JDH informs his Mother, Maria Hooker, that at Cape of Good Hope he has got many letters & affectionate tokens from her. JDH has sent home Davis' circumpolar chart showing the expedition route. JDH has not been to Cape Town yet as he has no good clothes. The only 'society' is the crew of the Flag ship. Simon's Bay village has provided some fresh supplies. Letter continues under date 29 Apr 1843 with excuses for delay &again under date 12 May 1843 having left Simon's Bay. Describes trip from Simon's Bay to Cape Town on a bullock wagon road, includes a small sketch illustration of a wagon driver in typical hat. The route encompassed False Bay, Cape Flats, oak plantations at the foot of Muysenberg [Muizenberg] Mountain, view of Table Mt, David's Mt & the area beyond known in South Africa as 'Hottentots Holland', Wynberg village, an estate called 'Paradise', & 'Feldhauzen' where John Herschell catalogued the southern hemisphere stars. Comments on Herschell calling the Ross Antarctic Expedition 'the folorn hope of Science'. En Route to Cape Town also went through Rondenbosch village, over the slopes of Devils Mt & saw the view of Table Bay with the Royal Observatory & shipwreck. Describes the 'wretched' view of Cape Town flanked by Lion & Devils Mountain. Describes Cape Town itself: the houses, streets, castle & street sellers. The library & Baron Ludwig's Gardens are its only redeeming features. JDH briefly met Mr Jadine. JDH is dismissive of the 'ugly fir trees' in the town. Describes the Cape Town people: African-born Dutch known as 'Africandoes', Malay, Indian soldiers & Merchant Navy sailors. Recounts his visit to Baron Ludwig, Ludwig's current situation, health & house. Ludwig has replaced William Jackson Hooker's portrait with William of Wurtemberg, but still has the copy of Peter Schlemihl from JDH's grandfather. This letter will go from St Helena. Discusses his mother taking up music again & the singing talents of other family members. Writes about 'Betsy'.