Comments on balloon ascent report, photographic paper made with vegetable colors, and the need to provide a polarizing crystal to J. B. Biot.
Came back from Zwartland for a day, but returns tomorrow. Relates news of the measuring of the base line. Visited magnetic observatory; work in Zwartland not yet complete. Magnetic Observatory satisfactory despite slow construction. No news of the obelisk yet.
Measuring work of the base line is virtually completed and levelling of the line will commence forthwith. Has devoted every day to the work except Sundays. Comments on various aspects of the work. F. E. Wilmot wishes he had not returned the rusty dip bar. Obelisk is on board the Romeo.
JH continues to serve on the committee to supervise and translate foreign scientific memoirs [see JP's 1840-10-19].
Informs JH that the B.A.A.S. has placed him on a committee to conduct experiments by capture balloon on the atmosphere.
MM has been selected by the King of Naples to be Director of the Central Board of Meteorological Observations for Naples. Would like any of the publications of the R.S.L. relative to the Fixed Observatories.
Will do all in his power to ensure that MM receives copies of the publications relating to the Fixed Observatories. Does not think MM could have seen a copy of JH's paper on photographic action when he wrote the notice in Annales de chimie. Comments on this paper and more recent experiments in this field.
Is grateful for JH's obliging offer. Regrets his own unfortunate article regarding JH's experiments; comments on this. Is pleased JH is to continue with his on light.
Is about to leave Paris and hopes to receive the meteorological information at Naples. Awaits with impatience JH's work on the rays of light announced in his last letter.
Requests permission to submit JH's name to the Lieutenants of the Counties of Kent and Sussex as a Magistrate for the two counties.
Giving reasons why he would not like his name put forward as a magistrate.
Thanks for his kind and flattering letter. Fully understands why JH cannot spare the time to be a Magistrate, so will not submit his name.
Has dispatched a military force to St. John's River. Outlines recent political events at the Cape. The educational scheme progresses well. Has had an acrimonious letter from Andries Stockenström.
Hears with pleasure of the peace reigning at the Cape between the Caffres. The Boers are a different proposition and JH agrees with GN's policy. J. R. Innes called in on his way to Scotland. Weather in England is gloomy, like the political events.
Will be receiving the official news soon that JH has been nominated Knight Commander of the Order of Dannebrogg. New magnetic observatory to replace the old one. Is grateful for JH's excellent song about the telescope.
Explaining how JH may express his thanks at being made a Knight Commander. HO has also been made a Knight Commander. Will see that he now spells his name Ørsted.
Glad to inform JH that there are no fees or expenses involved in being made a Knight Commander. Has had little leisure himself for scientific pursuits due to being Rector of the University.
Due to the death of George Birkbeck, the Committee of Management of the London Mechanics Institute would like JH to become President. [Note by JH: declined.]
Sends pamphlet for JH from Philadelphia. Author [E. P.] Mason died at the early age of 22. Believes he used a Herschelian telescope. Has been a mild winter in Boston.
Commenting on ancient star maps, and noting that not all ancient stars can be identified now. Further talks about ancient meanings of heavenly bodies together with much lore including astrology, astronomy, and mythology. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]