Item 82 - Letter from Richard Sheepshanks

4 pp.

RS had no idea of the state of Robert Woodhouse: 'I never should have suspected him of getting off the hinges but I dare say the loss of his wife disturbed him more than it would have done a soft tempered and opener mannered man'. John Herschel 'who seems to be the kindest scientific or unscientific soul breathing went down to Worcester where Babbage was indisposed and carried him a tour into Ireland. I have not heard anything of them but it was the wisest and kindest thing a friend could do'. RS congratulates 'our worthy Lucasian [George Airy] upon his promise of success and if he can destroy the influence of Venus entirely (not take a poor tithe of her) he has my best wishes'. Although RS would like the money attached to the office of head lectureship, he will not take it this year. RS thinks WW should plan his university career towards getting the divinity chair.