When was it published?

December 14, 1842 in The Rhode Islander

Domestic News December 14, 1842

The Rhode Islander

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, Secretary Of The Navy

Q: What keywords are associated?

National Observatory, Gilliss Mission, Astronomical Instruments, Washington Observatory, Navy Commission

Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island

View full issue View on Library of Congress PDF Page 2

What is this article about?

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss of the U.S. Navy is reportedly sailing on the Acadia to Europe, authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to purchase instruments and equipment for the National Observatory under construction in Washington, including specific telescopes, circles, magnetic and meteorological apparatus, and a library of astronomical works.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

National Observatory,—It is said that Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, U. S. Navy, took passage in the Acadia, and that he goes out vested with full powers by the Secretary of the Navy, to purchase a complete set of instruments for the National Observatory, now in the course of erection at Washington; that he has been charged by the Secretary to visit all the principal observatories in Europe, and to procure from the most eminent makers the following capital instruments:

One 16 feet Parallactic Instrument, to be mounted in a similar manner to the Pulkova Refractor.
One Transit Telescope for the Meridian, of 7 feet focal length.
One Transit Telescope for the prime vertical, of 7 feet in length.
One Mural Circle of 5 feet diameter,
One Transit Circle.

Together, with complete sets of magnetic and meteorological apparatus, with the most modern improvements.

Also, a library, embracing all the standard mathematical works; annals of all the observatories, catalogue of stars, nebula, &c.

What sub-type of article is it?

Infrastructure Appointment

What keywords are associated?

National Observatory Gilliss Mission Astronomical Instruments Washington Observatory Navy Commission

What entities or persons were involved?

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss Secretary Of The Navy

Where did it happen?

Washington

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Washington

Key Persons

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss Secretary Of The Navy

Event Details

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, U. S. Navy, took passage in the Acadia, vested with full powers by the Secretary of the Navy to purchase instruments for the National Observatory in Washington; charged to visit principal European observatories and procure specific instruments including a 16 feet Parallactic Instrument, Transit Telescopes, Mural Circle, Transit Circle, magnetic and meteorological apparatus, and a library of mathematical and astronomical works.