Record

RefNoHSF/3/7/7
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, Arrah, to 'Dearest Father' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date12 June 1859
DescriptionHis father has the mistaken idea, from William, that his appointment is temporary, and his turn for promotion has come at last. The next vacancy for substantive appointment will give William second grade, ranking as Joint Magistrate and Deputy Collector of the 2nd Grade. He will draw 700 rupees per month with additions for the officiating Magistracy, the same pay as if he were a substantive Magistrate. They have been told this may be cut, but all agree that Magistrates' pay will be raised, not reduced. William considers Magistrates to be underpaid. William has charge of a district of 4,000 square miles and 100,000 people, with six salaried and four honorary European assistants and four Indian assistants with magistrates' powers. There are several thousands of police, a jail and schools. He outlines his varied responsibilities and the large treasury. He receives £840 at the age of twenty-six. The railway engineer Boyle draws £2,400 per year for 80-100 miles of track. He compares other work to his, and the reaction of the Indian Press to changes in economy. William has received praise in a letter from Fergusson, the Commissioner, in a letter to the Government, for his actions in the pursuit of rebels. He hoped to meet the acquaintance of the new Lieutenant Governor, but instead had a letter on arrears in jail returns. William had the consolation that this was the responsibility of his predecessor. He also received an extract of a letter from the Commissioner, which he quotes, and which mollified him. He refers to a pencil copy of a photographs which ha had sent home, and describes Johnny [John Herschel] in India, whom he thinks is capable of working immediately, if ill at ease in society.
Extent4p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
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