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 asswage the many Spleens swelling against mee; yet I being ashamed to be wholly without some excuse for so conspicuous an Error, (as my diversion upon the Survey, and my other consequent undertakings was) I must let the world think otherwise, as part of that excuse which I must yet make more compleat, by acquainting you with some other reasons of that Action, as viz.

1. I thought the whole work would have been over (as on my part it was) in about two years time, so as to have proved rather an unbending than a breaking of that Bow, wherewith I aimed at natural Knowledges.2. I thought that the measuring of as much Land-line by the Chain and Needle, as would have neer four times begirt the whole Earth in its greatest Circle, and to have such an Admeasurement remain upon Record, and that to have performed such a Service (being useful to all Mankinde) for a Victorious Army, the first that ever totally subdued Ireland, would have been as great an Honour as any other Atchievement I could make in so much time; and the rather, because I should