Has now received JH's letter of the 5th. John Phillips will give JH the exact terms of the grant from the B.A.A.S. Will call at Slough to see the Herschels on his way to town. Deeply regrets that JH is not interested in the position at Cambridge, but M. J. Johnson will go far.

Regarding tickets for Lady Herschel's gallery. There has been some fracas with Charles Babbage over the distribution of these tickets.

Has read RM's note to the Morning Post correcting error in the report on the dinner [in JH's honor]. Wishes money had not been mentioned in RM's reply. Is grateful for all RM's work in arranging for the dinner.

Explaining why he wrote the letter to the Morning Post. Has heard that JH is about to be offered a baronetcy. Must also ask him about the future Presidency of the B.A.A.S.

Urges JH to attend next Geological Society meeting, meet [Carlo Andrea, Conte de] Pozzo di Borgo, and see RM's new ordnance maps.

Charles Babbage believes that RM prevented Babbage from becoming president of B.A.A.S. Denies this. Hopes JH can keep Babbage 'from overloading the cup of misfortune.'

Writes in great haste, thanking RM on behalf of Lady Herschel for taking 'trouble,' especially for 'Literary Tributes' apparently sent for Lady H's album.

The Silurian System is now at the binders, and he is now relaxing and doing Christmas visiting. Proposes to write to the editor of the Annals of Philosophy giving details of the vase to be presented to JH to mark his Cape sojourn. Can also send the literary effusions to Lady Herschel if she desires them.

Glad to see RM's geological labors on The Silurian System completed.