June 18, 1803

Patterson’s Letter to Thomas Jefferson

Philada. June 18th. 1803—

Sir [Thomas Jefferson]

I recommended to Capt. Lewis, the use of a statistical Table, in which to set down his Astronomical observations, in the course of his intended expedition . . . .

I have sent it under cover to you, Sir, lest Capt. Lewis may have proceeded on his tour; in which case, if you shall judge it worth his notice, you will have the trouble of forwarding it to him—

I am Sir with the highest respect & esteem—Your Obed. Servt.—

R. Patterson^[1]Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-40-02-0427 accessed 8 June 2022. [Original source: The Papers of Thomas … Continue reading

Transcription

In The Astronomy Notebook, Lewis appears to have copied the statistical table recommended by Robert Patterson. The columns extend across four double pages (13¼ in. x 7½ in.) and contain headings only—there are no entries.

[Pages 26–27]

Statistical Table.

• 1. Place of observation
• 2. Date of obs. Astronomical
• 3. Hour of the Day apt. Time at place obs Astroncl. P.M.
• 4. Hour of the day mean Time P.M. astronl.
• 5. Hour of the day pr. watch. P.M. astrl.
• 6. Error of the watch on mean time f. s.
• 7. Daily gain or loss of watch on mean time. g. s.
• 8. Apt. altd. of ⊙’s center, lower or upper limb ⊙. LL. UL.
• 9. true altd. of ⊙’s center.—
• 10. Apt. altd. of ⋑’s center Lower or upper li-mb ⊖. LL. UL.
• 11. true altd. ⋑’s center.—
• 12. Error of the instrument employed in obstn. B. F.
• 13. Star’s name

[Pages 28–29]

Statistical Table. Continued

• rept. 2. Date of Obs. Astronomical
• 14. Apparent altd. of Star
• 15. app. distance ⊙’s & ⋑’s Nearest limbs. ⊙ E. or W.
• 16. app. dist. of ⋑ & * The * E. or W.
• 17. true distance of Centers.
• 18. Longitude of place from Greenwich
• 19. Latitude of place
• 20. Magnetic azamuth of ⊙ or pole *.
• 21. True azimuth of ⊙ or pole *.—
• 22. Variation of Magnetic needle.—
• Miscellanious remarks.—