Regrets having to send the observations on so many sheets; those in red ink will be re-observed. John Steuart has given him a note about spots on the sun. Sends Mr. Stebbing's letter and would like JH's comments when he sees him.
Intended to ride over today, but urgent mail from England claimed his attention. No news from the Admiralty. No news of the tide machine. The tripods are finished. Gathers that the Bonita cannot perform all D. F. J. Arago wished.
Received the enclosed communications by the steamer. Can JH send him a list of unobserved comet stars? Work on N. L. Lacaille's Observatory gives satisfaction. Regarding Capt. Mackonochee. Lacaille's angular measurements are not above suspicion. Observed the two rings of Saturn distinctly.
Will call on JH tomorrow as he intends visiting Simon's Bay. Is taking a proof sheet to Cape Town. There appears to be a great discrepancy between the Captain's statement and N. L. Lacaille's station. The latter's station at Rubeck Castel remains perfect.
The examination of the standard deal rod was commenced yesterday. Comments on the procedure and gives readings. The base line was levelled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and he is now ready to measure it. Would like JH to be present if possible when he measures it. Had 25 visitors in one morning recently.
Weather was so unpromising that he sent off the men who were to repair the ravages to the base line levelings. Will JH therefore come on Wednesday instead of Monday provided the weather remains fine. Sorry he missed JH's request for barometric comparisons.
Had an unfortunate accident with the rods yesterday; one was smashed by the force of the wind. Intends to stake the whole line before the actual measurement takes place. Will calculate JH's Brisbane stars.
Sends the observations of the 21st copied by his daughter Mary. The leak in the center room has been repaired. Comments on JH's plan for measuring the base line. The Brisbane stars are nearly finished.
Discusses various matters relating to telescopic and to tidal observations. Relays request from William Whewell that TM continue tidal observations.
Comments on stellar observations made by TM and reports JH's observations on sunspots. Notes error in [J. E.] Bode's celestial map.
Gives a list of the close Polar stars. Started last night to observe the stars on JH's list but was put off by JH's right ascensions. Will observe each star again this night. John Fairbairn cannot divest himself of the apprehension of danger to Andries Stockenström.
Encloses a plan of the triangulation and comments on his method. Thinks of making the baseline on the parade a permanent standard and has written to the Governor to obtain permission, as there is friction between the Board of Ordnance and the Cape Authorities over the ownership of the Parade. Has had no reply from the Governor as yet.
The zenith sector was brought by the Wellesley and is now at the Observatory. Outlines some observations he hopes to make with it. Is about to write to R. Thom[p]son. Has some important matters to discuss with JH when he calls.
The mica will do beautifully. Sorry to hear of the return of JH's complaint. Will send barometric observations tomorrow.
Sends the results of one good night's observations entirely reduced. More transit observations are in process of being reduced.
Sending the mean of all the observations on the polars. Comments on the base line, and gives readings.
Weather is most provoking. Thinks it best to delay the action until Friday.
Is pleased to have a look at JH's labors, but is not at home with the observations. Sorry to hear of JH's bodily sufferings. Has another sheet printed off, but no copies at the moment. Transit clock has increased its daily rate. South end of the mural circle has heaved up. Land to west of the Observatory is being discussed with view to purchase.
Returns JH's book of estimated magnitudes and would like it again when preparing his catalogue. Sends letters he received from Francis Beaufort and [Richard?] Jones. Is oppressed with business and an awful cough.
Thanks for JH's interest in the 'little fellow'; he has now passed all danger. Is glad JH has unravelled the mysteries of h Centauri. Wrote to Thomas Brisbane pointing out imperfections in the catalogue. Has started to publish an abstract of the Met[eorological] J[our]n[a]l in the Government Gazette. Will not attend the glittering assembly at Government House tonight.