Royal Observatory Greenwich - Sheepshanks Exhibition [see GA to WW, 30 Sept. 1856] can be divided into three parts: 1. Gravitational, 2. Geometrical Astronomy and 3. Theory and Practice of Observations. GA could do number 3, Mathison [William C. Mathison] number 2 and if Adams [John C. Adams] is around, he could do number 1. A Transit-Circle was first introduced in Greenwich, because 'a Mural Circle cannot carry a large object-glass. - But there are many distinct advantages. As a Transit, it is no better than a detached Transit, but as a Circle it holds its position much better than a Mural Circle: the same object is infallibly observed in both elements; and (probably for that reason) one observer with the Transit-Circle observes a greater number of objects than two with Transit and Mural Circle: and it saves the salary of one observer'.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - Further to Miss Sheepshanks supplementary grant of £2000 plus [see GA to WW, 15 Nov. 1860], John C. Adams 'considers that his status would be improved by having - a Transit Circle - a Chronographic Galvanic Apparatus - a system of sympathetic clocks - and a Telegraphic communication with the long lines of Telegraph. So I begged him to speak with you...I think the purposes suggested by Adams are all very good'.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - John C. Adams would be happy 'to have the present from Miss Sheepshanks communicated to the Observatory Syndicate' [see GA to WW, 13 Feb. 1862]. GA has drawn up the letter and if WW approve it, he should hand it to Adams.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - GA understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be visiting Cambridge on the same day of the Visitation of the Royal Observatory. Presumably this means WW, James Challis, John C. Adams and George Stokes will not be able to attend, making the meeting a 'rather a lame one'.
Collingwood - JH gives his reasons why WW should not, as has been reported, pledge such a strong declaration of support for John C Adams's and the 'discovery' of Neptune over [Urbain J. J.] Le Verrier: If the results of the latter had not 'appeared I think it by no means improbable that Challis might actually never have turned a telescope to the heavens in search of it at all'.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - Adams [John C. Adams?] has invited GA to the Johnian dinner on Monday. Due to a long standing agreement GA has written to Sedgwick [Adam Sedgwick] to dine with him on the Tuesday, hence he has not put in an application for WW's hospitality.