Explains that he does not wish to be a member of the new Board of Longitude; wishes instead to devote his energies to his research. Is leaving to travel for some months [with his bride]; cannot attend committee meetings during this period.
Is defending a change in notation for the angles of position system that JH introduced in a paper. [Postscript dated 1830-7-7 marked 'Private' and deals with business relating to the Athenaeum and a comment on Charles Babbage's book.]
Surprised at JS's response [see 1831-11-28] to his offer. Because the offer was well intentioned, repeats it and hopes that their mutual interests will lead to continued correspondence.
Commiserates with JS's problems in the construction of JS's new observatory. Seeks to smooth over a misunderstanding between them. Failing health of JH's mother.
Responds to JS's fear [see 1832-5-15] that JH has been preparing an attack on JS's double star observations by explaining in detail and providing extensive evidence that JH has no such intention.
A friend has requested JH to ask JS whether JS has a large Cauchoix objective lens that he would be willing to sell. JH has dismantled his 20-ft. telescope for voyage to Cape Town.
Assures JS that the person interested in purchasing JS's lens has worthy intentions for it, i.e., its use in a public institution. Regrets that JS distrusted JH's good intentions.
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.
As JH is not aware that JS has been attacked because of the incident referred to in JH's 1826-11-14, JH is unwilling to give permission for the publication of that letter. It seems to JH that JS is being attacked for unsubstantiated attacks he made on the President and Council of the R.S.L.
States unequivocally that the letter referred to in JS's 1864-10-11 has not 'a syllable' that can in any way affect the question of the conduct or character of the late Humphry Davy. JH could not conceive of publication of the letter without the express consent of the other person mentioned in it [Charles Babbage].
As JH has been approached by Charles Babbage for permission to publish certain portions of JH's correspondence, JH is writing to say that he gives both Babbage and JS permission to publish what they will.
Writes a very kind letter, encouraging JS to remember the good days when JS and JH worked together in astronomy, and to forget less happy events. [This letter was enclosed in JH's 1865-5-31 to John F. South.]