such persons as he shall bring, in the presence of Mr Bliss, Mr Shepherd & Mr Hornsby who undertook to attend for that purpose.

Resolved, that the Secretary do write to the President of the Royal Society to desire to have the use of the Society’s Astronomical Clocks, And likewise to M.r Robin ert on, Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth, for the Use of one which is in his Possession; for the purpose of making the Abovementioned Trial,

Resolved,

That a Draught of Instructions for Mr Harrison & for the persons who are to be employed in making the Observations be prepared against next Tuesday, when the Board will meet again to consider & determine thereupon.

Mr Harrison (the son) then moved the Board for some Gratuity, in consideration of the Expences he will be at in making this 2.d Trial: the Board postponed the Consideration thereof until their next meeting.

Mr Bird, the Instrument maker, attending with a Bill for an Equal Altidue Instrument & a Reflecting Telescope made by him, by order of the Board;

Resolved,

That the same be paid in the manner his former Bills were.

A Memorial from the University of Gottingen, dated the 13th of June last, and a Letter from Mr Michaelis, Director of the Royal Society of Sciences there, dated the 16th of the same month (both transmitted by Mr Best His Majesty’s Secretary for the Affairs of His German Dominions) were then read, desiring a Reward may be given to the Widow and Children of the late Professor Meyer, whose new invented Theory & Tables of the Moon’s Motions & other papers relating to the Method of finding the Longitude at sea were sometime since laid before a Board of Longitude & some Observations were afterwards made in the year 1757 by Cap.t Campbell to determine their Accuracy:

Resolved,

That the Person, who goes to Jamaica to make Observations of Jupiter’s Satellites, have Instructions also to make Observations of the Moon’s Motions, during the Voyage, to try the Accuracy of the said Tables.

Mr Best is to be acquainted therewith & that the Board will come to some determination as soon as they know the Result of those Observations.

A Letter from Mr Irvine was then read, desiring to have some Instructions for making another Experiment of his Machine called a Marine Chair, and to have a further sum of Money to enable him to do it: His Son, who was attending, was called in & told that the Board did not think fit to advance any further sum of money, but that an Instruction should be prepared for him & laid before this Board at their next meeting.

Adjourned to Tuesday next at Noon.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca. held at the Admiralty Office on Tuesday the 9th of August 1763. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Lord Sandwich ...1st Lord Commr. of the Adm~ty Isaac Townsend Esqr .} Henry Osborn Esqr .} Admirals of the White. Cha.s Knowles Esqr .} Hon~ble John Forbes} S.r Geo~. Pocock...} Do...Blue. Rev.d Mr Bliss Ast.~ Roy. ; & Savil. Prof. Geom at Oxon Revd. Mr Hornsby Savil Prof: Ast: Oxon~ Rev.d Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. & Expl. Phil: at Cambridge. S.r Thos. Salusbury ...Judge High Ct. Admiralty. Philip Stephens Esqr Secretary of the Adm~ty Geo~. Cockburne Esqr .Compt~. of the Navy.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

A Note from Colonel Parker was read giving Lord Macclesfield's reasons for not being able to attend the Board and representing that it is not in his Lordship’s power to grant the use of One of the Royal Society’s Astronomical Clocks, as it must be done by an Act of their Council, of which previous Notice must be given, which he could not attend himself, and that he believed most, if not all, the Vice Presidents were out of Town;

Resolved,

That Mr Burrow be wrote to, to desire he will please to summon a Council, as soon as he can conveniently, & request the favour of them to let the Person, who goes out to the West Indies to make Observations for the Trial of Mr. Harrison’s Timekeeper, have the use of one of the said Clocks.

Mr Harrison was called in, and informed the Board that M.r Green is willing to go to Jamaica, Upon which the Latter, who was attending, was sent for in & being told by Lord Sandwich what Encouragement the Board intended him, he expressed himself satisfied therewith & withdrew.

A Letter from Mr Robison (who went to Jamaica to make Observations for the 1st Trial) to Lord Sandwich, and another from him to Admiral Knowles, were then read, expressing his Readiness to go out again, to make Observations for the 2d. Trial, but desiring to be previously informed what Reward he was to have for his Trouble.

Mr Maskelyne, who was attending, was sent for in & asked if he was willing to go to Jamaica to make the abovementioned Observations; He said he did not chuse to go to that place on Account of his Health, but that he was willing to go to Barbadoes or any other of the West India Islands; And then withdrew.

Mr Harrison being sent for in & asked if he had any Objection to the Trial being made at Barbadoes instead of Jamaica, he informed the Board that he had not, and that he would abide by the Observations of the Eclipses of Jupiter’s Satellites for determining the difference of Longitude between that place & Portsmouth, provided, in case there should be any inaccuracy in those Observations, that others shall be made for determining the Longitude of that Island. He then asked what number of Observations it was expected should be made of the Eclipses of those Satellites; The Board informed him that they will be satisfied with the greatest number that can be conveniently made this season.

The Instructions drawn up for M.r Harrison and the Persons, who are to make the Observations at Portsmouth & Barbadoes were read & some Alterations proposed by Mr. Harrison were made therein.

A Paper signed by D.r Bevis & Colonel Ra o y, who were present with Mr Harrison, at the examination and Comparison of the Reflecting Telescopes & Equal Altitude Instruments at the Royal Observatory, was then read, giving preference to a Reflecting Telescope made by Mr Short when compared with those made by Mr Bird; And D.r Bevis, who was attending on behalf of Mr Harrison, being called in & asked if he did not think that the difference of Longitude of different places could not be determined by Mr Birds' abovementioned Instruments as well as by those made by Mr Short, He answered that he believed they were fully sufficient for the purpose.

A Certificate signed by M.r Bliss, M.r Shepherd, & Mr. Hornsby was read, certifying that they have examined and compared the Abovementioned Reflecting Telescopes & Equal Altitude Instruments made by Mr Bird & are of Opinion that they will fully answer the several purposes for which they are intended.

The Board then came to a Resolution that Two persons shall proceed to Barbadoes to make the necessary Observations there, as well for the satisfaction of Mr Harrison as to prevent the Trial being put off, in case only one person should go & any Accident happen to him;

Resolved,

That Mr Maska e lyne & Mr Robison be the Persons to be employed on that service, that the former have a Gratuity of £300 for his Trouble & his Expences paid; And that the Latter have his Expences paid & be recommended to the Lords of the Admiralty to be made a Purser of One of His Majesty’s Ships.

Mr Maska e lyne was acquainted with these Resolutions & expressed himself satisfied therewith, so far as they concern'd him.

M.r Bradley, who was attending, being then sent for in & acquainting the Board that he will undertake to make the necessary Observations at Portsmouth, The Draught of Instructions prepared for him were read & approved;

Resolved,

That the Lords of the Admiralty be desired to give directions to Commiss.r Hughes to give M.r Bradley all necessary Assistance in making the said Observations.

Resolved,

That another Reflecting Telescope of the same Focal Length & Magnifying Power with those already provided, be made by Mr Bird as soon as possible.

The Board taking into Consideration the Expence Mr Harrison was at in passing the Late Act of Parliament which was done on their recommendation & also the Expences he will be at in fitting his son out for proceeding to Barbadoes to make the 2.d Trial of his Timekeeper, Unanimously Resolved to give him £300 in Consideration of his said Expences.

The Draught of Mr Irwin's Instructions were read & allowed.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &ca held at the Admiralty Office on Monday the 5th September 1763. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Lord Sandwich _First Lord Commr of the Admty~. Isaac Townsend Esqr -Admiral of the White Cha.s Knowles Esqr } S.r Geo~ Pocock...} Admirals of the Blue Revd Mr Bliss ...Ast~ Roy.l & Prof. Geom~ at Oxon Revd Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. & Expl Phily at Cambridge. Philip Stephens Esqr -Secretary of the Admty~.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

Mr Robison having declined going to Barbadoes, on Account of some unexpected Misfortunes which have happened in his family; Mr Green, Assistant to the Royal Astronomer, (who, as the Board was informed, was willing to go in his stead) was called in & acquainted that, as an Encouragement for him to undertake that Business, they would recommend him to the Lords of the Admiralty to be made a Purser of a 5th Rate, immediately, and, when he returns, repay him what expences he may be at upon that occasion; With which having express’d himself satisfied he withdrew.

Resolved,

That the Instructions given to Mr Robison be delivered to Mr Green & that he be directed to carry them into Execution & the necessary Alterations be made in the said Instructions;

Resolved,

That a Letter be wrote to the Lords of the Admiralty, to desire their Lordships will please to appoint Mr Green a Purser of a 5th rate accordingly, instead of Mr Robison;

Resolved,

That a Letter be wrote to Lord Howe to desire the Sextant, now in his Lordship’s Custody, may be delivered to Mr Green.

Resolved,

That the Navy Board be desired to imprest £50 to Mr Green to enable him to fit himself out for the Voyage.

Mr Harrison representing that the Clock, in the Observatory at Portsmouth, is not so good as that lent by the Royal Society, but that there is one in the Possession of the Duke of Richmond of equal Goodness;

Resolved,

That His Grace be wrote to, to desire he will please to spare it for the purpose of making the Observations at Portsmouth.

A Memorial from Mr Irwin was read desiring that a Mathematical Instrument Maker may attend at the Trial which has been ordered to be made of his Marine Chair, that in case any Accident should happen to the said Chair during the Voyage, it might be immediately repaired as he would be glad to remove the most distant risque of the least Impediment to the Success of the said Trial; And also desiring to be allowed to take his son & another person with him to assist in the different things he has to do; And also to have some money to enable him to fit himself out for the Voyage;

Resolved,

To give him £100 to enable him to fit out accordingly; And to desire the Lords of the Admiralty to cause the Persons he mentions to be received onboard His Majesty’s Ship the Prs Louisa, and to be brought back in the first ship of War that shall come from the West Indies, after the Trial is over.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea, held at the Admiralty on Tuesday the 18th September 1764. Present.

Earl of Egmont ...First Lord Commissr of the Admty~ Lord Visc.t Barrington ...Treasurer of the Navy. Charles Knowles Esqr ...} Hon~ble John Forbes ...} Sir Geo~. Pocock ...} Admirals of the Blue. Earl of Morton President of the Royal Society. Revd Mr Hornsby _Sav. Prof. of Astrony at Oxon Revd Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Asty & Exp. Phily. at Cambridge Mr Waring ...Lucas. Prof. Mathem.s at D.o Philip Stephens Esq.r ...Secy of the Admty~. Geo~. Cokburne Esqr Comptroller of the Navy.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read, together with those of the 9th of August 1763.

The Instructions given to Mr Harrison’s Son before his going abroad to make a 2.d Trial of his Timekeepers were Read, as were the Instructions given to Mr John Bradley and to the Rev.d Mr Maskelyne & Mr Chas. Green for making Observations at Portsmouth & Barbadoes of the Sun’s Equal Altitudes for the abovementioned Trial, and also for making Observations of the Eclipses of Jupiter’s Satellites in order to determine the difference of Meridians between Portsmouth & Barbadoes.

Mr Stephens then laid before the Board the Letter which he had received, as Secretary of the Admiralty, from Mr Harrison containing his declaration of the rate of the going of his Timekeeper & also the several letters which he had received from Mr Bradley, Mr Maskelyne & Mr Green containing the Observations that have been made by them, in obedience to the Instructions abovementioned, which being read, the Board came to the following Resolutions, Vizt,

That the said Observations be reduced to apparent Time.

That the Longitude be deduced from corresponding Observations, if any; but, if there be no corresponding Observations, that M.r Wag r gentine’s last Tables of Jupiter’s Satellites corrected by Observations be used for making the comparison, but at no greater distance of time from one another than six Revolutions of the First Satellite; And that the Comparisons be marked down & the Results severally flowing therefrom.

That the Longitude be also deduced from the Correspondent Observations of Occultations of fixt stars & Planets if there be any Correspondent Observations either at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, or among the Observations taken by Mr Bradley at Portsmouth.

That Mr Hornsby & Mr Green do extract the Observations of the first Satellite of Jupiter and the Occultations of the fixt Stars & Planets from the 15th of November 1763 to the 3d. of March 1764, from the Observation Book at Greenwich & certify that the Observations are faithfully copied & that Mr Harrison’s Son be present at the extracting the said Observations & sign the Certificate if he chuses it.

Resolved,

That the said Observations be referred to three Gentlemen of Skill to make the Calculations mentioned in the aforesaid Resolutions: And that Mr Harrison be at liberty to name three persons also for the same purpose.

Captain John Campbell & Doctor Bevis were named by some Members of the Board as very proper persons, to make those Calculations; And those Gentlemen being called in & severally asked if it would be agreeable to them to undertake the trouble of making the said Calculations, They answered in the Affirmative & then withdrew.

Mr Shepherd, one of the Members of the Board, then mentioned Mr George Witchell as a proper person to be added to the two Gentlemen abovenamed & said he would answer for his undertaking it, and the Board approved of Mr Witchell.

Resolved,

That Copies of Mr Harrison’s declaration of the rate of the going of his Timekeeper before he left Portsmouth, together with Copies of the Observations that have been transmitted to the Secretary of the Admiralty from Mr Bradley, Mr Maskelyne & Mr Green, & also the Observations collated with the Observation Book at Greenwich, be sent to Captain Campbell, Doctor Bevis & Mr Witchell respectively after they shall have been examined & attested by Mr Harrison or his son, in order to their making the said Calculations & that they be requested to return their Calculations by the last day of October if it suit with their Conveniency.

Resolved,

That Copies of all the papers abovementioned be also sent to Mr Harrison, in order to his getting the Calculations mentioned in the said Resolutions made by the persons he is at Liberty to appoint for that purpose.

Mr Harrison’s son being attending was called in & acquainted with the Resolutions of the Board and expressed himself satisfied therewith & said he should only add one Person to those named by the Board to make the said Calculations.

He then moved, on the part of his Father, to be allowed the £1000 which was ordered to be paid by a Resolution of the Board of the 17th of August 1762, “when Mr Harrison, or such Person as should go in his stead, should return from making a further Trial of his Timekeeper in the West Indies”;

Resolved,

That the sum of £1000 be paid Mr Harrison, conformable to the said Resolution.

Mr Stephens laid before the Board a Letter from Mr Maskelyne desiring to be paid the Expences he was at in proceeding to Barbadoes and for erecting an Observatory there amounting, in the whole, to the sum of £242.s8.d10;

Resolved,

That he be paid his said expences, together with the £300 which was promised him as a Gratuity before he went out And that he be allowed the money for which he may sell the Materials of which the abovementioned Observatory at Barbadoes is composed, to defray the expence of his Passage back to England & the Freight & reconveyance of the Instruments back to London, agreeable to his request.

A Letter was read from Mr. Chas. Green desiring also to be paid his Expences amounting to the sum of £214.s4.d9:

Resolved,

That he be paid his said Expences.

A Letter was then read from Mr Bird the Instrument Maker inclosing his Bill for a Reflecting Telescope &ca amounting to the sum of £39.s3.d0;

Resolved,

That the same be paid.

The Earl of Egmont laid before the Board a proposal from Mr George Witchell for finding the Longitude at sea by Observations of the moon, with the help of a General Table & Ephemerides, of which he has given a Specimen;

Resolved,

That the said proposal be referred to Mr Howe, Mr Raper & Mr Gael Morris, & that those Gentlemen be desired to favour the Board with their Sentiments upon the Method therein proposed.

Mr Green, who was attending, was called in & asked, if he knew any thing of the late Professor Meyer’s Tables that were entrusted to the Care of the late Mr Bliss; He said they were in the Possession of M.rs Bliss:

Resolved,

That M.rs Bliss be wrote to, to send the said Tables to Lord Egmont.

A Memorial was then read from Mr Christopher Irwin, Inventor of a Machine called a Marine Chair for making Observations of the Cœlestial Phænomena at sea, complaining of his being ill used in the process of the last Experiment which was ordered to be made on board the P.rs Louisa, & therefore desiring that he may be permitted to make another Trial of his said Machine & that a sum of money maybe granted him to enable him to do it;

His son, who was attending was called in & asked what ill Usage he had received; he said Mr Maskelyne had made no Observation during the Voyage & prevented Mr Green from making more than two;

Resolved,

That the Opinion of Rear Admiral Tyrrel contained in his Letter from Antigua of the 22.d of December 1763 & also that of Mr Maskelyne & Mr Green contained in their former’s L~re of the 22d, & in the latter’s of the 2 3 4th, of the same month, be read to Mr Irwin & that he be acquainted the Board do not think there is the least probability of his Chair answering the purpose for which it was designed therefore recommend it to him to desist from pursuing the said Invention any further.

He then withdrew.

The Sieurs Charles Babec & Philippe Brianseaux being attending were called in & presented to the Board a Plan for the discovery of the Longitude which they desired to deposit with the Board, that, in case they might succeed in their Invention they might not be deprived or the Reward by another person’s adopting the same plan;

Resolved,

That the said Plan be deposited with the other Papers relating to the Longitude & that a duplicate of the same attested by the Earl of Egmont, Admiral Knowles & Mr Stephens be delivered to them agreeable to their Request.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 19th of January 1765. Present

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Egmont ...First Commiss.r of the Admiralty Sir John Cust ...Speaker of the H.o of Commons Lord Visc.t Barrington -Treasurer of the Navy Henry Osborn Esqr ....} Sir Edw.d Hawke KB} Admirals of the White Cha.s Knowles Esq.r } Hon~ble John Forbes } Sir Geo~ Pocock } Admirals of the Blue Rt Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...President of the Royal Society Rev.d Mr Hornsby Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford. M.r Waring ...Lucasian Professor of Mathematicks at Cambridge Philip Stephens Esqr . Secretary of the Admiralty.

The Minutes of the Last meeting on the 19th of Septem.r 1764, were read.

A Letter from the Earl of Sandwich to the Earl of Egmont was then read, setting forth that he had rece~d His Majesty's Commands for the Appointment of the Revd Mr Nevil Maskelyne to the Royal Professorship at Greenwich, but that he would not be in Possession of his Office ‘til the middle of the next week as the necessary forms of Appointment will take some days before they can pass; that both he & Mr Professor Shepherd who has some papers to lay before the Commissioners, are obliged to be at Cambridge this day on Business of Importance; And that the other Professorship, which is now vacant, will probably be filled up soon.

Cap.t Campbell, D.r Bevis, Mr Witchell & Mr Short who were attending, were called in & the respective Computations of the Observations taken for the 2.d Trial of Mr Harrison’s Timekeeper, which they made in pursuance of the Resolutions of the Last Board, were then opened, And the Results thereof (which are as follows) having been read in their presence - they withdrew.

Differences of Meridians between Portsmouth & B’Bdoes Computers Names ye Observation ye Timekeeper Error of Timekeeper H. '. '' H. '. '' H. '. '' Cap.t Campbell 3.54.19,1 3.55.00,6 0.00.41,5 Dr Bevis 3.54.22 1/3 3.54.56 0.00.33 2/3 Mr Witchell 3.54.12,7 3.55.00,05 0.00.47,3 Mr Short 3.54.18 1/2 3.54.53 0.00.34 1/2

Resolved,

That the Thanks of this Board be given to Cap.t Campbell for the trouble he has taken in making the Computations; And

That Fifty Guineas be paid to D.r Bevis, and the like sum to Mr Witchell, as a Recompense for the trouble they had upon that Account.

The thanks of the Board were accordingly given to Cap.t Campbell – And Dr Bevis & Mr Witchell were told what recompense they were to receive, with which they expressed themselves satisfied and withdrew.

A Letter of the 1st of October last from Mr John Bradley was then read inclosing an Account of the Expences that he had been at in making the Observations at Portsmouth, amounting to £3.s7.d0 : Whereupon the Board took into Consideration what Reward to give him for the trouble he has taken in making the said Observations, on which he was employed from the beginning of November 1763 to the End of March 1764, and Unanimously Resolved to give him One hundred & Fifty Guineas in full for the same, the abovementioned Expences, & such others as he may have been at in coming up to London to attend the Commissioners & in returning to Portsmouth

Mr Hornsby & Mr Waring expressing a desire to have Copies of all the abovementioned computations,

Resolved,

That the Computers be desired to get five Copies made of each of their respective Computations (the Expence of which will be repaid them) & to send the same attested by themselves, to the Secretary for the Use of Mr Hornsby & Mr Waring, the Royal Astronomer, & the other two Professors

Resolved,

That Mr Maskelyne & Mr Green be desired to return the Instruments which are in their Possession; that Mr Bradley be indulged with the use of those in his possession for some time longer, as he desires, to enable him to carry on Observations at Portsmouth; And that Mr Maskleyne be also desired, when he gets his Appointment as Royal Astronomer, to return the Reflecting Telescope which was in the possession of the late Mr Bliss.

Resolved,

That the Observations, which were made by M.r Maskelyne & Mr Green of the distance of the Moon from the Sun & fixed Stars in order to try the Accuracy of the late Professor Mayer's’s Lunar Tables, be sent to Dr Bevis' & Mr Witchell; those Gentlemen having undertaken to compute the same; That the abovementioned Tables which Lord Egmont informed the Board are now in the Possession of Mr Stephens be put into the Charge of Mr Maskleyne, so soon as he is appointed Royal Astronomer; And that the said Mr Maskelyne be desired to give D.r Bevis & Mr Witchell such Access thereto as may be necessary to enable them to make those Computations.

The Board being informed that the Sieurs Babec & Brianseaux were attending, they were called in & asked what further they had to offer; They desired that they might be furnished with a Ship & be otherwise enabled to make Experiments at sea of their Plan for the discovery of the Longitude: In answer to which they were informed that their request could not be complied with, but that their Plan which was deposited with the Board on the 18th of Septem.r last, as well as the Sequel & Explanation thereof which they have since left in the hands of the Secretary, should be taken proper care of (as they before desired) that, in case they should succeed in their Invention, they might not be deprived of the Reward, by any other person’s adopting the same plan – they then withdrew.

A Memorial from Mr Christopher Irwin was then read desiring the Board to order him a supply of money to enable him to accomplish his Marine Chair in order to its being employed on other Trials; His Son, who was attending, was called in & informed that this request could not be complied with for the reasons given by the last Board; And that part of their minutes having been read to him – he was desired to withdraw.

The Opinions of Mr Howe, Mr Raper, & Mr Morris on Mr Witchell’s proposal for finding the Longitude at sea by Observations of the Moon with the Help of a General Table & Ephemerides were then read. But the Board did not come to any Resolution thereon.

A State of the Money which has been issued by the Treasurer of His Majesty’s Navy, for the purposes of making Experiments & defraying the Expences incident thereto, in consequence of Certificates given by the Commissioners pursuant to the powers vested in them, was laid before the Board, And it appearing thereby that the last £2000 which the Commissioners have been authorized by Parliament to dispose of for those purposes, is already expended & that part of the money which was agreed by the last Board to be paid, as well as what has been now agreed to, cannot be issued without fresh powers from Parliament: The Board were of Opinion that Application should be made to Parliament for a further Sum of Money to enable them to pay what is already agreed to, as well as to carry on further Experiments if necessary; And also for fresh powers (in case Mr Harrison should Obtain a Certificate for receiving any of the Rewards granted by the 12th of Queen Anne) enabling the Commissioners to give rewards to any other person or persons who may hereafter discover the Longitude at sea, by any other method than that invented by Mr Harrison

A Memorial of this date from Mr John Harrison was read, reciting part of the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, & praying the Commissioners to grant him a Certificate as directed by the said Act that he may receive the reward thereby granted for having invented a Method by which His Majesty's Ship the Tartar hath actually sailed from Portsmouth to Barbadoes without losing her Longitude beyond the nearest Limits mentioned in the said Act: the Board taking into consideration that a great part of the Commissioners, amongst whom are the Royal Astronomer & two of the Professors, are absent, postponed the Consideration of the said Memorial until this day three weeks when they agreed to meet again at this place for that purpose.

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca Which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 9th of February 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont ...First Commiss.r of the Adm~ty. S.r John Cust Bt ...Speaker of the Ho. of Commons L.d Visc.t Barrington ...Treasurer of the Navy. Sir William Rowley KB...Admiral of the Fleet. Henry Osborn Esqr ...Admiral of the White Charles Knowles Esqr } Hon~ble John Forbes } Sir George Pocock KB} Admirals of the Blue. Rt Honble~Earl of Morton ...President of the R.l Society. Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Royal Astronomer. Rev.d M.r Hornsby ...Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford Mr Waring ...Lucasian Professor of Mathematicks at Cambridge Revd Mr Shepherd ...Plumian Professor of Astronomy & Experiml Philosophy at D.o. Philip Stephens Esqr ...Secretary of the Admiralty George Cokburne Esq.r Comptroller of the Navy.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

Mr Maskelyne acquainted the Board that it has not yet been in his power to return the Instruments in his possession but that he will do it as soon as possible;

Resolved,

That he & Mr Green be desired to send the Instruments to the Maker Mr Bird who is to be directed, when he has examined & Adjusted them, to send them to the Admiralty Office;

That Mr Bradley be desired, when he has done with those in his possession, to deliver them into the Charge of the Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth;

That the Lords of the Admiralty be desired to permit the first mentioned Instruments (when examined & adjusted by Mr Bird) to be lodged in some proper place in the Admiralty Office where Mr Bird may have occasional Access to them to inspect into their state & Condition;

That their Lordships be also desired to give orders to the Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth to receive the other Instruments, when done with by Mr Bradley, & to take proper Care of them 'til they maybe wanted again.

Mr Harrison's Memorial, which was laid before the last Board, was again read; And the Earl of Morton then read & explained to the Board the proceedings of himself & the Other Commissioners appointed, by an Act of the 3.d of His present Majesty, to receive the discovery which Mr Harrison had proposed to make of the principles of his Timekeeper previous to his son's last Voyage to the West Indies;

The Board having duly weighed & considerd the same & having also taken into Consideration the difference of Longitude between Portsmouth in Great Britain and Bridge Town in the Island of Barbadoes resulting from a mean of Corresponding Astronomical Observations made at both places, agreeable to the Resolutions of this Board of the 4th & 9th of August 1763 & to the Instructions given in consequence thereof; And having compared the said difference with the difference of Longitude between the said places given by Mr John Harrison's Timekeeper, Are Unanimously of Opinion that the said Timekeeper has kept it's time with sufficient Correctness and without losing it's Longitude in the Voyage from Portsmouth to Barbadoes beyond the nearest Limit required by the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne, but even considerably within the same: But, in regard the said Mr John Harrison hath not yet made a discovery of the Principles upon which the said Timekeeper is constructed, nor of the method of carrying those principles into Execution, by means whereof other such Timekeepers might be framed of sufficient correctness to find the Longitude at sea within the Limits by the said Act required whereby the said Invention might be adjudged practicable and usefull in terms of the said Act & agreeable to the true Intent & meaning thereof, They do not therefore think themselves authorized to grant any Certificate to the said Mr John Harrison until he shall have made a full & clear discovery of the said principles & method, and the same shall have been found practicable & usefull to their Satisfaction: But they are, notwithstanding, of Opinion that Application should be made to Parliament for Leave to pay to the said Mr John Harrison, upon his producing his Timekeeper to certain persons to be named by this Board & discovering to them, upon Oath, the principles & manner of making the same, so much money as will make up the Sums already advanced to him £10,000, exclusive of what he has received on Account of improving his said Timekeeper: And moreover to pay him the remainder of the reward of £20,000 on proof being made, to the Satisfaction of this Board, that his method will be of common & general Utility in finding the Longitude at sea within the nearest Limits required by the abovementioned Act of the 12th of Queen Anne.

Mr Harrison's Son, who was attending, was called in & acquainted with these resolutions; A Copy of which he desired might be sent to his father - And then withdrew.

Resolved,

That a Copy thereof be sent to Mr. John Harrison accordingly in Answer to his beforementioned Memorial.

A Memorial from the Revd Mr Nevil Maskelyne was then read setting forth to the Effect following, vizt,

"That in his Voyage to, & returning from, St Helena, he had made frequent Observations with Hadley's Quadrant of the distance of the Moon from the Sun & fixed Stars; from which Observations, by the help of the late Professor Mayer's Lunar Tables, he computed the Longitude of the Ship from time to time; And, from the near Agreement of the Observations together but principally from their near Agreement with the making Land, when the Ship's common Reckoning was very erroneous, he inferred that the Longitude thus determined would never err a whole degree.

"That, after his return from that Voyage, he published a Book intituled the British Mariners Guide &ca; containing full & plain Instructions for making those Observations. That, in his late Voyage to, & return from, Barbadoes, he had made like Observations with the abovementioned Quadrant; Which, by a particular method of examining the Adjustment of that Instrument, he found to agree still nearer together than in his former Voyage; that he made Barbadoes, by his last Observation before his Arrival there within half a degree of the true Longitude, And, at his Return, the Isle of Wight within 16 Minutes of it's true Situation: And that he several times determined the Longitude of the Ship by Observations taken with the said Quadrant & with the Sextant put into his hands by order of this Board (near the same time) and that the Longitude, by both, agreed to 10 minutes;

"That he apprehends if Mr Mayer's last Manuscript Lunar Tables (which he is informed are much more exact than the printed ones) were printed, it may be presumed the Longitude deduced from them will come considerably within a degree: And

"That he is authorized to say, by the Gentlemen who have made Trials of the Method abovementioned) that they apprehend nothing is wanting to make the same generally practicable at sea, but a Nautical Ephemeris, an Assistance which they & many more hope for from this Board"

A Letter from Mr Charles Mears, Commander of the Egmont, & a Certificate of Mr James Dewar, Commander of the Speaker East India ships, both which papers accompanied Mr Maskelyne's aforesaid Memorial, were then read, the former representing, "That, in the Course of his last Voyage, the Observations, taken in the method prescribed by Mr Maskelyne, were found very usefull & not difficult, each Observation not taking up more than four hours time to find the result which always (when near Land where Longitude was correctly known) agreed within One degree; seldom a greater Error" and referring for further particulars to Mr Lauder his Chief Mate; the Latter certifying "That the method of finding the Longitude at sea by Observations of the Moon, as explained by Mr Maskleyne's abovementioned Book, had been practised by the Officers on board his ship with the greatest success & proved usefull in the Navigation of the Ship".

The following persons, who were attending by Mr Maskelyne's desire, vizt.

Mr James Lauder ...Chief Mate of the Egmont} James Stephens ...Late 6.th d.o of the Speaker} Rob.t Scott ...3.d Mate of D.o} John Horsely ...4 Mate of the Glatton} East India Ships.

were then, at his request, called in separately & examined as to the Utility & practicability of the Abovementioned Observations; they produced their Journals & some Abstracts of the Results of their Observations & all agreed in testifying that they had determined the Longitude of their respective ships from time to time by Observations of the Moon taken in the manner directed by the aforesaid Book & found the said Observations easily & exactly to be made and that the Longitude resulting always agreed with the making of Land (near the time of the Observations) to One Degree; that they could make the Calculations in a few hours not exceeding four hours; and are of Opinion that, if a Nautical Ephemeris was published, this Method might be easily & generally practised by Seamen - they then withdrew.

The Board having taken the matter into Consideration came thereupon to the following Resolutions Vizt.

Resolved,

That it is the opinion of this Board, upon the Evidence given of the Utility of the Late Professor Mayer's Lunar Tables, that it is proper the said Tables should be printed: And that Application should be made to Parliament for power to give a Sum, not exceeding £5000, to the Widow of the said Professor as a Reward for the said Tables, part of which have been communicated by her since her Husband's decease, And also for power to give a Reward to persons to compile a Nautical Ephermeris and for Authority to print the same, when compiled, in order to make the said Lunar Tables of General Utility.

Resolved,

That the four persons last mentioned be desired to leave the Results of their Observations, or Copies thereof, with this Board - And Mr Maskelyne was desired to procure the same.

Resolved,

That it is unnecessary to send the Observations of the Moon which Mr Maskelyne & Mr Green made at Sea to Dr. Bevis & Mr. Witchell to compute as directed by the Last Board.

Mr Harrison gave an Account of the Expence of getting Copies of the Observations taken for the Trial of his Timekeeper made for some of the Gentlemen who computed the same; And also of getting Copies of the Computations made for the Use of the Professors as directed by last Board, amounting together to 15£.0s.0d;

Resolved,

That the same be paid.

A Memorial from the Rev.d Mr Hardy was then read containing propositions for finding the Longitude, together with a Letter from the late Mr Bliss (to whom his plan had been referred about a year ago) setting forth that the same is not practicable either at Land or sea nor worthy the Attention of a Bd of Longitude;

Resolved.

That Mr Hardy, who is attending, be informed that the Commiss.rs see no reason for differing in Opinion with the Late Mr Blisse, and that they cannot therefore give him the Encouragement & Assistance he desires.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca; which was held at the Admiralty Office on Saturday the 23.d of February 1765. Present.

Rt. Hon~ble Earl of Egmont ...First Lord Commissr. of the Adm~ty Sir John Cust ...Speaker of the Ho~ of Com~ons Lord Visc.t Barrington -Treasurer of the Navy. Henry Osborn Esq.r } Thos. Griffin Esq.r }Admirals of the White Hon~ble John Forbes...} Sir Geo~ Pocock...}Admirals of the Blue R.t Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...Presid.t of the Royal Society. Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Royal Astronomer. Mr Shepherd ...Plumn. Prof. Ast. Camb. Philip Stephens Esq.r Secretary of the Admty. Geo~ Cockburne Esqr . Comptroller of the Navy.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were read.

Some propositions to be offered to the House of Commons agreeeable to the Resolutions of the Last Board were read & approved of.

A Letter from ~~the Rev.d~~ Mr R.d Dunthorne of Cambridge to Mr Maskelyne was then read, setting forth that several years before Mr Mayer published his first Tables, two Letters of his were printed in the Philosophical Transactions in the first of which he proposed an Equation tantamount to two of Mr Mayer's new ones; and, in the Latter, established the backwards crescent moon symbol? s Acceleration whence it was confessedly adopted by him; And desiring that he may be allowed a Reward after having taken off 1/2 the Errors of the best Lunar Tables at that time extant;

The Board having taken the same into consideration did not think fit to propose that any Reward should be given to him as it may tend to the opening a door to numberless Applications of the like kind from other persons.

