| RefNo | HSF/2/1/79 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.63 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J H [John Herschel], Halstead Place, to 'Dear Father' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 7 June 1867 |
| Description | John was at Greenwich last Saturday and spoke with [George Gabriel] Stokes, [William] Huggins, Major [James Francis] Tennant and others, followed by conversation with [George Biddell] Airy on Sunday. He now knows the situation with the solar eclipse better than before. Airy will not commit to expenditure on behalf of the Government unless assured that the most will be made of it; he does not have full confidence in Tennant, and John cannot reassure him. Airy offers two inadequate telescopes and the advice not to attempt too much. There seems to be no co-operation between the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Society. He has a general conversation with Stokes and said that his duties required his presence near the spot and could promise his service; meanwhile he would learn what he could. John discussed the matter scientifically with Huggins, who wishes to make the most of the opportunity, offering all assistance. John explained to Airy that he had no special knowledge, but he would do what he could to qualify, leaving aside the politics. Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] could be depended upon, since Airy thought that even if money were available, men were not. It is all a question of expense, John thinks. Airy said that if they could look to Indian officers to take on the management, and do it well, there would be no difficulty, but he does not trust them. He expands on Airy's conversation, but there is no satisfactory solution. Huggins thinks the two telescopes offered to Tennant are inadequate. John hopes that the Royal Society will take the matter up in a more adventurous way. It is an opportunity for [Henry 1st Viscount] Chaplin, who won £200,000 on the Derby and has given £12,000 for a charitable purpose. He asks his father to let Alick see the letter and gives news of Mrs Power, and Mr. [John Pelly] and Mrs. [Anna] Atkins. |
| Extent | 8p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer | 1837 - 1921 |