From:
James Grahame
To:
Sir John Herschel
Date:
[4 June 1825]
Source of text:
RS:HS 8.326
Summary:
Of dreams, poetry, and JH's winning the Lalande Prize [letter completed 1825-6-6].
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Of dreams, poetry, and JH's winning the Lalande Prize [letter completed 1825-6-6].
Comments negatively on an astronomical paper by Robert Woodhouse. [J. F. A.] Gambert in Marseille has reportedly discovered a comet. Details on the medal to be awarded by the Academy to JH and JS. If, as reported, Wilhelm Struve has come to England, invite him to visit JS in Paris.
Returning to Cookham. Thanks for minerals. Describes shipment of new minerals from Baffin Bay. Expecting another from Rio de la Plata, courtesy of Woodbine Parish [consul-general to Buenos Aires].
Concerning recent works and discussions connected with longitude.
Encloses R. Bonne's letter and gives further instructions regarding rockets for experiment.
Edward Sabine declares that R.S.L. is hostile to ES's interests. If ES makes future claim for compensation, JH wants TY's opinion in writing. Need to order four night glasses for Fairlight Station. Encloses letter from [Richard] Copeland.
Clarifies that the six artillery men are at ES's disposal but under JH's command. Agrees to oversee arrival of the rockets. If expenses are to be paid by the Department of Ordinance, a request must be made by the Secretary of the Board of Longitude. Agrees to keep a record of expenses, not including his time spent, which he considers 'public service.'
Six artillery men have been placed under ES's command. Encloses letters from Charles Bonne. Asks ES to oversee the arrival of 180 rockets to be used at Wrotham and Fairlight. Proposes that ES test whether a light at Wrotham can be seen at Fairlight in which case gunpowder will be used instead of rockets. Sets date for ES to meet Bonne in Hornoy. Urges ES to record his expenses for the Board of Longitude.
JS has received the medals awarded JS and JH by the French Academy for their paper on double stars. Reports on his new work on double stars and his observations of [J. F. A.] Gambert's comet.
Anxiety about the response to JG's manuscript by the publisher [see JG's 1825-5-16].
Laments the difficulty of transmitting publications between Paris and London. On arrangements to get JH's Lalande Prize medal to JH. JS's recent observations and contacts with Parisian scientists.
Has returned to Brest, and found his letter. Is honored to correspond with JH. Further regarding pendulum observations.
About books and papers, being sent both ways.