Was in London last week, but was unable to see JH as he had returned to Collingwood.

Will always remember the happy day he spent at Collingwood. Spent the evening with Mr. Grant. Has ordered a sea picture for JH. Has obtained the remainder of the Griffith papers.

Will send observations to JH. Granite column will be constructed at Feldhausen as a memorial [to JH]; will forward plans.

[Samuel] Parlby papers are in the hands of [John] Steuart, who will hand them over to the new Attorney General when he arrives. Several epidemics have visited the Observatory and William Mann is now convalescing in Natal. [James] Adamson has caused unpleasantness with the reduction of the meteorological journals. Railroad building has stopped at the Cape. Difficulties with the electric telegraph.

Outlining the chances and difficulties of bringing the [Samuel] Parlby case before the Cape Government. Alexander Herschel would have been delighted with the display of shooting stars and volcanic eruptions seen at the Cape last Thursday.

Reports a second failure over the [Samuel] Parlby affair. Buried Ellen last Thursday. Unemployment and lack of food at Cape owing to the financial difficulties of the government. Difficulties over the standards now.

Mrs. Maclear is much better and has given birth to a son, their first.

Nearly a year has passed since they received letters from the Herschels. Hopes JH's health is improving. Gives news of her own children, and the work of her husband at Orange River. The Equatorial has arrived safely.

Uncle Duncan and his protégé were launched on their northern expedition this morning. Was unable to act on the kind suggestion owing to a visit to the dentist and the cold weather.

Much obliged for her thoughtfulness. Called and met Mrs. Gordon [JH's daughter?], who gave a good account of all at home. Has been in severe pain from a chill.

A note accompanying a letter from Augustus Frederick (Duke of Sussex) asking JH to reconsider his refusal of the offer of a baronetcy [see JH's 1838-6 to AF].

A further letter saying Augustus Frederick (Duke of Sussex) can wait an extra day for a response from JH.

Postpones trip to Collingwood to dine with [Elizabeth] Baily on Thursday. Send coach to Cranbrook on Friday instead. Queen is going to Ireland. Annual revenue is good. Thick gloom and darkness over London today.

Received formal notice that MH will be voted to membership in Royal Institution on 3 Mar. John Barlow will reserve seats for daughters Caroline and Isabella. JH has tickets to Institution lectures. Son William's exams with W. T. Hooper [at Haileybury College] yesterday. Family finances.

JH learned from daughters that JH and MBH must appear in drawing room for birthday celebration after girls return from Ball.

Will try to get away tomorrow in time to join Gordons for trip to Collingwood [for Christmas]. Request from MH's milliner. Happy that MH patched things over with Stevensons. MH's letter to Mrs. Maclear was returned.

No other 'letter of agents' here. MH is right about son William's camera. JH longs for Collingwood.

Distressing train trip back to London. JH protested at Tunbridge Wells and had third class passengers removed from second class carriage. MH's medicine works well for JH. Will go to Charley Street this evening.

JH and daughters attended German minister C. C. J. Bunsen's dinner, met distinguished guests. Describes delicate Etruscan vases at Bunsen's. Has MH received money from [Thomas] Ayern for timber? James [C. Stewart] was in London yesterday. Mr. M [Murchison?] says that 'G. is in very bad hands,' but JH's daughters report that she was well yesterday. Encloses note from G. B. Airy, who was not impressed by [?]'s test results. Bills for [son William's] tuition at Haileybury.

Home remedies for JH's insomnia. Mr. Gibsone returned from Berlin and visited JH last night, causing JH to miss seeing comet again. It is not J. R. Hind's missing comet.