Letter, from Richard Sheepshanks to Sir John Herschel, dated at Reading Autograph letter signed by sender. H. C. Schumacher wants an application from the Royal Astronomical Society Richard Sheepshanks complied, giving reasons. 'Miss B.' [Elizabeth Baily] reluctant to write even the shortest formal note. Suggests John Frederick William Herschel announce her gift on taking the chair. Wants to 'jump' at [F. W. A.] Argelander's offer [to complete the British Catalogue]. Progress on his 'apparatus.' Has asked J. C. Adams to give the Royal Astronomical Society notice of the controversy about Neptune, in which U. J. J. Leverrier ('a very cantankerous fellow') has engaged. If Adams refuses, would John Frederick William Herschel respond? 4 January 1849