Refers to 17 July 1827 communication from W. J. Burchell in Brazil to J. S. Duncan, brother of Phillip Duncan, noting increased brightness of Eta Navis, and that Alpha Centauri and Alpha Crucis are double stars.

Mr Matheson will set out for London on 8 July [presumably 1844]. It would give the writer much pleasure to see Mr M and the addressee [presumably William Kemp].