From Mary Somerville   [31 March 1829]

R. H. Chelsea

March 31_st [postmarked 1829]

My dear Sir

I esteem it a very great mark of friendship that you should donate any of your time to my paper which would be so much more agreeably spent with your fair and charming Bride; and to her also I owe many apologies for intruding at such a moment.

I am truly obliged to you for your criticisms which are perfectly just you may be assured that I shall gladly adopt every thing you may suggest. I beg you will take what time you please as I have sufficient employment in going on with the second book. —-

It will be my pride to consider your wife as my friend and I trust to your giving us early notice of your return to London that you may spend a quiet day with us at Chelsea to make us acquainted. None of your friends rejoice more sincerely in your happiness than Dr Somerville and myself. we[sic] write in offering Mrs Herschel and you our kindest and best wishes.

Yours my dear Sir

very sincerely

Mary Somerville