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Proposes modification to telescope to accommodate spectroscope for study of sun. Will write to Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy] about it.

Astronomer Royal's post at Greenwich vacant; hopes JH will try for it. Has not been successful in getting on the Board of Longitude. Hopes to spend a fortnight in Paris after Christmas.

Thanks CB for his advice about applying for the post of Astronomer Royal when it becomes vacant, but does not think himself qualified. Will not be able to come to London this weekend. Regarding his new acid.

Writing in confidence, informs JH of a conversation with Humphry Davy concerning the appointment of assistants for John Pond, Astronomer Royal. Situation complicated by Pond's precarious health and the widespread belief that JH would be the appropriate successor to Pond.

Responding to JS's letter of 1823-12-19, advises caution in countervening John Pond's preferences in the appointment of Royal Observatory assistants. Were the post of Astronomer Royal to become vacant, JH would be 'anything but disinclined to offer myself for it,' but will not make a 'premature declaration' of his willingness to accept it.

If JS has not already passed on to Humphry Davy JH's letter of 1823-12-21, JS should do so immediately. If post of Astronomer Royal should become vacant, JH would be interested in it, but would not wish to work with Stephen Lee, then under consideration for appointment as head assistant at Greenwich.

Regarding the First Assistant at Greenwich Observatory, and the possibility of JH ever becoming Astronomer Royal. Hopes to see him on Wednesday.

Enclosing vouchers relating to the stock, etc. Regarding the interpretation of a letter from F. W. Bessel. The inquiries regarding the Astronomer Royal.

As G. B. Airy has chosen not to stand as a candidate for the astronomical position in Dublin [Astronomer Royal of Ireland], JH is strongly supporting DL for that position.

Letter of introduction for Charles Babbage who wishes to visit NC's observatory in Palermo.

Writes CB at Naples to inform CB that CB has been elected Lucasian Professor at Cambridge. Urges CB to write to thank the electors.

Thanks GA for the second volume of his observations; wishes the publications of the Astronomer Royal were as good; adds some comments on polarization of light by liquids, and then talks about observing Georgium Sidum [Uranus], and deals with the orbits of satellites of planets generally.

An extensive discussion of the best way of presenting the results produced from the observations made at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, together with comments about the duties and responsibilities of the Astronomer Royal.

Discusses confusion with regard to possible separation of Nautical Almanac from Astronomer Royal and ensuing confusion regarding who will succeed John Pond as superintendent of Nautical Almanac. Asks JH to send letter recommending WS to the Duke.

Believes that if position of Astronomer Royal should become vacant, G. B. Airy would be interested; JH would gladly support such a candidacy.

Reports observations with WS's equatorial during Bedford visit. Packs instruments for voyage. Pleased that Thomas Maclear will take post of Astronomer Royal at the Cape Observatory.

Abstracts of barometrical pressure in various parts of the earth. Has used James South's equatorial with Richard Sheepshanks's clockwork attached. Constitution of Paris Observatory being changed. D. F. J. Arago's experiments on glass and metal. Humphrey Lloyd's experiments on reflected light. Edinburgh's Observatory site likely to be changed. John Pond (Astronomer Royal) has been asked to resign. Thomas Maclear's Cape circle. Reasons for the delay in delivery of R. A. Cauchoix's telescope to Cambridge. House of Lords and Commons burnt down.

Sends his 1834 observations. Has received JH's weather observing instructions. Likely to accept the post of Astronomer Royal when John Pond resigns. Further remarks on new telescope and of E. J. Cooper's (near Sligo) - planetary disks - errors of divisions of circles. Possibility of small observatory in Upper Canada.

Regarding meteorology. John Pond has resigned as Astronomer Royal and G. B. Airy been appointed in his place. Has finished his own account of John Flamsteed and sent it to the press. Is drawing up a report for the new standard scale.

The Series of Brisbane catalogues has been interrupted. Regarding the appointment of a new Astronomer Royal. Reprint of one of JH's papers. Various scientific news.

