| Description | William has precious news, a clear letter [from John Herschel] which he forwards. He describes its contents in general terms, and thinks there was little likelihood of his seeing John in Calcutta [Kolkata]. He has heard there is a deadlock in promotions, and if they do not make work for William in distributing aid to the sufferers of the cyclone, he may be able to run up to see his brother for a few days. Just leaving Galle, they had a note from Miss Kate Lawrence, saying that her party hoped to be in Calcutta [Kolkata] to receive Emma at Government House, which is a relief to William. He describes fellow passengers, including Louis Forbes and his wife, and the Bainbridges. He thinks it will be some time before they hear from him again, and the Hardcastles will be anxious about Emma. He discusses the mail and notes 'the succession of appalling cyclones on the Madras coast'. |