| Description | William has been thinking about Alick's future [Alexander Stewart Herschel] but wished to consult his father before unsettling Alick. His idea is that one of the Herschels should follow their father and devote himself to science, and William is willing to give an amount to support him while he still draws company pay. He has not asked Johnny [John Herschel] to follow suit, as he will not yet know what money is and he will not be able to afford to contribute at first. William will be able to address any delicacy on Alick's part, but he wants to know if this is a duty that Alick would be able to undertake and he must be anxious about his future. Until Alick has independent means, William proposes to allow him one-fifth of his salary, £120 per year. He notes the comet which has been visible since 24 September. He was warned to pack up for the North West, but his name did not appear in the Gazette. |