A Letter from Mr James Short was read desiring to have Copies of the Computations which were made, by order of the Commissioners, of the Observations taken for the first Trial of Mr Harrison's Timekeeper: But the Board did not think fit to comply with his Request.

Mr Maskelyne laid before the Board an Account of the Expence he was at in returning from Barbadoes to England amounting to £87.s12.d3 1/2 Sterling; And, at the same time, represented that the money which the Old Observatory at Barbadoes had sold for & which was allowed him towards defraying the said Expences, had amounted to no more than £18-s10-d4;

Resolved,

That he be paid as much more money as, with the amount of the said Materials, will make up the said sum of £87.s12.d3 1/2.

Several proposals from different persons which had been given in from time to time & could not be taken into consideration before were now laid before the Board;

Resolved,

That the same be sent to the Rl Astronomer & that he be desired to examine & report whether they contain any thing that may tend to the discovery of the Longitude at Sea.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners &c.a for the discovery of the Longitude at sea; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 25th of May 1765. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Egmont ...First L.d Comm.r of the Adm~ty Henry Osborn Esqr...} Sir Edw.d Hawke...} Admirals of the White Sir Geo~. Pocock ...Admiral of the Blue Rt. Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...President of the Rl Society Revd. Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal _ Mr Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon _ Mr Betts ...Sav. Prof. Geom. Oxon. _ Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. Camb. Mr Waring ...Lucas: Prof. Math. Camb. Philip Stephens Esq.r Secretary of the Adm~ty Geo~. Cokburne Esqr ...Comptroller of the Navy Revd. Dr. Long ...Lowndes's Prof. Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the Last meeting on the 23.d of Feb~ry last were read.

An Act lately passed for explaining & amending those of the 12th of Queen Anne & 26th of Geo~ 2.d relating to Longitude was, in part, read.

Resolved,

To adjourn 'til Tuesday Morning next at Nine o, Clock, at which time the absent Commissioners are to be desired to attend.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appounted &ca. for the discovery of the Longitude &c.a which was held at the Admiralty on Tuesday the 28th of May 1765. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Egmont -First LdCommr. of the Adm~ty ---Sir John Cust ...Speaker of the H.o~ of Com~ons ---Ld Visc.t Barrington -Treasurer of the Navy. Sir W.m Rowley ...Admiral of the Fleet, Henry Osborn Esq.r } Sir Edw.d Hawke}Admirals of the White Hon~ble John Forbes...} Sir Geo~ Pocock...}Admirals of the Blue Rt. Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...President of the Rl Society. Revd. Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal. Rev.d Mr Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon ---Mr Betts ...Do- Geom. Do. ---Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. Camb. Mr Waring ...Lucas: Prof. Math. D.o Cha.s Jenkinson Esq.r } Thomas Whately Esqr } Secretaries of the Treasury. Philip Stephens Esqr .Secretary of the Adm~ty Geo~ Cokburne Esqr Comptroller of the Navy. Revd. D.r Long Lowndes's Prof. Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 25 Instant were read.

The Act passed in the Last Session of Parliament for explaining & amending those of the 12th of Queen Anne & 26 of George the 2.d was then read: After which the Board went into the Consideration of proper means for carrying the said Act into execution, and having discoursed some time upon that part of it which relates to giving a Reward to Mr John Harrison upon his discovering the Principles of his Watch or Timekeeper, his Son, who was attending was called in & was desired to inform the Board in what manner his Father proposes to discover the said principles. He answered that he was commissioned by him to deliver to the Board the identical drawings from which his said Watch or Timekeeper was made, with explanations thereof in Writing, and that his Father expects that the Commissioners will, upon receipt of the said drawings & explanations, give him a Certificate to enable him to receive the first Reward directed to be paid him by the abovementioned Act; And that he is not authorized by his Father to offer any other Mode of Discovery.

He then withdrew.

The Board then took into consideration the method of discovery proposed by Mr. Harrison's son, on the part of his Father as abovementioned; & being unanimously of Opinion that Drawings & written explanations alone, will not be a sufficient & satisfactory discovery of the Principles of the said Watch or Timekeeper agreeable to the beforementioned Act;

Resolved,

That Mr Harrison be acquainted that the Commissioners do expect his compliance with what is undermentioned before they can give him the Certificate he desires, Vizt

1. That he shall discover fully, by drawings and a written explanation the principles upon which his said Watch is constructed & deliver the same to this Board, upon Oath 2d. That he shall give a further explanation, by word of Mouth & experimental exhibitions where judged necessary, of the said principles & of every thing relative to the construction of the said Watch; producing the same; taking it to pieces; and answering, upon Oath, to every question proposed by the Board and such persons as may be appointed by them for the examination thereof, 3. That he is to make over the property of the three several Timekeepers & the Watch ~~when~~ when he shall received his Certificate.

Mr Harrison's Son, who was attending, was called in & these resolutions having been read to him & a Copy given him to shew to his Father, he withdrew, having been first told that the Board expected to know his Father's determination on Thursday morning next, when they would meet again for that purpose.

28 May 1765 Euler & Mayer The Board then went into the Consideration of the other part of the said Act & came to the following Resolutions, Vizt,

That the Navy Board be desired to sign Bills upon the Treasurer of the Navy for paying to Professor Euler & the Widow or other Representatives of the late Professor Mayer the respective Rewards assigned them by Parliament;

That the Secretary do write to Mr Euler & Mrs. Mayer to inform them of it & to desire them to appoint proper persons to receive the same.

Resolved,

That the Ephemeris & Tables, to be constructed in consequence of the said Act, be for the purposes of Astronomy as well as Navigation: And that the Royal Astronomer & the other Professors, Members of this Board, be desired to consider of & propose a proper plan for such an Ephemeris.

Resolved,

That a Method invented by Mr Israel Lyons of the Town of Cambridge /& now delivered in by Mr Shepherd/ for finding the Corrections of Refraction & Parallax, And also a method, for the like purpose, invented by Mr George Witchell (being, as the Board understands, an Improvement of that which he gave in on the 18th of Septr. last) be sent, so soon as Mr Witchell shall deliver in his which he is to be desired to do at next meeting, to John Howe Esqr Matthew Raper Esqr , Mr Gael Morris & Doctor Bevis, And that those Gentlemen be desired to examine the same & report their opinions thereupon, separately & comparatively, together with any Improvements they may be able to suggest; And that Mr Witchell & Mr. Lyons be desired to deliver in Estimates of the Expence which will attend the making & publishing the Tables agreeable to their said Methods respectively.

The Earl of Morton then acquainted the Board that M.rs Price, Daughter of the late Doctor Halley, had sent to his Lordship several Observations & Computations which had been made by her said Father, whilst Royal Astronomer, together with several Manuscript papers, a Schedule of which his Lordship read to the Board; and, at the same time, moved that some Reward might be given to the said M.rs Price, who has been the means of putting the Public in Possession of the said papers which may tend to the Improvement of the Lunar Tables & be useful to Astronomy & Navigation.

Resolved,

That the same be taken into Consideration at the next Board

The Earl of Egmont laid before the Board a Letter which had been put into his Lordship's hands by the French Ambassador from Mons~ Andrè de Sainte a French Gentleman representing that he has found out a method for discovering the Longitude at sea, by means of a small & simple Machine

Resolved,

That Mons~. de Sainte be informed that if he will send such an Account of the Nature of his Machine to the Board as that some Judgement may be formed of it's Merits, the same will be taken into Consideration.

A Memorial was then read from Mr Samuel Dunn inclosing a Pamphlet intitled Improvements on the doctrine of the Sphere &ca. in which he says is pointed out of what Consequence the Corrections therein contained will be in finding the true Longitude at sea;

Resolved,

That the said Pamphlet be referred to the Astronomer Royal; and that he be desired to report his Opinion upon it to the Board.

Adjourned to Thursday Morning next. at 10 oClock.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &ca. for the discovery of the Longitude &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday the 30th of May 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont ...First LdCommr. of the Adm~ty ...Sir John Cust ...Speaker of the H.o of Com~ons ...Lord Visc.t Barrington ...Treasurer of the Navy. Sir Edw.d. Hawke ...Admiral of the White/ Hon~ble John Forbes...} Sir Geo~. Pocock...}Admirals of the Blue Rt. Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...President of the Rl Society Revd. Mr. Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal. ...Mr. Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon. ...Mr. Betts ...Sav. Prof. Geom. Do. ...Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. Camb. Mr Waring ...Lucas: Prof. Math. Camb. Philip Stephens Esqr ....Secretary of the Admiralty Geo~. Cokburne Esqr ...Comptroller of the Navy Rev.d Dr. Long ...Lowndes's Prof. Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the Last meeting on the 28th Instant were read.

Mr John Harrison, who was attending, was called in (together with his Son) and discoursed with concerning the method proposed for the discovery of the principles of his Watch or Timekeeper; and consented to do it agreeable to the Resolutions of the Last Board

They then withdrew,

The Board then took into consideration the Nomination of proper persons to be present when the discovery shall be made; And, after some time spent therein, Mr Harrison & his Son were again called in: and some persons, who were named by the Commissioners, having been objected to by them, the Board came to the following Resolutions which were agreed to by Mr. Harrison, vizt,

That, in addition to such of the Commissioners who shall chuse to be present, three Gentlemen skilled in Mechanics, and three Watchmakers be appointed to attend when the abovementioned discovery shall be made;

That the former be Lord Cha.s Cavendish; the Rev.d Mr John Michell late Woodwardian Professor at Cambridge; and the Rev.d Mr William Ludlam Fellow of S.t John's Colledge Cambridge; And that the Latter be Mr Thomas Mudge, and Mr. William Mathews of Fleet-street, and Mr Larcum Kendal of Furnival's Inn Court.

And, in case any of the former should refuse, that then Mr John Bird Mathematical Instrument Maker in the Strand; And, in case any of the Latter should refuse, that then Mr Justin Vulliamy of Pall Mall or such other persons as the Commissioners shall think fit, be desired to supply their places.

Resolved,

That the Secretary do write to the Abovementd Mr Michell and Mr Ludlam, and also to Mr Mudge Mr Mathews & Mr Kendal to know if they will undertake to give their Attendance when the discovery shall be made; And, if they will, to desire they will meet the Commissioners at this place on this day fortnight.

Lord Egmont was please^^d to undertake to write to the same Effect to Lord Chas. Cavendish,

Resolved,

That is be an Instruction to such of the abovementioned Gentlemen & Watchmakers, as may be inclined to attend, to meet Mr Harrison as soon as possible and to continue their meetings with him without Interruption; And that they be enjoined not to make any discovery of the Principles of the Watch to any but the Board, without Leave of the Commissioners.

Resolved,

That the sum of £100 be paid to M.rs Catharine Price as a Reward for having delivered to the Public the Manuscript papers of her late Father Doctor Halley which were mentioned to the Last Board by the Earl of Morton; And that his Lordship be desired to lay the said papers before the Board at their next meeting.

The Board understanding that the Executors of the Late D.r Bradley have in their possession the Observations & Computations which were made by him whilst he was Royal Astronomer,

Lord Egmont was desired to mention the same to One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, to the end that proper measures may be taken for their being recovered for the use of the public.

The Royal Astronomer & other Professors who are Commissioners, delivered to the Board a Plan of an Ephemeris which was approved of; And they were desired to look out for proper persons to calculate the different parts thereof, and to report to the next Board the Terms on which such persons will respectively undertake to make^/e the said Calculations.

Mr Witchell having delivered in, agreeable to the desire of Last Board, another plan of Tables for finding the Corrections of Refraction & Parallax

Resolved,

That the said plan, together with that invented by Mr Lyons which Mr Shepherd delivered in to the Last Board, be referred only to Mr Howe, Mr Raper & Mr Morris, and not to Doctor Bevis as was directed by Last Board.

Adjourned to this day fortnight at 12 oClock.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners &ca. for the discovery of the Longitude &ca. which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday the 13th of June 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont -First Comm.r of the Adm~ty -Sr John Cust ...Speaker of the Ho~ of Com~ons Henry Osborn Esqr .-Admiral of the White Hon~ble John Forbes...} S.r Geo~ Pocock-}Admirals of the Blue R.t Hon~ble Earl of Morton President of the R.l Society. Revd. Mr Maskelyne Astronomer Royal -Mr Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon -Mr Betts ...Sav. Prof. Geom. Oxon. -Mr Shepherd ...Plum. Prof. Ast. Camb. S.r Thos. Salusbury ...Judge High C.t Adm~ty Php Stephens Esqr ....Secretary of the Adm~ty Geo~. Cokburne Esqr ....Comptroller of the Navy. Rev.d Dr Long ...Lowndes Prof: Ast: Camb:

The Rev.d Mr Michell & Mr Ludlam, together with Mr Bird (Lord Chas. Cavendish having declined to come) & the three Watchmakers named in the Margin Mr Mudge Mr Mathew Mr Kendal , who were attending in consequence of the Resolutions of the Last Board, were introduced.

The Minutes of the Last meeting were then read; as were the Board's Resolutions of the 28th of Last month, with regard to the manner in which they expect Mr Harrison to make the discovery of the Principles of his Time keeper; And, after some conversation upon the matter, the persons abovementioned agreed to attend Mr Harrison to receive the said discovery agreeable to the Board's Resolutions.

Mr Harrison, who was attending, was then called in (together with his Son) and being informed that the Board was now ready to fix upon a time for his making the abovementioned discovery agreeable to the Resolutions of the two Last Boards which had been communicated to him & to which he had before given his Assent, he denied ever having given such Assent & absolutely refused to do it agreeable to those Resolutions; And, at the same time, referred the Board to a Letter, which he said he had delivered at their Last meeting, containing his Objections thereto. The Board, not recollecting any thing of that Latter were naturally led into an Enquiry concerning it; and thereupon found, that such a one had been discovered lying upon the Table by some of the the Commissioners who remained after the Last Board broke up & had been given by them to the Secretary ; But it did not appear to whom the said Letter had been delivered or how it came upon the Table. It was then called for & read in the Words following, Vizt,

"My Lords & Gentlemen,

"On Tuesday I received, by the hand of my Son, your Resolutions on that day; the first of which is what I thought you would demand therefore my Son was commissioned to comply with it.

"The first part of the Second Resolution vizt, "That I shall give a farther explanation by Word of Mouth" may also be complied with; but it must be mentioned who I am to give this further explanation to, for I will never attempt to explain it to the Satisfaction of the Commissioners and who they may appoint nor will I ever come under the directions of Men of Theory. As to the Other part of this your second Resolution, vizt "Experimental exhibitions where judged necessary, relative to the said Watch; producing the same; taking it in pieces, & answering upon Oath to every Question proposed by the Board & such persons as may be appointed by them for the examination thereof" these are Terms which I cannot comply with.

"As to your third Resolution that I certainly will comply with, when I have got my just reward.

"I cannot help thinking but I am extremely ill used by Gentlemen who I might have expected a different treatment from; for if the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne be deficient why have I so long been encouraged under it, in order to bring my invention to perfection? and, after the completion, why was my Son sent twice to the West Indies? Had it been said to my son, when he received the last Instructions, there will, in case you succeed, be a new Act at your return in order to lay you under new Restrictions which were not thought of in the Act of the 12th of Queen Anne; I say, had this been the Case, I might have expected some such Treatment as I now meet with.

"It must be owned my Case is very hard, but I hope I am the first, and, for my Country's sake, shall be the last that suffers by pinning my faith on an English Act of Parliament. Had I received my just Reward, for certainly it might be so called after 40 years close application in the Improvement of that Talent which it had plased God to give me, then my Invention would have taken the Course which all Improvements in this World do, that is, I must have instructed Workmen in it's Principles & execution, which I should have been glad to have had the opportunity of doing; but how widely this is different to what is now proposed Viz, for me to instruct People that I know nothing of & such as may know nothing of Mechanicks; And if I do not make them understand to their satisfaction I may then have Nothing? hard fate indeed to me, but stil harder to the World, which may be deprived of this my Invention, which must be the Case except by my open & free manner of describing all the principles of it to Gentlemen & Workmen who, almost at all times, have had free Recourse to see my Instruments; And, if any of these Workmen shall have been so ingenious as to have got my Invention, how far you will please to reward them for their Piracy must be left for you to determine; And I must sit myself down in Old Age & thank God I can be more easy in that I have made the Conquest & though I have no Reward than if I had come short of the matter & by some delusion had the Reward. I am Lords & Gentlemen Your humble Servant John Harrison. May 30th. 1765."

Mr Harrison was then told, by a Majority of the Commissioners present that, with regard to Experimental Exhibitions to which he seemed to make so much Objection, all that the Board meant thereby was that in case there should be any particular Operations relating to the Construction of the Timekeeper which could not be sufficiently explained by Words so as to convey a full & clear Idea of the Method of executing the same in such case the Board would expect to see the Operation performed or the Experiment made. The Method of tempering his Springs was instanced as one of those Operations or Experiments & it was supposed there might be others of the Like Nature. Upon which he left the Board abruptly, declaring "That he never would consent to it, so long as he had a drop of English Blood in his Body"

His Son also withdrew.

The following Form of an Oath (grounded upon the abovementioned Resolutions of the 28th & 30th of last month) was then drawn up, Viz.t

"Westminster to Wit,

I John Harrison do swear that the annexed drawings and written paper contain a full explanation of the Principles upon which my Watch or Timekeeper for discovering the Longitude is constructed: And I further do swear that I will give to the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea & to the Six persons named in the margin Revd Mr Jno Michell Revd Mr W.m Ludlam Mr Jno Bird Mr Thos. Mudge Mr W.m Mathews Mr Larcum Kendal who have been chosen by them to be present at the discovery, such further explanation by Word of Mouth, & by experimental Exhibitions where judged necessary as shall be required of me relative to the Construction of the said Watch or Timekeeper; And that I will produce the same, take it to pieces, & answer truly to every question proposed by the said Commissioners & the Other persons abovementioned or any of them relative thereto"

And Mr Harrison's Son (his Father being gone) was called in; And the said Form having been shewn to him he was asked if he thought his Father would take it previous to the discovery; he answered in the Negative & told the Board that his father had declared before he went "That he would have nothing further to do with it" He was then desired to withdraw.

Resolved (nem. con)

That is it the Opinion of this Board that the Terms proposed to Mr Harrison for a discovery of the Principles & Construction of his Watch or Timekeeper are reasonable & proper; And that, as he has so peremptorily refused to comply therewith, they do not think themselves authorized to give him any Certificate, or that it is to any purpose to treat with him any further upon the Matter 'til he alters his present Sentiments.

Resolved,

That the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Commissioners with respect to Mr Harrison since the late Act was passed relating to his Timekeeper be printed & made Public.

The Board then went into the Consideration of printing the late Professor Mayer's Lunar Tables and of employing proper persons to calculate an Ephemeris; and came thereupon to the following Resolutions, Vizt,

That the Royal Astronomer be desired to agree with some proper Printer for printing (as soon as they shall be Assigned to the Commissioners for the Use of the Public) the said Professor's latest Manuscript Lunar Tables, Lunar Theory & other papers relative to the Longitude; That, after reducing them to the Meridian of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, he do put them to the Press & Oversee the Correction of them, And that he do cause 2000 Copies to be printed off & no more, which he is to reserve at the said Observatory 'til the Commissioners shall order them to be published or otherwise disposed of;

That Mr Israel Lions & Mr George Witchell (who were proposed as proper persons by the Professors) be employed by the Royal Astronomer to calculate an Ephemeris for the year 1767 agreeable to the Plan given into the last Board;

That M.r John Mapson & Mr W.m Wales, proposed by the Royal Astronomer, be also employed by him to calculate another Ephemeris for the year 1768 agreeable to the said Plan;

That the said four persons be allowed £70 each for their troubling in making those Calculations;

That the Royal Astronomer do furnish them with such Books as may be necessary for the purpose & lay before the Board an Account of the Expence he shall be at in purchasing the same; and that he do look out for & employ a proper person to correct the Press.

The Earl of Morton informing the Board that he had forgot to bring with him the late Doctor Halley's Manuscripts, his Lordship was desired to deliver the Observations & Computations to the Council of the Royal Society, to be, by them, given into the Custody of the Royal Astronomer; and to send the other papers to the Secretary of the Board.

The Royal Astronomer informing the Board that the late Doctor Bradley's Executors are ready to deliver his Observations to such proper persons as may be appointed to receive them; Lord Egmont was desired to remind One of the Secretaries of State about making a demand of the said Observations.

Adjourned to this day Month.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday the 18th of July 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont _First L.d Commiss.~ Adm~ty. _Sir John Cust Speaker Ho. Com~ons Henry Osborn Esqr ._Admiral of the White Chas. Knowles Esqr .} S.r George Pocock }_Admirals of the Blue Rev.d Mr Maskelyne _Astronomer Royal. _Mr Hornsby _Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon _Mr Betts _Do Geom~. Do _Dr. Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb: Php Stephens Esqr _Secretary of the Adm~ty. Geo~. Cokburne Esqr _Comptroller of the Navy Rev.d Dr. Long _Lowndes's Prof: Ast: Camb:

The Minutes of the Last Meeting on the 13th of last month were read.

The Reports of Mess.rs Howe, Raper & Morris upon Mess.rs Witchell's & Lyon's Schemes for finding the Effects of Parallax and Refraction, which were referred to them, were read;

A Letter from Mr Geo~. Witchell, dated this day, upon the subject of his said Scheme, was also read;

And the said Mr Witchell, who was attending, was called in, and, after some conversation with him upon the matter, the Board came to the following Resolutions, which were agreed to by him, Viz.t

That he be allowed £1000 for computing, correcting & printing 1000 Copies of his General Tables of Refraction & Parallax with the Additions proposed by Mess.rs Raper & Howe, paper and every thing else included; And that he be allowed the price of the paper and Expence of printing off as many thousands more, before the Press shall be broken, as this Board shall think proper to direct, at the usual rate: All which Books shall be the property of this Board;

That he shall complete this work by the time that the Ephemeris for the year 1767 shall be published;

That these Tables shall be printed with new Types, and that the paper shall be of the sort most proper for such tables.

Resolved,

That a Copy of the abovementioned proposed Additions be sent to Mr Witchell for his Information.

Resolved,

That Mr Lyons be likewise employed to make the Additions to his own tables which are recommended by the s.d Mess.rs Raper & Howe; And that the said Tables, when that is done, be inserted at the end of the Ephemeris.

The Board then came to the further Resolutions following with regard to the Ephemerides which have been ordered to be computer, vizt,

That the Number to be printed, for each year, be 3000;

That the Astronomer Royal be desired to furnish the Computers thereof with the proper Books & Tables and whatever else may be necessary to assist them in their Computations, upon their giving a Receipt for the same & a promise to re-deliver them, when demanded, to him or the Board;

That he do employ some proper person to compute the distances of the Moon from the Sun & Zodiacal stars answering to the difference of Longitude;

That he do also employ, for the reasons he has given, one or two persons as he shall find most convenient to compute the Nautical Ephemeris for 1768, notwithstanding the resolutions of last Board for Mr Mapson & Mr Wales to be employed on that Service;

That Mr Dunthorne of ~~the University of~~ Cambridge be appointed Comparer of the Ephemerides & Corrector of the Press; And that,

The Royal Astronomer, who has offered to examine whether the last Corrections of the Press are made according to the said Mr Dunthorne's Corrections, be desired to take that trouble.

Mr Witchell having applied for an Imprest, in order to enable him to go on with the Ephemeris which he is to compute;

Resolved,

That the Navy Board be desired to cause £17.10.0 (being 1/4th part of what he is to have for that Work) to be imprested to him accordingly.

Two Letters from the Earl of Morton to Mr Stephens, one dated the 5th, the other the 7th Instant, were laid before the Board;

Resolved,

That the Configurations of Jupiter's Satellites be introduced into the Ephemerides agreeable to his Lordship's proposition; And,

That his Lordship be informed that the Board cannot give any directions with regard to the disposal of Mr Harrison's Timekeepers 'til he receives his Certificate & they become the property of the public.; But that his Lordship may be assured that the Board will shew all proper Attention to his Request to have the loan of one of them so soon as they shall be in their disposal.

Mr Harrison's Son came to the Board & presented a Letter from his Father, perservering in several Objections to the terms upon which the discovery was to be made pursuant to the Resolutions of this Board;

But, after some discourse, at length finally declared, that he was ready and willing to take the Oath required and to conform entirely to the terms beforementioned, And being asked if he had been authorized by his Father to make this declaration, he replied that he had not his Authority, but that he did not in the least doubt of his approving of what he had done;

He was then told that the Board expected his Father to let them known this afternoon if he consented to it, as, in that case, two of the Commissrs (Mr Stephens & Mr Cokburne) would be ready tomorrow Morning to administer the oaths to him.

He then withdrew.

Resolved,

That, so soon as Mr Harrison shall have taken the Oath, the six persons, who have engaged to receive the discovery, be desired to meet for that purpose on such day as Lord Egmont shall think fit to appoint: And that Mr Mitchell & Mr Ludlam be informed that they shall be repaid all the expences they have been, or may be, at, upon the occasion.

Mr Maskelyne produced to the Board a Specimen Sheet of the late Professor Mayer's Tables now in the Press, which was approved.

Mr Maskelyne's Report upon Mr Dunn's pamphlet, which had been referred to him, was read.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &ca for the discovery of the Longitude; Which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday the 12th of September 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont._First L.dComm.r Adm~ty Earl of Dartmouth _Do_Trade &ca. Henry Osborn Esqr .} Tho.s Griffin Esqr .} Admirals of the White Sir Geo~. Pocock _Do_Blue Rev.d _ Mr Maskelyne _Astronomer Royl. 'Mr Betts ...Sav: Prof: Geom: Oxon 'Dr. Shepherd ...Plum: Prof. Ast: Camb. Mr Waring ...Lucas: Prof: Math: Do Chas. Lowndes Esqr .} William Mellish Esqr .}Secretaries of the Trea~ry Philip Stephens Esqr _Do_Adm~ty. Geo~ Cokburne Esqr _Compt.r of the Navy Rev.d D.r Long ...Lowndes Prof: Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the Last Meeting, on the 28th of July last, were read.

A Letter from the Rev.d Mr Michell, dated at Newark the 9th Instant, was read; representing his Inability to attend the Board on Account of his Wife's Indisposition; and inclosing a paper containing his Sentiments upon the discovery made by Mr Harrison of the principles of his Watch; Which was also read; As was a paper which the Rev.d Mr Ludlam, who was present, delivered to the Board containing his Sentiments thereupon; which Mess.rs Bird, Mudge, Mathews and Kendal, who were also present, declared coincided with theirs;

The Board having taken into Consideration the said Reports and what the five persons last mention'd had to say upon the Occasion, came to the following Resolutions, vizt,

Resolved,

That it appears to this Board that Mr Harrison has fully discovered & explained the Principles upon which his Watch or Timekeeper is constructed;

Resolved,

To grant him a Certificate to enable him to receive the Reward directed, by an Act of the last Sessions of Parliament, to be paid him for making such discovery so soon as he shall have put together the said Watch (which is now in pieces) and delivered it, in a perfect state, into the Custody of the abovement.d Mr Larcum Kendal, who has undertaken to construct a Timekeeper upon the same principles: And so soon as he shall have assigned the property thereof & of the three other Timekeepers mentioned in the said Act to the Commissioners of the Longitude for the use of the Public;

Resolved,

That the written explanation & Drawings of the said Watch be also delivered into the Custody of the said M.r Kendal.

Resolved,

That Mr Kendal do enter into Articles to take proper Care of the said Watch & of the written Explanation & Drawings thereof, whilst in his Custody; And to deliver them up, on demand, to the Commissioners of the Longitude, or their Order;

Resolved,

That Mr Harrison & his Son shall have all reasonable access to the said Watch whilst in Mr Kendal's Custody, to enable them, if they shall find it necessary, to perfect the two other Watches which they are now constructing on the same Principles: And the Board leave it to the discretion of Mr Kendal to shew the said Watch &ca to other ingenious Persons as he shall think fit; taking Care that no injury be done thereto.

Mr Harrison's Son, who was attending, was acquainted with the purport of these Resolutions and expressed himself satisfied therewith, & at the same time engaged, on the part of his Father that they will take the said Watch in pieces again, whilst in Mr Kendal's Custody, so soon as it shall be necessary to do so.

He then withdrew having first desired that a Copy of these Resolutions might be sent to his Father which was granted.

Resolved,

That the Thanks of this Board be given to the Gentlemen who attended Mr Harrison, to receive the Discovery, for the trouble they had been at on that Occasion: Which was accordingly done to those who were present_

They then withdrew.

Resolved,

That Messrs Michell & Ludlam be allowed £50 each to defray the Expences they may have been put to in coming up to, and during their stay in, Town, to receive the said Discovery; And that Messrs Bird, Mudge, Mathews & Kendal be allowed £25 each to compensate for their Loss of time during their Attendance to receive the said Discovery.

A Letter from Mr George Witchell to the Earl of Egmont, dated the 23d of July last, was read, setting forth some difficulties which had occurred to him upon comparing the Resolutions of the Board with respect to his General Table with the Copies of Messrs Raper's & Howe's Letters relating thereto and representing that the Additions proposed by those Gentlemen (which he was not fully apprized of before) are of such a Nature as to increase as he apprehends, the Expence to twice the Sum mentioned in those Resolutions.

Another Letter from the said Mr Wichell to the Secretary, of this date, was also read, representing that he has, notwithstanding the Difficulties abovementioned, began to execute the work, believing the Board would have no objection to making him a reasonable Allowance for the proposed Additions; And desiring, as he shall be under the Necessity of engaging several persons to assist him therein, to have an Imprest of £300 to enable ^him to procure such Assistance; And that 5000 Copies of the said Work may be printed off before the Press should be broke, by which means he apprehends the price of the Books would be reduced to 15s each.

A Letter from the Lord Viscount Howe to the Earl of Egmont was also read setting forth the difficulties which Mr Wichell is under with respect to complying with the Abovementioned Resolutions.

The Board having taken the said Letter into consideration and also what Mr Wichell who was present had to say upon the Matter

Resolved,

To grant him an Imprest of £100 to enable him to go on with the said Work; And he was told to prepare & lay before the next Board an Estimate of the Expence of paper & printing (after the first thousand Copies of the said Work shall be printed off) 1, 2, 3, or four Thousand more as should be judged necessary: And that the Board would then come to some further Resolutions upon the matter.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board a new Method, invented by Mr Dunthorne, of of computing the effects of parallax & Refraction upon the Moon's distance from a Star, And proposed that Copied thereof may be sent to him & the other Professors, who are Members of the Board; which was agreed to.

He, at the same time acquainted the Board that Mr Mapson & Mr Wales had undertaken to compute the Ephemeris for 1768.

The Astronomer Royal was then desired to direct the Computers of the Ephemerides to send each Month's computations, so soon as finished, to him; in order that he may transmit them to the Comparer: And to give the said Computers from time to time such Instructions as they many stand in need of, in the execution of their Work conformable to the plan laid down by this Board - And he was further desired to look-out for proper persons to print the Ephemerides - All which he engaged to do.

A Memorial (which had been transmitted to the Earl of Egmont by the Count de Guerchy the French Ambassador) from Jean Baptiste Claireau, Father of Alexis Claude Claireau deceased, having been read, praying to have some Reward for the Lunar Tables which had been constructed & published by his said Son; and that those Tables may be examined & confronted with the late Mr Mayer's,

Resolved,

His Lordship was requested to acquaint the Count for the Information of Monsr Claireau, That as a Reward has been granted by Parliament to the late Mr Mayer's Family for the Tables constructed by him, and as no Application was made to the Commissrs on behalf of his Son 'til after that Act was passed which only empowers the Commissioners to give Rewards to such Persons as should thenceforward improve the said Mr Mayer's Lunar Tables, they cannot, supposing his Son's Tables to be an Improvement of those constructed by Mr Mayer, for those reasons, assign him any Reward.

A Letter from the Chevalier Clarger, dated at Paris the 18th of last Month, was read inclosing a Method for discovering the Longitude at Sea, which was ordered to be referred to the Royal Astronomer; As was a proportional Rule of finding, at any time, the quanitity of the Moon's Anomaly received from Mr Scarsdale at Sudbury.

A Letter from Mr Benjn Talbot of Cannock in Staffordshire, dated the 6th of March last, was read, representing that he has discovered a most easy, certain & expeditious method of deducing the Moon's Parallax in Longitude & Latitude without the use of Logarithms & offering to lay the same before the Board;

Resolved,

That he be informed (when he applys again) that, if he will send the same to this Board, it shall have due consideration.

A Letter from Mr Wm Staples at Odiham & another from Robt Colvill at Edinburgh were read, representing that they had invented Machines for measuring time that will answer the end of determining the Longitude at Sea,

But the Board did not think fit to go into the consideration of other Timekeepers 'til the Merits of that invented by Mr Harrison shall be finally determined.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea, which was held at the Admiralty on Wednesday the 28th. of October 1765. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of EgmontFirst Ld Commissr Adm~ty _Earl of Morton Sir Chas Knowles, Adml of the Blue. Revd Mr Maskelyne. Astronomer Royal. Revd Dr Shepherd_Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb: Revd Mr Betts...Sav: Prof: Geom~: Oxon. Mr Waring Phip Stephens Esqr Secty of the Adm~ty Revd Dr Long.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, on the 12th of last Month, were read.

A Proposal given in by Mr Larcum Kindal for making a Watch upon the same principles & after the same Manner as Mr Harrison's was read; But the terms for which he offered to do it appearing very unreasonable & the Board finding, upon a Conversation they had with him, that he was not inclined to make any Abatement therein, he was told his Proposal could not be accepted, and then withdrew.

Two Proposals of the like kind, from Mr William Mathews were also read, but the Board not approving of his Plan, the same were rejected.

Resolved,

That Mr Harrison's Watch be delivered to this Board, when he receives his Certificate, & not to the abovementioned Mr Larcum Kendal as formerly directed;- That it be then put into the Custody of the Board of Admiralty where it is to remain until some further Resolutions shall be taken concerning the disposal of it; And that the written Explanation & the Drawings of the said Watch be delivered to the Royal Astronomer, in order that he may cause them to be carefully copied & afterwards engraved, & printed.

