Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Davies Gilbert, dated at [56 Devonshire St.] Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Informs Davies Gilbert that John Frederick William Herschel is resigning as secretary of Royal Society [of London] [at the anniversary date?] and expresses great regret that some regard the position of secretary not as an elected position, but in the patronage of the President. 27 June 1827