JH has given away his sweeping telescope to [Johann] Hausmann and the 5-ft. Newtonian reflector to the R.A.S. to be preserved 'long after I and all the little ones are dead and gone.' The skies have been excellent for JH to observe variable stars and to connect the northern with the southern magnitudes. Proved that Alpha Orionis is both a variable star and a periodical star.

Reports that there is no bust of William Herschel at the R.S.L., as JH once believed.

Congratulates AS on AS being made baronet; wishes him well on re-joining his family at the Cape. Hopes that the problems between AS and Governor George Napier were due only to 'incompatibility of positions.'

Statement describing 'The conduct of Sir G. Napier in relation to Sir Andreas Stockenström and his former office as Lieutenant Governor.'

Regarding equipment at Royal Observatory. Comparison of planets.

Has received his letter from the Cape acknowledging his book. Is about to travel to the eastern coast of Africa and would be pleased to do anything for JH if he requires it in that direction. Is leaving England by the end of the month.

Royal Academy of Sciences and Fine Arts acknowledges receipt of JH's 'On the Chemical Action of the Rays of the Solar Spectrum.'

Conduct of GN [governor at Cape of Good Hope, 1837-43] toward Andries Stockenström was unimpeachable. Stockenström's letters to JH show favorable view of GN. GN was not responsible for Stockenström's removal.

Must report progress of meteorological reductions to B.A.A.S. Send specimen of 'Curves' before first week in September. Gives latitudes and longitudes for North American stations.

Sends WT a copy of the solar spectrum in which each color is represented clearly in a 'positive' picture. JH sees this as giving hope for color photography.

Asks WW to write letters of introduction for [James] Innes, an educator from the Cape. Comments on WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, expressing reservations about its a prioristic approach.

Acknowledges receipt of meteorological observations from EH. P.S. [dated 1840-8-28] reports on August meteor showers observed by JH.

Have deposited the title deeds for the Hawkhurst estate, and also the lease to Mr. Grover in a tin box lodged with Messrs. Drummond.

JDH explains to his father, William Jackson Hooker, how he forgot to pay for a gun procured in Glasgow. Assures WJH that his family are constantly in his thoughts & that he grieves the death of his brother William [Dawson Hooker]. Explains how he caught rheumatic fever in Madeira staying with Mr Muir. Everyone got prickly heat on entering the tropics but otherwise JDH has been healthy. JDH recounts the expedition's recent progress. He procured plants at Simon's Town, which they left on 6 Apr [1840] heading south via Marion Island & the Crozets. He describes the islands' appearance from the sea, they were unable to land due to stormy weather. Arrived Christmas Harbour, Kerguelen's Land, 12 May. Describes the appearance of these volcanic islands, which match Captain Cook's account, & notes how fierce the winter winds are. Describes his botanical excursions & findings whilst in Kerguelen's Land. McCormick made a geological collection of Quartz crystals, zeolites, coal & fossil wood. Lists the numbers of things he has found from various orders, fungi, musci, Rosaceae etc & particularly notes new genera of Cotrelleae & Umbelliferae. Briefly describes: features of a new Crucifera which they ate, new Ranunculus, Juncus & Amarantheae & a plant that flowers under the ice & belongs to no known natural order. JDH has made drawings of all the phanerogamic plants he found, based on dissections done under the microscope given to him by [James] Dalton. Describes preparing & storing the plants on board ship with Captain Ross. Took 3 weeks to sail 300 miles to Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania], describes how the HMS 'Erebus' weathers storms well. Mentions collecting seaweeds, letters from [George] Bentham & Mr Almond & letters owed to Childres, Boott & Brown. [Ronald Campbell] Gunn has been appointed Governor Sir John Franklin's secretary. JDH hopes to go to Oyster Bay.

JDH assures his sister, Maria Hooker, that she & their family are often in his thoughts during his time away from civilisation, enduring difficult conditions & ship's rations. Having been months at sea with no word from home JDH describes the joy he felt when they sailed up the Derwent River to land at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania], in the shadow of Mount Table or Wellington. The letters he received in Hobart brought JDH the news that his brother, William Dawson Hooker, was dead. He describes how he mourned as others celebrated their landfall. He had thought that Jamaica would improve his brother's pulmonary complaint. He is reassured that their parents have Maria with them in Glasgow to rely on in their grief. All JDH's shipmates, especially Mr McCormick are being very kind to him. Soon JDH will have work & duties to distract him from his sorrow, he will study the cryptogamic plants of Tasmania. JDH has had a visit from Dr Johnstone & will call on Jorgen Jorgensen, though he is a drunkard. Explains why he approves of his father, William Jackson Hooker's plan to leave Glasgow. Though he does not particularly like Glasgow it does have childhood memories for him & as long as his family are at Invereck he will long to be home there with them. He has sketches of Invereck on his cabin wall & everything he sees reminds him of Scotland & home, the cornfields & woods of Tasmania remind him of highland scenes at Loch Eck, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs. Sends his love to all his family.