Comments on the shooting death in 1835 of Hintsa, leader of the Xhosa people. JH believes that no wrongdoing occurred.
Wants some rewording in the statement that is to go with the monetary support for John Fairbairn [see JR's 1837-6-6].
Declines to get involved in political or judicial disagreements. JH donated to fund for John Fairbairn solely on grounds of benefits rendered to Cape Colony by Fairbairn's newspaper.
Expresses regret for not writing earlier. Thanks AQ for meteorological observations. Has complete series of observations from March 1835 to December 1836. Thanks AQ for reports on papers sent. Will depart in early 1838 and requests duplicates of all observations sent: one to England, one to the Cape. Apprises AQ of JH's work on double stars and nebulae.
About a variety of observations that JH has made.
Ideas expressed by JH in his previous letter to CL (see JH's 1836-2-20) about secular variations of isothermal surfaces of the interior of the earth were similar to ideas expressed by Charles Babbage in a paper to the Geological Society. This was drawn to JH's attention by CL and by R. I. Murchison. JH argues that he did not know of Charles Babbage's paper, and goes on to point out how JH's ideas differ. Concludes with mention of having re-discovered the sixth satellite of Saturn, not seen since its discovery by JH's father, William.
Asks TM whether he plans to work today.
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.
Discusses various matters relating to telescopic and to tidal observations. Relays request from William Whewell that TM continue tidal observations.
Continues to be concerned that the support for John Fairbairn not be seen as a political act, nor as one intended to impugn the decision of the South African Court of Justice. [Letter completed with a lengthy postscript on 1837-7-10.]
Prefers that JH's name not appear on HR's list of subscribers in support of John Fairbairn. Gives reasons. Suggests appropriate wording for HR's public statement of support for Fairbairn.
About some observations, the weather, and the difficulty of establishing tide observations, given the slowness of the Admiralty.
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.
Gives altered directions for making meteorological observations to be sent to the South African Literary and Philosophical Institution.
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.
Reports on JH's efforts to secure tidal observations for WW, the Duke of Northumberland's offer to finance the printing of JH's Cape astronomical observations, and JH's sighting of Saturn's sixth satellite. Encourages WW's efforts to write a philosophy of the inductive sciences.
Sends TM his nebulae observations and drawings of what he saw.
A long letter on climate and vegetation and his experiences whilst at the Cape.