Letter of condolence on death of JH's mother.

Would like his opinion on a political matter viz disenfranchising of boroughs.

Delighted by JH's discovery of orbit of Gamma Virginis. JH has conclusively established 'the indefinite extent and uniformity of the principle of gravitation.' Invites JH and wife to visit Cambridge.

Responds to FB's request for advice on a political document prepared by Thomas Drummond analyzing parliamentary representation and taxation in mathematical terms.

Spent a pleasant time with G. B. Airy at Cambridge. The 'Melville' ship sails from Portsmouth on Thursday and he has been promised a passage to the Cape in it. Proposes to call on him tomorrow to discuss certain things.

Returns his paper and would be glad to receive an abstract. JH has been removed from the Council of the R.A.S. in deference to his wishes. King of Denmark has offered a gold medal for the discovery of a comet.

Thanks MF for his kindness and attention to JH's mother in her final illness, and asks JG for his bill.

Saddened at the death of JH's mother; knows that 'it can't be long before I shall follow the dear departed.'

Attempts explanation of curious subterranean acoustic phenomenon at Nakoos. Explains other natural acoustic phenomena and eruptions of geysers in Iceland. P.S.: Do not nominate JH to council of Geological Society.

Was pleased to receive the elements of Gamma Virginis. Congratulations on his knighthood. J. J. Lister called on him recently and would like to see JH.

Has been making optical experiments. Hopes to see JH in the Spring. Hopes JH will be able to observe Encke's comet this year.

Makes arrangements for a visit to TH to see some of J. J. Lister's experiments. JH is sending TH some gelatinous matter that JH found in JH's telescope.

The time he proposes to visit them is very suitable and J. J. Lister will be there. The substance found in JH's telescope is very interesting. Hopes his mother is still well.

Brief note about JH's travel to Slough and the need to come back to London soon.

[SW's servant] Sally celebrates JH's birthday every year and longs to see JH again.

Thanks JH for ring of deceased Mary Herschel. Would like to see JH's children, but age confines SW.

JH and the baby are getting along well; JH talks about cholera; is 'almost certain I had the comet in the [JH's telescope's] field.'

The postal packet that he forwarded to Durham has been lost, so would be grateful if JH would send him another recommendation. Must not speak too humbly of himself. Finds Cambridge much changed.

Sending a paper for CD and one for S. P. Rigaud and William Buckland. Would like Buckland's support for W. H. Mill, a candidate for the Boden professorship at Oxford. Has been speculating on the effect of snow on the heights of mountains. Thinks David Brewster has carried his joke about the decline of chemistry too far.

Asks SR to vote for [William Hodge] Mill for the new Boden Professorship of Oriental Literature at Oxford. Thanks SR for gift of SR's book on James Bradley.