Thanks JH for his help [see JH's 1840-8-14], and tells JH about a visit to Greenwich by Charles Wheatstone.

The Royal Observatory wants to make magnetic observations at Greenwich, and it appears will need to make some building alterations. Estimates are required immediately by the Admiralty/Treasury, and GA seeks JH's assistance.

Returns papers dealing with the treatment of Andries Stockenström by Sir George Napier.

Requests documents about the disagreement between George Napier and Andries Stockenström, which developed at the Cape. In the course of this request, JH expresses his feelings on the matter.

Reports on letter from Humphrey Lloyd and latest information from [J. C.] Ross's voyage. Has received JH's meteorological plates.

Will give Humphrey Lloyd's and his own latest magnetic data to JH for use in JH's report to the B.A.A.S. Observations continue in Milan. Year-long observations will soon be completed at Dublin Observatory. Proposes 400-page publication of simultaneous observations. Mentions Lloyd's insistence on processing incoming data himself.

Explains efforts at using a makeshift apparatus for 'fixing the spectrum.' Discusses current confusion and ultimate hope surrounding JF's meteorological recommendations. In a postscript, notes observations of meteors in Persei.

Thanks for JH's letters and the paper on photography with special reference to the effects of heat. Was present at the R.S.L. during consideration of a national observatory. Would like JH's opinion. Is working on a supplementary report on meteorology.

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.