| Description | As his last letter to Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] was sporting, he will turn to matters of law. he was 'plucked' [failed] his examination and will take steps to ensure that he passes next time. He is now looking for more work elsewhere: Craster is a good officer, but slow and fearful of committing himself to an opinion, and is therefore a poor instructor. There is little to be had from litigants and when William was at Beauleah [Rampur Boalia] he was astonished at how much Eden knew, despite not being studious. He was able to speak about cases, courts and orders in a familiar way, which William has never heard from Craster. He compares Craster to an encyclopaedia without an index. The magistrate at Beauleah may not be first rate, but is willing to share knowledge, and William will apply after Eden retires. He compares Craster and Dodgson and the situations of Maldah and Beauleah, where he thinks he will get plenty of practice. Gray has advised him to leave the district to find additional work, and he is a planter with fifteen year's experience, with good knowledge of the country. He thinks that William will make a good magistrate, if he learns to give orders in a no-nonsense way, clear-sightedly and honestly. He could get good knowledge from Craster, but little experience. He continues to discuss his career and character, and his application to move to Beauleah, wherehe thinks he will be next January. He notes the death of 'Poor Edward Wrench'', among other who were at College with him. |