Captain Basil Hall Arranges Astronomical Instruments for Observation in Dunbar
Autograph Letter Signed, to R. Hutchison Esq.
One-page autograph letter signed by Captain Basil Hall (1788–1844), written from “Dunlop, Dunbar” and dated 14 February 1831 (?), addressed to R. Hutchison, Esq., 7 St Bernard's Crescent, Edinburgh. Folded for mailing with a red wax seal and address panel in Hall’s hand. Minor edge wear and paper loss to second integral page not affecting text. Measures approx. 9" x 7.5" when opened.
Hall writes with instructions concerning scientific instruments and astronomical data, seeking assistance from the recipient and Professor James D. Forbes (1809–1868), the eminent physicist and glaciologist based in Edinburgh. In particular, Hall requests the loan of a large sextant, apparently needed “to make some experiments here with Broughton’s artificial horizon,” and notes that it will be returned promptly, likely “on Wednesday about 11 o’clock.”
He continues with detailed logistical arrangements: “If Prof. Forbes has sent you back my Chronometer, I beg you will do me the favor to take it first to the Observatory to compare it, and get a report of its error as the T. and S. also its rate—then to carry it to the Whitelock Hall coach office…”
Hall’s handwriting is careful, but dense, and this portion reveals his coordination of both scientific precision and practical arrangements. He also refers to the Nautical Almanac, requesting that Hutchison: “ask Mr. Henderson if he can lend me one of the copies of the Nautical Almanac till those expected are performed…” The observatory is not named, and no formal “Dunlop Observatory” has been identified; it is likely that Hall was working with local or private instruments in Dunbar.
This letter reflects the lively network of 19th-century British scientific correspondence, and the reliance on regional collaboration between naval officers and professional astronomers. Captain Basil Hall, son of Sir James Hall of Dunglass, served with distinction in the Royal Navy and was best known for his published travel accounts and scientific writing, including Voyage to Loo-Choo (1818) and Fragments of Voyages and Travels (1831–33). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society.
