The Royal Society reported, in February, 1829, that—
“They had not the slightest hesitation in pronouncing their decided opinion in the affirmative.”
The Royal Society also expressed their hope that—
“Whilst Mr. Babbage’s mind is intensely occupied in an undertaking likely to do so much honour to his country, he may be relieved, as much as possible, from all other sources of anxiety.”
On the 28th of April, 1829, a Treasury Minute directed a further payment to Mr. Babbage of
“1,500 l. to enable him to complete the Machine by which such important benefit to Science might be expected.”
At that time the sum expended on the Engine amounted to 6,697 l. 12 s., of which 3,000 l. had been received from the Treasury; so that Mr. Babbage had provided 3,697 l. 12 s. from his own private funds.
Under these circumstances, by the advice of Mr. Wolryche Whitmore, a meeting of Mr. Babbage’s personal friends was held on the 12th of May, 1829. It consisted of— {74}
- THE DUKE OF SOMERSET,
- LORD ASHLEY,
- SIR JOHN FRANKLIN,
- MR. WOLRYCHE WHITMORE,
- DR. FITTON,
- MR. FRANCIS BAILY,
- MR. (now SIR JOHN) HERSCHEL.
Being satisfied, upon inquiry, of the following facts, they came to the annexed resolutions:—