| RefNo | HSF/2/1/71 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.54 and 32.8.54A-B |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J [John] Herschel, Masoori [Mussoorie], to 'Dearest Mother' [Margaret Brodie Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 14-17 May 1863 |
| Description | He missed the last mail, blaming a friend who was staying. He intends to go to Dehra tomorrow, where he will have no opportunity to write. He moved uphill after feeling listless at Dehra, explaining that Dehra is pleasant in winter. He notes its summer climate, vegetation and position. [From 17 May] He broke off to have dinner and then had to go to bed, but he has a faint hope of still catching the mail. It was hot in Dehra and he did not get his expected work done, as a consequence. Residents say it is the coolest season they have had, which can only make him wonder. He has a new house, which he believes he shall keep, despite its drawbacks. He has been accumulating 'courtesy furniture', of local making. Such luxuries make him think he should be sent out to camp again, which he should not object to. Being a resident is a new experience for him, since he was a boy when he left England, and some consider him still to be so. He had little experience apart from home and has been a wanderer for much of his time in India. He mentions going into society as a consequence of being settled. He has not heard from Willy [William James Herschel] and had to find his new address indirectly. John waited patiently for two years for Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] to write and the last mail brought a letter, finally. He discusses his correspondents, noting that his last letter was from Fancy [Francisca Herschel] at High Elms, saying that they were all ill, and there had been a general exodus from Collingwood. |
| Extent | 12p. |
| 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 |