| RefNo | HSF/2/3/34 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/113 and 600/31/113A |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, [station] XXXV, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 17-18 March 1872 |
| Description | He has something interesting to communicate at last. When the Sector was being hoisted yesterday, the tackle broke and the telescope fell with a crash. Herschel was horrified and could only look on. He managed to put the right people in the right places and got it on its legs again. The tackle was repaired and he assessed the damage to the instrument, which he succeded in making good. He has lost one day but gained a night's rest. He describes the damage and the repair, which would normally be entrusted to an instrument-maker. He relates that as he goes north, cattle are inclined to grunt, and he describes the Brahmin bull and the fine and large cattle of the region. Herschel notes that the claimant [in the Tichborne case] has been arrested for perjury and he wonders of the Attorney General will prosecute. [From 18 March] A hazy night but he went through his list without missing or losing a star. He describes his camp and observing routine. He has only one more night to do, then a thirteen day march. Mr Price is reported ill and Herschel's doctor is in attendance. He fears it is smallpox. He sends Price's note, which he has fumigated and scorched all over. |
| 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 |