'It is as you say quite a scandal that no ascent has been made for scientific purposes since that of Gay Lussac. Though I hope when you see my paper on Refraction you will admit that this problem is nearly put at rest, for I make observations of steam, vapour of Alcohol and confirm my law of the connexion between pressure and temperature, which is quite different from what has been supposed'. JWL has had a long discussion with the aeronaut Mr Green: 'It would not do to set about the thing with less than £1,500 [to make a balloon to investigate the atmosphere?]. JWL is annoyed at John Herschel for leaving out all notice of his work on lunar theory in his address to the Astronomical Society.
The caption gives brief details of Green’s aeronautical career, with a facsimile of his signature.
Transcript
Highgate, Feb. 17th. 1839.
Proposal for establishing an Aëronautic Fraternity.
The object of the undersigned is by the Association, to collect all books, Manuscripts, prints, drawings, Medals and other matters, which have ever been published on the science of Aërostation; and by interchange and procuration to aid in rendering our volumes of collections, as complete as chance or circumstances may empower us severally and collectively.
[Signed by:]
Chas Green President
F {1} Green
William Upcott {2}
Edward Spencer
Jacob Henry Burn
J {1} Green
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The word ‘Ballooning’ has been added at the top in pencil.
{1} The readings of these initials are uncertain.
{2} The scrapbook of aeronautica collected by Upcott is now in the Smithsonian Institution.
Transcript
Highgate Augt 19—1840
My dear Sir /
Having been Compelled to delay my visit to Norwich in Consiquence of the desperate state of the weather on Monday the day I ascended and having experienced a very rough landing owing to the extreem violence with which the wind raged on our nearing the earth. various reports are in Circulation respecting the Injury I sustained as such I feel anxious to acquaint you & my Friends in Norwich that altho I have received several severe Concustions {1} & Slight Bruises and am not alltogether free from their Consiquent pain I am not suffering near so much as I did from my lamenes I experienced when you accompanied me to see Hampton ascend and I have but little doubt I shall be sufficiently recovered to be with you within a week, Had my decent been ever so favorable the Balloon & Nett is in such a deplorable wet Condition from the heavy rains that fell during its Inflation that I could not possibly leave London till after a fine day or 2 enables me to dry it for if left in the state it is, it would soon be unfit for use again, I shall at all events endeavor to send the Balloon with its appendages & my portfolio of prints on aerostation (for your Inspection) by the Steamer which leaves London Bridge on Saturday evening or Come down with it by the one that Leaves on tuesday Next, I wrote a few lines to my friend Crowshay yesterday but fear too late for Post owing to my time having so much occupied by answering friendly enquiries with best respects to all who are so kind as to enquire after me
I remain
my dear Sir
Your† very truly
Chas Green
To P N Scott Esqr
—————
The spelling is occasionally irregular.
{1} Reading uncertain.
† Sic.
Transcript
My Dear Sir /
I duly received your kind letter and the paper Containing the parragraph for which I return you many thanks and shall prize it greatly it being so much to the purpose—I have made several enquiries of the Postman who says had it been sent from the Norwich Post office I shd have had it he is sertain I am sorry you have had so much trouble and beg you will not think I wish to impose on good nature by making your granting me one favor the foundation of asking others—I shall use every exertion to get it further noticed if possible and endeavor to get aprint† of Major Money to morrow as I hope to be able to go to town—I sent an article on my projected voyage across the Atlantic wich is recited {1} verbatum with the Editors remarks I have purchased a Copy for you and shall send it the first opportunity
With best regards to Mrs Scott likewise Mr Crowshay† & family
I am Dear Sir | Yours truly & much obliged
Chas Green
Highgate
Jany 27—1840
[Superscription:] P. N. Scott Esqr | St Giles Street | Norwich | Pre Paid
—————
Postmarked as ‘Paid’, 28 January 1840. The spelling is occasionally irregular.
{1} Reading uncertain.
† Sic.
The men depicted in the illustration are, from left to right, Walter Prideaux, John Hollins, William Milbourne James, Robert Hollond, Charles Green, and Thomas Monck Mason.
(No caption or date. Title and date supplied from British Museum No. 1858,0613.402. )