Asks TM whether he plans to work today.

Weather is most provoking. Thinks it best to delay the action until Friday.

Feeling very ill. Discusses adjustments to TM's transit instrument.

Not surprised that the measuring rods broke; knew that they were top heavy. Discusses improvements. Very busy. A horse stepped on JH's foot, but no broken bones.

Had an unfortunate accident with the rods yesterday; one was smashed by the force of the wind. Intends to stake the whole line before the actual measurement takes place. Will calculate JH's Brisbane stars.

Discusses various matters relating to telescopic and to tidal observations. Relays request from William Whewell that TM continue tidal observations.

Sends the observations of the 21st copied by his daughter Mary. The leak in the center room has been repaired. Comments on JH's plan for measuring the base line. The Brisbane stars are nearly finished.

About some observations, the weather, and the difficulty of establishing tide observations, given the slowness of the Admiralty.

Awful night of thunder, wind, and rain; floods around the Observatory. Gives rainfall since 22 June. Has written to [J. D.?] Thompson to observe tides at Simon's Bay. Has no one at Table Bay. Measured Alpha Centauri on the meridian. Found JH's planetary nebulae with the mural circle.

Measurement of h Centauri.

Comments on stellar observations made by TM and reports JH's observations on sunspots. Notes error in [J. E.] Bode's celestial map.

Found the 'real' h Centauri; unsure what star is the 'false' h Centauri. Saw the largest sunspot that JH has ever seen. Saddened to learn that TM's son [George] is seriously ill.

Thanks for JH's interest in the 'little fellow'; he has now passed all danger. Is glad JH has unravelled the mysteries of h Centauri. Wrote to Thomas Brisbane pointing out imperfections in the catalogue. Has started to publish an abstract of the Met[eorological] J[our]n[a]l in the Government Gazette. Will not attend the glittering assembly at Government House tonight.

Sends TM his nebulae observations and drawings of what he saw.

Is pleased to have a look at JH's labors, but is not at home with the observations. Sorry to hear of JH's bodily sufferings. Has another sheet printed off, but no copies at the moment. Transit clock has increased its daily rate. South end of the mural circle has heaved up. Land to west of the Observatory is being discussed with view to purchase.

Check proofs, including first announcement of JH's 'Planetary Nebulae.' Instrument inconsistencies produce immense labor for TM and C. P. Smyth. Tempted to omit one-third of readings. Praises Smyth; happy to be rid of William Meadows. Speculates on causes of TM's and JH's headaches. Will propose that Fearon Fallows's observations be published.

Sees little benefit in trying to triangulate between stations, certainly at this time; JH's mirror polishing has been very successful.

Shall have the barometers and thermometers (readings?) tomorrow. Was disappointed with his observations. Admiralty has allowed the extra expense. Comments on the report on the death of 'poor young Musgrave.' Does JH know a particular problem in the damming of water?

Has received books and papers by the Beagle but only one letter and nothing from Francis Beaufort. Expects a party of visitors from the Beagle. If JH intends to visit the Bay, TM would like to accompany him.

Wants to invite members of the Beagle to dinner.