Encloses copy of the letter he has written [1850-7-20] to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

TM's attention has been drawn to the question raised by Joseph Hume in the House of Commons regarding the use of the Cape Observatory. Will forward a copy of the weekly register and later a copy of the general report.

Was agreeably surprised by the communication in Lady Herschel's letter; did not expect any pension. Outlines his ideas for careers for some members of his own family. India and the Services seem the best propositions. Does not expect much from the observations of Venus in Chile unless the definition is good.

Has received the papers JH sent and values them highly. Can JH advise him on making regular observations of sun spots. Explains his apparatus.

JH's obliging note concerning corrections to the maps in JM's Handbook for France has been sent to him at Knock. Would like to present the appropriate handbook should JH or his friends visit the Continent. Admiralty Manual has now been all sold and a new edition is required; has JH any alterations or suggestions?

Sends a copy of the notice in the Times of a fall of ice in Rossshire, also an account of a similar fall in India in 1826. Comments on these occurrences. [James] Dalmahay has constructed a slide rule for computing the dew-point.

Invitation to dinner next Wednesday.

Thanks JH for his work on behalf of HP's sister, Mrs. Mary Maclear [wife of Thomas Maclear] in obtaining a government pension for her.

Invites JH to come to see the flowering plants in Syon gardens.

Margaret Herschel will avail herself of the offer [see AP's 1850-6-9]; inquires what is happening to the letters from AP's father that JH had given to AP.

Note accompanying return of letters [see JH's 1850-6-9 or later].

A note to inform JH of the death of H. C. Schumacher.

A note accompanying another of HP's meteorological publications.

Sends JH some publications, including one that tends to show that cyclones are electrical phenomena.

Asks for some of JH's memoirs to complete GP's collection. Has observed the comet recently discovered. Comments on one of GP's recent memoirs, and asks if JH has a copy.

Thanks for birthday gift. Health of friends.

JH's new duties at Royal Mint. JH and Margaret staying with [Elizabeth] Baily while searching for residence in London. JH's son William to be examined at Haileybury College in Jan. 1851. Son John is [attending Clapham grammar school] with Charles Pritchard.

Sorry about misunderstanding between WB and Edward Sabine at Kew Committee. Suggests WB write statement to clear things up.

Thanks for congratulations, but JH is not yet appointed [Master of Mint]. Sorry to hear that JH inherits painful disputes. Plans to rely on WB's long experience [as superintendent of Die department].

[A. J.] Ellis was correct; JH used earlier version of proof by [C. F.] Gauss in Theoria Motus Corporum Coelestium [1809] and was not aware of newer proof. But Ellis's objection to JH's proof applies only to properties of space.