Beschreibung:

JAMES WEDDELL (1787-1834). Autograph letter signed ('Jas. Weddell') to William Jerdam, 5 Keir Street, Edinburgh, 16 August 1826 . refering to his 'tract' [a pamphlet entitled Observations on the probability of reaching the South Pole ], then in the press which Jerdam had read in proof and a passage in his text which he had submitted for checking to 'one of the calculators of the nautical Alminack' [ sic ], observing that although Parry's 'intended attempt at the Pole' would draw attention to his publication, he would be obliged if Jerdam could notice it in his Gazette, and asking Jerdam if he culd suggest any way of drawing the attention of leading figures to 'a southern voyage of discovery' as the Admiralty had taken the official notice of his voyage because, he assumed, 'it did not in any shape emanate from themselves', 2 1/2 pages, 4to, integral address leaf, seal tear, tear along centre fold, small tear where guard partially removed, recto of first leaf browned. Weddell's pamphlet was published in 1826 and Jerdam, editor of the Literary Gazette , published a review in the September issue. Weddall had acquired his skills as a navigator in the Royal Navy but his two voyages of discovery were undertaken as a sealer (for which see the note to the previous lot). Weddell made an interesting collection of Antarctic animals, including the type specimen of the seal which bears his name.