| Description | He returned that morning having written his last letter from Calcutta [Kolkata]. William had misgivings about his examinations, but before he left he heard that he had passed. He thinks badly, however, low down on the list, beaten by E Grey. The central committee can still reject candidates but he will be disappointed if refused. Promotion is rapid and he hopes to be an officiating magistrate within six months. William remains on the lowest step on the ladder and will make his name in the next nine or ten years. The Sandhal business did him no good and he was of little use. The Rajah of Moheshpore is beneath the notice of government and the charges that William brought against him were heavy. Eden was probably misled by him and William's complaints about his conduct went no further. William was with the Cowries in Calcutta, absorbed by examinations and private affairs. He did not see Lady Canning and asks for more information on the Cannings, to avoid 'absurd mistakes'. He is looking foward to seeing [William] Waterfield and describes Berhampore [Baharampur] where Waterfield is an assistant to the surveyor, feeling himself unsuited to being a magistrate. William almost applied to stay in Calcutta and his highest superior, Grote, appeared to be encouraging him to do that. While in Calcutta, he spoke to a clerk who asked him if his name was 'J F Herschel', because there was a parcel. William found family photographs which his mother had mentioned some months ago. The prettiest group showed Cary, Marie, Rosey, Julia and, he thinks, Amelia on the terrace steps. He notes others including those of his mother and father. His father's is good, but not equal to the smaller photograph by [John William] Dudgeon. William had another piece of good fortune: Mrs [Julia Margaret] Cameron's present of a daguerreotype of his father was damaged by rains last year, and William sent it to have the case repaired by [John William] Newland. He heard nothing more and thought it lost in the post, but his enquiries were unsuccessful. He described it in Newland's shop as being of a 'horrid ugly old gentleman' and the plate was found. William had his own picture taken 'on silver' and will send it next mail. He comments upon his father's being on 'pleasant terms with himself' and gives other requests, including for law books. |