Kew Division, South West London
Archives of the British Government Treasury Department
The following are the papers relating to the development and funding of Babbage's first Difference Engine to be found in the archives of the British Government's Treasury Department, held in the Public Record Office at Kew.
The collection was largely compiled from the carton of Babbage papers referenced as T1/3428 (also known as 'Long Bundle 17'). Where papers missing from the bundle they were supplemented by additional records found in other Treasury papers and files: viz. the Letters-In Register (T2). Each item in the following collection has been listed in chronological order, headed by its year of entry in the T2 Register together with the serial number for that item in the year concerned assigned to it by the then clerks of the Treasury. Minutes of the meetings of the Board of the Treasury were compiled either from the 'Rough Minutes' contained in the above bundle or from the Minute Books which are to be found in T29. Out-Letters to the Treasury Auditors were found in T6; Out-Letters General were found in T27; Out-Letters to the Commissioners of Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works and Public Buildings come from T25, and Warrants were found in T52. Fuller details of the holdings in the Public Record Office may be found in the book "Guide to the Public Record Office" which is to be found in most public libraries.
In some instances, to complete the record of Babbage's dealings with the Treasury, some of the letters etc. from the Treasury to Babbage or vice versa have been copied from those held in the British Library Manuscript Department's collection of Babbage Correspondence and Papers Mss [Add Ms 37182 et seq.].
The Treasury Department derived its authority from the ancient office of the Lord Treasurer. Later, as the business of government grew, a Board of Lords Commissioners of the Treasury was set up to execute the functions of the former Lord Treasurer; this was headed by a First Lord, who, by custom, was also always the Prime Minister and who, together with five or six other Lords Commissioners, formed the Board, one of whom was also always the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The powers of the Treasury, being a "perogative department", did not always need to derive from statute. These included, in Babbage's day: conducting the receipt and expenditure of his Majesty's revenue, appointment of all officers employed in collecting the revenues of the Crown, the nomination of "escheators" [managers of property which has been confiscated by the state], control of the expenditure of the state and the power of disposing of all places anyway related to the Revenue and of granting leases of Crown lands.
The work of the Treasury was divided amongst several divisions. Clerks of the 6th division handled Babbage's claims from the point of view of the engineering and mechanical work done on the Difference Engine. Clerks of the 4th Division dealt with the funding of the building works for the proposed accommodation for the Engine. Approximately some 25,000 items per year were handled by the Treasury clerks, of whom there were about 30 at this time.
Address: Treasury Office, Whitehall
Principal Officers of the Treasury
1823
Lords Commissioners: The Right Honourable Earl of Liverpool, KG. Right Honourable N. Vansittart, Honourable B. Paget, Viscount Lowther, Lord Granville C.H. Somerset, Right Hon. John Maxwell Barry, and Edm. Alex. McNaghton, esq.
Joint Secretaries: Rt Hon C. Arburthnot, KC and S.R. Lushington, esq.
Assistant Secretary: George Harrison, esq.
Chief Clerks: W. Speer, Stamp Brooksbank, Thomas Hoblyn and W. Cotton, esqrs.
1829
Lords Commissioners: Duke of Wellington, KG. GCB., Right Hon Henry Goulburn, MP. FRS., Lord Granville Somerset, Earl of Mountcharles, MP. GCH., Lord Eliot, MP., and Edmund AlexanderMwc Naghton, esq., MP.
Joint Secretaries: Joseph Planta, esq., MP, and George Robert Dawson, esq. MP.
Assistant Secretary: Hon. James Stewart
Chief Clerks: William Speer, Stamp Brooksbank, Thomas Hoblyn, and William Cotton.
Principal Clerk, Assistant to the Secretaries: Thomas Crafer, esq.
Private Secretaries to the First Commissioner: Edward Drummond and Algernon Greville, esqrs.
Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer: E. Wapole, esq.
Principal Clerk: Wm Sargent, esq.
1834
Lord Commissioners: Right Hon. Earl Grey. KG., Viscount Althorp, MP., Robert Vernon Smith, esq. MP., Francis T. Baring, esq. MP., Hon George Ponsonby, MP., and T.F. Kennedy, esq. MP.
Joint Secretaries: Chas Wood, eq. MP., Thos. Spring Rice, esq. MP.
Assistant Secretary: Hon. James Stewart.
1823-6158
Copy of the 12 printed pages quarto edition of Babbage's letter to Sir Humphry Davy, dated 3rd July 1822.
Registered/Received: 21st March 1823
Read: 25th March 1823, 6th Division
Action: Write to President of Royal Society
a) A Letter to Sir Humphry Davy, Bart. President of the Royal Society, Etc. Etc. On the Application of Machinery to the Purpose of Calculating and Printing Mathematical Tables, from Charles Babbage, Esq. M.A. F.R.S. Lond. and Edin., Member of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, and Correspondent of the Philomathic Society of Paris. Dated and addressed 3rd July 1822, Devonshire Street, Portland Place.
Printed by R. and A. Tailor, Shoe Lane, London; Published by J. Booth, Duke Street, Portland Place and Baldwin Cradock and Joy of Paternoster Row. 1822. 12 pp. Quarto
[For a full copy of this paper see Babbage's Calculating Engines pp. 212-5 by H.P. Babbage, published by Spon, London (1889). This book is hMweafter abbreviated as BCE].
Note in Ms on last page: 'Mr Babbage on the application of machinery to the purpose of calculating and printing mathematical tables'.
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 25th March 1823
[From T29/219 f427]
25th March 1823
6th Division
2d Sheet
6158
Read a printed letter addressed by Chas Babbage Esq. M.A. to Sir Humphry Davy Bart: President of the Royal Society, on the application of Machinery to the purpose of calculating and printing Mathematical Tables.
Transmit to the President of the Royal Society and request he will submit the same to the consideration of the Society, and favor My Lords with their opinion on the merits and utility of this Invention.
c) Copy of a letter from Geo. Harrison, Esq. to Sir H. Davy, Bart. transmitting to him a printed letter forwarded to the Lords of the Treasury by Mr Babbage, dated 1st April 1823.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, to request you will submit to the consideration of the Royal Society the enclosed printed letter, forwarded to their Lordships by Mr. Babbage, on the application of machinery to the purpose of calculating and printing mathematical tables, and their Lordships request to be favoured with the opinion of the Royal Society on the merits and utility of this invention.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
(signed) Geo. Harrison
Treasury Chambers, 1st April 1823
To Sir H. Davy, Bart.
1823-9621
Letter from the Secretary of the Royal Society [Wm. Thos. Brande] to the Treasury dated 1st May 1823 on Mr Babbage's Invention for the purpose of Calculating and Printing Mathematical tables.
[Item printed: see Papers of the Parliamentary Session 1823, Accounts and Papers (2), Vol. XV, pp. 9-14, Paper No. 370 -Copies of the Correspondence between the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury and the President and Council of the Royal Society, relative to an Invention of Mr Babbage.]
Registered/Received: 1st May 1823
a) Secretary of the Royal Society to the Treasury
Royal Society's Apartments, 1st May 1823
Sir,
I am directed by the President and Council of the Royal Society to inform you that in consequence of your letter of the 1st ult. to the President, desiring, in the names of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, the opinion of the Royal Society on Mr Babbage's invention for applying machinery to the purpose of calculating and printing mathematical tables, they appointed a committee to consider the subject, consisting of the following persons; viz
The President
The two Secretaries
Davies Gilbert, Esq. M.P. V.P.R.S.
Dr. William Hyde Wollaston, M.D. V.P.
John Pond, Esq. Astronomer Royal
Francis Baily, Esq.
Major Thomas Colby
John Frederick William Herschel, Esq.
Captain Henry Kater
Dr. Thomas Young, M.D. Secretary of the Board of Longitude
From this committee they have received the following Report, which they request you will have the goodness to lay before the Lords Commissioners.
"That it appears to the Committee, that Mr. Babbage has displayed great talents and ingenuity in the construction of his machine for computation, which the Committee think fully adequate to the attainment of the objects proposed by the Inventor, and that they consider Mr. Babbage as highly deserving of public encouragement in the prosecution of his arduous undertaking."
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient humble Servant
(signed) Wm Thos Brande, Secy RS
To George Harrison, Esq, &c. &c.
Treasury Chambers
1823-15012
Letter from members of the Royal Society respecting Mr Babbage's Invention for constructing numerical tables dated London, 3rd July 1823.
Registered/Received: 11th July 1823
Read: 11th July 1823
Action: Prepare warrant, write to Mr D. Gilbert
a) Davies Gilbert et alii to Treasury, 3rd July 1823
London July the 3d 1823
Sir
Understanding that the Board of the Treasury have it in contemplation to recommend a Grant by Parliament for the purpose of enabling Mr Babbage to proceed with his ingenious and important Invention We take the Liberty of declaring our most decided opinion, as to the correctness of the Principles, on which the Invention is founded; and our belief that the Machine may be brought to such a state of perfection, as to construct every kind of Numerical Table, with unerring constancy, with great dispatch, and at an Expense, trifling in comparison of what must be incurred, to produce the same by mental labour: That in the various branches of Astronomy its importance will be very great; and that the Abstract Science of Mathematics may receive facilities much beyond what are obvious, by the ready Computation of Coefficients, in Series, in Developments of Functions, and in other Complicated Formulae.
Finally we are convinced that the proposed Grant of Fifteen Hundred Pounds, does not exceed the amount, which will be requisite, for enabling Mr Babbage to proceed with the construction of an Apparatus quite new in all its parts, and demanding the labour of the most skilful workmen.
We have the honor to be
Sir
Your most faithful humble Servants
(Signed)
Davies Gilbert Vice President of the R.S.
Wm Hyde Wollaston V.P.R.S.
Henry Kater F.R.S.
John F. Wm. Herschel F.R.S.
H. Brougham F.R.S.
Wm Smith F.R.S.
[To] J.C. Herries Esqr Secretary of the Treasury
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 11th July 1823
[From T29/223 f205]
6th Division
2nd Sheet
15012
Read a letter dated 3d Inst from Mr Davies Gilbert and Dr Wollaston Vice Presidents, and from several other Members of the Royal Society upon the subject of a proposed Grant of Money to be submitted to Parliament for the purpose of enabling Mr Babbage to complete and bring to perfection a Machine invented by him for the construction of numerical Tables, in which they state their most decided opinion as to the correctness of the principles upon which this ingenious and important invention is founded, and their belief that the Machine may be brought to such a state of perfection as to construct every kind of Numerical table with unerring certainty, with great dispatch and at an Expence trifling in Comparison of what must be incurred to produce the same by mental labor. And that in the various branches of Astronomy its importance will be very great. And stating further that the Sum of £1500 does not in their opinion exceed the amount which will be requisite for enabling Mr Babbage to proceed with the Construction of an apparatus quite new in all its parts and demanding the labor of the most skilful workmen.
The very strong testimony which is borne by these scientific and highly respectable individuals to the merits and probable advantage to Science of Mr Babbage's invention would have justified their Lordships in recommending to Parliament to grant to that Gentleman the Sum of £1500 for the purpose of enabling him to bring to perfection the Machine upon which he has already expended a very considerable sum, if the period had not elapsed when such a recommendation could with propriety have been submitted during the present session. My Lords consider therefore under all the circumstances of the case as set forth in the representations now before them that it will be proper to issue to Mr Babbage from Civil Contingencies the Sum of £1500 for the purpose of bringing his invention to perfection in the manner recommended, their Lordships believing that the Public at large will derive great advantage from the completion of a Machine capable of producing the effects described to their Lordships.
Prepare Warrant for issuing £1500 net to Mr Babbage out of Civil Contingencies accordingly.
Acquaint Mr Davies Gilbert for the information of the parties with the directions given.
c) Treasury to D. Gilbert, 21st July 1823
[From T27/84 f128] [See also British Library Add Ms 37183 f55]
[Reg No.] 15012 11/7
[to] Davies Gilbert Esq. respecting issue to Mr Babbage for invention for construction of Numerical Tables.
Sir
the Lords &c. having had under their consideration the letter from yourself and Dr Wollaston Vice President, and several other Fellows of the Royal Society, stating their opinion as to the correctness of the Principles upon which Mr Babbage's Invention for the construction of Numerical Tables, is founded I am commanded to acquaint you for the information of the Parties, that their Lordships have directed a Warrant to be prepared for issuing the sum of £1500 to Mr Babbage to enable him to bring his invention to perfection in the manner recommended.
21 July 1823
SR Lushington
d) Copy of Warrant, 3rd August 1823
[From T52/111 f1]
C. Babbage £1547 for Constructing Numerical Tables
15012 11/7
Unto Charles Babbage or to his Assigns the sum of £1547 (in further part of the said Sum [the Civil Contingencies Fund 1823] £160,000 without Account Viz. To enable him to complete and bring to perfection a Machine invented by him for the Construction of numerical Tables .... £1500
To pay Fees .... 47
[Total] £1547
ad 3d Augt 1823 & Sd F.J. Robinson G.C.H. Somerset Sd A. Mc Naughton W&O Lunn ad the same & Sd B. Paget Do Do [Lords Commissioners of the Treasury]
1828-22672
Mr Babbage with a statement and papers respecting his Calculating Machine, dated 11th December 1828.
Registered/Received: 23 Dec 1828
Cross Referenced: 6158/1823 and 15012/1823
Read: 23 Dec 1828 6th Division marked Immediate
Action: Write to President Royal Society
a) Copy of Babbage's letter to the Duke of Wellington, dated 11th December 1828
[See also British Library Add Ms 37184 f156]
My Lord Duke,
I inclose for your Grace's consideration a statement relative to a machine contrived by me some years since for computing and printing mathematical tables. I have only to observe that having had no experience in such communications I may possibly have infringed those forms which are usual on such occasions. Allow me therefore whilst I request your Grace's attention to the subject to hope that such inadvertencies may be attributed to any cause rather than to a want of respect.
I have the honor to be
Your Grace's
Very Obdt Humble Servt
C. Babbage
11 Decber 1828
Devonshire Street Portland Place
b) Statement (11th Dec 1828) respecting Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine and Of the Utility and Present State of the Calculating Engine.
With four printed papers of reference [Note: these are with the original communication to his Grace the Duke of Wellington]
CB's Statement respecting Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine.
On the 1st April 1823 a communication was made from the Lords Com of H.M. Treasury (see paper marked A [part] No.2) to the President of the Royal Society requesting that that body would report to their Lordships the opinion they entertained of the merits and utility of a machine for calculating and printing mathematical tables invented by Mr. Babbage.
On the 1st May 1823 the Royal Society communicated to the Lord Coms of his H. M. Treasury the report of a committee they had appointed to investigate the subject which stated (see A [part] No.3)
"That it appears to the Committee, that Mr. Babbage has displayed great talents and ingenuity in the construction of his machine for computation, which the Committee think fully adequate to the attainment of the objects proposed by the Inventor, and that they consider Mr. Babbage as highly deserving of public encouragement in the prosecution of his arduous undertaking."
Shortly after this report Mr Babbage waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer (the Rt Honble F. Robinson now Lord Goderich) with the view of ascertaining whether it was the wish of the Government that he should construct a larger machine and one which would also print the results it calculated. Mr Babbage apprehended [del: that] such to be the wish and in the course of the interview with which he was honored, the Rt Honble the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated this principle-
That Government were unwilling to make grants of money to any inventions however meritorious because if they really possessed the merit claimed for them, the sale of the article produced would always be the best reward of the inventor.
That the present case was an exception, and that it was apparent that the construction of such a machine could not be undertaken with a view to pecuniary profit arising from the sale of its produce, and that as the tables it was intended to calculate were peculiarly valuable for nautical purposes it was deemed a fit object of encouragement by the Government.
It was proposed in the present instance to make a grant [del: of] to Mr Babbage of £1500 which was taken from a certain fund in the Civil List.
Mr Babbage particularly wishes that application should be made to the Rt Honble Lord Goderich relative to this interview lest he should have been incorrect in any part of this statement.
The impression which remained on Mr Babbage's mind from this interview was that whatever might be the labor and difficulties of his undertaking he should not suffer any pecuniary loss from it: and it was on the firm conviction of this that he has relied during the many difficulties he has encountered.
The machine has required a longer time and greater expense than was anticipated: and Mr Babbage has already expended about £6000 on this object.
The work is now in a state of considerable forwardness; numerous and large drawings of it have been made and much of the mechanism has been executed and many workmen are occupied daily in its completion.
This expenditure has (with the exception of the £1500 already alluded to) been supplied at considerable inconvenience from Mr Babbage's private means and under these circumstances it is hoped that a further grant may be made to enable him to complete the undertaking.
-----------------------
Remarks
It may be enquired why Mr Babbage has gone on during five years without making any further application.
Several of Mr Babbage's friends had at different times urged him to apply for a further grant, to which at those times he replied, that resting confidently on the ultimate repayment he wished not to make such an application at a period of public difficulty and that he thought it better to wait untill the completion of the machine. But he did at times communicate with the Rt Honble Lord Goderich through his private secretary thinking it his duty as he had received a grant of public money to show to the Government that he really was occupied in carrying on the Calculating machine. The expenditure having exceeded what Mr Babbage then anticipated the continuance of it from his own private means would not only be attended with great sacrifices but [del: would] the additional anxiety thus created would be highly unfavorable to that state of mind most fitted for the performance of [del: these] this and of his other scientific duties.
Of the utility and present state of the Calculating engine
It is with considerable reluctance that Mr Babbage is compelled to speak of himself with reference to this subject: but he feels that it would be unjust to the Duke of Wellington as well as to himself, should he fail in this application from omitting to state any circumstances which might enable his Grace to judge of the validity, the importance, and the utility of this invention and of its probable completion.
He therefore begs leave to suggest
1st That these points were on examination admitted by the Government in the year 1823.
2 They are supported by the report of the Committee of the Royal Society (see A [part] No.3)
3 They are confirmed by the circumstance of the Astronomical Society having awarded to him their first gold medal. (see Paper B)
4 The application of the engine to Astronomical [del: purposes] calculations has been discussed in the paper (marked C)
5 The circumstance of the University of Cambridge having (during Mr Babbage's absense in Italy and unsolicted by him) appointed him to be the chair once filled by Newton sufficiently marks the opinion entertained by that learned body.
6 The reply of Mr Herschel (marked D in the Times newspaper) to an anonymous attack on Mr Babbage during his absense explains the present state of the machine.
Finally Mr Babbage begs leave to point out to his Grace the Duke of Wellington Mr Herschel as having the best means of judging of its utility [del: and] present state and probable execution: but should his Grace wish to have any other information on that subject Mr Babbage will be most ready to afford every facility to any [del: to] method which the Duke of Wellington [del: will suggest] think right to propose.
Enclosures or Papers referred to in Mr. Babbage's Statement relative to his Calculating Machine:
A. Parliamentary Paper 1823 No. 370 reprint of Babbage's Letter to Sir Humphry Davy and including the correspondence between the Treasury and the Royal Society, and the Report of the Committee of the Royal Society convened to examine the proposal.
B. Speech of the President of the Astronomical Society, Mr Colebrooke, on delivering the gold medal of the Society to Mr Babbage. Quarto Printed Paper. See BCE pp. 223-4.
C. Offprint of Francis Baily's paper on the Utility of Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine and discussion of its application to Astronomical calculations, published as Article LVIII in Phil. Mag. May 1824, pp. 355-66. Printed by Richard Taylor, Shoe Lane, London. See BCE pp. 225-31.
D. Reply as published in the Times 19 Aug 1828 of Mr Herschel to a statement re Babbage's Engine. [Note in Babbage's handwriting: The only part relating to the machine is enclosed in a border of ink.]
c) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 23rd December 1828
6th Division
22,672 Read &c.
Read letter from Mr. Babbage dated 11th Instant enclosing a copy of a statement relative to the Machine Invented by him for Calculating and Printing Mathematical Tables.
Transmit Mr Babbage's Papers to the President of the Royal Society, and request to be favored with their opinion whether the progress made by Mr Babbage in the construction of his Machine for calculating and printing Mathematical Tables confirms them in their former opinion that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important objects which it was intended to attain.
[Initialled:] J.S.
d) Treasury to President of the Royal Society, 24th December 1828
[From T27/89 f27]
22,673 23/12 6. D.
Sir,
Machine of Mr. Babbage
I herewith transmit by Command of the Lords &c. a Letter from Mr. Babbage dated 11 Inst. enclosing Copy of a Statement relative to a Machine invented by him for calculating and printing Mathematical Tables, and I am to request you will favor My Lords with the opinion of the Royal Society, whether the progress made by Mr. Babbage in the construction of His Machine confirms them in their former opinion that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important object which it was intended to attain.
24 December 1828 (signed) J. Stewart
e) Tied up in same bundle 3 pages of a foolscap printed paper signed by I.T.W. [obviously a misprint for J.F.W.] Herschel Chairman: "Report of the Committee, appointed by the Council of the Royal Society, to consider the subject referred to in Mr. Stewart's Letter, relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine and to report thereon." See 1829/2964 below. See BCE pp. 233-5.
1829-2964
Secretary of Royal Society with copy of a report and resolution respecting Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine, dated 16th February 1829.
Registered/Received: 21st February 1829
Read: 24th April 1829
Action: Mr Sargent to pay, Write to Mr Babbage, Write to Secretary of the Royal Society
a) Letter from P.M. Roget, Secretary of the Royal Society, to J. Stewart, 16th February 1829.
Royal Society
Feby 16th 1829
Sir,
I am directed by the President and Council of the Royal Society to transmit to you the enclosed Copy of a resolution which was adopted at their last meeting, on the 12th instant in answer to your letter to them dated December 1828.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
P.M. Roget
Sec. R.S.
[To] J.Stewart Esqr
b) Handwritten copy of the Report of the Committee appointed by the Council of the Royal Society to consider the subject referred to in Mr. Stewart's Letter, relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine, and to report thereupon. Signed J.F.W. Herschel, Chairman, Feb 1829. [See BCE pp. 233-5]
c) Handwritten Copy of the Resolution of the Council of the Royal Society, 12th February 1829. Signed P.M. Roget Sec R.S. [See BCE p.232]
d) Note from J. Stewart to Babbage, 24th April 1829
[from British Library Add Ms 37184 f272]
Mr Stewart presents his Complts to Mr Babbage and requests that he will be so good as to furnish him with a copy of his official letter to the Treasury of the 11th Dec last relative to the machine invented by him for calculating and printing Mathematical Tables.
Treasury
PS None of the enclosures to the official letter are required by Mr Stewart.
e) Note from Babbage to J. Stewart in reply to the note above, n.d.[April 1829]
[from BL Add Ms 37184 f274]
Mr Babbage presents his Compliments to Mr Stewart and encloses a copy of his letter and accompanying statement addressed to his Grace the Duke of Wellington which he presumes is the paper alluded to by Mr Stewart.
Mr Babbage believes it was dated 6th Dec 1828.
f) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 28th April 1829
6 Div. marked Immediate
2964
Read a Letter from the Secry of the Royal Society transmitting Copy of a Resolution by the President and Council of the Royal Society on a Rept of the Committee on Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine, who were desired to consider the question referred by this Bd to the Royal Society "whether the progress made by Mr Babbage in the construction of his Machine confirms them in their former opinion that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important object wh. it was intended to attain".
The Council of the Royal Society state their full concurrence in the report of their Commttee comprising among its members several of the first practical Engineers and Mechanicians in the Country, and express a Hope that while Mr Babbage's mind is intently occupied on an undertaking likely to do so much honor to his Country he may be relieved as much as possible from all other sources of anxiety.
