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.
Can JH spare a few minutes on Friday to be present when the errors of the transit instrument are being determined. Outlines the investigations necessary. The comet is a splendid fellow. Is busy measuring the diameter of the ring micrometer.
Sent the barometric readings with Mr. Curnan's paper. Comments on the tidal observations. Send the tide book. William Lamb (2nd Viscount Melbourne) is reinstated.
Call on Col. G. G. Lewis; the latter expressed a desire to see the rods laid off. Can JH come and breakfast with them to see the operation? JH needs a rest from astronomy to restore his health.
Examined the base line on Tuesday; gives a resume of the operations. On Monday night observed the Polar stars; comments on the disappearance of certain stars in the Brisbane catalogue. Thinks a chain is preferable to deal rods in measuring base lines.
Hard at work mapping the polar stars. Rejoices at Dr. Andrew Smith's success. The results of tonight will be delivered by J. K. Gibbs in the morning.
Has replied to Richard Sheepshanks in the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society. Is surprised how near he got to the general figure described by the Circle Centre. Comments on calculations he intends to carry out. Cannot say decidedly that Zeta Octantes is double; it is doubtful seen through the 8-ft. transit.
Sends C. P. Smyth with the observing lists of JH's zero stars. Comments on these lists. Would like to see the Cedar Mountains, but cannot spare the time at present. Wished to visit Riebeck's Castle to verify one of N. L. Lacaille's remarks. Did not notice any air bubbles in JH's barometer. The Observatory barometer is similar to the one of Sir John Franklin. Goes to the Block House tomorrow to commence the triangulation.
Mural and transit are at JH's command. Will have pleasure in joining him on Saturday. Has a good supply of balls and will procure some goose shot.
Polar region was thick this evening so that very minute stars were invisible. Set C. P. Smyth to the transit and himself at the circle to observe JH's list of stars. Received the spherometer safely. Intends to stake out the base line again on Tuesday. [Andrew?] Sm[y]th's expedition will be a serious undertaking in the Eastern direction.
Sends the original of the barometer observations as he cannot spare the time to copy them. Had hoped to have the Brisbane stars ready on Monday. Comet was invisible last night.
Only brought two portraits away on Sunday. Will lend JH his own portrait. No slates are available, but a shipload is expected daily.
Intended to call on Sunday but wind and other interruptions interfered. Saw the Comet, probably for the last time on Thursday. Sends the working sheet of the R.A.'s of the Brisbane catalogue. Comments on various aspects of this catalogue. Has written to Commercial Advertiser requesting information from anyone who experienced the recent earthquake shock.
Is proceeding at a respectable speed with the Brisbane list. Has received [Andrew?] Smith's box safely. Saw Dr. Smith last night; he is more reconciled. Many thanks for the trees; the ground is suitable to receive them.
Mrs. Maclear is much better and has given birth to a son, their first.