Mr Harrison, who was attending, was then called in (together with his Son) and the Instrument, which had been before drawn with his Approbation, assigning over the property of the said Watch and the three other Timekeepers, having been read to, and executed by, him; And he having delivered his Watch into the Possession of the Board with Assurances that it is The Identical Machine that had been shewn to the six Persons who were appointed by the Commissrs to examine it, and that it is the same in every part as when shewn to them, without any variation. And having given an Acknowledgement, under his hand, that the three other Timekeepers have, at his request, been permitted to remain in his Custody some time longer, & promised to deliver them up whenever he should receive directions so to do under the hands of five or more of the Commissioners, A Certificate, in due Form, signed by a Majority of the Commissioners was given him, to enable him to receive the £7,500, being, with the £2,500 already paid him, the first Reward mentioned in the Act of the last Sessions relating to his Timekeepers,

He was then asked if the Watch would receive any Injury by being left some time without being wound up, he said, not in the least degree, if it was to continue so far 12 Months, and added that, whenever it was to be opened again, he would, if required, very willingly give his Attendance to explain and, if necessary, take it to pieces.

He and his Son then withdrew.

The Watch was then sealed up in its' box & delivered to Mr Stephens Secretary to the Board of Admiralty to be kept in some safe & proper Place 'til it should be called for by the Board of Longitude.

The written Explanation & the Drawings thereof were, at the same time delivered to the Royal Astronomer, who undertook to get them carefully copied, engraved & printed with all convenient speed.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 26th of April 1766. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont _First Ld Commissr of ye Admy _Sir John Cust _Speaker of the Ho Commrs _Lord Visct Howe _Trea~r of the Navy. Heny Osborn Esqr .} Sr Edwd Hawke}Admls of the White. Sr Chas Knowles, Bt } Hon~ble John Forbes--} Admls of the Blue. Rt Hon~ble Earl of Morton _Presidt of the Royl Society. Revd Mr Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal Revd Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: at Oxon. Revd Dr Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: at Camb: Mr Waring Lucas: Prof: Math: at Do Sr Geo: B. Rodney _Govr Royl Hospl at Greench Sr Thos Salusbury Judge High Cot Adm~ty Philip Stephens Esqr Secr~ty of ye Adm~ty Geo~: Cokburne Esqr Comptrr Navy. Revd Dr Long ...Lowndes. Prof: Ast: at Camb:

The Minutes of the last Meeting, on the 28th of Octr last, were read.

The Earl of Egmont represented, that, in consequence of the Resolutions of the Board, he had spoke to One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State about demanding from the late Dr Bradley's Executors, the Observations made by him whilst he was Astronomer Royal, who was doubtful whether he had any Authority to make such Demand; And his Lordship laid before the Board a Case stating the Appointments of the several Astronomers Royal since their first Institution, with the following Queries subjoined thereto, Vizt,

1st, Whether the Crown hath an absolute Right to all the Origianl Observations that have been made at the Observatory since the first Institution of the Office of Astronomer Royal as Papers belonging to the Office, seeing that such Observations have been always made at the Expence of the Crown? 2d Whether His Majesty may not by His Warrant or Sign Manual, order the Executors of the several persons who have enjoyed the Office of Astronomer Royal, to deliver the same to such Person or Persons who shall be by such Warrant or Sign Manual authorized to receive the same? 3d, Whether in case of Non Compliance with such Order or Warrant, His Majesty's Attorney General is not, by his Office, empowered to file Informations, or to sue out Extents out of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer for the Recovery thereof? Or what other Method should be taken to obtain the desired end?

Resolved,

That the said Case be laid before His Majesty's Attorney & Sollicitor General; and that they be requested to give their respective Opinions thereupon as soon as conveniently may be.-

A Letter, of this date, from Mr Jno Harrison, was read, expressing his Concern to see his Invention neglected & lay dormant, desiring Authority to prosecute the same as fast as he can, & proposing new terms to the Board;

Resolved,

That he be acquainted, that if there is any neglect in the prosecution of his Invention, it is his own, And that, so soon as he shall have made other Timekeepers (which, being in the plural Number, must imply two at least) of the same kind as the Watch of his Construction now in the possession of this Board, Which Timekeepers shall, upon Trial, be found, to be of a sufficient Correctness to determine the Longitude at Sea within the degree of Exactness required by the Act of the last Year of His present Majesty's Reign, he will be entitled to the remaining £10,000 directed to be paid him by the said Act.

The Board then came to the following Resolutions relative to the said Watch grounded upon a Plan which was laid before them by the Earl of Morton,

Viz.t,

That the Lords of the Admiralty be desired to deliver it into the Custody of the Astronomer Royal;

That it be kept in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, in a Box having two different Locks, fixed to the Floor or Wainscott with a Plate of Glass in the Lid or Side of the said Box and that it be compared as often as convenient with the Regulator, & the Variations set down;

That the form, which Mr Harrison observed in winding it up, be exactly followed;

That the Lords of the Admiralty be desired to give directions that One of the Captains or Lieutents of Greenwich Hospital may attend every day at the Observatory at a stated Hour to Witness the winding up of the said Watch & the Comparison of it with the Regulator;

That a Key of one of the Locks be kept at the said Hospital for the use of those Officers, & the other to remain at the Observatory for the use of the Royal Astronomer or his Assistant;

That the Watch be tried in various positions, 'til the beginning of July next And, from thence to the end of February following, in a Horizontal position with the face upwards;

That the Variation of the Watch be noted down and a Register of the Barometer & Thermometer at the Times of comparing the same with the Regulator be regularly kept & attested by the Royal Astronomer or his Assistant & such of the Officers abovementioned as shall, from time to time, attend to see the said Watch wound up and compared as aforesaid; And,

That the three other Timekeepers, the Property of the Public, which are now in Mr Harrison's Custody, be demanded and sent to the Observatory that their rates of going may be compared with the Regulator at the same time with the Watch.

Resolved,

That 500 Impressions of the Plates engraved from the drawings of the said Watch be cast off, and that as many Copies of the written Explanations thereof be printed: And that they be entered at Stationers Hall, published & sold for the behoof of the Public.

Proposals, to the following purport, were given in by Mr Larcum Kendal, Vizt,

To make a Watch, with all Mr Harrison's Improvements, for £450;

To submit the same to the inspection of Mr Harrison or any of the Gentlemen who received the Explanation of it, and, if they will shew him wherein it differs from Mr Harrison's, to make the necessary Alterations but not to be answerable for its' keeping Time;

To deliver, with it, such Tools produced by Mr Harrison as peculiar thereto, also a drawing of the Wheels & their Parts upon a Brass Plate such as Watchmakers usually keep for their direction;

To have one Moiety of the Money upon executing the Articles, & the other upon the delivery of the Watch, which he undertakes to finish in two Years after Mr Harrison's said Watch shall be put into his hands.

And the said Mr Kendal, who was attending, having been called in and discoursed with upon the Matter, And it appearing, by the Report of the Revd Mr Ludlam (who, together with the Revd Mr Mitchel, was present) that Mr Kendal is more likely to make such a Watch than any body of the Trade that he knows of, The Board accepted his said Proposal.

Resolved,

That Articles be forthwith entered into between the Board & Mr Kendal for making a Watch upon those Terms, And that a Copy of those Articles be sent to him for his perusal before they are ingrossed;

That one of the Impressions of the plates engraved from the Drawings of Mr Harrison's Watch, with the printed Explanation thereof, be delivered to him immediately upon the execution of those Articles, that he may proceed in making the necessary preparations 'til the Watch shall have undergone the intended Trials at the Royal Observatory, When it is to be put into his hands; And that he do bind himself, & his Executors and Administrators in case of his death, to deliver up the said Watch to this Board, when required so to do by a written Order under the hands of Five or more of the Commissioners;

To all which the said Mr Kendal having consented, he was desired to withdraw.

The Royal Astronomer laid before the Board Messrs Richardson & Clark's Bill for printing 2000 Sets of the late Professor Mayer's Tables, amounting, with the papers to £81..13..0.

He also laid before the Board his own Bill of Expences & Disbursements, for several Books, Tables, &ca. for the use of the Persons employed to compute the Ephemerides, for copying and engraving the Drawings of Mr Harrison's Watch and likewise for engraving some Plates belonging to the late Professor Mayer's Tables and for getting part of the Tables of the distance of the Moon from the Sun & Zodiacal Stars computed agreeable to the Resolutions of the 18th of July last which he produced to the Board; the whole amounting together to £62..0..7d

Resolved,

That the said Bills be paid; And,

That the last mentioned Tables be printed & published under the direction of the Astronoer Royal as fast as they shall be completed.

Resolved,

That Messrs Richardson & Clark of Salisbury Court, Fleet Street have a License in due form to print the Ephemeris or Nautical Almanac for the year 1767, together with such other useful Tables constructed under the direction of this Board, and shall be judged necessary to annex thereto.

~~That the said Ephemeris or Nautical Almanac & Tables, together with the Impressions of the~~

That the said Ephemeris or Nautical Almanac & Tables, together with the Impressions of the Plates engraved from the Drawings of Mr Harrison's Watch, the written Explanations thereof and all other things which have been or shall be ordered to be printed, be enter'd at Stationers Hall, & then published & sold on Account of this Board, for the Benefit of the Public; And,

That Mr Nourse Bookseller in the Strand, and Messrs Mount & Page, Stationers on Tower Hill be licensed to publish and vend the Ephemeris or Nautical Almanac ^and other useful Tablesto be annexed thereto as abovementioned; And that they be allowed 20 Cent upon the Prices they shall respectively be sold for.

Resolved,

That the Royal Astronomer be allowed 12 Copies of those Tables &ca for his own private use as an Acknowledgement for his trouble in preparing them for the Press

The Astronomer Royal representing that he is apprehensive that Messrs Witchell and Lyons, who have been engaged to compute the Ephemeris for the year 1767, will not be able to get it ready for publication, in due time, without Assistance.

Resolved,

That the said Mess.rs Witchell & Lyons, and also Messrs Mapson & Wales who have who have been engaged to compute the Ephemeris for the year 1768 be employed jointly in computing the Ephemerides for both those years, And, as an Encouragement to them to prosecute the same with Diligence,

Resolved,

That the Sum of £262..10s..0d (being, with £17..s10..d0 already imprested to Mr Witchell, the Amount of the Allowances before agreed to be respectively made them for those Services) be imprested to the Astronomer Royal to be, by him, paid to them, from time to time, in proportion to the progress they shall make in those Computations; And that their ^respective Receipts shall be his sufficient discharge for the same.

Resolved,

That Mr Dunthorne, who has been already appointed Comparer and Corrector of the said Ephemerides be employed, to chuse the proper Stars for the said Computors, to calculate the Moon's distance, and to point out to them the Eclipses of the Sun & Moon and Occultations of Stars by the Moon that will happen at Greenwich; to make the Configurations of Jupiter's Satellites and the other Phaenomena of the Ephemeris and to add the Almanac part fo the same: And that he be allowed £70 for his Trouble in correcting and comparing each year's Ephemeris & for all the other Services abovementioned.

The Reports of the Astronomer Royal, Dr Shepherd, Mr Horsnby & Mr Waring, upon the said Mr Dunthorne's improved Method of computing the Effects of Parallax & Refraction upon the Moon's distance from a Star (which was referred to their consideration on the 12th of September last) were read, And the Board thereupon,

Resolved,

That £50 be given to the said Mr Dunthorne as a Recompense for his Improvements therein; And that his said Method be printed at the end of the Ephemerides with Explanations and Examples.

Resolved,

That £50 be also given to Mr Israel Lyons, as a Recompense for another improved Method of computing the same, invented by him, which has been already ordered to be printed at the end of the Ephemerides.

Lord Howe having delivered to the Board a Proposal from Mr John Bird, Mathematical Instrument Maker in the Strand, offering, for the Sum of £500, to instruct an Apprentice, and also another Person occasionally in his Method of making Astronomical Instruments; To give an Account of his said Method in writing; And, as the House in which he now lives is very inconvenient & much out of Repair, to build, on the Surry side of Westminster Bridge, such Conveniences as may be thought necessary for the better forming and graduating those Instruments;

The Board took the said proposal into Consideration and having discoursed some time upon the Subejct with Mr Bird, who was attending, they came to the following Resolutions, Vizt,

That the giving some Encouragement to Mr Bird for communicating, extending and securing to the Public the complete Knowledge of his Art in forming & graduating Instruments for Astronomical Observations will be an Improvement useful to Navigation and also improve the Lunar Tables;

That the Sum of £500 shall be allowed to the said Mr Bird for communicating, extending & securing to the Public the complete Knowledge of his said Art, upon the following Conditions Vizt,

1st That he shall build a House, for the purpose of forming & graduating those Instruments, on the Surry side of Westminster Bridge; 2d, That he shall take one Apprentice and admit occasionally one or more Persons (one only at a time) at the Direction of this Board to receive the Communication of his said Art, And that he shall enter into Articles to complete the said Persons in the Knowledge thereof, or, if they should die or fail, to admit and to complete Other Persons in their stead, during the Term of Seven Years; 3d, That he shall give in writing upon Oath, to this Board, a complete description of the Manner & Method of forming and graduating the abovementioned Instruments, particularly all such as he has made for the use of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich; 4th That he shall likewise give, into this Board upon Oath, Complete engraved Plates of such Instruments, so minutely exact as, together with the aforesaid Description, and Models if necessary, may enable any diligent and experienced Workman to execute the said Instruments; The Board consenting further to pay him £30 for the said Plates. 5th, That the Revd Mr William Ludlam and the Revd Mr John Mitchel shall be instructed by him particularly, As to the Method of constructing & dividing the said Instruments. 6th That Articles shall be drawn in due form, by any Five Members of this Board, to be executed pursuant to the Meaning of these Resolutions

Mr Bird, who was attending was made acquainted with these Resolutions and expressing himself satisfyed therewith, withdrew.

A Letter of yesterday's date from Mr George Witchell was read, containing an Estimate of the Expence of printing (paper included) from 1 to 5 Thousand Copies of his General Table of Refraction and Parallax with the Additions proposed by Messrs Howe and Raper; inclosing some proof Sheets of the beginning of that Work; and desiring a further Imprest to enable him to go on with it:

The Board, having taken the same into Consideration & discoursed with him upon it, were of opinion that the Expence, as estimated by him, is very great and out of all Proportion to his first Offer, and therefore, did not think fit to come to a determination upon the Matter 'til they shall be able to inform themselves more particularly of the nature of the said Expence; But,

Resolved,

To give him, in the mean time, a further Imprest of £200, which, with £100 already imprested to him, is to be considered & go to him as a Reward for his Invention of the said Table and for the Trouble and Expence he has been put to in constructing & printing part thereof, if, upon further Consideration, they should not think it advisable to employ him to go on with it upon the Terms proposed in his said Letter, In which Case he is to deliver up to them so much of the said Work as he shall have executed-

Two Memorials from the Revd Mr William Mitchel, of Tingwall in Zetland, were then read, together with an Extract of a Letter & a Certiciate from Capt Hugh Bromidge Commander of His Majts Sloop Happy, relating to a Quadrant invented by the said Mr Mitchel for finding the Longitude at Sea, which he had been permitted by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to try on board the said Sloop, And praying to have a new Trial ordered & for a Sum of Money to enable him to bear the Charges thereof and to get a new Quadrant executed; And the said Mr Mitchel, who was attending, with his said Instrument, was called in and the same was examined by the Board; who did not see any thing thing in his Invention to induce them to comply with his request.

He then withdrew.

The Secretary laid before the Board a Letter which he had received from Mrs Mayer, dated the 4th of November last, returning Thanks for the Reward granted to her by Parliament and inclosing some other Manuscripts of her late Husband;

The said Manuscripts were put into the hands of the Royal Astronomer who was desired to make a Schedule of them and to report their Contents to the Board.

The Secretary also laid before the Board a Letter which he had received from Mr Professor Euler, dated the 20th of July last, returning Thanks for the Reward granted to him by Parliament, And also a Letter which he had received from the Revd Mr Murdoch dated the 10th of October last acknowledging to have received the said Reward on Mr Euler's Account and inclosing an Extract of a Letter from Euler to him containing some further Speculations concerning the Moon's place;

The said Extract was also put into the hands of the Royal Astronomer & he was desired to examined and report, if he finds it to contain any fresh matter worthy of Notice.

The following Letters proposing Schemes for discovering the Longitude were then read, and ordered to be sent to the Royal Astronomer to examine and report his opinion upon them to the Board, Vizt,

From, Le Chevalier de la Chevallerie, dated at Hamburgh 2d Octr 1765. John Decodncy, dated in Pudding Lane 10th Mar~ 1766. Capt Peter Forbes, a Commander in the Navy dated at No Leith 8th April 1766. Samuel Scarlyn M:B, dated at Sudbury 9th Aprill 1766, containing an explanatory Addition to his proportional Rule of finding the Moon's Anomaly. Rd, Brewer, dated 18th April 1766; with a Memorial presented this day.-

Adjourned to this day Month at 11 in the forenoon.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 24th May 1766. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Egmont _First Ld Commr Adm~ty _Sir Jno Cust ...Speaker of the Ho Comm~ns _Ld Visct Howe _Trea~r of ye Navy Heny Osborn Esqr _Adml of the White. Hon~ble John Forbes ...Adml of the Blue Rt Hon~ble Earl of Morton _Prest of the Royl Socty Revd Mr Maskelyne _Astrr Royal. Revd Dr Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast: Cam. Revd Mr Hornsby _Sav: Prof: Ast. Oxon. Mr Waring _Lucas: Prof: Math: Cam: Philip Stephens Esqr Sectry Adm~ty Revd Dr Long _Lownd: Prof:r Ast: Camb.

The Minutes of the last Meeting on the 26th of last Month were read.

A Letter of this date from Mr Jno Harrison was read,

Resolved,

That he be acquainted that the Board do not require him to make any more Timekeepers than two; And that with respect to the other matters contained in his said Letter, they refer him to the Resolutions of the last Board which have been already communicated to him.

Lord Egmont went away, Mr Bird attended and executed Articles of Agreement conformable to the Resolutions of the last Board, a Counterpart of which was at the same time executed by the Board and delivered to him together with a Certificate to enable him to receive the stipulated Sum of £500: But he having made some Objection to complying with the 4th Article of those Resolutions which requires him to deliver to the Board complete engraved Plates, and Models, if necessary, of all his Instruments, for so small a Sum as £30, and representing that he misunderstood the Board in that particular, as he cannot afford to engrave Plates of the Brass Mural Quadrant, the moveable Quadrant and the Transit Instrument of his Construction now in the Royal Observatory, which the Board were part~ly desirous of having, under as much more; The Board upon reconsideration of the Matter agreed to give him £60 instead of £30 for Plates of those three Instruments, which they recommended to him to execute in the most complete manner and as expeditiously as may be;

He then desired, in case he should not be able to meet with a proper place, for erecting the House, on the other side of Westminster Bridge that, (tho' it is mentioned in the Articles) he may not be tied to that Situation; He was informed that he was at Liberty to erect the House in any other Situation, provided it, was a proper one, that may be more convenient; it appearing immaterial to the Board, on which side the River it was;

He then produced the Boy whom he intended to take as an Apprentice pursuant to his Agreement, who was approved of by the Board.

He then withdrew:

Mr Larcum Kendal attended and executed Articles of Agreement conformable to the Resolutions of the last Board, a Counterpart of which was also executed and delivered to him by the Board, together with a Certificate to enable him to receive the Sum of £225 being one Moiety of what he is to have when he shall have perfected the Watch he has undertaken to make.

A Letter of this date from Mr Geo~ Witchell was read, inclosing a more particular Estimate than that which he sent to the last Board, But his terms appearing still very extravagant, the Board did not think fit to treat with him. He was then called upon for such part of the Work as he had completed, which he accordingly produced, but it appearing upon examination to be nothing more than preparatory Tables to assist him in the Calculation of the Work, the same was returned to him & he withdrew.

Resolved,

That the Sum of £300 which has been imprested to the said Mr Witchell be given to him as a Reward agreeable to the Resolutions of the last Board, and that he be cleared of the Imprests standing out against him for the same.-

The Astronomer Royal & Professors present were then desired to look out for some proper Person or Persons who will undertake to compute, on more reasonable Terms, Tables upon the Plan of those proposed by the said Mr Witchell.

Resolved,

That the Astronomer Royal do cause the Notes taken, as the discovery of the Principles of Mr Harrison's Timekeeper, by himself and the six other Persons who received that Discovery, to be printed, & added by way of Appendix to Mr. Harrison's Drawings and explanation thereof already ordered to be published, And that a Copy of Mr Ludlam's & Mr Mitchell's Account of the said Timekeeper be made by the Secretary and delivered to the Astronomer Royal for that purpose.

Resolved,

That a Copy of the said Drawings Explanation & Notes, be then given to Each of the six Gentlemen who received that Discovery,

Resolved,

That a sufficient Number of Messrs Lyon's and Dunthorne's Schemes for finding the Effects of Parallax & Refraction be printed as soon as possible under the direction of the Astronomer Royal; Part to be disposed of as the Board shall direct, and the remainder to be annexed to the Ephemerides agreeable to former Resolutions.

Resolved,

That two Copies of every thing ordered to be printed & published be sent to every Member thereof.

Admiral Forbes having informed the Board that the late Lord Anson gave him Authority to tell Mr Do^uwes that he should have some Reward if he brought to perfection some Logarithmick Solar Tables invented by him, that he had accordingly given the said Mr Do^uwes expectation of such Reward; And that he has been applyed to by the Friends of the said Do^uwes for a Performance of that promise,

The Board could not come to any Resolution upon the matter at present, but desired the AStronomer Royal to enquire and report if the said Mr Do^uwes has brought the said Tables to perfection or made any late Improvement therein.

A Letter from the Pro~rator & Professors of the University of Gottingen, dated the 13th of November last was read, acknowledging the Honor done to their University, by the Reward given to the Representatives of the late Mr Professor Mayer who was one of their Members.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea, held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 10th of January 1767. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Sir Edwd Hawke _First Ld Commr Adm~ty _Lord Visct Howe _Trea~r of the Navy. Thos Griffin Esqr _Adml of ye White Sr Chas Knowles Bt Adml of ye Blue. Rt Hon~ble Earl of Morton Presidt of ye Rl Socty Revd Mr Maskelyne _Astr Royal. _Mr. Hornsby Sav: Prof: Ast: at Oxon Dr Smith Mr Waring Lucas. Prof: Math: Camb. Revd Dr Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb. Chas Lowndes Esqr Php Stephens Esqr Secrety of ye Admy Geo~ Cokburne Esqr Comptr Navy.

The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board an Estimate of the Expence of computing and printing ^1000 Copies of a general Table of Refraction and Parallax for facilitating the Calculation of the Longitude at Sea (first proposed by Mr George Witchell) amounting in the whole to the Sum of £1,351..6..4.

Resolved that the said Table be computed and printed upon the Plan, and with the Additions, proposed by the Astronomer Royal; taking care that the Sum estimated for the Expence be not exceeded.

Resolved that Mr _ Williams and Mr Thos Parkinson, of Christs College Cambridge, be employed under the direction of Dr Shepherd to calculate the abovementioned Table, and correct the Press according to the said Estimate, together with as many other Persons as Dr Shepherd shall engage, in order to expedite as much as possible the Completion of the Work.

Resolved that Money be advanced to Dr Shepherd from time to time to enable him to pay his Computers, and defray other Expences attending the Work, in proportion as the same advances, and that Letters be writ in due form to the Navy Board desiring them to sign a Bill upon the Treasurer of the Navy for that purpose, and sent about to be signed by any Five, or more of the Members, who may be nearer at hand,

Mr Bird, who was desired to attend, being called in and discoursed with about the Progress he had made in preparing engraved Plates, and Models of the Astronomical Instruments he makes use of: And having acquainted the Board that the said Plates and Models could not be properly finished in less than six or seven Months, but that he could in about three Weeks time deliver, in writing a Description of his Method of dividing his Instruments.

Resolved that Mr Bird be directed to lay before the Board, at their next Meeting in March, a Description in writing of his whole Process in dividing Instruments.

The Opinion of the Attorney & Sollicitor General being read, touching the Propriety of the Observations made at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, in the hands of the Executors of some of the late Astronomers: And Mr Professor Hornsby, having informed the Board that the Executors to the late Dr Bradley, could not with propriety part with the Papers instrusted to their Care, but that they would be delivered to Dr Bradley's Daughter, when she came of Age, which would be sometime this Month: Resolved that Mr Hornsby be desired to apply to Miss Bradley, when she comes of Age, to desire she will, upon Application of the Board, deliver up the Observations made by her Father at the Observatory, during the time he was Astronomer Royal.

The Secretary having laid before the Board two Letters from Mr Jno Harrison addressed to Sir Charles Saunders, late first Lord of the Admiralty, but neither Mr Harrison or his Son being attending; Resolved that the Consideration of the said Letters be deferr'd 'til the next Meeting of the Board in March.

The Secretary having also laid before the Board several Letters from Mr Heath: Resolved that the same be referred to the Astronomer Royal, who was desired to make a Report of their Contents to the Board.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board Messrs Richardson and Clark's Bill for printing the Nautical Almanac, and Astronomical Ephemeris, &ca, amounting with the Stationers Bill for Paper, to the Sum of £325..12..0.

He also laid before the Board his own Bill of Disbursements for the expence of Paper, and printing ^Plates of Mayer's Tables and the Drawings of Harrison's Watch &c.a, amounting to the Sum of £83..3..2.

Resolved that the said Bills be paid.

Resolved that the Sum of £140 be imprested to the Astronomer Royal to pay Mr Dunthorne for comparing and correcting the Nautical Almanac of the years 1767 & 1768.

Resolved that Presents of Mayer's Tables, of the Ephemeris, and ^Plate of the Drawings of Harrison's Watch, be made to Messrs Raper, Howe, Morris, and Captain Campbell ; Also to Messrs Ludlam & Mitchell; And that Twelve Copies be sent to the Astronomer Royal for his own use.

Resolved that one Copy of the Ephemeris be sent to each of the Computers, and the Comparer, of the Ephemeris.

Resolved that the Secretary be allowed a Copy of every thing printed for the use of the Board.

Adjourn'd to Saturday the 14th day of March next.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 14th March 1767. Present

Rt Hon~ble Lord Visc.t Howe Trea~r. Navy _Ld Visct Clare First Ld of Trade &ca- _Sir Chas Knowles B.t } Hon: Jno Forbes_} Admls of the Blue Rt Hon~ble Earl Morton _Pret Roy.l Society Revd Mr Maskelyne _Astr Roy.l _Mr Hornsby _Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon~ Mr Waring _Lucas: Prof: Math: Cam: Revd Dr Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast: Cam: Sir Geo~ Rodney B.t Gov.r Roy.l Hosp.l at Greench Ph.p Stephens Esqr _Sectry Admty Geo~ Cokburne Esq.r _Comptrr Navy Revd Dr Long _Lownd: Prof: Ast: Camb:

A Note, from Sir Edwd Hawke to Mr Stephen, was read representing his Inability to attend being much indisposed; And the Speaker of the House of Commons being absent Ld Howe took the Chair.

The Minutes of the last meeting were then read.

Dr Shepherd having desired to be informed what Number of the Tables of Parallax and Refraction (approved and ordered by the last Board to be computed) it may be proper to have printed; The Consideration thereof was postponed 'til the next meeting.

Mr Bird who was attending was called in and delivered to the Board a written description of his process in dividing the Mural Arc at Greenwich, and also an engraved plate marked No4 therein referred to, and some impressions taken therefrom-

The Minutes of the last meeting relating to him were then read and he was told that the Board expected him to deliver engraved plates and Models and also a complete description of the Instruments, agreable to his engagements with the Board, in six or seven months from the day on which that meeting was held pursuant to what he then mentioned to them But he representing his Inability to do so, the Board were pleased to extend the time 'til the end of September next, On or before which he is without fail, to deliver to them (or their Secretary to be laid before them at their next meeting) engraved plates, and Models, of the Brass Mural Quadrant, the moveable Quadrant and the Transit Instrument of his Construction now in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, with a Complete description of the same in Writing _ he then Withdrew

Resolved,

That a Copy of this minute be sent to him for his more particular Information.

Mr Mudge, who was attending at the desire of the Board, was then called in, and the following are the Questions which were put to him by Board and his Answers thereto, vizt

Q- How long was you in receiving from Mr Harrison the explanation of the Principles and construction of his Watch?

A-Three or four Days I believe, or thereabouts

Q-Did you think yourself at Liberty, after receiving the said explanation, to communicate the same?

A-I thought it my duty to do it, and that it was the Intention of the Board I should do so.

Q-To what Number of English Workmen did you communicate it?

A-I believe to 10 or 12 - and to several Gentlemen curious in Mechanics besides.

Q-Did you ever discover it to any Foreigner?

A-Yes, to Mons.r Berthoud a Native of Neuf Châtel in Switzerland.

Q-How long was you in Company with Mons.r Berthoud when when you communicated it to him.

A-I dined with him at the House of Count Bruhl the Saxon Minister and spent the Afternoon there: But not understanding French and Mons.r Berthoud not understanding English, I conveyed to him, through the Interpretation of Count Bruhl the best description I could of the principles and Construction of the said Watch.-

Q-Did you, upon that Occasion give to Mr Berthoud a drawing of any part of the said Watch?

A-No; not being possessed myself of any of those drawings; But with a pencil I made rude Sketches of some parts in order the better to explain my meaning.

Q-Do you think that the abovementioned Communication to Mr Berthoud was sufficient to enable him to make such a Watch?

A-I believe it might have been sufficient to have enabled him to do it here, but not in Foreign parts.

Q-Do you think you could have made such a Watch yourself had Mr Berthoud or any other Person made a like Communication to you; before you received M.r Harrisons explanation?

A-I think I could.

Q-How far do you think the Drawings &c now published will enable other Workmen to make such Watches?

A-Good Mechanics may in my Opinion make such Watches from them.

Q-Do you apprehend that Mons.r Berthoud has received any late encouragement from the French Government since he was last in England, in order to enable him to make Watches upon the principles of Mr Harrison's?

A-I believe he has received a pension from the French Government to enable him to make Watches for keeping time at Sea; but do not apprehend for making Watches upon Mr Harrison's principles: nor do I believe M.r Berthoud is prosecuting or intends to prosecute M.r Harrison's principles.

Q-Do you know that Mr Berthoud attempted to purchase M.r Harrison's secret from him when he was over here last?

A-I have heard that he called on M.r Harrison, as an ingenious man, to pay a short visit: but did not ask him any questions about the Watch.-

He then withdrew.

Mr Harrison Jun.r being in waiting was called in and told that it was thought proper, on Acco.t of the Absence of Sir Edwd Hawke and the Speaker, to postpone the Consideration of his father's Letters to Sir Cha.s Saunders, which were read at the last Board, until this day Sennight when they proposed to meet again; At which time he or his father might attend if they thought proper - He then Withdrew -

A Memorial from M.r Sisson Mathematical Instrument Maker was then read, together with some Letters and Papers which were presented in May last relative to his Method of graduating and dividing Instruments which he represented to be the same as that made use of by M.r Bird, who was instructed therein by his Father. And thereupon desiring their Methods may be compared together, and if found one and the same principle that the Board will allow him what they think proper.

The said Papers were given to Mr Hornsby together with the written explanation this day delivered in by M.r Bird; who was desired to take the trouble of examining them and of reporting to the next Board how far their respective Methods seem to be alike _ M.r Sisson who was attending was told to ^attend again this day Se'nnight when the Board would probably be enabled to give him an answer upon the Subject of his said Memorial and Letter.

All the Commissioners present, except Ld Clare, received two Copies of the Drawings and explanation of Harrison's Watch just published viz.t one on India Paper and one on Common Paper _ And M.r Harrison Jun.r had, at his request, two given to him.

Adjourned to this day Se'nnight at 11 o'Clock-

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 21st March 1767. Present

R.t Hon~ble Sir Edwd Hawke _First Ld Comm.r Adm~ty _L.d Viscount Howe _Trea~r Navy. Admiral Osborn _Adm.l of the White Revd M.r Maskelyne _Ast.r Royl _Mr Hornsby _Sav: Prof: Ast.r Oxon. Mr Waring _Lucas: Prof: Math: Cam: Revd Dr Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast.r at Camb: _ D..r Smith Prof: Astr Camb: Philip Stephens Esq.r _Sectry Adm~ty Rev.d Dr Long _Lownd: Prof: Astr Cam:

Resolved,

That it be recommended to the R.t Hon~ble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to cause the Ephemeris or Nautical Almanack for the present Year and also the Tables of Parallax and Refraction when Printed to be circulated on board His Majesty's Ships in such manner as their Lordships may think most proper in order to make the same as public as possible.

Mr Nourse and Mr Mount who were attending by desire of the Board were then called in and it was recommended to them to send some of the said Nautical Almanacks to all the Cheif Ports of Great Britain and Ireland, to New York and other principal places in America, and also a few to each of the Maritime Countries in Europe; to continue the advertizing of them as long as they shall think necessary, and in short to endeavour to circulate them by every means in their power.; which they engaged to do - & then withdrew.

M.r Hornsby's report upon M.r Birds and M.r Sisson's methods of dividing Instruments referred to him by the last Board being read and the Board having taken the matter into Consideration, Mr Sisson who was attending was called in and told that (supposing what he has asserted be a fact which they cannot thoroughly judge of) the Board do not think themselves authorized to give him any reward, having already given one to Mr Bird the first proposer. - He then Withdrew.

A Letter of this date from Mr Bird to the Secretary was read, setting forth his inability to comply with the Resolutions of the last Board without subjecting himself to great difficulties; And the said Mr Bird who was called in and discoursed with upon the Subject, having engaged to deliver to the Board or their Secretary, three engraved plates to represent the several Parts of the Mural Arc in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich together with a description of the same, and a Model thereof, by the End of September next, when he will declare what further time will be absolutely necessary for him to engrave plates, make Models if required, and finish (so as to be deliver'd to this Board) a complete description of the moveable quadrant and Transit Instrument;

Resolved,

That he be allowed to the end of September next to perform what he has above engaged to do accordingly; and that such part of the Resolutions of the last board as directs him to deliver in, by that time, plates, Models and descriptions of the other Instruments, be discharged: But it is expected that he will then proceed in the Execution of the Plates, models and descriptions of those other Instruments, as expeditiously as may be.

