| RefNo | HSF/2/1/65 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.48 and 32.8.48A |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J H [John Herschel], Mussoorie, to 'Carisima Bella' [Isabella Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 17 June 1862 |
| Description | John describes his mail writing, hoping to get into orderly habits now that he will be stationery for two years. His friend Gordon has gone to a ball, but the wretched weather has prevented John from going. He is endeavouring to face society, however, and although it is an uphill task, he hopes to like it at last. At Roorkee and Murree he ought to have called on people, but didn't, not realising that they might take offense. He now spends his Saturdays calling on people, which leads to dinners, lunches, and balls. He has not yet met any people he cares about. Musical parties are the rage and he can enjoy those. He describes Mussoorie, including the 'Camel's Back' hill and roads, noting the meaning of the word 'khud' to describe the downslope of a hillside from a road. The 'Mall' denotes the wide continuous roadway, crowded every evening, and with some reckless riders. Quieter people promenade around the Camel's Back. He sketches a jampan, relating the fun of riding full tilt around the Camel's back, having to pull up quickly when encountering one of these sedan chairs, standbys for ladies to use. He has not heard from Willy [William James Herschel]. |
| Extent | 8p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer | 1837 - 1921 |