Suggests that JH publish JH's portrait along with his book [Cape Results]. Wants JH to approach the Duke of Northumberland with this idea, and if he has no objections, RS will put the touched up plate at the Duke's disposal. Does not like the idea of selling prints of it.

Has been unable to carry out many observations so has not written. Hears Kew Observatory is vacant with the death of S. P. Rigaud, and would like JH's support for his application for this appointment. Has been approached about taking charge of the projected Manchester Observatory. Has written to G. B. Airy for support.

Sends extracts of solar spots observations by [E.] Capocci. JR will be in London on his way to Paris. Asks if JH would like to accompany him to an exposition.

Presents suggestions for improving and extending Land Station observatories. Will study parallax of Alpha1 and Alpha2 Centauri. Government will survey the colony. Quarantine due to measles outbreak. Boers hostile.

Asks JH if he would like the Meteorological Committee to meet before R.S.L. Council meets. Having received news that the wife of [Thomas] Spring Rice, the person in charge of the fixed observations, is 'dangerously ill,' ES proposes that responsibility of the project be moved to one of the executive departments.

Asks JH if he has thought of compiling William Herschel's works.

Informs JH that a meteorological committee has been called. Discusses financial matters concerning the fixed observatories. Has written to [Thomas] Spring Rice.

Agrees to arrangements suggested by JH [see JH's 1839-3-30] regarding publication of JH's Cape Results.

JH's letter has gone a long way to destroying his hopes for success at Kew. A great pity that the Observatory could not be put to good use. Must soon obtain employment more congenial to his tastes and this would seem an ideal position.

Reports that the precept has been sent for putting the fixed magnetic observatories at St. Helena, the Cape, and Canada into execution, and that the instruments for three Indian observatories have been ordered. Writes that Humphrey Lloyd has made plans for the portable buildings and fixed stations. Discusses expenses of the observatories.

Sends a sample picture fixed by use of iodine [potash].

Reports his successful meeting with Hussey Vivian, whose full support of the fixed observatories is to be communicated to the R.S.L. Council by ES. Says that Vivian desires to read the memorials of the B.A.A.S. and the R.S.L. Will look into the changes in design of the magnetometers. Suggests budgets for the observatories.

Offers JH professorship of astronomy at Oxford and hopes to see him at meeting of Meteorological Committee.

Encloses statutes of General Shipwreck Relief Society, which JH is interested in joining.

Encloses a copy of financial estimates concerning the fixed observatories. Expects bills will be paid by the Treasury. Has conveyed Hussey Vivian's support of the project to the Council of the R.S.L. Clarifies that no vertical magnetometers have been or will be ordered until Humphrey Lloyd is satisfied with their design. Reports that the three officers have been selected for the project. Mentions praise from C. F. Gauss for the project.

Is sending a packet and several letters. Events at the last council meeting. Will read Ernesto Capocci's letter at the next meeting of the R.A.S.

Sends documents with earliest suggestion of Antarctic magnetic variation. Also sends letter from [A. T.] Kupffer. Materials received from [Adolphe] Quetelet, Prague, and Milan. All sent to [Humphrey] Lloyd.

Is sending some drawings of the comet, which had been mislaid. Thomas Maclear's paper is being referred to JH for his corrections. Will discuss which drawings are to be included.

Was grateful for JH's communication and is pleased his catalogue met JH's approval.

Is grateful for JH's goodness regarding the pyramids. Gives measurements of the pyramids and would be grateful for any comments JH can make regarding the significance of these measurements.