Is very pleased with the results of WD's double star observations of Zeta Cancri, which William Stratford forwarded to JH.
Comments with great satisfaction on WD's observations, and their close agreement with JH's for many of the same double stars.
Comments on, and compares, WD's observations of several double stars with the observations of JH and other astronomers. In a postscript JH says 'The papers have told the truth for once—we sail sometime between Sept. and Dec.'
WD's 1843 measurements for Gamma Virginis. Used crystal micrometer for all observations, to compare with parallel wire micrometer used in past.
Measurements and diagrams of WD's 8.5-foot telescope, dome, and other structures at Camden Lodge [to be duplicated for shipment to Cape of Good Hope observatory]. Laments deaths of Julia Cornwallis and J. L. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
Should Mr. Morris, carpenter at Cranbrook, include canvas for covering dome, or will that be available at Cape Town? Improvements in WD's dome should be incorporated into Cape dome. Apologizes for WD's carelessness in managing telescope when JH visited.
Observed increased breadth of Saturn's ring on 25 and 29 Nov. 1850, confirmed by William Lassell on 3 Dec. Independent discovery of inner ring at Harvard University on 15 Nov. was announced in the Times on 3 Dec. Sent WD's notes to R.A.S. to establish independent discovery, but R.A.S.M.N. reported this erroneously.
Wishes WD had heeded JH's advice [in JH's 1851-1-18] regarding report of WD's discovery to R.A.S. Description of Saturn's inner ring.
Discusses his telescopes and their dimensions. Wants to obtain an object glass of an 8-in. aperture.
Has been from home. Hopes to restore his instruments when he moves to a new house. Would welcome an exchange of information between the members of the R.A.S. Is much obliged for his hints and comments on these.
Regrets belated reply to JH's pamphlet on double stars. Comments on the readings and compares them with some of his own.
His astronomical work has been delayed by ill health and he is behind with Wilhelm Struve's list of stars. Gives some errors he has noticed. A friend of his, Dr. Thomas Raffles, would like autographs of any famous men; can JH oblige?
Is grateful for the autographs and Dr. Thomas Raffles sends him thanks. Regarding various star readings. Has a problem connected with the satellites of Saturn. Hears that JH is contemplating a visit to the Cape to make observations.
Business matters calls him to London and would be happy to make his acquaintance. Will visit Slough if necessary.
Has just arrived in London and will proceed to Slough tomorrow in the company of William Lassell.
Hopes JH is still in England as the barometer indicates a gale. Gives some of his recent star observations. Was disappointed with the state of James South's instruments at Kensington. Met W. S. Stratford and Thomas Henderson there. William Lassell is an ingenious man.
Has been unable to do any observations owing to ill-health and lack of an observatory owing to change of residence. Sends his paper on double stars. Pleased to hear everything progresses at the Cape. Will be happy to hear from him.
Ill health has prevented him from working in astronomy. Talk of a Liverpool Observatory. Details of the large display of meteors seen on 12 November. Faults in his instruments. Queries regarding Saturn. Hopes to see him at the B.A.A.S. meeting in Liverpool next year.
Has been unable to carry out many observations so has not written. Hears Kew Observatory is vacant with the death of S. P. Rigaud, and would like JH's support for his application for this appointment. Has been approached about taking charge of the projected Manchester Observatory. Has written to G. B. Airy for support.
JH's letter has gone a long way to destroying his hopes for success at Kew. A great pity that the Observatory could not be put to good use. Must soon obtain employment more congenial to his tastes and this would seem an ideal position.