Geo. M. Robeson to Hamilton Fish, November 18, 1876

Mr. Robeson to Mr. Fish.

Sir: For the purpose of adding to the safety of navigation, it seems desirable that the longitudes of both coasts of South America should be determined telegraphically from Paris, and that the Portuguese and Brazilian Governments should be invited to co-operate with a sufficient force belonging to our Navy to attain that end.

Should one or both of the governments be pleased to co-operate, our naval parties would take up the work at any point or points desired by them in the Atlantic, whether at Lisbon, the island of Maderia, the Azores, or Rio de Janeiro, and would continue the work across the continent and along the western coast of South America, wherever the telegraphic line might exist, and with the approval, concurrence, and such aid as Chili and Peru might be disposed to render.

Should either of the governments find it inconvenient to co-operate and be disposed to allow our naval parties the necessary facilities, as has been cordially done by several governments in the West Indies, the work will be executed by us at the earliest period that may be found practicable by this department.

I am, &c.,