Correspondence regarding different aspects of the Cape Observatory, divided into four sections:

Correspondence between the Admiralty, E.J. Stone and G.B. Airy, 20 July 1870 - 2 April 1875, including draft instructions defining Stone's duties at the Cape, details of how he found the Observatory to be on his arrival, and details of the memorial to Mr Mann, with regular reports on work being carried out.

Correspondence regarding the appointment of an assistant at the Cape Observatory, including a set of examination questions for potential candidates; W. Mann's resignation due to ill health; the offer of the position of First Assistant to T. Lynn, 4 January 1873; and the subsequent appointment of W.H. Finlay, 22 April 1873. There is also correspondence written after the death of W. Mann, including letters concerning his memorial.

Correspondence regarding the purchase of equipment, including a clock for Port Elizabeth and its test results, 26 July 1872; a general report on the equipment at the Observatory; and corrections for errors of division in the Cape Circle.

Letters on the distribution of Cape publications, 14 October 1871, and the removal of Thomas Henderson's manuscripts to the Cape Observatory, 20 February 1874.