Gives news of his seizure. Gives readings for JH's nebulae. William Meadows will point out the observations in the transit book.

Captain [F. W.?] Grey has just been to the Observatory as he wished to ascertain the error of his chronometers. Outlines the signalling devices adopted. Fine definition last evening. Will call on Saturday if convenient.

Much obliged for JH looking over the observations. Comments on these and the accuracy of the Cape circle and mural circle. Will send his observations on Crucis.

Last night was a splendid night for observing. Will be pleased to place the barometer at Captain Richard Wolfe's disposal. Eclipse was interesting. Will call if he goes to Simon's Bay.

Encloses the Brisbane observations. Appears to be a discrepancy in some of the stars.

Lack of rest prevented him calling this morning, but would like to come this evening and stay the night. Comet did not appear so round last night. There was a terrible wind. Happy with how the wall and the building protected JH's 20-ft reflecting telescope from high winds.

Received a note yesterday giving the news that the French fleet is contemplating an action against Jonathan. The comet showed itself last night, but not long enough to obtain an observation.

Will long remember the triumphant meeting last night. Has heard nothing from England. Hopes C. P. Smyth may have come in the Romney, which arrived in Simon's Bay last evening. The traversing floor for the reflector will be finished tomorrow. Has been told that JH foretells that Halley's Comet will not be visible.

The figure is 7. Will see [F. W.?] Grey again. Hears from Miss Geard that a Mr. Beck has seen the comet with a long tail. Prepared the 14-feet reflector on Saturday but the evening was unfavorable.

When in Cape Town he heard there was a parcel, probably of books, for JH, so has arranged for it to be delivered. Has had newspapers, etc., from England but not a word about the comet's northern tour. Encloses a copy of Thomas Henderson's Cape Declinations.

Will retain JH's observations for a day to make a copy. Only knew of the arrival of the Governor [?] yesterday by the sound of the artillery. Intends to visit Cape Town, leave his card, and call back on JH. Expects new outburst of party spirit.

Urging JH to recommend the services of Lieut. James Bance to Gilbert Elliot (2nd Earl of Minto).

Is grateful for J. F. Encke's letter. JH's suggestion of the 14-ft. reflector was anticipated for Halley's Comet. Wishes that JH's aunt could visit the Cape.

Sending a copy of the memorandum he made of the first mirage he has ever seen. Describes various points. Much obliged for J. F. Encke's Ephemeris; his writing reminds TM of Isaac Newton.

Received a newspaper from England, which gave news of a comet. A ship entered Table Bay in the night; she may be from England.

Congratulations on the birth of JH's son Alexander. Has a man preparing the old Ramsden Equatorial as the calculations from the repeating circle are so troublesome. Observations of the comet this morning were excellent.

Can JH spare a few minutes on Friday to be present when the errors of the transit instrument are being determined. Outlines the investigations necessary. The comet is a splendid fellow. Is busy measuring the diameter of the ring micrometer.

Sent the barometric readings with Mr. Curnan's paper. Comments on the tidal observations. Send the tide book. William Lamb (2nd Viscount Melbourne) is reinstated.

Call on Col. G. G. Lewis; the latter expressed a desire to see the rods laid off. Can JH come and breakfast with them to see the operation? JH needs a rest from astronomy to restore his health.

Examined the base line on Tuesday; gives a resume of the operations. On Monday night observed the Polar stars; comments on the disappearance of certain stars in the Brisbane catalogue. Thinks a chain is preferable to deal rods in measuring base lines.