| Description | William has sent in an application for an appointment, which Mr [Cecil] Beadon has promised to secure under a good magistrate, asking for time to settle commissionerships first. He hopes to hear soon about the place he will go to and has much housekeeping to do. His uncle [Duncan Stewart] has resolved to go into the lodgings of Mrs Herring's, to save money for his return to Britain. He gives their immediate movements and his need to buy furniture in advance of his placement. He will 'grind Hindee' to try for a prize on 1 March. He thinks he will be summoned to Council to receive his award for Bengalese, the last to be made at the College of Fort William. William discusses the changes introduced by Lord Dalhousie, with a new Board of Examiners. [William] Waterfield received his degree at Council last week, and was complimented. They will then be separated unless the railways effect a change in India, contrasting this with travel by water. He discusses the occupation of railway carriages by different castes. William wonders why E Wrench has not written to him yet, and he was glad to hear a good report of him from his officers. He passes advice to Johnny [John Herschel] and explains his own financial circumstances, thinking that he settle for less than 800 or 900 rupees, but hopes to have 1,000 rupees from the Company. His only extravagance has been buying 'Adam Graeme' on his father's recommendation, and he comments upon this. He hates novels that are not first rate, complimenting 'My Novel' [by Edward Bulwer Lytton]. He encloses a photograph of his uncle [not present] and remarks on letters from home from Bella [Isabella Herschel] and his father. He returns to packing, notes having Waterfield to stay, and his horsemanship. |