Will send his insects and two or three from Henslow.
The Canary scheme takes place next June.
Is grieved WDF thinks him capable of telling falsehoods.
Responds to TH's complaint that the government and the R.A.S. are not liberal enough with grants for science. JH rejects both complaints and explains why.
Regrets that JH could not dine with him and John Brinkley (Bishop of Cloyne). Has had a letter from the Admiralty about a grant to [T. J.?] Hussey.
GP has been asked to recommend a naturalist to sail with Capt. Robert FitzRoy to Tierra del Fuego and the South Sea Islands. If Leonard Jenyns is not available, whom would JSH recommend?
P.S. Urges JHS not to lose this opportunity to have collections made for "our museum".
TH has been hurt by the tone of JH's letter [see JH's 1831-8-2] and felt he was writing to JH in confidence. JH assures TH that he has spoken to no one about any private details in TH's letter.
Explains to WM that in the present chaotic state of scientific responsibilities [the Board of Longitude has been abolished and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich's sphere of activity has been severely restricted], the Cape observations have not been published, but JH hopes that will soon occur. JH then asks WM to write when he arrives at the Cape, telling JH about the possibilities for an 'Amateur Observer' to live and observe at the Cape.
Notes that 36 Ophiuchi and 30 Scorpii have parallel proper motion; believes that James South overestimates the importance of this fact. Suggests double stars for WHS to observe.
No summary available.
About JG's travel plans, and about JH's Prelim. Discourse.
Has correlated James Bradley's observations of the Castor and the Gamma Virginis double stars systems, which observations SR sent to JH, with later observations. Agreement is excellent. JH lays out elements of orbits for each system.
JH and Margaret arrived safely. Changes in town since 1826 visit. [Letter continues 19 Aug.:] Unable to find lodgings. Both babies [Caroline and Isabella] enjoy sea.
Sending some papers that will appear in the Irish Transactions, on the intensity of light. If JH agrees would he send it on to one of the scientific journals.
JSH has been asked by Peacock to recommend a naturalist as companion to Capt. FitzRoy on Beagle voyage. CD the best qualified person; not a finished naturalist but amply qualified for collecting, observing, and noting.
Would like his opinion regarding a matter concerning [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue. Would he care to write the preface?
Details about FitzRoy and proposed voyage of Beagle. CD invited to go on the voyage as naturalist.
In reply to FB [see FB's 1831-8-25], JH believes that [Henry] Taylor, the person who had done all the reductions of the observations [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue, should be asked to write the preface, both by reason of his familiarity with the material, as well as having earned the right to do so.
CD has had an offer to go on a voyage of discovery for two years. RWD objects strongly, but will let CD make his case and if JW agrees with CD, RWD will change his position. In a postscript RWD adds, "Charles has quite given up … the voyage."
Feels he should decline Beagle voyage offer because of his father’s objections, which he lists. Would otherwise have taken all risks.
[Geological] trip with Adam Sedgwick a success.
Grieved at Marmaduke Ramsay’s death.
CD asks his father to consider the offer of the Beagle voyage once more. He encloses his list of RWD’s objections and Josiah Wedgwood’s responses [see 109]. Asks his father to give him a decided answer: if "no" he will never again mention the subject.
States his views on each of RWD’s objections to the Beagle venture. JW’s overall position is favourable to CD’s acceptance of the offer.
