Three reigns had come and gone since the Act of Parliament offering the reward had been passed.

Anne had died; George I.and George II.

had reigned and died; and now, in the reign of George III .-- thirty-five years after Harrison had begun his labours, and after he had constructed four several marine chronometers, each of which was entitled to win the full prize,--an Act of Parliament was passed enabling the inventor to obtain the sum of 5000L.

as part of the reward.

But the Commissioners still hesitated.