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HSF - Correspondence of Sir John Frederick William Herschel, and the Herschel family
- 3 - Letters of William James Herschel
  - 6 - Letters from William James Herschel to family members

RefNo	HSF/3/6/1
Level	Item
Title	Letter from William James Herschel, Jungipoor [Jangipur], to 'Dearest Bella' [Isabella Herschel]
Creator	Herschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date	6 January 1858
Description	William reviews the previous year as one of 'terror', although it has been one of action, so that only now are they sufficiently relieved to see 'the ghastly wounds it has left'. He meditates on the reasons for the rebellion, including that it was 'a struggle, the first for many centuries between our religion and Heathenism' and he believes that a blow has been struck which will be the death-knell of Muslim and Hindu faiths. Willaim also believes that it was not the British, but their chastisement that won the victory. He sends some photographs [? not present], which he discusses, including one titled 'The Old Highlander', one of himself, one titled 'The Governor', by William, and two by Nicholas Stewart. There is an aquatint sketch of Drummond, which he asks to have returned. The drawings have come at last and he has ordered a new portfolio. He discusses a drawing of the garden [at Collingwood] in which he recognises all features and he compliments the work of Maria [Maria Sophia Herschel]. He comments on a view of the toll gate at Goudhurst, and adds a little criticism for the sake of honesty. The pistols have not arrived yet and he thanks his father for the trouble about the telescope. William did an injustice to the Utzschneider, which had loosened and one of the diaphragms shifted, but this is now fixed and the finest he has, although the Daes might have been its equal when new. The climate tells on polished lenses and he asks if his father knows of any preventative measures. He has used his compasses to settle a boundary feud. William mentions his last present, a copy of [Henry Wadsworth] Longfellow's works from Mr and Mrs Watson. He notes their consideration in their grief and the kindness he has enjoyed at Berhampore. He notes his forthcoming birthday and new character.
Extent	8p.
Format	Manuscript
PhysicalDescription	Ink on paper
AccessStatus	Open

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