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RefNoHSF/3/1/9
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, Calcutta [Kolkata], to 'Dear Papa' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date7 April 1853
DescriptionHe did not keep a copy of his last letter and is not sure what was written. He has completed his first month and has passed in the Persian language; if he passes in Bengalese before June he will secure medals. William explains the monthly round of examinations. Each student is obliged to pass in two languages which varies according to assigned provinces. By passing both in less than four examinations the student is awarded a medal for each and another for speed of acquisition. Other languages garner additional medals; high proficiency award is more searching but entitles the student to 800 rupees for each language, with a further 800 for honours. It is William's intention to get through College quickly, and study languages while working. He notes his current salary, prospects in various provinces, and his uncle writing to Captain [Arthur Purves] Phayre and he encloses letters to his father [not present]. He decided to stay in Bengal after advice, asking his father if he has good reasons which would send William to the North West. He asks his father if he would like William to use Indian terms. When his language work is done, he expects to be sent by the Governor General to become an assistant in the Collector's and Magistrate's departments. He will study Burmese privately in the event that a good position opens there. His uncle thinks that his father should make the acquaintance of Mr Haliday to seek his advice on the provinces. William describes his dining arrangements and tiffin. The last week he spent time with Mr and Mrs Cowrie; he reports on the Cowrie family, and their home and garden, together with excursions into the jungle. He thanks Cary for her letter from Windsor Castle and responds to various family queries. In a postscript he refers to Miss Annie Stewart, who was so long aboard the ill-fated 'Mauritius', that she fell in love, married, and returns to England after a fortnight in India.
Extent8p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
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