| Description | A humorous commencement, apparently in response to a request for a lock of hair. William claims he will instruct his syce [groom] to cut hair from his horses to satisfy her, and then flesh, until he determined it was an error in her French. He encloses a lock [not present]. He has received mail from his father and [William] Waterfield returns his thanks for Herschel's approbation. William congratulates 'Jackie' [John Herschel] on his examination performance and offers advice for its continuation. He thanks Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] for chemicals and a description of the process, which William thinks takes too long. William has been told they they have sent drawings and boxes, but not how they will come. He will send off his own box to them in a fortnight by Cape Line, cautioning that there are no cashmere shawls or gold trinkets. He has found his filtering paper, but still needs his analysis book. William has had a tooth extracted and a new one put in its place, noting the prices. He has received a letter from Mr Mackintosh and promises to write next to Rose [Matilda Rose Herschel] about the animals he has seen. He has passed the Hindi high proficiency examination on 1 March and will start for his station in a fortnight, probably to Arrah, explaining its location. |