Comments on the possible loss of some mail going to England, the longitude of Mauritius, and the tides at the Cape. Wonders if anyone was able to observe Halley's Comet during the recent solar eclipse.
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Comments on the possible loss of some mail going to England, the longitude of Mauritius, and the tides at the Cape. Wonders if anyone was able to observe Halley's Comet during the recent solar eclipse.
N. L. Lacaille's quadrant appears to have been shipped to England and landed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Will put the ball on the new flagstaff to be erected. Has spoken to George Eden (1st Earl of Auckland) about the Simon's Bay tide machine.
JH cannot lay on too much of this kind of work, the closer in AR [Right Ascension] the better. Comments on the list of stars. The comet should be preceded by certain stars, some of which he cannot identify. If JH cannot see the comet for the trees come to the Observatory.
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.
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.
Understands from Francis Baily that JH has received the first 88 pages of the Parramatta Catalogue. The remainder has been sent and now encloses the final part.
Tells FB what JH has been able to find out as to the status of N. L. Lacaille's quadrant. JH comments on his own astronomical activity, and comments on the family's delight in [Charles] Piazzi Smyth.
Discusses readings made by his barometer and that sent from the Observatory by Charles Babbage. Sends publications concerning a new fossil and on geology.
Asks TM to come over and to select the trees for the Time Ball.
Asks TM to inquire of Captain F. W. Grey of the Jupiter about N. L. Lacaille's mural quadrant, which was supposedly aboard the ship two years ago.
Is TM planning to go to Paarl?
Has reduced almost the whole catalogue of Southern stars. Comments on these. Is proceeding with his sweeps. Has seen Halley's Comet. Phenomenon of shooting stars. Has had a slight earthquake. Is thinking of returning via Rio de Janeiro.
Concern for health of Madame Gerlach.