BARROW, John, Sir (1764-1848). Autograph letter signed (“John Barrow”) to Davies Gilbert, 22 August 1831.
One page, 8vo, old folds, ghosting at verso corners. MENTIONS NAUTICAL CHARTS AND HYDROGRAPHER OF THE BRITISH NAVY. “The subject of the New Requisite Tables is in the hands of the Astronomical Society and has been for some time, but as yet they have not made any report. I have shown your note to Capt Beaufort who is one of the Committee.”
A report published in the Nautical Magazine, March 1831, corroborates the significance of this work, and the involvement of such leading authorities in navigation. Barrow was a British geographer, explorer, and avid promoter of Arctic exploration. As second secretary of the admiralty, he promoted numerous voyages to further knowledge of geography and navigation. In his position at the Admiralty, Barrow was a great promoter of Arctic voyages of discovery, including those of John Ross (his first expedition), William Edward Parry, James Clark Ross, and John Franklin. Point Barrow in Alaska is named for him.