This comet attracted much attention from its excessive brightness at and near its perihelion passage, as well as from the length and form of its tail. The drawings were intended to represent these particulars, and the changes which occurred during the time that the comet remained visible from the Cape Observatory.

It was seen for a short time, but not generally, before the perihelion passage, which took place on the 27th February 1843; and it ceased to be visible by the naked eye towards the end of March, though it could be discerned with the telescope till the 19th April.