Had an encouraging conversation with William Lamb, Lord Melbourne, about funding for the South Polar expedition. Asks WW and George Peacock to prepare a proposal regarding the expedition, JH doing the same.

Has received a long letter from F. W. Bessel regarding the discovery of the parallax of a fixed star.

Thanks FB for letter in which FB announces the discovery of annual stellar parallax; JH questions whether effects of temperature have been adequately considered.

Thanks for duplicates of horary observations. Requests that AQ and his associates cease them after December 1838. Questions 'whether any and what' corrections are applied to observations. Has successfully seen second satellite of Saturn.

Sees that JH has been named as a candidate for the Rectorship of Glasgow University. Though honored wishes it to be known that he will not be a candidate.

Invites WW to a meeting with James Ross and Humphrey Lloyd on the South Polar expedition. Asks WW to inform George Peacock. Encourages WW to defend the expedition, which Lord Minto reports is in jeopardy.

Lord Normanby stalling education system program. Government recognizes Land Observatories. Writes letter to Admiralty requesting TM's assistant remain at Royal Observatory.

Urgent request for JS to visit and help JH and Margaret during 'these desperate nights.'

Asks a number of questions about a projected South Polar magnetic expedition.

Is prepared to see GE anytime about resolutions [see JH's 1838-10-20]. Outlines the requirements of the Cape Observatory for more efficient service. Eloquently pleads the case for government support of research in the physical sciences.

Further comments in preparation for discussion of major expedition [see JH's 1838-10-22] with representatives of the government.

John Stewart's dilemma regarding marriage to James Grahame's daughter Matilda, and JH's letter to Grahame. Margaret Herschel is recovering from mumps.

No summary available.

JH has seen the letter in The Times [see JS's 1838-11-12]. As JS only asked if JH's name was there, JH responds to the question of fact and does not wish further communication on the matter.

Thanks AQ for meteorological observations for September 1838 and other materials sent. Singles 12 and 13 November as extraordinarily clear. Observed a 'paucity of shooting stars' and an Aurora Borealis.

Details about proposals for magnetic expeditions, as they are to be presented to British government [see GA's 1838-11-12]. Also included is a copy of the resolutions passed at a B.A.A.S. meeting on 25 Aug. 1828.

Encloses JH's [letter to James Grahame] for JS to edit. Use discretion as to whether John [Stewart] should see this. Margaret is continually nauseous.

Comments on the work of the Standards Commission, hoping that it will move quickly to a conclusion [see GA's 1838-11-14].

Would like a statement from Edward Sabine and HL outlining the probable expense and materials required for the proposed expedition so that he can hand it to the government at the interview. Has written to G. B. Airy, who is not in favor of the proposed expedition, so will write again. Thinks it necessary for men of science to agree before presenting petitions to the government.

Replies to GA's request for meeting dates [see GA's 1838-11-14], and suggests ways to shorten the work of the commission [see JH's 1838-11-16].