The Committee appointed by the Royal Society enter in their Rept fully into detail respg the great Labor Ingenuity and Skill exhibited by Mr Babbage in planning and constructg this Machine, and they conclude their Rept by stating that they have no hesitation in giving it as their opinion that in the present state of Mr Babbage's Engine they do regard it as likely to fulfil the expectatns entertained of it by its Inventor.
My Lords read again the former papers on this subject and refer to the Minute of 11 July 1823 directing upon grounds therein stated that the sum of £1500 shd be paid to Mr Babbage to enable him to bring this machine to perfectn.
My Lords observe by the Rept of the Committee composed of Persons most capable of judging that on the best estimate they can give three fifths of the work necessary to complete the Machine has been accomplished, for the assurance of Mr Babbage, wh. they as practical Mechanics see no reason to doubt, they state that £6000 has been already expended by Mr Babbage on this undertaking.
On these grounds My Lords are of opinion that they are fully justified in directing a further paymt of £1500 [fifteen hundred pounds] to Mr Babbage to enable him to complete the Machine by which such important benefit to science may be expected to result and they are pleased to direct Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Babbage fifteen hundred pounds accordly out of any monies in his hands on acct of Civil Contingencies.
Let a Copy of this Minute be transmitted to the Secy of the Royal Society and to Mr Babbage.
[In pencil on cover of Minute: Let Mr Sargent have an extract of this minute immediately. Initialled: J.S.]
g) Babbage to Richard Penn, 18th April 1829
Mr Babbage on the Sum to be paid him by Treasury
My dear Sir,
I shall feel much obliged if you will allow me to trouble you with an enquiry whether the 1500 ordered to be paid to me at the Treasury is in proper train and to whom I ought to apply respecting it.
If I should receive it in the course of the next week it would save me from the inconvenience of a loan of £2000 to which I must otherwise have recourse.
I remain My dear Sir
faithfully Yours
C. Babbage
Devonshire St [To] R. Penn Esqre
18 April 1829
h) Note from Mr Hoblyn to Babbage, 30th April 1829
30 April 1829 Treasury Chambers
Dear Sir,
If you will come to me tomorrow with a Blank Receipt for £1500 I hope you will not return Empty.
Yours Truly
Mr Hoblyn
i) Copy of letter from J. Stewart to Secretary of the Royal Society, 6th May 1829
[Babbage sent copy as well. See British Library Add Ms 37184 f283]
Treasury Chambers 6th May 1829
Sir,
The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury having had under consideration your letter dated 16 Feby last enclosing copy of a resolution of the Royal Society, with a report of a Committee relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine I have it in command to transmit herewith copy of their Lordship's minutes of the 28 Ultimo on the subject.
I am sir
Your obedient Servant
J. Stewart
"Read a Letter from the Secretary of the Royal Society, dated 10th February last, transmitting a copy of a resolution by the President, and Council of the Royal Society on a report of the Committee on Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine, who were desired to consider the question referred by this Board to the Royal Society whether the progress made by Mr Babbage in the construction of his Machine confirms them in their former opinion that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important object which it was intended to attain."
"My Lords read again the former papers on this subject and refer to the Minute of 11th July 1823 directing, upon grounds stated therein that the sum of £1500 should be paid to Mr Babbage to enable him to bring this machine to perfection."
"My Lords observe by the report of the Committee composed of persons most capable of judging that on the best estimate they can give three fifths of the work necessary to complete the Machine has been accomplished, for the assurance of Mr Babbage, which they as Practical Mechanics see no reason to doubt, they state that £6000 has been already expended by Mr Babbage on this undertaking."
"On these grounds My Lords are of opinion that they are fully justified in directing a further payment of £1500 to Mr Babbage to enable him to complete the Machine by which such important benefit to Science may be expected to result and they are pleased to direct Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Babbage fifteen hundred pounds accordingly out of any monies in his hands on account of Civil Contingencies."
Associated Papers Held in same bundle:
a) 12th May 1829, Opinion of Mr Babbage's Personal Friends respecting the Calculating Machine in CB's handwriting. [Note by Treasury: "May be put by"]
[See BCE pp. 313-4]
The following list of expenditure on the Machine was also submitted by Babbage:
| Expenses incurred on the Calculating Engine | £ | s | d |
| Expenses to end of 1824 | 600 | 0 | 0 |
| " " of 1827 | 521 | 16 | 9 |
| Mr Clement's bill to 1 Jan 1829 | 4,775 | 15 | 3 |
| Expenses since 1827 not yet precisely known probably under £200 | |||
| [Subtotal] | 5,897 | 12 | 0 |
| Probable expense from 1 Jan 1829 to May estimated from 15 months previous expenditure | 800 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Expended for which Mr Babbage is answerable | 6,697 | 12 | 0 |
| Recd from Treasury | 3,000 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Expended out of Mr Babbage's private means | 3,697 | 12 | 0 |
| 600 | 0 | 0 | |
| 521 | 16 | 9 | |
| [To] Mr Clement | 3,260 | 0 | 0 |
| [Total] | 4,381 | 16 | 9 |
| [Which subtracted from] | 6,697 | 12 | 0 |
| Leaving Mr Babbage at present in debt | 2,315 | 15 | 3 |
b) Babbage to the Duke of Wellington, 13th August 1829
[See also British Library Add Ms 37184 f369]
13th August 1829, Dorset Street
My Lord Duke,
On the 6th December 1828 I had the honour of communicating to your Grace a statement respecting a "Machine for calculating and printing mathematical tables" which machine I had contrived and by the desire of his Majesty's government expressed to me in 1823 I had begun to construct.
In December 1828 the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury having applied to the Royal Society for their opinion "Whether the progress made by Mw Babbage in the construction of his machine confirms them in their former opinion that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important objects which it was intended to attain"- a committee was nominated and in consequence of the investigation and report made by that committee (1) the Lords of His Majesties Treasury directed a payment to be made to me of £1500.
The Committee having stated that £6000 the sum at that time expended by me, when compared with the progress of the work was not unreasonable (2): I felt considerable uneasiness at finding that the Treasury minute (3) whilst it admitted that fact allowed me a sum which added to that which I had formerly received amounted to only one half of what I had actually expended upon the work: and when I looked forward to the probable time which in the opinion of the most competent judges (4) would be required for its completion that uneasiness becomes greatly increased. Upon the mature opinion of my friends it was decided that two of them Mr Wolwryche Whitmore and Mr Herschel should request the honor of an interview with your Grace: for the purpose of endeavouring to make such an arrangement as should relieve me from all anxiety, except such as must necessarily attend the progress of so new and difficult an undertaking: feeling fully as they did the reasonableness of the wish expressed in the concluding paragraph of the report of the Council of the Royal Society (5) to which I beg leave to call your Grace's particular attention. I cannot let this opportunity pass without expressing any acknowledgements for the readiness with which that application for a personal interview was acceded to by your Grace.
After some weeks Mr Wolwryche Whitmore applied to the Right Honble the Chancellor of the Exchequer to learn at what time he might expect your Grace's answer upon the subject of that application: and he was informed that it was your intention to examine personally the progress already made in the construction of the machine.
From this communication I experienced considerable relief arising from my own conviction that your Grace would find that the means taken to accomplish my object were adequate to the performance of the end proposed: but strengthened by the fact that all the most eminent Engineers who have done me the honour to bestow their time and attention in examining the progress already made fully concurred with me in that opinion.
The current Expenditure of the work amounts to about £40 per week and this I have deemed it prudent for the present entirely to suspend untill your Grace's decision shall be known to me.
I feel that however deeply I may suffer from the anxiety of the situation in which I am placed: the claims upon your Grace's time are too numerous and too important to justify me in intruding upon it without an absolute necessity for so doing: nor should I again have addressed your Grace at the present moment, had I not thought it my duty to call your attention to a circumstance with which it is scarcely possible you should otherwise be acquainted.
The various and extensive series of mechanical engines chiefly lathes prepared expressly for the construction of such a machine, which prepared are all technically called "tools", and which are referred to in the report of the Committee (6) have occupied much time and expence in their preparation. Though constructed expressly for the work these are it is intended (it is said by custom of the trade) the property of the Engineer and should they no longer be employed upon the calculating Machine, he will of course dispose of them or convert them to such other purposes as may be most advantageous to himself so that should the construction of such a machine be ever hereafter contemplated the time and expence of again reaching the point at which I am now arrived might be a fatal impediment to the undertaking.
Such are the circumstances which have rendered it my duty again to address your Grace: and I beg to add %wat pecuniary profit to myself from such a machine was considered as impossible in my interview with the Chancellor of the Exchr at the commencement of the undertaking in 1823 (7): my own opinion on this point had been previously stated in a letter addressed to Sir Humphry Davy president of the Royal Society printed by order of the House of Commons in the same year (8): that for six years I have bestowed unwearied attention upon this subject to the almost total neglect of every other occupation: that I have expended a large sum of money from my private property, not half of which has yet been repaid: and that I now await not without anxiety yet with great confidence the time when your Grace shall have leisure to examine into this subject.
I have the honor to remain
Your Grace's
Very Obdt Humble Servant
Charles Babbage
List of Documents referred to in the accompanying letter
(1) Communication from the President and Council of the Royal Society addressed to Mr Stewart of the Treasury Feb 1829.
(2) See paragraph 13 of the Report of that Committee.
(3) Treasury minute 28 April 1829
(4) See paragraph 6 (as to time) and 13 (as to expence) of the above Committee.
(5) Extract from the Communication of the Royal Society.
"The Council of the Royal Society cannot conclude without [del:expressing] stating their full concurrence ... nor without expressing a hope that whilst Mr Babbage's mind is intently occupied in an undertaking likely to do so much honor to his country he may be relieved as much as possible from all other sources of anxiety."
(6) See paragraph 4 of the report of the Committee.
(7) Mr Babbage's statement respecting the machine addressed to the Duke of Wellington 6 Dec 1828.
(8) See correspondence between the Lords Coms of His Majesties Treasury and the Royal Society relative to Mr Babbage's invention Printed by Order of the House of Commons 1823 the last paragraph of the letter to Sir H. Davy P.R.S..
c) Babbage to Henry Goulburn, 24th November 1829
[See also British Library Add Ms f426]
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (of the 20th Nov) which reached my house this morning informing me that his Grace the Duke of Wellington and yourself had recommended to the Board of Treasury a further payment towards the completion of the Calculating Machine and that the Lords of His Majesties Treasury had in consequence directed a payment to be made to me of £3000.
Before however I receive that sum I wish to offer to your consideration some arrangements calculated to expedite the completion of that work which I shall submit to you in a short time. I cannot however allow myself to lose this occasion of expressing my thanks for the patient attention which his Grace and yourself did me the honor to bestow on my very imperfect attempt to explain a complicated machine nor of assuring you that any suggestion relative to its improvement will always meet with my most serious attention. I feel happy in being able to offer an explanation which I trust will appear satisfactory to the Lords of the Treasury in answer to the wish expressed by their Lordships that the failure of the printing part if it should occur should not interfere with the success of the calculating part. I did at the commencement of the machine decide that the printing and calculating parts should be kept as distinct and independent as circumstances would admit and in the drawings already laid down the power which is transmitted to the printing machinery does not in any one instance pass through the Calculating machinery to the printing part. The only work which the calculating part has to do besides the friction of its own parts is to bend a few springs. It is perfectly passive at those intervals between two calculations when the other part of the machine is printing from it. And when the machine is completed the moMwon given to the printing part by the first mover may if required be cut off by the removal of a few screws.
It may perhaps occur to you that this explanation is in contradiction to a question which the Duke of Wellington did me the honor to propose whether it would not be possible to make the calculating part first and add on the printing part after. My reply was that in my opinion such a course would be very inexpedient and would probably double the expense.
The mode adopted in constructing such a machine is first to draw accurately all the moving parts and then to draw on the same paper all the framework which is necessary to support and connect them. In the first of these processes all the invention of the machine is made but the second which is also a matter of considerable difficulty cannot, it is obvious, be undertaken untill the first is fully decided upon. These two stages being completely drawn I consider the great difficulty overcome and the larger portion of the expense incurred and it would then be possible to make and put together the calculating part and the whole of the framing with out making and putting up the whole of that which belongs to the printing part. On the otherhand the printing part is not contrived and fully drawn and if that framework only is made which is necessary for the calculating part is imagined and executed it would in all probability be necessary to throw away not merely the whole of the frame work but even some portion of the calculating part itself if it should be required to add such a machine a printing part.
It was to this latter view of the question that my answer to the observation of his Grace was directed for in the former course which will naturally be pursued to a certain extent -the difference in time and expense between executing those parts of the machine which are entirely independent of the Calculating part and leaving them untill that part of the Great frame work is put together would be comparatively triffling.
I have thus perhaps at the hazard of being tedious endeavoured to explain my ideas on the subject to which the Lords of His Majesties Treasury have directed my attention for I feel it due to the confidence with which the Government have honored me in entrusting to me a large sum of public money not merely to employ my best endeavours in completing the machine but also to endeavour to remove all those doubts which it is most natural and reasonable to suppose must arise in the minds of all but except best professional engineers who have themselves studied the present state of the machine.
I have the honor to remain, Dear Sir
Your Obedient Humble Servant
Charles Babbage
d) Babbage to Lord Ashley, 25th November 1829
[See also British Library Add Ms 37184 f430]
Dear Lord Ashley,
I cannot apply to any one more capable or more willing than yourself to assist me with advice relative to the mode in which I should represent to the government the arrangements I should wish to suggest relative to the future construction of the machine.
You are perhaps aware that in consequence of the examination at which you were present and which was peculiarly gratifying to me the Lords of the Treasury have ordered a further payment to be made to me of £3000 towards the completion of the machine.
I will endeavour shortly to state my case and trust to your kindness to lead me to the desired result.
The person I have employed for several years (Mr Clement) is a most excellent draftsman as well as an able workman; he has been constructing the machine for me; and into his head I have been conveying all my ideas on the subject of the machine and he is consequently in full possession of them. At several periods during this interval he has been so ill as to be in a state of the greatest danger, and I cannot describe to you the anxiety with which, in such circumstances I have, on coming within sight of his house strained my eyes, to see if the windows were closed, and I, by his death, deprived of the result of years of anxious labor. Much of that labor is now fixed in drawings which it would require much time to make another person understand and much of the machinery is already made. Still much remains in his mind ready to be produced and it is clearly of the greatest advantage to the progress of the machine that this should continue under my directions to execute it.
On the other hand, since he has known that I have pecuniary assistance from government, I have found greater difficulties in my communications with him, and I am much displeased with several parts of his conduct.
In the payment of his bills I have thought it my duty to government not to trust entirely to my own opinion of the reasonableness of his charges, but availing myself of the kindness of the members of the last Committee appointed to examine the machine. I requested Mr Rennie and Mr Donkin, two professional engineers, to examine Mr Clement's charges and report to me their opinion of their propriety, I observing to them that such labors attended with such loss of health as he had experienced deserved to be well remunerated.
I have therefore of course not paid his full demand and wait untill I am sanctioned by the report of the Engineers. I was also induced by another motive to adopt this course as it avoided all discussion between Mr Clement and myself relative to a settlement of accounts which might possibly have betrayed him into irritation of temper a state very unfavourable to his receiving my instructions relative to the machine.
I must also acquaint you with other circumstances. I have in the course of the advances I have had occasion to make been obliged to sell property which cannot be replaced on the same terms; and I have also expended very considerable sums which although of great advantage in procuring for me mechanical knowledge I cannot and never had any intention of charging to the machine. I am therefore, although repaid the greater part, still less in a condition to make any large additional advance without great inconvenience and sacrifice. I mention this with no view of making any claim. -I had a great object of ambition and was willing to make great sacrifices, but I could not ask your advice without giving you full possession of my case.
There is one other subject on which I must touch. You are aware in common with many of my best friends in what a state of anxiety and irritation I have existed for the last ten months. None of you can have regretted it more than I have; yet this very irritation was heightened by the feeling that I was wearing away existence not, in the fever of excitement which discovery always produces; which, if it shorten life, condenses in those moments more than the pleasures of years: but that I was wasting it on what may be called the moral difficulties of the machine - difficulties which perhaps the very constitution of my mind, rendered me as incompetent to contend with, as it seems to have rendered it fatally susceptible of them as a source of disquiet. The cause of these difficulties is a subject to be approached with some delicacy; I cannot conceal from myself that much of them has arisen from the changes in the Government of the country and perhaps from my own fault in not requesting at the outset from the then Chancellor of the Exchequer a more distinct understanding and some written document which would place me in a similar relation to his successor.
Sincerely as I should regret on public grounds any change in the heads of the administration and feeling gratefull to the Duke that he afforded me the advantage of adding his opinion to those already expressed on the utility of the machine I still must confess that my anxiety on this ground would to a certain extent, paralize my exertions.
What therefore I wish to suggest to government is
1st That the machine should be considered as the property of government.
2nd That Mr Rennie and Mr Donkin or any other persons [del: they may ...] should be appointed by government to examine from time to time that the charges made by Mr Clement are consistent with the work he has executed; and that those charges should be defrayed by government.
3rd That under these circumstances I should entirely direct Mr Clement as I have hitherto done.
The advantages of such an arrangement I need scarcely point out. Government would be the possessor of the machine and it would be free from risk should Mr Clement have any creditors.
The circumstances of my not having to discuss with Mr Clement the value of the work done would render any differences between us improbable and his knowledge that the inspectors of his accounts were appointed by Government would enable them to exercise proper control over his charges.
Whilst the freedom from the responsibility of having to pay large sums of public money added to the removal of uncertainity as to the future funds would relieve my mind from all causes calculated to distract its attention and I should be enable[d] to devote all my energies to complete the machine.
There would also occur another collateral advantage. During the present application I have been compelled to suspend for nearly nine months the progress of the machine, and, should not a perfect understanding with government be now established such an event might again take place. -It is evident that this is not merely injurious by delaying its completion, but that it risks its final execution by the chance of the death of those who alone possess the complete knowledge of it.
As to the mode of making these suggestions in the way most likely to be favourably received by government I feel that you could do it far better than myself or at any rate that you could give me the best advice on the subject.
I remain
My dear Lord Ashley
Very faithfully Yours
Charles Babbage
Dorset Street Manchr Sq
25 Novber 1829
To The Lord Ashley
e) Minute of the Board of the Treasury 24th November 1829, second reading of letter 2964/1829
6th Division A Novr 24 1829
My Lords have before them letter and memorial of Mr Babbage praying for a further sum of money to enable him to complete a Machine in which he has been for some time engaged for the calculation of various tables [del: of Logarithms]. [del: The Duke of] Read also the report of the Council and Commee of the Royal Society to whom it was referred to examine Mr Babbage's invention.
The Duke of W and Mr G further communicate to the Board that they have inspected the Calculating Machine in question [del: now] that it is in a considerable state of forwardness and [del: have seen] from the quantity of machinery [del: in hand with and near to completion] now finished or in a state of forward preparation. They are satisfied that it may be completed at no distant period. They further state that so far as they are enabled to form a judgement from the inspection of the Machine and the explanation afforded of it it appears to them likely to answer its object of calculating tables of numbers and if they speak less confidently of its power simultaneously to print the tables so calculated their doubts arise from the greater degree of complication of Machinery which is required for this object and the increased difficulty which that complication naturally occasions.
The Duke of W and Mr G nevertheless consider the work so interesting to the Scientific world as well entitled to further assistance and recommend to the Board that a further sum/issue[?] of £3000 should be made to Mr Babbage to enable him to complete this machine [del: in [?] at the time that His ..].
My Lords are pleased to sanction the recommendation but My Lords desire that it may be intimated to Mr Babbage that in making this additional payt My Lords think it eagerly desirable that the Machine shd be so constructed that if any failure should take place in the attempt to print [del: by the Machine] the calculating part of the Machine may nevertheless be perfect and available for that object.
Direct Mr Sargent to pay £3000 to Mr B.
Action: Mr Sargent to Pay, Write to Mr Babbage
f) Copy of letter from Treasury to Babbage, 3rd Dec 1829
[see BL Add Ms 37184 f445]
3rd December 1829 Treasury Chambers 24/11 6th Divn
George Dawson to Babbage
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, with reference to your memorial, that My Lords have directed Mr Sargent, of the office, to pay to you the further sum of £3000-0-0 to enable you to complete the Machine which you have invented for the calculation of various Tables, but I have to intimate to you that in making this additional payment, My Lords think it Extremely desireable that the Machine should be so constructed that if any failure should take place in the attempt to print by it the calculating part of the Machine may nevertheless be perfect and available for that object.
[to] -Babbage Esq-
I am Sir
Your Obed. Servant
Geo. Dawson
1830-21516
A letter from Babbage to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting payment of a sum due to him on Account of his Calculating Machine, dated 20th December 1830.
Registered/Received: 21st Dec 1830
Read: 21st December 1830
Action: Write to Mr Babbage, Write to Royal Society
a) Babbage to Lord Althorp, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 21st December 1830 together with an Account of Expenditure on the Machine
[See also British Library Add Ms 37185 f380]
My Lord,
I beg to call your Lordship's attention to the annexed account of the expense of the Machine for Calculating and printing mathematical tables by which it appears that a sum of £592 -4s -8d remained due to myself upon the last account and that a further sum of nearly 600 has since become due to Mr Clement.
It is to the payment of this latter sum of £600 that I wish to call your Lordship's attention. Mr Maudslay one of the Engineers appointed by the Government to examine the bills of Mr Clement having been unable from illness to attend his report has been delayed and Mr Clement informs me should the money remain much longer unpaid he shall be compelled from want of funds to discharge some of his workmen an event which I need not inform your Lordship would be very prejudiced to the progress of the Machine.
Another point which I wish to submit to your attention when your Lordship shall have had leisure to examine personally the present state of the works is that since it is absolutely necessary to find additional room for the erection of the machine. It becomes a matter of serious consideration whether it would not contribute to the spe[e]dier perfection of the machine and also to economy in expenditure to remove the works to the neighbourhood of my own residence.
I have the honor to remain
Your Lordship's
Most Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset Street Manchester Square
21 Dec 1830
To the Rt Honble the Chancellor of the Exchequer
[postscript to letter:]
| Expenditure on Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine | £ | s | d |
| Expenses to end of 1824 | 600 | 0 | 0 |
| Expenses to end of 1827 | 521 | 16 | 9 |
| Mr Clement's bills to Jan 1827 | 4,775 | 15 | 3 |
| Mr Clement's bill to 9 May 1829 | 730 | 12 | 8 |
| [Total] | 6,628 | 4 | 8 |
| Deduct old tools sold | 36 | 0 | 0 |
| [Net Total] | 6,592 | 4 | 8 |
| Mr Clement's bill to Dec 1830 about | 600 | 0 | 0 |
[In pencil not CB's handwriting:]
| Grants | £ | s | d |
| 11 July 1823 | 1,500 | 0 | 0 |
| 28 April 1829 | 1,500 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 November 1829 | 3,000 | 0 | 0 |
| [Total] | 6,000 | 0 | 0 |
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 21st December 1830
6 Div 21 Dec 1830
Immediate
21516 Read a Letter from Mr Babbage with an account of the Expence which has been already incurred in the construction of the machine for calculating and printing mathematical Tables, which appears to amount to the sum of £7192-4-8 in which Letter Mr Babbage applies for an advance of £600 to defray a part of that Expence.
