Believes that rather than asking the government for more money to continue making magnetic observations, the six years of observations should be studied to see if further observations can be justified.

Having been assured by ES that the government might receive a request for more money for magnetic observations, JH retreats from his earlier position [see JH's 1844-7-17], and is willing to accept the possibility of a magnetic conference, which JH does not want to lead in any way. JH believes his scientific life is almost over and he has much to do.