Sends observations made with the nine-foot equatorial, with comments. Received JH's Astronomy and the Logs. of Charles Babbage; the latter aroused protests in the family. [Archibald] Robertson sold five copies of the Astronomy instantly and has ordered further copies.

Has had some splendid evenings, and sends the observations made. Comments on the work of the new equatorial. W. R. Dawes would like to compare the measures of Antares with the enclosed. Admiral Reynolds is being succeeded by Commodore Christopher Wyvill, a queer person. Sends Cape newspapers to show events in the convict question. All public servants are to be deprived of food, etc.

States the case for the accuracy of the observations and reports of the discoveries of the sixth and seventh satellites of Saturn made by JH's father, William. [This letter seems to be tied to JH's 1844-7-22 in terms of date of writing.]

Encloses star observations. Comments on his instrumental system. Cannot find the rule for position when two stars are of equal magnitude. Neptune with the convicts is anchored in Simon's Bay, awaiting the answer from H. G. Grey (3rd Earl Grey).

Privately acknowledges lack of clarity in William Herschel's report of discovering Saturn's inner rings, but JH was hurt by James South's public refutation of that discovery and by [T. R.] Robinson's abrupt refusal to communicate. Reviews WH's papers to demonstrate falsity of South's claim. Asks TM's opinion.

'Penny Post' is deluging JH with nuisance mail. Reviews JH's efforts to obtain object glass for equatorial telescope at Cape of Good Hope. Trying to convince G. B. Airy to purchase from Merz and Mahler in Munich, rather than from William Simms. Russia is using TM's 'Cape Arc' in survey of its entire country.

Attempts to determine light curve of Eta Argus; describes methods for determining magnitude. C. P. Smyth uses R.A.S. theodolite telescope. TM will triangulate Bushman Flat. Parallax work at Cape Observatory continues. Reports progress of new government Secretary, [John] Montague.

Remarks on observation of new comet. Discord in R.A.S. follows Francis Baily's death. C. P. Smyth will leave Cape after being appointed Astronomer Royal to Scotland. Glass for Cape equatorial tested. JH has no success appealing for continuation of Colonial Survey. Southern constellation reform compromised.

Four appointed directors sent to Cape schools. Will leave Slough in two weeks for Collingwood. Laid William Herschel's telescope to rest at Slough.

Sends observations of Lambda Toucani and Zeta Eridani.

Congratulates TM on work at Zwartland. Fears Cape Results will not be ready within the year.

Karl Hencke discovers the asteroid Astrea. Admiralty orders complete equatorial for Cape Observatory; JH explains delay. Complains of poor health.

Expresses concern over health of JH.

Complains of lack of time for correspondence. Equatorial for Cape Observatory completed. Advises TM to take relaxed observatory schedule to recover health. Cape Results published. Works on Outlines Astr. New governor arrives in Cape Town.

William Mann applies for Madras Observatory post; JH believes TM should be consulted for recommendation. [Andrew] Graham, observer for E. J. Cooper, discovered the asteroid Metis. Describes children's education.

Thanks TM for double star observations. Refers to convict incident in South Africa.

Describes controversy over his father's discovery of two satellites of Saturn in detail. Hopes to publish Cape Results before end of year.

Tries to obtain equatorial telescope for Cape Observatory. Works only on Cape Results and his children's education. Mentions reforms in southern constellations. Announces birth of seventh daughter [Mathilda Rose].

Recent travels. Dangers and difficulties of triangulation survey. Observations of variable brightness of Eta Argus. [Letter continues 29 December] Returned from 'Pequet Brig,' leaving C. P. Smyth with theodolite. Events in colony. Sending observations of Encke's Comet for R.A.S. Observations of 'great comet of March.' News of Nathaniel Wallich and family. Sends 'plan of the Herschel obelisk drawn by Smyth.' Details of obelisk. Progress on observations of 'Parallax stars.' Organized system to prevent mistakes in calculating and copying meridian work.

Magnitude changes in Eta Argus. Compares methods for measuring brightness. Difficulties completing 'sector observations.' C. P. Smyth's problems with theodolite at Cape Agulhas. Mrs. [Mary] Maclear recovering after serious illness. New roads and bridges in colony.