Responds in detail to JH's concerns expressed in his letters of 1846-12-25. Explains that in awarding R.A.S. medals regarding the discovery of Neptune, the Council wished to avoid slighting either U. J. J. Leverrier of J. C. Adams. Gives views of G. B. Airy, James Challis, and Augustus De Morgan.
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.
Recounts discussion in R.A.S. council regarding how the Society's medal should be awarded in response to the discovery of Neptune. U. J. J. Leverrier led J. C. Adams in the voting, but did not receive enough votes.
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.
Has heard that the R.A.S. council's 'no-medal resolution' has produced much dissatisfaction, which will not disappear by a general vote supporting the acts of the council. Thinks that the course adopted is wrong. If the council will not reconsider in favor of a positive conclusion, JH suggests that the issue be raised in a general meeting of the R.A.S. and that its decision be accepted with 'alacrity.' Holds himself free, as President, from any obligation to uphold 'in speaking or writing' whatever decision results.
Has learned of more dissatisfaction with the R.A.S. council's decision regarding awarding its medal. Because the council rejected the proposal to give more than one medal, the decision to medalize no one was a logical consequence. Expects the matter will be raised in the general meeting. Wants some positive conclusion, not a negative one. Restates his original position that medals ought go to both, with care taken in the wording so as to avoid national rivalry.
Has written G. B. Airy stating his approval of having JH's statement favoring awarding two R.A.S. medals read. Wants to be fair to U. J. J. Leverrier, and does not want to 'stultify' the existing council. Is enclosing a copy of his note to Airy.
Has written to G. B. Airy requesting that at the R.A.S. meeting, Airy show RS the note JH wrote to him. Announces 'LV's' [U. J. J. Leverrier's] election as an associate of the R.A.S.
Has the papers by [Thomas] Henderson but they do not contain much information.
On a puzzling aspect of [Thomas] Henderson's papers. One column in his tables seems to have been altered in someone else's handwriting. Wants to know the origin of these corrections, and how Henderson's tables ought to be printed. Offers several options.
Has figured out why [Thomas] Henderson's tables [see JH's 1847-5-6] appear as they do.
Sends RS his address so that RS or G. B. Airy can send proofs.
Answers questions raised by RS concerning the preface JH was writing for N. L. Lacaille's Catalogue of 9766 Stars. Objects to JH being seen as responsible for the contents of the book itself, even though he served on the first two B.A.A.S. committees dealing with the reduction of Lacaille's stars.
Asks RS to check the background of Samuel B. Lamb, who wants to lease JH's house at Slough.
Responds to JH's request [1847-6-28] that RS inquire about Samuel B. Lamb. Has visited [W. R.] Dawes and his telescope; thinks he will be productive. Lefevre [George Shaw-Lefevre?] has started for the university, adding 'what chance he has of success I can't guess.' On JH's contacts with Cambridge University.
Invites RS to dinner in Collingwood on 10 [July], as F. G. W. Struve will be there. U. J. J. Leverrier may also come, but G. B. Airy and John Lubbock cannot attend.
Suggests RS visit Hawkhurst ca. 12 July as U. J. J. Leverrier, F. G. W. Struve, and J. C. Adams will be visiting. Suggests RS come with [W. R.] Dawes. JH's book [Cape Results] is nearly ready for private distribution. Asks RS that JH be allowed to tell parties, to whom a copy of the engraving of JH's portrait will be given, that it is a gift from RS, lest JH be considered immodest for giving his own 'effigy.'
People do not consider JH vain. If JH wants to give his [portrait of JH; see JH's 1847-7-1] to people, this would not be considered vanity on his part. Gives impressions of U. J. J. Leverrier after meeting him at the Royal Observatory.
Gives information from W. R. Hamilton on the location of the asteroid Iris. Proposes R.A.S. begin collecting observations of sunspots, the goal being a complete series of 'the sun's aspect for every day of every year.' Offers the observations of H. Griesbach for 1846 as a 'nest egg' as well as some of his own. Requests address of G. Schwinck, who prepared a star atlas. Reports on F. G. W. Struve's Neptune observations.
Hopes JH will attend the November R.A.S. meeting to stress the importance of recording solar observations [drawings of sunspots]. On J. R. Hind's work. Says Hind is not strong enough for the work he gets through. Cannot find G. Schwinck's address; suggests contacting H. C. Schumacher.