Has heard of a projected attack on the Henry Lawson instruments at the Observatory. Would like a line from JH on the value of the instruments. Has written to W. R. Dawes, [John?] Lee, and W. H. Smyth.

Comments on zodiacal light. Would like JH's opinion on his theory. Has been experimenting further with the propagation of plants with collodion. Money for the Henry Lawson Observatory has been subscribed and hopes soon to appoint trustees.

Henry Lawson has presented all his meteorological instruments and his transit instrument to this Observatory. Hopes to study the relation of the atmosphere to the prevalence of disease. Wonders if the Government or some society would be willing to finance assistant in the observatory.

Does not quite understand JH's note; can he clarify the reading he requires? Comments on his readings on thunderstorms.

Lady Lubbock has received a letter from a friend of JH's and it seems desirable that JH should know the contents. Can only communicate it verbally. Sends their congratulations on the forthcoming marriage of Miss Caroline Herschel.

Astronomer Royal and his wife are visiting the Lubbocks on Saturday; will JH join them for Saturday and Sunday? Will collect him if he likes. Louisa Herschel was the belle of the Bromley Ball.

Bookseller at Stuttgart has requested JL to make a translation of JH's Outlines Astr. Would like JH's views on the matter.

Would JH forward the enclosed letter to [J. R.?] Hind as he cannot find Hind's address.

Believes that Edward Sabine has brought J. H. Lefroy's paper on the Aurora Borealis to JH's notice. Now presents another report on this subject, with comments.

Has made a globe of J. H. Mädler's lunar observations. Would JH accept one as a gift; if so, how can he send it?

Regrets he will be unable to visit JH. Had a great desire to see him after the success of JH's suggestions for his last expedition.

Will give him great pleasure to call at Collingwood in the near future. Grieved to hear of JH's illness. Begs acceptance of a set of papers of Dr. William Griffith.

Hardly likes to trouble him to read the enclosed. Gives his views on the gold question.

Comments on the currency. Thinks it would be feasible to share tutors for their children as the name of JH would attract men with superior ability.

Sends another pamphlet on the gold question. On the last page he will find JM has adopted JH's suggestion, though he does not give the source. Thinks that these suggestions should prove useful to France.

Is obliged for JH's observations on his statement of [Joseph?] Hume's doctrine. These errors are discreditable and will diminish the utility of the book.

Has been thinking over the names of solicitors and believes he can recommend Messrs. Lewin of Southampton St. The senior partner is a brother of JM and JH should keep his papers when he concludes his business with his present solicitors.

Pleased to receive JH's letter, which he hastens to answer to remove any misconceptions regarding the equatorial. Comments on some of his observations of stars. Received [T. R.] Robinson's proposal for a large reflector. William Mann has just finished 8 years of tide gauge measures. Grieves to hear of the illness of W. R. Dawes. [George] Smalley's financial affairs have come to a crisis. Convict question has been settled; they are to be sent to Van Diemen's Land.

Giving his views on the proposed supply of a large reflector for the Cape Observatory.

Encloses copy of the letter he has written [1850-7-20] to the Secretary of the Admiralty.