Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Charles Richard Weld, dated at Collingwood Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. George III defrayed all costs (£4000) for William Herschel's 40-feet reflecting telescope. John Frederick William Herschel began dismantling it in Dec. 1839. Lenses and equipment are in storage. Tube's internal structure of corrugated iron and framework's diagonal bracing were originated by William Herschel. 13 March 1847