Resolved,

That a Copy of this minute (which was read to and approved of by M.r Bird) be sent to him for his Guidance - He then withdrew -

Resolved,

That 500 Copies of M.r Bird's written description of his process in dividing the Mural Arch, &ca which was delivered in at the last Board and to the truth of which he now made oath, be forthwith printed in Quarto for the use of the Public; And the Astronomer Royal having at the Board's request, undertaken to get the same done; the aforesaid written Description and the engraved plate therein referrered to were delivered to him for that Purpose.

Resolved,

That Copies of the following Letters &ca be delivered to the Astronomer Royal, together with any other Particulars to be found in the Minutes of this Board relative to the same subject, in Order that the same may be printed and added to the late M.r Mayer's Tables, Vizt,

The late Dr Bradleys Letters of the 10th of Febr~y 1756 and 14th of April 1760, to John Clevland Esq.r late Secretary of the Admiralty giving an Account of the agreement of the said Mr Mayers Tables with his Observations and of the Agreement of Captain Campbells Observations of the distance of the Moon from the Sun and fixed Stars with each other in determining the Longitude at Sea.

M.r Maskelyne's Memorial to this Board, delivered on the 9th of February 1765, giving an Account of his own Observations at Sea, of the distance of the Moon from the Sun and fixed Stars; together with the Certificates therein referred to; and the resolutions of the Board thereupon-

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board his report in Writing upon the going of Mr Harrisons Watch between the 6th May 1766, (when it was sent to the Royal Observatory) and the 4th Instant together with the Comparisons of the said Watch with the Transit Clock made in the said Observatory in the presence of, and attested by, the Officers of Greenwich Hospital, and also his own Calculations on which he founded he said report and the said Report having been read

Resolved,

That 500 Copies of the same together with the abovementioned Comparisons and Calculations and also of the undermentioned papers be forthwith printed and published, Vizt

Minutes of this Board relative to the Trial of the said Watch at the Observatory.

The Observations of equal Altitudes of the Sun made at Portsmouth, Jamaica and Barbadoes, for the Trials of the said Watch.-

Mr Harrisons declaration of the rate of the going of the Watch, previous to this Voyage to Barbadoes.-

Mr Harrison Junr was called in, and told that the abovementioned Report had been read and was ordered to be printed but that the Board, on Account of the Absence of the Speaker, the Earl of Morton and a great many of the other Commissioners, did not think fit to go into a particular Consideration thereof or of his Fathers Letters to Sir Chas Saunders at present, and therefore had adjourned to this day three Weeks, when the same would be taken into Consideration.

He then withdrew.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &c for the discovery of the Longitude &ca; Which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 11th of April 1767. Present

Rt Hon~ble Sir Edw.d Hawke ...First L.d Comm.r Adm~ty "Sir John Cust B.t ...Speaker Ho Commons "L.d Viscountt Howe ...Treasurer Navy Sir Cha.s Knowles B.t ...} Hon~ble John Forbes ...}Admirals of the blue Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon Dr. Smith ...Do Geom~. Do Mr Waring ...Lucas: Prof: Math: Camb. Revd D.r Shepherd ...Plumian Do_Do: Sir G.B. Rodney B.t ...Gov.~ Greenwich Hospl Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty. Geo~. Cokburne Esqr ...Compt~. Navy Revd D.r Long ...Lowndes's Prof: Ast: Camb.

Admiral Forbes reminded the Board of what he mentioned to them at their meeting on the 24th of May last respecting M.r Douwes the Author of some Logarithmic Solar Tables; The Consideration of which matter was put off 'til such time as Lord Morton shall be able to attend, whose Opinion & Advice it was judged necessary to take thereupon.

Sir Edward Hawke recalled to the Remembrance of the Board the great services Cap.t John Campbell had been of to them on many occasions particularly in making observations at sea for the Trial of Mr Mayers Tables & also in making calculations of the Observations taken for the last Trial of M.r Harrison's Watch; & at the same time submitted to their Consideration whether it might not be proper to shew Captain Campbell some mark of the sense they have of those services; And, he having proposed, as a pecuniary reward could not be offered to Cap.t Campbell, that he may be presented with any astronomical Instrument he should like to have, the Board unanimously approved thereof, &, understanding that an Astronomical Quadrant of 18 Inches radius would be most acceptable to him,

Resolved,

That Mr Bird be directed to make an Instrument of that kind, agreeable to such directions as Capt Campbell shall chuse to give him, & lay his Bill of the Expence thereof before the Board; And that the said Instrument (when completed) be presented to Captain Campbell as a mark of the sense they have of his services, accordingly.

Mr John Harrison's L~res of the 28th of October & 5th of November last, to Sir Chas. Saunders then first Lord of the Admiralty, were read;

A Memorial of this date from the said Mr Harrison was also read, offering to make two other Timekeepers to undergo a fixed trial (having his last Timekeeper lent him to work by); And, at the same time, proposing a mode of trial;

The Board having taken the said L~res & Memorial into consideration & having called in & severally discoursed with Mr Larcum Kendall the said Mr Harrison's son (whose resepective declarations are subjoined) did not at present think fit that the watch should be delivered into the hands of Mr Harrison, as Mr Kendal has represented that he cannot execute the parts of the watch he had undertaken to make, in the exact proportion professed by Mr Harrison to be necessary without having Mr Harrison's watch in his possession, and therefore must fail in his engagement with the public, for fulfilling of which he has already postponed his private Business; And,

In respect to the mode offered by Mr Harrison for the trial of the two timekeepers abovementioned, when completed, the Board was of Opinion the same would not be sufficient & therefore Resolved upon the following mode in Lieu thereof, vizt,

That the said Two Timekeepers, when complete by Mr Harrison, be tried together at the Royal Observatory for the space of ten successive months, including the extremes of Natural heat & Cold, and two months in the Downes; under the same precautions of securing the s.d Timekeepers under Locks (with different keys entrusted to different persons) as were made use of in the Voyage to Jamaica & Barbadoes; That, in case the natural heat of the season in the place where the said Timekeeper shall be kept at the Royal Observatory does not arise to the degree of 86 according to Fahrenheit's Thermometer, an artificial heat be applied sufficient to raise the Thermometer to that degree.

Mr Harrison's Son was called in & acquainted wth these Resolutions, a Copy whereof he desired to have for his father's information (which was accordingly granted) thô he at the same time declared he was confident that his father would object to the mode of Trial proposed by the Board, both as to the time and place.

He then withdrew.

Mr Kendal's declaration.

"That he has made preparations for proceeding upon the watch he has undertaken to construct upon Mr Harrison's principles & that he shall be ready to go upon that work in about six weeks when he desire Mr Harrison's Timekeeper may be put into his hands; That he has been obliged to postpone his private Business in order to make these preparations & must decline every thing else whilst he is employed in making the watch; That there is no other way of "keeping the exact proportions professed by Mr Harrison to be necessary than by having the said Timekeeper in his possession; That if the said Timekeeper was kept by Mr Harrison (thô he might have recourse to it) he could not carry the propor~ions in his mind so as to be able to execute them; That he has not any "Objection to M.r Harrison's having reasonable Access to the Timekeeper, whilst in his Custody; That he has not expressed any doubts of being able to construct the watch he has undertaken; That he will engage to make every particular part thereof superior to Mr Harrison's, But will not answer for the adjustment the method whereof is precarious; And that he thinks he does not stand in need of any further instruction from Mr Harrison."

Mr Harrison Jun.r his declaration

"That it will be necessary he should have the "Timekeeper in his hands for six months by which means he shall be able to complete two others in Two yre~s; That it will require one y~re longer if he has it not in his hands; That he does not chuse to give security for the safe custody and re delivery of the s.d Timekeeper any more than others in whose custody it has been; That exclusive of the remainder of the reward (vizt £10,000) he expects to be paid for the two timekeepers (if they answer upon Trial & are to become the property of the public) the same price as will be be paid him by others who have bespoke those machines of him; That, before he gives any further Instructions to other Workmen, his fathers expects to have his reward of £10,000, after the receipt of which he will be upon oath to do all in his power to instruct other people & get it into the world; And that if he has not the Timekeeper delivered up to him to work by he will not undertake to the Board to make any more watches, but will pursue his own way."

The Board understanding that Mr Bowyer declines printing the nautical Almanac for next year, as he does not find he can depend upon being employed to print those for succeeding Years,

Resolved,

That Mess.rs Richardson & Clark be employed to print the said Almanac for next Yre~, in his stead.

Resolved,

That two Copies of the drawings &c~ of Mr Harrison's watch, one of each size, be given to the six persons who attended the discovery of the principles of the said Watch, & also to the other Gentlemen to whom presents thereof were ordered by the Board.

D.r Shepherd laid before the Boards a Letter which he had rec~ed from the Rev.d Mr Ludlam, inclosing some further particulars relating to the construction of Mr Harrison's watch, especially as to the Dimensions of some of the parts thereof; which was ordered to be printed & delivered to the Astronomer Royal for that purpose.

Adjourned to Saturday the 2.d of next month.

At a meeting of the Commissioners appointed &c~. for the discovery of the Longitude &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 2.d May 1767. Present

R.t Hon~ble Sir Edw.d Hawke ...First Comm.r Adm~ty "Sir John Cust B.t ...Speaker Ho Com~ons "Lord Visc.t Howe ...Trea~r Navy. Hon~ble John Forbes ...Admiral, Blue R.t Hon~ble Earl of Morton ...President Rl Society Revd Mr Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal. "Mr Hornsby ...Savilian Prof: Ast: Oxon Mr Waring ...Lucas.n Prof: Math: Camb Rev.d Dr. Shepherd....Plumian Prof: Ast: Do Dr. Smith ...Sav: Prof: Geom: Oxon Philip Stephens Esq.r Secretary Admty. Rev.d Dr Long ...Lowndes's Prof. Ast: Camb.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read.

M.r Kendal, who was attending, was called in & asked if he should want Mr Harrison's Caliper to work by; He answered in the negative.

He was then asked if he thought the Watch might be moved from Greenwich to London as well in a state of going as if it was at rest; he said he thought the latter most adviseable; and then withdrew.

The Board then came to the following resolutions with respect to the removal of the Watch & depositing of it in the hands of Mr Kendal, vizt,

That the same be conveyed by water to London in the Barge belonging to the Royal Hospital at Greenwich the first convenient opportunity;

That Mr Maskleyne, Cap.t Smith of the said Hospital & Mr Ibbetson Secretary to this Board do attend the removal of the said watch from the Royal Observatory to Mr Kendal's House & see & certify to it's being delivered into Mr Kendal's Custody;

That Mr Kendal do attend at the Observatory & in the presence of those Gentlemen, inspect into the state of the Watch immediately preceding it's removal & certify the same as far as he shall be able from such Inspection; That he do the like on it's arrival at his house; and that he do then give a proper Receipt for the said Watch on the Back of his Articles of Agreement with the Board.

That Mr Mudge be desired to attend Mr Kendal at a convenient time to be settled between them, to see the said Watch taken to pieces and inspect into the state of it.

Mr. Maskelyne was desired to settle a proper time for the execution of this Business and to let the Secretary & the others who are to attend, have timely notice of it; And then to let the Watch go down.

Sir George Rodney was desired to give Capt. Smith the necessary orders to attend agreeable to these Resolutions, and the Officer of the Hospital, whose turn it may be to see the Watch wound up, to admit of it's being let to go down and to deliver up his key to Cap.t Smith _ He was also desired to furnish the Hospital Barge when wanted for the above purpose.

Mr Kendal was then called in, & the above Resolutions having been communicated to him, he engaged to comply therewith so far as the same related to him, and then withdrew,

Some Logarithmic Solar Tables for finding the Latitude by two Observations, constructed by Mr Cornelius Douwes, Teacher of the Mathematicks at Amsterdam (which were mentioned to the Commissioners by Admiral Forbes at their Meetings on the 24th of May & 11 Apl last) were now laid before the Board; And Cap.t Campbell, in whose possession they had been, representing that they were sent to him from Holland sometime ago by Cap.n Cha.s Douglas an Officer in the Navy, but how or from whom he obtained them, he was not able to say with any certainty; It was not, therefore, thought proper to come to any resolution in respect to them 'til it should be known by whom, & for what prupose, they had been put into the hands of the s.d Cap.t Douglas; Of which Lord Morton & Admiral Forbes undertook to inform themselves; the Captain being at present employed in one of the King's Ships stationed on the Coast of Scotland.

Cap.t Campbell, at the same time, presented to the Board, & desired their acceptance of, a Manuscript Book containing Tables of his own construction upon Mr Douwes plan, of which they are an improvement, together with Precepts & Examples; The Board expressed their Approbation of the Work, thank'd Cap.t Campbell for the trouble he had taken & were unanimously of Opinion that it will be of public Utility to print and publish the said Tables, But they did not think fit to give any orders upon the matter at present, 'til they shall know the result of the abovementioned Enquiry, concerning those constructed by Mr Douwes.

Cap.t Campbell then withdrew,

A Memorial, dated the 11th of last month & signed by the Lieutenants of Greenwich Hospital was read, desiring some Allowance for their troubling in attending daily in Rotation at the Royal Observatory to attest the regular winding up & comparison of Mr Harrison's Timekeeper; And it appearing to the Board that, exclusive of their trouble, they must have been put to some Expence in furnishing themselves with other Conveyance when the Weather was too bad to admit of their going on foot.

Res.d

To allow the two Captains & Seven Lieutenants named in the margin, Capt El.t Smith _R.d Clements L.t Alex~ Gordon _Hy Moyle _Chas Stuteville _G. Grant _Jas Cumming _Chas Besson _Robt. Kerr. who have been constantly in the way to attend that service, five Guineas each for their trouble & to defray any Expences they may have been at; the said money to be paid to Sir Geo~. B. Rodney Gov.~ of the Hospital, to be by him distributed amongst them accordingly.

One of the Reflecting Telescopes of two feet focal Length, now unemployed in the Royal Observatory, was lent to Cap.t Campbell, at his request; And the Astronomer Royal was desired to deliver it to him.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &c for the discovery of the Longitude &ca; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 12th of December 1767. Present

R.t Hon~ble Sir Edw.d Hawke 1st Lord Comm.r Adm~ty. "Sir John Cust _Speaker H.o Commons "L.d Visc.t Howe Trea~r Navy. "Earl Morton Pres.t Roy.l Society. Rev.d Mr Maskelyne _Astronomer Royal. "Mr. Hornsby _Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith _Do Geom: Do D.r Waring _Lucas: Prof: Math: Camb Rev.d D.r Shepherd _Plum: Prof: Ast: Do S.r Tho.s Salusbury _Judge High C.t Adm~ty. Philip Stephens Esqr. Secy Adm~ty.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read.

Mr Bird having completed three engraved plates & a written description of the Mural Arc in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and also a Model thereof of 4 foot radius; the same were by him delivered to the Board: And he having represented that thô he seldom worked less than eleven & often twelve hours in each day, the abovementioned plates & their description together with that already published, took up four months of his time, the performance requiring great Attendance as well as Labour; And that the Model, in the construction of which he was obliged to deviate from the Letter of his Articles by introducing Brass, Iron &c~, hath, as near as he can collect the expences, cost him £40: And he having delivered in a Bill amounting to £124.s4.d0 consisting of the following Articles, vizt,

1766. £ s d Augt. 4. For a partial cleaning of a Brass Sextant 0. 5. 0 Sep.~ 27. Repairing a Brass Sextant... 1767 May 8. Regrinding & polishing one of the little Speculums of a 2 foot reflecting Telescope... 1. 1. 0 Dec.~ 8. A Brass Land Quadrant of 18 Inches radius delivered, by order of the Board of Longitude to Capt. Campbell... 60. 0. 0 12. Four engraved plates, together wth a description in writing of the Brass Mural Quadrant in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. 30. 0. 0 A Model of Do_4 feet radius... 30. 0. 0 £124. 4. 0

Resolv'd,

In consideration of what Mr Bird has represented that the Navy Board be desired to sign a Bill upon the Treasure of His Majesty's Navy for paying him £150 in discharge of his said Bill and as an indemnification for the extraordinary Loss of time, & expence, he has been put to in the said plates & Models - Mr Bird being at the same time informed (& declaring he so understood it) that he is not to receive any further consideration for the plates & descriptions which remain to come in of the other Instruments & which he promised to deliver without fail in the Summer of the Year 1769 or sooner if he can consistent with his other engagements; the Board having, at his request, indulged him 'til that time and excused him from making Models of those other Instruments, the same appearing to them unneccessary.

Resolv'd,

That the description & plates be printed, worked off & publish'd under the description of the Astronomer Royal, And,

That the Model be lodged in the British Musæum for which purpose the Secretary was directed to write to the Trustees, and M.r Bird was desired to provide a plain Mahogany Case, such as he should judge proper for it to stand in.

The Board having taken into consideration the Utility of having the Ephemerides calculated & published two or three Years in advance;

Resolv'd,

That the Astronomer Royal be empowered (& he was empowered accordingly) to employ as many additional Computers as he shall find necessary for that purpose; that they be paid at the same rate with the other Computers; And that, in case he finds Mr Dunthorne cannot go through the additional Labour arising therefrom in comparing the Calculations, he may employ some other proper person or persons to do it.

Resolv'd,

That an Addition of £5 Ann~. be given to each of the Computers & Comparers to defray the expence of paper & postage of Letters incurred upon each Years Ephemeris.

Resolv'd

That the Navy Board be desired to imprest the further sum of £500 to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay, from time to time the persons who are or may be employed in computing & comparing the Ephemerides.

The Astronomer Royal having desired that he may have attested Copies or Extracts from the Minutes of this Board for his justification from Reflections cast upon him by Mr Harrison; and that he have leave to publish the same;

Res.d

That the Secretary do accordingly furnish the Astronomer Royal with attested copies or extracts of such of the said Minutes as he may require for the purpose abovementioned & that he have leave to publish the same if he thinks proper.

Sir Edward Hawke laid before the Board a note from Lord Shelburne inclosing a Copy of a Letter which his Lordship had received from Miss Bradley dated the 18th of May last wherein she informs his Lordship that, when she came of Age, she gave her Father's Observations to her Uncle Mr Samuel Peach, because (as she alledged) no application had been made for them by her Guardians, or any Person on behalf of His Majesty, the Board of Longitude, or the Royal Society; and that she had been lately informed that several very eminent Council had concurred in Opinion that they were her sole Property.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &ca. for the discovery of the Longitude &c.a which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 18th June 1768. Present.

Rt. Hon~ble Sir Edw.d Hawke ...1st Lord Comm.r Adm~ty. "Sir John Cust Bt ...Speaker H.o Com~ons Sir Cha.s Knowles Bt ...Adm.l of the White. Rev.d Mr. Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal. "M.r Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...Do Geom: Do. D.r Waring ...Lucas: Prof: Ast: Do Rev..d D.r Shepherd Plum: Prof: Ast: at Camb: Sir Geo~. B. Rodney Bt ...Gov.~ Greenwich Hosp.l Sir Tho.s Salusbury ...Judge High C.t Adm~ty. Philip Stephens Esqr. Secy. Admiralty. Revd D.r Long ...Lowndes's Prof: Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read.

The Board resumed the consideration of Miss Bradley's Lre~ of the 18th May 1767 to the Earl of Shelburne, concerning her Father's original Observations whilst Astronomer Royal, & also of the Opinions which were given about two years ago by Mr York & Mr De Grey His Majesty's Attorney & Sollicitor General concerning the Crown's Rights thereto; which opinions not agreeing,

Resolv'd,

That previous to the taking any further steps in the matter, the Opinion of Mr Dunning the present Attorney General, be also taken thereupon;

The Board understanding from Mr Hornsby that M.rs Bliss is willing, upon receiving some consideration from the same, to deliver up the original Observations made at the Royal Observatory during the time her late Husband was Astronomer Royal, And, from Mr Maskelyne that M.r Green, who was Assistant to D.r Bradley and M.r Bliss, is also willing, on like terms, to give up the Observations which he made at the said Observatory, between the decease of the said M.r Bliss and the Appointment of him the s.d Mr Maskelyne, also the reduction of near 1500 places of the Moon taken by D.r Bradley & the places of Stars to the 3.d Magnitude settled by him, which will be of great public Utility: And the Board being of opinion that it will be of very great importance to Astronomy & Navigation that the Observations which have been, or may be, made at the Royal Observatory, should be preserved in a regular series, and that all such as are wanting for that purpose should be recovered as soon as possible;

Resolv'd,

In consideration thereof & of the distressed Circumstances of M.rs Bliss, the short time her Husband enjoyed the employment of Astronomer Royal and the readiness she has shewn to deliver up such of the said Observations as are in her hands, And also in Consideration that the said Mr Green did not receive any extraordinary allowance for his trouble in making Observations during the time abovementioned, that a reward of 50 Guineas be given to the said M.rs Bliss for the abovementioned Observations which are in her custody so soon as it shall appear she has delivered them to Mr Hornsby who was desired to receive them from her & bring them to the next Board; And that £50 be paid to the s.d M.r Green for the abovementioned Observations & papers which are in his custody, so soon as he shall have delivered the same to the Astronomer Royal.

Resd.

That the Expence of paper & printing Mr. Maskelyne's intended defence against the injurious reflections thrown out by M.r Harrison, in a pamphlet sometime since publish'd by him, be defrayed by this Board.

D.r Shepherd informing the Board that he had ordered 3000 Copies of the general Tables for correcting the Effects of Parallax & Refraction (which are now preparing under his direction) to be printed off: The Board approved thereof.

A L~re of the 14th of last month from Admiral Forbes was read inclosing one which he had received from Cap.t Douglas in answer to what he had written to him at the request of this Board concerning M.r Douwes Solar Tables; And it appearing thereby that to the said M.r Douwers solely belongs the Merit of the Utility which the said Tables already have been, or may be, of, to Navigation, And that, under the encouragement given him, he employed a great deal of time, & some money also, in correcting, improving & illustrating the Tables which have been presented to this Board;

Res.d

That £50 be paid to the s.d M.r Douwes as a Reward for his trouble in correcting, improving & illustrating those Tables; And,

That Cap.t Campbell's further Improvements thereof, which was delivered to the Board at the same time with them, be printed & added to the next Ephemeris, under the direction of the Astronomer Royal.

Mr Samuel Dunn, Teacher of Mathematics, having produced to the Board Models of two different Instruments of his Invention for taking the largest Angles which can be taken & thereby finding the Longitude by Observations of the Moon's distance from the Sun & Planets when the same cannot be done by Hadley's Quadrant; And the Board being of opinion from the Report of the Astronomer Royal & their own Observation that a complete Instrument of Brass, (upon the plan of one of those Models) of 15 Inches Radius, may be of great public Utility, & that Mr Dunn is therefore deserving of some encouragement;

Res.d

That M.r Ramsden Mathematical Instrument Maker in the Haymarket, be employed to make a complete Brass Instrument upon that plan & of that Radius accordingly; the expence thereof to be paid by this Board and the Instrument to become the property of the Public; that such Experiments may be made of its' use for the purposes abovementioned as may be thought proper ; And,

That 20 Guineas be paid to the said Mr Dunn to defray the Expence he has been at for the said Models, and for his trouble in superintending the making of the said Instrument.

Red.d

That the following Bills, which were laid before the Board, be paid, Viz.t

Mr Maskelyne's Account of his Disbursements for various purposes in the service of this Board, amounting to £78.3s.d8;

Mr John Bird, Mathematical Instrument Maker his Bill for a Mahogany Case for his Model of the Mural Arc of his construction w~ch is lodged in the Museum £32.

Mess.rs Richardson & Clark, Printers, their Bill for printing several things on Account of this Board £62.10.6;

Mess.rs Bowyer & Co, Printers, their Bill for like service, £21.10.3;

Mess.rs Simmons, Field & Stephenson, Stationers, their Bill for paper supplied for printing the several things abovementioned £25.18.9; And,

Mess.rs Wright & Gill, Stationers, their Bill fo paper supplied for like service £39.10.6.

A Report from the Astronomer Royal upon a Method proposed by Lieu.t Robert Heath of the 41st Regt, for computing the Effects of Parallax & Refraction upon the Moon's distance from a Star (which had been referred to his consideration) was read; Whereby it appeared that the said Method is new & ingenious & affords a very near approximation to the truth: But the Board having already given rewards to different persons for other methods, of the like nature and having undertaken at a great expence to get very accurate Tables for showing those Effects computed upon a plan formerly proposed by Mr George Witchell which they apprehend will fully & effectually answer the end for which they are intended, did not think themselves authorized to give away any more of the Public Money, however deserving the Inventors may be, for other methods whereby the public cannot receive any additional Advantage.

Reports from the Astronomer Royal upon Methods proposed by Mr. David Lysle & Mr Em: Swedenberg for discovering the Longitude at Sea (w~ch had been also referred to his consideration) were likewise read: By which Reports it appeared that it will be impracticable to observe with the Instruments proposed by the former; and that the method proposed by the latter is not new or capable of exact observation, and moreover that the Author is mistaken in his mode of Calculation by supposing the Moon to have no Latitude but what is owing to Parallax.

Some Letters from M.r Michael Wood of Liverpool with proposals for discovering the Longitude at Sea, and also a Letter of the 23.d of Decem.r last from Mr John Brownlie at Oporto proposing to do the same by means of a Clepsydre, were read; but did not seem to contain any thing deserving Notice.

The Board being of Opinion it will be more convenient for themselves and at the same time of no ill consequence to the public to meet at stated times in the Year,

Res.d

To meet on the following days & not oftner unless any very extraordinary Business should require it, vizt

1st Saturday...after the meeting of Parliament. Do...in March Do...After the end of the Session of Parliamt,

And the Secretary was ordered to take care to give the several Members timely notice thereof.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &c for the discovery of the Longitude &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 12th Novem.~ 1768. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Sir Edward Hawke 1st Lord Commiss.~ Adm~ty. "Sir John Cust B.t ...Speaker H.o Com~ons Francis Holburne Esqr ...Admiral of the Blue Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal. "Mr. Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...Do Geom~. Do Rev.d Dr Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb. D.r Waring ...Lucas: Do: Math: Do Rev.d D.r Long ...Lowndes's Do_ Ast: Do

The Minutes of the last meeting were read.

The Board understanding that M.r Dunning's Opinion (which was ordered by the last Board to be taken) with respect to the Crown's Right to the Observations made at the Royal Observatory by the late D.r Bradley, has not yet been rec~ed;

Res.d

That he be desired to give his opinion thereupon as soon as conveniently may be; And, in case he shall concur with M.r York that the Crown has a right thereto, that Copies of both their Opinions be transmitted to Mr Hornsby, who was desired to make such use of them as he may see fit in order to induce Miss Bradley to deliver up those Observations.

Res.d

In addition to the Resolutions of this Board of the 21st March 1767, in respect to introducing the Nautical Almanacs into use on board the King's Ships, that it be further recommended to the Lords of the Admiralty to give the necessary orders to the Captains & Commanders of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels at present in Commission, which may be now at, or hereafter come to, Portsmouth, to take care that their present respective Masters do perfect themselves at the Royal Academy there in the Knowledge & Use of the said Almanacs & also of Hadley's Quadrant in making Lunar observations; and produce Certificates that they have done so, from the Head Master or Mathematical Usher of the said Academy who will have directions to instruct them gratis; That their Lordships will be pleas'd to give directions to the said Head Master or Mathematical Usher to instruct them accordingly, at such time as will not interfere with their other duty; giving Certificates of their having done so and keeping an Account of their Names, it being intended that they shall be paid by this Board 1/2 a Guinea for each Master now employed who shall be instructed by them, the same to be equally divided between them; And that their Lordships will also give directions to the Navy Board not to appoint any persons henceforth to be Masters of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels unless they produce Certificates from the said Head Master or Mathematical Usher or from Mr Robert Bishop or Mr Samuel Dunn both living in London (who are appointed by this Board to instruct such as shall apply) that they are qualified to make use of the said Almanacs & Quadrant.

Res..d

That the s..d Head Master & Mathematical Usher be each of them furnished with an Almanac every yre' & with any thing else publish'd under the direction of this Board which the Astronomer Royal shall judge proper for their use in instructing the said persons.

Res.d

That the s.d Headmaster & Mathematical Usher be each of them furnished with an Almanac every Y~re & with any thing else publish'd under the direction of this Board which the Astronomer Royal shall judge proper for their use in instructing the said Persons,

Res.d

That the Royal Society be presented with one Copy of every thing which has been, or may be, published by this Board.

Res.d

That the s.d Society be desired, if they shall send Observers to Spitsbergen or the North Cape, to direct them to make Trials of the Utility of Mr Dunn's new invented Instrument for taking large Angles which is now constructing by Mr Ramsden, and the Astronomer Royal was desired to receive the s.d Instrument from Mr Ramsden, & to make Trials of it on shore 'til it may be wanted for the purpose abovement.d.

The Astronomer Royal having represented to the Board that it would be useful to Navigation to have accurate Observations made at the Lizard Point in order to settle the just Latitude & Longitude thereof which has never yet been done; And that the Occasion of the next Transit of Venus, w~ch will happen the beginning of June next, points out a proper time of making such Observtions; as the Observation of the Transit itself affords one of the best methods of determining the Longitudes of places, but that it will take time to have proper Instruments made for this purpose; The Board took the same into Consideration & Resolved that such Observations should be made & that Mr. Bird be directed to make an Astronomical Quadrant of One foot Radius, and Mr Shelton an Astronomical Clock for the purpose of making those Observations.

Mr Nourse having delivered in his Account of the Sale of Books publish'd under the direction of this Board up to the 24th of October last, the Ballance of which due to the Board appears to be £65.7.11; The Astronomer Royal was desired to examine the s.d Account, and if he finds the same right to direct the s.d Mr Nourse to pay the Ballance into the hands of the Secretary.

The Board understanding that Mr. Bird has made some late Improvements which he is desirous of adding to Sextants made by him for the service of the Board;

Res.d

That the Sextant which was lent to Cap.t Campbell, & that which Cap.t Wallis had during his late Voyage, be sent to M.r Bird to have those Improvements made to them accordingly.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &ca, for the discovery of the Longitude &c;a which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 4th of March 1769. Present

Rt Hon~ble Sir Edward Hawke ...1st Lord Comm.r Adm~ty _Lord Viscount Howe ...Treasurer Navy Sir Cha:s Knowles Bt Adm.l of the White James West Esq.r ...Presid.t Roy.l Society Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal ...Dr Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb: Dr Waring ...Lucasn: Prof: Math: Camb: Rev.d Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon Dr Smith ...Sav: Prof: Geom: Oxon Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty Rev.d...Dr Long ...Lowndes's Prof: Ast. Camb:

The Minutes of the last Meeting on the 12th of November last were read.

The Secretary laid before the Board Mr Dunning’s Opinion in relation to the Crown’s Right to the original Observations made at the Royal Observatory, which, having concurred with that of Mr York, had been sent to Mr Hornsby as directed by the last Board, And Mr Hornsby laid before the Board Letters which he has since received from Miss Bradley and Mr Peach her Uncle, the latter absolutely refusing to give up the Observations made by the late Dr Bradley, which are in his hands, without a very valuable consideration.

Resolved,

That the State of the Case with the several Opinions taken thereupon be sent to Lord Weymouth, and that his Lordship be desired to lay the same before the King, and to submit to His Majesty’s Royal Wisdom whether it may not be advisable for His Majesty to direct, by his Sign Manual, the Restitution of those Observations; And, in case of non-compliance, to order His Attorney General to file an Information against the Parties withholding the same, as advised by the abovementioned Opinions.

The Astronomer Royal having represented to the Board that the places of the Moon and fixed Stars deduced from Dr Bradley’s Observations, which have been delivered to him by Mr Charles Green by order of this Board, will not be completely fit for publication ‘til some additional Calculations shall be made in order to add their Longitudes and Latitudes which are wanting in many places; And that he apprehends Mr Charles Mason, who deduced the said places whilst he was Assistant to the said Dr Bradley, will be the most proper person to complete those Calculations The Board took the same into Consideration and the Astronomer Royal was desired to employ the said Mr Mason for that purpose; his recompense to be settled when the work shall be completed.

Sir Edward Hawke was, at the request of the Astronomer Royal, desired to procure from the Board of Admiralty Leave of Absence for Mr Bradley Mathematical Usher at the Royal Academy at Portsmouth to proceed to the Lizard to make the intended Observations for determining the Latitude and Longitude thereof, and likewise for the Conveyance of the said Mr Bradley, with all such Instruments and Apparatus as he may find necessary to take with him, in one of His Majesty’s Ships or Vessels to that place, and from thence back to Portsmouth when the observations shall be over.

The Board being given to understand that Mr Bird will not be able, without great inconvenience, to deliver in the plates and descriptions of the other Instruments in the Course of the present Summer agreable with his engagement with them on the 12th of Dec.r 1767;

Resolved,

That he be indulged with six months longer time to complete the said Plates & Descriptions.

The Secretary informed the Board that he had received the Ballance of Mr Nourse’s Account laid before them at their last meeting, amounting to £66..7..11;

Ordered,

That he do pay Mr Ramsden his Bill for a Brass Instruments for taking large Angles constructed after a Model invented by Mr Samuel Dunn, and made in consequence of the Boards order on the 18th of June last, amounting to £17,,17,,0 -

Messrs Mount and Page having delivered in their Account of the Sale of Books (published under the direction of this Board) up to the present time, the Ballance of which due the Board appears to be £57,,15,,6; The Astronomer Royal was desired to examine the said Account and if he finds the same to be right to direct the said Messrs Mount and Page to pay the Ballance thereof into the hands of the Secretary.

Dr Shepherd laid before the Board a Letter from Monsr de Charnieres dated at Versailles the 20th of September last, inclosing two pamphlets, one entitled “Memoire sur l’observation des Longitudes en Mer _ 1767” And the other “Experiences sur les Longitudes faites a la Mer en 1767 & 1768”

Ordered,

That the said Books be sent to the Astronomer Royal for his opinion whether they contain any thing deserving of Notice; And that the Secretary do write to the said Monsr de Charnieres and thank him for the same.

The Secretary laid before the Board a Book which had come to him under a Cover addressed to them (and supposed to be from the Author) entitled “De Gravitate Universali Corpurum” by Paul Frisi, Professor of Mathematics at Milan, Pisa and Bononia -

Resolved,

That he do write to the said Mons.r Frisi to thank him for the same.

