The Bishop of London favors the idea of JH becoming Savilian Professor of Astronomy. What are JH's views on the subject? William Buckland would rejoice.

[Letter appears to be a response to some criticisms by JH of BV's paper on Encke's comet submitted to the R.A.S.] Deals with the density of the comet's nebulosity and with the effect of the comet's approach to perihelion, gives estimates of the comet's magnitude, and comments on the behavior of gases.

Has been requested in confidence to ascertain whether JH would be interested in accepting the Savilian professorship and the Radcliffe Observatory.

Thanks for the letter delivered by Mrs. Freeman. Has now had authority from Charles Grant (Baron Glenelg) to put JH's educational scheme into practice. Professor J. R. Innes has been put in charge of the educational system. News of the Andries Stockenström investigation will please JH. Comments on the political scene at the Cape. Hopes to assist [Alexander?] Hutchinson.

Admiralty assigned Erebus and Terror to Antarctic expedition. Asks JH and Lord Northampton to request approval from Treasury for procurement of scientific instruments. Wants to consult with JH soon.

Comments on a number of chemicals used in photography, as well as referring to JH's process of making 'enlargements.'

Informs JH that JH has been recommended to the Queen for the Commission of Peace.

JH's letter settles the case of the Savilian chair. Gives news of suitable houses for the Herschels that are likely to come up for sale.

Consists mostly of a transcription of two short notes from J. B. Biot to JH by way of WT.

Wants to order three complete sets of magnetic and meteorological instruments for observations at St. Helena, at Cape of Good Hope, and aboard expedition ships. Admiralty cannot furnish instruments. Asks JH to continue efforts to obtain authorization from Treasury.

Thanks for his letter informing him of his having been awarded the Copley medal. Was pleased to receive the observations of the magnetic declination and inclination of London. Projected expedition of Captain J. C. Ross pleases him. C. F. Gauss is now preparing the third volume of the Resultate. Would like JH's opinion on one of the papers in this volume. Gives his own views on the magnetic poles.

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.