| RefNo | HSF/2/3/20 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/97 and 600/31/97A-B |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, Kodangal St [Station] XXIX, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 7-8 February 1872 |
| Description | Herschel apologises for his misdeeds regarding his financial accounts, entering into a long explanation. He has lost some money because of exchange in that territory. He awaits a reply which will bring things to a head with the Accountant General, insisting on payment of his bills. He will not present last month's bills if there is no guarantee that they will not be dishonoured. He expresses his disgust at his servants, who having been given batta [subsistence allowance] petitioned for more, despite Herschel later discovering that rice was cheaper than in his estimate. The difference in value between Hali and British rupees is the cause of much confusion. The camp is subdued because Herschel has twice inflicted corporal punishment for insubordination. He explains his relationship with the local power of the Nizam and has experienced no check on his work yet. He thinks she should give up writing to Narrainpett, preferring Sedashepett (Hyderabad) after receiving Herschel's letter. He is reading 'The Fawn of Sertorius' [by Robert Eyres Landor] which is dry and he recalls passing it over in his schooldays. Herschel discusses the book, especially its supernatural elements. The improbability of the main plotpoint in 'The Moonstone' [by Wilkie Collins] amounted to deception on the reader, he believes. [John Baboneau Nickterlien] Hennessey has sent a map printed on calico, an experiment of Montgomerie's, for Mary. Herschel thinks this is intended as a compliment. He asks what a pillion is in relation to her riding a horse. |
| Extent | 10p. |
| 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 |