Informs JH that in a letter to The Times signed by Richard Sheepshanks JH's name appears. JS wants to know if JH is aware of this fact.
Someone has written to The Times as JH's 'champion' and has impugned the conduct of JS towards the R.S.L. To clear his name, JS wants to make public JH's letter to JS of 1826-11-14, which JS quotes.
As JH will not allow the publication of the letter [see JH's 1838-11-24], JS will provide a plain narrative of the facts to justify his conduct.
Has made meteorological observations as desired by JH, and has sent and received various sets of such observations. Would like to come to England to visit JH, but first wants to find a husband for his only daughter. GP's assistant at the observatory died and he is looking for a replacement. [Many parts of the letter are illegible.]
Writing to welcome JH home from the Cape.
About Cape bulbs and seeds, the new travel by railway from Slough to London, and concern about interest in animal magnetism.
Thanks for more Cape bulbs.
Seems to be commenting on someone's wonderful work, and describing some of SP's travels. [Letter almost totally illegible.]
Concerned that JH has not received 'Cape papers' sent with FB's letter. Estimates not yet called for. FB will see that Cape [necessities?] are not forgotten. When will JH present R.S.L. recommendation of 'the Expedition'? That would be good opportunity to 'fire another shot' at Lord Minto [Gilbert Elliot] or Mr. Wood.
Forwarded JH's letter to Lord Minto [Gilbert Elliot]. John Russell sent Antarctic resolution of B.A.A.S. to Minto at Admiralty six weeks ago. Glad that JH finds Lord Melbourne [William Lamb] favorable to this enterprise.
Lists 11 British cities with active Chambers of Commerce and two societies that might come 'within the Spirit of our resolution.' Will make further inquiries.
Prime minister Lord Melbourne [William Lamb] will receive JH's deputation and Chancellor of Exchequer [Thomas Spring-Rice] whenever convenient.
Asks JH for assistance in obtaining financial aid and new instruments from English government in support of meteorological observatory in British Guiana, where JL's son is stationed. Can JH suggest employment opportunities as astronomer in U.K. for JL's son?
Will meet with B.A.A.S. committee after WL returns to London.
[Marked 'Private.'] Will meet with JH next month. Will assist B.A.A.S. in research on terrestrial magnetism, but is not convinced that global expedition is most effective way; perhaps current survey teams could perform as well. Compares relative costs.
Invites JH to join committee to replace standards of weight and measure destroyed in 1834 Parliament fire. Happy that JH returned safely to England.
Putting pressure on Lord Melbourne [William Lamb] regarding Antarctic expedition. Asked Melbourne to communicate with J. W. Lubbock, who is in London, instead of with JH.
Forwards to JH letters sent by Humphrey Lloyd and G. B. Airy to William Whewell. Concurs with Lloyd's recommendations [for Canada survey] and with Airy's suggestion of photographic registers to determine simultaneity of distant observations. [JH note: Routing list for letter among committee members.]
B.A.A.S. requests that JH head a committee to work on the reduction of observations of N. L. Lacaille's stars. G. B. Airy and Thomas Henderson will also be assigned to the committee.
Asks JH to compile list of questions to be sent to 'commercial bodies' regarding prospective changes in standards of weights and measures. To be presented at June 1838 meeting of Commission of Standards [see JH's 1838-5-24].