Copy of a letter, from John Frederick William Herschel to Charles Babbage Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding Charles Babbage's machine. Edward Ryan's visit. Events at the Cape. Failure of his astronomical observations due to cloud conditions. Has been trying to stir up the South African Philosophical Society. Recent South African expedition. 23 December 1834