| Description | He approves of the Committee's idea to prefix a biographical notice of William Herschel to the reprinting of his collected papers. Dr Dreyer is to aid in selecting a portion of William Herschel's manuscripts to exhibit for this purpose and most of the necessary materials are already in Hardcastle's hands. He lists these, including the interview with Napoleon. There is a file of letters from astronomers of his time, but no corresponding letters from Herschel; perhaps the Royal Astronomical Society would be able to recover the letters he wrote. There is also a file of letters to his favourite brother Jacob, from when he was a musician, and these give insight into his character. He does not want to have these leave the family, but if Dr Dreyer would wish to see them in Hardcastle's hands, or at Slough, he would have copies made, to be returned. These contain earnest references to a benificent deity in private language and Sir William would not want them published beyond his own acts. He trusts Dr Dreyer's discretion, but would reserve his own right to full discretion. |