| RefNo | HSF/2/3/11 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/87 and 600/31/87A |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, Narrainpett [Narayanpet], to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 22 January 1872 |
| Description | He is on Mary's map and may be visible by microscope. He will be at Kodangal in three days. He is marching in strange country, which he describes, and the respect of officials, who will assist; 'there is a look of honest good-will in the open and almost handsome faces of some...They are Telingis'. He contrasts these people with Tamils, and those under British and Islamic rule. He notes seeing a man and woman in a thoroughfare, of a well-to-do class. The postmaster has paid his respects. The expense of food has turned everyone in camp sour and therefore Herschel announced a more liberal batta [subsidence money] than had been hoped for. After disbursing this, he gave a speech saying that he was giving up fines for infractions and instead would punish by flogging. He had castigated his horse-keeper a few days earlier, for 'striking a tehsil peon'. He has every intention of effecting this at the first opportunity. He notes the regularity of Mary's writing, but he will receive fewer opportunities for post, and it will be worse in a few weeks. |
| 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 |