Dr Shepherd laid before the Board a paper containing a Solution of the following Problem in Navigation (proposed formerly by Doctor Halley) by Mr Israel Lyons, Vizt.

“A Ship sails from a given Latitude and having sailed a certain Number of Miles has altered her Longitude by a given quantity, to find the Course steered.”

Resolved,

That the said Paper be referred to the Astronomer Royal for his opinion.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed &ca- for the discovery of the Longitude &c.a which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 13th May 1769. Present

R.t Hon~ble Lord Visc.t Howe ...Trea~r of the Navy. Hon~ble George Townshend ...Adm.l of the Blue James West Esq.r ...Presid.t Roy.l Society Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "Dr Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb: Dr Waring ...Lucas: Prof: Math: Camb: Rev.d Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon Dr Smith ...Sav: Prof: Geom: Oxon Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty Rev.d Dr Long ...Lowndes's Prof: Ast: Camb:

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 4th of March last were read.

The Astronomer Royal delivered to the Board his Report in writing upon Mr Lyon’s solution of a Problem in Navigation proposed formerly by Dr Halley which was referred to him at the last meeting, which was read.

Resolved,

That the said Solution be printed and added to the Ephemeris; and that a Reward of £10..0..00, be given to the said Mr Lyons for the same.

Resolved,

That Ephemerides for the Years 1771 and 1772 be computed and printed with all possible Expedition, and that the Navy Board be desired to imprest £450,,0,,0 to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay the Computers and Comparers.

Mr Kendal produced a Watch made according to Agreement upon the principle of Mr Harrisons which he said had been going about three weeks but that it required still further Adjustment, It was therefore returned to him for that purpose.

Mr West laid before the Board a Memorial from the Sieur Gosmond de Vernon to the French Ambassador which had been sent by His Excellency to the Royal Society with a manuscript Book of the late Mr de la Drevetiere de Lisle entitled “Decouverte des Longitudes en Mer” with a Memorial concerning the Author; Which was referred to Mr Professor Hornsby who was desired to give his opinion upon it at the next meeting.

The following Bills having been laid before the Board, Vizt,

Mr John Shelton’s Bill for an Astronomical Clock and a Larum made by him for the purpose of making the intended Observations at the Lizard, amounting to £43,,2,,0.

Mr John Bird’s Bill for an Astronomical Quadrant of 12 Inches radius made by him for the said Service; and for repairing a Reflecting Telescope, amounting to £37,,16,,0 ; And

Messrs Richardson and Clark their Bill for printing the Ephemeris for the Year 1769, and other pieces under the direction of this Board amounting to £47,,4,,0 ;

Resolved,

that the said Bills be paid-

Mr Stephens laid before the Board a Letter dated that 10th of last Month which he had received from Mr Witchell Head Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth, inclosing the Solution of a Problem, with Examples, for facilitating the finding of the Longitude at Sea by the Lunar Method, which was referred to the Royal Astronomer and the other Professors for their Consideration and Opinion -

Adjourned-

At a meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 13th Jan~ry 1770 Present.

R.t H~ble Lord Howe ...Trea~r Navy James West Esqr ...Pres.t Royal Society Rev.d Mr Maskelyne....Ast: Royal. "Mr. Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon. Dr. Smith ...do-d.o Geom~-do. D.r Waring ...Lucas: d.o: Math: Camb. Rev.d Dr Shepherd Plum: do. Ast: do Philip Stephens Esqr ..Sec~ry Admiralty.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 13th May last were read.

M.r Professor Hornsby having reported that the Method of finding the Longitude proposed by Mons~ de Lisle, w~ch was referred to him the last Board, is too imperfect for farther consideration;

Res.d

That Dr Morton, Secretary to the Royal Society, be acquainted therewith for the information of the French Ambassador.

A Letter of the 28th of December last from Lord Weymouth one of His Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State was read representing that in consequence of the Board’s letter to him of the 13th of May last, he had, in obedience to the King’s commands, referred the consideration of it’s contents to His Majesty’s Advocate, Attorney & Sollicitor General with directions to them to point out the proper legal remedy for the recovery of the late D.r Bradley’s Observations, And that they had given it as their opinion that the proper remedy for bringing His Majesty’s right to those papers to a decision & for recovering the possession of them is by an information in the name of His Majesty’s Attorney General in the Court of Exchequer, and that he had accordingly received and signified His Majesty’s pleasure to the Attorney General to proceed in that manner.

Res.d

That a Copy of Lord Weymouth’s said Letter be given to M.r Professor Hornsby who undertook to communicate the contents to the late Mr Peach’s son (in whose possession, by the death of his Father, those observations are now supposed to be) in order that the information ordered to be filed as aforesaid maybe stopped if he will consent to deliver them up without farther delay; And Mr Hornsby was desired to inform himself and report to the Board at the next meeting M.r Peach’s resolution upon the matter.

The Astronomer Royal acquainted the Board that having lately drawn up in Latin the precepts wanting to the late M.r Mayer’s Lunar Tables, he proposed to translate them into English, together with Mr Mayer’s precepts of the Solar Tables without delay and hoped he should be able to published the Tables together with the precepts both in Latin and English and also Mayer’s Theoria Lunæ (which is ready for publication) in a month or six weeks time; And he was desired to consult with the Booksellers & settle the price of the above Tables &cq when they come to be sold.

Dr Shepherd represented to the Board that there will be an Increase of near £1000 in the expence of the General Table for correcting the effects of the Parallax and Refraction which has been and is constructing under his direction, on account of printing, paper &c~ for 3000 Copies of that work pursuant to the resolutions of the Board instead of the 1000 copies w~ch were only provided for in his original estimate of £1357, and therefore desired to have an Imprest of £600 in addition to the £1300 which he had already had to enable him to prosecute the said work. But it appearing by Accounts wch the Secretary laid before the Board that the state of the cash granted to their disposal by Parliament & of what had been received for the sale of Books is as follows, vizt

Remaining of the £5000 granted by Parliament for improving the Lunar Tables & making discoveries & Improvements usefull to navigation...}£136.s17.d7

Remaining of the £2000 for making experiments_} 834.3.5 ½

In the Secretary’s hands being the Ballance of what he has rec~ed from Mr. Nourse and from Mess.rs Mount & Page...} 105.6.5.

Res.d

That the usual Letter be sent to the Navy Board to desire them to imprest £100 of what remains of the £5000 abovement.d to D.r Shepherd; And,

That the Secretary do pay him £100 of the Ballance remaining in his hands; in order to enable him to go on with the abovementioned General Table.

Res.d

That it is the opinion of this Board that application should be made this sessions of Parliament for more money to enable the Commissioners to give further rewards for the improvement of the Lunar Tables and for other improvements and discoveries useful to navigation. But, as the Speaker is not present, & the Board is to meet again so soon, it was agreed to postpone making such application ‘til after the next meeting.

Res.d

That the Booksellers be directed to make up their accounts with the Board to the end of February next and deliver the same in against next meeting.

Mess.rs Keach and Robbins two of the persons employed to compute the Nautical Almanacs having been detected in copying each others computations. M.r Astronomer Royal was desired to deduct so much money from their allowance as maybe sufficient to make the Comparers amends for the additional trouble he has occasioned them and to discontinue them as Computers so soon as they shall have finished what they have in hand.

The Board understanding that M.r Kendal was attending with the Watch which he has made with M.r John Harrison’s improvements pursuant to Agreement, he was called in and produced the said Watch, which it was resolved should undergo the inspection and examination required by the Articles before the next meeting and it was agreed that M.r Mudge Mr Mathews & M.r Bird (together with the Rev.d M.r Michell & the Rev.d Mr Ludlam if they, or either of them, should be in Town & chuse to attend) be desired to meet at such time as shall be most convenient to themselves, to inspect and examine the said Watch and to report if they find it to differ in any essential circumstances from that made by M.r Harrison; And the Secretary was directed to write such Letters as he should find necessary to carry this resolution into execution and to acquaint Mr Harrison with the time & place fixed upon for the examination, that he , or his son, or both, may be present at it, if they think proper.

Adjourned.

At a meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude &c~ w~ch was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 3d March 1770. Present.

Rt Hon~ble S.r Fletcher Norton Bt _Speaker Ho Com~ons "Lord Viscount Howe _Trea~r Navy James West Esqr ...Pres.t Royl Society Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal "M.r Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...Do Geom: do D.r Waring ...Lucas: do_Math: Camb. Rev.d D.r Shepherd ...Plum: do_ Ast: do S.r Tho.s Salusbury ...Judge High C.t Adm~ty Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm`ty

The minutes of the last meeting on the 13th of January last were read.

M.r Hornsby presented to the Board a Letter which he had received from M.r John Peach in return to one which he had sent him with a Copy of Lord Weymouth’s Lre, in consequence of the resolutions of last Board: In which the said M.r Peach represents that the parties concerned are determined not to give up the late D.r Bradley’s observations without a reasonable consideration;

Res.d

As the question of right to the said Observations is to be tried upon an information ordered to be filed by His Majesty’s Attorney General in the Court of Exchequer, that the Secretary do apply to the Sollicitor of the Treasury for a copy of such information & deliver the same to M.r Professor Hornsby, who is desired to communicate the same to the representatives of the said D.r Bradley in order that such an answer may be put in as will bring the whole merits of the case before the Court and that the same may, by consent, be tried the next term.

The Astronomer Royal informed the Board that he had not been able to get Mayer’s Tables published as yet but that he was in hopes the same would be done in about a fortnight’s time.

The Secretary laid before the Board Mess.rs Mount & Page and M.r Nourse’s Accounts of Nautical Almanacs & other Books sold for the Commissioners since their last accounts were delivered; on the former of whose accounts there appears to be a Ballance of to the Board of £36.s4.d4 and, upon the latter, of £7.s19.d1 in favor of the Board;

Res.d

That they be directed to pay their said respective Ballances into the hands of the Secretary to be disposed of as may hereafter be found necessary.

Res.d

That Application be made to Parliament for £5000 more to enable this board to give further rewards for improving the Lunar Tables & for other discoveries & improvements useful to Navigation And Lord Howe was pleased to undertake to make such application.

Res.d

In case a Bill shall be ordered to be brought in for that purpose that the House be moved for a Clause to be inserted therein for limiting a time for M.r John Harrison to produced other Timekeepers as required by the Act of the 5.th of His present Majesty to entitle him to the remaining moiety of the great reward directed to be paid by the 12th of Queen Anne; And that M.r Harrison have notice accordingly;

The Board understanding that Mr Kendall was attending he was called in and produced a certificate under the hands of the five persons who were nominated by the last Board to examine the Watch Machine which he has made with M.r John Harrison’s improvements; by which it appears that the said Watch Machine is completely finished in a good & workmanlike manner and agrees in all essential circumstances with that made by the said John Harrison & with all such improvements as were mentioned to them by M.r Harrison when he made to them a discovery of the principles upon which his said Watch Machine had been constructed And the said Mr Kendall having delivered up the Watch Machine which had been so made by him and also that made be the said M.r Harrison which had been put into his hands to work by, together with such Tools &ca peculiar thereto as were required by the Articles of Agreement

Res.d

That he has now fully completed his engagements with this Board, and that therefore the remainder of the money stipulated to be paid to him for making the said Watch machine (being £225) be paid to him as soon as conveniently may be; And that a further sum of £50 be given to him in consideration of his extraordinary trouble & loss of time in adjusting the said Watch Machine (which was upwards of nine months in his possession for that purpose after his first producing of it to the Board) and in taking it, and also that made by the said Mr Harrison, to pieces that their parts might be more readily compared; and putting them together again.

The Board understood from M.r Kendall that Mr Harrison’s son attended during the whole examination and, from M.r Wess, that he had afterwards called upon him and declared himself exceedingly satisfied with M.r Kendall’s workmanship which, in some respects, he acknowledged to be superior to that of his Father,

Resd

That both the abovementioned Watch Machines be delivered into the custody of the Astronomer Royal who was desired to receive the same and to make observations of their going and report the same to the next Board; And that the Tools &ca produced therewith be delivered to him also.

M.r Stephens was desired to take charge of the said Watch Machines and Tools ‘til the Astronomer Royal should send proper persons to convey them to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

M.r Kendal was desired to consider of, and report to the next Board the terms upon which he will undertake to instruct other workmen to make Watch Machines with M.r Harrison’s improvements And then he withdrew.

The Secretary laid before the Board an account of the several Telescopes & other astronomical Instruments which have from time to time been purchased by order of this Board for the purpose of making observations & in whose custody the same are at present;

Res.d

That the several persons, in whose custody they are, be called upon to give proper receipts for the same with a promise to deliver them up whenever required so to do.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca. which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 26 May 1770. Present

R.t H~ble Sir Edward Hawke ...1st Lord Comm.r Admty. "Sir Fletcher Norton Speaker Ho Com~ons Sir Cha.s Knowles B.t Adm.l of the White James West Esqr Pres.t Royl Society Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal D.r Smith ...Sav: Prof: Geom~: Oxon D.r Waring ...Lucas: Do_ Math: d.o Revd_ D.r Shepherd Plum: Do. Ast: Camb Philip Stephens Esqr. Sec~ry Adm~ty Dr. Long ...Lowndes Prof: Ast: Camb

The Minutes of the last meeting, on the 3.d of March last, were read.

The Board understanding that an Information hath not yet been filed against D.r Bradley’s Representatives;

Res.d

That Lord Weymouth be desired, to renew his directions to the Attorney General thereupon, if necessary.

A paper, signed & presented by Mr Kendall who was attending, in the words following, was read, vizt.

“Upon considering the proposals made to me by the Board at their last meeting (with regard to my instructing Workmen to make the several parts of M.r Harrison’s Watch and granting me a reward for so doing) there appears to be so many difficulties attending such an undertaking that, should I engage in it, I am well assured in my own mind, I shall not be able to do the public any service, I therefore should think it unjust to take a reward of the Board unless I knew I could fullfill the intentions for which the reward was given.

“As I apprehend the Board would expect, if the above proposals were carried into execution, that a Watch might, in a short time, be made for a reasonable price. But, in that case, I believe the Board would be disappointed in their expectations, for, thô the method proposed by the Board might be the means of answering the end in some degree, yet it can never answer it so effectually as to make the Watch become of public utility, for unless a reduction of the expensive parts of the watch can be effected &, some method contrived to facilitate the adjusting, the watch would still come to so high a price as to put it far out of the reach of purchase for general use, as I am of opinion it would be many years (if ever) before a Watch of the same kind with that of M.r Harrison’s could be afforded for £200.

Larcum Kendall”

The Board having taken the same into consideration & being desirous of trying whether Watch Machines to keep true time at sea cannot be made in a much less expensive manner than those with all M.r Harrison’s Improvements, and having discoursed with the said M.r Kendall thereupon

Res.d

To try the experiment, and M.r Kendall, being willing to undertake it, was engaged with to make a new Watch Machine, leaving out such expensive parts & making such other alterations from that made by Mr Harrison as he shall judge necessary in order to reduce the price; in hopes, by that means, to make such Watch Machines come within the reach of purchase for General Use.

The Board understanding that M.r Harrison had lately declared that he was making other Watch Machines or Timekeepers, one of which was in great forwardness and that he intended to attend this Board to represent the same and to give in proposals for instructing other Workmen But neither he, or his Son, notwithstanding he had notice from the Secretary of the Board’s meeting, having attended this day, owing, as alledged, to illness in their family;

Res.d

That the said M.r Harrison have timely Notice given him of the next meeting of this Board, and that he be desired to attend himself or send his son, if he has any such representation to make or proposals to offer

Res.d

That M.r John Bird be directed to attend the Board at their next meeting.

Res.d

That D.r Shepherd have a further Imprest of £600 to enable him to go on with the general table for correcting the effects of parallax and Refraction.

Res.d

That the following Bills be paid, viz.t.

Mess.rs Richardson & Co their Bill for printing between Feb~ry 1766 & Feb~ry 1770 both inclusive, £253.s14.d6;

Mess.rs Wright & Gill their Bill for paper between July & December 1769, both inclusive £76.s15.d3;

M.r John Bradley his bill of expences in going to the Lizard to observe the Transit of Venus &ca £38.s7.d6.

Resd

That twenty guineas more be paid to the sd M.r Bradley and Ten guineas to M.r Hunt Master of the Arrogant who attended him, as rewards for the trouble they had upon that occasion.

M.r Maskelyne laid before the Board an account shewing how the £500 last imprested to him has been expended, by which account it appears he is in disburse, over & above that sum, £13.s5.d9

Res.d

That the further sum of £150 be imprested to him to carry on the payments to the person employed to compute tables of the distance of the Moon from the Sun & Zodiacal Stars agreeable to the Board’s resolution of the 18th July 1765; and to defray other incidental expences in the service of this Board.

M.r Professor Hornsby (who could not attend the Board) having reported in writing that the method proposed by M.r George Witchell of computing the effect of Parallax and Refraction may be used with the utmost accuracy & expedition and that it is preferable either to the method of M.r Lyons of that of M.r Dunthorne published by order of the Board;

Res.d

That the same be printed & added to the next Ephemeris and that M.r Mitchell be paid ten Guineas as a reward for the same.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board two tables constructed by Mr Wales who went to Hudson’s Bay by order of the Royal Society to observe the last Transit of Venus, of the equations of equal Altitudes;

Res.d

That they be likewise printed & added to the next Ephemeris & that the s.d M.r Wales be paid ten Guineas as a reward for the same.

Res.d

That the Astronomer Roy.l be desired to pay the said rewards to M.r Witchell & M.r Wales and charge the same in his account of disbursements.

M.r Arnold, a Watchmaker in Pall Mall, attended with a Timekeeper of a new construction which he shewed to the Board & strongly recommended, he was told that if he would construct one of the same kind it should be tried.

M.r Stephens acquainting the Board that M.r Dalrymple, a Gentleman well known for his abilities, intending to publish a Chart of the Ocean between So America & Africa, having been furnished with the Journals of two French ships who navigated that Ocean under Mons.r Bouvet in 1738 & 1739, is desirous to have some extracts from the late D.r Hally’s Journal to print by way of explanation to his work, if the Board have no objection;

Res.d

That the s.d M.r Dalrymple be permitted to make such extracts as he shall judge proper from the s.d Journal, for that purpose.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude &ca. w~ch was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 17th Novem.r 1770. Present

R.t Hon~ble Sir Fletcher Norton ...Speaker Ho Com~ons James West Esqr ...Pres.t Royl Society Rev.d M.r Maskelyne Ast.r Royal. "M.r Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...do Geom~ d.o D.r Waring ...Lucasn do_ Math: Camb. Rev.d D.r Shepherd Plum: d.o Ast: do Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 26th. of May last were read.

M.r Harrison’s Son, who was attending in consequence of the notice sent to his father, was called in and acquainted the Board that his Father is making another timepiece which is finished all but the adjustment & will be complete before the rising of Parliament; but that he had not any proposals to offer.

A Letter of this date, from M.r John Bird was read representing that he has been confined at home since the middle of September last which still renders him unable to attend the Board; giving his reasons for not having procured a house on the Surry Side of Westminster Bridge and setting forth that if any Instrument-maker should be required to imitate the Transit Instrument & moveable Quadrant in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich (engraved plates & descriptions of which he is under engagement to deliver in) those Instruments may be much better understood by such Instrument-Makers seeing them than by any description that he can write, for all the parts are conspicuous and may be measured; but, if the Board should be of a different Opinion & order those Articles to be done, he will execute them with as much expedition as his health will admit,

Res.d

That he be acquainted that the Board do expect that he will execute & deliver to them', without further loss of time, the plates & descriptions abovementioned agreeable to his engagements.

Resd

That M.r Cha.s Mason, who has been employed by the Astronomer Royal to make the additional Calculations to the places of the Moon & fixed stars deduced from D.r Bradley’s Observations in consequence of the Board’s resolution of the 4th of March 1769 be paid £150 for his trouble; it appearing by the report of the Astronomer Royal that those calculations cost the said M.r Mason above a Year’s hard Labor; And also as a reward for a set of Lunar Tables which the Astronomer Royal, to whom he has given them up represents to be necessary to render the above calculations of use.

Res.d

That the Ephemerides for the Y~res 1773 & 1774 be computed & printed with all possible expedition; and that the Navy Board be desired to imprest £450 to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay the Computers & Comparers.

Res.d

That D.r Shepherd have a further Imprest of £200 to enable him to go on with the general Table for correcting the effects of Parallax and Refraction.

The Secretary laid before the Board a List (signed by Commissioner Hughes, Governor of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth) of the names of fourteen Masters of the Royal Navy who have been instructed there by M.r George Witchell the head Master, & M.r John Bradley the Mathematical Usher, of the said Academy;

Ord.d

That the Secretary do pay to the s.d M.r Witchell, for the use of himself & the s.d M.r Bradley seven guineas, being ½ a guinea for each of the Masters so instructed, agreeable to the resolutions of this Board of the 12th of Nov.r 1768, out of any money which he has or may receive from Mess.rs Mount & Page & M.r Nourse for the sale of Books.

Adjourned.

At a meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude &c which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 2.d March 1771. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Lord Sandwich ...1st Lord Adm~ty. Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal: "M.r Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...Do_Geom~ d.o D.r Waring ...Lucas: Do. Math: Camb. Rev.d D.r Shepherd ...Plum: Do. Ast: do. Ph: Stephens Esq.r Sec~ry of the Adm~ty H. Pallisser Esq.r ...Comp.r of the Navy Rev.d D.r Smith ...Lowndes’s Prof: Ast: Camb.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 17th of November last were read.

A Letter from M.r John Gray to M.r Stephens Secretary of the Admiralty, dated at Cupar of Fife, 28th October last, containing some Improvements in Quadrants to be used at sea & on shore, was read; and the Astronomer Royal was desired to examine and report if there is any thing therein new & deserving of encouragement.

Licenses to M.r William Richardson to print & to M.r Nourse & Mess.rs Mount & Page to publish & vend the Nautical Almanacs for the Y~res 1773 & 1774, were signed by the Commissioners present.

Res.d

That M.r William Wales be one of the Persons to instruct the Masters of His Majesty’s Ships in & about London in the use of the Nautical Almanacs

in lieu of M.r Samuel Dunn & that ye Lords of the Admiralty be desired to cause the same to be signified to the Navy Board; And,

The Board understanding that great difficulties attend the obliging the old Masters of the Navy to perfect themselves in the use of those Almanacs Agreeable to their Lordships orders given in consequence of this Board’s minutes of the 12th of Novem.r 1768;

Res.d

That it be recommended to their Lordships to give such directions as they shall see fit for dispensing with such part of their said orders as relates to the old masters and confining the same in future entirely to such new ones only as shall be henceforward appointed.

M.r Arnold produced a Watch Machine or Timekeeper with some new improvements, which from the result of some trials which had been made of it at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich by the Astronomer Royal and the explanations which the said Mr Arnold gave of it himself, the Board have reason to think will, when perfected, be an improvement useful to Navigation, especially as the prices of such watches will not, according to his account, exceed sixty guineas; But, he having at the same time, represented that he is in want of money to enable him to go on in bringing the s.d Improvements to perfection;

Res.d

That the Navy Board be desired to sign a Bill upon the Treasurer of His Majesty’s Navy to imprest unto the s.d M.r Arnold the sum of £200 to enable him to bring the s.d Improvements to perfection; which is to be considered as

Advanced to him in part of payment for such a number of the s.d Watch Machines or Timekeepers as this Board may think fit to purchase of him, when perfected, for the purpose of making different Experiments; and to be imprested to him upon those terms, accordingly.

Res.d

That Mess.rs Mount & Page & M.r Nourse be directed to send in their Accounts of Books sold under the license & by the order of this Board annually, at the 1st Meeting in every Y~re the s.d Account to be made up to the 31st of Decemr, Preceding.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 11th May 1771. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Sir Fletcher Norton ...Speaker h~ble house Com~ons Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "M.r Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon ~ D.r Smith ...Do...Geom~. do Rev.d D.r Shepherd ...Plum~. Prof. Ast. Camb. D.r Waring ...Lucas.~ Prof. Math. do Philip Stephens Esq.r ...Sec~ry of the Adm~ty Hugh Pallisser Esq.r ...Compt~r of the Navy D.r Smith ...Lowndes’s Prof. Ast. Camb.

The Minutes of the last Meeting on the 2d. March last were read.

The Astronomer Royal having this day reported that M.r Grey, whose L~re was referred to him at the last Meeting has not obviated the Capital objection made to his Quadrant in the Y~re 1763; besides which there are other insurmountable objections,

Res.d

That the s.d M.r Grey be acquainted that the Board have taken his scheme into consideration & are of opinion it will not answer the purposes he mentions.

A Petition received this day, was read from M.r R. Waddington representing that he has, from some y~res past, made it his study to improve the common Binacle or Steerage Compasses now in use in which he has succeeded to his own satisfaction as well as to that of the Masters of many Coasting Vessels who have tried them as also to the satisfaction of Cap.t Burnaby of His Majesty’s Sloop Zephyr, And inclosing a certificate to that Effect signed by the said Cap.t Burnaby & the Lieutenant & Master of the sd Sloop; And the s.d M.r Waddington therefore desiring that he may have an Opportunity of trying them against all other compasses on board some of His Majesty’s ships of War & that he may be rewarded, as the merits of his improvement shall appear to deserve from the Certificates of the Commanding Officer of such Ship;

Res.d

That he be acquainted that he must apply to the Lords of the Admiralty for permission to make the intended Trials.

Mr William Boorn, Surgeon to the Portsmouth Division of Marines attended & exhibited to the Board a Machine of his Invention for keeping time by means of quicksilver, which, thô an ingenious contrivance did not appear capable of answering the use for which the Inventor intended it with sufficient accuracy for the purposes of Navigation.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &c which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday 28th November 1771. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Lord Sandwich ...First Lord of the Adm~ty. "Sir Fletcher Norton _Speaker H~ble H.o Cpm~ons Sir Gilbert Elliot B.t ...Trea~r of the Navy. Sir Cha.s Hardy Kn.t ...Admiral of the Blue &ca James West Esqr President of the Rl Society Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "Mr Hornsby ...Sav. Prof. Ast. Oxon D.r Smith ...Do Geom~. do. D.r Waring ...Lucas~. Prof. Math. Camb. Revd Dr Shepherd ...Plumian Do Ast. Do. Philip Stephens Esqr Sec~ry of the Adm~ty Hugh Pallisser Esq.r Compt~r of the Navy. Rev.d D.r Smith ...Lowndes’s Prof. Ast. Camb ~.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 11th of May last were read.

A Letter, of the 25th of last month, from the Astronomer Royal to the Earl of Sandwich, was then read representing that the intended expedition to the South Seas may be rendered more serviceable to the improvement of Geography & Navigation than it can otherwise be if the ship be furnished with such astronomical Instruments as this Board hath the disposal of or can obtain the use of from the Royal Society and also some of the Longitude Watches; And, above all, if a proper person could be sent out to make use of those Instruments & teach the Officers on board the ship the method of finding the Longitude: And the Board having taken the same into consideration and concurring in opininon with the Astronomer Royal came to the following resolutions viz.t

That the sending out persons for the above purposes in the two ships intended to make discoveries in remote parts & furnishing them, as well as the Officers of those ships, with astronomical Instruments to make Observations will render the s.d Experdition more serviceable to the improvement of Geography and Navigation;

That an Observer be therefore sent out in each ship & the Expences attending the same defrayed by this Board;

That the Astronomer Royal & the rest of the Professors present be desired to look out for two persons properly qualified & willing to go upon the above service; to know upon what terms they will undertake it; and to report the same at the next meeting; And,

That they be further desire to prepare a Draft of Instructions proper for the said Persons and also a List of the necessary Instruments; to lay the same before the Royal Society for their Approbation; And to bespeak of the proper Persons such of the Instruments so approved of as this Board are not already possessed of or cannot obtain from the Royal Society.

That the Watch made by M.r Kendall by Order of this Board & now in the possession of the Astronomer Royal be sent out for Trial in one of the above ships: but that it be previously cleaned by Mr Kendall & returned to the Royal Observatory for a months further trial there.

M.r Arnold who was attending being sent for in, and, upon being asked, informing the Board that he should be able to make four Watches by the end of January next, he was directed to take care to have them completed by that time; And the said M.r Arnold representd that he is in want of money & desiring to have a further Imprest;

Res.d

That the further sum of £100 be imprested to him to enable him to complete the s.d Watches, upon the same terms as the £200 already imprested to him; And that a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board for that purpose.

M.r Harrison’s son, who was attending, was called in & the Board understanding from him that his Father has a Watch Machine or Timekeeper near ready which may be completed before the time the above ships are to sail; he was told that the said Watch Machine or Timekeeper should be sent out in one of those ships in order that a Trial may be made thereof if his Father thinks proper; Which Offer the said M.r Harrison’s Son declined, saying that the Trial would take up too much time.

A Memorial from M.r Cha.s Mason, which was this day presented to the Board was read, offering to go on with a work which he has already begun, by shortning the method of computation ^(& inclosing examples of that work) provided the Board will encourage him so to do.

Res.d

That the Astronomer Royal do inform the said Mr Mason that, if he will go on with & complete the said work & lay it before the Board, he may be assured of receiving all suitable encouragement.

Mr West, President of the Royal Society, representing to the Board that the late M.r Flamstead’s papers consisting of all his original Observations from 1670 to 1719 the Y~re of his death, in many Volumes in Folio & Quarto bound & unbound together with a great number of original L~res from the most Learned men of his Age have lately been discovered in the hands of M.rs Elizabeth Tew of Islington (Widow of M.r Hodgson’s Representative) who asks £100 for them & that the said papers have been brought sealed up to the House of the Royal Society where they now are ready to be delivered to this Board upon payment of the sd sum;

Res.d

That it is the Opinion of this Board that the said Observations & the other papers may be of great utility to Astronomy & Navigation; And,

That therefore a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board for paying £100 to the s.d M.rs Tew accordingly, so soon as the same shall have been delivered to this Board.

Adjourned to Saturday the 14 of next Month.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 14th Decem.r 1771. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich ...1st Lord of the Adm~ty Sir Cha.s Hardy ...Admiral of the Blue Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Ast: Royal. "Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof. Ast. Oxon ~ D.r Smith ...Do Geom~. o. Dr. Waring Lucas: Prof: Math: Camb. Rev.d D.r Shepherd ...Plum: do Ast: do Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Admiralty Hugh Pallisser Esqr Compt~r of the Navy. Rev.d D.r Smith ...Lowndes’s Prof: Ast: Camb.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 28th past were read.

Mr William Bayly & Mr William Wales were proposed by the Astronomer Royal & the other Professors as Persons well qualified & willing to go out in the ships fitting out for a Voyage to remote parts in order to make Observations; And the said Mr Wales, who was attending was called in & being asked upon what terms he was willing to engage to perform that service, informed the Board that he expected £350 Ann~ exclusive of his Expences the allowances to be made for which he would submit to their consideration: And the Board understanding from the Astronomer Royal that the abovementioned Mr Bayly (who could not attend) expects to be paid £300 Ann~ exclusive of his expences or One Guinea a day if his Expences are not allowed, which last Offer the Board being most inclineable to accept, Mr Wales was asked if he would go on the same footing, but he declined going for less than £400 Ann~ if his Expences are not allowed him: It was therefore agreed to allow him after the rate of £400 Ann~ & to make the same allowance to Mr Bayly to prevent any misunderstanding happening between them on account of the small difference which would otherwise be in their pay; the said allowance to be in full Compensation for their trouble & all expences whatever.

The said M.r Wales then desiring to have an Imprest to enable him to fit himself out, And the Board understanding that it would be very convenient for the s.d M.r Bayly to have an Imprest for that purpose also And Mr Wales further desiring that his wife may be paid some part of his proposed allowance during his absence, for the subsistence of himself & family

Res.d

That the s.d Mess.rs Wales & Bayly have each of them an Imprest of £150 to enable them to fit themselves out;

That £150 Annum be paid, by ½ yearly paymts to M.rs Wales until her Husband’s return or, in case he should die during the voyage, ‘til an account of it shall arrive; And that the money which shall be paid to her be deducted from the said Mr Wales’s Allowance; And,

That a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board to desire them to imprest & pay the said sums accordingly.

Mr Wales then withdrew.

A Report from the Astronomer Royal & the other Professors was then read containing a List of Instruments and heads of Instructions which they judge proper for the abovementioned Observers with a Memorandum annexed signed by D.r Morton Secretary of the Royal Society representing that the whole thereof had been approved by the Council of the s.d Society who had agreed to lend the following Instruments viz.t

1 Astronomical Quadrant of One foot radius. 1 Astronomical Clock. 1 Transit Instrument. 2. Common Brass Hadley’s Quadrants.

And it appearing, by the s.d report, that the following Instruments will also be wanted, vizt

Already in the Board’s possession.{ 1 Astronomical Quadrant – 1 foot radius 1 Astronomical Clock 1 Alarum Clock 2 Reflecting Telescopes Mr Kendal’s Watch } Mr Arnold’s do} now at the Rl Observatory at Greenwich.

To be purchased { 2 Journeymen Clocks 1 Alarum Clock 2 of Dollond’s last improved 3 ½ feet Telescopes wth Object Glass Micrometers &moveable wires. 2 Brass Hadley’s Sextants with Mr Maskelyne’s Improvements. 6 Variation Charts. 2 Marine Barometers. 4 Common do 6 Thermometers 2. Theodolites 2 Wooden frames with Glass roofs for observing by reflection. 2 large magnetic needles to use at Land. 2 do of old construction – to use at sea. 2 Magnetic variation compasses. 2 Gunter’s Chains with spare Links & Rings.

Res.d

That the Secretary do write to Mr Bradley, Mathematical Usher at the Royal Academy at at Portsmouth for such of the above instruments belonging to this Board as are in his possession; And that the Astronomer Royal be desired to bespeak those necessary to be purchased of the proper Instrument Makers and get Ruby Pallets put to the two Astronomical Clocks by Mr Arnold as proposed.

The Heads of Instructions being then read & approved;

Resd

That Mess.rs Wales & Bayly be directed to attend at the next meeting to hear the same read; And the Astronomer Royal & the rest of the Professors were desired to consider & report at the said Meeting if any thing father shall appear necessary to be added thereto.

