| Description | He has started a letter [HS/3/5/32?] which he left in the pocket of a flannel coat, and he cannot get it. He travelled back from Berhampore [Beharampur] yesterday, where he saw [William] Waterfield, but could not condole the Watsons on the loss of their little boy, whose christening he had attended. He has not felt such sorrow since the death of Pritchard. Watson has resigned the Collectorship since Beaufort has arrived and Waterfield will tour with him soon. William has received the stereoscopes and music, and he has worked out the instruments. Of the portraits, only the stereo of Bella [Isabella Herschel] is tolerable, and he attempts to place which of the other Herschel sisters are in the images, He has no compassion for the originals in judging the photographs harshly, but thinks he will get to like them eventually. He asks who took the photographs, thinking he would wish to take their photogaph in the same style as punishment. He mitigates by stating which of the faces he likes. The views of Cambridge are lovely, he considers, although those of King's College and Ely Cathedral lack depth. The Gateway is a perfect specimen of foliage. He remembers most of the scenes and Alick's [Alexander Stewart Herschel's] descriptions on the backs are a great addition. He explains problems with the mail, saying that Maria's pictures are stuck in Calcutta [Kolkata]. He asks about Johnny [John Herschel] coming out to India, where there will be hard work to do. One of the pistols was the gift of Colonel Gordon he thinks, but he could not acknowledge it with certainty and does not want to in case it is a mistake on Alick's part. He has heard that the revolver is in Calcutta but not that there are two. William will at least write to thank Gordon for helping with the selection of guns. William has been relieved of his worst duty, the collection of carts for the troops, which gave him more worry than the worst court cases. His contribution has been overestimated he thinks, although praised by Watson. |