Sorry to hear he had such wretched weather for their jaunt. The violent winds overturned his 14-ft. reflector and split the tube. Has obtained a capital tent for the Cape. No news from England. Commences the solar observations tomorrow, if fine.

On the evening on which JH was at the Observatory, he believes he observed Encke's Comet; gives details. Searched this morning for Halley's Comet, without success. Rejoices to hear that G. B. Airy has been secured for the public service. No news from England.

Wind prevents the measurement of Encke's comet from the small stars in the neighborhood. Nothing nebulous in Halley's predicted place. Admiral Patrick Campbell is expected to advance the money for the enclosure. Laborer is employed digging a trench round the Observatory.

N. L. Lacaille's quadrant appears to have been shipped to England and landed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Will put the ball on the new flagstaff to be erected. Has spoken to George Eden (1st Earl of Auckland) about the Simon's Bay tide machine.

Mr. Stone has informed about the discovery of the comet. This may cause complications. Sends the ledger of Fearon Fallows, where JH will find other comparisons.

JH cannot lay on too much of this kind of work, the closer in AR [Right Ascension] the better. Comments on the list of stars. The comet should be preceded by certain stars, some of which he cannot identify. If JH cannot see the comet for the trees come to the Observatory.

JH's letter is curious regarding the planetary nebulae. Intended to ride over this morning but the heat was too great. Encloses estimate for printing the observations; comments on this. Would like to send it to Francis Beaufort on Tuesday. Returns some papers and journals. C. P. Smyth will call today.

Suggests a means of resolving TM's problem with the mural circle.

Acknowledges Lady Herschel's two notes and will communicate with her in the morning. Encloses the note of Mrs. Smyth [wife of W. H. Smyth?]. Hears that Dr. [John] Lee has been contesting Aylesbury, without success. Estimates for stable have been cut out.

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.

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.

Found Encke's Comet the night before last. Has not had a chance to see Halley's Comet. Will JH come to the Observatory? There are no fleas.

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.