Has mislaid RS's letter and forgotten the question RS asked concerning Baily's print. Asks him to refresh his memory. Could not get to the sale [of Francis Baily's books]. Gives the works of Baily that he wants to purchase.

Requests RS to let him know how much JH owes him for the books by Francis Baily, which RS purchased for him. Has received RS's pamphlet [on the Liverpool Observatory].

Put no confidence in [Francesco] DeVico's drawing of the nebula of Orion. JH has a better one now at the engravers. Notes that DeVico has left out the 'real' 6th star in 'Trapezio.'

Cannot attend the testimonial committee meeting, but recommends that for a R.A.S. testimonial, a well written parchment would be far more effective than a bound book.

Will help with the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop, provided certain things are understood by all the parties involved; enumerates these. Will speak as discretely as he can with [W. S.] Stratford.

On Francis Baily's titles and on how to get a print with Baily's picture, autograph, and name in regular capitals. Explains remarks he made in a controversy with T. R. Robinson and published in the Athenaeum [Autumn, 1843] about JH's father's telescopes.

Thanks RS for the engraving [of JH's portrait?]. Who should receive copies? Suggests that the 'Knight of C. Hill' [Sir James South and his Campden Hill Observatory] 'is not worth your powder.'

Thanks RS for his brochure [on the affairs of the Liverpool Observatory?].

Is too busy to accept the office of Foreign Secretary of the R.A.S. Says he cannot even keep up with his correspondence at home. Has been forced to give up foreign correspondence altogether.

Clarifies his position with regard to becoming R.A.S. Foreign Secretary. Sets conditions under which he would allow his name to stand. Has been 'harassed' for the last two months by 'stomach derangements.' 'It is old Paracelsus's "Archaeus" in a fit of the Sulks.' On the disposal of some of Francis Baily's remaining manuscripts.

Has received the prints of the portrait of Francis Baily. Finds them impressive.

Does not possess enough knowledge of F. W. Bessel's writing to compose more than a brief obituary on him. Would like RS to help [A. B.] Orlebar of the Bombay Observatory by providing a corresponding observation of the occultation of alpha Virginis on 19 January.

Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of R.A.S., but will be unable to attend most meetings. JH's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of JH's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word "priority."'

Does not want the R.A.S. to make any assertions with respect to priority regarding the discovery of Neptune: '...though Neptune ought to have been born an Englishman and a Cambridge man every inch of him,' you will never make 'an English Discovery of it do what you will.' States that [J. C.] Adams is owed much. If The R.A.S. throws down the gauntlet, this will do much 'mischief' and demoralize Adams.

Would not object if the [R.A.S.] council resolved to give J. C. Adams a medal, but the wording must be carefully considered, especially regarding the word 'discovery.' Presents a 'string of resolutions,' on how to deal with Adams and other contenders in the discovery of Neptune. Leave the question of priority for posterity. If the council sets up Adams as a competitor to U. J. J. Leverrier, JH will reserve to himself 'the privilege of protest.'

Clarifies his position regarding the resolutions on the R.A.S. medals relating to the discovery of Neptune. Is unwilling to urge that they be accepted by the R.A.S, but can live with them because they contain the truth and nothing 'improper or offensive.' Suggests that if the R.A.S. does adopt these, it may 'prove a more fatal apple of discord than any that has been thrown down among us for years.'

Has received the list of six persons proposed by the R.A.S. for its medal, along with who nominated each. Has harsh words for the RAS's actions [regarding the discovery of Neptune] and says it has been badly mismanaged in England. Urges RS to exert his influence with G. B. Airy to get some names removed. At end writes 'Burn this.'

Clarifies some details in his letter to RS of 1846-12-25 on the R.A.S. deliberations regarding giving medals for the discovery of Neptune.

Did not understand the steps necessary by the R.A.S. rules and that an appeal to a general meeting was necessary [regarding awarding medals, e.g., for the discovery of Neptune]. Assures him that W. H. Smyth did not write anything of which RS could disapprove. Believes the council has the discretion to deal with anything that comes before it.

Congratulations on how the deliberations concerning awarding the R.A.S. medal came off 'well & quietly.' Recommends how JH's notice on F. W. Bessel should be distributed.