Sent to Nevil Maskelyne.

The letter was marked as unworthy of the Board's attention by Nevil Maskelyne.

The letter contains observations of an eclipse of the Sun at Port Jackson, Sydney on 9 December 1806. A duplicate of the letter is at [RGO 4/187: 40b].

The letter contains an astronomical account of a comet observed on 27 September 1807 at Port Jackson, Sydney.

Concerning astronomical observations.

Reporting on their progress (the ship had arrived at Rio de Janeiro) and on observations made en route. Dawes also mentions that his cabin was partially under water and that his Requisite Tables had been damaged and needed replacing.

Reporting on observations made at the Island of Enxadas, Rio de Janeiro. The letter includes mention of a visit by two astronomers from Portugal employed to settle the limits between the Spanish and Portuguese settlements in Brazil.

Reporting on observations made in Rio de Janeiro and on meeting Colonel Gordon, Commandant of the troops at Cape Town and a keen astronomer. Dawes reports that he had arranged with Gordon for observations to be made at Cape Town of the comet which was expected the following year; he also lists Gordon's instruments and books to show his ability for the task.

Written from the new settlement at New South Wales. Dawes reports on his work there, mentioning the lack of resources and the clearing of land for an observatory. He includes a rough sketch of the observatory.

Reporting on his activities between leaving the Cape of Good Hope and his arrival at Sydney. The letter also includes an account of constructing the observatory in Sydney, and of the practical difficulties involved, particularly in finding suitable materials and craftsmen. He mentions, for example, that the forty marines employed in the work had to be provided with rum, water and new shoes (due to the damage from brushwood). Dawes also seeks further money and provisions.

Reporting on the status of the observatory (which was nearly complete), on expenses incurred, and on his role there.

Informing Maskelyne that he had a sent a letter via the Fishburn under Captain [Robert] Brown.

Reporting on his work at the observatory in Sydney. Dawes reports that he had seen nothing of the comet and complains that his duties as Engineer and Officer of Artillery were preventing him from attending to the observatory, which had soured his relationship with the Governor. He asks that a suitable person be sent out to take over the Observatory before his six years there had expired. He also reports the naming of Maskelyne Point.

Reporting on his work at the observatory in Sydney. He refers to the loss of HMS Sirius and states that the timekeeper [K1] was moved to HMS Supply undamaged. The letter also includes a description of his observatory.

Reporting on his work at the observatory at Sydney, and describing the main hindrances to his work (including the lack of 'men of business' in the country, the 'unfortunate want of abilities' of the surveyor of lands, and his problems with the Governor). The letter also includes a description of the local topography of Sydney and his opinion of the country - 'a more dreary, dismal, barren, inanimated [sic] country I believe does not exist anywhere in the whole world'.

Written on board HMS Gorgon on Dawes' return passage to England and concerning the safe return of instruments from the observatory at Sydney.

Concerning a letter from Lord Howe about his appointment to Botany Bay, and his objections to being placed in the marine detachment of HMS Sirius rather than in the land service.

Concerning a fault in the sextant and requesting a replacement instrument; also concerning his desire to be placed in the land detachment.

Concerning repairs to a sextant by Mr Ramsden and supplies for the observatory.

Concerning a replacement sextant and black index glass from Ramsden.

Sent from HMS Sirius, concerning a timekeeper [K1] received from William Bayly.

Reporting on the timekeeper [K1], and on his observations during the passage to Tenerife (en route to New South Wales).

Concerning the rate of the Board of Longitude's watch and the provision of books and instruments.

Concerning the rate of the Board of Longitude's watch; the provision of books; the testing of instruments intended for the observatory; the discovery of damage to a sextant; and his request for an advance of a year's subsistence.