British Museum
March 1st 1871
My dear Sir
Messrs Harrison set up the Cuneiform articles for the North British Review, but I am sorry to say we have seen the last of that publication
I have looked again at the tablet you ask about <cuneiform> is correct I know Barrel the names of what I call the watches of the night are mentioned in Vol II but there is nothing in that place to indicate what they are <ill. del.> – I got my readings for them from Vol II, there are two copies of the inscription from which I found they were the watches of the night, the extract is as follows
<line of cuneiform text> (v. <cuneiform>) <cuneiform>
Bararitu gablitu Matturu mazarto (v. ma-zar-ti) kal mu-si
the evening watch the middle watch the morning watch, the watches of all the night
You know that <cuneiform> Mazartu or watch occurs in the Akkad name of each mazartu is used for watching or observing the heavens thus: <cuneiform> day 29 mazartu nitazar a watch (or observation) we watched bit tamarti the house of vision imdir was cloudy Sinu the moon la-nimur we did not see
I should be glad to know all the words we differ about – they shall all receive my careful attention I began this letter to you two days ago but was called away and have been too busy to finish it I have been suffering in my head I suppose from over work, but I am better today – I send you 32 pp. more of the book it is set up as far as p. 240 and I have matter sufficient to reach P. 300 ready
Yours respectfully
George Smith
H. F. Talbot Esq