Lord Sandwich communicated to the Board a Letter, dated the 12th Instant, which his Lordship had rec~ed from Mr William Harrison setting forth the hardships which he conceives he has met with, desiring that the Watch Machine made by him & now in the possession of the Board may be sent out in one of the Ships fitting for a Voyage to remote parts instead of the copy thereof made by Mr Kendal, And offering, upon having a reasonable opportunity of examining the latter, to rest his claim to the remainder of the reward upon the Performance of it & a new one which he (the said M.r Harrison) has made since; And, that done, to submit to any Mode of Trial, by men not already proved partial, which shall be definite in its’ nature, conclusive as to the reward in case of Success, and, in any degree, near the Limitation of the Act of Queen Anne in point of duration & exactness, And, at the same time, proposing a new mode of Trial; And the said Letter & proposal having been taken into consideration Mr Harrison’s Son, who was attending, was sent for in & told,

That the Board do not think fit that the Watch Machine or Timekeeper made by his Father & now in their possession shall be sent out of the Kingdom; And,

That they do not see any reason to alter their resolution with respect to the plan, which they have already settled & communicated to him, for the future trial of his Timekeepers.

he then withdrew.

It appearing from the report of the Astronomer Royal that M.r Arnold’s Watch Machine which is a the Royal Observatory still continues to promise very well from the result of the Trials making of it there, And the said M.r Arnold attending & desiring to have a further imprest as that ordered by the last Board will not be sufficient to enable him to go on with his improvements & to finish such of the said Watch Machines as are already bespoke of him;

Resd

That an Imprest of £300 be granted him, instead of £100 as ordered by the last Board; And that a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board accordingly.

Res.d

Upon the recommendation of the Astronomer Royal & the rest of the Professors, that Mayer’s Tables be henceforward sold at half their present price.

Mr Robertson from the Royal Society attended with the late M.r Flamstead’s Manuscript Books & papers which were ordered to be inventoried & put into the hands of the Astronomer Royal and a Letter to the Navy Board, desiring them (amongst other things) to cause £100 to be paid to M.rs Tew for the said Books & papers, was then read.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 25th January 1772. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich ...First Lord of the Adm~ty "Sir Fletcher Norton ...Speaker H~ble H.~o Com~ons Sir Cha.s Hardy ...Admiral of the Blue Rev.d Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon Dr Smith ...Do Geom~: do Dr. Waring ...Lucasn Prof: Math: do Revd D.r Shepherd ...Plumian Prof: Ast: do Sir Thos. Salusbury ...Judge High Court Adm~ty Philip Stephens Esqr. ...Secretary Admiralty Revd D.r Smith ...Lowndes’s Prof: Ast: Camb.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 14th of last month were read.

The Astronomer Royal informed the Board that the Watch Machine made by Mr Kendal & now in his Custody for trial at the Royal Observatory, stopt going in the Evening of the 10th Instant thô it had been regularly wound up the preceding noon, And Mr Kendal, who had examined the same since, being sent for in & asked if he could form any Judgment of the cause of that accident, declared he had not been able to discover it; but that he suspected it was owing to a particular pin having got out of it’s place & did not doubt but that it may be easily & effectually set to rights again;

Res.d

That the said Watch Machine be sent to M.r Kendal’s house, who is to take the same to pieces & examine into the defect, in the presence of the Astronomer Royal & such other person as he (the said M.r Kendal shall appoint); And that the s.d Mr Kendal do afterwards make good the defect, whatever it may be, with all the dispatch possible.

Mr Kendal at the same time produced a new Watch Machine made by him in consequence of the resolutions of the Board of the 26th May 1770; but the same not being adjusted it was returned to him for that purpose,

he then withdrew.

M.r Francis, who is employed under the direction of M.r Nuthall, one of the Sollicitors of the Treasury, to carry on the prosecution against the Representatives of the late D.r Bradley attending in consequence of the Board’s desire he was sent for in, And, being asked in what state the proceedings were, informed the Board that the Defendants had not yet put in their answer to the Information filed ag.t them but that he daily expected they would & that matters had not been pushed so much as they otherwise would to bring the Affair to a legal determination as it was given and that an accommodation was on foot; he was told that the Board did not know of any such accommodation & that it was therefore their desire that no farther time may be lost in carrying on the sd prosecution.

He then withdrew.

Mess.rs Wales & Bayly attending in consequence of the Resolutions of last Board were sent for in, and a Draft of their instructions, with some additions w~ch the Astronomer Royal had judged proper to make since the last reading, was read to them: They then desired that orders may be given for their being supplied w.th Candles & some other necessaries whilst on ship board & that they may be each furnished with a moveable Observatory which will be of infinite use to them wherever they may have occasion to make observations on shore and wch Mr Bayly represented he could get made for about £25 each

They were directed to deliver to the Secretary a List of the necessaries with wch they wish to be supplied; and to furnish themselves wth moveable Observatories proper for their use; the charge of w~ch should be defrayed by the Board.

They then withdrew.

The Astronomer Royal representing that it will be necessary to provide the undermentioned Instruments, Maps &ca for the use of the s.d Mess.rs Wales & Bayly, in addition to those w~ch were mentioned at the last Board. vizt

1 Journeyman Clock 2 pair of Globes A pocket Watch with a second hand } For Mr Wales; M.r Bayly having one. 2 of Senex’s Maps of the Zodiac. 2 large Magnetic Steel Bars for touching the Variation Compasses & dipping needles. 12 Copies of the Nautical Almanacs for 1772. 1773. 1774. & as much as may be printed of 1775.

Res.d

That the same be provided for their use accordingly And the Astronomer Royal was desired to give the necessary directions.

Mr Bayly understanding that, in consequence of the Board’s resolution, M.rs Wales will be paid the allowance (which she is to receive out of her husband’s pay) in case of his death to the time that the news thereof shall arrive in England; And therefore desiring, in case he himself should die, that his representatives may be put on the same footing;

Res.d

In case the s.d Mr Bayly should die during the voyage that his representatives be paid the sames as M.r Wales’s representatives would be in consequence of the abovementioned resolutions, in case the like accident should happen to him.

A person, who calls himself John Baptist desiring to speak to the Board he was called in & shewed them some schemes & drawings of figures which he desired they would enable him to publish; He was informed that it was not in their power to advance any money for such purposes, it not appearing to them that the said Publications would be of any service to Navigation.

He was then desired to withdraw.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 8th Feb~ry 1772. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich ...1st Lord of the Adm~ty. "Sir Fletcher Norton ...Speaker Ho: Com~ons "Sir Gilbert Elliot ...Trea~r Navy Sir Cha.s Hardy ...Admiral of the Blue Rev.d M.r Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal. Sir Thos. Salusbury ...Judge High Court Admty Philip Stephens Esqr: ...Sec~ry Adm~ty Hugh Pallisser Esqr. ...Compt~r Navy.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 25th of last month were read.

The following minute, rec~ed this morning from the Royal Society being read, viz.t

“Feb~ry 8th 1772"

“At a Council of the Royal Society, Samuel Wegg Esqr , Vice President, in the Chair"

“Res.d

"Unanimously to recommend to the Board of Longitude James Lind Jun.r M. D. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh as a person who will be extremely useful in the intended Voyage for discoveries in remote parts; on account of his skill & experience in his profession & from his great knowledge in Mineralogy, Chemistry, Mechanics & various Branches of natural Philosophy are also from his having spent several Yr~es’ in the different climates in the Indies.

“Cha.s Morton S.R.S" “Saml Wegg V. P."

The Board concurred in Opinion with the Royal Society that Dr Lind, from his well known skill in Mineralogy, Chemistry, Mechanics & various branches of natural Philosophy, will be extremely useful in the intended Voyage.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 7th of March 1772. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich ...1st Lord Adm~ty. Sir Chas. Hardy ...Adml Blue James West Esqr ...Pres.t Royal Society Revd M.r Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal "Mr Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon D.r Smith ...Do Geom~_ do Revd D.r Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb. Dr Waring ...Lucas~. do Math: do Philip Stephens Esqr. ...Sec~ry Admiralty Hugh Pallisser Esqr ...Compt~r Navy Rev.d Dr. Smith ...Lowndes's Prof. Ast: Camb_

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 8th of last month were read.

A Memorial from M.r Samuel Dunn was read containing a method, as he asserts, whereby the Geographical Longitudes of Sea Ports &ca may be found, current Charts of the Coasts had, the Moon’s right ascension observed within a minute of a degree, variation of the magnetic needle near the coasts always known to five minutes of a degree, And Lines of equal variation drawn in the Ocean; Which Memorial was referred to the Astronomer Royal & Professors present who were desired to examine it’s contents & report their Opinion to the next Board.

Mess.rs Wales & Bayly having delivered in a Memorandum of some candles & stationary were wanting for their use, they were directed to provide themselves wth the candles the expences of w~ch should be repaid them; And the Astronomer Royal was desired to bespeak the stationary Ware & deliver it to them with the instruments, Books Maps &ca.

M.r Arnold laid before the Board a Bill of his Expences in going to Portsmouth with one of the Timekeepers wch was sent out, by the Early of Sandwich’s order, with Rear Admiraly Sir Rob.t Harland and for putting ruby pallets to the two Astronomical Clocks which are going out with the abovementioned Mes.rs Wales & Bayly & sending the said Clocks to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich amounting together to £27.s3.d0.

Mess.rs Mount & Page, & Mr Nourse, their Accounts of Books sold for the use of the Board up to the 1st January last were delivered in, the Ballance of the former of w~ch, in favor of the Board, amounts to £116.s3.d5 and of the latter to £64.s18.d9;

Ord.d

That the Secretary do receive the said Ballances;

That he do pay Mess.rs Wales & Bayly the Amount of the abovementioned candles & also of the moveable Observatories which they have been directed to provide, and of any expences they may be put to for carriage & porterage of the Instruments with which they are to be supplied or for any thing else relative to the said instruments; And,

That he do also pay Mr Arnold’s beforementioned Bill, and likewise (as far as the money in his hands will suffice) the Instrument Makers’ bills for the Instruments which the Astronomer Royal may have bespoke of them for the use of the abovementioned Messrs Wales & Bayly.

The Instructions for the s.d Mess.rs Wales & Bayly were now signed and Copies were ordered to be sent to the R.t Hon~ble the Lords Commissioners of the Adm~ty with a desire that their Lordship will please to give orders for Mr Wales, with his Instruments & Necessaries to be received on board the Resolution Sloop & Mr Bayly wth his instruments & Necessaries on board the Adventure Sloop, in order that they may proceed in them on the present intended Voyage for the purpose of making the observations w~ch are mentioned in the said Instructions; And that their Lordships will please to give the Comm~drs of those Sloops directions to assist & support the said persons upon all occasions where they may stand in need of it to enable them to carry those Instructions into execution.

Ord.d

That a Copy the said Instructions be sent to Mr Banks, who is going out in one of the above Sloops, for the use of himself & D.r Solander who accompanies him.

M.r Kendal produced a new Watch Machine made by him in consequence of the Board’s resolution of the 26 May 1770 and, being asked what he expected to be paid for it, replied that, considering the great trouble & expence w~ch had attended the making of it (being the first of its' kind) he could not afford it for less than £200, but that he should now be able to make others of the same kind for half the said sum; The Board, in consideration thereof, agreed to allow him that sum & came to the following resolutions, vizt,

That the said Watch Machine be sent to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich to be tried there under the direction of the Astronomer Royal;

That a Letter be then wrote to the Navy Board to pay Mr Kendall the said sum of £200; And,

That Mr Kendall be directed to deliver in, at the next Board an account shewing in what particulars the said Watch Machine differs from that made by Mr Harrison.

The Astronomer Royal informed the Board that in consequence of their Resolutions of the 25th of Jan~ry last, the Watch Machine formerly made by Mr Kendall on M.r Harrison’s principles & which stopped going whilst at the Royal Observatory, had been examined at Mr Kendall’s house in the presence of Messrs Holmes & Monk two Watchmakers whose certificate he produced in the followg words viz.t

“This day we were present at Mr Kendall’s when Mr Maskelyne brought the watch made by M.r Kendall for the Board of Longitude; And, upon examining it, we found the running wheels of the Remontoir properly locked & the watch stopped by one of the Contrate Wheel crosses coming against one of the Arms of the Remontoir Barrel. On Mr Kendall’s discharging the running Wheels & putting the Ballance in motion the Watch went & continued to go very briskly ‘til it was again stopped to be taken to pieces by Mr Kendall; And, in being taken to pieces, the parts we examined seemed neither injured nor wore.

“John Holmes

Jno. Monk.”

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board an Account of the going of Mr Arnold’s Watch at the Royal Observatory from the 3.d of Novem.r to 28th of December last both inclusive;

He also laid before the Board Mess.rs Richardsons’ Bill for printing Nautical Almanacs &c~ between August 1769 & Jan~ry last inclusive, amountg to £134.s8.d0, w~ch was ordered to be paid & a Letter to be wrote to the Navy Board, accordingly.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca w~ch was held at the Admiralty on Thursday 14th May 1772 Present

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich ...1st Lord of the Adm~ty Sir Cha.s Hardy ...Adml of the Blue &c Revd M.r Maskelyne ...Astronomer Royal Sir Tho.s Salusbury ...Judge High Court Admty Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 7th of March last were read.

The Earl of Sandwich having proposed to the consideration of the Board whether it may not be proper to give some directions with respect to the safe custody of the Watch Machines which are going out under the care of Mess.rs Wales & Bayly in the Resolution & Adventure Sloops, as well to prevent any improper management or ill treatment of the s.d Watch Machines as to obviate any suspicions thereof hereafter; And the Board entirely concurring in opinion with his Lordship that such directions are extremely proper & necessary;

Res.d

That such Boxes as Mess.rs Kendal and Arnold shall judge most proper for the reception of their respective Watch Machines be immediately provided;

That three good Locks, of different wards, be also provided & affixed to each Box;

That the Key of one of the Locks of each Box be held by the Commander of the Sloop wherein such Box may be; that the Key of another of the said Locks be kept by the 1st Lieutenant of the said Sloop or Officer next in command to him; And that the Key of the third Lock be kept by such one of the abovement.d Observers (Mess.rs Wales & Bayly) as shall be on board: Which three persons are daily to be present at the winding up of the said Watch Machines & comparing them with each other whilst on board & with the Astronomical Clock whilst on shore; and to see that the respective times shewn at such comparisons be properly inserted, & attested under their hands, in the General Observation Book which the sd Observers are ordered to Keep. But, if it shall happen that the Commanders, Officers or Observers or either of them, cannot at any time through indisposition or absence upon other necessary duties, conveniently attend, their key or keys are, in such case, to be delivered to such other Officer or Officers of the Sloops as the Comm~drs can best trust therewith, in order that such other Officer or Officers may attend at the winding up & comparing &ca of the abovementd Watch Machines during such indisposition or Absence.

Res.d

That the Secretary do see to the providing of the s.d Boxes & Locks and defray the Expence thereof out of any money w~ch may be in his hands.

Res.d

That a Copy of the above Resolutions be sent to the R.t Hon~ble Lords Comm~rs of the Admiralty & that their Lordships be desired to give directions to the Commanders of each of the above sloops conformable thereto.

Messrs Wales & Bayly, who were attending representing that their not proceeding upon their Voyage so soon as was expected, has occasioned them to be in want of money and therefore desiring to be indulges with a further Imprest to enable them to defray their necessy expences;

Res.d

That they be indulged with a farther Imprest of £100 each & that a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board for that purpose.

The Board understanding that the Watch Machine lately made by M.r Kendall has been delivered by him to the Astronomer Royal agreeable to the Resolutions of the last Board;

Res.d

That a Letter be now wrote to the Navy Board to pay him the sum of £200 conformable to the said Resolutions.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 13th June 1772. Present.

Revd Mr Maskelyne ...Astronomer Rl. "M.r Hornsby ...Sav: Prof: Ast: Oxon Dr. Smith ...Do...Geom~. d.o Rev.d D.r Shepherd ...Plum: Prof: Ast: Camb. Dr Waring Lucas~. Prof. Math: do Philip Stephens Esqr ...Sec~ry Adm~ty. Rev.d Dr Smith ...Lowndes Prof: Ast: Oxon.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 14th of last month were read.

It appearing, by the Professors report, that Mr Dunn’s scheme w~ch was referred to them on the 7th of March last, will not answer the purposes he mentions, the Secretary, by order of the Board, acquainted the said Mr Dunn, who was attending, therewith.

It appearing by an account delivered in by D.r Shepherd that the General Tables of Refraction & Parallax, which have been constructing under his direction, have exceeded very much the number of sheets mentioned in the original estimate by which an additional charge of near £600 has been incurred and he therefore desiring a further imprest of that sum to enable him to complete the said tables;

Res.d

That a further Imprest of 600£ be granted to him for that purpose and that a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board accordingly.

D.r Shepherd was, at the same time empowered to allow Mr Vervel the Stationer (by whome he has been supplied with paper for the above work) £3.s10.d0 in consideration of the Loss he may sustain by taking back about 14 Rheams of paper w~ch remains unused and by w~ch he represents he shall sustain a Loss equal to the said sum at least.

Dr Shepherd was also empowered to give the Comparers, who have been employed in examining the errata in the above work, assurance that they shall be considered for that additional trouble, in order to encourage them to go on & finish the said examination

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board the following Bills, viz.t

Mess.rs Dollonds for Mathematical Instruments supplied for the use of Mess.rs Wales and Bayly £169.s10.d0;

M.r Nairne for Optical & Mathematical Do supplied to Do £119.s3.d6; Mr Burton for Mathematical do supplied Do £76.s13.d0;

Mr Adams for do supplied Do £27.s9.d0

Thomas Shrimpton, Ironmonger, for Iron work to support the Astronomical Clocks for the use of Do £12.s0.d0;

Richard Ashworth for wood work to support do & for Trucks, wheels &ca for the Use of Do £6.s19.d9

Mess.rs Wright & Gill Stationers for paper supplied for Nautical Almanacs £58.s0.d0

Res.d

That the Secretary do discharge such of the said Bills as he shall be able out of the money remaining in his hands; And that a Letter be wrote to the Navy Board to pay the remainder.

The Astronomer Royal likewise laid before the Board a Bill of other Instruments supplied by M.r Nairne, by order of Mr Banks who has declined going the Voyage, and now on board the Resolution Sloop wch Instruments amount to £7.s0.d0 he is of Opinion will be serviceable to Mess.rs Wales & Bayly for the several purposes to which they are adapted & therefore recommended that that they may be paid for by this Board & delivered into the Custody of the s.d Observers;

Res.d

That the s.d Instruments be received and delivered to the s.d Mess.rs Wales & Bayly, and that the Sec~ry do also discharge the said Bill out of any money w~ch may be in his hands.

A Memorial from M.r Owen Straton was read proposing a Method of finding out the Longitude by means of an Instrument of his invention, And the said Mr Straton, who was attending, being called in & examined and it appearing that the Instrument proposed is a Sun Dial, he was told it could not be of any service & then withdrew;

Res.d

That all persons henceforward proposing Schemes of any Kind to this Board be told that no notice will be taken of them unless they are accompanied with a Certificate from some person or persons of Science (whose Character or Characters are known) that such schemes are likely to answer the purposes intended.

Mr Kendall attended & gave in a paper showing the particulars wherein the Watch Machine last made by him for the use of the Board differs from Mr Harrison’s, which paper was read.

He, at the same time, made an Offer of making another Watch Machine w~ch should come at a more reasonable price, but the Board did not think fit to come to any Resolution thereupon & he was therefore told to deliver in his proposals at the next meeting.

The Secretary laid before the Board a Note w~ch he had rec~ed from Mr Francis inclosing Copies of the several Defendants Answers to the informations filed against them for the recovery of the late Dr Bradley’s Observations.

Res.d

Upon a Motion made by Mr Stephens that Mr Dalrymple be permitted to print the whole or such part of D.r Halley’s Journal as he may think fit to illustrate a Chart of the Ocean between South America and Africa; for the purpose of making w~ch Chart the said Journal was lent him, by order of this Board, about two Y~res ago.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 28th November 1772. Present.

R.t Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich. Sir Cha.s Hardy. Rev.d M.r Maskelyne. _Mr Hornsby. D.r Smith Rev.d Dr. Shepherd D.r Waring Php Stephens Esqr . Rev.d Dr. Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 13th of June last were read.

A Memorial from M.r John Peach to the Earl of Sandwich was read inclosing a State of his case and desiring he may be speedily released from the Burthen of a troublesome & expensive Law Suit and receive a reasonable compensation for the free surrender & delivery of the late D.r Bradley’s Papers: Upon which the following question being put, Vizt

“Whether the Board should stop the Proceedings at Law and treat with Mr Peach to deliver the papers upon a valueable consideration, or direct that those proceedings should be continued for the recovery of the sd Papers?

It was resolved that the proceedings should be continued and M.r Hornsby was desired to communicate the s.d Resolution to Mr Peach who, as they understood, was near at hand & to bring his final Answer.

Mr. Hornsby accordingly went to Mr Peach and reported, when he returned, that Mr Peach’s Answer was,

“That as he thought that he had some property in the papers he could not agree to give them up without the certainty of a proper gratuity”

A Memorial from Mr John Harrison, of this days date, was read setting forth that he has made another Watch with some improvements which has, by the King’s permission, undergone a Trial of ten weeks at His Majesty’s Observatory at Richmond. At the same time inclosing a Copy of the result of the s.d Trial, during the whole of which (as he alledges) it went very considerably within the the nearest Limits prescribed by the 12th of Queen Anne, And therefore praying (as he hopes the trial will be satisfactory) to have a Certificate for the remainder of the Reward; And the said Mr Harrison’s Son who was attending, was called in & acquainted that the Board did not think fit to make any Alteration in the mode which they had already fix’t upon for the trial of his Father’s Timekeepers And that no regard will be shewn to the result of any Trial made of them in any other way.

He then withdrew.

Res.d

Upon, a proposition of D.r Shepherd’s, that the Books of General Tables of Refraction & Parallax be sold by Mess.rs Mount & Page and Mr Nourse at Thirty shilling each in sheets.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board a Work of M.r Charles Mason’s for improving Mayer’s Tables by lessening the Errors in the method of calculation which he has perfected under the encouragement of the Board; and at the same time reported that he has reduced the Errors of those Tables to about one half: And the said Mr Mason who was attending having been called in & asked how much of his time the said work had taken up and it appearing, by his declaration, that it had employed the whole of his time for near two Years;

Res.d

In consideration thereof that he be paid 250 Guineas for his trouble, and that a L~re be written to the Navy Board for that purpose.

And,

That the said Work be printed under the direction of the Astronomer Royal and Copies delivered to each of the Computers of the Nautical Almanacs.

Mr Kendall, who was in waiting, was called in and the Paper delivered in by him at the last meeting (so far as it related to making a new Watch Machine with his own improvements) was read; And the Board, after some discourse, agreed with him to make a new Watch Machine accordingly for the sum of £100.

The Board understanding that Mr Arnold was attending he was called in, and informing that he had two Watches finishing which he desired may be tried with Mr Harrisons, was told that none of Mr Harrisons were yet under Orders for Trial, And that when his own were finished they would consider of some mode of Trial.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 6th March 1773. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich. Sir John Pringle B.t Rev.d Mr Maskelyne. _Mr Hornsby. D.r Smith Revd D.r Shepherd Dr Waring. P. Stephens Esqr. Rev.d D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 28th of November last were read.

A Lre~ of the 23d. of December last from M.r Witchell, Head Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth to the Secretary was read desiring justice to be done him as the Inventor of the Tables for finding the Effects of Parallax & Refraction lately published under the direction of D.r Shepherd by a proper acknowledgement thereof in the preface to that work.

A Letter of the 15th of December last from M.r John Gray of Cupar in Fife to M.r Stephens Sec~ry of the Admiralty, inclosing another proposal for finding the Longitude at sea, which he hopes will be found more worthy of Notice than the one formerly sent was read, as were two other Lre~s from the said Mr Grey to the Secretary upon the same Subject one dated the 20th of January & the other the 23d. of Feb~ry last: And the Astronomer Royal was desired to take the trouble of examining & reporting whether they contain any new matter which may be worthy of the Board’s Notice.

Sir John Pringle, President of the Royal Society, recommended from the Council of the Society Mr Israel Lyons of Cambridge who has been employ’d in making calculations for the use of this Board as a very person & one whom they wished might be employed, to go out in one of the Sloops destined to make discoveries towards the North Pole: And the Board being of opinion that by sending out a proper person to make nautical & astronomical Observations the intended Voyage may be rendered more serviceable to Geography & Navigation than it can otherwise be;

Res.d

That the s.d Mr Israel Lyons be employed to go out in one of the said Sloops to make such Observations; And that he be allowed 150£ for his trouble free of all Expences;

And,

The Astronomer Royal was desired to prepare a Draft of Instructions (similar to those which were given to Mess.rs Wales & Bayly) for the said M.r Lyons’s guidance on the above service, and to communicate the same to the Council of the Royal Society that any Alterations or Additions which they may recommend may be inserted therein; And then to deliver the same to the Secretary to be copied and afterwards signed by any five of the Commissioners who may be in the way; And the Astronomer Royal was further desired to bespeak & provide such Instruments, Books, Maps &ca as may be proper for the s.d Mr, Lyons’s Use; And to lay the Bills for the same before the Board,

Res.d

That the Lords of the Admiralty be desired to cause the s.d Mr Lyons, with his Baggage and Instruments^ x3 , to be received on board one of the said Sloops & to order him to be victualled during his continuance on board.

Res.d

That Mr Israel Lyons & Mr Tho.s Parkinson who have been employed to examine the Errata in the General Tables of Prallax & Refraction be allowed 100£ each for the same and in consideration of their having had much more trouble in calculating the above work than was at first expected.

D.r Shepherd laid before the Board his Account of what money had been received & paid by him for the purpose of calculating & printing of the above Tables together with the vouchers belonging thereto; And the Astronomer Royal was desired in conjunction with the Secretary to examine the said Account & report how they find the same to be; in order that the Navy Board may be written to, (if the sd Account is found to be right) to clear Dr Shepherd of the several Imprests standing out against him, for the said Work.

Res.d

That D.r Shepherd be allowed 12 Copies of the above Tables to make presents of to such of the Foreign Professors as he may think proper.

A Memorial from M.r John Arnold, was read praying for some more Assistance to enable him to proceed in making Timekeepers; And it appearing, by an Extract of a Letter from Rear Admiral Sir Robert Harland to the Earl of Sandwich, which his Lordship communicated to the Board, that the s.d Mr Arnold’s Timekeeper which went out with him had been of very great service in the run from the Cape of Good Hope to Madagascar, And, by a paper this day delivered in by the Astronomer Royal that two of M.r Arnold’s watches which are gone out in the Resolution & Adventure Sloops went very well in the run from Plymouth to the Island of Madeira;

Res.d

In consideration thereof that a further Sum of £200 be imprested to him to enable him to go on in making more Timekeepers; the same to be accounted for in the same manner as the other sums which have been imprested to him.

The Secretary laid before the Board some Accounts of the state of the money last granted by Parliament for the purposes of making Experiments and also for improving Mayer’s Tables – Incouraging discoveries & improvements useful to Navigation, by which it appears that there is very little remaining;

Res.d

That Application be made to Parliament this Sessions for £5000 more for the above purposes and to enable the Board to fullfill their engagements with the Observers who are gone & going out.

Mess.rs Mount & Page their Account of Books &ca. received & sold for the use of the Board between the 1st Jan~ry 1772 and the 1st Inst was laid before the Board; the Ballance of which, amounting to £13.s9.d0, was paid to the Secretary on the 4th Inst.t.

M.r Nourse’s Account of Do. during the sd time was also laid before ^the Board the Ballance of which in favor of the Commiss.rs amounts to £44.s12.d7

A Memorial from the Rev.d Mr Samuel Hardy of Enfield, which had been sent to the Earl of Sandwich, was by his Lordship laid before the Board containing some problems which he has invented & solved and which he thinks cannot fail of improving the Art of Navigation & offering to shew & explain the Models of some new Quadrants, of his invention, which he had brought with him – The Secretary was sent out to inform him, that, if he would draw up a particular account of his Instruments and explain more fully what he had to propose in respect to finding the Longitude to the Astronomer Royal between this & the next Board it should be taken into consideration.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts or Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &ca which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 24th April 1773. Present.

Rt Hon~ble Earl of Sandwich -Sir Fletcher Norton B.t Sir Cha.s Hardy. Revd. Mr Maskelyne. -Mr Hornsby. Dr. Smith. Revd Dr Shepherd. Dr. Waring P. Stephens Esqr H. Pallisser Esqr Revd Dr Smith.

The Minutes of the last Meeting on the 6th of March last were read.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board the Draft of Instructions for Mr Israel Lyons prepared by him in consequence of the desire of the Commissioners at their last meeting, and at the same time represented that the Royal Society having perused the s.d Instructions had recommended that an astronomical Quadrant & Equatorial Instrument should be added to the List of Instruments and that Captain Phipps of the Racehorse (one of the Sloops going upon discovery towards the North Pole) might be empowered to provide them;

Resd

That the said Instruments and any other which Cap.t Phipps may desire and the Astronomer Royal judge necessary be provided; And the Astronomer Royal was desired to bespeak the same.

A Letter from the Rev.d Mr Hardy to the Earl of Sandwich dated the 2.d Instant and also one from that Gentleman to the Secretary dated the 20th Inst.t were read, declining, in very disrespectful terms, to give any explanation of his Instruments to the Astronomer Royal, or to attend any Board of Longitude whilst he should be present.

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board an Account of the difference of Longitude between Drakes Island near Plymouth, Funchal in the Island of Madeira, and the Cape of Good Hope deduced from the Watches sent out in the Resolution & Adventure Sloops and compared with the true Longitudes of those places; Which account had been prepared by him at the request of the Earl of Sandwich from Observations lately transmitted by Mess.rs Wales and Bayly (the two Observers who are gone out in those Sloops) in their Lre~s to the Secretary from the Cape of Good hope dated the 17 of November last.

The Speaker acquainted the Board that Mr Harrison had presented a petition to the House of Commons & had also circulated a printed Case setting forth the Injustice he apprehends has been done him in regard to his Timekeepers & praying for relief; that the consideration of the s.d petition had been postponed ‘til this Board could meet to revise their proceedings in relation to the s.d Mr Harrison, and that he had desired Mr Grey and Mr Trecothic two Members of the House of Commons who interest themselves in Mr Harrison’s Case, to be present that they might inform themselves thoroughly of the Nature of those proceedings and not go upon a wrong foundation in supporting the s.d petition: The said two Gentlemen, and also M.r Godschall a friend of Mr Harrisons (who were attending) were admitted and the above printed case & also the several Resolutions of the Commissioners relative to Mr Harrison from their first meeting to the present time havg been read, the Board came to a Resolution that the whole of the said proceedings should be printed for the information of the Public.

Mr Harrison’s son (who was also attending) was then sent for in and asked the following questions in the presence of the sd Mr. Grey, M.r Trecothic & M.r Godschall, to which he gave the Answers ag.t each exprest, viz.t

Questions. Answers. Will you make two other Timekeepers & submit them To be tried according the Mode fixt upon by this Board of which you have already been informed? One Timekeeper is already made and my Father is not in a condition to make another I am afraid he will not live many days. Are you willing that that Timekeeper should be tried according to the above mode? No. I am not. Supposing the Board should appoint two or more persons (to whom you have no objection) to make the sd Trial, will you submit to it? No. I don’t chuse to have any thing further to do with it; not being willg to lose more time. Why do you refuse to submit to the Trial? For the following reasons viz.tLoss of TimeExpence attending itUncertainty of reward afterw.ds and, I think I can employ my time better. Have you any other Reason? No.

He then withdrew.

Ord.d

That the usual Licenses for printing & publishing the Nautical Almanacs for 1775 & 1776 be prepared & signed.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament; for, discovery of Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at, the Admiralty On Saturday 3d July 1773, Present.

R.t Honble S.r Fletcher Norton. Rev.d Mr Maskelyne; _M.r Hornsby. Rev.d D.r Shepherd, D.r Waring Philip Stephens Esq.r S.r Hugh Pallisser B.t Rev.d D.r Smith,

The minutes of the last meeting on the 24th of April last were read.

The Board understanding that M.r Harrison’s Friends who attended at the last meeting had expressed themselves satisfied with the Commissioners proceedings respecting him, And that M.r Harrison had thereupon withdrawn his first petitions to the House of Commons, and proceeded on other Grounds in consequence of which the House had voted him "a Sum not exceeding £8750, as a further reward and encouragement “over & above the sums already received by him for his Invention of a time keeper and his discovery of the principals on which the same is constructed;

Res.d

That a stop be put to the publication of the minutes of the Commissioners respecting M.r Harrison and that the Resolution of the Board at their last meeting for that purpose be discharged, as now that Matter being settled the publication can be of no use;

The Secretary communicated to the Board in consequence of the directions of the Earl of Sandwich, a Letter which his Lordship had received from the Rev.d M.r Ludlam dated the 5th of last month, representing that he had, at he suggestion of some lovers of Science drawn up an Introduction and Notes to Mr Birds method of constructing Astronomical Instruments which in the opinion of good Judges much want it; and making an Offer to the Board of the said Tract if they chuse to print it under certain Conditions mentioned in the said Letter.

Res.d

That M.r Ludlam be desired to send his Tract to the Secretary who is to transmit it to the Astror Royal and the other professers for their Inspection, and if they find no materil Objection, it is to be then printed and published at the Expence of this Board; under the Conditions mentioned by M.r Ludlam accordingly.

