Has just read W. R. Dawes's description of the observatory at Camden Lodge and the telescope by eorg Merz makes TM envious. Hopes JH will press claims for one for the Cape. Is at present engaged sinking the Sector for shelter. TM has suffered much from the effects of the heat. Dr. Gall has died, aged 98. What a drubbing G. B. Airy has given R. H. Inglis.

Has had to leave his work with the Sector due to ill health. Found [George] Child overworked at the Observatory. Comments on some observations. Pleased to hear that JH's health has improved. Mr. Watermeyer has died and C. F. H. von Ludwig remarried. Gives latest news of Kaffir War. Comments on the quarrel between G. B. Airy and James South.

Illness in the family has prevented him from acknowledging JH's splendid work, which arrived some weeks ago. Is grateful for JH's appreciation of TM's work. Wife has been very ill. C. F. H. Ludwig has died. H. G. W. Smith has said there must be a Botanic Garden at the Cape. New treaty regarding Kaffir land may increase the chance of peace.

Gives recent observations with the 46" achromatic. G. B. Airy has sent the elements of the recently discovered planets. Latest news of the Governor of the Cape and his diplomatic missions. Mrs. Maclear's sister has come out to visit them and her health and Mrs. Maclear's is improving. R. J. Jones has decided to keep Feldhausen in the family and not sell it.

Pleased to receive JH's letter of 12 June. Has to visit Agulhas to view the erection of the lighthouse. Gives details of the history of this new lighthouse. Pity François Arago does not continue his experiments with gas. Governor is in the North of the Country visiting the emigrant Boers.

While TM was at Agulhas the large equatorial arrived, perfectly safe. Dome and railway have not arrived yet. Had a letter from W. R. Dawes. Found lighthouse at Agulhas well made and has sent sample of the material to Francis Beaufort. Not much news of the war in the Colony. Will take care over the mounting of the equatorial.

Sends details of the progress of erecting the equatorial. William Mann is engaged on the Simon's Bay tide observations. The Madras Observatory post was offered to Mann but he declined it for health reasons. Comments on the affairs of [George Smalley], who is in financial difficulties. Not much news from the Cape. Comments on some of the educational news.

Has had four men working on the Dome to complete it before the bad weather. Has not heard who has been appointed to Madras. The candidate from the Cape is in financial difficulties. Tide reductions are progressing. Outlines the disturbances caused by the expected arrival of the convicts.

Sends observations made with the nine-foot equatorial, with comments. Received JH's Astronomy and the Logs. of Charles Babbage; the latter aroused protests in the family. [Archibald] Robertson sold five copies of the Astronomy instantly and has ordered further copies.

Has had some splendid evenings, and sends the observations made. Comments on the work of the new equatorial. W. R. Dawes would like to compare the measures of Antares with the enclosed. Admiral Reynolds is being succeeded by Commodore Christopher Wyvill, a queer person. Sends Cape newspapers to show events in the convict question. All public servants are to be deprived of food, etc.

Pleased to receive JH's letter, which he hastens to answer to remove any misconceptions regarding the equatorial. Comments on some of his observations of stars. Received [T. R.] Robinson's proposal for a large reflector. William Mann has just finished 8 years of tide gauge measures. Grieves to hear of the illness of W. R. Dawes. [George] Smalley's financial affairs have come to a crisis. Convict question has been settled; they are to be sent to Van Diemen's Land.

Giving his views on the proposed supply of a large reflector for the Cape Observatory.

Encloses copy of the letter he has written [1850-7-20] to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

TM's attention has been drawn to the question raised by Joseph Hume in the House of Commons regarding the use of the Cape Observatory. Will forward a copy of the weekly register and later a copy of the general report.

Was agreeably surprised by the communication in Lady Herschel's letter; did not expect any pension. Outlines his ideas for careers for some members of his own family. India and the Services seem the best propositions. Does not expect much from the observations of Venus in Chile unless the definition is good.

Hears that JH is using his influence to obtain a transit circle for the Cape. Hopes the application will be successful. Comments on the siting of the instruments. Cape politics are deplorable. Kaffir war still continues and appears likely to be expensive.

Has recommended [Andrew] Bain use JH's patronage to present the geological map of South Africa to the Geological Society. Comments on Bain's visit. Affairs have not improved in Kaffir Land.

Now forwards [Andrew] Bain's Geological map, which had been delayed by the Agent. Has heard nothing definite regarding the transit circle but would appreciate JH's recommendation, together with those of Francis Beaufort and G. B. Airy. Gives details of the work at the Observatory. Estimates the cost of mounting the transit circle.

Has forwarded four boxes of geological specimens by the Bosphorus; these are the illustrations for [Andrew] Bain's map. Peace is about to be declared in the Kaffir War. There have been several bush fires and one almost damaged Feldhausen.

Has received two notes, one from G. B. Airy and one from Francis Beaufort informing him that the Admiralty has promised to supply a transit circle; the estimates have now been passed. The Magnetic Observatory building at the Cape has been destroyed by fire. Andries Stockenström is taking an active part in politics. H. G. W. Smith has been recalled.