“The Master was, I believe, my oldest surviving friend (beyond my own family), and, after an acquaintance of 46 years, I must have been one of his oldest friends.  We have during that time been connected privately and officially:  we travelled together and experimented together:  and as opportunity served (but I need not say in very different degrees) we both laboured for our College and University.  A terrible blank is left on my mind.”

Sedgwick was probably 15 years older than Airy:  he took his degree in 1808.  But the astonishing buoyancy of spirits and bonhomie of Sedgwick fitted him for all ages alike.  He was undoubtedly the most popular man in Cambridge in modern times.  His ability, his brightness and wit, his fearless honesty and uprightness, his plain-speaking and good humour, rendered him a universal favourite.  His close alliance with Airy was much more social than scientific.  It is true that they made some geological excursions together, but, at any rate with Airy, it was far more by way of recreation than of serious study, and Sedgwick’s science was entirely geological.  Their friendship continued till Sedgwick’s death, though it was once or twice imperilled by Sedgwick’s impulsive and hasty nature.

Peacock took his degree in 1813 (Herschel’s year), and was therefore probably 10 years older than Airy.  He was the earliest and staunchest friend of Airy in his undergraduate years, encouraged him in every possible way, lent him books, assisted him in his studies, helped him with wise advice on many occasions, and took the greatest interest in his success.  He was a good and advanced mathematician, and with a great deal of shrewdness and common-sense he united a singular kindness and gentleness of manner.  It is therefore not to be wondered at that he was regarded by Airy with the greatest esteem and affection, and though they were afterwards separated, by Peacock becoming Dean of Ely and Airy Astronomer Royal, yet their warm friendship was never broken.  The following letter, written by Airy to Mrs Peacock on receiving the news of the death of the Dean, well expresses his feelings towards his old friend: 

TRINITY LODGE, CAMBRIDGE,
1858, Dec. 4.

MY DEAR MADAM,

I have desired for some time to express to you my sympathies on occasion of the sad bereavement which has come upon me perhaps as strongly as upon any one not connected by family ties with my late friend.  But I can scarcely give you an idea how every disposable moment of my time has been occupied.  I am now called to Cambridge on business, and I seize the first free time to write to you.