He asks Russell to read the letter (see pp. 349-355). He apologises for troubling him so early in his Ministry but emphasises the urgency of the matter if the expedition were to set sail in Nov, asking, as he had asked Normanby, whether the government approved of the men nominated by the Society as commissioners and whether it would grant the number of vessels requested. He suggests that a committee, consisting of James Stephen for the Colonial Office, Bandinel for the Foreign Office, and Sir Edward Parry and Captain Beaufort for the Admiralty, be appointed to confer with the Society's committee over the details. He also requests an interview the following week on his return to London after a family affliction requiring his presence at Northrepps Hall. (Copy.)