Commiserating on CB's calamity.
Commiserating on CB's calamity.
Congratulates GA on being honored by H. M. Government [GA was offered a knighthood, which he declined], and of being appointed Astronomer Royal, and further tells GA about some of JH's observations, and the instruments in use [letter finished 11 Oct.].
This letter is being delivered by a Capt. William Edie of the 98th, recently returned from Andrew Smith's expedition up the Caledon River, in the Orange Free State.
Sends papers of astronomical observations by a Capt. J. A. Lloyd of Mauritius. G. T. Napier's projected plan for an observatory at Canton.
Introducing a Mr. Fraser, who is interested in the setting up of an observatory at Inverness.
Sending some observations of double stars. Has had some of the sheets of the Brisbane Catalogue. His recent observations. Domestic affairs in the Cape of Good Hope.
C. P. Smyth has arrived. Remarks on the Brisbane Catalogue. Thanks for his meteorological observations. His own meteorological observations. Affairs in the Cape.
Has reduced almost the whole catalogue of Southern stars. Comments on these. Is proceeding with his sweeps. Has seen Halley's Comet. Phenomenon of shooting stars. Has had a slight earthquake. Is thinking of returning via Rio de Janeiro.
Has received the letters and parcels safely. Is starting reducing his sweeps. Observations in Dublin Observatory. Comments on the various functions of observatories. News of scientific events at the Cape and various expeditions in progress.
Concern for health of Madame Gerlach.
Kaffirs dispossessed by colonists. Condemns 'Colonial insolence.' Editor John Fairbairn, detested by colonists, exposed this in South African Commercial Advertiser.
FB's letter of 4 July 1834 reached JH in March 1835. Discusses the observability of the sixth and seventh Saturnian satellites. Meteorological observations at sea, at Cape, and from Calcutta lead JH to suspect 'annual transfer of atmospheric pressure' between hemispheres and permanent depression at equator. Describes JH's work at the Cape. Praises Thomas Maclear.
Gives AC notes for Francis Beaufort and for Giovanni Plana. Praises both. Mentions various books.
After returning to Britain, please deliver the annexed letter to her brother-in-law, Roderick I. Murchison.
Describes various geological aspects of the Cape area and mentions JH's astronomical work. Regrets that RM's brother is leaving the Cape.
Asks WE to take charge of a packet of JH's astronomical papers to be given to Francis Baily in England. Wishes WE restored health.
Reports on JH's meteorological observations at the Cape of Good Hope, including observations of barometric fluctuations and of the intensity of the sun's rays.
Reports erecting his telescopes at the Cape and on his observations, especially of double stars, during his first year there.
Sets out JH's views concerning the education that should be offered at the South African College. Stresses, among other points, that preference should be given to positive knowledge rather than to systems. Recommends which languages should be studied. Favors a broad education. Advises on many details.
Discusses tidal observations made at the Cape and a paper by WW on tides. Praises viewing conditions at the Cape. Describes political struggles at the Cape.