| Description | Mock-chivalric style letter, requesting that his sisters use the correctly-sized paper in correspondence. William then describes a visit to Captain [Henry Edwrad Landor] Thuillier's office on 12 June, to obtain a map of the Hoogli river, for his health cruise. He describes Thuillier's position as Assistant Surveyor General of India, and the adjoining house for lithographing maps, referring to an article on lithography in 'Household Words'. William considers the difficulties of printing maps, in the constantly varying atmospheric moisture. He describes the different establishments belonging to the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, Thuillier having charge of the General Office while Colonel [Andrew Scott] Waugh is on an expedition. He also describes the Instrument and Machinery House, 'India seems full of instruments', and these are skillfully repaired and made 'under the supervision of a man, also a native, who has even gone the length of inventing several improvements'. The Surveyor General's Office is full of 'thick massy documents' maps showing villages to 'excessive detail'. William considers other areas outside the mapping efforts. The observatory is on top of the building and is in the charge of 'the most intelligent and scientific native', Radhanath Sikdar. William has been proposed as a member of the Royal Asiatic Society and will be elected next month. Sir J [James] Colville has kindly given William letters of introduction for Kishnagar [Kishangarh]. He is working hard on learning the Bengal language and intends to call on Sir L [Lawrence] Peel as soon as he can. He asks for a photograph and drawing of Cary's sculpture bust. He thought it was possible to pass for Addiscombe [College] and then return to school. |