APPENDIX VIII. 
LETTERS addressed by the Admiralty to the Captain of H.M.S. Challenger 
and the Director of the Civilian Scientific Staff after the arrival of 
the Expedition in England. 
Admiralty, 8th July 1876. 
“ Sir,— The Hydrographer of the Admiralty having reported to their Lordships the result of his examina- 
tion of the documents, &c., hearing on the Scientific Investigations made in H.M.S. Challenger during her late 
cruise, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to convey to you the expression of 
their entire satisfaction at the manner in which the various services in connection with deep-sea exploration, 
&c., were carried out on board that vessel, and to the intelligent interest in the ship’s proceedings exhibited by 
the officers and men, which so greatly contributed to the complete success of the Expedition. 
“ 2. Their Lordships’ highest commendation is due to the patient care and unremitting attention which has 
been given to the special points of Scientific Inquiry throughout the late voyage of that vessel, and the expres- 
sion of their marked approval will be communicated to the officers concerned, through the Commander-in-Chief 
at Sheerness. 
“ 3. It is also a source of great satisfaction to their Lordships that the Challenger never once touched the 
ground during the whole period of her late Commission, although she passed through many very imperfectly 
known parts of the ocean. 
“ 4. My Lords regret that, owing to the examination of the Reports and Records received from the 
Challenger not having been completed, their approval of the able services of the officers, and the zealous 
conduct of the men, could not be conveyed before the ship was paid off. 
“ I am, &c., 
“ Robert Hall. 
Captain Thomson, R.N.” 
14 th June 1876. 
“ Sir, — I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that they 
embrace the opportunity of the Challenger being paid off, and the large collections in Natural History made 
under your direction being safely deposited in this country preparatory to their final disposal, to convey to you 
their great satisfaction at the success which has attended this novel and interesting Expedition carried on in one 
of Her Majesty’s ships for the furtherance of Scientific Knowledge. 
“ 2. Their Lordships have noted from time to time throughout the whole of the voyage of the Challenger 
the great interest that has been taken in it by Scientific" Men of this and other countries, and now that the con- 
nection between the Admiralty and the Expedition from a nautical point of view has ceased, I am desired 
by their Lordships to assure you that the development of the labours of yourself and staff during the period of 
the voyage will still be watched and appreciated by them with undiminished interest, and their Lordships will 
be at all times ready to exert their influence for promoting the ultimate objects of the undertaking. 
“ 3. I am further to request you will convey their Lordships’ views to the several gentlemen associated 
with you during the voyage. 
“ I am, Sir, 
“ Your obedient Servant, 
“Robert Hall. 
“ Professor Wyville Thomson.” 
