| Description | They have read Bella's [Isabella Herschel's] letter of 14 July with interest and they long to see the whole letter sequence. He compliments her on descriptions of landscape, manners and customs, and revelations from Germany. He refers to a Bengalese zamindar daring to raise a gun. He is forwarding the letter to Mary [Cornwallis Herschel] repeating his mother's instructions about the series being placed with Amelia [Herschel]. He is glad there is no telegram from Amelia after Richard Wade's news. [From 31 October] They had planned an expedition guide by a fossil collector at the Warrens, or Folly Field. He describes the merits of Folkestone, praising the sea air. William notes his dengue pains, and looks forward to visiting Collingwood. He will write with plans, Mrs Hardcastle intending to stay on for a fortnight, and therefore that will be the proposed date to come to Hawkhurst. [From 1 November] He gives family news, commencing from a children's party. He notes photographs of Venice [from 'C'] and asks for a hat to be sent. They will dine with the Wades and the Melvilles. In a postscript, William writes that if Rosie [Matilda Rose Herschel] wants the microscope sent, he will bring it when he comes: he comments on Bret Harte, on the Quarterly [Review], and on [James Anthony] Froude's 'History'. |