Forwarding the draft of the proposed lease. The deeds are to be sent to Dover for registration.

Would like JH to amalgamate William Whewell's and JL's memoirs. Thought the principle of universal gravitation was conceded by all. Treasury have sent back the bills and want the Antarctic ones separated from the Observatories ones. Should take notice of the effect of iron steams [on instruments?].

Check for the purchase money satisfactory.

Has decided to appoint five teachers for the Government Schools at the Cape. Three have visited him. Asks JH about the remaining two.

Appeals to JR on behalf of Andries Stockenström, whose dismissal from Cape Colony created grief. Stockenström is ready to resign that office if he can do so in a manner that permits him to continue his career in government.

JH is concerned about MH's health, especially her sore teeth; JH sends along some letters, and reports that all are well at Slough.

Is sending further testimonials as a candidate for teaching at the Cape of Good Hope. Laments his financial condition. Thanks JH for his encouragement.

Is in communication, as requested, with Mr. Train and Thomas McBean about their candidacy for teaching at the Government Schools at the Cape of Good Hope.

Weather has been unsuitable for using the actinometers. Sends a small parcel of geological specimens. J. H. Lefroy is in a very good situation at Longwood.

Has had a letter from H. C. Schumacher announcing his discovery of a new comet in Draco. There is to be a R.S.L. Council on Thursday.

About buying horses, and closing the deal to buy Collingwood. JH refers to an enclosure about anti-slavery.

JDH informs his father, William Jackson Hooker, of the progress of the expedition via Madeira & Tenerife. Describes brief trip ashore at Santa Cruz & character & vegetation of the different islands of Cape Verde: wooded St Antaois, salt plain Sal & volcanic St. Jago. Collected at Porto Praya on St Jago, has wanted to visit the island since reading Christian Smith's account & recommended Lippold go, suggests how other botanists should collect there from a base in St Domingo. Saw the rocks of St Paul from the ship & his ship mates brought him a specimen of seaweed. On the coast are birds such as boobies & noddies. A Grapsus crab that steals their eggs. Considered going across the Atlantic to Pernambuco, Brazil, where JDH could have seen Adamson, Gardner & Louder. Instead they travelled via Trinidad, JDH describes the appearance of the island & the sparse vegetation, all the trees appeared to have been destroyed by the introduction of goats, there was only grass, tufts of Cyperus & a tree fern. Describes the voyage to St Helena, which was slowed down by the inferior sister ship HMS 'Terror'. JDH spent the time working on his plants in Captain Ross' cabin, drawing sea animals; crustacea & mollusca brought up in the towing nets, & taking meteorological readings. At St Helena he gave Harvey's letter to Chief Justice Wilde who has a house on Diana's Peak, the only place Dicksonia arborea grows & he has a new Brazil Araucaria in his garden. Describes the island & vegetation: it is largely barren but there are Scotch firs, a cabbage tree, Furze, 2 Rubus[?], introduced blackberry, native raspberry, a Ruellia, barren mosses, a Scotheimia, ferns & a tree fern. JDH is disappointed with his plant collection but has done all he can, there are sets for WJH, the Admiralty, Ross & Wilmot. JDH is also keeping a journal & sketchbook. McCormick has made a geological collection for Dr Fritton. JDH is reluctant to send specimens to the Royal Society Commission on Botany. Discusses his future career as a botanist & the pros & cons of naval service for a naturalist. The thought that no other botanist will go where he has on the expedition is appealing. Also includes two enclosures: some lengthy descriptions of excursions to: the Curral in Madeira, Tenerife, Porto Praya, St Jago & St Domingo valley in the Cape Verde Islands & some journal extracts dating from Dec 1839 & Feb 1840.

Sends further testimonials on behalf of his candidacy for a position teaching in the Government Schools at the Cape of Good Hope. Describes himself as 'an unfortunate man of genius.'

Inquires as to the salary he would receive if selected to teach in one of the new Government Schools at the Cape of Good Hope. Supplies further testimonials.

Attests to the honorable personal character of Captain Andries Stockenström. Wishes the circumstances of his dismissal could be remedied.

Believes Treasury will cover all expenses. The application for a Cairo observatory looks promising and H. C. Oersted is eager to set up a station in Copenhagen. Writes of the instrument requests of other stations.

No summary available.

Sends MS [of Coral reefs?] to be copied.

No summary available.

Writes favorably on behalf of the qualifications of T. J. Paterson for a teaching position at the Government Schools at the Cape of Good Hope.