Wants JH to include [J. C.] Ross's instructions in his forthcoming report. Encloses tract on station errors. Discusses [Elias] Loomis's findings regarding errors in measurement.
Corrects information from an earlier letter. [John] Caldecott stated that diurnal curve of declination changed with monsoon at Trivandum. Discusses [William] Allen and observation with transportable magnetometer.
Expresses his approval of James Ross's Antarctic survey, providing some of the details of it and his determination of the south magnetic pole. Gives details of Ross's plans.
Mentions a deletion of part of James Ross's dispatch. Clerk is receiving instructions from Charles Riddell before sailing to the Cape of Good Hope, from which observatory he expects a report in eight months. Asks whether the R.S.L. should request government funding for Cape observations and experiments. Wonders if astronomical and magnetic observers there could assist each other. Requests information on the atmosphere.
Sends [James Clark] Ross's journal and revised B.A.A.S. magnetic report. Discusses proposals for observation in Africa. ES will send various instruments to Africa.
Speculation about land masses and climate in Arctic regions. Extols James Ross's talents. Discusses John Dalton's pension and who should be devoting efforts for approving pensions.
Discusses recent magnetic disturbances and their publication, as well as sending reports on them to G. B. Airy, Humphrey Lloyd, C. F. Gauss, and others.
No summary available.
Her brother has sent JH's letter and she will be only too pleased to send her poems for whatever purpose he requires them.
Thanks and appreciation for past and present friendship.
Magnetic observatory is still not operational one year after FW's arrival. Thomas Maclear is now in 'Zwartsland' [Zwartkops?]. FW shares quarters with C. P. Smyth and William Mann. Hopes to begin observations next week at Cape Town and Simon's Bay; G. G. Lewis will make observations at Grahamstown. Problems with meteorological instruments. Proposes magnetic survey of entire colony. [JH annotation: Enquire what FW meant about measurement conversions, malfunctioning needle, and broken tube in 19 Feb. 1841 letter to Humphrey Lloyd.]
M. F. B. Dausse visited FW several times to study instruments and copy meteorological observations. Dausse urged FW to share these with D. F. J. Arago, who is concerned at delay in publishing survey results. Please notify R.S.L. that Arago's official request will arrive soon. Encloses copy of FW's 15 Apr. 1841 letter to Arago. New rain gauge. Problems with anemometer and dipping needle. Will visit Cape Agulhas with Thomas Maclear to make magnetic observations.
Reports that the lectures on various subjects that JH proposed are underway in Cape Town. Sends transcripts of the lectures.
Has deposited the new conveyance with Messrs. Drummonds and returns the key.
No summary available.
Latest news of his Cavendish experiments. Will get the star maps printed for him. There is to be a meeting of the Council of the R.A.S. to consider the award of medals.
Is sorry to hear of his illness. The R.A.S. has awarded its medal to F. W. Bessel. Robert Main's paper on parallax is being printed. Is to be a meeting of the Standards Committee in February. Has arranged the printing of the star maps. John Wrottesley is to be the next president of the R.A.S.
Will be pleased to accommodate him. Star map is being printed. Encloses a paper on Sound by Dr. R. J. Kane, for his comments.
Has communicated JH's remarks to John Arrowsmith. Is sorry for the inconvenience caused.
John Arrowsmith has undertaken to make further copies of the star maps on dry paper, free of charge.