Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-09-14
ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION TO CHILL
FROM rnr BOSTON TRAVELLER.

, ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION TO CHILL
FROM TEE BOSTON TRAVELLER.
Letters from Lieut.. GILLIss, who has charge OF
this expedition, state that after the safe arrival and
erection of his instruments, he observed Mars on
forty three out of the remaining forty-seven nights
of the period designated for observations on that
planet and subsequently he has undertaken cata-
logue of Southern Stars, which on the lst OF June
numbered nearly FIVE thousand. This large amount
Of labor evnces an indefatgable zeal and industry
on the part of Lieuts. GnLIss and McRAE (for the
greater part of the time his only available assisant(
which merit most fully the cooperation Of astrono-
ners in other parts Of the world, which has already
been solicited as necessary to carry out the remain
ing objects of the expedition.
But the friends of the expedition and Of the pro-
gress of astronomical science will be highly gratl-
fed to learn that the labors of the Superintendent
and his associates, and the unexampied adaptation
of the climate for astronomical observations, are
fully equaled by the lberality and just apprecia-
ton Of science on the part Of the Chlian Govern
ment, as exhibited in the following decree and cor
lrespondence, and which fully deserve the high
commentator expressed in the letter Of Lieut. g.:
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WoasHrp, AnD PuBLrc
INsTRUcrBoS, SANTIAGO MAp Is, $780, z
Considering, lst That the Lieutenant OF the Navy Of the
United States Of America chief of the Astronomical Com
mission Of that nation resident IN Santiago has made known
the Government through the Charge Of the Uaed States
that he is disposed admit certain number of young
which the Government may designate, to the Observatory
which has been established for the purpose Of acquiring
knowledge Of astronomy, and of practical instruction in the
use of the instruments therein provided
IDLY That pofng by the opportunity Of Astronomical
Observatory, well conducted and Of the residence Of dis
tngushed astronomer who disposed direct the young men
who may dedicate themselves to the science, shall more
readily succeed n obtaining accomplished in this depart
ment of science, and be able earlier to establish per-
manent Observatory:
49, 4
may dedicate themselves this study suitable monthly
pension compensate them in part for the abandonment Of
their usual occupations for the sake of dedcatng themselves
with the requisite assdu and effort likewise odsfay the
expense ncuned by the purchase of books
4thly. That Don gnaco Vadivia, Don Francisco Fero,
and Don Gabriel zquerdo, possess the qualifications which,
in the Judgment of the chief Of said As,r9nomica Comms
son necessary with profit the practical course IN
the Observatory, and accomplish adequate theoretical
study
5hy In view Of the Recommendation which the Council of
the University has made the Government and the propose
ton for the designated youths which the rector Of the nsu
ton has made that for this purpose the Government should
confer special charge, after obtaining the consent OF
said youths-
have resolved to grant the decree:
l. Don Ieacio Valdvia Don Francisco Ferro, Don Ca
bre zquiepdo shall dedicate themselves the study Of
Astronomy learn the Of Instruments under the drec-
ton of the chief Of the Scientific Expedition Of the United
abors which the said chief shall impose upon them, for hr
greater progress and advancement in said science. They
assist such hours and in the form prescribed BY the
aforesaid chief and engage in theoretical study by the text
books which he shall recommend TO them.
q While they pursue their studies at the Observatory there
shall be dispensed each Of them, by the general rea
sury the amount of twenty-five dollars monthly which shall
be assessed for the present year the Division 46 OF the
Estimate Of Expenses Of the Ministry of Justice and Public
instruction.
BULNEs. ANTONIO VARAS.
SANTIAGO, Mar l6, 1850.
II oof ado
ment by that of the United States of America which was
communicated to by its agent in Washington respecting
the admission the Astronomical Observatory under
charge of certain number Of Gillian young men, has
been deemed expedient elect Don Ignacio Valdiva,
Don Francisco Fierro and Don Gabriel squerdo, to the
end that having for themselves studied the science theoretically
by the text books which you may be pleased to indicate to
them, they may unite in learning it practically during the
hours and in such form you may designate have the
honor mpalt to you the knowledge Of this disposition of
the Government with the understanding that the said young
men shall be seasonably presented.
avail myself of this occasion to offer you the
Of the particular consideration with which am your assured
servant ANTONIO 'yARAs.
To Mr.. J. M. Giliss Lieut. of the Navy
and Chief Of the Astronomical Expedition of
the United States Of America, in Santiago.
DEPARTMENT OF FoRErsS AFTnRs,
SANTIAGO Chilli, MAI Is, 1850.
GENTLEMEN have the honor acknowledge the receipt
Of your of the 9Th Instant by which you inform that
in consequence Of the offer made by the United States Govern
men through the Chian ambassador Washington to afford
practical astronomical instruction such young as the Chi
an Government might Designate there have been elected
Don Ignaco Valdva, Don Francisco Fiero and Don Ga
be zquerdo and that they will present themselves within
a few days.
That nation which, like Chilli enjoys during so large
part Of the year climate admirably suited to the practical
culture of the noble of all the sciences should be the
first in America bestow patronage and effective support,
additional proof its advance to rank among the nations
most lusrous and LIBERAL and realization which will be
hal heartfelt complacency OF
Northern Hemisphere. 1t is certain that the officials Of the
Astronomical Expedition will leave nothing uninterrupted
facilitate the execution of the designs Of the Chian Govern
men and that books and instruments will be wholly at
the command Of the gentlemen, whenever they
may need them. As the small library brought for
use almost wholly composed Of English books, and it
important possess theoretical knowledge Of the sruc
ture and adjustments Of Instruments before undertaking
make observations with them, should strenuousy
mend their acquiring knowledge of the English language
sufficient for reading without difficulty The only nations
which publish any thing Of importance upon astronomical
subjects up the present me the German and the Eng
sh, their descendants and is indispensable that astro
nomy, be ineligible, should be presented in the
other of these idionls.
Begging you accept the Of my distinguished
consideration and respect, have the honor be, sir,
,bedient servant,
J. M. GILLIss.
TO his Excelency Doy ANTONIO vARAs,
Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Chill.
ARRIVAL OF THE UNITED STATES SHIP ERIE.
The United States ship Erie, w. ID. PORTER,
Lieutenant commanding arrived at New York on