Homepage

Record

RefNoHSF/3/3/18
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, Rampore Beauleah [Rampur Boalia], to 'Dearest Bella' [Isabella Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date20 August 1855
DescriptionHe jokes about the meaning of 'bund', the flatness of Bengal necessitating the creation of two bunds around each station near to the Ganges. He broke off his letter because one was washed away, the earth being sandy and loose. The other will wash away too, he expects, but without harm 'as it is in the most disreputable part of the town'. William directs Isabella's attention to a map, where opposite Maldah [Malda] is Rajmahal or Rajmal, a stopping place for steamers, with a wealthy Indian population. He describes the river at that point and the hills to the west where a rebellion of Santhals has been taking place. William explains the background: after 20 years of disatisfaction attributed to the 'oppression of the collector' and other potential reasons, the Santhals have invaded the plains. He contrasts the Santhals with the Pahariyas 'hating each other like cats and dogs'. He considers that the Santhals display 'the utmost cruelty', their outbreak being unexpected, but now being held back by the sepoys. He notes one division in extreme distress with villages burned by insurgents. Dacoits and other robbers 'hold high holiday' he thinks. A fellow student of his, Ashley Eden, had charge of the subdivison and conducted himself well, so that he is now appointed assistant to the Commissioner sent out to rule the 'disturbed districts'. As this will take him away, William has been appointed to replace him as the nearest officer to hand. He will not be able to write for a week or two, but is delighted at the prospect being offered.
Extent7p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
Add to My Items
    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance

    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance

    Useful Links

    Collection highlights

    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

    Papers of Robert Boyle
    Papers of Robert Boyle
    Papers of Howard Florey
    Papers of Howard Florey
    Campi Phlegraei
    Campi Phlegraei
    New Letter Books
    New Letter Books
    Browse Collections

    The Royal Society

    The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of
    the world's most eminent scientists and is the
    oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
    Registered charity number 207043

    Website design ©CalmView



    CONTACT US

    + 44 207 451 2500
    (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00. Excludes bank holidays)

    6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

    Email Us →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the
    latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

    Subscribe →

    © CalmView