Returns from vacation in France. Offers to be a trustee for the Cape Observatory. J. R. Hind has discovered asteroid Victoria.

Congratulates TM on engineering the construction of transit circle. Sent letter to Francis Beaufort concerning transit circle.

Andrew Bain's geological work received well. JH has little time for personal correspondence.

Approves of G. W. H. Maclear's appointment at Cape Observatory [Second Assistant]. JH's family will welcome G. W. H. Maclear to Collingwood during his England visit.

Sends regrets over TM's son not passing exam. Tries unsuccessfully to arrange a second testing. Fears war in Europe.

Sends copy of Admiralty Manual, which includes JH article on meteorology. Asks TM what to do with Bokkeveld meteorite specimen still in his possession.

Makes arrangements for TM's visit.

Pleased to receive JH's letter, which he hastens to answer to remove any misconceptions regarding the equatorial. Comments on some of his observations of stars. Received [T. R.] Robinson's proposal for a large reflector. William Mann has just finished 8 years of tide gauge measures. Grieves to hear of the illness of W. R. Dawes. [George] Smalley's financial affairs have come to a crisis. Convict question has been settled; they are to be sent to Van Diemen's Land.

Giving his views on the proposed supply of a large reflector for the Cape Observatory.

Encloses copy of the letter he has written [1850-7-20] to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

TM's attention has been drawn to the question raised by Joseph Hume in the House of Commons regarding the use of the Cape Observatory. Will forward a copy of the weekly register and later a copy of the general report.

Was agreeably surprised by the communication in Lady Herschel's letter; did not expect any pension. Outlines his ideas for careers for some members of his own family. India and the Services seem the best propositions. Does not expect much from the observations of Venus in Chile unless the definition is good.

Congratulations on JH's appointment to mastership of Mint. New Kaffir war. Sent report of parallax of Alpha Centauri to R.A.S.

Hears that JH is using his influence to obtain a transit circle for the Cape. Hopes the application will be successful. Comments on the siting of the instruments. Cape politics are deplorable. Kaffir war still continues and appears likely to be expensive.

Has recommended [Andrew] Bain use JH's patronage to present the geological map of South Africa to the Geological Society. Comments on Bain's visit. Affairs have not improved in Kaffir Land.

Now forwards [Andrew] Bain's Geological map, which had been delayed by the Agent. Has heard nothing definite regarding the transit circle but would appreciate JH's recommendation, together with those of Francis Beaufort and G. B. Airy. Gives details of the work at the Observatory. Estimates the cost of mounting the transit circle.

Has forwarded four boxes of geological specimens by the Bosphorus; these are the illustrations for [Andrew] Bain's map. Peace is about to be declared in the Kaffir War. There have been several bush fires and one almost damaged Feldhausen.

Has received two notes, one from G. B. Airy and one from Francis Beaufort informing him that the Admiralty has promised to supply a transit circle; the estimates have now been passed. The Magnetic Observatory building at the Cape has been destroyed by fire. Andries Stockenström is taking an active part in politics. H. G. W. Smith has been recalled.

Is grateful for JH's letter to the Admiralty recommending a transit circle for the Cape. Comments on a suitable room for it in the Observatory. Has just had a peep at Encke's comet. Still trouble with the Kaffirs. Will be pleased to see Willy [Herschel] when he passes that way.

William Mann goes to England to receive transit circle. TM describes plans for the instrument.