8 



chart in use is of European origin, and many of the most 

 valuable are calculated from meridians to which our serv- 

 ice is not accustomed, and they are accompanied by sail- 

 ing directions, iu foreign tongues not generally known in 



Proposal to re- the Navy. * * * Lieutenant Goldsborough has pro- 

 duce to the meri- 



tKanof Green-posed to make such modifications of the charts as would be 



wich the foreign _ 



charts issued by necessary to reduce them to the meridian 01 Greenwich 

 (whence we estimate our longitude), and to translate the 

 instructions into English, so as to adapt them to our serv- 

 ice, and the Commissioners have accordingly directed him 

 to proceed with the work. When finished the question will 

 arise, How shall these charts and directions be multiplied so 

 as to furnish the service generally with them *? Engraving 

 the charts would be expensive. A lithographic press would 

 be the cheapest mode, and would ultimately prove a measure 

 of economy, as we should be enabled by it to provide all 

 the charts and multiply to any extent all the plans, draw- 

 ings, views, or manuscripts required for the service. 

 We might thus at the earliest moment avail ourselves of 

 Purchase of a the scientific labors of other nations, and greatlv improve 



hthographicpress . 



recommended, our own navigation at an expense quite inconsiderable, and, 

 in all probability, less than we now pay for ordinary charts. 

 It is understood that a press of this kind, with its neces- 

 sary appurtenances, might be procured for about $600, 

 and that one laborer will be sufficient to work it. Such a 

 press offers so many facilities and would be attended with 

 such advantages that the Commissioners will, with your 

 concurrence, take the necessary measures to procure one." 

 (Navy Commissioners' Letters to the Secretary, vol. iv, p. 

 174, Files of the Navy Department.) 



Notwithstanding this earnest appeal of the Commission- 

 ers, the necessary permission to purchase a lithographic 

 press for the reproduction of charts was not destined to be 

 obtained until long after Lieutenant Goldsborough had sev- 

 ered his connection with the depot. 



Lieutenant Goldsborough remained in charge of the Depot 

 until the 11th of February, 1833, on which date he was de- 

 tached, and Passed Midshipman Hitchcock was ordered to 

 assume temporary control until the appointment of a new 

 superintendent. 

 Lieut. Charles In reply to a request of the Secretary of the Navy, dated 

 as Lieu tenant the 18th of the same month, calling for the names of ofifi- 

 Goidsborough's cerg t j ien in t ^ e Tj n ited States, who were regarded as most 



