SOUTH (Sir James, 1785-1867, Astronomer)

Autograph Letter Signed to L. SULIVAN (Laurence, 1783-1866, Superintendent of Military Accounts, 1811-1826, Deputy Secretary for War, 1826-1851) telling him that “On Thursday next there will be a Transit of Mercury over the Sun’s face - the Planet will glide on it at about Eleven in the forenoon and will be visibly on it at this place till about 4 o’clock in the afternoon - that is if the weather be fine... if yourself and family, or any of you would be content to run the risk of disappointment from interposed clouds, I shall be most happy to see you here, and do all in my power to shew it you in the best manner I am able. Let me list to the Ladies however that they wrap themselves up warmly, particularly about the feet, as it is to be hoped that they may be able to observe it with the large telescope in the open air...”, 2 sides 8vo., Observatory, Kensington, 6th November

South was a joint founder of the Astronomical Society of London, and it was under his name, as President of the Society in 1831, that a petition was successfully submitted to obtain a Royal Charter, whereupon it became the Royal Astronomical Society.

Item Date:  1848

Stock No:  42139      £500

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