File 4 - ALS from Fearon Fallows, Cape Town.

Expresses his warm gratitude for Whittaker's letter. Agrees that he has suffered, not just from bodily illness, but in the knowledge of the grief his death would cause his wife, and family back in Cockermouth. Describes an earlier severe attack of sunstroke while taking observations, and ascribes his survival to his wife's devoted nursing. Responds to Whittaker's admonitions to return immediately to England, by declaring it his duty to fulfil his appointment. If he felt another could do it better he would resign and take a curacy. Regrets the loss of Sir R. Dorkin, Acting Governor, who used to visit to see his progress. Describes the current Governor, Lord C. Somerset, as shining most at a horse race. He has not visited and Fallows has heard via his Chaplain Mr Wright that he thought it strange that the government should pay someone to gaze at the stars and yet abolish sinecures. Fallows has a low opinion of Mr Wright, who receives £300 a year from the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge for doing nothing. Gives an account of his work: on 22 June he forwarded a catalogue of 273 principle stars in the right ascension and declination taken from the zenith of Capricorn to the poles. Made over 3000 observations to produce the catalogue. Has sent some tables which he hopes will merit reading at scientific society, and has sent a fair copy of his observations, a copy of which will be deposited either in the library of St John's College or the University. Is contemplating a paper on ships' chronometers and their inaccuracies, and on the predicted solar eclipse next year. Describes how he plans to measure the height of Table Mountain. If he need to return home then he will ask Whittaker to procure him a curacy near Blackburn, but he hopes that he will not be under such necessity. Wishes he could lay aside his clerical character, as he is called upon to cover others' duty as often as if he had a regular benefice, but declares that he will not be 'a convenient clergyman' any longer.