[Detached postscript] Asks JH's opinion of new apparatus that [William] Simms will soon put on paper.

More on the matter of [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop. Dawes deserves credit for the observation and reduction; Bishop for being 'founder & proprietor.' On JH's ability to mediate such situations, because he is so well liked. Confident in Bishop's 'good sense,' once he knows that he is being placed in JH's hands.

George Bishop refuses permission for W. R. Dawes to edit Dawes's own observations. Portrait of Francis Baily should be nearly finished. Auction of Baily's books. Plans to start over 'de novo' and not use Baily's method for evaluating standards of measure. Convinced that standards must be connected with Ordnance survey of U.K. and T. F. Colby's units.

Hopes to inscribe a copy of Francis Baily's autograph on the proofs of his portraits. On the plates his full titles should be inscribed; asks JH's help in determining these. How RS can combine this with the autograph. On JH's dispute with James South.

Reminds JH of new format in Nautical Almanac to represent symbols of late F. W. Bessel. Thomas Henderson was working with unknown quantity [in preparing N. L. Lacaille's star catalog].

Asks JH to prepare an eloge of F. W. Bessel.

Explains to JH the R.A.S. Council's intent in asking JH to be Foreign Secretary, and the arrangements that have been made when JH declined.

Has entered JH's name for Foreign Secretary of the R.A.S. and explains the circumstances. On his observations and method of observation of the recently discovered asteroid Astrea.

Responds in detail to JH's concerns expressed in his letters of 1846-12-25. Explains that in awarding R.A.S. medals regarding the discovery of Neptune, the Council wished to avoid slighting either U. J. J. Leverrier of J. C. Adams. Gives views of G. B. Airy, James Challis, and Augustus De Morgan.

Reports organization of N. L. Lacaille's star catalog. Suggests method by which to compare this with Thomas Henderson's figures to determine Henderson's method of computation.

Is trying to straighten out the origin of the R.A.S., and giving appropriate credit.

Recounts discussion in R.A.S. council regarding how the Society's medal should be awarded in response to the discovery of Neptune. U. J. J. Leverrier led J. C. Adams in the voting, but did not receive enough votes.

Arranges concurrent meetings of Standards Committee and Visitation [to Greenwich observatory]. Possible explanation for notations in [Thomas Henderson's] 'tables at June 11.' Please review and edit 'Preface to Lalande.' Will write to [Elizabeth] Baily.

Encloses letter from W. S. Stratford at R.A.S. How RS plans to distribute works on J. J. L. Lalande and N. L. Lacaille left unfinished at death of Francis Baily.

Cannot explain how Thomas Henderson arrived at special figures in N. L. Lacaille's star catalog. Will examine Lacaille's volumes tomorrow.

Congratulates JH on finding solution [to Thomas Henderson's notations]. Sends extract of 11 Mar. 1841 letter from Henderson, stating that Henderson used computations in Francis Baily's edition of N. L. Lacaille's catalog. RS's notes on observation and reductions of J. J. L. Lalande. Sent skeleton of RS's 'Preface' to W. S. Stratford.

Believes that RS's suggested correction, 'when translated into its equivalent value in terms of the inclination,' will provide sought-for values.

Dispute with W. S. Stratford over proof sheets. Efforts to appease [T. R.] Robinson. RS's progress on works of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande.

RS will disclaim editorial responsibility for 'Preface' to J. J. L. Lalande's work if W. S. Stratford modifies it substantially. G. B. Airy is upset by omissions in 'Preface.' Usefulness of J. B. J. Delambre's work in understanding observations of N. L. Lacaille.

Aggravated by W. S. Stratford's refusal to send proofs [of 'Preface' to J. J. L. Lalande's work] to RS.