Folios 141-142: Matthew Flinders, 7 Mary Street, Fitzroy Square. Refers to his statement...

Folios 141-142: Matthew Flinders, 7 Mary Street, Fitzroy Square. Refers to his statement relating to the magnetism of ships and his subsequent request. From observations made in different parts of the Southern Hemisphere he has found that the compass needle varied considerably when the direction of the ship's head was altered. He provides information about the variations and notes that his observations in the Northern Hemisphere show variations of a similar size but that they are directly contrary in nature. He is satisfied with the cause of the differences, and the laws which govern them, but notes that they are contrary to what has been thought to have been the experience of ages. Hydrography and navigation in general is interested in the question as is natural philosophy.

He asks that 2 or more intelligent officers with ships of different classes moored at Sheerness, Portsmouth or Plymouth to conduct an experiment by selecting 2 distant objects and take measurements with the azimuth. He describes the procedure in great detail.

Folio 143: enclosed with folios 141-142. A note signed by G Sayer addressed to John Barrow Esq asking that the papers referred to in the letter to Flinders be sent to him in originals to be returned with his report.

Folio 144: enclosed with folios 141-142. Signed [?] Hurd, Hydrogrophy Office, 16 April 1812, states that the experiments proposed by Flinders should be executed by the Admirals commanding Sheerness, Portsmouth and Plymouth who may select the most suitable ships for the purpose. He suggests who should be present when the bearings are taken having their experience and expertise in mind.

On reverse of folio 142 is a formula, a blank form, to be completed for each ship taking measurements for the experiments.