Correspondence with tradesmen, including letters from booksellers; coal merchants; clock repairers; horologists; builders; chandlers; merchants; draughtsmen; instrument makers; stationers; opticians; parcel carriers; engineers; chemists; decorators; journeymen; a plumber; picture framers; ironmongers; fitters; a globe maker; electrical suppliers; glass manufacturers; telegraph companies; and the Kent Water Company. The letters cover instructions; requests; bills; accounts; invoices; receipts; tenders; circulars; routine repairs; and adjustments and improvements to instruments. The correspondents include E. Dunkin, J. Glaisher, E. Sabine and C.V. Walker. The topics discussed include new water pipes for the Royal Observatory; a catalogue of German scientific books; and a pamphlet by John Bainbridge titled 'An astronomical description of the late comet from the 18th of November 1618 to the 16th of December following'.