Has delayed writing in order to send the correspondence about the Observatory. Has received a letter from the Colonial Office praising his work and increasing his salary, also taking over financial responsibility for the instruments. Is not satisfied with the life at Mauritius.

Has been requested by Gideon Mantell to write JH a letter of introduction for a Lieut. H. I. Thomas, a friend of Davies Gilbert. Thomas wishes to be the bearer of any letter or parcel CL may have. Believes that a copy of the President's speech he sent may be lost in the post. Thinks that JH's theory of subterranean isothermal lines interesting. Dined with the Somervilles last Sunday.

Charles Babbage will publish JH's volcanic theory in Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, together with JH's letter to R. I. Murchison. William Whewell read both at Geological Society. Babbage wants to compare JH's theory with passage from Bishop [Samuel] Butler. Whewell's notion of new species. Charles Darwin's new theory of coral islands is forcing CL to give up CL's volcanic crater theory. [Letter continues 28 May.] Sends copy of Babbage's Treatise with quotes from JH. News of Charles Wheatstone's submarine telegraph and David Brewster's proof that diamond is of vegetable origin.

Sending his pamphlet on the tea plant. Comments on the geological features of the Chittagong area. Hopes that JH will have time to look at the fossils.

Regrets having to send the observations on so many sheets; those in red ink will be re-observed. John Steuart has given him a note about spots on the sun. Sends Mr. Stebbing's letter and would like JH's comments when he sees him.

Intended to ride over today, but urgent mail from England claimed his attention. No news from the Admiralty. No news of the tide machine. The tripods are finished. Gathers that the Bonita cannot perform all D. F. J. Arago wished.

Received the enclosed communications by the steamer. Can JH send him a list of unobserved comet stars? Work on N. L. Lacaille's Observatory gives satisfaction. Regarding Capt. Mackonochee. Lacaille's angular measurements are not above suspicion. Observed the two rings of Saturn distinctly.

Will call on JH tomorrow as he intends visiting Simon's Bay. Is taking a proof sheet to Cape Town. There appears to be a great discrepancy between the Captain's statement and N. L. Lacaille's station. The latter's station at Rubeck Castel remains perfect.

The examination of the standard deal rod was commenced yesterday. Comments on the procedure and gives readings. The base line was levelled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and he is now ready to measure it. Would like JH to be present if possible when he measures it. Had 25 visitors in one morning recently.

Weather was so unpromising that he sent off the men who were to repair the ravages to the base line levelings. Will JH therefore come on Wednesday instead of Monday provided the weather remains fine. Sorry he missed JH's request for barometric comparisons.

Had an unfortunate accident with the rods yesterday; one was smashed by the force of the wind. Intends to stake the whole line before the actual measurement takes place. Will calculate JH's Brisbane stars.

Sends the observations of the 21st copied by his daughter Mary. The leak in the center room has been repaired. Comments on JH's plan for measuring the base line. The Brisbane stars are nearly finished.

Discusses various matters relating to telescopic and to tidal observations. Relays request from William Whewell that TM continue tidal observations.

Comments on stellar observations made by TM and reports JH's observations on sunspots. Notes error in [J. E.] Bode's celestial map.

Gives a list of the close Polar stars. Started last night to observe the stars on JH's list but was put off by JH's right ascensions. Will observe each star again this night. John Fairbairn cannot divest himself of the apprehension of danger to Andries Stockenström.

Encloses a plan of the triangulation and comments on his method. Thinks of making the baseline on the parade a permanent standard and has written to the Governor to obtain permission, as there is friction between the Board of Ordnance and the Cape Authorities over the ownership of the Parade. Has had no reply from the Governor as yet.

The zenith sector was brought by the Wellesley and is now at the Observatory. Outlines some observations he hopes to make with it. Is about to write to R. Thom[p]son. Has some important matters to discuss with JH when he calls.

Wants some rewording in the statement that is to go with the monetary support for John Fairbairn [see JR's 1837-6-6].

Continues to be concerned that the support for John Fairbairn not be seen as a political act, nor as one intended to impugn the decision of the South African Court of Justice. [Letter completed with a lengthy postscript on 1837-7-10.]

The mica will do beautifully. Sorry to hear of the return of JH's complaint. Will send barometric observations tomorrow.