James Bowdoin to Benjamin Franklin, March 1, 1753

[March? 1753]

By the post I received your favor, enclosing several printed letters relating to the transit of Mercury over the sun. 5 A gentleman here, who is provided with the proper instruments, and well skilled in astronomy, intends to make the necessary observations; 6 to whom, as well as to several others, I shall communicate said letters. The rarity of the appearance, and the improvement in geography and astronomy to be expected from it, will induce them, I hope, to make their observations with such accuracy as shall answer the end proposed.