Returns house keys. Smooth passage across Channel. Met James Grahame's brother-in-law, Mr. Robison, who is going to Paris to be married. James South arranged carriage for JH's travels in France. Servant James Child is well and observed four criminals executed in London before departing. News of Beckwiths.
Journey from London and French countryside. Towns and Paris are vastly improved since 1801 visit. Charles Babbage and wife are in Paris. Received letters of introduction from Georges Cuvier, J. N. Nicollet, and J. P. Delessert for JH's expedition to Auvergne. Alexis Bouvard is recovering from fall. Georgianna Babbage has recovered and promised to write to MPH. [Letter continued 4 Sept. in Moulins:] Traveled more than 100 miles today. [Letter continued 5 Sept. in Clermont-Ferrand:] Massive flooding in Riom. Impressive view of volcanoes. [Letter continued 6 Sept.:] Will ascend Puy de Dôme today with two companions.
Two unwanted companions caused JH to waste two days in Clermont-Ferrand. Describes volcanoes and high winds on peaks. Actinometer experiments on Puy de Dôme. Hunting fossil bones of extinct animals.
Describes region around St. Flour, where servant James Child was seriously ill for two days. Low opinion of French physicians. Journey to Montpellier.
Tour delayed at least one week. Clouds have restricted JH's actinometer experiments on mountains. Describes active volcano and vineyards near Agde. Ancient ruins in Nismes [Nîmes].
Death of James Grahame's relative. Explored volcanoes in Vivarais Mountains. Describes Mont Blanc at sunset. Regrets bypassing St. Bernard. Expects to reach London by 13 Oct.
Plans leisure sightseeing in Paris. Visited Louvre. [P.S. 7 Oct.:] Called on Alexis Bouvard yesterday. Met W. H. Wollaston, returning from Tyrol. Wrote to Caroline Herschel from Montpellier. Will view A. M. Ampère's electrical experiments today.
Regrets what MPH told JH yesterday about Slough estate. If JH receives good offer, he may do what he judges best.
Invitation from Duchess of Clarence [Adelaide] calls JH to London. Appointments with [Davies] Gilbert and R. H. Inglis on Monday. Will reschedule Board of Longitude meeting. Sent containers for Mr. Atherton. Paid MPH's bills. [Agnes] Kater is recovering. News of Beckwiths and James Grahame.
Wishes JH well on his visit to Stewart family and to Cambridge. Personal finances. Arrangements for JH's new servant.
JH's love for Margaret Stewart. Financial plans for future. Isabella Stewart is still ill. Burn this letter. P.S.: Do not burn it. JH may want to read it in later years. Mrs. Stewart gave JH her husband's journal recording Margaret's sixth year. Regards from James Grahame to MPH.
Enamored of Margaret Stewart. Orders MH to secrecy about JH's engagement. Praises fiancée's musical talent.
JH's and Margaret's honeymoon journey through Buckinghamshire. Concern for MH's confinement.
Poor weather. Visits from Stewart family. James South will write to JH regarding telescope.
Feeling poorly. Finances for employees at Crown Inn. Encloses letter from [James] Grahame.
Plans to see JH at Slough. Visit by Mrs. Stewart and daughter. Declines money offered by JH.
Visit by Patrick Stewart. Painting of 40-foot telescope completed. William Langton and two daughters are staying with MPH. Somervilles report that Charles Babbage bought R. I. Murchison's house and plans to remarry.
Returns to Slough. Visits by Stewart family and Somervilles. Charles Babbage visited and denied rumor of his remarriage.
JH and Margaret will see MPH on Monday. Rode along Wye River and visited ruins of Tintern Abbey by full moonlight last night.
Margaret's cold developed into serious fever, similar to those of Isabella and Mrs. Stewart. Financial transactions. Visited Duke of Wellington yesterday with Wolryche Whitmore on behalf of Charles Babbage. Fears Babbage's case will not go well. James Grahame is in London. Mrs. Stewart asks if Isabella and her maid Catherine may stay at Slough. Received visits from Somervilles, Katers, and Dunlops. Death of Thomas Young.