WILLIAM REYNOLDS, Acting Secretary of the Nary to Hamilton Fish, October 2, 1874

Commodore Reynolds to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a communication dated the 27th of August last, addressed to this Department by Rear-Admiral C. H. Davis, president of the Transit of Venus Commission,, on the subject of determining, by means of the telegraph-lines, the difference of longitude between the northern and southern states occupied for observing the transit, and asking the co-operation of the governments controlling the lines, and the free use of the lines in the undertaking.

Through inadvertence, action on the application of Rear-Admiral Davis has been neglected until now; and i have to request that the Department of State will take such steps, as early as possible, as will further the wishes and purpose of the commodore.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,