My Lords read their minutes of the 11th July 1823 and the Report of the Council of the Royal Society dated on the 16th Feby 1829 and also their Minutes of 25th Apl 1829, and 24th Novr 1829, by the first of wh. this Bd directed the paymt to Mr Babbage of £1500, by the 2d a paymt also of £1500 and by the 3d a payment of £3000 to enable Mr Babbage to proceed with his work. As the last of these payments was made on the understanding that this Machine is the property of Govnt My Lords desire that Mr Babbage may be called upon to write a Letter to this Bd distinctly stating that the Machine is the property of Govmt, and upon the receipt of that Letter My Lords will forthwith direct a further advance of £600 as requested by Mr Babbage, and as this Machine belongs to Govmt My Lords consider it proper that the whole Expence of completing it should be defrayed by the Public, and they desire that a Letter may be written to the Secry of the Royal Society referring the Society to the former correspondence with them respecting Mr Babbage's machine which entirely satisfied My Lords of the propriety of supportg Mr Babbage in the construct(ion) of it and acquaintg them with the advances of money which have been made amounting to £6000 and with the further advance now to be made of £600, and also transmitting a copy of Mr Babbage's Letter of the 21st Inst, and acquaintg them that the Machine is the Property of Government and that consequently My Lords propose to defray the further Expence necessary for it's completion, and requesting the Royal Society to cause the Machine to be inspected and to favor My Lords with their opinion whether the work is proceedg in a satisfactory manner and without [del: any] unnecessary Expence and what further sum may probably be necessary for completing it.
[Initialled:] JS
c) Letter from J. Stewart of the Treasury to the Secretary of the Royal Society, 24th December 1830.
[See also BCE p.315] [From T27/91 f218]
21516 21/12
Sir,
The Lords &c. having had under their Consideration a letter from Mr. Babbage dated 21 Inst. enclosing an account of the Expence which has been incurred in the construction of the Machine for calculating and printing Mathematical Tables amounting to the sum of £7192-4-8 & requesting an advance of £600 to defray a part of that Expence I am Commanded by their Lordships to refer you to the report of the Council of the Royal Society dated 16 Feby 1829 which entirely satisfied their Lordships of the propriety of supporting Mr. Babbage in the Construction of His Machine and to state that advances to the amount of £6000 have been made on this account and that directions have been given for a further advance of £600, I am also to transmit a Copy of Mr. Babbage's letter of the 21 Inst & to acquaint you that the Machine is the Property of Government & consequently My Lords propose to defray the further expence necessary for its completion; I am further to request you will move the Council of the Royal Society to cause the Machine to be inspected and to favor my Lords with their opinion whether the Work is proceeding in a satisfactory manner and without unnecessary expence and what further sum may probably be necessary for completing it.
24 Dec 1830 J. Stewart
d) Note from Mr Stewart of the Treasury to Babbage, dated 23rd December 1830
[from British Library Add Ms 37185 f385]
Mr Stewart presents his Compls to Mr Babbage and in acknowledging the receipt of his Letter stating that the Calculating Machine is the Property of Government, Mr Stewart thinks it right to prevent misunderstanding to acquaint Mr Babbage that his Letter already received will be considered as an answer to an official Letter which has been written to him this day.
The Board will no doubt order the payment of the sum of £600 tomorrow.
e) J. Stewart to Babbage, 24th December 1830
[see British Library Add Ms 37185 f394]
Treasury Chambers
[Reg No.] 21516 21/12 6th Divn
Sir,
The Lords Commrs of His Majesty's Treasury having had under their consideration your letter of the 21st Inst Requesting a further advance of £600 to defray the expence incurred in the construction of the Machine for calculating and Printing Mathematical Tables; I am commanded by their Lordships to desire that you will distinctly state to this Board that the Machine is the property of Government upon the receipt of which statement My Lords will forthwith direct the further advance of £600.
I am Sir
Your Most Obedt servant
J. Stewart
1830-21785
A letter from Chas. Babbage to the Treasury relative to the expenses of the Calculating Machine invented by him, dated 23rd December 1830.
Registered/Received: 23rd Dec 1830
Read: 24th December 1830
Action: Mr Sargent to pay
a) Babbage to Treasury, 23rd December 1830
[See British Library Add Ms 37185 f387]
Sir,
In reference to a letter which I had the honor of addressing to the Rt Honble the Chancellor of the Exchequer dated 21 Dec 1830 in which I applied for a sum of money to defray the expenses of the Calculating Machine, I beg leave to state for the information of the Ld Coms of HM Treasury that I have always understood that at an interview which the Rt Hon Lord Ashley had with the Chancellor of the Exr on 24 Feb 1830 It was finally arranged that the Machine was the absolute property of Government and that all past as well as future expenses were to be defrayed by the Government.
I have the honor to be
Your Obedt Servt
C Babbage
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 24th December 1830
1st Part 6 Dv 24 Dec 1830
21785 Read Letter
My Lords read again their Mte of 21st Inst on this subject, and as Mr Babbage now states that this Calculatg Machine is the Property of Govmt My Lords desire that Mr Sargent will pay to Mr Babbage, [words unreadable: or to his agent?] out of any money in his hands on account of Civil Contingencies, the sum of £600 [six hundred pounds].
[Initialled:] J.S.
Acquaint Mr Babbage
[Initialled:] J.S.
c) Letter from J. Stewart to Babbage, 31st December 1830
[see British Library Add Ms 37185 f396]
31st Dec 1830 Treasury Chambers
[Reg No.] 21785 24/12 6th Divn
Sir,
The Lords Commsrs of His Majesty's Treasury having had under their consideration your letter of 23rd Inst further respecting the issue of the sum of £600 required for defraying the Expence attending the completion of the Calculating Machine invented by you; I am commanded to acquaint you that their Lordships have directed Mr Sargent of this office to pay the said sum to you.
I am Sir
Your Most Obedt servant
J. Stewart
1830-22144
A letter from the Secretary of the Royal Society acknowledging receipt of a communication relative to Mr Babbage's application for an additional sum of money towards carrying on the construction of his calculating machine, dated 27th December 1830.
Registered/Received: 30th Dec 1830
Read: 31 Dec 1830
Action: Nil
a) P.M. Roget Secretary of Royal Society to Treasury, 27th December 1830
Royal Society
December 27: 1830
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th (and numbered 21516 21/12 6th Dv) relative to Mr Babbage's application to the Treasury for an additional sum of money towards carrying on the construction of his calculating machine; and to state that I shall not fail to lay it before His Royal Highness the President, and the Council of the Royal Society, at their next meeting, which, however, in consequence of His Royal Highness's absence from town, will probably not take place for some weeks.
I am, Sir
Your obedient humble servant
P.M. Roget
Sec R.S.
1831-8557
Letter from the Secretary of the Royal Society, dated 14th April 1831, enclosing a Report of the Committee appointed by the Council of the Royal Society to consider Mr Babbage's Machine.
Registered/Received: 2nd May 1831, 1 enclosure
Read: 5th July 1831, 6th Division
Action: Write to Secretary of the Royal Society
Cross references: 21516/30, 8558/31
a) P. M. Roget, Secretary of Royal Society, to the Honorable J.R. Stewart of the Treasury, 14th April 1831
Royal Society
April 14: 1831
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed report of a Committee appointed by the Council of the Royal Society to consider of your letter, respecting Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine of the 4th of December last, and its enclosures, (being the copy of a letter from Mr Babbage to the Chancellor of the Exchequer dated Dorset Street December 21st 1830) as it has been adopted by the Council.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
your obedient servant
P.M. Roget
Sec. R.S.
b) Printed copy of Report of the Committee of the Royal Society Feb 1829 and also Report of the Council of the Royal Society Feb 1829: printed by William Clowes, Stamford Street, London.
[See BCE pp. 233-5 and 232]
c) Handwritten version of the Report of Committee of Royal Society, dated 26th March 1831.
[See also British Library Add Ms 37185 f513]
The Committee appointed by the Council of the Royal Society to consider the letter of Mr Stewart respecting Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine, dated "Treasury Chambers, Decr 24.1830" and its enclosure, being (the copy of) a letter from Mr Babbage to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, dated, "Dorset Street, Decr 21.1830." -beg to report as follows.
That agreeably to the request of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, they have inspected the machine and enquired concerning the progress that has been made in its construction and whether the work is proceeding in a satisfactory manner and without unnecessary expense; and what further sum may probably be necessary for completing the Engine.
The various parts of the machine appear to have been executed with the greatest possible degree of perfection as to workmanship; and they find, on enquiry, that the two Engineers appointed by their Lordships to certify that the work charged for, has really been executed, have before certifying, to that effect, taken a methodical account of the time(s) occupied by the chief engineer and workmen and the work executed, and of the parts of the Machine completed up to the passing of the first account, and of the time employed up to the passing of the second account.
They find that one of the Engineers appointed by the Treasury to certify as to charges of Mr Clements, namely Mr Maudslay, is dead; and they recommend that another Engineer, conversant with the execution of Machinery, should be appointed in his place.
They have taken into their consideration a recommendation which they find contained in the enclosure of Mr Babbage, vizt "whether it would not contribute to the speedier perfection of the Machine, and also to economy in expenditure, to remove the Engine as well as the workshops, from the place where they now are, to some other place in the neighbourhood of Mr Babbage's residence.
They are of opinion that for better securing the property in the drawings and engine to their owner, the Government, it is time that the same should be removed to premises which either actually belong to, or can be conveyed to, the Government.
That, for the further security of the drawings and Engine, they should be deposited, with as little delay as possible, in premises which are fire-proof. That some site of ground must be very shortly be provided, in which a base of substantial masonry must be constructed for setting up the machine; and that, for the reasons before stated, it appears desirable that the period for deciding on such site of ground should not be delayed.
That they concur in the following reasons which have induced Mr Babbage to urge the removal of the Engine to the neighbourhood of his own residence; which are -1st the great loss of Mr Babbage's time in going daily (often for months together) to the workshops of Mr Clement, a distance of nearly four miles from Mr Babbage's own house. -2nd the great impediment which often arises when Mr Babbage is occupied at his own house, from not having his drawings at hand. The consequence of this has been that he has repeatedly been obliged to lay aside trains of enquiry at times when his mind was in a peculiarly fit state for pursuing them. - 3rd the attention which must be bestowed on the Engine will become greater as it approaches near its completion:- to which they beg to add, the better control which, from Mr Babbage's constant inspection when residing close to the Machine, would be exercised over the Engineer. That they have examined the plot of ground adjacent to Mr Babbage's garden, which Mr Babbage holds on lease for an unexpired term of 50 years, and that the plans and estimates for the buildings to receive the Engine and Drawings, and the workshops for completing the construction of the Engine, as prepared by Messrs Jearrad have been submitted to the Committee.
That they are of opinion that the site of grounds, and the plans of Messrs [Jearrad] are well calculated for the purpose intended; such an arrangement would be eminently conducive to the speedy and economical completion of the Machine; as well as to the effectual working and employment of the same, after it shall have been completed.
That, as to the sum which may probably be necessary for completing the Engine, they attach hereto the Estimate of Mr Brunel, who states, "That having taken into consideration the erection of the proposed shops, the removal of the Machinery, the accommodation for it and also for the maker; having also taken into consideration the further completion of the Drawings and the ultimate accomplishment of the Engine until it is capable of producing plates for printing, tho' he feels confident that the sum of £8,000 will be ample to realize the objects that are contemplated, he would nevertheless recommend that the Government be advised to provide for the sum of £12,000 by way of estimate; and that the yearly sum required, exclusive of the sum requisite for the Buildings and removal (say £2,000) will not exceed from £2,000 to £2,500."
Associated Papers held in File:
a) Letter P.M.Roget to Treasury, 9th May 1831
Relative to Mr Maudesley's appointment as engineer to certify as to Mr Clement's charges with respect to Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine.
Royal Society
May 9th 1831
Dr Roget presents his compliments to Mr Stewart, and is sorry that he is unable to answer his question relative to the date of the letter by which the Treasury appointed Mr Maudesley as one of the Engineers to certify as to the charges of Mr Clement, not having the document in question. He has, however, written to Mr Warburton who was Chairman of the Committee relative to Mr Babbage's machine, to inquire respecting it.
b) Letter P.M. Roget to Treasury, 22nd June 1831
Royal Society
June 22: 1831
Dr Roget presents his Compliments to Mr Stewart, and begs to state, in answer to his inquiry, that the letters and dates appointing Mr Maudesly and Mr Donkin to certify Mr Clement's charges, were not laid before the Committee of the Royal Society: but from what Mr Babbage and Mr Donkin, and Mr Brunel stated in conversation, the Committee took it for granted that the appointment of these gentlemen had actually been made. If Dr Roget had had any [del: in...] positive information to communicate to Mr Stewart on the subject he would immediately have sent it to him. Dr Roget begs to add that Mr Warburton, the Chairman of the Committee of the Royal Society [del: on] will most willingly make any explanation that may be desired at the Treasury.
[To] J. Stewart Esq.
d) Minute of the Board of Treasury 5th July 1831
6th Division 5 July 1831 A.
8557 Read etc.
Wte to Secry of the Royal Society acquaintg him, for the information of the Royal Society, that the Engineers employed to examine Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine were not nominated by this Board, and if the Royal Society deem it advisable that another Engineer in the place of Mr Maudslay deceased should be employed, My Lords would wish to leave the selection of a fit person to the Royal Society.
Reqg him also that the Comrs of Woods Forests and Land Revenues have been directed to enter into a Treaty with Mr Babbage for the purpose of purchasing a Piece of ground upon wh. a suitable Building may be erected for permanently depositing the Calculating Machine.
[Initialled:] J.S.
e) Treasury to the Secretary of the Royal Society, 11th July 1831 respecting Mr. Babbage's Calculating Machine
[From T27/92 f172]
8557 5/7
Sir,
The Lords &c. having had under their consideration your letter enclosing a Report of the Committee appointed by the Council of the Royal Society to consider this Board's Letter respecting Mr. Babbage's calculating Machine of 4th December last, which Machine has been adopted by the Council -I have it in command from My Lords to acquaint you for the information of the Royal Society that the Engineers employed to examine Mr. Babbage's Calculating Machine were not nominated by this Board, and if the Royal Society deem it adviseable that another Engineer in the place of Mr. Maudeslay deceased should be employed My Lords would wish to leave the selection of a fit person to the Royal Society. I am also to acquaint you that the Commissrs of Woods & Forests & Land Revenues have been directed to enter into a Treaty with Mr. Babbage for the purpose of purchasing a piece of Ground upon which a suitable building may be erected for permanently depositing therein the Calculating Machine.
11th July 1831 J. Stewart
1831-8558
Communication from the Commissioners of Wood, etc. with a report relative to the proposed removal of Mr Charles Babbage's Calculating Engine, from Lambeth to Dorset Street [Nr.] Portman Square, dated 30th April 1831.
Registered/Received: 2nd May 1831
Read: 3rd May 1831, 4th Division
Action: Write to Commissioners of Woods, etc.
a) Letter and Report from Office of Woods &c., 30th April 1831
[See Archives of the Crown Estate Commissioners PRO file CRES 6/152]
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 3rd May 1831
4th Division A
3rd May 1831
8558 Read &c.
Wte to the Comms of Woods that My Lords approve of their entering into a treaty with Mr Babbage either for the purchase of his Lease of the premises and grounds described in their Report, or for obtaining a Lease from Mr Babbage for the whole period of his Term, whichever course of the two may appear to the Commrs of Woods to be most advisable -and when the Premises and Ground shall have been obtained by the Commrs of Woods they desire that a complete specificat. of all the Work necessary to be executed for the reception of the Calculating Machine and for the accommodation of the Engineer and for all other arrangements necessary to be made, may be carefully prepared and transmitted to this Board with an Estimate of the whole Expense of completing those arrangements, so that no further Expense beyond that Estimate may have to be incurred.
[Initialled:] JS
1831-13178
A letter from Babbage to the Treasury with an application for the repayment of sums advanced by him for works done to his Calculating Machine, dated 5th July 1831.
Registered/Received: 5th July 1831
Read: 12th July 1831
Action: Write to Mr Babbage, direct Mr Sargent to pay
Cross Referenced: 8557/31
a) Babbage to Lords of the Treasury, 5th July 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f6]
My Lords
I have the honor to state for your Lordships information that I have received the account of the work executed and of the prices charged by Mr Clement for the Calculating Engine from the 27 Nov 1830 to the 18 June 1831 and that the accounts have been examined by Messrs Donkin and Field (the Engineers appointed by Government) who have certified that the amount stated £1431-14s- 5½d is correctly charged.
As circumstances had prevented the Engineers from making an earlier report of the amount due Mr Clement applied to me for money to enable him to pay his workmen and I felt it right for the public service to advance to him at different times sums of money to the amount of £370 this added to the sum of £592-4s-8d (which it appears had been advanced by me, by the last statement of accounts contained in a letter addressed to the Rt Honble the Chanr of the Exchequer dated 21 Decr 1830) makes a sum of £962-4s- 8d now remaining due to me. I have the honor to submit on the opposite page the present state of the accounts and to request your Lordships will be pleased to give directions as you may deem expedient respecting the payment of the sums now due.
I have the honor to be
My Lords
Your Lordships Very Obdt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset Street
Manchest Square
5 July 1831
To the Rt Honble The Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury
| [Expenditure on Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine] | £ | s | d |
| Balance of money which Mr Babbage had advanced unpaid 21 Decr 1831 [in pencil: 1830] | 592 | 4 | 8 |
| Mr Clement's bill for works done to the Calculating Engine from 9 May 1830 to 27 Nov 1830 (Note: In my letter 21 Dec 1830 to the Rt Honble Chanr of the Exchequer the estimate for this work was [£]600 |
525 | 18 | 0 |
| Mr Clement's bill for work done to the Calg Engine from 27 Nov 1830 to 18 June 1831 | 1,431 | 14 | 5½ |
| [Total] | 2,549 | 17 | 1½ |
| Recd by Treasury Order 24 Dec 1830 | 600 | 0 | 0 |
| Amount Remaining unpaid | 1,949 | 17 | 1½ |
[See also British Library Add Ms 37185 f5]
My dear Sir
I enclose a letter to the Lords of the Treasury respecting the Calculating Engine in which if you see any thing that ought to be altered I should be glad to avail myself of your advice.
As Mr Clement is not a man of large capital I have been obliged to advance him money to prevent his discharging his men who must be paid weekly. You will perceive that I am now in advance nearly £1000 and although this is not unattended with considerable inconvenience to me I feel that the present administration are so aware of the importance of the Engine and are so desirous of removing the difficulties under which I have labored that I should be unwilling to press for its repayment at an inconvenient moment.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
C. Babbage
5th July 1831
Dorset St
Manchester Square
To the Honble J. Stewart
c) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 12th July 1831
6th Division 1 Sheet 12th July 1831
[Marked:] "Immediate"
13178 Read etc.
My Lords read their several minutes of 11th July 1823, 28th April and 24th Novr 1829 and 24th Decr 1830 directing the issue of the following sums net viz.
£1500*, £1500, £3000 and £600 [total:] £6600
[*1547: the first issue was made by Warrant £1547 of wh. £47 was to cover Fees]
to Mr Babbage to enable him to proceed in constructing this Calculating Machine.
Let Mr Sargent be directed to pay to Mr Babbage the sum of £1,000 [one thousand pounds] out of any Money in his hands on account of Civil Contingencies to enable Mr Babbage to proceed in constructing the Calculating Machine.
Wte to Mr Babbage acquainting him with these Directions and desire he will transmit to this Bd a detailed account of the Expenditure which has been incurred in the construction of this Machine in respect of the following sums issued to him net for this service, viz £1500, £1500, £3000 and £600.
[Initialled:] J.S.
d) Charles Babbage Esq. to Lords of Treasury, 18th July 1831 with an Account of Expenditure of Sums issued to him to defray charges for the Calculating Machine.
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f18]
[Marked:] with 13178/31.
Mr Babbage presents his Compliments to Mr Herbert and will feel much obliged if he will (when he has looked over the accompanying accounts) favor him with any advice respecting them as Mr Babbage fears from his inexperience in these matters that he may not have arranged them in a proper form.
Mr Babbage will be happy to call at the Treasury at any time which may be convenient to Mr Herbert to explain them.
18 July 1831
Dorset Street Manchester Sq.
Statement of Rects and Expenditure by Mr Babbage on the Calculating Engine.
Sums Recd
Treasury 7 August 1823 1500
Do 1500
Do 3 Decber 1829 3000
Do 31 Dec 1830 600
Do 14 July 1831 1000
By old tools sold 36
[Total] 7636
[Notes made in pencil on the above account:
1. Against the figure of 1500:
a) "Weekended Augt 8th /23"
b) 1500 [read] 1547
2. Against the second figure of 1500
"Do in 1829"
3. The years 1829 and 1830 are bracketted together
4. Against the figure of 1000
"Min. 12 July 31"]
[Notes made in Red Ink on the above account
1. against the first figure of 1500
"1500
47 to pay fees
shd be 1547"
2. Dates of the Meetings of the Board of the Treasury
Min: 11 Jul 23
Min: 28 Ap 29
Min: 24 Nov 1829
Min: 24 Dec 1830
Min: 12 July 1831]
| Sums Expended | £ | s | d |
| Expenses in purchasing material Wages &c [del:to end of 1824] 30th June 1824 | 600 | 0 | 0 |
| Expenses in Do to end of 1827 | 551 | 16 | 9 |
| Note: These two sums were expended in the experiments made in my workshops in Devonshire Street and consisted of a great variety of small payments as appearing by the books kept in those workshops. | |||
| Payment to Mr Clement for work done to the Engine to 6th May 1830[In Pencil: to 25 March 1826 144 - 3 - 3 to 9th May [18]29 5311 - 2 - 9 |
5,419 | 2 | 9 |
| Payment to Mr Clement for Ditto to 30 Decber 1830 | 525 | 18 | 0 |
| Payment to Mr Clement for ditto to 2 July 1831[In Pencil: Acknowledgements from Mr Clements to 14 July 31 for £620] | 1,431 | 14 | 5½ |
| Note: The bill for which these payments have been made were examined and their correctness certified to me by the Engineers appointed by the Government[:] Messrs Donkin Maudslay and Field | |||
| Miscellaneous Disbursements | 77 | 1 | 10 |
| [Total] | 8,605 | 13 | 9½ |
Dorset Street Manchester Sq.
18 July 1831
e) Speer and Brooksbank to Babbage, 1st August 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f29]
Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank present their compliments to Mr Babbage and with reference to the amounts recently transmitted by him to the Treasury for Expenses on Account of the Calculating Machine they take leave to submit the following remarks thereon, namely
The first Bill of Mr Clements for £144-3-3 or £107-3-3 to 25 March 1826 is not with the Papers transmitted neither is there any receipt for either sum -these documents should be furnished.
The last Bill of Mr Clements for £1431-14-51/2 to July 1831, is accompanied with receipts on unstamp'd Paper, herewith returned for payments on account to the amount of £620. Receipts on proper stamps or one Receipt for the whole sum upon a 7/6 stamp should be produced.
The Sum of £56-5-0 part of £77-1-10 for Miscellaneous Disb[ursemen]ts is not accompanied with the authority for incurring the Expense or any receipt for the payment of the claim of Messrs R.W. and C Jearrad for the said sum of £56-5- 0[;] before the amount can be admitted these documents should be produced.
It is observed that the Bills of Mr Clement are signed as "Examined" by messrs Donkin, Maudslay and Field, if any further Certificates as to the examinations by those Gentlemen are in Mr Babbage's possession they should be produced, and Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank have to request that Mr Babbage will have the kindness to favor them at his earliest convenience with such further documents and observations on his part as may be necessary.
Treasury Chambers
1st August 1831
The Bill of Messrs R.W. and C. Jearrad for £56-5-0 is also herewith returned.
1831-15302
A letter from P.M. Roget Secretary of the Royal Society on the subject of appointing an Engineer to examine Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine, dated 29th July 1831.
