Expresses deep appreciation for JG's loan of £500 to JH in difficult period. Sorry to hear of JG's suffering.
JG's health. Rejoices that JH and family are residing at Harley Street. Doubts that Alfred Smee's 'reasoning machine' is any more attractive than was Smee's electro-biology. Results of recent tests for magnetic power in human body. Insufficient data to answer question of gold standard. JG's groom was injured in accident.
Testimonial to good character of Mr. Ottley Jr., to whose father JG delegated all JG's powers while on Antigua. Asks JH to assist young Ottley.
Informing him of his position in the examinations, and offering congratulations.
Has been visiting Gibraltar, Malta, and the Vatican City. Comments on the sights.
Has not heard from him lately, though he wrote last year from Rome and gave him a resume of his travels. William Crackanthorpe is a good companion. The pavilion is being rapidly built. Would like JH to accept hospitality at his house. Gives news of friends.
Was pleased to receive JH's farewell letter. Would be glad when JH was in town if he would call on Gordon's father and mother. Has left copies of the translation of the Memoir of Mr. De La Harpe. Gives an extract of a letter from Naples.
Intended to write earlier but has been delayed by various causes. Their old friend the Dean of Hereford has just died. Comments on political situation in Sicily. New philosophical society started in Cambridge. Plans also for an observatory there.
Has read of Mr. Annesley's death. Will be staying at Stocks until November and would welcome a visit from JH. His parents are quite well and hopes JH's are as well. Is grateful for his comments on Sicily.
Wet weather has given him time for letter writing. Spent a week in Paris. Passed through Dijon, and has spent some time at Geneva, where there is a flourishing Philosophical Society. Comments on the meetings. Weather has been bad. Gives a Neapolitan story.
Was pleased to receive his letter. He too has been travelling abroad. Outlines his travels. Expects JH has a good collection of sketches. Saw Louis XVIII at Paris.
Sends thanks for the wedding cake, and congratulations on JH's marriage.
Sorry to hear that JH is contemplating a long voyage and stay from England. Hoped JH would have succeeded Professor John Leslie. Would like to know his views on reform. Has been making heavy going with JH's book on Light. Hopes to bring Mrs. Gordon to see Lady Herschel soon.
Regarding J. W. Lubbock's Committee and JH's letter. Will probably meet at the Cambridge election. Unable to vote for Lubbock.
Congratulations on the birth of a son. J. W. Lubbock had no chance at Cambridge. Is pleased he did not have to make the journey. Mr. Lacy, a curate at Tring, would like an introduction to JH as he has several interesting communications to make.
If not already invited, he would be very welcome to be their guest at Bristol when the new iron screw ship is named by the Prince Consort. Outlines method of reaching Bristol.
Returned home full of health after his stay with JH. Visited the Pirie's at Maidstone. Someone suggested JH was the author of Vestiges. Mr. Pirie agrees with their project. Experiments by electricity for inducing plant growth. Mrs. Pirie has been giving him details of mesmerism at Maidstone.
Would like his opinion on which paper on electricity relating to the growth of vegetables, he is to give the £30 reward, as it has to be decided by 3 Dec.
Thanks for his note. Will avail himself of the offer of hospitality and Mr. Forster and himself will call on Friday. Quotes example of electricity applied to agriculture.
Will be happy to receive him but doubts the wisdom of bringing Mr. Forster as JH is not interested in joining any more societies. If Forster's experiments succeed he will be a benefactor to agriculture.