Congratulations on the birth of JH's son Alexander. Has a man preparing the old Ramsden Equatorial as the calculations from the repeating circle are so troublesome. Observations of the comet this morning were excellent.

Many thanks for the portrait; it shall soon have a resting place. Will not rest until the comet observations are en route to England. T. G. Taylor does not observe himself. There was a beautiful occultation of three stars last night.

Would welcome changes in the nomenclature of the constellations. Hesitates to compute the observations of John Burrow.

When in Cape Town he heard there was a parcel, probably of books, for JH, so has arranged for it to be delivered. Has had newspapers, etc., from England but not a word about the comet's northern tour. Encloses a copy of Thomas Henderson's Cape Declinations.