Showing 8158 results

Includes letters sent to JWW by correspondents listed alphabetically from Buck to Fiott

Describes his travels from various European countries

A.Ls.s., from TG to Messrs Cadell and Davies, his publishers, dealing with printing matters, payments, advertisements of his works, the sending of copies of his works and other publishing matters.

Has tasted 'the bitters of this life' since he last wrote. His wife Mary gave birth to a healthy son, John William, on 23 December, but the baby became ill on 20 January and died 6 days later. They have had the hottest and most unhealthy summer in recollection, and he has been confined to bed with rheumatism, though is now recovering slowly. Dense mist morning and evening has prevented satisfactory observations from Tiger Hill. He has been searching for an alternative location in the vicinity of Cape Town, and has now found a place 3 miles from Cape Town with good views to south and north, a good road, and local farms where necessities of life can be easily purchased. Describes the colony as a 'horrid desert'. It has been misrepresented to settlers, who would have starved without government rations. Trade is bad and provisions very dear and of poor quality. He hopes to be able to return to England for the latter days of his life. Enquires after Bellamy, Dr Pearson and Mr Troughton and asks for news of the old house. Asks if the Observatory is finished, if Grantchester Church steeple can be adapted as a meridian mark, and who has been appointed Plumian Professor. He favours Herschel. He will write to Herschel when he is feeling stronger, and sends his respects to Herschel, Peacock, Whewell, Hamilton, Broomhead and Freman.

Congratulates him on his appointment to Blackburn. He now has a higher opinion of bishops! Refers to the divisions within the parish and advises Whittaker to be a friend to the poor. He has been seriously ill with a stomach inflammation, and put his affairs in order expecting death, though his mind and faith remained strong while he was so ill. He has now mercifully recovered. Health permitting, he plans to forward to England in April or May a catalogue of the southern stars above the fifth magnitude. He is determined to be ahead of the Cambridge Observatory, despite working in 'such a barren miserable quarter of the globe'. His methods allow him to get through a lot of work quickly. Once he has examined the nebulae and double stars with the large instruments he will think of returning home - perhaps in 12-14 years if his health permits. Asks Whittaker to find him a curacy when he returns that will give him plenty of spare time in which to produce his last catalogue. Has met with two ships' captains recently and asked them to forward their observations. His wife sends congratulations and advises Whittaker to marry immediately. Asks to be remembered to the Master and Fellows of St John's, Dr Pearson and Mr Troughton.