| RefNo | HSF/2/1/24 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.9, 32.8.9A and 32.8.9B |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J [John] Herschel, Howrah, to 'Dearest Mama' [Margaret Brodie Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 8 January 1859 |
| Description | He gives thanks for letters and explains how he missed writing between Aden and Calcutta [Kolkata], blaming the quivering of the ship's screw propeller. They were at Point de Galle on Christmas eve and he spent Christmas day further south. A lady passenger, Mrs Bower, remembered Sir John and Margaret Herschel from the Cape. She was there with her father, but John does not know her maiden name. He went ashore at Galle [Sri Lanka] and was delighted. He describes chasing a large lizard of about four feet in length which was captured and carried back into town. They were at Madras in two more days, but too late to send letters home. He went ashore to see the surf and thought it astonishing that the English had held it for a century but had not mastered the sea. He describes how only local boats can cope with the surf without being swamped. Five days more took them into Houghly and Calcutta on 2 January. Altogether, the passage was a slow one. He received a letter from Willy [William James Herschel] by pilot boat saying he should accept offers of accommodation and he is now staying with the Cowries, two of whom he met on the wharf. He describes the location of the house and the family, including David and Henry Cowrie. Willy is gazetted for leave and wants John to join him, but it would be too expensive and take too long. He wrote to tell him so and waits for a reply. He thinks Willy will come down in a week or so. John has reported to the Fort and the Engineers' offices and he has been told to wait for orders. He went to a ball in the Town Hall with the Cowries last night, a grand affair given by the Bachelors of Calcutta. He was introduced to several people including Major [Henry Ravenshaw] Thuillier. If he had a choice, John would have a strong tendency to join his department, the General Survey, He describes the prospect of regimental duties. The weather is delightful now, but getting hotter; in a month he may be further north, where it will be colder. |
| Extent | 12p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921) | 1837 - 1921 |