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.

Thanks RS for his brochure [on the affairs of the Liverpool Observatory?].

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.

Is too busy to accept the office of Foreign Secretary of the R.A.S. Says he cannot even keep up with his correspondence at home. Has been forced to give up foreign correspondence altogether.

Clarifies his position with regard to becoming R.A.S. Foreign Secretary. Sets conditions under which he would allow his name to stand. Has been 'harassed' for the last two months by 'stomach derangements.' 'It is old Paracelsus's "Archaeus" in a fit of the Sulks.' On the disposal of some of Francis Baily's remaining manuscripts.

Has received the prints of the portrait of Francis Baily. Finds them impressive.

Does not possess enough knowledge of F. W. Bessel's writing to compose more than a brief obituary on him. Would like RS to help [A. B.] Orlebar of the Bombay Observatory by providing a corresponding observation of the occultation of alpha Virginis on 19 January.

Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of R.A.S., but will be unable to attend most meetings. JH's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of JH's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word "priority."'

Does not want the R.A.S. to make any assertions with respect to priority regarding the discovery of Neptune: '...though Neptune ought to have been born an Englishman and a Cambridge man every inch of him,' you will never make 'an English Discovery of it do what you will.' States that [J. C.] Adams is owed much. If The R.A.S. throws down the gauntlet, this will do much 'mischief' and demoralize Adams.

Would not object if the [R.A.S.] council resolved to give J. C. Adams a medal, but the wording must be carefully considered, especially regarding the word 'discovery.' Presents a 'string of resolutions,' on how to deal with Adams and other contenders in the discovery of Neptune. Leave the question of priority for posterity. If the council sets up Adams as a competitor to U. J. J. Leverrier, JH will reserve to himself 'the privilege of protest.'

Clarifies his position regarding the resolutions on the R.A.S. medals relating to the discovery of Neptune. Is unwilling to urge that they be accepted by the R.A.S, but can live with them because they contain the truth and nothing 'improper or offensive.' Suggests that if the R.A.S. does adopt these, it may 'prove a more fatal apple of discord than any that has been thrown down among us for years.'

Has received the list of six persons proposed by the R.A.S. for its medal, along with who nominated each. Has harsh words for the RAS's actions [regarding the discovery of Neptune] and says it has been badly mismanaged in England. Urges RS to exert his influence with G. B. Airy to get some names removed. At end writes 'Burn this.'

Clarifies some details in his letter to RS of 1846-12-25 on the R.A.S. deliberations regarding giving medals for the discovery of Neptune.

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.

Did not understand the steps necessary by the R.A.S. rules and that an appeal to a general meeting was necessary [regarding awarding medals, e.g., for the discovery of Neptune]. Assures him that W. H. Smyth did not write anything of which RS could disapprove. Believes the council has the discretion to deal with anything that comes before it.

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.