Congratulates GA on being honored by H. M. Government [GA was offered a knighthood, which he declined], and of being appointed Astronomer Royal, and further tells GA about some of JH's observations, and the instruments in use [letter finished 11 Oct.].

Is sending him the plans and report of Klip Fonteyn [?]. He will forward them later to the Astronomer Royal.

Does not feel qualified to judge the merits of the various makes of telescopes. Suggests that the Astronomer Royal may be able to help or one of the other observatories.

Requests that JH write a recommendation for C. P. Smyth's nomination to the position of Astronomer Royal for Scotland.

C. P. Smyth, chief assistant at Cape observatory for past nine years, is capable observer and qualified to succeed Thomas Henderson as Royal Astronomer at Edinburgh.

Has written recommendation supporting C. P. Smyth for position of Astronomer Royal for Scotland. Suggests that C. P. Smyth, after returning to Britain, seek a teacher to help overcome his stutter. Encloses letter from P. H. L. Boguslawski for WS to present to R.A.S.

C. P. Smyth receives appointment as Astronomer Royal of Scotland. Again thanks JH for recommendation.

Remarks on observation of new comet. Discord in R.A.S. follows Francis Baily's death. C. P. Smyth will leave Cape after being appointed Astronomer Royal to Scotland. Glass for Cape equatorial tested. JH has no success appealing for continuation of Colonial Survey. Southern constellation reform compromised.

Requests reimbursement for £316 JH paid to [Georg] Merz for two bills owed by astronomer royal.

Cannot find any record of his having written. Is sending an official request from the Admiralty for JH to superintend the dome of the Cape telescope. Advice regarding his overpayment of money to the Astronomer Royal.

Agrees that it would be desirable to make further observations at the Cape, but foresees difficulties, especially liaison with the Astronomer Royal at the Cape.

[Responding to JF's 1849-11-23], JH cautiously discusses various considerations bearing on the idea of sending an astronomer and a large reflecting telescope to the Cape.

Clarifies questions and includes his calculations of number of days since the five phenomena (see RP 1850-3-13). Will send some calculations to Astronomer Royal.

Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy] has responded to RP's queries. JH was right about him being off one day in his calculation.

Asks for JH's assistance in inviting foreign astronomers to Visitation Day at the Royal Observatory.

Needs information about the late Thomas Glanville Taylor, astronomer at Madras Observatory, as JH is trying to help one of Taylor's sons obtain a post in the Royal Navy.

Astronomer Royal and his wife are visiting the Lubbocks on Saturday; will JH join them for Saturday and Sunday? Will collect him if he likes. Louisa Herschel was the belle of the Bromley Ball.

Against changing location of Royal Observatory [from Greenwich], but will defer to opinion of [G. B. Airy] Astronomer Royal. Airy is most competent to judge situation. Still ill.

[Form Letter] GA's address, as Astronomer Royal, to Board of Visitors. Progress report on F. G. W. Struve's proposal for joint French-English-Belgian triangulation survey.

18 June meeting of Board of Visitors of Royal Observatory will begin one hour earlier. Encloses copy of letter of [E. A. S. Seymour, 12th] Duke of Somerset, and response from Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy].

Returns paper of G. B. Airy, Astronomer Royal, and submits report on it.

Grateful for the efforts of JH and his fellow astronomers in England for the continuation of TM's pension. Busy unpacking valuable library of Sir George Grey presented to the Cape. Details of his recent observations of stars. Weather has been bad. Surface of the object glass of transit circle is badly corroded. Sailor son is well again.

Comments on some communications with G. B. Airy, Astronomer Royal; complains he has received no formal acknowledgement of large number of manuscripts deposited with R.S.L.

Encloses lithographs of some of his drawings of nebulae, and two tracings of [?] 2241. Has presented his large equatorial to Melbourne and invited the Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy] to Malta to observe through the telescope before it is dispatched to Australia. Would also welcome a visit from JH.

Printed address of the Astronomer Royal to individual members of the Board of Visitors of the Royal Observatory.

About a title change for the Astronomer Royal's chief assistant.