What we need, you see, are Newton's letters--the ones he sent which provoked these answers. We have searched through everything here at Cambridge, and we haven't found even a trace; evidently the Newton manuscripts were simply discarded on the basis that they were worthless, anyway. Besides, records of that sort were poorly kept at that time. But we thought perhaps the War Office did a somewhat better job of record-keeping. Now, I realise full well that, due to the present trouble with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the War Office can't take a chance and allow just anyone to prowl through their files. It wouldn't do to allow one of the Emperor's spies to have a look at them. However, I wondered if it wouldn't be possible for you to use your connexions and influence at the War Office to look for Newton's letters to one of the correspondents, General Sir Edward Ballister-ffoulkes. You can find the approximate dates by checking the datelines on the copies I am sending you. The manuscripts are arranged in chronological order, just as they were received by Newton himself. Of them all, only the last one, as you will see, is perfectly clear and understandable in all its implications. Let me know what can be done, will you, old friend? With best wishes, SAM Dr. Samuel Hackett Department of History * * * * * 12 November 1666 London Mr. Isaac Newton, A.B. Woolsthorpe Dear Mr. Newton: It was very good of you to offer your services to His Majesty's Government at this time. The situation on the Continent, while not dangerous in the extreme, is certainly capable of becoming so. Your letter was naturally referred to me, since no one else at the War Office would have any need for the services of a trained mathematician. According to your précis, you have done most of your work in geometry and algebra. I feel that these fields may be precisely what are needed in our programme, and, although you have had no experience, your record at Trinity College is certainly good enough to warrant our using your services. If you will fill in the enclosed application blank, along with the proper recommendations and endorsements, we can put you to work immediately. Sincerely, Edward Ballister-ffoulkes, Bart. General of Artillery Ballistics Research Dept. * * * * *