Letter from John Herschel, Collingwood to Edward Sabine Herschel refers to his recent return from India on furlough, and his elder brothers departure which puts him in the position to take steps to ‘anticipate’ the possible publication of his father’s [John Frederick William Herschel] letters. After consultation with his family, Herschel would like to secure Sabine’s assistance regarding this. Herschel describes the family’s wishes to form a collection of his father’s correspondence, not with a direct view to publish, but to protect against the destruction which occurs with time. Herschel assures Sabine that any letters he provides for transcription will be returned to him. 6 December 1873