Informs JH that he has been appointed member of a B.A.A.S. committee to translate and publish in England foreign scientific memoirs.
Are looking forward to JH's trip to the Continent. Comment on recent observations of the moon's surface.
Offering tickets for the nave of the abbey for the Coronation as he hears that JH has not been provided with any. Elected [Thomas?] Greenwood into the Athenaeum.
Congratulates JH on return to England, his success at the Cape, and his ascension to the baronetcy. Praises JH for his contributions to many areas of science: 'The name of Herschel is ... the most spoken in this century.' Describes eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 1834 and his studies of the event. Makes general comments on the progress of science in Italy.
Has now received JH's letter of the 5th. John Phillips will give JH the exact terms of the grant from the B.A.A.S. Will call at Slough to see the Herschels on his way to town. Deeply regrets that JH is not interested in the position at Cambridge, but M. J. Johnson will go far.
Regarding tickets for Lady Herschel's gallery. There has been some fracas with Charles Babbage over the distribution of these tickets.
Explaining why he wrote the letter to the Morning Post. Has heard that JH is about to be offered a baronetcy. Must also ask him about the future Presidency of the B.A.A.S.
The Silurian System is now at the binders, and he is now relaxing and doing Christmas visiting. Proposes to write to the editor of the Annals of Philosophy giving details of the vase to be presented to JH to mark his Cape sojourn. Can also send the literary effusions to Lady Herschel if she desires them.
Charles Babbage believes that RM prevented Babbage from becoming president of B.A.A.S. Denies this. Hopes JH can keep Babbage 'from overloading the cup of misfortune.'
The nomination of JH for the position of Rector at Glasgow University did not originate with DM or his friends. Will bring JH's views to the knowledge of his colleagues, though the students are responsible for the election of the rector.
Regrets that the Herschels were not allowed in when they called; he had given strict instructions that they should be shown in immediately. Grieves to hear of the short stay of the Herschels. Would like to talk to him privately on the State and the policy pursued.
Has just returned from a long sojourn on the frontier and has much information on the political situation. Comments on the case of Andries Stockenström. Has sent a mission to the Boers.
Relating recent political events at the Cape. The Apprentices have been freed. Port Natal occupied. Kaffirs at peace. Regrets that JH would not stand as president of the R.S.L. in succession to Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex).
Inviting the Herschels to dinner on Friday or Saturday.
Has just returned from a German tour and has seen JH's letter to Dr. D. MacFarlan. Outlines the procedures that led to JH being proposed as the new Rector of the University. Comments on the illustrations of two of his own works. Resolution passed urging the free examination of foreign astronomical instruments in public institutions.
Is making arrangements for JH's visit to WO, during a continental tour by JH.
Sending copy of a resolution passed by the Birmingham Philosophical Society and requesting JH to let his name be included as an honorary member.
Sending hourly observations of 21 and 22 Dec. last. Comments on the weather during the winter. Performance of the shooting stars in November was poor. Hopes that JH will visit the United States on his way from Brazil to England.
GP informs JH how gratified Augustus Frederick (Duke of Sussex) was by JH's letter [see JH's 1838-6-19].
A note of thanks for sending HP a full account of the welcoming dinner given for JH.