Gratefully accepts role as President Elect for 1845 B.A.A.S. meeting.

Appreciates foresight, but cannot commit to be president of B.A.A.S. meeting at Cambridge in summer of 1846. Date is too far away; personal and domestic commitments are pressing.

Has unsuccessfully tried to get in touch with [Hugh] Falconer and Falconer's publisher about obtaining further government aid for Falconer's research. Hopes RM, JH's fellow B.A.A.S. committee member, can help.

Discusses JH's resolution regarding distribution of government grants, which Committee adopted but R.S.L. Council opposed. Relays in great detail proceedings and decisions of meeting.

On RM's stepping down as president of Geological Society. Where exactly abroad will RM pursue enquiries?

Approves date of B.A.A.S. meeting. Will consult with [Charles?] Wheatstone about date of Kew committee meeting.

Wonders how [Christian?] Schönbein, who is in London, could best exhibit explosives. Hopes RM will attend upcoming meeting; [William] Stratford, who is ill, cannot. [Francis] Baily, [Thomas] Henderson, and [R.] Harris have died working on 'fatal' catalogue Stratford is doing.

Finally encloses note to [Christian?] Schönbein. Says S will come to Southampton. Wonders whether can recommend purchase of S's secret or military adoption of it without overstepping limits. Comments on [H. C.] Oersted's discovery.

Has received report of R.S.L. grant committee, noting that it did not adopt three of his recommendations. Asks questions. Is glad that RM and Charles Babbage are again on friendly terms.

Has been requested to serve on committee on R.S.L. government grant [see JH's 1850-2-15] and to draw up report to council for adoption on next day. JH declines request but offers opinions, suggestions, and a resolution.

Probably cannot attend Kew meeting after 10th; has suggested 6th or 7th. Wishes to invite Michael Faraday as 'Physical Chair,' but knows of Faraday's poor health.

To help RM, who must speak about [F. W.] Bessel, writes of Bessel's astronomical accomplishments.

Accepts dinner invitation.

Cannot introduce a Mr. Grant to overly 'pressed' Mint assayers. Will help Grant as far as possible, but returns 'excellent' testimonials, having no part in 'manning' possible Australian mint.

Writes in great haste, thanking RM on behalf of Lady Herschel for taking 'trouble,' especially for 'Literary Tributes' apparently sent for Lady H's album.

Asks JH's opinion about distribution of government fund for advancement of science handed over to R.S.L.

Thanks for resolutions regarding distribution of government aid, particularly JH's dwelling on good example of B.A.A.S. Discusses proceedings of distribution committee meeting. [Marked 'Private'.]

Has read RM's note to the Morning Post correcting error in the report on the dinner [in JH's honor]. Wishes money had not been mentioned in RM's reply. Is grateful for all RM's work in arranging for the dinner.

On JH's Cambridge oration for B.A.A.S. Asks RM about weaknesses in paper, and character of people to be addressed, so that JH will not offend them. JH hopes to read speech, distrusting own extemporaneous speaking abilities.

Requests copy of RM's lecture on distribution of gold, and further information on value of it and silver. Asks specific questions about Russian gold.