Correspondence and related papers concerning the Cape Observatory and Survey, divided into six sections:

'Correspondence on the Cape Observatory excepting generally the Cape Survey'. Comprises general correspondence between G.B. Airy, T. Maclear and the Admiralty, 28 February 1849 - 9 December 1854, regarding the Cape Observatory, including the preparation of annual reports, general information on the progress of work, the burning down of the Magnetic Observatory and observations of Peterson's Comet.

'Calotypes by C.P. Smyth and a plan of the Observatory grounds and buildings' (dated November 1854). [Calotypes not in the file].

'Appointment and removal of assistants', particularly the appointment of Pierce Morton as assistant (correspondence file).

'General correspondence [on the Cape Survey], with a plan of triangulation', 1849-1854.

'Correspondence on printing' [of the Cape Survey], 18 May 1853 - 31 October 1854.

'Draft copy of Part III of Maclear's "Operations for the verification and extension of Lacaille's Arc of the Meridian"'.