The Astronomer Royal and the Secretary having this day certified at the fool of the accounts delivered by Dr Shepherd on the sixth of March last that they had examined the same and found that the several Sums there mentioned to have been imprest to D.r Shepherd had been imprested and paid to him and no more; that they had also examined the several articles therein Charged and compared them with the vouchers produced with, which they agreed; that they had likewise compared the said Articles with the Estimate delivered to the Commissrs the 10th Jan.y 1767. and found them to correspond with the said Estimate, Allowance being made for the Additional expence incurred by the works having taken up 142 Sheets of letter press insted of 98 Sheets which were at first thought to be sufficient, by there having been 3000 copies printed off instead of 1000. and 50 of them on superfine paper,; and by some other incidental charges attending the packing and sending some of the copies from Cambridge (where they were printed) to London. And it appearing by the said Accounts that Dr Shepherd had received from the Treasurer fo the Navy at different times by way of imprest the Sum of £2800 and also £100 from the Secretary amounting together to £2900: that he had disbursed the sum of £2921-s0-d5. and that therefore a Ballance of £21..s0-d5 was due to him from the Board;

Res.d

That the Secretary do pay D.r Shepherd the amount of the said Ballance out of any money which may be in hand. And that a Letter be written to the Navy Board to desire they will clear him of the Imprests standing out against him as above mentioned and to make him out a proper Bill for the same,

The Secretary acquainted the Board that the several Resolutions and proceedings of this Board relating to M.r Harrison’s Watch Machine, and other time keepers, having been called for in great hast by the House of Commons the last Sessions, the several Gentlemen mentioned in the margin Mess.rs "Fearne "Wright "Belson "Robinson "Gimber "Barkham "Bingley who are Clerks in the Admiralty Office, were employed with the approbation of the Earl of Sandwich to assist in making the said copies, and were obliged to work night and day to get them done so as to be delivered at the time required; And the Board being of opinion that it is resonable that the said Gentlemen should have a Gratuity for their extraordinary trouble opon that occasion,

Resd

That the Secretary do pay them two Guineas each out of any money that may be in his hands belonging to the Board,

Rob.t Melvilles Bill for 2 Cases made in a particular manner by him for the reception of the timekeepers gon out, in the Racehorse and Carcass Sloops with 3 Locks to each case and 2 Keys to each Lock amounting to £5..5..0 being laid before the Board,

Resd

That the Secretary do discharge the said Bill out of any money that may in his hands as aforesaid.

The Secretary laid before the Board a letter which he had received from Mr Professer. Euler at Petersburgh, dated the 23 of March last, returning thanks for the Copy of Mayers Tables which had been sent to him by the Board some time before; expressing his concern at not having had it in his power to have done it sooner, owing to the Book’s having been detained and the letter which accompanied it by accident and without his knowledge in the Custom House of that place, and at the same time desiring the Board’s acceptance of a Book intitled “Theoria Lunæ” being a Work of his own,

The Secretary also laid before the Board a Letter which he had received from S.r Charles Knowles dated at Petersburgh the 29th of the said Month inclosing the Letter and Book beforementioned from Mr Euler, and representing, that, that Gentleman had desired him to request the favour of the Board that he may be furnished with one of the Nautical Almanacs Yearly.

Resd

That the thanks of this Board be given to M.r Euler for his abovemend present; that he be supplied with the Nautical Almanacs Yearly as they come out; and that the tables of Refraction, and Parallax, and any other Works published by the Board; which the Atronomer Royal may think proper, be sent to him also,

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for, the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 15.th January 1774. Present.

R.t Honble Earl of Sandwich Sr John Pringle Revd Mr Maskelyne Mr Hornsby Dr Smith Revd M.r Shepherd Dr Waring Philip Stephens Esqr Sr Hugh Pallisser Ba.t Revd D.r Smith

The minutes of last Meeting on the 3d July last was read.

A Letter of this date from M.r Israel Lyons to the Secretary was read; inclosing a Copy of the Astronomical observations which he made in the late expedition towards the North pole with the comparison of the time keepers as made every day about Noon, And the height of the Thermometer and Barometer, as observed at different times during the Voyage; representing that he had returned all the Instruments which were under his care, except

The Variation Compass which was broke to pieces in a Gale of wind;

The Thermometer, which was broke at different times;

The Machines for fetching water from the Bottom, the greatest part of which were left in the Sea.

And; inclosing a Bill of the Expences which he had been put to on account of the said Voyage;

Res;d

That the said Observations &c. be referred to the Astronomer Royal who is to be desired to examine the same and to report if, they have been made agreeable to Instructions,

That the Secretary do advance the said Mr Lyons £100. out of the money in his hands, that he can spare, on account of what is due him for his trouble and expence.

Ord,d

That the remainder be paid to him out of the first money granted to this Boards disposal by Parliament

The following Insturment Makers Bills for Instruments supplied by them respectively for the purpose of making the abovementioned Observations and amounting to the sums against each exprest were laid before the Board.

Messrs Nairne & Blunt...£157..s5..d0 Messrs Dollonds...100..0..0 Mess.rs J. Ramden...139..1..0

Resd

That the said Bills be paid out of the first Money granted as aforesaid.

The Astronomer Royal desiring to have an imprest of £450. to enable him to pay persons to compute and Compare Nautical Almanacs for the Years 1777 and 1778. And.

He having at the same time laid before the Board M.r Masons Computations of the remainder of the tables of the Moon in Latitude requisite to complete the improvement of Mayers Tables and also a comparison of the new tables of the Moon with 1200 of D.r Brandley’s observations both in Longitude and Latitude, which work the said Mr Mason had undertaken under the encouragement of the Board.

Res.d

In consideration of the long time which the said Work as taken up; to give Mr Mason a reward of 100 Guineas for his trouble and loss of time; And:

That the said sum be paid him and the abovementioned imprest be granted to Mr Maskelyne, out of the first money that may come to this Boards disposal as aforesaid.

The Secretary laid before the Board Mesrs Mount and Page and Mr Nourse, their Accounts of Books sold &c. between the 1st of March 1773. and 1st instant On the former of which there is a Ballance of £36..2s..d0, and on the latter of £22..s5..d11 which the Sec~ry was directed to Receive-

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c; which was helt at the Admiralty on Saturday 12th February. 1774, Present.

R.t Honble Earl of Sandwich. S.r John Pringle B.t S.r Chas Hardy. Revd M.r Maskelyne -M.r Hornsby. D.r Smith. D.r Waring. Rev.d D.r Shepherd. S.r George Hay Ph.p Stephens Esq.r Rev.d D.r Smith.

The Earl of Sandwich informed the Board that they had been summoned at the request of the Speaker of the House of Commons. to consider of a Bill to be brought into Parliament this Sessions for granting more money for the purpose of making Experiments and rewarding discoveries useful to Navigation; and for rendering more effectual the powers vested in the Commissrs by former Acts of Parliament; And the Board having accordingly taken the same into consideration without coming to any determination;

Res.d

That the Astronomer Royal and the Professors who are members of this Board, and also any other of the Commissrs who may think fit to attend, be a Committee to revise the former Acts and to settle a draft of a Bill for the purpose abovementioned; that they be empowered to call in such Assistance and to employ such persons as they shall find necessary; And desired to lay their proceedings before the Board at their next Meeting in March.

A Letter of the 26th past from the Revd M.,r Horsley Secretary to the Royal Society was read; desireing in the name of the President and Council of the said Society, that One of the Magnetic Dipping Needles belonging to the Board may be lent to the Society in order to its being sent out, in the first Ship to Hudsons Bay, for the purpose of making Experiments of the dip of the Needle in some of the Settlements there.

Res.d

That one of Magnetic Dipping Needles belonging to the Board be lent to the Royal Society for the above mentioned purposes accordingly,

A Letter of the 10th instant, from Mr Bird was read. representing that soon after the Secretarys Letter to him of the 31st Dec.r 1770 he prepared plates for the moveable Quadrant and Transit Instruments in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, but that his ill state of health would not permit him to proceed with them; that since that time some Alterations have been made in them but not by him; that therefore to describe them as he made ^them would not be a description in their present state; but that if the Commissioners should think proper to have them drawn and described in their first state he will go to work without further delay;

Res.d

That he be acquainted that the Board do expect to receive engraved plates and descriptions of the said Instruments in the state they were in when he entered into Articles to deliver them

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 5th March 1774. Present.

R.t Honble Earl of Sandwich. S.r Fletcher Norton, S.r Charles Hardy, S.r John Pringle B.t Rev.d M.r Maskelyne. _M.r Hornsby. D.r Smith. D.r Waring, Rev.d D.r Shepherd. Philip Stephens Esq.r Rev.d D.r Smith.

The draught of a Bill prepared by a Committee of the Board in consequence of the Resolutions of the last meeting, was read, And the Speaker having pointed out and explained some Amendments which appeared to be necessary;

Res.d

To meet again at this place on Tuesday next at Noon to consider further thereof; And.

And.

The President of the Royal Society and the professors were desired to wait upon the Speaker in the mean time, and to settle with him, a fresh draught of a Bill with the proper Amendments, that the same may be accordingly taken into consideration at the next meeting.

Adjourned to Tuesday next at 12 O Clock-

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliaments, for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Tuesday? Thursday 8th March 1774. Present.

R.t Honble Earl of Sandwich. S.r Charles Hardy. S.r John Pringle Rev.d M.r Maskelyne. -M.r Hornsby. D.r Smith. Rev.d D.r Shepherd, D.r Waring, Mr Stephens. Rev.d; Dr Smith,

The minutes of three last last Meetings on the 15th of Jany 12th of Feby and 5th Instant were read;

A Draught of a Bill with the Amendments proposed by the Speaker were laid before the Board.

Res.d

That a copy thereof be sent to Lord North for his approbation; and Sr Cha.ls Hardy S.r John Pringle and Mr Stephens were desired to wait on him therewith

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 25th June 1774. Present.

R.t Honble Sr Fletcher Norton, Sr John Pringle, Rev.d M.r Hornsby, Dr Smith, Revd D.r Shepherd, D.r Waring Philip Stephens Esqr Rev.d D.r Smith

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 8th Instant were read,

A Bill having now passed to enable this Board to discharge the debts already contracted & for other purposes.

Res.d

That a Letter be signed & sent to the Navy Board, desireing them to pay the undermentioned Sums

vizt

To Mr Chas Mason for his trouble in computing the remainder of the Tables of the Moon in Latitude requisite to complete his Improvements of Mayers Tables and also a comparison of the new Tables of the Moon with 1200 of D.r Bradley’s Observations both in Longitude and Latitude £105.

To the Rev.d Mr Maskelyne Astronomer Royal (in addition to what he has already had) to enable him to pay persons to compute and compare Nautical Almanacs for the Year's 1777 & 1778. an Imprest of £450.

To Mr Israel Lions, being what remains to be paid him for his trouble in going out in his Majesty’s Sloop Racehorse, to make Nautical and Astronomical Observations during her late Voyage towards the North Pole; (The Secretary having acquainted the Board that he had paid him £100 on account) £69..s0..d11; And.

To the following Persons, the sum’s against each expresed being the amount of their respective Bills for Optical and Mathematical Instrument's supplied for the use of the said M.r Lions on the above mentioned Service, viz.t

Messrs Nairns and Blunt...£157..s0..d0 Messrs Dollands...100..0..0 Messrs J: Ramsden...139..1..0

A Memorial from M.r Arnold was read desireing further encouragement, and he was called in and told that the Board could not think of advancing him more money, til they shall have better proofs of the merits of the Watches, which they have already had of him, or be satisfied that he has already made some very considerable improvements,

A Letter of the 2d Instant from Mr Tho.s Mudge to the Earl of Sanwdwich was read, representing that having made a Watch or timekeeper which he flatters himself is not void of merit and may be of some use to ascertain the Longitude at Sea, he could wish to have it tried under the Orders of the Board of Longitude, And the Board understanding that Mr Dutton a Watch maker was attending with the said Watch he was called in and exhibited the same, and at the same time informed the Board that Mr Mudge submitted the tryal of it intirely to the Board, either by M.r Mackelyne in the same way that other Timekeepers have been tried at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich or in any other manner that they should judge proper.

Res,d

That the said Watch be sent to M.r Maskelyne when he returns to Greenwich, and that he be desired to make tryal of it accordingly, and; after a proper time to report the result of his Observation thereupon to the Board, And. M.r Dutton having been made acquainted with the resolution and desired to communicate it to Mr Mudge that the Watch may be sent to the Royal Observatory for trial accordingly, he withdrew,

M.r Webb attended the Board with a plan for finding the Longitude at Sea by means of sideral Tables of his construction, And, after having been examined touching the same, was told, that his plan being upon wrong principles and incapable of being put in practice, could not be of any use of determining the Longitude,

A Memorial from M.r Jesse Ramsden Mathematical Instrument maker was read, representing that he had invented an Instrument for dividing Sextants &c, the construction of which is ^such as leaves no dependance upon the Workman, as a Boy can use it with th same exactness as the most experienced hand; and in the most speedy manner. And expressing his wish that the said Instrument which as cost him upwards of £250. and another which he is constructing to devide streight Lines may be the property of the Board on their paying him for them and giving such a Gratuity to him as, in their Opinion he may deserve, And the said M.r Ramsden having been called in and discoursed with upon the Subject, The Professors who were present were desired to go to his House (taking with them Mr Bird if he was inclinable to go) in order to see a Quadrant divided by the above instrument, And to report their opinion of it to the Board;

M.r Larcum Kendal produced a Watch Machine made by him in consequence of the Boards resolution of the.

Res.d

That it be sent to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich when M.r Maskelyne returnes, and that he be desired to make a proper tryal of it and report the results of his Observations to the Board, and Mr Kendall was desired to keep it til M.r Maskelyne’s return and then to deliver it to him at the Royal Observatory accordingly

Res,d

That the Navy Board be desired to pay the said Mr Kendall £100 being the sum which he was to have for the said Watch Machine by Agreement

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &c; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 3d Dec.r 1774. Present.

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich Sir Cha.s Knowles B.t Sir John Pringle, Rev.d Mr Maskelyne, _M.r Hornsby. Dr Smith, Rev.d D.r Shepherd. Dr Waring Ph: Stephens Esq:r Rev.d D.r Smith,

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 25th July last were read.

A Letter from Mr Robnett was read containing a Scheme for discovering the Longitude which the Astronomer Royal was desired to examine and the said M.r Robnett, who was attending was sent for in and acquainted therewith that he may attend and give Mr Maskelyne any further Account of his said Scheme if, he thought proper;

The Secretary delivered to each of the Commissioners a Copy of a Book called “Eliptical Astronomer” which he had received from Mr James Hinly of Taunton, containing as he apprehends a method fo discovering the Longitude & other useful discoveries.

The Astronomer Royal mentioned to the Board the great trouble he has had and continues to have, in supervising the computation and publication of the Nautical Almanacs; and therefore submitting whether it might not be reasonable, to make him some allowance for the same, the Consideration of that matter was postponed ‘til the next meeting.

The Board being of opinion that it would be of the greatest publice Utility to have a general Map of the Kingdom made by skillful persons from an actual survey thereof, As thereby exclusive of other Advantages, the Longitudes and Latitudes of the several head Lands would be ascertained

The Astronomer Royal and the Professors were desired to consider of a plan for that purpose against their next meeting;

Sir Charles Knowles delivered to the Board by the desire of M.r Professor Euler of Petersbugh , the said M.r Euler’s new Lunar Tables published at that place in the Year 1772

Resd

That the same be delivered to the Astronomer Royal for his inspection; And,

That the Thanks of this Board be returned to Mr Euler, for his present.

The Secretary laid before the Board Books of Observations &c made by M.r William Bayly in the Southern Hemisphere during his late Voyage in His Majesty’s Sloop the Adventure, and also some plans and drawings put in his hands by the said Mr Bayly;

Res.d

That the Books of Observations be sent to the Astronomer Royal who was desired to examine the same and to see if the said Observations are made agreeable to Instructions; And.

That the said M.r Bayly be in the mean time, allowed a further imprest of £250;

Mr Bayly was then sent for in and acquainted with the above Resolutions, and told that he should have the remainder of the money due him so soon as the Board should be satisfied that he hath complied with his Instructions.

He then presented to the Board a Bill of his Expences amounting to £17..s16..d6 and desireing that they would think of making him some Allowance for the time he hath been employed in digesting and transcribing his said Observations since his return to England, But the Board did not come to any determination thereupon;

Mr Ramsden who was attending was sent for in; and told to give in at the next meeting an Account of the principles on which his plate for dividing Quadrants is constructed,

Adjourned,

At a Meeting of the Commissioner's appointed by the Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of Longitude at Sea & which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 4th March 1775. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich. _S Fletcher Norton. S.r John Pringle. Rev.d M.r Maskelyne. _M.r Hornsby D.r Smith. Rev.d Dr Shepherd. D.r Waring. Mr Stephens. Revd D.r Smith,

The minutes of the last meeting on the 3d of December last were read.

The Board taking into consideration the extraordinary trouble which the Astronomer Royal is put to on account of the nearness of his resdence to London, in examining proposals and trying Machines and Instruments for discovering the Longitude &ca, which are frequently referred to him, And being of opinions that he should have some Allowance for the same.

Res.d

That the R.t Hon~ble the Lord Commiss.rs of the Admiralty be requested to lay this matter before the King and to propose to His Majesty that the Astronomer Royal be made the same allowance (to commence from the 1.st Dec.r last) for his attendances at the meeting of this Board as the Professors belonging to the Universities of Oxford & Cambridge who are Members of this Board do now enjoy, in pursuance; of His Majesty’s Orders;

A Memorial of this date from M.r Jesse Ramsden was read praying for some Gratuity for having made and, perfected an Instrument for dividing Quadrants Sextants &ca with great accuracy, certainty, and expedition, And he at the same time produced a Certificate from the Hon~ble Capn Phipps of his Majestys Navy and from Lieut Col.o Roy who has examined a Quadrant divided by the abovementioned Instrument, which Quadrant he also produced, by which it appears that the greatest Error which they found in the divisions including any that might arise in reading from the parallax of the Eye did not amount to half a Minute and generally not to one Quarter of a Minute; And the Board being desireous of having the opinion of the Astronomer Royal and of the Professors who are present of the merits of the said Instrument, they were desired to examine the same and to report there opinion thereof as well as of the accuracy of the divisions on the abovementioned Quadrant in writing to the next Board,

The Astronomer Royal to whom M.r Bayly’s Observations were referrd by the last Board represented to the Board he had examined the same and finds that the said Mr Bayly has complied with his Instructions, And a Memorial from the said M.r Bayly was read representing that since his return to England, he had been employed, during the space of three months in completing such of the Computations and drawings as his daily Business on Board the Ship did not allow him to execute, and therefore hoping that the Board would consider him and continue his salary up to the 3.d of Decr last.

Res.d

That the Navy Board be desired to make the said M.r Bayly (after deducting the sum of 500 already imprested to him) an allowance after the rate of £400 Ann~. from the 25th January 1772. when he received his Instructions to the 31st of July last both inclusive for his pains and trouble in proceeding in His Majestys Ship Adventure to make nautical and Astronomical Observations in the Southern Hemisphere; Also of £50 more in consideration of his extraordinary trouble in completing his Computations & Drawings since his return, And of £17…16s…6d being the amount of his Bill of Expenses for Carriage of Instruments &c;

The Astronomer Royal representing that it will be proper to employ Calculators to compute about 50 Observations in order to try the accuracy of Mr Eulers Tables referrd to him by the last Board; he was desired to employ such persons as he might think fit to compute about that number of Observations accordingly,

A Memorial from M.r Larcum Kendall was read setting forth that the Watch last made by him for this Board, tho.’ it went with great exactness whilst in his Custody hath altered its rate of going exceedingly since it hath been at the Royal Observatory, and therefore desireing to have it again in order to examine it and rectify what he may find amiss in it; The Astronomer Royal was desired to let him have it again for that purpose,

The Astronomer Royal then delivered to the Board an account of the going of the said Watch and also of that made by Mr Mudge from the 14th of December last to the 1st Instant together with a mean state of a Thermometer placed near them

The Astronomer Royal reported to the Board that Mr Robnets proposal referr'd to him by the last Board in founded upon wrong principles, and a Memorial from the said Mr Robnett of this days date having been read he was called in and having said a great deal on behalf of his Scheme, was told that the Board was of the same Opinion with the Astronomer Royal - and then withdrew

Mr Samuel Webb attended again and produced to the Board his plan for discovering the Longitude & having taken up some time in explaining the same, the Board repeated to him their Opinion and endeavoured to convince him, but to no purpose, that what he proposed was upon wrong principles also – he then withdrew

Applications from the following persons together with proposals for finding out the Longitude &c. were laid before the Board, and referred to the Astronomer Royal, viz.t

M.r Richard Beere, Mons.r Fyot of Paris, Mr James Hopkins, Mr Rob.t Blackburn.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 27th May, 1775, Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich -S.r Fletcher Norton S.r Tho.s Pye... Rev.d- Mr Maskelyne... _M.r Hornsby... D.r Smith... Rev.d Dr. Shepherd. D.r Waring. Php Stephens Esqr . Rev.d. D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 4th March last were read

D.r Shepherd laid before the Board a Certificate from Mr John Bird who at his request, had examined a Hadley’s Sextant divided by Mr Ramdens Engine, by which it appears that the whole extent of the 120° did not differ from the Radius a two thousandth part of an Inch, and that having taken the Chord of 72 the Arc from (0) to 60°, from 60°. to 120°., and from 30°. to 90°, he found them extremely exact;

A Memorial from Mr Ramsden was then read, praying the Board to take into consideration the merits of his said Engine and reward his Labour in such manner as they should think fit, at the same time mentioning the names of other persons who had attempted but in vain, to bring such Engine to perfection, so as to be put in practice as he had done, and inclosing another Certificate signed by Cap.t Phipps and Col.o Roy and three other persons who yesterday examined a 12 Inch Sextant divided by the said Engine, by which certificate it appears that the Sextant shewed no were a greater Error than 1/8 of an Inch. Quere if not 1/8000th

Res.d

To meet again, at this place, on Thursday next at Noon; to take the matter into consideration, at which time the Astronomer Royal and the Professors were desired to give in their Opinion of the merits of the said Engine, as requested by the last Board, and also to consider and report such Articles as they may judge necessary for Mr Ramsden to enter into, in order to secure to the public the benefit of his discovery in case it shall be thought proper to give him any reward for the same.

A Memorial from Mr Kendall was read setting forth that he had carefully examined, found out and corrected, what was amiss in the Time-keeper which he had back from the Royal Observatory in consequence of the Resolutions of the last Board. and that he had made it go again with as great Exactness as it did when he first delivered it there, And submitting to the Board the impropriety of trying it by any other method but such as other time keepers were tried by, as it will be impossible to judge of their comparative excellence, unless the mode of Tryal be the same; And the Asstronomer Royal having no objection to its being tried in the Transit room where the other Time keepers have been tried, M.r Kendall was acquainted, therewith and directed to return it to Mr Maskelyne, in order to its being tried in that room accordingly;

The Speaker informed the Board that Mr Mudge had several Objections to make to that part of the Act of the 14th of his present Majesty which relates to time keepers, And the Board understanding that the said Mr Mudge was attending he was sent for in and was told that if would reduce those objections into Writing and send them to the Secretary they should be taken into Consideration, in order that, if they had weight in them and could not be answered, application might be made to Parliament for an act to explain and amend the Act beforementd

He then made Objections to the place in which his Timekeepers had been tried at the Royal Observatory and being asked if he would be satisfied to have the same tried in the Transit room where the other time keepers have been tried, he declared he would and then withdrew, And the Astronomer Royal was desired to try it in that room accordingly.

A Memorial from Mr Arnold was then read, representing that he had been employed in further resarches for the perfection of Timekeepers and hath the greatest hopes of success from an Invention which he hath put in execution about 12 months since by which he presumes the Objections to which other Machines are liable to will be removed, that he is informed Application have been made by some persons to alter and amend the beforementioned Act of the 14th of His present Majesty proposing that one time keeper may be esteemed sufficient to make tryal with for the reward that there are many material Objections to such Ateration or Amendment, and praying in case the same should take place that the determination of the reward may be delay'd for 18 Months in which time he will engage to have two or more time keepers compleated which he presumes will answer to the Satisfaction of the Board in whatever ever way the trial may be made

The Astronomer Royal laid before the Board some problems with solutions by the late Mr Israel Lyons; which were referred to him and the Professors who were present for their Consideration and Opinion.

Res.d

Upon the recommendation of the Astronomer Royal that Mr Bayly who was sent out in the Adventure Sloop to make observation in the Southern Hemisphere; be allowed a Book of the Tables of Parallax and Refraction for his own Use.

Adjourned to Thursday next.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament; for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c; which was held at the Admiralty on Thursday the 1st June 1775. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich -S.r Fletcher Norton S.r Thomas Pye Rev.d M.r Maskelyne -M.r Hornsby D.r Smith Rev.d D.r Shepherd D.r Waring Ph.p Stephens Esq.r D.r Smith

The minutes of the last meeting on the 27th past were read.

The Astronomer Royal and the Professors delivered in agreeable to the desire of the last Board the following Certificate. viz.t

“We whose names are underwritten are of Opinion, upon examination of the Machine for dividing Sextants &c proposed and executed by Mr Ramsden and of Trials made of Instruments divided by the same, that such instruments may be divided as accurately by this Machine as by any method hitherto known and that the Inventor deserves Encouragement from the Public;

Nevil Maskelyne- Tho.s Hornsby- John Smith- Edwd Waring- Ant.y Shepherd- John Smith-

And M.r Ramsden gave in the following Proposals, viz.t

To deliver in upon Oath a full description in writing of the method of making an Engine similer in every respect to that abovementioned with proper drawings of the different parts such as will enable any other workman to make the same, and also a complete drawing and description of the Engine by which the endless screw was made;

To instruct such Workmen not more than 10. as the Board may please to appoint within 2 Years;

To deliver up, if required and make the property of his Engine to the Members of this Board for the use of the Public on being paid 300 Guineas for it much more than which it had as he alledged, certainly cost him

To engage to divide Octants for the Trade for a price not exceeding three shillings each and brass Sextants for a price not exceeding six shillings each; and to subject himself to a Forfeiture if the Instruments brought to him are not divided in a resonable time;

And the said Certificate and proposals having been read and the whole of the matter taken in Consideration the Board came to the following resolutions, viz.t

Res.d

That it appears to the Satisfaction of this Board as well by the above Certificate as of others that have been before received, that the said Engine is capable of graduating Instruments with very great accuracy and dispatch (which will be the means of greatly reducing the price of Octants and Sextants) and that M.r Ramsden improvement thereupon is therefore a Discovery useful to Navigation,

Res.d

That it is the Opinion of this Board that the said Mr Ramsden is deserving of a reward for his said discovery; And that he is deserving of a reward of £300

Res.d

That the said sum be paid to him as a Reward for the same accordingly so soon as he shall delivered in descriptions and drawings of his Engine agreeable to his proposal.

Res.d

That it is the Opinion of this Board that the property of the said Engine should be secured for the use of the Public, and that it will be resonable to allow him the sum which he demands- viz.t £315 for the same, so soon as he shall have assigned over, or made a proper Conveyance thereof to the Board, and shall have entered into articles to instruct Persons and divide Instruments agreeable to his proposal, and to deliver up the Engine to such persons, and at such time as the Board shall think fit to direct.

The Astronomer Royal and the Professors mentioned to the Board their Opinion of the late Mr Lyons’s Problems and Solutions which were referr'd to them at last meeting, And the Board being of Opinion that it may be reasonable to make the said Mr Lions’s Widow who has given them up some allowance for the same,

Res.d

That she be allowed & paid Thirty Guineas for the said Problems and Solutions accordingly

And.

The Astronomer Royal was desired to cause the whole or such part as he may think proper to be printed and added to the Nautical Almanac,

The Astronomer Royal having reported his Opinion that M.r Hopkins, proposal for improving Hadleys Quadrant (which was referred for his examination on the 4th of March last) contains nothing _ worthy of the Boards notice and the Professors having seen M.r Hopkins’s Model of such Improved Quadrant this day exibited by him to the Board, And being of the same Opinion he was acquainted therewith and withdrew

Res.d

Upon application of M.r Professor Hornsby, that the Observatory at Oxford under his direction be furnished with One Copy of every Book that has been or may be published by this Board

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 28.th October. 1775. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich S.r Cha.s Hardy, S.r Jn.o Pringle Rev.d M.r Maskelyne M.r Hornsby Dr Smith Rev.d D.r Shepherd, D.r Waring Ph.p Stephens Esqr Rev.d D.r Smith

The minutes of the last meeting on the 1.st June last were read.

The Secretary having laid before the Board a manuscript Book with four drawings with had been given him by Mr Ramsden on the 26th June last containg as appears by an Affidavit annexed to the said Manuscript a full and complete Explination and description of his Engine for graduating mathematical instruments and of the manner of using the same, and also of the Engine by which the endless screw is made, And the said M.r Ramsden having been sent for in and having entered into Articles of Agreement to assign over to the Commiss.rs the Property of the said Engine (which is nevertheless to remain in his Custody til’ further Orders); to graduate Instruments therewith at a certain price; and to instruct a certain number of Persons in the use of the said Engine.

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Navy Board to acquaint them therewith and to desire that the several sums of £300 & £315 may be paid to the said M.r Ramsden agreeable to this Boards resolutions on the 1.st June last.

Res.d

That the above manuscript description be printed, the drawings reduced where necessary and then Engraved, and the whole published, as soon as conveniently can be under the direction of the Astronomer Royal;

A Letter of this date from M.r Wales was then read representing that he had delivered to the Secretary all the Instruments with, which, he was intrusted for making Observations in his late Voyage except some few of the Thermometers which have been broke by unavoidable accidents, and an Handley s Sextant which he parted from to a Spanish Officer at his particular request on his return home, and which he was ready to replace when required, and inclosing an account of his expences for the Carriage &c of the Instruments at different Places amog to £25..s12..d5; at the same time setting forth that on account of the many Lands they were amongst during all the latter part of the Voyage and the great time they took up to settle properly, it was not in his power to keep his accounts up with the Ship, and that consequently he has been Obliged to finish them since his return which he hopes the Borad will please to consider.

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Navy Board to desire that the said M.r Wales may be paid an allowance after the rate of £400 PrAnn. from the 25th Jan.y 1772 when he received his Instructions to the 25 Augt last when he delivered up the Instruments, both days inclusive, after deducting thereout £250 already imprested, to him, and also such sums as have been advanced to his wife during his absence or since his return; And also that he may be paid a further sum of £50 for his extraordinary trouble which he has had since his arrival in compleating such of the Computations and drawings as his daily Business on board Ship during the Voyage did not allow him to Execute, and £25.s12.d5 the amount of his aforesaid expences

And.

That he be directed to replace the Sextant which he parted from to the Spanish Officer.

Resd

That the Watch made by M.r Kendall which went the abovementioned Voyage, and also M.r Harrison’s of which it is a copy, be delivered to M.r Kendall to be cleaned, And the Astronomer Royal in whose Custody they are; was desired to deliver them accordingly;

M.r Wales Book of Observations made in the late Voyage were also laid before the Board, who came to a resolution, to have abstracts thereof as also of those made by M.r Bayly, prepared by M.r Wales, under the direction of the Astronomer Royal; & afterwards printed of the same size as the History of the Voyage to which they relate which is now preparing for the Press,

All the Books of the said several Observations were thereupon ordered to be put into the hands of the Astronomer Royal who was desired to employ M.r Wales in preparing abstracts of so much thereof as shall be thought proper and afterwards to get the same printed of the size abovementioned

The Astronomer Royal having represented to the Board that the general Tables for facilitating the computations of the distance of the Moon from several Stars, which had been ordered to be computed some Years ago at the expence of the Board, under his direction, were now compleated and that he had put them into M.r Richardsons hands in order to be printed,

Ordd

That 100010000 Copies be printed; and that they be published as soon as they shall be ready for that purpose

Proposals for discovering the Longitude at Sea, by the following persons were laid before the Board.

vizt

Jean Francois La Voisin, of Eu in Normandy Mathew S.t/ Leger...of Dublin

and likewise some account of a Cross Quadrant for shewing the distance of a Ship at Sea by Owen Humphrys of Cotton Wharf; all which were referrd to the Astronomer Royal for his consideration and report,

The usual Licences for printing and publishing the Ephemerides for the Years 1777 and 1778. were signed by the Commiss.rs present,

Adjourned,

At a Meeting of the Commissrs appointed by Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of Longitude at Sea which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 2d March 1776. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich -Sr Fletcher Norton S.r Tho.s Pye S.r John Pringle Rev.d M.r Maskelyne -M.r Hornsby D.r Smith Rev.d D.r Shepherds D.r Waring Phil. Stephens Esq. Rev.d D.r Smith

The minutes of the last meeting on the 28th of Oct.r last were read:

The Earl of Sandwich represented to the Board that he had received a Letter from the Astronomer Royal setting forth the necessity of sending out some proper person to make neautical and astronomical Observations on board the two Sloops named in the margin Resolution, Discovery which are fitting out for the purpose of making further discovery’s in the Southern Hemisphere, under the Command of Cap.t Cooke, and the Board being of Opinion that the employing Persons to make such Observations will tend greatly to the improvement of Geography and Navigation came to the following resolutions; viz.t

That Mr Wm Bayly who was employed on like service on Board the Adventure during her late Voyage to the South Seas, and who is ready as they understand, to be employed again, be appointed to go out in the Discovery, in order to make the said Observations;

That Cap.t Cooke, assisted by M.r King his Lieut who as they are informed is well Qualified for that purpose, be desired to make similar Observations, whenever other more necessary Services will admit on board the Resolution.

That M.r Bayly be allowed after the rate of £400 Ann: For his care and trouble in the execution of the above service; to commence this day and to continue so long as he shall be employed thereon; and that the Navy Board be desired to imprest to him immediately £200 on account, in order to enable him to fit himself out,_ But that the reward to be given to Cap.t Cooke and M.r King for their trouble be left to the Board to settle in such proportion as shall appear reasonable and proper when they return.

That M.r Bayly be furnished with similar Instructions to those which he had when he went his last Voyage, And that a copy thereof be sent to Cap.t Cooke for his and Mr Kings information and Guidance in making the abovementioned Observations,

That Cap.t Cooke and M.r Bayly be each of them furnished with such a set of Instruments as the Astronomer Royal shall judge proper and necessary, and if those belonging to the Board and lent from the Royal Society, now unemployed, are not sufficient, he is desired to cause such others as may be wanted to be provided.

Capt. Cooke who was attending was then introduced and very readily consented to making the abovementioned Observations on board the Resolution, in conjunction with M.r King, whenever the Necessary duties of his Command would admit, And.

