Note 51 — Appendix.
Reading edition
The two following will sufficiently explain them:—On the 23d December, 1834, Mr. Babbage addressed a statement to the Duke of Wellington, pointing out the only plans which, in his opinion, could be pursued for terminating the questions relative to the Difference Engine, namely:
First, the Government might desire Mr. Babbage to continue the construction of the Engine in the hands of the person who has hitherto been employed in making it.
Secondly, the Government might wish to know whether any other person could be substituted for the engineer at present employed to continue the construction; a course which was possible.
Thirdly, the Government might (although he did not presume that they would) substitute some person to superintend the completion of the Engine instead of Mr. Babbage himself.
Fourthly, the Government might be disposed to give up the undertaking entirely.
A letter to Sir R. Peel from Mr. Babbage, dated 7th April, 1835, and enclosing the above plans, concludes thus:—
“The delays and difficulties of years will, I hope, excuse my expressing a wish that I may at length be relieved from them by an early decision of the Government on the question.”
C. B.