| Description | He thanks Alick for his letter at second hand, and reports on his broken leg. He encloses a packet with intesting specimens of topography by native Indians, all purporting to be maps of his house at Arrah, the result of a competition for employment as Ameers. William explains their role and the variations of character within the drawings. He also encloses some fingerprints and Alick will see that no two person's are alike, if he tries with lamp black and oil. Atar's and Shekh Bilaki's are wonderful instances of resemblances, 'but not to be mistaken for an instant'. William's plan will be useful for signatures of labourers, as all faith in witnesses has ceased. An extensive portion of commentary William sent has been kept in the secret archives of government because the charges it contains against private individuals are libellous. The government has resolved not to publish such official documents. William has written to Cowrie & Company to place £50 at Alick's disposal for commissions; this might meet any subscriptions William would have to pay for the Athenaeum. The members are so exalted that William thinks the book of rules was sent to him by the Secretary as a gentle rebuke that he had no chance of election. He asks Alick to settle with Uncle James and the club will be most convenient for him in 1863 when he goes home. He means to take his three years' leave but is unsure of what to do. He wants to visit Continental Europe. He discusses careers in law, and the pace of legislation about India coming from home. He has not heard from Jack [John Herschel] but he is flourishing. |