I am always happy to hear from you, but never more so than when you give me an opportunity of expressing my obligations to you for advancing the science you cultivate with so much success. Dear Madam, Your faithful servant, J. BANKS. ALEX. AUBERT, ESQ. TO MISS HERSCHEL. LONDON, the _21st April_, Wednesday, 1790. DEAR MISS HERSCHEL,— I am much obliged to you for your kind letter. The night before last was cloudy. Last night, or rather this morning, about half-past two, I got up to look for the phenomenon; it was somewhat hazy. I observed with a common night-glass of Dollond’s _a faint something_ in a line between α and π Andromedæ, much like a faint star; it had no coma nor fuzzy appearance. By looking at Flamsteed’s Atlas I find no small star there. I was preparing to attack it with a good magnifying power, and to get its place with my Smeaton’s equatorial micrometer, but when I was ready a haze came on and soon after too much daylight, so I can say no more to it as yet. If I saw what you judged a comet, it must have moved but little since you saw it; it was as large as a star of 7th magnitude, but rather faint. I sent this morning to Dr. Maskelyne: he says he could see nothing _with a good night glass_, but will try again the next fair morning, and after trying he will answer you; in the meanwhile he begs his best compliments. I will also try again. Pray let me know if you think it was the comet I saw. I have mentioned it to no one but to Mr. Wollaston, who thanks you sincerely, but did not find himself well enough to observe; he lives in Charter House Square; direct upon occasion there to the Rev. Francis Wollaston. You cannot, my dear Miss Herschel, judge of the pleasure I feel when your reputation and fame increase; everyone must admire your and your brother’s knowledge, industry, and behaviour. God grant you many years health and happiness. I will soon pay you a visit, as soon as your brother returns. If I have any instrument you wish to use, it is at your service. Believe me, &c., &c., ALEXANDER AUBERT. [Sidenote: 1790. _Letters from Astronomers._] REV. DR. MASKELYNE TO MISS HERSCHEL. GREENWICH, _April 22, 1790_. DEAR MISS HERSCHEL,— * * * * * * * * * *