| RefNo | HSF/2/1/85 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.71 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Incomplete letter from [Margaret Cornwallis Herschel?], Bangalore [Bengaluru], to 'Dear Sir John' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 26 August 1868 [?] |
| Description | John's [John Herschel's] first post eclipse letter has arrived, noting that he had dispatched a telgram to London at the same time. Sir John will know 'how sorely the spectroscope had to fight with the clouds during those precious five minutes'. A copy of John's description is enclosed [HSF/2/1/68] in which it is possible to see and feel with him. There is a rumour that M. [Pierre] Janssen has been more successful. The weather at Guntoor [Guntur] was clear until the 17th, when it changed. Captain [Brydges Robinson] Branfill's abstract is given, noting his and [James Francis] Tennant's spectroscopic observations and photography [of the total eclipse]. On Saturday 22 August John telegraphed to say that he would be at home at the beginning of next week, giving details of his difficult journey, 'devoured by mosquitoes' and crossing a swollen river, reaching Jamkandi by the 14th, with not much time to ready the observatory point. At Bangalore, the eclipse was 'very creditable' and is described: 'I watched it from my house top & was shivering with cold'. Home letters have been sent to John, including Willy's [William James Herschel's] from Suez. It was disappointing that Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] was not named as Professor [John] Tyndall's successor, and there is further discussion of this, and other home news. Returned Abyssinians are noted, and their dress, but the chief interests in Bangalore are the steeplechase and subscription ball. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| 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 |