File 1 - ALS from Fearon Fallows, Cape Town. Letter originally addressed to Liverpool, then redirected to Blackburn.

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.