“ He removed to Washington, D. C., in 1856, and for more than twenty years was employed as a computer for the U. S. coast survey. When the “U. S. Nautical Almanac” was established, Mr. Downes was the first to receive an appointment as a computer, and retained it till his death. He collected many rare books. He was the author of “Peter Parley's Almanacs for Old and Young” (1836-'7) ; “Botany” (Boston, 1840) ; United States “Almanac Complete, or Ephemeris” (Philadelphia, 1843-'4) . ”