Admiralty Office
17^th April 1812

Sir,


      Having laid before
my Lords Commiƒsioners of
the Admiralty your letter
of the 13^th instant containing
your observations on the variation
of the Compaƒs in the Southern
and Northern Hemispheres,
and the Experiments by means
of which you propose to
ascertain the fact of such
Variations; I am commanded
to signify their Lordships direction
to you to proceed to Sheerneƒs,
to communicate with Rear
Admiral Sir Thomas Williams
and, to superintend certain
Experiments relating to the
variations of the Compaƒs which
he has received directions to
institute.
Captⁿ Matt^w Flinders
        7 Mary Street
        Fitzroy Square

I am, Sir
    Your very humble Serv^t
          Jn Barrow