Wishes JH well on his upcoming trip to the Cape of Good Hope. Asks JH to study the lower part of the Scorpion, for William Herschel was mystified by the 'uncommon appearance of that part of the heavens.' [Written as a postscript to a letter by Margaret Herschel.]
Hears that Thomas Henderson is in town and thinks of bringing him down to Slough. Intends to take some iron bedsteads to the Cape; can JH advise him where they may be obtained?
Agrees with JH to go direct to the French optician [see JH's 1833-8-9] for a large object glass; HP will provide a telescope with such a lens if G. B. Airy agrees such a large telescope is appropriate to Cambridge Observatory.
Has written two letters from the Cape. Arrived three days ago. Will shortly proceed to Edinburgh. Has left the barometer on the ship. Compared this barometer with the one at St. Helena.
Sends letter from 'chronometer expedition' in Baltic Sea under the leadership of [T. F.] Schubert and supported by the Prussian, Danish, and Swedish governments. Mentions talk written for a larger audience in French publication. Envies JH's opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere.
Business matters calls him to London and would be happy to make his acquaintance. Will visit Slough if necessary.
Hopes that JH will accept a copy of JN's work [on the history of astronomy]. Wishes JH all success in his forthcoming mission [to the Cape].
Copy of letter to Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland) stating that the Duke's offer of a refracting telescope of great power, to Cambridge Observatory would be a valuable gift. To JH: Remarks on gift of telescope, planet reduction money, and on his geological exploration of the Charnwood Forest.
Has just arrived in London and will proceed to Slough tomorrow in the company of William Lassell.
Accepts JH's invitation to demonstrate [on 28 Aug.] CW's portable optical and acoustical experiments and the 'whirling machine.' Asks JH to supply 'an electrical machine and a good sized jar.' Encloses copy of CW's paper on Jew's harp. Will bring another paper and new 'Symphonion' for Mary Herschel.
Pleased to hear of JH's success with his application to the Treasury. Would like a statement from him on the nature of his communication to the Cambridge meeting concerning the actinometer. Hopes he is not too busy preparing for his voyage.
Has been residing with [Robert?] Lee at Hartwell for a few days. Hears that JH and Benjamin D'Urban will be travelling to the Cape on the Elphinstone; is this true?
Has visited Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland) at Buxton, who suggests that JH approaches R. A. Cauchoix for the glass for the new telescope.
Preparation to go to Madeira for health reasons.