Registered/Received: 3rd August 1831
Action: Nil
a) PM Roget to the Treasury, 29th July 1831
Royal Society Ap[partments]
July 29 1831
Sir,
The Council of the Royal Society having met yesterday, I laid before them your letter of the Eleventh Instant (Marked 8557 5/7), informing them that the Engineers employed to examine Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine were not nominated by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, and offering to the Royal Society the selection of an Engineer for that purpose in the [place?] of Mr Maudslay deceased; -and I was thereupon directed to acquaint you that the Council consider the Reports they have already made relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine as final on their part, and that they have no wish that the matter should be again referred to any Engineer.
I have the honor to be, Sir
Your Obedient Servant
P.M. Roget
Secretary
To, The Honorable James Stewart
1831-15310
Communication from the Commissioners of H.M. Woods, etc. with a Report with Drawings, in specification, and Estimate of cost of proposed arrangement for removal of Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine to Dorset Street, Manchester Square, dated 29th July 1831.
Registered/Received: 3rd August 1831
Read: 19th August 1831, 4th Division
Action: Write to Commissioners of Woods, etc. (19th August 1831)
Cross referenced: 13178/31
Papers held in File:
a) Commissioners of Woods Report, 29th July 1831
[See PRO Archives of the Crown Estate Commissioners file CRES 6 /152]
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury (4th Div) as to purchase of Mr Babbage's premises, 19th August 1831
15310 Read
My Lords read their Minute of the 3d May last, on a Report of the Commr of Woods of the 30th April on this subject.
Write to the Commissioners of Woods &c. to acquaint them that my Lords are pleased to authorize them to take a Lease of Mr Babbage's Premises, consisting of a House and Premises, and vacant plot of ground in East Street, at the yearly rent of one hundred and thirty five pounds, and upon the other terms mentioned in the Report of Messrs Jearrad, referred to in the Report of the Commrs of Woods of the 30th April last, and also in their present Report, -At the same time desire that they will stipulate, that in the event of Mr Babbage's death or removal during the term of the proposed Lease, from his present residence in Dorset Street Manchester Square, the preemption of his interest in that residence should be secured to His Majesty's Government.
Further acquaint them that My Lords are by no means satisfied of the necessity of incurring so large an expence as £2934-13-0 in constructing buildings and works for the Calculating Engine.
My Lords particularly remark that [del: the] a permanent Workshop upon a larger scale than would seem requisite when the engine is completed, forms a part of the Plan; and it would appear that a large proportion of the expence relates to other buildings in which the machine is not to be placed.
My Lords desire therefore that the Commissioners of Woods will report what proportion of this sum of £2934-13 forms the estimated expence of the room in which the Engine is to be placed, and they desire to have an amended Plan and Estimate, on a more economical scale in which the expence of [del: the] building the engine room is distinguished from the Rest of the Plan.
Let the Plans be returned to the Commissioners of Woods.
[Initialled:] JS
[Editor's Note: The plans for these buildings mentioned in the above minute are no longer traceable.]
1831-16283
Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank's (Treasury Auditors) report on the Account of Chas. Babbage Esq. in respect of sums issued to him to defray the expenses of the Calculating Engine, dated 12th August 1831.
Registered/Received: 18th August 1831
Read: 26th August 1831
Action: Write to Mr Babbage, Allow and Enter Statement
a) Speer and Brooksbank to the Lords of the Treasury, 12th August 1831
Treasury Chambers
12th Augt 1831
My Lords
In pursuance of the directions signified by your Lordships Minute of 12th Ulto we have receiv'd from Mr Babbage various Accounts and Vouchers for the disbursement of the several Sums issued to him from time to time by your Lordships directions on account of the Calculating Engine and having proceeded to investigate the said Accounts and Vouchers together with two explanatory papers which accompany the same, we have prepared and take leave to enclose a Statement of the Account for this service in which we have inserted such observations as arose in the course of our examination thereof and which we conceive may be necessary for your Lordships Information and we also enclose copies of the two explanatory papers furnished to us by Mr Babbage which may be useful to Lordships in further elucidating these Accounts.
We have the honor to be
My Lords
Your Lordships
most obedt Servants
W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank
[To] The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Copies of Babbage's Statement, 5th August 1831
Copy No. 1
Explanation of the Accounts relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine
For several years at the commencement of the undertaking three rooms in my house in Devonshire Street were fitted up as workshops, in one of these was a Forge. Two of those Rooms continued to be devoted to the same purpose until 1829.
During about three or four years [many] Men were employed but subsequently only a few occasionally.
Books were kept in each Shop in which to enter the sums paid both for labor and materials. In attending to the construction of the Engine many Bills escaped being entered and it appears in some instances that Entries have been made without any sums against them.
Other smaller Books were kept for each workman in which the time he worked was noted down each day and his payment at the end of the week. These books have not all been preserved.
Receipts for Materials were put in a drawer in each shop. Many of these have been lost and it appears by some Notes on the back of some of them that the workmen occasionally took them for other accounts for disbursements.
No addition was ever made in the shape of profit but the sums charged were actually [money] paid away; nor was any charge ever made for the Rent [of the workshops].
It may be observed that since my removal from Devonshire Street I have let that part of my House which was devoted to workshops for £50 annually.
Of the first sum of £600 which was expended in Labor and materials one of the books appears to be missing; as far as I remember it contained payments similar to the others to the amount of between three and four hundred pounds. The books marked A contains [account] of about £280.
Of the second Item of £521-16-9, the whole of the accounts remain and will be seen in Book marked B.
The sum of £5419-2-9 consists of two Bills of Mr Clements one of £144-3-3 which was examined and approved by Messrs Rennie and Donkin the other of £5311-19-6 examined and approved of by Messrs Donkin and Maudslay.
The next Item of £525-18-0 is a Bill of Mr Clement examined and approved by Messrs Donkin and Maudslay.
The next Sum of £1431-14-51/2 is a Bill of Mr Clement examd and approved by Messrs Donkin and Field.
The last Item of £77-1-10 consists of sundry sums as in Books C & D.
With respect to the examination of Mr Clement's Bills Messrs Donkin and Maudslay were appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to me on their amount and on the death of Mr Maudslay Mr Field his partner was substituted.
Copy No. 2
The first Bill of Mr Clement is for £144-3s-3d. I am not aware how the doubt relating to the Sum of £107-3-3 instead of £144-3-3 has arisen but might possibly explain it on looking at the Accounts.
I do not know how the Bill and Receipt has been mislaid, but it appears probable from the accompanying copy of the former in my own hand writing that it has at some time gone out of my possession. I do not remember when I made the copy but send it with the pencil Note as I find it.
With respect to the payment I find it enter'd in my bankers book and send their Statement of having paid a cheque for £144-9-3 on the 2d April 1830 -the 6s/- being deducted from Mr Clement's Bill on account of some trifling repair to some Instruments of my own.
Of the last bill of Mr Clement £1431-14-51/2 to July 10th 1831 £820 is now paid and I enclose the Receipt on a Stamp -This includes in it the receipt for £620 to which Messrs Speer and Brooksbank refer.
With reference to the sum of £56-5-0 charged in the Miscellaneous payments as due to Messrs Jearrad for a Survey of premises and Estimates I would offer the following remarks.
1. The Calculating Engine had arrived at such a state that it was absolutely necessary to prepare a building to receive it.
2. In Decr 1830 I applied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove it to my Neighbourhood -almost the first question was -What will the removal cost?
3. I had no written authority but considered the directions I had received from Lord Goderich when Chancellor of the Exchequer justified me in ordering a Survey and Estimate.
4. The Estimates so made have been employed as the basis of a Report on the propriety of removing the Engine both by the Royal Society and by the Committee of Engineers appointed by Government to consider the subject. The Plans and Estimates are now in the possession of Government.
5. The reason why the sum of £56-5-0 is charged when it has not yet been paid is that I understood it to be the desire of the Treasury that the Total Expenditure up to the present time should be stated and with the same view I have charged Mr Clement's last bill of £1431-14- 51/2 although only £820 is at present paid.
I have no other Certificates of Messrs Donkin Maudslay and Field than those already produced and have not succeeded in finding any other Documents which refer to the Accounts. As the two accompanying Reports of Committees of the Royal Society relate in some measure to the Expenditure I have enclosed them but shall feel particularly obliged if the latter in Ms or a Copy of it can be returned to me.
(Signed) Charles Babbage
5th Augt 1831
Dorset Street
Manchester Square
c) Speer and Brooksbank's Statement, 12th August 1831
Statement of the Account of Charles Babbage Esq. in respect of Sums issued to him to enable him to proceed in constructing a Calculating Engine [Sent to Babbage 31st Aug 1831].
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f61]
Charge:
The sum issued from the Exchequer out of Grant for Civil Contingencies on 7th August 1823
(minute 11th July 1823) ---- £1547 - 0 - 0
The following Sums paid by Mr Sargent out of Money impriested to him for Civil Contingencies pursuant to your Lordship's directions namely
1829 May pr Minute 29 April 1829 ---- £1500 - 0 - 0
1829 Dec 3 ditto 24 Novr 1829 ---- £3000 - 0 - 0
1830 Dec 31 ditto 24 Decr 1830 ---- £ 600 - 0 - 0
1831 July 14 ditto 12 July 1831 ---- £1000 - 0 - 0
The Sum stated to have been received for old tools sold
---- £ 36 - 0 - 0
[Total] ---- £7683 - 0 - 0
Discharge:
The Accountant claims to be allowed the sums expended for the purchase of Materials, and wages to Workmen, to the 30th June 1823 ---- £ 600 - 0 - 0
[+ in Red Ink: This amount is the Accountants Estimate of the probable amount of the Expenditure to the 30th June 1823, and is explained by him as follows,
"of the first sum of £600, which was expended in Labor and Materials one of the books appears to be missing as far as I can remember it contained payments similar to the others and to the amount of between three and four hundred pounds, the Book marked A contains about £280,"
The Book marked A has accordingly been produced and is accompanied with a considerable number of vouchers in support of the payments stated therein the Total of which is £284-7-11 but the greater part of the payments are not vouched and there are some few Vouchers for other payments which cannot be traced in Book A. -there are also several small Books, kept by the workmen for wages, the Entries in which are so imperfect and confused as to render them useless.]
He also claims to be allowed the sums expended for the like services from the 30th June 1823 to the termination of the year 1827 ---- £ 551 - 16 - 9
[+ in Red Ink: The Accountant has produced the Book marked B the Entries in which follow in regular order of dates to those in Book A before adverted to and which contains the Entry of Payments amounting to the Sum claimed and it is accompanied with Vouchers in support of a considerable part of those payments.]
The Accountant also claims to be allowed the sums paid to Mr Joseph Clements, Engineer, for works done to the Engine to the 6th May 1830
---- £5419 - 2 - 9
[+ in Red Ink: A Bill of Mr Clements for £5311-19-6 to the 9th May 1829 is produced certified as follows "6th May 1830, Exd Bryan Donkin, Henry Maudslay" and is accompanied with satisfactory vouchers for the discharge thereof, a prior Bill of Mr Clements to the 25th March 1826 for £144-3-3 is stated to have constituted the other part of the sum of £5,419-2-9, the Bill and Receipt for which is mislaid, a Certificate from Messrs Praed is produced that a Draft of Mr Babbage's for £144-9-3, was paid to Mr Clements on the 2d April 1830, it is to be observed however that the amount of these two Bills exceed the Sum claimed.
Amount Continued [to next page in Ms] [---- £6570 - 19 - 6 ]
The Accountant also claims to be allowed the Sum paid to Mr Joseph Clements, Engineer, for similar works to 27th November 1830
---- £ 525 - 18 - 0
[+ in Red Ink: The Bill of Mr Clements is produced Certified "30th Decr 1830, Ex'd Bryan Donkin Henry Maudslay" and is accompanied with a Proper Receipt for the Payment of the money.
The Accountant has also claimed the amounts of a further Bill of Mr Clements, for similar works to 18th June 1831 for £1431-14- 51/2d.
---- £ 820 - 0 - 0
[+ in Red Ink: The Bill of Mr Clements is produced Certified "2d July 1831, Examd Bryan Donkin Joshua Field" a Receipt for the payment of £820 on Account of the Discharge of this Bill being produced the Accountant is entitled to credit for that amount.]
The Accountant claims to be allowed for Miscellaneous Disbursements £77-1-10.
[+ in Red Ink: A part of this sum consists of Messrs Jearrad for valuing the Accountant's House and Premises and Preparing Estimates of the Expense of Alterations etc. and which amounts to £56-5-0. The Claim however not having been yet paid, Credit cannot at present be given for the same, but the remaining part of the said Sum of £77-1-10, appearing to be for Coach hire and various Incidental Expenses is proposed to be admitted namely]
---- £ 20 - 16 - 10
-------------
Discharge ---- £7937 - 14 - 4
[less] Charge ---- £7683 - 0 - 0
--------------
In Surplusage ---- £ 254 - 14 - 4
The sums to be provided for on the Account at the present time will in the event of this Statement being allowed by the Board be as follows
Sum in Surplusage pr this Statement ---- £ 254 - 14 - 4
[+ in Red Ink: With reference to the Sum of £1,547 issued to the Accountant on the 7th Augt 1823 we have to observe that £47 thereof was to pay for Fees etc attending the issuing to him of the net sum of £1500 and that having seen the Accountant subsequently to our having prepared this statement he has informed us that the said sum of £47 has not been considered as a payment made by him or as forming any part of the sums of £600 or £551-16-9 which is claimed as the amount of his Disbursements to the end of 1827 and which Sum of £47 will therefore [have] to be added to the above mentioned sum of £254- 14-4 in Surplusage making the total amount in Surplusage £301-14- 4.]
Amount of Mr Clements Bill to 18th June 1831 remaining unpaid
---- £ 611 - 14 - 5 1/2
Amount of Messrs Jearrad's Bill for Survey etc.
---- £ 56 - 5s- 0 d
--------------
[Total] £ 922 - 13s- 9 1/2d
Treasury Chambers
12th August 1831
(signed) W. Speer and Stamp Brooksbank
d) Letter Praeds and Co. to Babbage, dated 4th August 1831 re a draft paid to Clement for £144-9-3 on 2nd April 1830.
[To] Charles Babbage Esq. Dorset Street
Messrs Praeds & Co. present their Comps to Mr Babbage & beg to inform him they paid a draft to Mr Clement £144-9-3 on the 2d April 1830, as appears by their Books.
Fleet Street
4 Aug 1831
e) Note from Babbage to Speer and Brooksbank, 15th August 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f44 verso]
Mr Babbage presents his Compliments to Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank and encloses the receipt for £144-6-3 which had been lost.
Should Messrs Speer and Brooksbank have leisure to allow [del: and] Mr Babbage to look at the accounts he will endeavour to explain the uncertainity respecting the two sums of 144- [del:8]6-3 and 107-3-3 has arisen.
Dorset St
Manchr Sq. 15 Augt 1831
f) Report of Committee of Royal Society, March 26th 1831
[See Above]
[With a Note on it in CB's handwriting: 'Report of Committee of R.S. finally sent.']
g) Minute of Treasury (6th Div) 26th August 1831.
6th divn 1 Sheet
16283 Read etc.
My Lords observe that altho' some of the Vouchers appear wanting, yet there is satisfactory evidence that the sums charged have been expended in the construction of the engine, and all the Vouchers are produced for the expenditure which has taken place since the period when the Engine became the Property of the Public. My Lords are therefore pleased to approve of the Statement of Mr Babbage's Account, by which it appears Mr Babbage is in surplusage the sum of £301-14-4.
Transmit to Mr Babbage a Copy of the said Statement (leaving out the observations in red ink) for his information, and acquaint him that my Lords are pleased to approve thereof, and desire that Vouchers may be produced for all future payments and that the Accounts may be certified by Messrs Donkin and Field.
Let a copy of the Report of the Committee of the Royal Society be returned to Mr Babbage as requested.
Let the said Statement, with a copy of this Minute be entered in the Books kept for the entry of Accounts allowed by this Board.
[Initialled:] J.S.
h) Letter J. Stewart to Babbage, 31st August 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f59]
[Reg No.]16283 26/8
Treasury Chambers
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury your Account in respect of sums issued to you to defray the expenses of the Calculating Machine I have it in command to transmit to you a copy of the Statement of the said Account for your information and I am to acquaint you that My Lords are pleased to approve thereof and I am to desire that Vouchers may be produced for all future payments and that the Accounts may be certified by Messrs Donkin and Field. A copy of Report of the Committee of the Royal Society is herewith returned as requested by you.
I am Sir,
Your Obedient Servant
J. Stewart
[to] Charles Babbage
Dorset Street Manchester Square
[+ Copy of the Officially Approved Statement of Account]
1831-19114
Babbage to the Treasury for a further issue on account of his calculating machine, dated 29th September 1831.
Registered/Received: 29th September 1831
Read: 30th September 1831
Action: Mr Sargent to pay, Write to Mr Babbage acquainting him with the decision of the Board of the Treasury.
Cross referenced: 16283/26th August 1831
a) Babbage's Letter to the Treasury, 29th September 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37186 f101]
Sir,
May I request permission to refer to the state of my accounts as delivered to the Lords Comms of H.M. Treasury and examined on the 12 Augt 1831 by which it will appear that the Sum of £922-13s-91/2d is due to me for advances made and claims remaining unsatisfied; I have to request that you will be pleased to move their Lordships to direct a sum to be issued to me sufficient to satisfy the above and towards payment of current expenses.
I have the honor to be
Sir Your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
29 Sep 1831
To the Honble James Stewart
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 30th Sept 1831
6th Division 1 sheet
19114 Read
My Lords read their Minute of the 26th Ulto on the Accounts of Mr Babbage.
Let Mr Sargent be directed to pay to Mr Babbage the sum of One thousand pounds out of any Money in his hands on account of Civil Contingencies to enable Mr Babbage to proceed in constructing the Calculating [del: Machine] Engine.
Acquaint Mr Babbage with the directions given.
[Initialled:] JS
c) Letter sent by the Treasury to Babbage, 4th October 1831
[from British Library Add Ms 37186 f104]
4th October 1831 Treasury Chambers
[Reg No.] 19114 30/9
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury your letter of 29th Ulto stating that the sum of £922-13-91/2d is due to you for advances made and claims remaining unsatisfied on account of your Calculating Machine, and requesting issue of a sum sufficient to satisfy the above and towards defraying current expenses, I have it in command to acquaint you that My Lords have directed Mr Sargent of this Office to pay to you the sum of one thousand pounds to proceed in constructing the Calculating Engine.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servt
J. Stewart
to Charles Babbage Esq.
1831-20002
Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods, Forests and Land Revenues further report relative to the proposed arrangement for the removal of Mr Charles Babbage's Calculating Engine to Dorset Street Manchester Square, dated 13th October 1831.
Registered/Received: 14th October 1831
Read: 25th October 1831 (Sundries, 4th and 6th Div)
Action: Prepare Warrant, Write to Surveyor General of Works, Write to Commissioner of Woods, etc.
Cross Referenced: 8558/31, 15310/31.
a) Report of the Commissioners of Woods, Forests etc., 13th October 1831
[See PRO CRES 6/152]
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury on Buildings for Calculating Engine, 25th October 1831
Sundry Divs
20002 Read
My Lords read their minute of the 19th August last on this subject.
Transmit to the Surveyor General of Works the Plan and a copy of the Report of the Comrs of Woods, &c. its enclosures and desire that he will after communicating with the Commrs of Woods adopt the necessary measures for erecting the proposed Buildings taking care that the said Works do not exceed the sum of £2598-1- 0 the amount of the reduced Estimate.
Prepare Warrant for authorizing the Commrs of Woods to take a Lease of Mr Babbage's premises and of the vacant plot of Ground in East Street at the yearly rent of £135 as recommended by them.
Acquaint the Commrs of Woods with the directions given and also with the Communication to be made to the Surveyor General of Works, and request that they will furnish him with such information as may be deemed necessary on this subject.
[Initialled:] JS
c) Babbage's Instructions to Jearrad No.1
[from British Library Add Ms 37185 f428]
2nd January 1831
Instructions from Babbage to Messrs Jarrad Surveyors
1. After examining the workshops tables drawings &c at Mr Clements and conferring with Mr B Mr Clement and Mr Donkin if necessary so as to acquire a general view of the nature and relative position of the buildings required to ascertain whether the yard or any part of it now occupied by Mr Rice and abutting on the Northern end of Mr Babbages garden is fit and can be obtained and if so on what terms.
2. I this cannot be had Mr Jarrad is requested to state whether any other position [deleted equally convenient or at all] in the immediate neighbourhood can be found and procured which is convenient for purposes required.
C.B.
d) Babbage's Instructions to Jearrad No.2
[from British Library Add Ms 37185 f438]
10th Jan 1831
Babbage's Instructions to Messrs Jearrad No.2
Instructions to Messrs Jearrad & Co Surveyors
Messrs Jearrad are requested to prepare an estimate of the buildings requisite to accommodate the Calculating Engine and for the workshops which it requires and for the alteration of the residence for the Engineer supposing them erected in that part of Mr Babbage's property pointed out by Messrs Jearrad.
Also to give an estimate of the annual value of Mr Babbage's house in East Street which will be required for that purpose and of his Coach House and six stall stable which must be destroyed and also of the value of the plot of ground and surrounding walls which are necessary for the proposed buildings.
e) Letter Babbage to Wickham 6th January 1831
[See also British Library Add Ms 37184 f455]
Dear Sir,
I enclose a sketch of a report which contains the information I wish to put in to Lord Althorp's hands relative to the [del: Calcg] Engine. From my unacquaintance with official forms I may have taken a liberty in suggesting the names of a Committee or on other points but I shall be most happy to put it into any other form which may be deemed more proper.
I remain Dear Sir
Your faithful Servt
C. Babbage
[Report enclosed See below]
f) Abstract of Expenditure and Rental as according with Report No. 2 [Jearrad Jan 18th 1831]
g) Letter Babbage to Lord Althorp 19th Jan 1831
[see also British Library Add Ms 37185 f447]
[In pencil on the letter: to be put away with Mr. Babbage's Paper. Received from Mr Wickham. With 20002/31]
My Lord
I beg to enclose for your Lordships consideration the accompanying reports respecting a situation for the Calculating Engine and the buildings necessary for it from Messrs Jearrad & Co the Surveyors whom I had directed to look out for a situation and to make the necessary estimates.
As I had instructed the Surveyor to make full allowance for every probable expense I presume the total amount cannot exceed the sum of £2250.
I shall be happy to wait on your Lordship or any Committee which you may think fit to appoint to communicate the further details of the plan.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordships
Very Obedt Humble Servant
Dorset Street Charles Babbage
Manchester Square
19 Jan 1831
To the Rt Honble Lord Althorp
h) Report addressed to the Rt Honble Lord Althorp relative to Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine
[see also British Library Add Ms 37185 f455]
6th January 1831
The object of the present report is to prove the necessity of removing the tools and apparatus to the immediate neighbourhood of Mr Babbage's residence and to point out the method of accomplishing that object.
The advantages arising from such a removal are:
1st The additional time he could in such circumstances devote to it and the greater controul he would have over the persons employed.
2nd The immediate security from fire of the drawings and of the Engine when completed.
1. The reasons mentioned under the first head resolve themselves into a question of economy. The distance of the Engine from Mr. Babbage's residence (about four miles) causes a loss of between two or three hours of his time everyday he works in the mere passing and repassing.
Consequently it cannot proceed as it otherwise might.
Also it is now impossible for Mr Babbage to assist the Engineers appointed to examine the bills, by offering any opinion respecting the time actually employed by the men.
2. On the second head it may be observed, that the multitude of expensive and complicated drawings ought not to remain exposed to the hazard of fire: for it should be remarked that no insurance could compensate for their loss, nor could any money replace those labors which have occupied many years of the lives of Mr Babbage and his draftsman to bring to their present state.
