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RefNoHSF/3/2/20
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, Maldah [Malda], to 'My dear Father' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date30 September 1854
DescriptionHe is writing cross-legged on the floor, on his way to Rampore Boullah [Rampur Boalia] to be examined. He feels anxious about the result and is slightly bewildered by his path. He discusses his feelings about his career at length and the difficulties he faces in remembering the rules on prisoners' rights, sheltering the defendent and plaintiff restrictions. He will be examined in a few hours and he hopes to be found well upon the language: reading, writing, and speaking it. He refers to the rains, a high inundation, and the safety of houses around the Ganges. The fights and litigation around the creation of new formations, or disputes about old lands, keeps the courts supplied with cases. It is sad to see landowners fighting and hiring bands of armed men and false witnesses. [E C] Craster has his brother, an engineer, staying with them. Johnny [John Herschel] may have to compete with a second brother, who is at Addiscombe. William thinks that John should aim to work in Bengal, 'by far the finest field for a good officer', and he could provide advice for him in his first year. Maria will have flowers when the weather changes and his own collection of bird skins has been ruined because of it. He details what remains.
Extent8p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
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