| RefNo | HSF/2/1/67 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.50 and 32.8.50A-B |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J H [John Herschel], Dehra, to 'Dearest Mother' [Margaret Brodie Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 3 October 1862 |
| Description | He has nothing in particular to tell his mother. He notes the relative positions of Mussoorie and Dehra, saying it is not unusual for him to come down to Dehra for a day. He has been there for a few days, in advance of [James Thomas] Walker departing for Calcutta [Kolkata]. [John Baboneau Nickterlien] Hennessey will go to join the base line party for as long as his health will allow. His best outcome would be to have worsening health, so that he could take ship, otherwise he will stay, in defiance of doctors and friends. Hennessey is the son of a deceased officer and has never been out of India. His mother was Indian and John comments on this heritage, and Hennessey's career, rising within the Great Trigonometrical Survey. John first met him in 1859, when Hennessey was in charge of Sir A [Andrew Scott] Waugh's computing office. John describes his character, noting his sensitiveness, in the event that he visits Collingwood, and hopes he will be well received for his sake. John refers to Walker's departure and riding out with Gordon. He cleaned the big theodolite the next day and has been busy since. It was the first day of the Dehra races, with many visitors. His old friend Macsween, whom he had lost sight of, was one of them. John is helping one or two people to get their instruments in working order, not caring for the races. Thousands changed hands yesterday and John thinks them fools. |
| Extent | 6p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer | 1837 - 1921 |