If these remarks are just they apply with greater force to the Engine itself.
To these considerations the following may be added:-
In the course of a few months it will become absolutely necessary to rent some house adjoining to the present workshops in order to erect the engine. Of course the choice is very restricted and the parties knowing the necessity of the case may not be willing to remove without a considerable advantage to themselves.
It will then be necessary to erect in the garden a suitable building for the reception of the Machine.
After the Engine has been thus put together and its success ascertained by its work, it must be again taken to pieces [2 deleted words] and removed for it is quite impossible that Mr Babbage can attend to its operations at that distance. Such a removal might occupy two or three months.
As Mr Babbage conceives that the Engine when finished will not be allowed to remain a toy but be employed for years in actually producing tables, it seems probable that the course which is suggested in this report would be ultimately adopted.
If the Engine is at or adjacent to Mr Babbage's premises the following are amongst the advantages [which] would result
1st a much greater power of superintendence
2nd a greater controul over the expenditure
3. Mr B being enabled much more frequently to show it to men of Science and Engineers many suggestions might arise of great importance to its perfection.
4. Men of Science and Mr Babbage's friends being much more conversant both with its principles and detail, there would be much less risk of its utility being impeded by the death of its contriver.
5. Mr Babbage would be relieved from a personal inconvenience the extent of which can only be appreciated by Professional Engineers who have themselves had experience of such undertakings.
Plan Suggested
Mr Babbage would therefore submit that a Committee which he understands it is the intention of Lord Althorp's to appoint should state in their report whether the reasons of which Mr B has alleged or any others which they may perceive do not render the removal a matter almost of necessity.
In the mean time Mr B. trusts he has shown sufficient reasons to induce his Lordship to authorise him to instruct Mr Donkin (contingently upon the Engine being removed) to arrange the terms with Mr Clement who is constructing it and with whom some difficulties have occured.
As a previous step Mr B has employed a Surveyor of great acquaintance with his neighbourhood to look out for a convenient situation and to make rough plans of the necessary buildings. And Mr Babbage has no doubt if his Lordship will authorise a Government Surveyor to confer with Mr Jarrad the Surveyor alluded to and with Mr Donkin that they will be able in a few days to submit such a plan and estimate of the expense as will enable his Lordship by having all the facts and the expense before him to decide upon the advantages and economy which would result from the proposed removal.
Observations relative to the Committee
In naming a Committee to Report on the present state of the Engine, the sufficientcy of the means for its completion and the propriety of its removal; it may be observed that the mathematical principles on which it is founded have already been admitted to by two Committees of the Royal Society as stated in the first paragraph of their report of Feb 1829 (see Appx). Mr Babbage therefore suggests that practical Engineers themselves intimately acquainted with the manufacture of machinery of a similar kind are the most competent judges of the question and that as the time of such persons is very valuable and that they have given their services gratuitously and also as small committees do more work than large ones that the following gentlemen might be named
Committee Suggested
Mr Brunel
Mr Bryan Donkin who has in conjunction with Mr Maudslay gratuitously given his services to Government in examining Mr Clement's accounts.
Mr Field the partner of Mr Maudslay. The ill health of the latter gentleman has alone induced me to omit so valuable a name, but his aid might unfortunately from the state of his health be given at very great personal inconvenience.
With respect to authorising Mr Donkin to arrange the removal between Mr Clement and the Government I would suggest that whatever might be his willingness to act gratuitously The expense of his usual professional charge (five guineas per day) during the very short time he would be occupied by it would be amply repaid by the economy of the arrangement his knowledge and experience would suggest.
Charles Babbage
Dorset Street
Manchester Square
6th Janry 1831
i) Jearrad's Survey Report No. 1 Jan 6th 1831
6th January 1831
Copy of Jearrad's report of survey no. 1
Report of Survey in consequence of Mr Babbages Instructions to ascertain the possibility of obtaining desirable Ground or Premises for his Calculating Engine and the necessary appendages thereto belonging in the Neighbourhood of his Residence No. 1 Dorset Street Manchester Square.
Jany 6th 1831
The undersigned surveyor after duly examining the present workshops tools and drawings &c for the construction of Mr Babbages calculating Engine and conferring with Mr Babbage Mr Clements Engineer and others for the purpose of acquiring a correct view of the Nature and relative position of the Buildings required, first proceeded to inspect the Cow Yard adjoining Mr Babbages Garden and fronting North by an Entrance Gateway on Paddington Street. This site was considered Eligible on Account of its Locality. On enquiry the premises were found to be let to Mr Rice for 21 years at a rent of £150 per Annum but attainable only under the following difficulties Vizt
"By purchase of his Lease
"By compensation for loss of Trade and removal
"By purchasing all the Sheds and Buildings on the premises
and which would be useless everyway for the purpose wanted
Considering then the heavy outlay which would be required before any beginning could be made in the contemplated Erections This site was abandoned as a matter altogether too expensive for Mr Babbages views on the subject.
Another site was then endeavoured to be found in the Neighbourhood but although the undersigned made every enquiry and is intimately acquainted with the whole of that portion of Saint Marylebone and having also the aid of much Interest the accommodation has failed to be obtained.
At the same time he begs to suggest there is ample space for the object in the western part of Mr Babbages own Grounds.
Signed Charles Jearrad Surveyor
No. 2 Baker St, Portman Square
j) Copy Jearrad's Survey Report No. 2: 15th Jan 1831
Report of Survey on the premises situate at the back of Mr Babbage's dwelling house No. 1 Dorset Street Manchester Square consisting of a large garden and extensive enclosure and a certain Messuage and stabling connected therewith opening into an adjacent st[reet] for the purpose of purposed Erections for his Calculating Engine and the lodging of the Engineer &c.
January 15th 1831
After due investigation and admeasurements the enclosed piece of ground belonging to and abutting East on Mr Babbages garden connected West with a messuage fronting on East Street South on Dorset Street and North on Mr Rice's Cow Yard it was ascertained that the piece or parcel of ground was fully adequate for the purpose. The total area on the ground plan is about 468 1/2 off 100 feet each Superficial admitting of a ready communication with Mr Babbages house and capable of containing conveniently the accommodation required Vizt A range of workshops for tools a forge room a calculating room and the calculating engine room with Ingress and Egress for the workmen East Street way And Apartments over for the Engineer.
The plot of ground with its approaches will more fully appear on inspection of the Sketch subjoined.
Signed Charles Jearrad Surveyor
No. 2 Baker Street Portman Square
[Plan attached]
k) Jearrad's Estimate for the cost of building and rent of ground
To Charles Babbage Esq.
Abstract of the Estimate for the necessary Erections for the Calculating Engine according with Report No. 2
Engine Room & Calculating room Fireproof 950-0-0
Range of Workshops 750-0-0
Altering the house in East Street for
residence of the Engineer 250-0-0
Drainage, Miscellaneous Contingencies 150-0-0
Total Expenditure £2250-0-0
Rent of Ground and Premises
£ s d
House pr annum 36-10-0
6 Stall Stables 31-10-0
Coach House 12- 0-0
£80- 0-0
Rent of Ground plot as enclosed with walls 12 feet high 11/2 Brick thick50- 0-0
Total Rent £130- 0-0
(Signed) Charles Jearrad
Surveyor 2 Baker Street
Janry 18 1831
1832-2503
Surveyor General of Works to Treasury with application from Mr Decimus Burton Architect employed in erecting buildings for reception of Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine for an advance of £1000 dated 6th February 1832
Registered/Received 7 February 1832
Read 10th February 1832
Action: Write to Surveyor General of Works, Direct Mr Sargent to pay
a) Letter from the Surveyor General of Works to the Treasury
[Not Traced]
b) Minute of Treasury 10th February 1832
6 Dn 1 Sheet 10 Feby 1832 A
(In pencil: in 16205)
2503 Read &c.
My Lords read again their Minute of 25 Octr last on this subject.
As it appears by Mr D. Burton's Certificate that [del: enough] such progress has been made in this work to entitle Messrs Cubitt under the contract to [del: advance required,] payment of 1000£ My Lords desire that Mr Sargent may be directed to pay to Mr Seward, the Cashier of the Office of Works, out of any monies in his Hands, on acct of Civil Contingencies, the said sum of £1000, in part payment for these Buildings.
Acqt the Survy Genl of Works with the directions given.
[Initialled:] JS
1832-3720
Charles Babbage enclosing Account and Voucher of Sums expended on his Calculating Machine and requesting an issue on account thereof, dated 23rd February 1832.
Registered/Received 25th February 1832
Action: Refer to Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank [Treasury Auditors]
Cross Referenced: 16283/31
a) Babbage's Letter to the Treasury and sundry enclosure [see (b) below], dated 23rd February 1832
[see also British Library Add Ms 37186 f273]
Sir
May I request you to lay before the Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury the accompanying statement relative to the Calculating Engine by which it appears that a sum of £1701-1s- 51/2d is now due on account of that work.
The circumstance of Mr Clement's having been confined to his bed during the last four months has caused some delay in having his accounts examined by the Engineers and I have therefore been obliged to advance five hundred pounds to enable him to pay the workmen employed upon the Engine.
May I therefore request you will be pleased to move their Lordships to direct a sum to be issued to me sufficient to satisfy the above and towards defraying the current expenses. I have the honor to be
Sir your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
23 Feb 1832
Dorset St Manchr Sq.
To The Honble James Stewart
b) Statement of Expenses incurred in constructing the Calculating Engine from July 1831 to 31 Decr 1831
Recd by Treasury warrant dated 4 Oct 1831 £1000
Sums paid and claims remaining due
By surplusage due to Mr Babbage by statement of accounts dated Treasury Chambers 12 August 1831 254-14-4
By note appended to ditto 47- 0-0
£ 301-14s-4d
Paid Mr Clement 611-14-51/2
Miscellaneous Disbursements 62- 9-6
Mr Clement's bill to 31 Dec 1831 which has been exd and approved by the Engineers Messrs Donkin and Field -and of which Mr Babbage has paid £500 to enable Mr Clement to go on [in pencil: 2 Recs for £500]
1725-12-4
2701-10-51/2
[Less] 1000- 0-0
1701-10-51/2
1832-5123
Report of Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank on the second account [see 1832-3720 above] of Chas. Babbage Esq. in respect of sums issued to him to enable him to proceed in constructing a Calculating Engine, dated 10th March 1832.
Registered/Received 17th March 1832
Read 27th March 1832
Action Write to Mr Babbage, Allow and Enter Account
a) Speer and Brooksbank's report and statement of account 10th March 1832
[Auditor's report no. 17]
Treasury Chambers
10th March 1832
My Lords,
In pursuance of your Lordships directions we have examined the second Account rendered by Chas Babbage Esq in respect of sums issued to him to enable him to proceed in constructing a Calculating Engine being in continuation of his former Account for this Service upon which we submitted a Report to your Lordships on the 12th August last, at the termination whereof the Accountant was in surplusage the sum of £301-14-4 and which is duly brought forward in the present Account and correct Vouchers being produced in support of the several Sums charged therein for payments on account of the Engine, we have prepared and take leave to enclose a Statement thereof and should your Lordships be pleased to approve the said Account and Statement the Accountant will be in Surplusage thereon the Sum of £475-18-31/2 exclusive of the Sum of £1225-12-4 remaining due to Mr Clements, the Engineer on his Bill for works to the Engine to the 31st Decr last.
We have the honor to be
My Lords,
Your Lordships
most obedt servants
(Signed) W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank
[to] the Lords Commissioners
of His Majesty's Treasury
Statement of the second Account of Chas Babbage Esqr in respect of Sums issued to him to enable him to proceed in constructing a Calculating Engine
Charge
Money paid to the Accountant on the 7th Octr last by Mr Sargent out of Money imprested to him for Civil Contingencies pursuant to your Lordships Minute of 4th Oct last
£1000- 0- 0
Discharge
The Accountant claims to be allowed the amount in surplusage on the former Account for this service upon which we submitted a Statement to your Lordships on the 12th Augt last
£ 301-14- 4
Also the Sum paid to Mr Joseph Clement, Engineer, on 11th Oct last, as the Balance of an Account for works done to the Engine to the 18th June 1831, according to an account certified by Messrs Donkin and Field
£ 611-14- 51/2
Also the sum paid to Mr Chas Jearrad on the 11th Oct last for Surveying, Drawings and Estimation of Buildings &c. for the Calculating Engine
56- 5- 0
Also the Sums paid for Miscellaneous Services as follows,
James Newman, for Drawing Paper £ 0-10-6
Bailey and Blight Stationers £ 0-18-6
Stamp Receipt given to Mr
Sargent on receiving £1000
for this service £ 0-10-0
W. Elliott, for Drawing Instrument £ 4- 5-6
[Subtotal] £ 6- 4- 6
Amount Continued £ 975-18- 31/2
The Accountant has also claimed the Amount of a further Bill of Mr Clements, the Engineer for works done to the Engine to the 31st Decr 1831
£1725-12- 4
[In red ink: The Bill of Mr Clements is produced certified "17th Feby 1832" as Examined "Bryan Donkin" "Joshua Field", a receipt for the payment of £500 on account of the discharge of this Bill being produced the Accountant is entitled to credit for that amount]
£ 500- 0- 0
Discharge £1475-18- 31/2
Charge £1000- 0- 0
Accountant Surplusage £ 475-18- 31/2
The Sums to be provided for on this account at the present time will in the event of this statement being allowed by your Lordships be as follows
Sum in Surplusage pr this Statement £ 475-18- 31/2
Amount remaining due to Mr Clements, on
his Bill for works to the Engine to the
31st Decr 1831 £1225-12- 4
[Total] £1701-10- 71/2
(Signed) W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank [Auditors]
Treasury Chambers
10th March 1832
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 27th March 1832
27th March 1832 A
6th Divn 1st Sheet
5123 Read
My Lords are pleased to allow this Account as stated.
Acquaint Mr Babbage that My Lords are pleased to approve of this Account by which it appears he is in Surplusage the sum of £475-18-31/2.
Let the Statement of this Account with this Minute be entered in the Book kept for entry of Accounts allowed by this Board.
[Initialled:] JS
c) Letter Treasury to Babbage, 3rd April 1832
[from British Library Add Ms 37186 f310]
Treasury Chambers
3rd April 1832
[Reg. no.] 5123 30/3
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury your Account in respect of sums issued to you to enable you to proceed in constructing a Calculating Machine. I have it in command to acquaint you that My Lords are pleased to approve of this account by which it appears you are in surplusage the sum of £475-18-31/2.
I am Sir
Your Obedient Servt
J.Stewart
1832-7943
Commissioner of Woods, etc. request for an issue of a further sum [£683-9-0] for the completion of the Building for Mr Babbage's Machine, dated 13th April 1832.
Registered/Received 25th April 1832
Read 1st May 1832
Action: Give Authority to the Commissioners of Woods &c. accordingly.
a) Letter 13th April 1832 Office of Woods to Treasury
Office of Woods, &c.
13th April 1832
My Lords
With reference to your Lordships authority of the 31st October last, to the Surveyor General of the late Office of Works &c. for erecting Buildings in East Street Manchester Square, to contain Mr Babbage's calculating Engine at an expence not exceeding Two thousand, five hundred, and ninety eight Pounds and One Shilling [in margin: £2598-1-0] the Amount of the Estimate of Mr Decimus Burton the Architect employed for those Buildings: and also referring to the Circumstance of One Thousand Pounds [in margin: £1000], having been already issued by your Lordships to the Cashier of the late Office of Works, to enable him to pay the same to the contractors for the works upon the certificate of the Architect transmitted to your Lordships by the Surveyor General of the late Office of Works on the 6th February last, we have now to state that the following further Sums amounting together to Six hundred, and Eighty three Pounds, and Nine Shillings [in margin: £683-9-0] are certified to be at present due, as shown by the enclosed statement received from the Architect and we beg leave to suggest to your Lordships that if you are pleased to give the necessary Authority the same may be paid out of the Funds of the Woods, Forests &c. to be repaid to those Funds from the Grant of Parliament for this service in the present year, when the whole of the Works are completed and the exact Expence ascertained.
Statement of the Sums now due £ s d
A second Instalment to Messrs W & L Cubitt
the contractors for the Buildings
(at the Sum of £1890) 500- 0- 0
Messrs W & L Cubitt for works, for
warming the Building 140- 0- 0
__________
Total now proposed to be paid to Messrs
W & L Cubitt 640- 0- 0
Mr D.D. Neeve the clerk of the Works for
superintending the Erection of the Buildings 43- 9- 0
__________
£683- 9- 0
==========
We have the honor to be
your Lordships
Obedient and humble Servants
Duncannon
W.D. Adams
B.C. Stephenson
To the Lords Commissioners
of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Copy of letter D. Burton to A. Milne, 29th March 1832
Copy 6th Spring Garden
March 29th 1832
Sir,
With reference to a Letter this day received from Messrs W and L Cubitt, the Contractor for erecting the Building to contain Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine in East Street, requesting a further sum of six hundred pounds may be paid to them, on Account of their Contract of one thousand, eight hundred, and ninety pounds for the same, I beg to state, I consider they are entitled now to receive Five hundred pounds, being in addition to One thousand pounds certified by me on the 30th January last, and also, that, as they have completed the works for warming the above Building, according to my Estimate for the same, included in the Statement submitted to the Board on the 1st July last, and amounting to one hundred and forty pounds, I recommend they should be paid that sum in addition.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedt and humble Servt
(signed) Decimus Burton
[to] Alexr Milne Esq
Office of Woods, Forests, &c.
c) Copy of letter D. Burton to A. Milne, 5th April 1832
Copy 6 Spring Garden
April 5th 1832
Sir,
I beg leave to transmit herewith an Account delivered by Mr Neeve amounting to Forty three pounds and nine shillings for superintending the erection of the Building in East Street, to contain Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine, and to state, I have examined the same and find it to be correct, according to an agreement bearing date the first of December 1831.
I have the honor to be Sir,
your most obedient and humble Servant
(signed) Decimus Burton
[To] Alexr Milne
Office of Woods, Forests, &c.
d) Minute of the Board of the Treasury 1st May 1832
[Record Missing]
e) Statement of Sums due [£683-9-0]
[As above]
f) Edward Ellice (Treasury) to Office of Woods, 9th May 1832
[See PRO Records of the Office of Woods &c.]
1832-9546
Mr Babbage requesting a further issue of £1701-10-51/2 on account of his Calculating Machine, dated 18th May 1832
Registered/Received 18th May 1832
Action: Refer to Treasury Auditors 21st May 1832 for an early report.
a) Babbage to Treasury, 18th May 1832
Sir,
By an account I delivered on the 23rd Febry relative to the expences of the Calculating Engine it appeared that the sum of £1701-10s-51/2d was due on the 31 Decber 1831 and that I had myself advanced £500 to Mr Clement. I have subsequently been obliged to advance £250 more. Allow me to request that you will be so good as to move the Lords of H.M. Treasury to direct the above sum of Seventeen hundred and one pounds ten shillings and five pence halfpenny to be issued to me.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your obdt Humble Servt
C. Babbage
Dorset St
Manchr Sq
18 May 1832
To the Honble J. Stewart
b) Babbage to J. Stewart, 18th May 1832
[Marked: Private]
Dear Sir
On referring to a copy of my letter of 23 Feb 1832 I find that I did request payment of the 1701-10-51/2.
I subsequently received a letter from Messrs Speer and Brooksbank stating as far as I can remember that there was a surplusage of about £500 but I have mislaid that letter.
Possibly I ought to have applied again after receiving it.
I enclose an application which I will thank you to employ if it is in the proper form.
I remain
My dear Sir
Your faithful Servt
C. Babbage
18 May 1832
Dorset St.
To the Honble J. Stewart
[Sealed with a copy of Babbage's seal: the symbol of the winged horse, Pegasus.]
1832-9862
Treasury Auditors (Speer and Brooksbank) on Letter from Mr Babbage requesting a further issue of money on account of the Calculating engine, dated 23rd May 1832.
Registered/Received 24 May 1832
Read 29th May 1832
Action: Mr Sargent to pay, Write to Mr Babbage
Cross referenced: 5123/32
a) Speer (and Brooksbank) to Treasury, 23rd May 1832
[Auditor's Report No. 27]
Treasury Chambers
23rd May 1832
My Lords
In pursuance of your Lordships directions we have had under our consideration a letter from Mr Babbage dated the 18th Inst requesting a further issue of Money on account of the Calculating Engine and have the honor to state that in the Report we submitted to your Lordships on the 10th March last on the last account rendered by Mr Babbage for this service, he was therein stated to be in Surplusage the Sum of £475-18-31/2 exclusive of the sum of £1,225-12-4 which remained payable to Mr Clements, the Engineer, on his Bill for Works to the Engine to the 31st Decr last, since the termination of which Account Mr Babbage acquaints your Lordships that he has paid to Mr Clements the Sum of £250 in further part discharge of the said Bill, leaving him in Surplusage at the present time the Sum of £725-18-31/2 and reducing the Sum payable to Mr Clements to £975-12-4 these Sums together amount to £1,701-10-71/2 which your Lordships may probably think proper to direct to be issued to Mr Babbage without account other than such as may be required by your Lordships Board unless it should be deemed more advisable to direct separate issues to be made for these Services, namely £725- 18-31/2 to Mr Babbage and £975-12-4 to Mr Clements.
We have the honor to be
My Lords
Your Lordships
most obedt Servants
W. Speer
Note:
The Bill of Mr Clements referr'd to in this report for works performed to the 31 Decr 1831 was produced upon the examination of the preceding amount of Mr Babbage for this Service duly certified by Messrs Donkin and Field to have been examined by them, dated 17 Feby 1832.
[To] The Lords Commissioners
of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Speer and Brooksbank to Babbage, 29th April 1832
[from British Library Add Ms 37186 f369]
29 April 1832 Treasury
Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank present their Compliments to Mr Babbage and having been directed by the Lords of the Treasury to examine his accounts for the Calculating Machine, they take leave to return to him enclosed herewith the document purporting to be Mr Clement's Receipt for the Sum of £1,956-5- 111/2 in order that the signature of Mr Clement may be attached thereto.
[the date 29 April 1833 appears here and also a note added by CB "21 Sep 1832 1956-5-111/2"]
c) Babbage to the Treasury Auditors, 1st May 1832
[from British Library Add Mss 37186 f372]
Mr Babbage presents his compliments to Messrs Speer and Brooksbank and encloses Mr Clements rec[eip]t for 1956-5- 111/2 which is now signed together with a letter from Mr C stating that the Omission was accidental and that the amount [deleted: money] was paid at the date of the rec[eip]t. Mr B is sorry to have given Messrs S & B this trouble and hopes that the nature of the Engine with which he is occupied will in some measure excuse him for not having perceived the deficiency in the rec[eip]t. [deleted: for the informality ...]
d) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 29th May 1832
6th Division
Let Mr Sargent pay to Mr Babbage out of money imprested to him for Civil Contingencies the sum of £1701-10-71/2 without account other than such as may be required by this Board to enable him to defray the Expences of the Calculating Engine.
Acqt Mr Babbage with the directions given.
[Initialled:] JS
1832-13451
Babbage to Treasury with copies of the correspondence respecting removal of his calculating machine to premises in East Street, dated 14th July 1832 with 4 enclosures.
Registered/Received 16th July 1832
Read 12th September 1832
Action: Write to Mr Babbage
Cross Reference: 33149[?]
a) Letter Babbage to Treasury, 14th July 1832
[see also British Library Add Ms 37187 f25]
Sir,
I enclose for the information of the Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury a copy of a letter I addressed on the 18 of May to Mr Clement requesting him to inform me what arrangements he considered necessary for the removal of the Calculating Engine to the premises in East Street, and also the reply of Mr Clement and its enclosures.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Humble Servt
C. Babbage
Dorset St
Manchester Sq.
