20, 1847.
DEAR MARIA: There! I think that is a very amiable beginning,
considering the way in which I have been treated by you! If you
are going to find any more comets, can you not wait till they
are announced by the proper authorities? At least, don't kidnap
another such as this last was.
If my object were to make you fear and tremble, I should tell
you that on the evening of the 30th I was sweeping within a few
degrees of your prize. I merely throw out the hint for what it
is worth.
It has been very interesting to watch the motion of this comet
among the stars with the great refractor; we could almost see it
move.
An account of its passage over the star mentioned by your father
when he was here, would make an interesting notice for one of
the foreign journals, which we would readily forward.... [Here
follow Mr. Bond's observations.]
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
G. P. BOND.
Hon. Edward Everett, who at that time was president of Harvard College,
took a great interest in the matter, and immediately opened a
correspondence with the proper authorities, and sent a notice of the
discovery to the "Astronomische Nachrichten."
The priority of Miss Mitchell's discovery was immediately admitted
throughout Europe.
The King of Denmark very promptly referred the matter to Professor
Schumacher, who reported in favor of granting the medal to Miss
Mitchell, and the medal was duly struck off and forwarded to Mr.
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