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RefNoHSF/3/2/21
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, Maldah [Malda], to 'Dear ones' [his sisters]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date15 October 1854
DescriptionWilliam is back at home and uses the green paper of his mother's last letter to lampoon new Acts in India which appear unintelligible. He thanks Bella [Isabella Herschel] for a descriptive letter [of Scotland?] with a promise of pictures. He notes the new Indian stamps on his previous letter from Rampore Beauleah [Rampur Boalia] which are 'wretched things', and comments on changes to the postal system. A list of improperly stamped 'dead letters' has been published, but it has not yet got down to 'H'. Following a query from his father, he gives the dimensions of his sitting room and bedroom, and other spaces on his floor. He is now less worried about his examination, which was easier than he thought and he should have answered it fully. He was complimented on his language skills and hopes to pass on this, the papers being sent to Calcutta [Kolkata] for a committee decision. William thinks that Eden will have passed because his Magistate, Dodgson, sent him hundreds of cases with preliminary instructions on how they should proceed. Craster has always refused to forward cases to William which he considered were above his powers. Others, including Chapman and [William] Waterfield, have had as much work thrown at them as they desired, and they may therefore pass. William's examination took two days and he describes the town of Beauleah [Rajshahi]. He was sorry to leave, hearing music there, and he enquires after family music and stereoscopes. He says that colder weather has arrived and comments on family christmas.
Extent8p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
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