Awful night of thunder, wind, and rain; floods around the Observatory. Gives rainfall since 22 June. Has written to [J. D.?] Thompson to observe tides at Simon's Bay. Has no one at Table Bay. Measured Alpha Centauri on the meridian. Found JH's planetary nebulae with the mural circle.

Sends two drawings of C. P. Smyth and a portrait of Isaac Newton sent by Dr. [John?] Lee; also a plan of the triangulation.

Availed himself of the calm weather to finish the parade measurement. Gives an account of the work.

Thanks for the perusal of [W. H.?] Smyth's letter; also had one, which he will send later when he has considered certain points. The zenith sector is on board the Wellesley, expected daily. Benjamin D'Urban has granted all TM's wishes regarding the survey. Re-surveyed the ground this morning.

Gives news of his seizure. Gives readings for JH's nebulae. William Meadows will point out the observations in the transit book.

Captain [F. W.?] Grey has just been to the Observatory as he wished to ascertain the error of his chronometers. Outlines the signalling devices adopted. Fine definition last evening. Will call on Saturday if convenient.

Much obliged for JH looking over the observations. Comments on these and the accuracy of the Cape circle and mural circle. Will send his observations on Crucis.

Last night was a splendid night for observing. Will be pleased to place the barometer at Captain Richard Wolfe's disposal. Eclipse was interesting. Will call if he goes to Simon's Bay.

Encloses the Brisbane observations. Appears to be a discrepancy in some of the stars.

Lack of rest prevented him calling this morning, but would like to come this evening and stay the night. Comet did not appear so round last night. There was a terrible wind. Happy with how the wall and the building protected JH's 20-ft reflecting telescope from high winds.

Received a note yesterday giving the news that the French fleet is contemplating an action against Jonathan. The comet showed itself last night, but not long enough to obtain an observation.

Will long remember the triumphant meeting last night. Has heard nothing from England. Hopes C. P. Smyth may have come in the Romney, which arrived in Simon's Bay last evening. The traversing floor for the reflector will be finished tomorrow. Has been told that JH foretells that Halley's Comet will not be visible.

The figure is 7. Will see [F. W.?] Grey again. Hears from Miss Geard that a Mr. Beck has seen the comet with a long tail. Prepared the 14-feet reflector on Saturday but the evening was unfavorable.

When in Cape Town he heard there was a parcel, probably of books, for JH, so has arranged for it to be delivered. Has had newspapers, etc., from England but not a word about the comet's northern tour. Encloses a copy of Thomas Henderson's Cape Declinations.

Will retain JH's observations for a day to make a copy. Only knew of the arrival of the Governor [?] yesterday by the sound of the artillery. Intends to visit Cape Town, leave his card, and call back on JH. Expects new outburst of party spirit.

Urging JH to recommend the services of Lieut. James Bance to Gilbert Elliot (2nd Earl of Minto).

Is grateful for J. F. Encke's letter. JH's suggestion of the 14-ft. reflector was anticipated for Halley's Comet. Wishes that JH's aunt could visit the Cape.

Sending a copy of the memorandum he made of the first mirage he has ever seen. Describes various points. Much obliged for J. F. Encke's Ephemeris; his writing reminds TM of Isaac Newton.

Received a newspaper from England, which gave news of a comet. A ship entered Table Bay in the night; she may be from England.

Congratulations on the birth of JH's son Alexander. Has a man preparing the old Ramsden Equatorial as the calculations from the repeating circle are so troublesome. Observations of the comet this morning were excellent.