Sir James Macken wishes the Herschels to come to dinner. Hopes they will attend.
Sir James Macken wishes the Herschels to come to dinner. Hopes they will attend.
Asks WS to forward enclosed note to Professor Schlegel. Disappointed that his celestial mechanics lecture [review] did not appear in last issue of the Quarterly Review.
Will write [J.-B.] Biot, but does not know to which enquiries Biot wishes JH to respond. Also wants to thank Biot for his kindness. S.-D. Poisson in a statement before the Académie des sciences has misdescribed JH's planned voyage.
Has received payment from [John] Murray [for review of Mary Somerville's Mechanism of the Heavens ?]. Cannot answer Mrs. Somerville's question about poles of maximum cold.
Regrets he will not get to visit Chelsea before departing for the Cape of Good Hope. Sends regards to family.
Glad the government has recognized Mrs. Somerville's work. Discusses the hostility toward natives at the Cape and criticizes actions of colonists. Astronomical observing conditions at Cape are very good.
Introduces Frederic Smith and asks the Herschels to be kind to him when he arrives at the Cape. Is anxious to see JH again.
Thanks WS for W. H. Wollaston's crystal models and other gifts. Comments on the 'strange and exciting events' that are in progress in political affairs.
Sending a large specimen of rock salt. Wants JH to make a lens for Mrs. Somerville, if possible. Discusses the political transitions that are occurring.
Will use rock salt to study heat spots. Discusses views of [Macedonio] Melloni regarding solar heat. If England can avoid the mistakes of her neighbors, she will enjoy a great triumph.
Informs JH that before JH's [Cape] expedition, WS recommended it to [H. R. V. Fox,] Lord Holland, who recommended it to James Graham, then First Lord of the Admiralty. Sends JH a letter from Lord Holland to WS praising JH's efforts.
Condolences regarding sad event [death of Caroline Herschel]. Somervilles enjoyed their visit to Collingwood. Has sent a box of gifts.
Invites Herschels to dinner at Mrs. Turno's. Wishes to take a look at sky when JH gets home.
Kaffirs dispossessed by colonists. Condemns 'Colonial insolence.' Editor John Fairbairn, detested by colonists, exposed this in South African Commercial Advertiser.