Is obliged for her note. Further regarding the distribution of custom to local tradesmen.

Mrs. Jones is laid up with a cold, but hopes to go to Portsmouth on the 7th to arrange the lodgings. Is becoming more reconciled to the Herschels' expedition.

Has been troubled with his face again. Regarding the Scotch ale, which can be obtained to order in London. Saw J. F. Encke in town and he has now sailed. Francis Jeff[re]y (Lord Jeffrey) has been staying at Haileybury and speaks much of JH.

Is not certain whether Mrs. Jones has written, but wishes to let her know his health is much better. Has heard good reports of JH's memoir of Francis Baily. Frightful tragedy for the Youngs. Is James well again? Hopes JH's family members are well.

Mrs. Jones has asked him to finish the note for her as she is going to Brighton. Hopes to hear from JH when all is settled about Hawkhurst.

Lady [Watson] would like JH to have a silver cake basket. Can she send it to Lady Herschel for JH? Lady Herschel should try the Bath waters.

Has been confined to the house and only goes out in a wheelchair. Would JH like the bust of Sir Joseph Banks?

Was in London last week, but was unable to see JH as he had returned to Collingwood.

Will always remember the happy day he spent at Collingwood. Spent the evening with Mr. Grant. Has ordered a sea picture for JH. Has obtained the remainder of the Griffith papers.

Will send observations to JH. Granite column will be constructed at Feldhausen as a memorial [to JH]; will forward plans.

[Samuel] Parlby papers are in the hands of [John] Steuart, who will hand them over to the new Attorney General when he arrives. Several epidemics have visited the Observatory and William Mann is now convalescing in Natal. [James] Adamson has caused unpleasantness with the reduction of the meteorological journals. Railroad building has stopped at the Cape. Difficulties with the electric telegraph.

Outlining the chances and difficulties of bringing the [Samuel] Parlby case before the Cape Government. Alexander Herschel would have been delighted with the display of shooting stars and volcanic eruptions seen at the Cape last Thursday.

Reports a second failure over the [Samuel] Parlby affair. Buried Ellen last Thursday. Unemployment and lack of food at Cape owing to the financial difficulties of the government. Difficulties over the standards now.

Mrs. Maclear is much better and has given birth to a son, their first.

Nearly a year has passed since they received letters from the Herschels. Hopes JH's health is improving. Gives news of her own children, and the work of her husband at Orange River. The Equatorial has arrived safely.

Uncle Duncan and his protégé were launched on their northern expedition this morning. Was unable to act on the kind suggestion owing to a visit to the dentist and the cold weather.

Much obliged for her thoughtfulness. Called and met Mrs. Gordon [JH's daughter?], who gave a good account of all at home. Has been in severe pain from a chill.

A note accompanying a letter from Augustus Frederick (Duke of Sussex) asking JH to reconsider his refusal of the offer of a baronetcy [see JH's 1838-6 to AF].

A further letter saying Augustus Frederick (Duke of Sussex) can wait an extra day for a response from JH.

Isabella is eager to visit Slough. Called today on Charles Babbage's mother, who is anxious about her son. JH believes Babbage is reconciled to loss of government support. Lists social visitors. James Grahame plans to take daughter Matilda back to Nantes. Sir Edward Parry leaves for Australia for five years. [JH note:] Do not sell [horse] Zephyr until JH returns.