Letter, from Sir John Herschel to Richard Sheepshanks, dated at Collingwood Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society, but will be unable to attend most meetings. John Frederick William Herschel's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of John Frederick William Herschel's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word priority."'" 3 December 1846