Thanks for his last letter. Assures him he has no bitter feelings over the spirit of David Brewster after his disappointment of the election. May make any use he wishes of his actinometer results. Intends going over to France in a month's time, but is very busy at the present time.
Observations on the work of S. D. Poisson and P. G. le D. Pontecoulant. Is JH's 20-ft. telescope any use for measuring angles and distances? Discussion of solar spots.
The first evening party is on Saturday, and hopes JH will be able to come.
Sends some specimens of aloes and calocynth with some remarks on them. Also sends some sugar made by evaporating the cane juice under diminished pressure. Inquired from J. Lister regarding the elasticity of hardened steel wire.
Asks GS to provide hospitality to J. C. Stewart, who is traveling through Italy. Sent package of books. Hopes GS will write to JH at Cape of Good Hope.
Requests FB to send JH any observations of Gamma Virginis made by FB. Anxious for these because of differences between JH's and Wilhelm Struve's measurements of Gamma Virginis. Provides JH's new determination of the orbital elements of this object. Thanks FB for publications FB sent. JH's brother-in-law, J[ames Calder] Stewart, may visit FB.
Letters of introduction for JS and suggestions whom to visit, especially F. W. Bessel, during JS's trip to Continent and Russia.
Is trying to prepare his book for the press, and is suffering from a severe attack of influenza.
Sending his sextant and instructions for its use, which he will doubtless find useful. Also a copy of James Horsburgh's Directions. Has not heard from Captain Hardy regarding the rope. Advises boxes covered in mackintosh. Plans to publish his book on Saturday.
Will not be in town until early June owing to pressure of work. Thanks for information on Van Dieman's Land, but they have decided on the Cape.
JH explains how CH's money will be allotted to her while JH is in Cape Town. Margaret Herschel writes CH a note describing JH's new son William.
Has resolved to leave the Cape and soon after JH receives this letter he hopes to be in England. Will bring the barometer and the exterior thermometer. Saw Dr. Duncan Stewart yesterday.
Formal note and stamp acknowledging receipt of £50 annuity from estate of William Herschel, sent by executor JH, followed by note to JH on arrangements for sending such payments. Asks for news about Stewart family.
Has acquired a 7-ft. Newtonian telescope of William Herschel made in 1802. Is well preserved but the speculum appears to be tarnished. Would like to bring it to London to obtain JH's advice on its shortcomings. Is going to France to collect the actinometers and the results of L. F. Kämtz.
Wishes to nominate Mr. Hardin [?], who has written on Indian geology, for membership in the Geological Society.
Today's newspapers confirm shocking report heard last night. Imagines loss and ruin to members. Confident that exalted character of PS's uncle will result in uncle being found blameless. Certain that James [C. Stewart], as new partner, could not bear any shame for magnitude of this long-standing problem. Hopes PS's mother will bear up well. Offers to assist Mrs. Stewart financially. Grateful that James had not yet left for Munich before this happened. Margaret is in shock.
Is grateful for the autographs and Dr. Thomas Raffles sends him thanks. Regarding various star readings. Has a problem connected with the satellites of Saturn. Hears that JH is contemplating a visit to the Cape to make observations.
Has been laid up with influenza, which delayed his answer. Has seen H. W. Pickersgill, who will be very pleased to paint JH's portrait. Can he arrange a meeting?
Comments on, and compares, WD's observations of several double stars with the observations of JH and other astronomers. In a postscript JH says 'The papers have told the truth for once—we sail sometime between Sept. and Dec.'
Offers JF advice about the telescope mirror [?] and looks forward to seeing JF on his way to France.