| Description | He knows how anxious she must be about William's examination results [William James Herschel]. Waterfield has sent authentic intelligence, but in case a mail is missed he relays the information to her. He has passed, despite uncertainty. Waterfield was disappointed that William was unable to come to Calcutta when his uncle [Duncan Stewart] and aunt left, but he is sure that William was right. He gives a character assessment of William Herschel and was glad to learn of Margaret's improved health. He remarks on how beautiful Collingwood must be now, noting his short stay there and his loss [annotated: 'his spectacles, being extremely short sighted MBH'] which gave the place a 'dreamy enchantment'. Although newspaper denounce 'boy-magistrates', the people of Maldah regretted the loss of William. He concludes by sending good wishes, including to Dr and Mrs Stewart, whose voyage home must now be over.
Inscribed: 'The Day of our Constance Anne's birth - MBH'. |