Most of the letter is taken up in replying to MH's letters; JH talks about Charles Wheatstone's idea of 'binocular Daguerreotypes,' and about a chart of all balloon ascents, prepared in Paris, and brought to JH by a friend coming from there.

Is awaiting notice that he needs to go to see [Richard] Jones, who is very ill with a carbuncle on his neck. JH also comments on arrangements to be made related to Jones's illness.

Son William's report from the school at Haileybury is very good; JH attended the closing of the Crystal Palace Exhibition, which 'was very stupid.' A basket of grapes from Cornwall has been sent for MH, and JH is eating them.

Is extremely depressed at living in London, a 'howling wilderness of brick and mortar;' JH compares at some length the personality of MH and Richarda Airy; brings MH up to date on some family and acquaintance happenings, and mentions in passing that William Lassell has discovered two interior satellites of Uranus [Ariel and Umbriel].

About JH's health and news of friends and relatives.

Will be home a few days later than expected as JH is involved in a court case to be heard immediately after the one he is sitting through, and which he describes.