Encourages GA to consider favorably the offer of Hugh Percy [Duke of Northumberland] of donating a telescope to Cambridge Observatory.

The observational data from FS regarding Gamma Virginis are so significant that JH begs FS to continue to observe and send JH the results. Comments on a number of other astronomical observational matters.

Gently rejects MP's offer to accompany JH to the Cape to act as JH's assistant. JH claims the voyage to be a 'pure family party of pleasure,' and if astronomy can not be well practiced at the Cape, the family may go on to India to visit the relatives of JH's wife, Margaret.

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.'

Having been provided with answers by JD to some questions by JH about color-blindness, JH now comments on them and offers some theoretical considerations.

Expresses some concerns about the proposed painting of his portrait [see WJ's 1833-1-1].

Encourages WS to spend time observing nebulae and double stars, especially the latter, 'since [James] South has given up observing, and [W. R.] Dawes is in habitual ill health.'

Is unable to get a firm answer from James South as to the availability of a large telescope object glass that James South owns.

JH has written to James South again [see JH's 1833-7-8] but has received no answer; is suggesting that it may well be that [R. A.] Cauchoix, the French optician, can supply object glasses as good as those James South has.

Preparations for leaving England make it impossible for JH to [give money] to [Joseph] Langton, but JH has paid entire bill for fencing in the Merke, part of which Langton should have paid, and now dismisses Langton's £300 debt to JH, incurred on 8 June 1831.

Asks GS to provide hospitality to J. C. Stewart, who is traveling through Italy. Sent package of books. Hopes GS will write to JH at Cape of Good Hope.

Today's newspapers confirm shocking report heard last night. Imagines loss and ruin to members. Confident that exalted character of PS's uncle will result in uncle being found blameless. Certain that James [C. Stewart], as new partner, could not bear any shame for magnitude of this long-standing problem. Hopes PS's mother will bear up well. Offers to assist Mrs. Stewart financially. Grateful that James had not yet left for Munich before this happened. Margaret is in shock.

JS is most welcome to visit Slough to see new baby [William James]. [Margaret Herschel note: Invites JS to christening.]

Letters of introduction for JS and suggestions whom to visit, especially F. W. Bessel, during JS's trip to Continent and Russia.

Postpones visit of Lady [Margaret] Herschel to CW. Wishes to take CW's Symphonion to Slough. Has made favorable mention of CW's tuning fork experiments in paper on absorption [JH's 'On the Absorption of Light by Coloured Media...'].

Intends to visit WS after attending Cambridge B.A.A.S. meeting.

Reports observations with WS's equatorial during Bedford visit. Packs instruments for voyage. Pleased that Thomas Maclear will take post of Astronomer Royal at the Cape Observatory.

Unable to send Gamma Virginis observations because papers are packed. Declines offer of WS's transit circle for use at Cape.

Has sought, and is agreeing with, advice given about JH's involvement with several trusts [?] during JH's time in South Africa.

Excuses himself from a dining engagement; JH is too busy preparing for a voyage.