United States' exploring expedition in 1839[1]; but at this time it was quite unfit for magnetic observations, from the number of iron guns and piles of cannon balls that were distributed about it, so that instruments could not be placed on any part of the fortifications without being subject to their vitiating influence.
As my chief object in coming here was to obtain a series of magnetometric observations in comparison with those made at the observatory at Hobarton, on the approaching term day of the 21st, with the view to ascertain how far simultaneous observations, at periods previously agreed upon, as well as on days of considerable perturbations, might be depended on for determining the difference of longitude between the two places of observation, we were obliged to work hard day and night to get the instruments fixed and adjusted in good time. By the untiring diligence of Commander Crozier, however, and of the officers of the Erebus and Terror, every thing was in perfect order and in readiness to begin several hours before the appointed time, and a complete and satisfactory series of experiments was made. During the day we were honoured by a visit from the governor, who inspected the ships and observatories, and expressed a warm interest in the objects of our undertaking. Nothing could exceed the kind atten-
- ↑ A detailed and highly interesting account of the state of the colony at that time is given by Lieutenant Wilkes in the second volume of the "Narrative of the United States' Exploring Expedition," pp. 163–274.