14 July 1832
To the Honble James Stewart
[Watermarked: B&T SWEETAPPLE 1829]
[In pencil on verso: Mr Clement appears to me extravagent in his demands (signed) Althorp]
b) Letter Clement to Babbage, 6th July 1832, Memorandum No. 1
[from British Library Add Mss 37187 f4]
6th July 1832 Prospect Place Southwark
Sir,
In compliance with your request I enclose two memorandums relative to the arrangements which I think it will be necessary to make previous to my removing to East Street and carrying such of my tools as may be found convenient for the purpose of finishing the Calculating Machine.
I am Sir,
Your Obedt Servt
(signed) J Clement
To Charles Babbage Esq.
6th July 1832
Memorandum No. 1
Previous to removing my tools &c to the Premises in East Street I wish to have a lease of the premises for some certain time (say 2 3 or 4 years as may be determined upon) before the expiration of which, I shall not be required to quit the said Premises I must be allowed to carry on any other business on the said premises for which the tools I may have there may be adapted.
Expense of taking down Lathes Tools and Machinery in Prospect Place moving to East Street and fixing; taking down the said Lathes Tools &c. and removing them to Prospect Place, or wherever it may be found convenient at the expiration of the time specified in the Lease, efixing breakage, &c &c.
.... £350-0-0
Interest of money laid out on Furniture required for an additional House; and wear and tear of said furniture.
.... £130-0-0
Compensation for having a divided business, keeping up an extra Establishment, conveyance to and from East Street &c &c per annum.
.... £660-0-0
Besides something in consideration of Rent, Taxes, Rates, &c &c which I may have to pay for the premises in East Street.
(signed) Joseph Clement
6th July 1832
To Chas Babbage Esqre.
c) Letter Clement to Babbage, 6th July 1832, Memorandum 2
6th July 1832
Memorandum No.2
Alterations to House in East Street
Mr Clement wishes that the following alterations should be made in the House in East Street which would contribute much to the convenience of his family.
Attic:
To be divided into two rooms by a partition, this would require one new door.
To have two closets with Shelves, one on each side of the fire place.
To have a small window in the partition between the attic and Stair case.
Bell to Kitchen
2nd Floor:
Closet and shelves next the fire place
Window into stair Case and small door below it
Room to be papered
Bell to Kitchen
Front Room 1st Floor:
To be papered
The floor to be relaid as it is very uneven
A new chimney piece and stove grate.
Closet and shelves next window into Staircase
Window into Stair Case
Bell to Kitchen
Back Room
To be papered
Bell to Kitchen
Bell and knocker at inner House door
6th July 1832
To Chas Babbage Esqre
e) Copy of Letter Babbage to Clement 18 May 1832
[from British Library Add Mss 37186 f400]
Babbage to J. Clement to ask about the arrangements for his removal
Sir,
In compliance with instructions from the Treasury I have to request that you will inform me what arrangements you consider to be necessary for the removal to the new premises built by the Government in East Street and that you will endeavour to give an estimate of the probable expense of the removal.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Servt
C. Babbage
f) Speer and Brooksbank to CB
[from British Library Add Mss 37187 f40]
21st July 1832 Treasury
Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank present their compliments to Mr Babbage and if quite convenient to him, request that he will do them the favor to look in upon them at this office, on Monday, or Tuesday at any time between 1/2 past 10 and 1/2 past 3 on Either day -with the exception (on Tuesday only) of the interval between 1/2 past one and half past two.
[Note added by Babbage: Messrs Speer and Brooksbank to ask to see me at Treasury. Went Tuesday; talked about mode of arranging removal of Clement.]
g) H. Wickham to Babbage asking to see Babbage about Clement's Proposal, 1st September 1832
[From British Library Add Mss 37187 f106]
1 Sept 1832 Downing Street
My dear Sir,
I am very desirous of seeing you for a few minutes about the accounts delivered in for the machine. I am going out of town on Monday at 12 but if you could give me a rendezvous here tomorrow I should be very glad, or if you prefer it, I can come up to your house, but the earlier the better; If you are at home when this reaches you, pray be good enough to send an answer by the bearer, fixing time and place. If I cannot obtain to see you, Stewart will. Lord Althorp who has seen Clement's Bill thinks it is very extravagent and it is on that subject that I particularly wish to see you.
Most Truly
H. Wickham
My house is at 42 Charles Street
h) An Account of Sums issued on account of Mr Babbage's Calculating Engine
[Notes prepared by Treasury]
Issued prior to 21 March 1831, the date of the Royal Society's Report
£7096-17- 6
Issued at different times subsequently thereto
£3287-13- 1
Expense which the Commissrs of Woods &c. were authorised to incur in the erection of buildings for the reception of the Machine
£2598- 1- 0
Charge of Mr Clements, the Engineer remaining unliquidated
£1956- 5-11
the same having been incurred since 31 Decr 1831
[Total] £14938-17- 6
[less] 2598- 1- 0
[Net total] £12340-16- 6
i) Particulars of the proposal, or demand made by Mr Clement, the Engineer employed upon Mr Babbage's Engine upon its removal to East Street.
[Notes made by Treasury]
That he should have a short lease (say from 2 to 4 years) of the premises and not be liable to be removed till it expire.
That he should be allowed to carry on any other business upon the premises.
That he should be allowed for removing his Lathes and tools to East St. and from East Street at the expiration of the Term.
----------- £350-0-0
Allowance for interest of money expended in furniture and wear and tear.
----------- £130-0-0
[Subtotal] £480-0-0
Compensation for having a divided business including keeping up an extra establishment.
£480-0-0
and
£660-0-0 per annum
Something in consideration of Rent taxes &c. to which he will be liable.
In addition to above he requires alterations and additions to be made upon every floor in the house preparing in East Street.
j) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 12th September 1832
6th Divn
13451 Read
Write to Mr Babbage that My Lords have had under consideration the Memorandum drawn up by Mr Clements the Engineer whom he employs in constructing the Calculating Engine which was transmitted in Mr Babbage's letter of 14th July last in which paper Mr Clements gives an Estimate of the expence of removing the engine to the premises which have been erected for its reception, and also presses a personal claim for his own benefit on the ground of the loss and expence which [del: the removal] a change of residence will entail upon him. It appears by this memorandum that Mr Clements desires that a lease of the premises may be given to him for three or four years, and estimates the expense of removal at the sum of £350 in which sum is included the expense of a second removal and fixing of tools etc. at the expiration of the time specified in the lease. He presses also a personal claim for £130 for interest on Money laid out in his furniture, and for wear and tear of his furniture and requires various alterations to be made in the House in East Street for his accommodation. He also claims to himself an annuity from the Public of £660 per Annum with additions for rent, rates and taxes in East Street.
My Lords cannot but express their suprize that Mr Clements should have advanced so unreasonable and inadmissable a claim, which no doubt must have been quite unexpected by Mr Babbage, or he would have brought it under the notice of this Board when he recommended the removal of the Engine from Prospect Place to East Street, where a Building has been erected at a large Public expence. My Lords desire therefore that Mr Babbage will acquaint Mr Clements that his demand is considered by their Lordships unreasonable and inadmissable. My Lords are ready to defray the actual expense of the removal of the Engine and all the tools, not only the tools for which Government have paid, and which consequently are the property of the Public, but also all the tools and property which belong to Mr Clement which he may wish to remove to East Street. If any trifling alterations in the apartments in East Street are judged by the Board of Works to be reasonable for Mr Clement's accommodation My Lords will sanction the expenses of making them. They will also be ready to defray the expense of removing Mr Clement's property from East Street when the Engine is completed and they will take into consideration the propriety of indemnifying Mr Clements [del: for any actual loss he may ...] for any actual loss which it may be clearly shewn he shall have sustained by the injury of his property in the removal if it should be necessary for him to reside on the premises in East Street. But Mr Clement must recollect that £12340 of Public Money has been expended on the engine the greater part, if not the whole, of which sum has passed through his hands from which a very large amount of profit has accrued to him, and that his employment by Mr Babbage has constituted, and still continues to constitute, as My Lords are informed, the principal part of his business, and that he has not been restricted from using for his general business any tools for which the public have paid, and that the further expense of completing the engine will yield to him a considerable profit. Under these circumstances, My Lords cannot entertain Mr Clements claim for interest on the money laid out in furniture, and for wear and tear of it, or for any annuity or addition to the profit he derives upon his accounts.
My Lords would, however, suggest for Mr Babbage's consideration whether it would not be a more economical and at the same time not a materially inconvenient arrangement if Mr Clements were to continue to reside at his own house, in which case My Lords would not object to allow him two pounds per week to defray the expense of conveyance to and from East Street.
[Initialled:] JS
k) J. Stewart to Babbage, 14th September 1832
[from British Library Add Mss 37187 f134]
14th September 1832 Treasury Chambers
[Reg no.] 13451 12/9 6 Dv
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that My Lords have had under consideration the memorandum drawn up by Mr Clements the Engineer whom you employ in constructing the Calculating Engine which was transmitted in your letter of 14th July last in which paper Mr Clement gives an Estimate of the expense of removing the Engine to the premises which have been erected for its reception, and also presses a personal claim for his own benefit on the ground of the loss and expense which a change of residence will entail upon him.
It appears by this Memorandum that Mr Clement desires that a Lease of the Premises may be given to him for three or four years, and estimates the expense of removal at the sum of £350 in which sum is included the expense of a second removal and fixing of tools etc. at the expiration of the time specified in the lease. He presses also a personal claim for £130 for interest on Money laid out in his furniture, and for wear and tear of his furniture and requires various alterations to be made in the House in East Street for his accommodation.
He also claims to himself an annuity from the Public of £660 per Annum with additions for rent, rates and taxes in East Street.
My Lords cannot but express their suprize that Mr Clements should have advanced so unreasonable a claim, which no doubt must have been quite unexpected by you, or you would have brought it under the notice of this Board when you recommended the removal of the Engine from Prospect Place to East Street, where a Building has been erected at a large Public expense. My Lords desire therefore that you will acquaint Mr Clement that his demand is considered by their Lordships unreasonable and inadmissable. My Lords are ready to defray the actual expense of the removal of the Engine and all the tools, not only the tools for which Government have paid, and which consequently are the property of the Public, but also all the tools and property which belongs to Mr Clement which he may wish to remove to East Street. If any trifling alterations in the Apartments in East Street are judged by the Board of Works to be reasonable for Mr Clement's accommodation, My Lords will sanction the expenses of making them. They will also be ready to defray the expense of removing Mr Clement's property from East Street, when the Engine is completed, and they will take into consideration the propriety of indemnifying Mr Clements for any actual loss which it may be clearly shewn he shall have sustained by the injury of his Property in the removal, if it should be necessary for him to reside on the Premises in East Street. But Mr Clement must recollect that £12,340 of Public Money has been expended on the Engine, the greater part, if not the whole, of which sum has passed through his hands, from which a very large amount of profit has accrued to him, and that his employment by you has constituted, and still continues to constitute, as My Lords are informed, the principal part of his business, and that he has not been restricted from using for his general business any tools for which the public have paid, and that the further expense of completing the engine will yield to him a considerable profit. Under these circumstances, My Lords cannot entertain Mr Clement's Claim for interest on the money laid out in furniture, and for wear and tear of it, or for any Annuity or addition to the profit he derives upon his accounts, My Lords would, however, suggest for your consideration whether it would not be a more economical and at the same time not a materially inconvenient arrangement, if Mr Clements were to continue to reside at his own house, in which case My Lords would not object to allow him two pounds per week to defray the expense of conveyance to and from East Street.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servt
J. Stewart
1832-14777
Mr Babbage with Bill for Calculating Machine to 30th June 1832 and requesting issue of that amount of money, dated 4th August 1832.
Registered/Received 4th August 1832
Action: Refer to Treasury Auditors (15th August 1832)
a) Babbage to J. Stewart, 4th August 1832
[See also British Library Add Ms 37187 f67]
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit for the information of the Lords Comms of H.M. Treasury Mr Clement's bill for work done to the Calculating Engine up to the 30th of June 1832, examined and its correctness certified by Messrs Donkin and Field Engineers appointed for that purpose: and I have to request that you will move their Lordships to direct the issue of a sum of money to enable me to discharge the amount.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset St
Manchester Sq
4 Aug 1832
To the Honble James Stewart
[Enclosure missing]
b) Speer and Brooksbank to Babbage about Clement's receipt and acct of £1701-10-71/2
[from British Library Add Ms 37187 f77]
16th August 1832 Treasury Chambers
Mr Speer and Mr Brooksbank present their Compliments to Mr Babbage and with reference to his Letter to the Lords of the Treasury of the 4 Inst transmitting a further amount of Mr Clements for work performed to the Calculating Engine to the 30 June last, they take leave to state that it will be desireable he should transmit an Account to the Treasury in respect of the sum of £1701-10-71/2 directed by their Lordships on the 2d June last to be paid to him by Mr Sargent, accompanied with the Receipt of Mr Clement for the sum paid to him thereout.
c) Babbage to Messrs Speer and Brooksbank of the Treasury with Clement's Receipt for £1225-12-4, 17th August 1832
[from British Library Add Ms 37187 f79]
17 Aug 1832
Mr Babbage presents his compliments to Messrs Speer and Brooksbank and encloses the rec[eip]t of Mr Clement dated 9 June 1832 for £1225-12-4 which Mr B omitted in his letter to Mr Stewart of 2nd June last. This sum added to £475-18-31/2 which Mr Babbage was in surplusage as appears by Mr Stewart's letter of 3 April 1832 marked [Reg no.] 5123 30/3 amounts to £1701-10- 71/2 the sum directed to be issued to Mr B by the Lords of the Treasury on 16 Aug 1832.
1832-16205
Messrs Speer and Brooksbank's report to the Treasury on the account of Mr Charles Babbage in respect of the sum of £1701-10-7 paid to him by Mr Sargent on the 9th June 1832 on account of the Calculating Engine and relative to the payment of a further claim of £1956-5-111/2 for works performed by Mr Clement requested in 14777/32 above to the 30th June 1832. Report dated 20th August 1832.
Registered/Received 23rd August 1832
Read 1st Sept 1832
Action: Mr Sargent to pay, Write to Mr Babbage
a) Speer and Brooksbank to Treasury together with a statement of the account, 20th August 1832
Treasury Chambers
20th Augt 1832
My Lords,
Your Lordships having been pleased to refer to us the Bill of Mr Josh Clements, Engineer, transmitted to your Lordships by Mr Babbage in his Letter of the 4th Inst for Works performed for the Calculating Engine to the 30th June last, we have the honor to report that the same is certified in the usual manner by Messrs Donkin and Field and amounts to the Sum of £1956-5-111/2 and having received from Mr Babbage the receipt of Mr Clements for the sum of £1225-12-4 which remained payable to him to complete the discharge of his Bill for works to the Engine to the 1st Jany last as adverted to in our Report to your Lordships upon the former Account of Mr Babbage for this service of the 23d May last, we have prepared and take leave to enclose a statement of the Account of Mr Babbage in respect of the Sum of £1701-10- 7 paid to him by Mr Sargent pursuant to your Lordships directions on the 9th June last to satisfy the following Services namely,
Amount in Surplusage on the Account of Mr Babbage for the Calculating Engine as stated in our Report to your Lordships of the 23d May last £475-18-3
Amount remaining due to Mr Clements, Engineer, for works performed for the Calculating Engine to the 1st Jany last
£1225-12-4
£1701-10-7
Upon which account Mr Babbage is Even and Quit and we submit that it may be proper your Lordships should give such directions regarding the payment of the present Bill of mr Clements for Works to the Engine to the 30th June last amounting as before stated to £1956-5-11 as your Lordships may deem fit and proper.
We have the honor to be
My Lords
your Lordships
most obedt Servants
W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank
To the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Statement of the Account of Charles Babbage Esqr in respect of the sum of £1701-10-7 paid to him by Mr Sargent on the 9th June last, pursuant to your Lordship's directions, on account of Expenses for the Calculating Engine.
-----
Charge
The Sum paid to the Accountant by William Sargent Esq on the 9th June for this Service
£1701-10-7
Discharge
The Amount in Surplusage on the former Account for this Service upon which we submitted a Report to your Lordships on the 23d May last
£475-18-3
The sum paid to Joseph Clements, Engineer, to complete the discharge of his Bill for works to the Engine to the 1st Jany last
£1225-12-4
[Total] £1701-10-7
Accountant Even and Quit
(signed) W. Speer
Treasury Chambers
20th Augt 1832
(signed) Stamp Brooksbank
c) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 1st September 1832
6th Division 1st Sheet
Read 16205 1st September 1832
Let Mr Sargent pay to Mr Babbage out of money imprested to him for Civil Contingencies the sum of £1956-5-111/2 without account other than such as may be required by this Board to enable him to defray the Expenses of the Calculating Engine.
Acquaint Mr Babbage with the directions given.
[Initialled:] JS
d) Treasury to Babbage, 7th September 1832
[from British Library Add Mss 37187 f125]
7th Sep 1832 Treasury Chambers
[Reg no.] 16205 1/9 6:Divn
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury the Bill of Mr Thos Clements Engineer, transmitted in your letter of 14th Ulto, for works performed for the Calculating Engine to 30th June last. I have it in command to acquaint you that My Lords have directed Mr Sargent of this Office to pay to you the sum of £1956-5-11 1/2 to enable you to defray the expenses of the Calculating Engine.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servt
J. Stewart
1833-6049
Mr Chas. Babbage to Treasury detailing certain difficulties between himself and Mr Clement in regard to the Calculating Machine, dated 28th March 1833.
Registered/Received 29 March 1833
Cross Reference: 5123/32
a) Babbage to J. Stewart marked Private 28th March 1833
My dear sir
I find I can do nothing with Mr Clement not even get a written answer to my letter.
I have tried in vain for many months.
Under these circumstances I have written the letter No. 2 but I should be glad to put it under any other form that you may think expedient.
In the mean time the Engine does not go on.
I will call on you at any time you can find convenient.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
C. Babbage
Dorset St
Manch Sq.
28 March 1833
b) Babbage to J. Stewart, 28th March 1833
[see also British Library Add Mss f458]
No. 2
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 14th Septr 1832 in which you convey to me the observations of the Lords Commrs of H.M. Treasury upon the demands of Mr Clement for removing with his tools to the buildings in East Street for the purpose of completing the Calculating Engine I have to state that I was perfectly unprepared by any previous circumstances for a demand which appeared to me so extravagant -that on the receipt of that letter I immediately wrote to Mr Clement to acquaint him with the view taken by their Lordships -that I have conferred with him repeatedly upon the subject of removing the Engine and the Drawings and such tools as may be necessary for its completion to the fireproof buildings in East Street -that I have urged him to reply to that letter and that ultimately he has refused even to write a letter to me to state that he declines giving me any answer.
In my last interview with Mr Clement, I stated that I should wait a few days before I communicated on the subject with the Lords Commrs of H.M. Treasury in the expectation that on further consideration he would write to me.
At that interview he asked for payment of his last bill to Decr 1832 and stated that he could not carry on the construction of the Engine much longer without a further supply of money. I replied that I should forward his account to the Treasury with an application for its payment and that on receiving the amount I should immediately pay it over to him but that in future I should not make any advance from my own private means as he was well aware I had hitherto been in the habit of doing. I have received no answer as to the question of the removal, but I have received a letter from Mr Clement in which he informs me, that he has given notice to the workmen employed on the Calculating Engine, that he shall not employ them after this week as there is a misunderstanding respecting it.
Under these circumstances I have to request that the Lords Commrs of HM Treasury will be pleased to give me instructions how I am to proceed.
Whilst it is my painful duty to communicate to their Lordships these difficulties, I am happy to state that I have had a portion of the Engine amounting to fifteen figures or about one eighth [del: part] of the Calculating part completely put together so as to form a small engine. -that I have removed this to my own house so that the danger of total loss of the Engine from fire is much diminished, and that from the experience of this portion [del: that] which I have had during three months, I feel perfectly satisfied with the manner it makes the calculations for which it was intended.
I have the honor to be Sir
your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset St Manchr Sq
28 March 1833
To the Honble James Stewart
c) Copy of letter from Clement to Babbage, 26th March 1833
[See also British Library Add Mss 37187 f453]
26th March 1833, 31 St Georges Road Southwark
Sir,
After what passed between you and I on Wednesday last respecting settling my account. You then said that you could not pay me as you had not received the money from Government: I said that I had nothing to do with Government respecting the Calculating Machine -that you were the only person that had given me any orders respecting the calculating machine -that you were the only person I had made my accounts out to and the only person who had paid my accounts that you were responsible to me for all expence incurred on the machine up to the present time - and that it would be impossible for me to proceed much further without money. Your answer was that for the future you would never advance or pay me a single shilling on your own account respecting the machine.
Now after that declaration I do not think that I should be justified in proceeding any further with the calculating machine until some one is made responsible to me for the work that may be done hereafter. I therefore gave notice the following morning to all men employed on the calculating machine that I should not be able to employ them after this week as there was a misunderstanding between you and me. Now if it be a misunderstanding I hope for the sake of my men and the machine that you will be pleased to take the earliest opportunity of arranging things in a more satisfactory manner.
I remain,
Dear Sir
Your Obedient Servant
Joseph Clement
PS I should have written to you sooner had my health permitted
To C. Babbage Esqe.
1833-6050
Mr C Babbage with Mr Clement's Account for the Calculating Engine and requesting an issue for payment thereof, dated 28th March 1833
Registered/Received 29th March 1833
Action: Refer to Treasury Auditors 23rd April 1833
a) Babbage to Treasury, 28th March 1833
[See also British Library Add Ms 37187 f456]
Sir,
I enclose for the information of the Lords Commrs of H.M Treasury Mr Clements receipt for 1956-5-111/2 for work done to the Calculating Engine up to the 30th June 1832 and also his account of charges for continuing the construction of the Calculating Engine up to the 29th December 1832.
This account has been examined and approved by Messrs Donkin and Field the Engineers, appointed for that purpose by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
May I request you to move their Lordships to direct the issue of that sum for the payment of Mr Clement's bill.
I have the Honor to be
Your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset St.
[del: 27] 28 March 1833
To the Honble James Stewart
[In pencil: returned to Mr Babbage 29 Ap 33 for Mr Clements' signature]
b) Statement of Account to 29th Dec 1832 £1782-11-41/4: examined articles Feby 8th, examined account Feby 20th: signed Donkin and Field.
1833-6570
Commissioners of Woods, etc. to Treasury for an amount to pay the expenses of the erection of the building for Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine [total expended £2452-3-6], dated 4th April 1833.
Registered/Received 4th April 1833
Read 4th April 1833
Action: Write to Commissioners of Woods, Etc.
a) Office of Woods etc (H.H. Seward) to Treasury (A.G. Spearman): Total Amount spent £2190-13-6 or estimated total when complete £2452-3-6 for building works, 2nd April 1833
Office of Woods
2 April 1833
My Dear Sir,
I should have replied to your enquiry respecting the Building for Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine before but have only just got some of the particulars from Mr Decimus Burton, the Architect, who states that the works are not quite completed the machine not being in a state to be fixed up. The account now stands as follows:-
Paid by me as Cashier of the Office of Work
£1000- 0- 0
Ditto The Commissioners of Woods
£1086-15- 7
[Subtotal] £2086-15- 7
Bill etc forwarded to this Office by Mr D. Burton
£103-17-11
[Subtotal] £2190-13- 6
Probable amount to complete the Works (as stated by Mr D. Burton)
£261-10- 0
[Total] £2452- 3- 6
If it required that the Account should be stated in a more official form have the goodness to let me know and it shall be done.
