Suggests that JH publish JH's portrait along with his book [Cape Results]. Wants JH to approach the Duke of Northumberland with this idea, and if he has no objections, RS will put the touched up plate at the Duke's disposal. Does not like the idea of selling prints of it.
Has been unable to carry out many observations so has not written. Hears Kew Observatory is vacant with the death of S. P. Rigaud, and would like JH's support for his application for this appointment. Has been approached about taking charge of the projected Manchester Observatory. Has written to G. B. Airy for support.
Sends extracts of solar spots observations by [E.] Capocci. JR will be in London on his way to Paris. Asks if JH would like to accompany him to an exposition.
Has been getting information about the area with a view to buying a house there; met J. W. Lubbock and was very shocked by Lubbock's unhealthy appearance.
Presents suggestions for improving and extending Land Station observatories. Will study parallax of Alpha1 and Alpha2 Centauri. Government will survey the colony. Quarantine due to measles outbreak. Boers hostile.
Asks JH if he would like the Meteorological Committee to meet before R.S.L. Council meets. Having received news that the wife of [Thomas] Spring Rice, the person in charge of the fixed observations, is 'dangerously ill,' ES proposes that responsibility of the project be moved to one of the executive departments.
Concerns about equipment for fixed observatories, for which aid will come from B.A.A.S., and for [naval] expedition. Expresses vital importance of meteorological observatory on Van Diemen's Land.
Asks JH if he has thought of compiling William Herschel's works.
About the question of an astronomer for a vacant position at Kew Observatory.
Informs JH that a meteorological committee has been called. Discusses financial matters concerning the fixed observatories. Has written to [Thomas] Spring Rice.
Thanks WH for the bulbs, seeds, and a book, which he sent from South Africa. JH describes how well the tubers that JH brought back from South Africa are doing. JH complains about the weather in England. Sends WH a specimen of a plant 'photograph' made with W. H. F. Talbot's newly devised system.
Sends plans to construct barometer that he never built; invites JP to use the plans.
Agrees to arrangements suggested by JH [see JH's 1839-3-30] regarding publication of JH's Cape Results.
Finds that he is unable to attend the Council Meeting so would FB take the chair. Business to be brought before council. Ernesto Capocci has seen a spot on the sun.
JH's letter has gone a long way to destroying his hopes for success at Kew. A great pity that the Observatory could not be put to good use. Must soon obtain employment more congenial to his tastes and this would seem an ideal position.
Reports that the precept has been sent for putting the fixed magnetic observatories at St. Helena, the Cape, and Canada into execution, and that the instruments for three Indian observatories have been ordered. Writes that Humphrey Lloyd has made plans for the portable buildings and fixed stations. Discusses expenses of the observatories.
Sends a sample picture fixed by use of iodine [potash].
Reports his successful meeting with Hussey Vivian, whose full support of the fixed observatories is to be communicated to the R.S.L. Council by ES. Says that Vivian desires to read the memorials of the B.A.A.S. and the R.S.L. Will look into the changes in design of the magnetometers. Suggests budgets for the observatories.
Offers JH professorship of astronomy at Oxford and hopes to see him at meeting of Meteorological Committee.
Expresses great pleasure that the fixed observatories have received official approval and financial support. Approves of ES's cost estimates. Encloses copy of the B.A.A.S. memorial. Agrees to tell Humphrey Lloyd to order instruments as requested by ES.