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RefNoHSF/2/3/51
Previous numbers600/31/119 and 600/31/119A
LevelItem
TitleLetter from John Herschel, Badgaon, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer
Date14 April 1872
DescriptionNo stars were visible last night but there was lightning, thunder, wind and rain. Herschel describes the storms, saying that he was told that the observatory has been lifted three or four inches on one side. He describes the observatory and its stone construction, barely large enough and insecure. His journey to the observatory in the early hours 'was something which I shall long remember' because of the conditions. He gave a shout of encouragement to Debi and the men, who answered with 'a cheery response'. On inspection, he concluded there was nothing to fear if the stone platform proved honest. Lightning striking the ground was another source of anxiety. At times he thought he ought to give up but he hopes for a change, and the barometer is rising. He relates an experience he and Trotter had in 1866 on a 60-foot high tower. Herschel had designed the tent and tower, and even though the instrument was old, he was anxious and there was a risk of them losing their lives. He hopes that the account will not distress Mary, it will only occupy a paragraph or two of his report. By that time they will be settled. He does not think he will return until the end of the month and thinks she might go on writing to him. He is sorry to have sent her home needlessly early and encloses a Monthly Notice of the Royal Astronomical Society that will be of interest to her.
Extent6p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA7955Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer1837 - 1921
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