During the course of 1832, it was found that the large equatorial mounting which had been contrived and executed by Troughton, for his friend Sir J. South’s twelve-inch object-glass, was an entire failure. This produced at the time a difference between two friends who esteemed each other highly, and who had been for years united by reciprocal acts of kindness in ties of “_very intimate_” friendship. Well acquainted myself with the character of the parties, and the circumstances of the case, I have not the slightest doubt that this unfortunate affair might easily, by the exertions of judicious friends, have terminated in the entire restoration of their former friendship. But this was a course which the Rev. R. Sheepshanks took effectual means to prevent. Having himself a “_personal_” quarrel with Sir James South, he “_offered_” his services to assist Messrs. Troughton and Simms. He “_offered to go_” himself to examine the instrument in Sir J. South’s observatory, and “_got his friend, Professor Airy, to go with him_” for the purpose of remedying the defects of the Equatorial. Notwithstanding he was told by Mr. Simms that “_Sir J. South had declared that no person could have been pitched upon more obnoxious than yourself_,” he still persevered in obtruding himself into Sir J. South’s observatory as the agent of Troughton and Simms, until it was at last discovered that no after contrivances or expense could correct the errors of an instrument itself radically defective in principle. It may readily be supposed that the continuance for months of these visits by Mr. Sheepshanks and Professor Airy, and the _irritating correspondence_ consequent upon them, which, though _nominally_ that of Troughton and Simms, was really “_directed by_” the Rev. R. Sheepshanks, destroyed all hope of a reconciliation. The parties then had recourse to the Court of King’s Bench, and it was curious to observe the vigour and energy with which the Rev. R. Sheepshanks applied himself to the exercise of his earlier studies.[21] Having _volunteered_ his services to Messrs. Troughton and Simms—he “_wrote every letter_” for them during the subsequent law-suit—he acted for them in all the various characters of “_friend_” and “_adviser_”—of “_workman_” and “_agent_”—of “_attorney_” and “_counsel_;”[22]—he made an “_affidavit_” in the case—became a _witness_ himself—and undertook to _intimidate witnesses_ on the opposite side. This latter performance is fortunately rare in England, and is so remarkable that it is necessary to give some account of the proceedings. Not wishing to become involved in so disagreeable a case, I had refused to be a witness on the part of Sir J. South. Having, however, had some conversation on the subject with the late Lord Abinger (then Mr. Scarlett), he represented to me that my evidence was essential for the justice of the case, and upon that ground I reluctantly waived my objection to appear as a witness.