Letter, from Sir John Herschel to Richard Sheepshanks, dated at Collingwood Autograph letter signed by sender. Did not understand the steps necessary by the Royal Astronomical Society rules and that an appeal to a general meeting was necessary [regarding awarding medals, e.g., for the discovery of Neptune]. Assures him that W. H. Smyth did not write anything of which Richard Sheepshanks could disapprove. Believes the council has the discretion to deal with anything that comes before it. 26 December 1846