R.S.L. selecting foreign members. Asks JH's opinion of a number of foreign scientists and also his opinion of what he, as foreign secretary, should do in this matter.

[S. J. A. Compton,] Lord Northampton will resign as president of R.S.L. ES discusses proposed changes in office of president, and asks JH to consider taking the office under the newly proposed changes.

Sends own article on magnetic surveys at sea. Requests comments. Discusses foreign distribution of star catalogues approved by the council and election of foreign members of R.S.L.

Is ill and cannot write instructions. Directs JH to instructions written earlier by the Council of the Geological Society.

Because AS cannot visit JH, JH has sent a circular. Assumes circular of [George Eden,] Lord Auckland will also be received. Will wait for response to query.

Looks forward to seeing AS at Norwich. Hopes he is recovering. Caroline Herschel has died.

Accepts invitation to Norwich. For Geological Instructions, JH will wait to hear from [George Eden,] Lord Auckland. If necessary, he will consult [Charles] Darwin regarding the Instructions.

Family will arrive at Norwich on 16 May. Discusses Norfolk strata and Cray fossils.

Regrets to hear of retirement of Spencer Compton (Marquis of Northampton) from R.S.L. presidency. Is grateful that ES and others wish him to hold office temporarily, but regards it as 'impossible.'

A note accompanying some manuscript pages of instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1847-12-23].

Has received GA's manuscript instructions for ship's officers [see GA's 1848-1-9]; there is no hurry on the remaining pages.

Comments on all of GA's instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1848-1-10], mostly suggesting some additions about meteor showers.

Requests letter ascertaining William Mann's competence, assuring his hiring as astronomer at Madras.

JH writes to the best of his knowledge about William Mann's competence in various areas.

Responds to suggestions by JH [see JH's 1848-1-22]; is worried about giving too much information.

Sends JH a copy of his paper on the satellites of Uranus, including comments on the work of JH's father, William. OS is amazed at what JH has accomplished in the last several years.

Praises RS for work on R.A.S.M.N. Will arrive in time for the R.A.S. council meeting. Has heard nothing of John Lubbock's paper or lecture, except through J. C. Adams. Fears that before the R.A.S. anniversary, it will lose one of its female associates, his aunt Caroline.

RS will receive two communications for the R.A.S., one from S. C. Walker on Neptune's elements, the other from Otto Struve on the interior satellite of Uranus. Walker's could go into the R.A.S.M.N., whereas Struve's ought be read at a regular meeting. Recommends reading of William Lassell's work on Neptune's satellite as it predates Struve's. Caroline Herschel died on the 9 [Jan.] at age 98.

Recommends that the form that a testimonial should take would be the presentation of a parchment bearing the seal of the R.A.S. rather than a bound book.

Thanks GA for his contributions to some material JH is compiling; asks about date of Board of Visitors meeting.