Regrets to hear of the death of JH's mother. Has lost many friends and relatives during the last eight years. Staying with his two sons and has retired so would welcome a visit from the Herschels.

His son Thomas has set out for France and he himself is in London to see the passage of a bill through Parliament. Would be grateful for letters of introduction to M.P.'s with which JH is acquainted.

James's daughter has improved in health and there are hopes for her recovery. Bill passed through the House of Commons successfully. Would be glad to receive letters of introduction to any members of the House of Lords with which JH may be acquainted.

Expresses his views to FB about the meeting of the Admiralty, Greenwich Observatory, [and members of the Astronomical Society?] held the previous day.

Offers to smooth the way for WS in communicating with the various astronomers on the Continent whom JH knows.

Is grateful for the loan of the book. Comments on some of [Alexander?] Stewart's works, especially his Gaelic ones. Queries regarding light in William Buckland's Bridgewater treatise; would like to borrow the volume if possible.

Recommends some changes in committee report being prepared that deals with the use to be made of the Royal Observatory's observational data.

Is advising Mr. R about a number of considerations to be taken into account while considering an invitation to apply for the position of Professor of Mathematics at the College of William and Mary in the United States.

Introducing a friend, Lieut. R. J. Nelson of the Royal Engineers, who is a lover of science. Trusts JH is enjoying good health.

Is very pleased with the results of WD's double star observations of Zeta Cancri, which William Stratford forwarded to JH.

Suggests an improvement in measuring techniques for astronomical observations, by making the angular measurement by direct and then reflected vision. JH wonders whether this idea might be appended to a paper currently under consideration by the R.A.S.

Discusses a variety of observations related to double stars, and asks FS to make some specific observations to compare with JH's work. Reveals JH's dream of going to the Southern Hemisphere for a number of years, but asks FS to keep it quiet, as 'many ties' stand in the way.

Comments with great satisfaction on WD's observations, and their close agreement with JH's for many of the same double stars.

A stiff and formal letter telling WF very clearly that JH fully agrees with the Newtonian system [as WF clearly does not], and that JH would not consider trying to apply pressure to the editors of philosophical magazines to publish WF's writings, in spite of threats from WF.

WF's manuscript, which JH returned with his letter of 1831-6-16, has not been received by WF. JH suggests some possibilities as to what might have happened, and deplores the tone of WF's letters, indicating that this tone causes JH to decline further correspondence on the subject.

Is grateful for the paper that JH has sent; he is sure it will promote scientific knowledge in New South Wales.

Is grateful for his gift of flower roots; she will take great care of them on her arrival at Sydney.

Responds to TH's complaint that the government and the R.A.S. are not liberal enough with grants for science. JH rejects both complaints and explains why.

Explains to WM that in the present chaotic state of scientific responsibilities [the Board of Longitude has been abolished and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich's sphere of activity has been severely restricted], the Cape observations have not been published, but JH hopes that will soon occur. JH then asks WM to write when he arrives at the Cape, telling JH about the possibilities for an 'Amateur Observer' to live and observe at the Cape.

TH has been hurt by the tone of JH's letter [see JH's 1831-8-2] and felt he was writing to JH in confidence. JH assures TH that he has spoken to no one about any private details in TH's letter.