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Catania, December 23.1870 Mr. J. Norman Lockyer President of the Eclipse Expedition from England to Sicily Dear Sir, The loss of the beautiful steamer, in which your government with great liberality sent you and your party to observe this eclipse has thrown a gloom over the whole expedition. It would be very sad for the science of the world, and especially grievous to the Americans who have been associated with you, if to this misfortune were added any injurious sentence to the gallant officer who commanded your ship. |
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I entreat you, therefore, in the name of the American expedition to exert your utmost influence to save Commander Fellowes from any censure on the part of your government. We beg that he may not suffer from his strong desire to aid the men of sciences, and that his vigorous and successful efforts to save them and their property from any loss may not be forgotten. I remain, my dear Sir, with the utmost respect and friendship Your obedient servant Benjamin Peirce Superintendent U. S. Coast Survey and Commander of the U. S. Eclipse Expedition |
