| Description | Mary asks if John is preparing to leave Halda and thanks him for his topographical transparency, long letter, and enclosures. Her courteous neighbours offer her papers and she dined with them, seeing their garden, and visiting the reading room. She asks if Colonel [Andrew Waugh] Scott is unpopular, describing him as pompous, but he reads, studies philology and likes music. Mary attended church with the Scotts, giving a description of the churchyard and service, which was superior to that at Coonoor. She lists visitors, including Mr Page. They have described Dacca unfavourably. The Commissioner is not returning, she has learned, so William [Herschel] may be confirmed in post. Mary thinks that John will like to read Amelia's letter [Amelia Herschel]. She discusses Edward Power and her brother Bob, noting that it is not yet established that all of the interest due in 1871 is lost and there is no proof that Mr Cocker received it. Mrs Price is to be pitied: 'what a place to have smallpox in'. |