I have since received some information in reference to the comet of October which leads me to hope that you may feel it in your power to award the medal to Miss Maria Mitchell.

Miss Mitchell saw the comet at half-past ten o'clock on the evening of October 1st.

Her father, a skilful astronomer, made an entry in his journal to that effect.

On the third day of October he wrote a letter to Mr.Bond, the director of our observatory, announcing the discovery.
This letter was despatched the following day, being the first post-day after the discovery of the comet.

This letter I transmit to you, together with letters from Mr.Mitchell and Mr.Bond to myself.
Nantucket, as you are probably aware, is a small, secluded island, lying off the extreme point of the coast of Massachusetts.