M.r Bayly was also called in, and as readily undertook the service to which he was appointed and at the same time gave in an account of such Stationary & Candles as he should want during the Voyage; with which he was ordered to be supplied, in the same manner as Before,

The Board understanding that Cap.t Vanderput of His Majesty’s Ship Asia now in No America had returned a dipping Needle belonging to them, which was lent to him some time ago, to M.r Nairne the Instrument Maker, without the Needles four of the large Magnetic bars, the two Irons of the Mahogany Box.

Res.d

That the Secretary do write to him to inform him of it, in order that he may cause them to be searched for and returned; and to desire that he will send home by the first ship or Vessel of his His Majesty’s coming to England, the Watch which was lent him at the same time, together with his Observations upon the going thereof; and to recommend to the Commanders of such Ship or Vessel to take particular care of it during the Voyage, and to make Observations also of the state of its going.

The Earl of Sandwich represented to the Board that he understands that the late D.r Bradleys Observations are intended to be given to the University of Oxford by which means the Crown’s Right thereto will be set aside; And M.r Hornsby at the same time acquainted them, that the said Observations had been actually given up to the University by Lord North; and that they were ordered to be printed,

Res.d

That a Committee be appointed to wait upon Lord North to lay before his Lordship a State of the Case, and to inform him of the proceedings which have been taken in consequence of the Resolutions of this Board, in order to obtain the Crown’s rights and to recover the said Observations; And.

That the Committee do consist of

The Earl of Sandwich " Speaker " President Royal Society " Astronomer Royal.

Ordd,

That the usual Letter be sent unto the Navy Board for impresting unto the Astronomer Royal £450 to enable him to pay persons to compute and compare the Nautical Almanac's for the Year’s 1779 & 1780,

Resd,

That the Watch made by M.r Kendall (being a copy of M.r Harrisons) which went the last Voyage with Cap.t Cooke be sent out with him now, and that the Watch last made by the said Mr Kendall for this Board be sent out by M.r Bayly; And the Astronomer Royal was desired to return the last mentioned Watch to M.r Kendall to clean, and to provide a proper Case for it, as well as the other.

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the 25th May 1776. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich, S.r Fletchr Norton, S.r Char.s Hardy, S.r Tho.s Pye, Rev.d Mr Maskelyne, -M.r Hornsby, D.r Smith, D.r Waring, Rev.d D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 2d March were read;

The Earl of Sandwich, the Speaker and Astronomer Royal acquainted the Board, that, in consequence of the Resolutions of the last Board they had, in company with the President of the Royal Society waited upon Lord North upon the subject of the late D.r Bradleys Observations and that they had desired that the same might be given up to the Astronomer Royal or that the suit instituted for the recovery thereof might proceed, And that his Lordship had said he would inquire into the matter and let the Board have an answer.

Res.d

That the Secretary do transmit a Copy of the abovementioned minute to Lord North and desire that as soon as his Lordship shall have come to a determination respecting the said Observations, and will please to let the Board know it, the same Committewill wait upon his Lordship again if he will give them leave to receive his answer concerning those papers.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he had paid M.r Bayly’s Bill for Carriage of Observatories and Instruments, reparing of them there, and afterwards sending them on Board the Discovery Sloop at Deptford and Long reach, amountg to £36..s15..d8.

He, at the same time laid before the Board, and was directed to pay out of any money which may be in his hands belonging to the Board the following Bills, viz.t

£ s d Mess.rs P & J Dollards for cleaning and repairing Instruments 58..11..0 Mr Arnold for reparing Mahogany Cases to the Astronomical Clocks, a new Ruby Cylander to a stop Watch by Ellicot, 2 sets of strong Mahogany Stands Porterage &c 24..6..9 M.r Kendall for cleaning the Watch made by him, and for, a Mahogany Box and Bracket, 4..12..6 £87..10..3

A Letter from Mr Webb of the 22d Instant was read, inclosing 3 Examples for discovery of the Longitude by means of Sideral Tables; but the Board having more than once informed him that his plan was founded upon wrong principles did not think fit to enter into any further consideration of it.

The Astronomer Royal acquainted the Board that he had caused a Dipping Needle and Quadrant to be lent to Lieut Pickersgill of the Lion Armed Vessel going on voyage into the North Seas, the Board approved thereof,

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c; which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday the d2 Nov.r 1776. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich, Sr Tho.s Pye, S.r John Pringle, Revd M.r Hornsby, D.r Shepherd, D.r Smith, D.r Waring, Rev.d Dr Smith, _M.r Maskelyne Capt. Suckling.

The minutes of the last Meeting on the 25th May last were read,

The following Bills were laid before the Board, vizt;

M.r Basire for engraving the plates of Ramsdens Engine £94..s10..d0. Mr Sasmprimier for engraving a plate for the Book prepared by M.r Wales £36..15..0. Mess;rs Nairne and Blunt for new Mathematical Instruments supplied and for cleaning others belonging to the Board £129..s9..d0, Mr Ramsden for d.o £48..s19..d0 Messrs Wright & Gill for paper supplied in 1775 60..18..0

Res.d

That the Secretary do pay such of the said Bills, as the money in his hands will enable him to do: and that he do pay the said Mr Nairne £10..s10..d0. as a gratuity for an improvement made by him on Gunters Scale for the purposes of Navigation; And that a Letter be written to the Navy Board for paying the remainder

Mr Wales who was attend was sent for in, and desired to hasten as much as he could the Work he is preparing for the press; And if necessary to get somebody to assist him - And to get the same printed off as soon as possible, of the same paper & size as Cap.t Cooks Voyage now preparing also for the press,

Mr Dutton attended with Mr Mudges watch, And Mr Maskelyne was desired, and undertook, to try it again at the Royal Observatory in the same Room wherein M.r Harrison’s watch was tried,

Ord.d

That Licences in the usual form be prepared for printing & publishing the Nautical Almanacks, for 1779 & 1780.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 1st March. 1777, Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich. -S.r Fletcher Norton, S.r Cha.s Hardy. S.r John Pringle. Rev.d M.r Maskelyne Rev.d M.r Hornsby, D.r Smith. Rev.d D.r Shepherd. D.r Waring, Rev.d Dr Smith.

The minutes of last meeting on the d2 Nov.r last were read

The Secretary laid before the Board Tables for facili^tating Calculations, which he had received from Messrs Bornovilla a Professor of Astronomy at Berlin which Tables were referrd to the Astronomer Royal for his examination,

The Astronomer Royal reported to the Board that the Watch ~~that the Watch~~made by Mr Mudge which has been at the Royal Observatory for Trial in consequence of the resolutions of the last Board, had gained in 109 days, only 1° 19”, and that it is greatly superior in point of accuracy to any Timekeeper which hath come under his inspection, And the Board understanding that Mr Mudge hath an intention of making two other Watches of the same kind, in order to endeavour to obtain a greater degree of perfection, provided he can have some assistance from them to enable him to do so.

Res.d

In consideration of the very favourable report given by the Astronomer Royal as abovementioned that a letter be written to the Navy Board desireing them to cause £500 to be advanced to the said Mr Mudge to enable him to complete two more watches accordingly

Res.d

That the Navy Board be also desired to imprest unto the Astronomer Royal £450 more to enable him to pay persons to compute and compare Nautical Almanac’s for the Years 1781 & 1782

But the Secretary observing to the Board that the money last granted to their disposal was nearly expended and that there is not sufficient left to make the abovementioned payments; Lord Sandwich desired to have a state of the Accounts that application might be immediately made to Parliament for such further sums as should appear necessary, which the Secretary was directed to prepare & send to his Lordship as soon as possible,

The President of the Royal Society having at the request of the Board, consented to permit the Speech which was lately made by him at that Society upon the occasion of given the medal to Cap.t Cooke, to be printed & added to the Volume of Nautical and Astronomical observations made in the course of the said Cap.t Voyage and now preparing by Mr Wales.

Resd

That the said be printed and annexed to that Work accordingly,

Adjourned,

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &c which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 7th June 1777. Present

R.t Hon.ble S.r Fletcher Norton S.r John Pringle Rev.d Mr Maskelyne M.r Hornsby. D.r Smith, Rev.d D.r Shepherd, D.r Waring, Rev.d D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 1st March last, were read,

A Further sum of Money having been granted to the disposal of this Board by Parliament,

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Navy Board for paying Mr Mudge the £500 ordered by last Board, and for impresting unto Mr Maskelyne £450 ordered at the same time; and also for paying the following Sum's, and for the purposes against each exprest,

To Mr W.m Wales £150 for his care and trouble in abstracting digesting and preparing for the Press, the Nautical and Astronomical observations made by him and Mr Bayly during Cap.t Cook’s last Voyage, and £23..s9..d0. more being the amount of what he represents to have paid for assistance in the execution of that Work

To M.r James Basins £22..s3..d3 being the amount of his Bill for engraving Copper plates &c for the above work;

To Mr William HNixon £23..s2..d6 for working off impressions of those and other plates for the use of the Board,

To Mr W.m Richardson £252..s6..d0 being the amount of his Bill for printing the Nautical Almanac for the Years 1777, 1778, 1779, & 1780, and also several other Works for the use of the Board.

The following Bills were also laid before the Board which he Secretary was desired to pay out of any money which may be in, or come into his hands belonging to the Board. viz.t

Messrs Nairne & Blunt £4..s4..d6 for cleaning and repairing Instru,ts Mess.rs Dollond £4..s13..d0 for d.o Mr Kendall £2..s2..d0 for cleaning Harrisons Watch

Res.d

That copies of every Work which hath been, or may be, printed and published by this Board be sent to Foreign Academies and Professors of Mathematic's, a List of which the Astronomer Royal is desired to lay before the next Board.

Res.d

That a copy of the Tables of Refraction and Parallax and of the Volumes of the abovementioned Nautical and astronomical Observations made in Capt Cooks last Voyage, be presented to M.r Ludlam,

Res.d

That the price of the said Volume of Observations to the purchasers be one Guinea, and that notice thereof be given to Mr Nourse, and to Mess.rs Mount and Page,

Res.d

That the Members or any two of them, who waited upon Lord North last Year, be desired (and those that were present were desired accordingly), to wait upon his Lordship again the first convenient opportunity, for his answer respecting D.r Bradley’s Observations,

A Manuscript Book entitled Researches on a Measure of Time for determination of the Longitude at Sea, by W.m Coombe, was laid before the Board, who referred it to Mr Hornsby; desiring him to peruse it, and to report his Opinion upon it at the next meeting,

A Memorial from Mr Jesse Ramsden mathematical Instrument maker was read, setting forth that he hath with great labor and expence just finished an Engine for dividing strait lines into any number of equal parts, which with his former Engine makes the Article of dividing of Mathematical Instruments complete, and that he beleives it will, upon Trial, be found that the errors occasioned by the drawing of the Lines &c, and also the errors of the Instrument will never exceed the half of a Thousandth part of a Inch, And at the same time inclosing a Certificate from Col.o Roy. & M.r Colderwood, that they had examined a Scale divided by the said Engine and had not found the error in any part to exceed the above Quantity.

Res.d

To meet again on Thursday the 26.th Instant (if the same should be agreeable to Lord Sandwich) in order to take into consideration the abovementioned Memorial, And the Astronomer Royal and the other professors were desired, in case the Board met again at that time, to examine the said Engine in question previous to such meeting and to report their opinion of it to the Board.

Res.d

That the Watch made by M.r Kendall which has been to N.o America in his Majestys Ship Asia and is now at Portsmouth, be so soon as it is sent up from thence, put into M.r Kendalls hand to be cleaned.

The Astronomer Royal shewed to the Board two maps of the Stars upon a Black ground which he had received from M/r Dalrimple,

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for discovery of Longitude at Sea &c. which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 22d November. 1777, Present.

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich S.r John Pringle Rev.d D.r Maskelyne _M.r Hornsby D.r Smith Rev.d D.r Shepherd. D.r Waring Rev.d D.r Smith

The minutes of last meeting on the 7.th June last were read

The Astronomer Royal having reported that M/r Bernoulli’s Ms~s Tables which with the precepts and examples relative thereto. were referred to him by the Board, appears to be a very laborious and well executed Work, and that the same will be of public utility by facilitating astronomical Calculations;

Res.d

That the sum of 80 Guineas be paid to the said Mess.rs Bornoulla as a reward for his care and trouble in executing the said work and for the property thereof, and that the said Tables with the precepts & examples be printed and published as soon as conveniently may be for the use of the Public.

The Astronomer Royal, was required and undertook, to get the same done; and also to get some Maps executed upon M.r Dalrimples plan which was laid before last Board, with such improvements as he may think will render the same of greater advantage to Navigation,

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Speaker to know when it will be convenient to him to go with the other Members of the Board who are of the Committee appointed for that purpose, to Lord North to speak to him again upon the Subject of the late D.r Bradleys observations,

The President of the Royal Society presented to the Board the petition of John Shelton Clock Maker, setting forth that a great many Clocks and Astronomical regulators have been made by him as well in the late M.r Grahams time as since which are dispersed in the chief Observatories of the World by the regular going of which he flatters himself astronomical Observations have been made for these fifty years past which have contributed very greatly towards the improvement of the Lunar Tables, so useful for finding Longitude at Sea; that he is now upward of 80 Years of age, and not having been able to make a sufficient provision for the support of himself, a Wife and Family, is totally destitute and in a very languishing and helpless condition, and therefore praying for relief.

The Board having taken the matter into Consideration were satisfied that the several Allegations contained in the said petition were true, but tho~. they com~iserated the petitioners distressful situation did not think themselves authorized to afford him any relief out of the money entrusted to their power, They however, resolved to recommend his case to the King, as in their Opinion deserving His Royal Attention, and the Earl of Sandwich was requested to recommend it to His Majesty accordingly,

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Navy Board for impresting the usual Sums to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay persons to compute and compare Nautical Almanacs for 1783 and 1784.

The following papers were laid before the Board, and referrd to the Astronomer Royal for his examination viz.t

A Memorial from M.r Tho.s Germain of Winchester, and a Ms~s Book which accompanied the same containing a Method for discovering Longitude at Sea, by means of a Machine of his Invention for keeping Timekeepers whilst on Ship Board, in one uniform degree of temperature

Some improved Solar and Lunar Tables on the Newtonian System of Gravitation by Mr Chas Mason,

A Letter from the Rev.d Mr Wm Smith to the Secretary dated Poonah (in the East Indies) 14th Sep.r 1776, and a Manuscript Book which accompanied, the same containing a short and correct method of determining Longitude at Sea by a single altitude of the Moon.

Extracts of a Letter dated Fort William 19th Dec.r 1776. from the Gov.r and Council of Bengal, to the Court of Directors of the East India Company, Aso Copy of a Letter from the Extors of Col.o Monson dec.d and Extracts of a letter from the said M.r Smith therein referrd to, all relating to the said subject and received from Mr Mitchell Sec~ry to the said Company

also,

Two Letters from the said M.r Smith to Lord Sandwich one (being a Duplicate dated Poonah Dhur 17th M~ch 1776 the other Poorunder 19th Oct.r 1776-

Which Manuscript Book with the papers accompanying the same were referrd to the Astronomer for his Examination

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for the discovery of Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 7th Mch 1778, Present.

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich _S.r Fletcher Norton S.r Cha.s Hardy S.r John Pringle Rev.d Mr Maskelyne _M.r Hornsby D.r Smith D.r Waring Rev.d D.r Shepherd D.r Smith

The minutes of the last meeting on the 22d Novr. last were read

Lord Sandwich acquainted the Board that he had laid before the King Mr Sheltons petition with a Copy of the minutes of the last meeting relative thereto; & that His Majesty had been pleased to receive it very graciously;

The Astronomer Royal reported that having examined the Rev.d Mr Smiths Method of determining Longitude at sea by a single altitude of the moon he finds that the same is not new, and that it is ^not practicable at sea with sufficient exactness.

And that having also examined M.r Gormans method keeping watches in one uniform degree of temperature, he finds the same to be impracticable at sea.

Res.d

That the Rev.d Mr Smith and M.r Gorman be acquainted therewith,

The Board resumed the consideration of a Letter of Mr Charles Mason of the 16th Nov.r last perfixed to the Solar and Lunar tables laid before the last meeting, wherein he claims the reward of £5000 and came thereupon to the following resolutions viz.t

That it is the opinion of this Board that Mr Mason is not entitled to the reward claimed by him for the said tables as he hath not complied with the term of the act; But whether the said Tables when he has made the further improvements he says they are capable of, may not give him a claim to some gratuity must be a matter of future consideration when those improvements are made and they shall have been more minutely examined,

A Letter of Yesterdays date from Mr John Richmond was read inclosing a Scheme for discovery of Longitude at Sea &c, by observing the Instant when the moon is on the same vertical circle with the sun or any fixt star; which was referrd to the Astronomer Royal, who was desired to examine the same & report his opinion thereupon to the next Board.

Mr John George Thiells of Bremon accompanied by the Rev.d Mr Woide Minister of the German Chappel at S.t James, attended with a timekeeper of the said M.r Thiells invention, which he was desired to carry to the Royal Observatory for Trial, & the Astronomer Royal was requested to make Trial of it accordingly and report the result to the Board.

Mr Nairne attended & presented to the Board a Sliding rule with his improvements therein and a Book explanatory thereof; for which he received their thanks and withdrew

M.r Ramsden attended with his Engine for dividing strait Lines, concerning which he presented a Memorial to the Board on the 7th June last which Engine he declared had cost him above £200. And the Board having taken the matter into consideration and being of Opinion that the said Engine would be of great public utility by rendering the Operation of dividing Instruments more easy and expeditious and that it is an improvement useful to Navigation came to the following resolutions viz.t

To give the said Mr Ramsden a reward of £200 for the said Invention and £200. more as a consideration for the property of the Engine; upon his given in upon Oath a written description together with drawings thereof; and entering into Articles for, transferring the property, instructing Workmen and dividing Instruments, similer to what was was done with respect to his other dividing Engine in consequence of the Boards resolutions of 1.st June 1775.

Dr Shepherd laid before the Board a Letter which he had received from Mr Wales inclosing a manuscript Book containing a method of making and calculating Observations for finding the Longitude by the Moon, which was referred to the Astronomer Royal for his examination and Opinion.

Mess.rs W and A Strahans Bill for printing 500. Copies of the neautical and astronomical Observations made by the said M.r Wales and M.r Bayley, during Cap.t Cooks last Voyage, and for the paper for the same amounting together to £307..s14..d0, with a Certificate from the said M.r Wales that the above work consisting of the number of Sheets charged is finished and was printed by them,

Res.d

That the said Bill be paid

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament; for the discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c, which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 6.th June 1778 Present.

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich S.r John Pringle Rev.d D.r Maskelyne M.r Hornsby D.r Smith D.r Waring Rev.d D.r Shepherd D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 7th March last were read.

M.r Ramsden delivered in upon Oath the following papers and drawings, viz.t

A Manuscript Book containing a written description of the Engine for dividing strait Lines on Mathematical Instruments and of the manner of using the same, and also of the Engine by which the endless Screw was made

Three drawings of the said Engines, and.

An Account of the prices at which he will engage to divide, with the first of those Engines, strait Lines on the mathematical Instruments therein mentioned,

Upon which the Board came to the following resolutions, vizt,

That Articles of Agreement be prepared for the said M.r Ramsden to execute assigning over the property of the abovementioned dividing Engine to this Board for the use of the Public, and engaging to instruct persons to divide Sectors, Navigation Scales Sliding Rules &c for the trade at the prices specified in the account. given in by him as abovementioned and to deliver up the said dividing Engine, to such persons and at such time as this Board shall think fit to direct; And,

That as soon as such Articles of Agreement shall be Executed, a Letter be written to the Navy Board to pay him the sum of £400 agreeable to the resolutions of last Board;

Mr Ramsden laid before the Board his Bill for cleaning and reparing Instruments, amounting to £2..s5..d6, which the Secretary was directed to pay out of any money remaining in his hands.

That the abovementioned written description be printed, the Drawings engraved and reduced where necessary, and the whole published. under the direction of the Astronomer Royal, who was desired to take the trouble of Superintending and directing the same.

It was at the same time recommended to M.r Ramsden to advertize and give other notice to the trade, that they may send their Sectors, Scales, Sliding Rules &c to be divided by the abovementioned Engine at the prices specified

The Board came also to the further resolutions following viz.t

That Letters be written to the Navy Board for paying the sums undermentioned to the persons and for the services &c against each exprest, viz.t

£250 to Mr Charles Mason as a reward for his care and pains in making considerable improvements in the Solar ad Lunar Tables laid before them in Novr last and as an Encouragement to him to endeavour to bring to a still greater degree of perfection,

£81 to Mess.rs Wright, Gill & Co for paper supplied by them in the months of April & June last

And.

£450, by way of Imprest, to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay persons, to compute & compare nautical Almanacs for the Years 1785 and 1786.

The Astronomer Royal reported that Mr Thiels Watch, which was produced at the last Board, had been tried for three or four days at the Royal Observatory, but that he did not find that it went better than a common Watch, and had therefore caused it to be taken away, it being unnecessary to make any further trial of it.

The Astronomer Royal also reported that M.r Richmonds scheme which was referrd to him, by the last Board was impracticable, and the said Mr Richmond was called in & told so.

Another Memorial from M.r Blackburn was read, but the same containing nothing new, the Board do not see occasion to make any alteration in their former resolutions concerning him,

The Astronomer Royal presented to the Board some Astronomonical Problems by the Rev.d M.r Edwards of Ludlow, which he thinks will be useful to Navigation; and the Board thereupon came to the following resolutions, viz.t

That the Secretary do pay the said M.r Edwards the sum of £20 out of any money which may be in his hands, as a reward for the said Problems, And.

That the same be printed and added to the Nautical Almanac-

Res.d

That a new Edition be made of such part of the requisite Tables as are necessary to be used with the Nautical Almanac with such additions as the Astronomer Royal shall think fit to make thereto, and that the same be printed in large Octavo and published under his direction,

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commissioners appointed by Acts of Parliament for discovery of the Longitude at Sea &c.- which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 28.th Nov.r 1778. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich Sr John Pringle Rev.d D.r Maskelyne M.r Hornsby D.r Smith Rev.d D.r Shepherd D.r Waring D.r Smith.

The minutes of the last meeting on the 6.th June last were read,

A Letter of the 26th Instant from Mr Michael Taylor was read inclosing some Tables invented by him to facilitate the use of almost every astronomical Table so frequently employed by Astronomers, Calculators, and Navigators, which will not only save them a great deal of time but prevent them from falling into many mistakes besides other advantages; And the Board understanding from the Astronomer Royal that the said Tables will be of very great use for the abovementioned purposes; and the time & trouble the construction of it must have taken,

Res.d

That a reward of £100. be given to the said M.r Taylor for the same, And,

That the said Tables be printed and published under the direction of the Astronomer Royal

A memorial from Mr John Dietrick Miller of the 29th of last month respecting a Machine of his Invention which he calls a perpetuum mobile, was read and he was called in and informed that he must give the Board some better account of it, before they could form any judgment of its Merits

M/r Combes gave in an Account of the going of his Watch for some time past, which appearing to be very good,

Resd,

That he be desired to send the said Watch to the Royal Observatory for Tryal,

M.r John Richmond attended with an Instrument for the purpose of taking Horizontal Angles at Sea, which he was desired to carry to the Royal Observatory for the inspection and examination of the Astronomer Royal.

Res.d

That M.r Wales be employed to correct the Press of the new Edition of the Requisite Tables, which is ordered to be printed,

A Letter of this date from Mr Chas Mason was read representing that he has gon thro’ corrections of the Tables of the Moons Latitude & inclosing those Tables as finally finished in the best manner that lies in his power. The Board then took into Consideration what further rewards to give him for his Labour. in that work, and having discoursed with him upon the Subject came to a Resolution to give him £500 in addition to the £250. already given to him; but he not being satisfied therewith, the further consideration of the matter was, at his request postponed ‘til another meeting-

The said Mr Masons improved Lunar Tables in Longitude delivered in March 1778; together with the result of the comparison of them with Dr Bradleys Observations were referred to the Astronomer Royal for his examination & report.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commiss.rs appointed by Acts of Parliament, for the discovery of Longitude at Sea which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 6.th March 1779- Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich, Sr Fletcher Norton, Sr Cha.s Hardy. Mr Banks. D.r Maskelyne. D.r Shepherd. D.r Waring. Revdd Mr Hornsby. D.r Smith. Revdd D.r Smith.

The Minutes of the last meeting on the 28th Nov.r last were read.

M.r Charles Mason attending was called in and agreed to take the £500. offered him by the Board at last meeting.

A Memorial from Mr John Arnold was read, stating some new Improvements made in his Time keepers and solliciting a further sum of money to enable him to prosecute his enquiries and to bring those Time keepers to the desired perfection; the Board upon consideration of the matter and discoursing with him & finding that one of his Timekeepers upon Trial at the Observatory had gon with great exactness were of Opinion that he was deserving of further encouragement, & therefore agreed to advance him £500 more to enable him to prosecute his enquiries and make further improvements,

Res.d

That a Letter be written to the Navy Board for paying the two sums abovementioned and also for paying Mess.rs Wright & Gill £78. being the amount of their Bill for paper supplied in the months of Jan.y and Feb.y last for Nautical Almanacs &c.

The Astronomer Royal acquainted the Board that Mr Bernoulli’s Tables were printed & ready for publication; and the Board at his recommendation came to a resolution to allow M.r Charles Hutton one Guinea Pr Sheet for his trouble in correcting the Press.

A Letter of Yesterdays from Mr Michael Taylor was read setting forth that since his delivery of his sexagenary Table for which the last Board ordered him £100. he hath discovered several other considerable uses that table might be applied to and benefit it might be of to Navigation if it were extended to 60 minutes, and inclosing a specimen of some Instances, at the same time desireing the Board to allow him such further reasonable sum for continuing it on the same plan, as they shall think proper.

The Board upon consideration of the matter came to a resolution to allow him £150 more when the Work is compleated,

The Secretary laid before the Board a List of Instruments as far as he could recollect which were burnt in the Dome of Greenwich Hospital (where they were deposited) by the dreadful fire which happen’d at that place on the d2 Jany last

The Astronomer Royal reported that Morgan Davis’s method which had been referrd to him was impracticable; and that Mr Dunn’s method which had also been referrd to him, was not so good as that by the Solar Tables.

Resd

That it be required of Mr Mason to deliver up the method he used in forming his Tables and also his calculations of the Moons places from his Tables corresponding to D.r Bradleys Observations, before he be paid the £500 abovementioned; and he was sent for in, made acquainted therewith, and promised to deliver them up accordingly.

Adjourned.

At a Meeting of the Commiss.rs appointed by Acts of Parliament. for discovery of the Longitude at Sea which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 10th July 1779, Present.

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich M.r Banks Revdd M.r Maskelyne Mr Hornsby D.r Smith Rev.d Dr Shepherd D.r Waring Rev.dd D.r Smith

The minutes of the last meeting on the 6th March last were read,

The Board, upon the motion of the Astronomer Royal came to the following Resolutions; vizt,

That M.r Charles Hutton be paid five guineas for translating the preface to M.r Bernoulli’s sexagenary Table now printed by order of the Board and 22 Guineas for correcting the press;

That Mr WMaltons Bill for making drawings of M.r Ramsdens Engine for dividing right Lines, and M.r Basires Bill for engraving the same, the former amounting to £6..s6..d0 and the latter to £44..s3..d2 be paid.

That M.r Richardson the Printers Bill amounting to £430..6..0 be paid so soon as the Astronomer Royal shall have certified to the Secretary that particulars therein mentioned are all of them completed and that the Charges are right.

That £450 be imprest to the Astronomer Royal to enable him to pay the computers and Comparers of the Nautical Almanacs for 1787 and 1788; and that Licences be prepared for printing & publishing the same;

That M.r Charles Masons new Lunar Tables and other papers relative thereto be put into the hands of the Astronomer Royal; in order, as he proposes, that the said Tables may be reduced and adjusted to mean arguments, by proper persons to be employed under his inspection, and that the tables so altered be afterwards printed;

That the Astronomer Royal be desired with the Assistance of the Secretary to make out a List of the mathematical astronomical and philosophical Instruments, belonging to the Board, specifying the date when each was bought, the price paid for them, and the place where each is deposited at present, or when, or how, any were lost or otherwise disposed of, And.

That the Rev.d Malachi Hitchins, an old and very deserving Computer and Comparer of the Nautical Almanac, be indulged with the Loan of one of the two feet Reflecting Telescopes.

The Astronomer Royal reported that M.r Ricmond had been with him with is Quadrant for observing the instant of two Cœlestial Objects being in the same vertical Circle, or the difference of their Azimuths when small, and found the method totally unfounded and impracticable.

The Astronomer Royal reported that M.r Combes Watch was brought down to the Observatory on the 28th Ult, and at the same time laid before the Board a Letter with a paper of directions for the management of the said Watch which he had received from M.r Combes, and Accounts of the going of the said Watch since it had been at the Observatory, and also of Mr Mudjes two Watches and Mr Arnolds Pocket Watch.

Ordd.

That the Astronomer Royal be paid Twenty Guineas out of the money in the Secretarys hands for a horizontal pocket Watch made by Elliott and improved with a Ruby Cylander and other alterations by Mr Arnold, which he the Astronomer Royal parted with to the Board. previous to Cap.t Cooks former Voyage to be used on that and which is also now with the said Captain on his present, Voyage.

The Secretary laid before the Board two Manuscript Books put into his hands by M.r John Beete, intitled Longitude discovered by RIght Ascension and Culmination of the Stars, which were referrd to the Astronomer Royal for his examination,

Adjourned

At a Meeting of the Commiss.rs appointed by Acts of Parliament, for discovery of the Longitude at Sea which was held at the Admiralty on Saturday 27.th Nov.r 1779. Present

R.t Hon.ble Earl of Sandwich M.r Banks Rev.dd M.r Hornsby Dr Smith D.r Waring D.r Shepherd Rev.dd D.r Smith Dr Maskelyne

The minutes of the last meeting on 10th July last were read.

The President of the Royal Society having observed to the Board that the improvement of Telescopes, which have within these few years carried them to a degree of perfection far superior to any Instrument formerly used for the like purposes, are now at a stand on account of the impossibility of obtaining Flint Glass proper for their Construction, which was always difficult to be got as the art of making it was never certainly known, small parts only of the large Masses cast for the purpose of making Flint Glass acquiring from accident a degree of perfection suited to those purposes; And that the Alterations of the Ingredients in quantity or quality, which, from time to time, has been made in order to render the materials cheaper and better suited for common uses, seems to have operated to the entire prevention of such accidents; no Glass being now, at any rate, to be procured at all comparable to that which is met with in old Telescopes: And he having therefore submitted to the consideration of the Board whether (as the improvements of those Instruments must necessarily be of great Utility to Navigation by enabling Comm~drs of Ships to decry their Enemies at a distance, to get an early knowledge of their strength, and to obtain, by observations of the Cœlestial Bodies, the real situation of places which they are to visit) it might not be proper to offer a reward of £1000 to the person who shall discover and devulge the Art of making Flint Glass proper for the purpose of making Acromatic Telescopes,

And.

The Board having taken the same into consideration & being unanimously of Opinion,

Resd

That a reward of £1000 be offered, by Advertizement, accordingly; to be given under the following Conditions, vizt.

The person applying for such reward to produce Specimens of Glass made by them, which Specimens are to be examined by a Committee (to be appointed by this Board) which Committee is to report whether, or not, the Glass so produced, shall upon such examination, have been found to have all the propertys requisite to answer thoroughly the intended purpose, if the report of the Commte shall be in the affirmative, the Inventor is then to discover the Art and process used in making the said Specimens, to a Second Committee consisting of Persons skilld in Chymistry and the Manufacture of Glass (to be appointed as aforesaid) Which second Committee is to report to the Board the particulars of such discovery and their Opinion thereof; And if the persons who compose the said Committee or the Major part of them, shall have learnt from the inventor the art and process abovementioned, and, in consequence thereof, manufactured Glass which, upon examination by a Third Committee (to be appointed as aforesaid) shall be found to have all the propertys requisite to answer thoroughly the intended purpose; then the Reward of £1000, to be paid the Inventor, upon his or her delivering to the Board (in writing and upon Oath) a full and exact detail of the said Art and Process, with a certificate from the Persons who composed the second Committee or the major part of them, that such detail corresponds, in all Respects with the particulars of the discovery which may have been made to them as abovementioned.

The Secretary laid before the Board, Accounts of his Receipts and Payments, on their Behalf between the 4th March 1769 & this day, with his Vouchers for the same, and submitted whether it might not be proper to have the same examined by the Board or some of the numbers thereof; And the Board being of opinion that it would be very proper, the Astronomer Royal and D.r Shepherd were requested to take upon themselves that trouble, and to report their Observations thereupon to the next Board;

The Astronomer Royal presented to the Board Accounts of the going of Mr Coombes Watch, Mr Mudges two Watches & Mr Arnolds pocket Watch from the 10th July last to the present time; and it appearing thereby & by the report of the Astronomer Royal that Mr Coombes watch had gon [sic] with great correctness and accuracy, and that he, therefore, thought him deserving of some encouragement in order to enable him to prosecute still further improvements in the construction of Timekeepers,

Res.d

That the sum of £200 be given to the said Mr Coombe to enable him to prosecute further improvements in that art, accordingly.

Res.d

Upon the recommendation of the Astronomer Royal, that the sum of £50 be given to Mr Michael Taylor, in addition to what he has already had as a compensation for some Examples delivered by him to the Board, for elucidating the use of the Tables for which he has already received a Reward of £100; and for his extraordinary trouble (being more than he expected) in correcting the press;

R Blair attended with a Quadrant with some Improvements, which the Astron.r Royal was requested to examine; in order that if it is found to answer on Shore, that the Lords of the Admiralty may be applied to, to give direction for its being tried on Board one of the Kings ships at Sea.

The Astronomer Royal acquainted the Board that he had received a Letter from Mr Charles Mason giving an account of some further corrections which he had made in the Lunar Equations, and desireing [sic] to know if the Board will encourage him to go on with them. And the Astronomer Royal was desired to let him know, that, as he set forth that the Tables for which he so lately rec.d a reward of 750 were finally finished in the best manner which lay in his power, the Board cannot think of giving him any such encouragement.

Adjourned.