Yours Truly
Henry Hake Seward
I return your the rough minute which you sent me with your note.
[To] A.G. Spearman Esq.
b) Minute of Board of Treasury: Commissioners of Woods, etc to repay the sum of £1000 advanced from Civil Contingencies fund, dated 4th April 1833.
4th Division 1st Sheet
My Lords read again their Minute of 10 July 1832 describing the issue from Civil Contingencies of £1000 to the Cashier of the Office of Woods as an imprest to enable him to make a payment on account of the Building then Erecting to receive the Machine invented by Mr Babbage.
The charge for that Building having been provided from the Estimates for Public Works and Buildings the issue of £1000 should be repaid from that Grant to Civil Contingencies.
Write therefore to the Coms of Woods and desire they will repay the Sum of £1000 to Mr Sargent out of monies issued to them from the Grants of Parliament, and Let Mr Sargent receive the same and carry it to the Credit of Civil Contingencies.
[Note: minute copied for Mr Sargent May 22]
c) Treasury to the Commissioners of Woods &c. re payment to Mr. Sargent of £1000 paid for Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine dated 6th April 1833
[from T25/16 f443]
6570 4/4
My Lord and Gentn
With reference to the Imprest made to the cashier of the Office of Works of the Sum of £1000 to enable him to make a payment on account of the Building then erecting to receive the Calculating Machine invented by Mr Babbage I am commanded by the Lords &c. to acquaint you that the charge for that Building having been provided for in the Estimate for Public Works and Buildings the said sum should be repaid from that Grant to Civil Contingencies, and I am to desire that you will repay the said sum to Mr Sargent of this office accordingly.
6th April 1833 J. Stewart
1833-9626
Speer and Brooksbank to the Treasury on the Account of Mr C. Babbage in respect of the sum of £1956-5-11 paid to him by Mr Sargent on the 20th Septr last on account of the Calculating Engine and on the subject of a further Bill of £1782-11-4 for works performed by Mr Clements for the Engine to 31st Decr 1832, dated 7th May 1833. [See 6050/1833].
Registered 17th May 1833
Read 24 May 1833 and 13th August 1833
Action: Write to Mr Babbage
Cross referenced: 2043/34
a) Speer and Brooksbank to Treasury, 7th May 1833 with a statement of the Account.
Treasury Chambers
7th May 1833
My Lords,
Your Lordships having been pleased to refer to us the Bill of Mr Joseph Clements, Engineer, transmitted to your Lordships by Mr Babbage in his letter of the 23rd March last for works performed to the Calculating Engine to the 31st Decr last, we have the honor to report that the same is certified in the usual manner by Messrs Donkin and Field and amounts to the Sum of £1,782-11-4 and having receiv'd from Mr Babbage the receipt of Mr Clements for the Sum of £1956-5-11 being the amount of his Bill for works to the Engine to the 30th June last we have prepared and take leave to enclose a Statement of the Account of Mr Babbage in respect of the said sum of £1956-5-11 which was paid to him by Mr Sargent pursuant to your Lordships directions on the 20th Septr last, upon which Account Mr Babbage is Even and Quit.
With reference to your Lordships Minute of the 12th Septr last on the subject of the removal of the Engine from the residence of Mr Clements in Prospect Place to the premises in East Street which under your Lordships direction have at a considerable expence been prepared and rendered Fire proof for its reception and security and with reference also to the recent communication made to your Lordships by Mr Babbage upon this subject from which it appears that the greater part of the Engine still remains in the possession of Mr Clements at his House in Prospect Place and further that from some misunderstanding on the part of Mr Clements the whole of the works for the completion thereof have been suspended since the beginning of March last, under these circumstances we take leave to submit for your Lordship's consideration the propriety of delaying the payment of the present Bill of Mr Clements for works to the Engine to the 31st Decr last until your Lordships shall be satisfied that the several parts of the Engine which have already been completed have been carefully and securely deposited in the premises in East Street under the custody of Mr Babbage.
We have the honor to be
My Lords
your Lordships
most obedt Servants
W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank
Statement of the Account of Charles Babbage Esqr in respect of the sum of £1,956-5-11 paid to him by Mr Sargent on the 20th Septr last, pursuant to your Lordships directions, on account of Expenses for the Calculating Engine
Charge
The Sum paid to the Accountant by William Sargent Esqr on the 20th Septr last for this Service
£1956-5-11
Discharge
the Sum paid to Joseph Clements, Engineer, in discharge of his Bill for Works to the Engine to the 30th June 1832, as certified by Messrs Donkin and Field
£1956-5-11
Accountant Even and Quit
(Signed) W. Speer
Stamp Brooksbank
Treasury Chambers
7th May 1833
1833-9883
Mr Chas. Babbage requesting that all future issues on account of his Calculating Machine may not pass thro' his hands dated 20th May 1833. vide 9626/1833.
Registered/Received 21st May 1833
Read 24th May 1833 and 30th August 1833
a) Babbage to J. Stewart, 20th May 1833
[See also British Library Add Ms 37187 f539]
[Mem[orandum note ] [on reverse] - This letter was sent one week after I had rec'd Mr Clements letter. I had in the mean time been twice to the Treasury and had been unsuccessful in finding Mr Stewart at leisure.
C.B.]
Sir,
I enclose for the information of the Lords Coms of H.M. Treasury a copy of a letter from Mr Clement requesting to be allowed to proceed with the construction of the Calculating Engine.
I wish to explain to their Lordships the reason why I am anxious that the future payments should not pass through my hands.
The circumstance of sums of money appearing in the annual estimates as issued to me for the construction of the Calculating Engine, has given rise to an opinion that I have received that money as payment for my services in constructing that Engine, whereas in point of fact I have merely paid over the money the money so received to the persons employed in making it.
I am Sir
Your Obdt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
Dorset St.
Manch Sq.
20 May 1833
To The Honble James Stewart
Treasury
b) Copy of Letter Clement to Babbage, 13th May 1833
[See also British Library Add Mss 37187 f534]
[In pencil: Register and return to Mr Stewart]
In CB's handwriting
13 May 1833, 31 Prospect Place Southwark
Sir,
As several difficulties have presented themselves in the removal of my Establishment to East Street, and as I am anxious to finish the Calculating Machine, I beg to be allowed to proceed with it under your direction as heretofore at my own Manufactory, the parts as finished being removed to the Fire Proof room in East Street. I shall therefore feel obliged by your returning my letter and memorandums of July last proposing terms of removal etc etc.
As you have expressed a great reluctance at having the Accounts passed through your hands I shall feel obliged to you if you could obtain the permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury that in future those payments be made to me direct.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Servt
Joseph Clement
c) Minute of Treasury 24th May 1833
6th Division 1 sheet
9626}
9883} Read &c.
Write to Mr Babbage acquainting him that my Lords have caused Mr Clement's accounts for charges and expences in constructing the Calculating Engine to the 31 Dec 1832 to be examined in their Lordship's Offices. My Lords have also had under consideration Mr Babbage's Letter of the 20th May 1833 requesting that the payments due to Mr Clements should in future be [del: paid] made to him direct and not thro' the medium of Mr Babbage and transmitting a letter from Mr Clements requesting that he may be permitted to complete the Engine at his own Premises and remove the several parts [del: being removed] as they are finished, to the new Fire Proof Building in East Street under the charge of Mr Babbage. And my Lords have to acquaint Mr Babbage that they approve of the plan for completing the engine suggested by Mr Clements and request that Mr Babbage will cause all the drawings not in use and every part of the Engine to be removed to the Fire Proof Building under his own charge at the earliest period after each part [del: it] is completed and my Lords further request Mr Babbage to acquaint Mr Clements that they will direct future payments to be made to him direct, and that as soon as they shall be informed that all the drawings not in use and all the Parts of the Engine which can be removed without preventing the progress of the Work, have been deposited in the [del: new] fire proof Building, My Lords will direct payment to be made of Mr Clements' accounts to 31 Dec 1832 and give authority for proceeding with the work.
[Initialled:] JS
d) Babbage to J. Stewart, 20th May 1833 (2nd Letter)
My dear Sir,
I think it expedient that something like the following directions should be given to Mr Clement.
1. That all the drawings not required at Mr. C's establishment should be removed to the fire-proof building in East Street.
2. That the drawings necessary for the engine should be completed as soon as possible.
3. That all the parts of the Engine now partly executed should be finished as soon as the nature of the work will admit, and be removed to the fire-proof building.
It is important to press strongly on Mr Clement the necessity of dispatch -on account of the danger from fire -the great outlay of public money -Perhaps the inconvenience to myself might be hinted at although I think this would have little influence in his mind.
I remain My dear Sir
Yours faithfully
C. Babbage
to the Honble James Stewart
1833-14368
Mr Joseph Clement's proposals for continuing work on Mr Babbage's Calculating Machine and for payment of his accounts dated 22nd July 1833.
Registered/Received 23rd July 1833
Read 13th August 1833
Action: Write to Mr Clement and Mr Babbage, Mr Sargent to pay.
a) Joseph Clement to the Lords of the Treasury 22nd July 1833
[see also British Library Add Ms 37188 f16]
Joseph Clement to the Right Honorable Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury
My Lords
I hope you will excuse the humble individual who has taken the liberty of addressing you on the following subjects, having been employed by Mr Chas Babbage for a considerable time in Designing Drawing and Executing several parts of a Machine which is intended for Calculating Mathematical Tables, hitherto Mr Babbage is the only person that has given me any instructions respecting the Machine, the only person that has paid my Accounts, and the only person that I have delivered any part of the Machine to and hitherto I have looked upon him as the only person responsible to me for the work done.
In April 1830 it was then agreed upon by Mr Babbage and myself that Mr Maudslay and Mr Donkin should be requested to examine the several parts of the Machine and the Account and to abide by their decision; their Report was that the work as far as finished was satisfactory, and the charge reasonable, and that Mr Babbage was to settle it up to that time, which he did; It was also arranged that my Account was to be made up every three months, and that Mr Maudslay and Mr Donkin was to examine the work done to the Calculating Machine from the previous settlement and also the Account, and when examined Mr Babbage was to pay me the money up to that time, and that no part of the Money was to be witholden from me till the Completion of the Machine, and that I was to execute under Mr Babbages direction the several parts of the Machine to the best of my ability. Having the misfortune to lose my friend Mr Maudslay, I was requested by Mr Babbage to appoint some other person on my behalf. I applied to Mr Joshua Field and he had the goodness to say that he would undertake the task which had been allotted to Mr Maudslay, and to which Mr Babbage acquiesced. On the 8th February 1833 Mr Donkin and Mr Field (at my request) called upon me to examine the several parts of the calculating machine which had been executed since the 30th June 1832 (up to which time the Account had been regularly settled); after having examined the parts which are in my possession we proceeded to Mr Babbage, to examine a small part of the Calculating Machine which I had put together and delivered to Mr Babbage at his request. After having examined the several parts of the Machine they then examined the Combinations, the Actions and the result of several trials of the Machine to which they and Mr Babbage expressed themselves perfectly satisfied. On the 20th February they finished the examination of the Account and I presented it to Mr Babbage on the following day; his answer was that he would not present my Account to Government unless I would give him some other proposition for my removal to East Street. I told him the very great inconvenience that I should be put to, made me decline going there altogether. On the 20th March Mr Babbage called upon me and wished to know if I was going to make any proposition for my removal to East Street. My answer was that I wished to decline it. I then pressed Mr Babbage for a settlement of my Account, his answer was that he had got no Money, as he had not yet presented the Account to Government. I told him that hitherto I had no communication or dealing with Government respecting the Calculating Machine and that I looked upon him as the only responsible person; his answer was, that for the future he would never advance or pay me a single shilling. I then said Mr Babbage am I to understand you from that declaration that you wish to stop all further proceedings with the Machine for that was the most effectual plan; his answer was that he had no authority; I asked him if the Machine was his property or the property of Government; his answer was that he had no authority to answer that question. Now after that declaration that he would neither be responsible himself for the work that might be done hereafter to the Machine, nor let me know whose property the Machine was, I do not think I should have been justified in proceeding any further with the Calculating Machine until my Account was settled and someone was made responsible for the work done hereafter. On the 26th March I sent a letter to Mr Babbage giving him to understand that unless some arrangement was made I should be under the necessity of stopping the work at the end of the Week March 30th; no arrangement being made the Work was accordingly stopped.
About the beginning of May I was given to understand by Mr Babbage and also by Mr Donkin and Mr Field that it is your Lordship's intention to exonerate Mr Babbage from the payment of my Account, that is, for the Materials and work done to the several parts of the Calculating Machine since the 30th June 1832. On the following Conditions that is when all the Drawings not in use, and all the parts of the Calculating Machine which can be removed without preventing the progress of the Work, have been deposited in the Fireproof Building in East Street your Lordships will direct payment to be made of my Account to the 31st December 1832 and which Account I was given to understand by Mr Babbage had been laid before your Lordships, but I informed Mr Babbage previous to removing the several parts of the Machine to the Fireproof Buildings that proper preparations should be made for receiving them, and that it would be more convenient for Mr Donkin and Mr Field to examine the several parts of the Machine which had been executed since the 31st December 1832 previous to their removal, and that I was very anxious to have a complete settlement up to the present time. Mr Babbage informed me that he would call on Mr Field on his return home; and write to Mr Donkin and request them to take an early opportunity of examining my Account etc. Mr Donkin and Mr Field called on me the following week and requested me to write to your Lordships and state my propositions. I then asked them to have the goodness to examine my Account etc so that we might have a complete understanding up to that time; their answer was, that I was putting them to a great deal of inconvenience, that I was taking up a considerable portion of their time for which they were not receiving any remuneration, that it was altogether an unpleasant undertaking and that they were tired of it, but they at last agreed to examine my Account &c in the course of two or three days, but I have not yet seen them. I should have written to your Lordships before this time, but being anxious to have a complete understanding and Settlement with Mr Babbage up to the present time, I hope that your Lordships will have no objection to the following proposition;
That is, as it will require some time to make preparations in the Fireproof Building for the reception of the drawings and the several parts of the calculating machine, and that as Mr Babbage ought to have settled my Account up to the 31st December 1832 upwards of Four Months ago I hope your Lordships will be pleased to direct the payment of it on the Receipt of this Letter.
And I would respectfully suggest to your Lordships that as Mr Donkin and Mr Field find it inconvenient to examine my Account and the several parts of the Calculating Machine which has been executed between the 31st December 1832 and the 30th March 1833, that two other Engineers may be appointed in their stead, and that as soon as the Machine and the Account are Examined, and such parts of the Calculating Machine and drawings as can be removed without preventing the progress of the work are deposited in the Fireproof Building in East Street, I hope your Lordships will then be pleased to direct the payment of my Account up to that time.
I further beg to inform your Lordships pleasure to direct me to proceed with the Calculating Machine under the direction of Mr Chs. Babbage as hitherto, that I am willing to undertake it on the following understanding; that is, that I will execute the several parts of the Calculating Machine at my own Manufactory in Prospect Place Southwark under the directions of Mr Chs. Babbage and when certain parts are finished and examined by the Engineers, I will remove them to the Fireproof Building in East Street, and when the several parts are completed I will put the whole together in the Fireproof Building in East Street.
That two Engineers (one chosen and paid for by each party) be appointed to examine the progress of the several parts of the Machine with the Accounts once every three Months.
That when the Account and such parts of the Calculating Machine as may have been executed since the previous Account have been examined and signed, that the payment thereof shall be a complete settlement between all parties up to that time. But should the two Engineers not agree in their opinion, they shall be authorized to appoint another Engineer as referee.
That the said Engineers are to complete the Examination of the Calculating Machine and of the Account within one Month of the date that the Account is made up to, and if not examined and signed within that time, that I shall be legally justified (as if the Account had been Signed) in presenting the said Account to his Majesty's Treasury for payment, and that such payment be made to me within two Months of the date of the Account. And that no part of the Money shall be witholden from me until the completion of the Calculating Machine.
That should any part of the Machine which may be in my possession be destroyed by Fire, I will not be bound to replace it again at my own Expence.
I am
Your Lordships
Most Obedt Hble Servant
Joseph Clement
No. 31 Prospect Place
Southwark
1833-14836
Mr Babbage on the subject of the removal of the drawings and finished parts of the Calculating Engine into the Fire proof Building dated 29th July 1833.
Registered/Received 30th July 1833
Read 13th August 1833
Action: Write to Mr Clement & Mr Babbage, Mr Sargent to Pay.
a) Copy of Letter J. Clement to Babbage, 22nd July 1833
[See also British Library Add Ms 37188 f14]
Sir,
In answer to your Letter of the 31st May I beg to inform you that I have this day sent a letter to the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, begging to be informed if it is their Lordship's pleasure to exonerate you from the payment of my Account respecting the Calculating Machine up to the 30th March 1833.
Although I have made a proposition to their Lordships for the payment of the said Account, and should their Lordships agree to my proposition, I most respectfully beg to inform you Mr Babbage that I do not mean to exonerate you from the payment of my Account, until the whole of it has been paid to me; And should any part of the Machine which may be in my possession be destroyed by Fire, I will not be bound to replace it again at my own Expence.
I am Sir
Your most Obedt Hble Servt
Joseph Clement
b) Babbage to Treasury, 29th July 1833
[See also British Library Add Ms 37188 f20]
Sir,
On the receipt of your letter of the 29th of May I communicated by letter to Mr Clement the instructions I had recd from the Lords Comm of HM Treasury respecting the removal of the drawings and finished parts of the Calc. Engine to the fireproof buildings in East Street and on the following day I had a conversation with him upon that subject.
This conversation was so unsatisfactory that I requested him when he had reconsidered the subject to write] communicate his views by letter. Since that time I have repeatedly urged him to reply to my letter of the 31st May -and I have now received his answer a copy of which I enclose for the information of their Lordships Mr C has not communicated to me the proposition for the future construction of the Engine which he informs me he has submitted to their Lordships.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your obdt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
To the Honble J. Stewart
29 July 1833
c) Babbage to J. Stewart marked 'Private' 29th July 1833
My dear Sir,
I shall be happy when you have the leisure to call at the Treasury and put you more fully into possession of the present state of my intractible engineer. Mr Donkin and Mr Field have at my request seen him but they are equally displeased [del: with] as myself with him.
I am My dear Sir
Yours Truly
C. Babbage
Dorset St.
29 July 1833
d) Minute of Board of the Treasury, 13th August 1833
6th Division 1st and 2nd Sheets
14368}
14836} Read &c.
9626 Read again the report of the Treasury Auditors of the 7th May last by which it appears that the sum of £1782-11-4 is due to Mr Clement for carrying on the construction of the Engine to 31 Dec/32.
As it now appears that the work [del: has] proceeded until the 30th March 1833 and that a further payment will consequently become due to Mr Clement in addition to the Sum of £1782-11-4 there is no objection to the payment of that sum to Mr Clement before the Drawings and completed Part of the Engine are removed to the Fire-Proof Building.
My Lords are therefore pleased to direct Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Clement the sum of £1782-11-4 to discharge his account to 31 Decr 1832 out of money in his Hands on account of Civil Contingencies.
Write accordingly to Mr Clement and Acqt him that my Lords acquiesce in his proposal that such parts of the Machine and Drawings as can be removed without preventing the progress of the Work should be placed forthwith in the Fireproof Building, and whenever they shall be there deposited my Lords will direct the payment of his account when properly examined to the 30th March 1833.
Also inform Mr Clement with respect to his proposal to employ other persons to examine his accts in the place of Mr Donkin and Mr Field that my Lords would regret that the Public should lose the valuable services so liberally afforded by those Gentlemen.
Transmit copy of mr Clements' letter of the 22nd July 1833 to Mr Babbage together with a copy of this Minute requesting him to take such measures as may be necessary for the Removal of the Drawings and completed Parts of the Machine to the Fire Proof Building.
[Initialled:] JS
d) Treasury to Babbage 13th August 1833
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f28]
Copy of Treasury Minute dated 13th August 1833
[Reg No.] 14368
Read a Memorial from Mr Joseph Clement dated 22nd Ulto on the subject of the Calculating Engine which he is constructing under the superintendence of Mr Chas. Babbage, in which he complains of the non-payment of his Account and submits certain propositions under which he is willing to continue the Work.
[Reg. No.] 14836
Read also a letter from Mr Charles Babbage dated 29th Ulto on the subject of the removal of the different parts of His Calculating Engine to the fireproof Building in East Street.
[Reg. No.] 9626
Read again the Report of the Treasury Auditors of the 7th May last by which it appears that the sum of £1782-11-4 is due to Mr Clement for carrying on the construction of the Engine to 31 December 1832.
As it now appears that the work proceeded until the 30th March 1833 and that a further payment will consequently become due to Mr Clement in addition to the sum of £1,782-11-4 there is no objection to the payment of that Sum to Mr Clement before the Drawings and completed part of the Engine are removed to the fireproof Buildings.
My Lords are therefore pleased to direct Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Clement the sum of £1782-11-4 to discharge his Account to 31st December 1832 out of Money in his hands on account of Civil Contingencies.
Write accordingly to Mr Clement and acquaint him that such parts of the Machine and Drawings as can be removed without preventing the progress of the Work should be placed forthwith in the fireproof Building and whenever they shall be there deposited My Lords will direct the payment of his Account when properly examined to 30th March 1833.
Also inform Mr Clement that, with respect to his proposal to employ other persons to examine his Accounts in the place of Mr Donkin and Mr Field, My Lords would regret that the Public should lose the valuable services so liberally afforded by those Gentlemen.
d) Treasury to Babbage, 17th August 1833
[See also British Library Add Ms 37188 f29]
17 Aug 1833, Treasury Chambers
[Reg. Nos.] 14368, 14836 and 9626; [Date] 13/8/[1833]
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to transmit herewith a Memorial from Mr Clement of the 22nd Ulto on the subject of the Calculating Machine which he is constructing under your superintendence together with a copy of the Minutes of this Board of the 13th Inst thereon, and I am to request you will take such measures as may be necessary for the removal of the Drawings and completed parts of the Machine to the Fire Proof Building.
I am
Sir
Your obedient Serv.
J.Stewart
Treasury Chambers
17th August 1833
1834-2043
Joseph Clement requesting that some measures be adopted for the Examination of his accounts in regard to the Calculating Machine, and for a settlement of his claim, dated 30 January 1834.
Registered/Received 30th January 1834
Read 4 February 1834
Action: Write to Mr Babbage
a) Clement to Treasury 30th January 1834
[See also British Library Add Ms 37188 f186]
30 January 1834
Sir,
I beg to inform you that I have completed the preparation for the removal of the several parts of the Calculating Machine to the Fireproof Building in East Street.
But as my Account and those parts of the Calculating Machine which have been executed between the 31 December 1832 and the 30th March 1833 are not yet examined, and as it will be more convenient to examine them previous to their being packed up -I therefore beg of your Honor to have the goodness to make some arrangement for the above purpose and also a complete settlement up to the present time.
As soon as the above mentioned parts are examined I will remove the whole of the Calculating Machine, Drawings, and Patterns, to the Fire proof Building in East Street.
And I further request that your Honor will appoint a person, to examine and see that the several parts of the Calculating Machine (as described in the several Accounts) are delivered.
I am etc
Joseph Clement
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury 4th February 1834
Transmit copy of this letter to Mr Babbage requesting him to apply to Mr Donkin and Mr Field to examine such parts of the calculating engine as they have not already examined and as regards the last passage in Mr Clements letter my Lords connive that Mr Babbage will satisfy himself of the due delivery at the new building of the several parts of the engine and give Mr Clements a sufficient assurance the re of.
