Dawes, William, 1762 - 1836 (astronomer and colonial administrator)
Person
Found in 44 Collections and/or Records:
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-06-05
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 262-263
Scope and Contents
Reporting on the timekeeper [K1], and on his observations during the passage to Tenerife (en route to New South Wales).
Dates:
1787-06-05
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-06-05
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 264
Scope and Contents
Concerning observations taken (including observations for the rate of the timekeeper, K1).
Dates:
1787-06-05
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-06-09
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 265-266
Scope and Contents
Concerning observations made and including revised calculations of latitudes and longitudes by the timekeeper [K1].
Dates:
1787-06-09
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-08-06
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 267-268
Scope and Contents
Reporting on their progress (the ship had arrived at Rio de Janeiro) and on observations made en route. Dawes also mentions that his cabin was partially under water and that his Requisite Tables had been damaged and needed replacing.
Dates:
1787-08-06
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-09-03
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 269-276
Scope and Contents
Reporting on observations made at the Island of Enxadas, Rio de Janeiro. The letter includes mention of a visit by two astronomers from Portugal employed to settle the limits between the Spanish and Portuguese settlements in Brazil.
Dates:
1787-09-03
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-04-23
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 277-280
Scope and Contents
Reporting on observations made in Rio de Janeiro and on meeting Colonel Gordon, Commandant of the troops at Cape Town and a keen astronomer. Dawes reports that he had arranged with Gordon for observations to be made at Cape Town of the comet which was expected the following year; he also lists Gordon's instruments and books to show his ability for the task.
Dates:
1788-04-23
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 281-282
Scope and Contents
Written from the new settlement at New South Wales. Dawes reports on his work there, mentioning the lack of resources and the clearing of land for an observatory. He includes a rough sketch of the observatory.
Dates:
1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-10
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 283-284
Scope and Contents
Reporting on his activities between leaving the Cape of Good Hope and his arrival at Sydney. The letter also includes an account of constructing the observatory in Sydney, and of the practical difficulties involved, particularly in finding suitable materials and craftsmen. He mentions, for example, that the forty marines employed in the work had to be provided with rum, water and new shoes (due to the damage from brushwood). Dawes also seeks further money and provisions.
Dates:
1788-07-10
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-12
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 285-286
Scope and Contents
Reporting on the status of the observatory (which was nearly complete), on expenses incurred, and on his role there.
Dates:
1788-07-12
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-10-01
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 287-288
Scope and Contents
Reporting on his activities at the observatory in Sydney, mentioning that much of his time had been employed 'in matters quite foreign to astronomy', and that while he had estimated the track of the comet, he had yet to see it. Dawes also reports that he intended to stay in New South Wales for a further three years, on the basis that he could not leave until a suitable person was sent out to take over: 'I think it would be a great pity to lose an established observatory in this Hemisphere' [RGO...
Dates:
1788-10-01
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-11-17
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 289-289a
Scope and Contents
Informing Maskelyne that he had a sent a letter via the Fishburn under Captain [Robert] Brown.
Dates:
1788-11-17
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-11-17
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 290-293
Scope and Contents
Reporting on his work at the observatory in Sydney. Dawes reports that he had seen nothing of the comet and complains that his duties as Engineer and Officer of Artillery were preventing him from attending to the observatory, which had soured his relationship with the Governor. He asks that a suitable person be sent out to take over the Observatory before his six years there had expired. He also reports the naming of Maskelyne Point.
Dates:
1788-11-17
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Letter from William Dawes to [Nevil Maskelyne?], 1799-12-05
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 89-90
Scope and Contents
Concerning astronomical observations.
Dates:
1799-12-05
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
'Memorandum book from July 30 1791 to the end of 1796', 1791 - 1796
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/2/7
Scope and Contents
Notebook containing notes on various subjects including the health of Nevil Maskelyne and Margaret Maskelyne's serious illness, many remedies to relieve illness such as colds, chilblains and scurvy, notes on the repair and maintenance of Nevil Maskelyne's watches, notes on his assistants, and notes on observations made. There is also a list of wages paid, a list of silverware, a list of items received from Lieutenant Dawes (mainly astronomical instruments), a shopping list, a list of items 'for...
Dates:
1791 - 1796
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Memorial from William Dawes for remuneration for his services on HMS Gorgon, 1799-12-06
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/11: 116-118
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Miscellaneous petitions and memorials making requests of the Board of Longitude.
Dates:
1799-12-06
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Note concerning William Dawes' manuscripts of astronomical observations made at Port Jackson and Rio de Janeiro, 1798
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 87-88
Scope and Contents
From the Item:
Astronomical observations made on Flinders' voyage on HMS Investigator, with an extract from Flinders' memoir and a related letter [RGO 14/68: 70-83]. Also astronomical observations made by William Dawes, with a related note and letter [RGO 14/68: 84-90].
Dates:
1798
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Orders and memoranda for paper and the sending of copies of the 'Nautical Almanac', 1790 - 1804
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/324: 2r-3v
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A diary of work performed on the 'Nautical Almanac' and arrangements for its compilation and publication.
Dates:
1790 - 1804
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Papers regarding the loan of instruments and books to Lieutenant William Dawes on a voyage to Botany Bay, 1787 - 1791
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/13: 160-168
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Papers regarding the loan and return of instruments belonging to the Board of Longitude and concerning persons entitled to receive Board publications.
Dates:
1787 - 1791
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
William M. Dawes' correspondence during the establishment of an observatory at Port Jackson, New South Wales, 1786 - 1792
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 238-308
Scope and Contents
Twenty six letters sent by William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, covering his initial preparations for departure, his passage via Rio de Janeiro, the establishment of the observatory at Port Jackson, his work there, and his eventual return on HMS Gorgon six years later. The letters include detailed accounts of setting up the observatory in Sydney where he hoped to observe a comet, and of the difficulties encountered there (particularly shortages of supplies and Dawes' own disagreements with the...
Dates:
1786 - 1792
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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