Sir,

By authority of the Secretary of the Treasury you will please at your early convenience, say by May 1st, proceed to Europe and continue your pendulum observations and other work at the initial positions for such periods as you may deem advisable.

No detailed instructions are required, as the purposes and objects of your work have been fully discussed between us. You are authorized to be absent from this country, if necessary, until January 1st 1881.

In addition, I wish you to confer fully with Geodesists and instrument makers in reference to any advances made, of value or interest to this Survey.

Enclosed you will find authority to be present at the International Geodesic Association that meets at Geneva about August 20th, I believe.

Wishing you a pleasant voyage across the Atlantic, and success in your work.

(signed)