[Initialled:] JS 6th Division
c) Treasury to Babbage, 8th February 1834
[see also British Library Add Ms 37188 f198]
8 Feb 1834, Treasury Chambers
[Reg.No.] 2043 4/2
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from Mr Joseph Clement dated 30th Ulto respecting the Calculating Machine, and I am to request you will apply to Mr Donkin and Mr Field to examine such parts of the calculating engine as they have not already examined. And as regards the last passage in Mr Clement's letter, My Lords conceive that you will satisfy yourself of the due delivery at the new Building of the several parts of the engine and give Mr Clement sufficient assurance thereof.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servt
J. Stewart
d) Letter Babbage to Treasury, 10th February 1834
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f199]
10th Feb 1834
Sir,
[Deleted: With reference to] The removal of the Calculating Engine to the Fireproof building in East St which will shortly take place renders it [deleted: necessary] right that I should point out to the Lds Com of H. M. Treasury that it is necessary both for the building as well as for the drawings and machinery that [deleted: it should] proper fires should be [deleted: constantly] kept up [deleted: and]. It is also [deleted: preferable] desireable that a small quantity of furniture should be provided for the Calculating room and that the [deleted: rates] parish rates should be paid and the buildings be under the care of proper persons. May I therefore request you to acquaint their Lordship[s] with these circumstances in order that they may [deleted: and direct that the ...] give such directions in the subject as they may deem necessary.
I am Sir
Your very Obdt Humble Servt
CB
e) Letter Babbage to Treasury, 10th February 1834
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f200]
10 Feb 1834
Babbage to the Honble J. Stewart marked 'Private'
My dear Sir,
I have seen Mr Mylne on the subject of the building in East St from whom I understand nothing more is necessary that the Woods and Forests should receive an order from the Treasury [deleted: inform..] directing them them to take charge of the building etc. and informing them from what fund the payment is to come which might either be from the civil contingencies or from the ordinary revenues of the Woods and Forests.
The furniture required would be a few chairs and tables and tools a carpet some mats and lamp glasses [deleted: shade].
I enclose a letter [deleted: which if it is ...] respecting it.
I am
My dear Sir
Yours faithfully
C.B.
1834-13850
Mr Babbage apprizing the Board [of Treasury] of the Drawings &c. of the Calculating Machine having been all deposited in the fire proof building and requesting instructions as to the further progress thereof, dated 16th July 1834.
Registered/Received 17th July 1834
Read 18th July 1834 and again 12th Aug 1834
Action: Write to Mr Babbage
a) Babbage to Treasury, 16th July 1834
[see British Library Add Ms 37188 f449]
16th July 1834
Sir,
In compliance with the instructions of the Lord Com of HM Treasury contained in your letter to me of the 17 Aug 1833 enclosing a copy of the Treasury Minute the 13 Aug 1833 relative to the Calc. Eng. of 13 Aug 1833. I wrote to Mr Clement to direct him to make preparations for the immediate removal of the drawings and of certain parts of the Calc Eng to the fireproof building in East Street and I had a conference with Mr Clement on the mode of accomplishing that object.
I have since repeatedly applied to Mr Clement to urge him upon that subject and I have now to state for the information of their Lordships that the whole of the drawings and all the parts of the Calcg Engine are deposited in the fire-proof building and that they were compared with the accounts by Messrs Donkin and Field and were yesterday delivered into my charge.
I beg to call the attention of their Lordships to the circumstance that no progress has been made in the execution of the engine since 25th March 1833 a period of more than a year and a quarter and to request that their Lordships will be pleased to give me further instructions on the subject.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Humble Servt
Charles Babbage
To the Honble J. Stewart
Treasury
b) Babbage to J. Stewart marked 'Private' 16th July 1834
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f450]
My dear Sir,
The drawings and parts of the Engine are at length in a place of safety. I am almost worn out with annoyance and disgust at the whole affair. I send an offical letter to state the fact of the delivery [deleted: which] perhaps you will have the kindness to see whether it is properly expressed before you consider it as delivered. In the present state of public affairs I cannot expect any very early attention to the Engine.
I am My dear Sir,
very faithfully yours
C. Babbage
16 July 1834
c) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 18th July 1834
Wte to Mr Babbage and state to him that My Lords have much satisfaction in learning that the whole of the Drawings and all of the Parts of the Calculating Engine, as far as the same are completed, are now deposited in the Fire Proof Building in East St after having been duly examined by Messrs Donkin and Field, and that the same are now in his Custody, and acqt him that My Lords will have under their consideration what further proceedings may be requisite with a view to the completion of the Engine as soon as they shall have received from Mr Clements his Account for Works performed for the Engine subsequent to the Termination of the year 1832, Certified as heretofore by Messrs Donkin and Field.
[Initialled:] JS
d) Letter Treasury to Babbage, 16th August 1834
[see also British Library Add Ms 37188 f451]
16th August 1834, Treasury Chambers
[Reg.Nos.] 15159 13850 12/8
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury Mr Clement's Bill for Works performed to the Calculating Engine subsequently to the termination of the year 1832 and for the expense of its removal to East Street amounting together to £1200-13-61/2d, I have it in command to acquaint you that My Lords have directed Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Clement the sum of £1200-13-6 in discharge of his Accounts up to this period in respect of the Calculating Engine, and I am to convey to you their Lordships authority to proceed in completing the said Engine.
I am
Sir
Your Obedient Servt
J.Stewart
Treasury Chambers
16th August 1834
[to] Charles Babbage Esq.
Dorset Street Manchester Square
e) J. Stewart to Babbage, 24th July 1834
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f454 (out of date order)]
24th July 1834, Treasury Chambers
[Reg No.] 13850 18/7
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 16th Inst. I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to state to you that they have much satisfaction in learning that the whole of the Drawings and all the Parts of the Calculating Engine, as far as the same are completed, are now deposited in the Fire Proof Building in East Street after having duly bee examined by Messrs Donkin and Field, and that the same are now in your Custody and I am to acquaint you that My Lords will have under their consideration what further proceedings may be requisite with a view to the completion of the Engine as soon as they shall have received from Mr Clement his Account for Works performed for the Engine subsequent to the termination of the year 1832, certified as heretofore by Messrs Donkin and Field.
I am
Sir
Your Obedient Servt
J. Stewart
Treasury Chambers
24th July 1834
1834-14831
Mr J. Clement enclosing his account for work done to the Calculating Machine to the 12th March 1833, dated 29 July 1834. (Signed T. Crafer)
Registered/Received 30th July 1834
Action: Refer to Treasury Auditors 2nd August 1834
Referred: 4th August 1834
a) Clement to Treasury, 29th July 1834
To the Honble J. Stewart
Sir,
I beg to inform you that Mr Donkin and Mr Field examined those parts of the Calculating Machine which were executed between the 31st December 1832 and the 30th March 1833, on the 20th March 1834.
They examined and signed my Account respecting the Calculating Machine on the 13th June.
On the 18th June I completed the removal of the whole of the Calculating Machine as described in the several accounts and also the several Drawings, and Patterns belonging to the Calculating Machine to the Fire Proof Building in East Street and locked them up.
On the 15th July Mr Donkin, Mr Field and Mr Babbage's son examined the packing cases (in the Fire Proof Building) which contain the several parts of the Calculating Machine and compared them with the several accounts from the commencement of the Machine after which I delivered the whole to the care of Mr Charles Babbage, in whose possession they now are.
The enclosed is my Account against Mr Charles Babbage respecting the Calculating Machine.
Hoping your Honor will have the goodness to lay the same bifore The Rights Honorable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury for their approbation.
I am,
Your Honor's
most obedient and humble Servant
Joseph Clement
31 Prospect Place
Southwark
29th July 1834
b) Statement of Account to 12th March 1834 [1833] signed Bryan Donkin and Joshua Field 13 June 1834 £1200-13-61/2
1834-14932
Mr Clement that the Expense of removing the Calculating Engine to the Fire Proof Building in East Street amounts to £156-16-2, dated 31st July 1834. (Signed T. Crafer)
Registered/Received 1 August 1834
Refer to Treasury Auditors 2nd August 1834 (refd 4-Aug/34)
Read 4th August 1834
Cross referenced to 13850, 14932 and 14831
a) Clement to Treasury about Removal Costs of £156-16s-2d included in account above dated 31st July 1384
To the Honorable J. Stewart
Sir,
I have examined the Accounts respecting the Calculating Machine and I find the expences attending the removal of the Calculating machine to the Fire Proof Building in East Street amounts to £156-16-2.
I am,
Your Honor's
most obedient and humble Servant
Joseph Clement
31 Prospect Place
31 July 1834
[Note in pencil on letter: Mr Herbert, [initialled:] JS]
1834-15159
Mr Speer with a report on the Bill of Mr Clement for works performed to the Calculating Engine subsequent to the termination of the year 1832 and for the Expense of its removal to East Street amounting together to £1200-13s-61/2d. Vide 13850, 14831, 14932. Dated 4th August 1834.
Registered 5th August 1834
Read 12th August 1834 1st Sheet 6 Division
Action Mr Sargent to pay, Write to Mr Clement and Mr Babbage
a) Speer to Treasury, 4th August 1834
Treasury Chambers
4th August 1834
My Lords,
Your Lordships having been pleased to refer to me the Bill of Mr Clement, Engineer, for Works performed to the Calculating Engine under the direction of Mr Babbage subsequently to the termination of the year 1832, including the expense of the removal of the Engine from the Premises of Mr Clement to the Fire- Proof Building in East Street amounting to the Sum of £1,200-13- 61/2 I have the honor to report that the said Bill is certified as usual by Messrs Donkin and Field, as having been examined by them and that it appears by a Letter from Mr Clement dated 31st Ulto that the Sum of £156-16-2 part of the said Sum of £1200-13- 61/2 was the amount of the Expense attending the removal of the Engine and Mr Babbage in his Letter of the 16th Ulto having assured your Lordships that the whole of the Drawings and all the parts of the Calculating Engine are now deposited in the Fire Proof Building, and that the same were compared with the Accounts by Messrs Donkin and Field and were placed under his Charge on the 15th Ulto under these circumstances I have to submit for your Lordships consideration the propriety of Mr Sargent's being directed to pay to Mr Clement the Sum of £1,200-13-61/2 in discharge of the aforesaid Bill.
I have the honor to be
My Lords,
Your Lordships
most obedient Servant
W. Speer
[To] The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Minute of the Treasury 12th August 1834
6th [Division] 12th Augt 1834
15159 Read &c.
13850 Read again &c.
Let Mr Sargent pay to Mr Clement out of any monies in his Hands on account of Civil Contingencies the Sum of £1200-13-61/2 in discharge of his accounts up to this period in respect of the Calculating Engine.
Acqt Mr Babbage and Mr Clement respectively with these directions and state to Mr Babbage that my Lords are pleased to authorize him to proceed in completing the Calculating Engine.
[Initialled:] JS
c) Treasury to Babbage, 16th August 1834
[from British Library Add Ms 37188 f451]
[Reg Nos.] 15159 13850 12/8[/1834]
Sir,
Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury Mr Clement's Bill for Works performed to the Calculating Engine subsequently to the termination of the year 1832 and for the expense of its removal to East Street amounting together to £1200-13-61/2d, I have it in command to acquaint you that My Lords have directed Mr Sargent to pay to Mr Clement the sum of £1200-13-6 in discharge of his Accounts up to this period in respect of the Calculating Engine, and I am to convey to you their Lordships authority to proceed in completing the said Engine.
I am
Sir
Your Obedient Servt
J.Stewart
Treasury Chambers
16th August 1834
[to] Charles Babbage Esq.
Dorset Street Manchester Square
1835-20447
Commissioners of Woods &c. Estimate of the Sum required for certain Repairs of the Buildings erected for Mr Babbage's Machine, dated 17th October 1835.
Registered/Received 19th October 1835
Read 13th November 1835
Action: Give Authority to the Comrs of Woods accordingly
Cross Referenced: 8558/31, 15310/31, 20002/31, 7943/32 and 16942/42.
a) Commissioners of Woods and Forests to Treasury 17th October 1835
Office of Woods &c.
17th October 1835
My Lords
We beg leave to state to your Lordships that on the 28th September we received from Mr Charles Babbage a requisition for some necessary repairs and painting to the Building erected in East Street Manchester Square for the Calculating Engine and having directed Mr Decimus Burton the Architect to make a Survey and report of what works were necessary for the preservation of the Buildings, we beg to transmit for your Lordships information, a copy of his report and Estimate, dated 5th instant amounting to Forty Pounds [in margin: £40] for repairs, and stating that the expence of Water Rate for the supply of the Hot Water apparatus will be about Five pounds [in margin: £5] pr Annum that previous to any further Expence being incurred under this Department we may receive Your Lordships directions upon this Subject.
We are
My Lords
Your Lordships
very humble servants
B.C. Stephenson
A. Milne
[To] The Rt Honble The Lords Commissioners
of His Majesty's Treasury
b) Copy of letter from Decimus Burton 5th October 1835 to Henry Hake Seward of the Office of Woods etc.
6 Spring Gardens
5th October 1835
Sir,
With reference to your Letter of the 29th ultimo forwarding Mr Babbage's requisition for repairs and painting to the Roof of the Fire Proof Building for the Calculating Engine in East Street Manchester Sqre previous to the Winter Season and desiring I will submit an Estimate of what I considered necessary and proper to be done.
Accordingly I have surveyed the premises and beg to report that I consider the works hereunder enumerated are required to be done Vizt
To paint the iron work throughout as well as the external woodwork in two coats, repair and oil the lock to the gates of the Entrance and provide new Escutcheons and plates; -To put a York stone step at the footgate in East Street, -To hang the light over the door on pivots with lines and pullies in order to secure ventilation in the passage -To ease doors, -To clean out the Drain in the Yard near the Water Closet -To examine and repair the Roof and gutters over the Engineer's residence, to remove the rainwater pipe from inside of the passage adjoining the Calculating room to the outside of the Building and provide a Cast iron head and shoe to the Drain and make good the Cesspool head and works disturbed. -To put stops to prevent the Water from entering at the Turret lights.
To ease and oil the Cocks of the Hot Water Apparatus.
I consider the Expence of executing the foregoing repairs would amount to about Forty Pounds [in margin: £40].
I beg to add, that it is necessary the Water should be laid on to the Cistern to supply the Hot Water Apparatus, and that the latter should be used occasionally for the sake of keeping the rooms properly aired.
The expence of the Water rate I understand will be about Five Pounds [in margin: £5] Pr Annum.
I also beg to repeat my opinion that the Premises should be kept ventilated by opening the Windows &c.
I have the Honor to be Sir,
Your most Obedt and Humble Servant
Decimus Burton
Ps I beg to return Mr Babbage's letter before referred.
[To] Henry Hake Seward Esqre
Office of Woods &c.
c) Minute of the Board of the Treasury 13th November 1835
[From T29/371 f224]
2nd Sheet 4th Division 13th November 1835
20447 Read report of the Commrs of Woods dated 17 Ulto enclosing Estimate for certain repairs required to the Building Erected for Mr Babbage's Calculating machine amounting to £40---- .
Give Authority to the Commrs of Woods accordingly.
d) Letter from Treasury to Commissioners of Woods &c., 17th November 1835
[From T25/17 f392]
20447 13/11
[to] Commr of Woods &c.
Authority for Repairs to the Building for the Calculating MAchine
My Lord and Gentn
I am commanded by the Lords &c. to convey their Authority for expending the Sum of £40 for Repairs to the Building erected for the Calculating Machine, and for paying £5 pr Annum being the Expence of Water Rate for the Supply of Hot Water Apparatus, as submitted in your Letter of the 17 Ulto.
17 Nov 1835
J. Stewart
1842-[unregistered]
a) [from British Library Add Ms 37192 f19]
22nd January 1842
Draft of a letter from Babbage to Sir Robert Peel
[See also British Library Peel Collection]
Statement of the facts re Mr B's Calculating Engine
Dear Sir,
I do myself the honor [of] sending you a statement respecting the Calculating Engine which I have had put into type [del: in order] that you may be saved the inconvenience of reading Ms. Of course when I undertook to [del: sup...] give that invention to the Government and superintend [del: its] the construction of the machine there must have been an implied understanding that I should carry it on to its termination.
I entered upon that understanding believing that two [del: or that three years would [del: terminate it] [del: cont...] finish [it]. The better part of my life has now been spent on that machine and no progress whatever having been made since 1834 the understanding may perhaps be considered by the government as still subsisting.
I am therefore naturally very anxious that this state of uncertainity should be put an end to as soon as possible. I shall be most ready to give [del: you] any further information on the subject which [del: you may wish for] and will [del: call] wait on you for that purpose if you should wish it at any time you may find it convenient to see me.
I am Dear Sir
Your Obdt Servt
CB
[On reverse: Sent this with 3rd Revise of Statement at 10 am 22 Jan 1842.]
b) Sir George Clerk to Babbage, 29th January 1842
[from British Library Add Ms 37192 f29]
29th January 1842, Treasury marked 'Private'
My Dear Sir,
Sir Robert Peel has desired me to inform you that he has been so much occupied since he received your letter of the 22d that it has been quite out of his power to make any answer to that communication. He desires me further to say that he is afraid it will not be in his power for some days to turn his attention to the subject, but he hopes that as soon as the great pressure of business previous to the opening of the session of Parliament is over he may be able to determine the best course to be pursued in order to come to a right understanding of the point which you state now at issue. Viz whether it is more expedient to complete the "Difference" Machine on the principles on which its construction has commenced or to construct an entirely new "Difference" Machine on the more simple principles which your investigations have subsequently suggested, the entire cost of which would probably not exceed the sum still required to complete the original Machine.
From the Papers before the Treasury on the subject it would appear that a sum of nearly £8,000 would be required for that purpose.
I remain
Yours Truly
G. Clerk
Chas Babbage Esq.
PS. I should think it highly expedient that the matter should be referred to the Royal Society or some equally high scientific Gathering to decide this point and also to report whether the Govt would be justified in applying to Parliament for funds to complete the machine.
c) Babbage to Sir George Clerk, Secretary of the Treasury
[from British Library Add Ms 37192 f37]
4th February 1842
My dear Sir,
[del: There are] Two points are referred to in your letter of the 29th on which I [del: would] wish to offer some [del: remarks] observations. 1stly the object of [del: my] the letter to Sir R. P. of the 22 Jan was to terminate an understanding which has existed indefinitely durying 20 years. I am sure neither Sir R P nor yourself will refuse me that justice. I accompanied that request with some printed pages of the past history of the circumstances attending that understanding [del: because I thought they might/ In the last page but one I stated] At P. 34 I stated that the question the decision of which I had during several years requested from the Government namely
Whether &c. _______
You will see on attentively examining that statement or the documents in your own office that I have never either offered or asked to make any other machine for the Government.
2ndly The other point is probable expense of completing the Difference Engine according to the Original Plans. You [del: appear to] seem to incline to the opinion that about £8000 will complete the old Difference Engine. I presume this view is founded upon an opinion of the R.S. [del: dated] given in a rept dated 26 March 1831 in which it is conjectured that 8 or 12 thousand will be required to complete the Machine. [del: The construction went on for two years ...] The Opinion I have formed from the whole of the Experience I have had is that it will cost at least as much to finish it as has already been expended. Whether the sum [del: expen...] already spent has been 14 or 17,000 I do not know because the latter payments have been made direct to Mr C.
I am My dear Sir
Yours Truly
CB
Dorset Street
4 Feb 1842
To Sir George Clerk Bart, Treasury.
[Note on Bottom of Letter by Babbage:
Mon 9th July 1842
Joined with Sir G. Clerk. Then pressed him to get Sir R.P. to decide and he promised to recall the subject to his attention.
CB]
1842-16942
Letter from Babbage to Treasury, dated 12th August 1842
Registered/Received Friday 19 August 1842
Order -
Assigned Sir G. Clerk
[See also British Library Add Ms 37192 f128]
12th August 1842
Babbage to Sir George Clerk Bart., Secretary of the Treasury
My dear Sir
I had hoped from your note just previous to the opening of [del: Parliament] the Session that Sir Robt Peel would have entered on the consideration of the Cal. Engine within a few weeks at furthest after that event. I have waited patiently untill the close of the Session and I [del: do] hope that I shal[l] not be considered unreasonable in pressing for [del: an] the immediate decision of a question which has [del: remained in suspense during eight y...] been a source of the most harassing anxiety to me during a suspense of nearly eight years.
I am
My dear Sir
Very truly yours
CB
12 Aug 1842
1842-22152
a) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 8th November 1842
[From T29/455 f178]
3rd Sheet 4th Division 8th Novr 1842
22,152
Write to the Commrs of Woods and Forests and referring to the letter from this Board (20002/31) dated the ____ Oct 1831, authorizing them to take a lease of Mr. Babbage's premises, and of a plot of ground in East St. Marylebone, at a yearly rent of £135, for the purpose of erecting a building thereon for the reception of Mr. Babbage's calculating machine; request that they will at their earliest convenience inform My Lords of the terms of such lease; and more particularly as to whether any power was reserved to the Crown of giving up possession of the premises in question before the expiration of the whole term of the Lease.
b) Treasury to the Office of Woods, 7th November 1842
[See PRO CRES6 vol 174]
1842-23423
Registered 23rd November 1842
a) Report of the Office of Woods, 22nd November 1842
[See PRO CRES6 Vol 174]
b) Minute of the Board of the Treasury, 16th December 1842
[From T29/456 f303]
Second Sheet 4th Division 16th Decr 1842
23423 Read Report from the Commissioners of Woods dated 22nd November 1842, stating with reference to the hire of the premises in East Street St Marylebone for the occupation of Mr Babbage's calculating machine, that the underlease compels the holding the premises on the part of the Crown from 31st Dec 1831; for a term of 110 days and 57 years from the day of the date thereof.
My Lords referred to the former papers on this subject.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer lays before the Board a letter which he has received from Mr Babbage in answer to one addressed by him to that Gentleman in which he expressed the regret of Sir Robert Peel and himself that the expense which would be required in order to render the Calculating machine generally useful, so far exceeded what they would feel justified on the part of the Public in incurring, that the Government had no alternative but to abandon its completion.
It was also stated to Mr. Babbage that the Government trusted that by withdrawing all claim to the Machine as at present constructed, and by placing it entirely at his disposal they might in some degree assist his future exertions in the cause of science.
In the letter now before the Board, Mr Babbage declines to avail himself of the offer made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
It appears from the report of the Commissioners of Woods &c., that in the Lease which was taken by them under the authority of the Treasury Warrant of 9th Nov 1831, of Mr. Babbage's premises and a plot of ground in East Street, St Marylebone, at a yearly rent of £135, for the reception of the Calculating Machine, no power was reserved to the Crown of giving up possession of the premises before the expiration of the whole term of the Lease, which was for a period of 57 years from the 31st Decr 1831.
Under these circumstances My Lords are of opinion that the best course to pursue will be that the Machine should be removed from the premises in East Street, and deposited in any place of security the Commrs of Woods &c. may be enabled to provide, until My Lords shall determine as to the final disposal of it.
The premises in East Street being thus at their Lordships disposal, subject to the Covenants of the lease granted by Mr. Babbage, they request that the Commrs of Woods &c. will give directions for reletting them, if possible, at a rent of £135 a year, offering Mr Babbage the preemption.
In the event of any offer being made for the premises at a rent lower than that paid by the Crown, My Lords desire that it may be submitted to them for their consideration.
Write to the Commrs of Woods &c. in accordance with this minute.
c) Treasury to the Office of Woods, 21st December 1842
[See PRO CRES6 Vol 174]
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