A friend has requested JH to ask JS whether JS has a large Cauchoix objective lens that he would be willing to sell. JH has dismantled his 20-ft. telescope for voyage to Cape Town.

Assures JS that the person interested in purchasing JS's lens has worthy intentions for it, i.e., its use in a public institution. Regrets that JS distrusted JH's good intentions.

JH has seen the letter in The Times [see JS's 1838-11-12]. As JS only asked if JH's name was there, JH responds to the question of fact and does not wish further communication on the matter.

As JH is not aware that JS has been attacked because of the incident referred to in JH's 1826-11-14, JH is unwilling to give permission for the publication of that letter. It seems to JH that JS is being attacked for unsubstantiated attacks he made on the President and Council of the R.S.L.

States unequivocally that the letter referred to in JS's 1864-10-11 has not 'a syllable' that can in any way affect the question of the conduct or character of the late Humphry Davy. JH could not conceive of publication of the letter without the express consent of the other person mentioned in it [Charles Babbage].

As JH has been approached by Charles Babbage for permission to publish certain portions of JH's correspondence, JH is writing to say that he gives both Babbage and JS permission to publish what they will.

Writes a very kind letter, encouraging JS to remember the good days when JS and JH worked together in astronomy, and to forget less happy events. [This letter was enclosed in JH's 1865-5-31 to John F. South.]