Asks JH to burn letter.

Is trying to straighten out the origin of the R.A.S., and giving appropriate credit.

Responds to JH's request for RS's opinion on [H. C.] Schumacher's contributions to astronomy. Praises Schumacher extensively.

Asks JH to review a publication RS was preparing. Comments on James South's claim concerning supposed defects in the telescope made for him by Edward Troughton. Suggests JH intercede with the government to get it to support G. B. Airy's reduction of the Greenwich planetary observations.

On JH's portrait, which RS is trying to send to JH at the Cape. Asks JH to forgive the 'liberty' he has taken with JH's 'physiognomy,' but RS wants to show off JH as an 'ornament' of Cambridge. Updates JH on Francis Baily's progress and the status of the St. Helena Observatory.

Suggests that JH publish JH's portrait along with his book [Cape Results]. Wants JH to approach the Duke of Northumberland with this idea, and if he has no objections, RS will put the touched up plate at the Duke's disposal. Does not like the idea of selling prints of it.

Suggests that JH print the portrait of JH with but not in JH's [Cape Results]. Has been working on Lt. Murphy's observations in Syria. Is pleased with M. J. Johnson's appointment to the Radcliffe Observatory. Asks JH for suggestions on projects for Johnson.

Sends JH the name and address of the printer who has an engraving arranged for by RS of JH's portrait. Requests that JH give thirty copies to Lady Herschel for her own use.

Assures JH that engravers typically take for themselves a few copies of any print they have made. If a large number of these appear for sale, then it is fraud. Suggests JH not act because the engraver is 'insane' and the exposure would hurt his family.

Needs the name of the print seller from whom JH's cousin bought the copy of the print of JH's portrait, so RS can learn how many copies are available. RS will then know whether to 'treat with [the printer] as an honest man or a rogue.'

Reports on Francis Baily's accident and his progress. JH's 'stars' were brought to the R.A.S. and examined by Baily. Mrs. G. B. Airy's health improving. Notes William Whewell's planned marriage.

Updates Francis Baily's medical condition, noting that it is more serious than RS had thought. Thinks [James] Basire missed JH's meaning. Suggests how to improve the engraving, perhaps using pewter. Explains that he wants the catalogue to serve the needs of expeditions.

Gives his opinion of [George] Merz, stating that he has not done anything to 'distinguish himself from a mere practical follower of [Josef] Fraunhofer.' Requests that JH send encouragement to James Challis.

F. W. A. Argelander has requested the R.A.S. to pledge itself to publish one of his writings. RS notes that it is a rule of the R.A.S. not to do this, but rules can be broken if there is 'sufficient advantage.' Suggests Argelander's request be granted and that JH write him.

Urges JH to plead to Lord Palmerston on behalf of [H. C.] Schumacher. Suggests arguments JH might use. States that JH as 'chief of British astronomy by inheritance, by age & by service' is the ideal person to make this plea.

Thanks JH for the letter to Lord Palmerston on [H. C.] Schumacher's behalf. Comments on British politics.

Has entered JH's name for Foreign Secretary of the R.A.S. and explains the circumstances. On his observations and method of observation of the recently discovered asteroid Astrea.

Responds in detail to JH's request [1844-10-12] for RS's assessment of Francis Baily's character and contributions.

Supplements earlier letter [1844-10-19] giving JH his views on Francis Baily

[John] Lee has a silhouette of Caroline Herschel as a young lady; would JH like it? Discusses whether JH should include Francis Baily's relationship to his family in JH's memoir on Baily. Names those to whom he plans to give copies of Baily's portrait.