| Description | He forwards Willy's [William James Herschel] last letter to him, which is truthful and gives an idea of his feelings. Duncan thinks that William should not be in such a hurry for work, and Duncan intends to visit him before returning to Britain. He will be able to get to Maldah [Malda] in January or February, and promises to bring Margaret accurate statements about William, saying he will not leave India unless he is assured that William is all right. Furlough rules have been published and Duncan may have twelve months' leave to Europe, instead of formerly, to the Cape or to Egypt. He intends to travel in April, arriving to be with them on 20 May He will go to Scotland in July with his two boys, then settle when they return to school. They are now waiting for news of the fall of the four forts [Sevastopol] and total surender. Duncan has been an upholder of the Aberdeen policy ansd he concludes with thoughts on this. |