Your very obedient servant,
Francis Baily.
MISS HERSCHEL TO F. BAILY, ESQ.
Hanover, Feb. 15, 1836.
Dear Sir,—
I am quite at a loss for terms in which to apologize for having neglected to acknowledge the receiving of your valuable Catalogue and biography of our dear ill-used Flamsteed, which was forwarded to me by the usual kindness and punctuality of Prof. Schumacher on the 9th October last. The same packet also contained Mrs. Somerville’s second edition “On the Connexion,” &c., accompanied by a kind note, dated as far back as April 16th, which, to my sorrow, is also still left unanswered on account of illness, and in the hope that when the days are somewhat longer (my eyes fail me), and that with the return of spring I might perhaps regain some small portion of strength—but I doubt.
The parcel also contained duplicates of my nephew’s second series, and on the satellites of Uranus, and I must trust that on his return he will convey my grateful thanks to you, sir, and the gentlemen, for all the kind attention conferred on me during his absence. My last letter from the Cape is dated October 24th, and I am much gratified by your kindness in having informed my nephew of the wish I have that the volumes of the Royal Astronomical Society’s publications voted to me might be kept for him, and he seems much pleased with the arrangement. I therefore would recommend them to your obliging care till his return. The volume of your “Account of Flamsteed” must be my companion to the last, but I will take care it shall be safely delivered to my nephew.
If I will not lose another post I must conclude with the assurance of ever remaining with great regard,
My dear Sir,
Your much obliged and humble servant,