| Description | He has been rereading his mother's letter of 21 July and Alick's [Alexander Stewart Herschel's] of the 16th, but the war has made them seem old. He notes the news from newspapers and by telegram, but none anticipated 'quite such an astounding collapse of the edifice that has been 18 years in the building' [the Second Empire in France]. William refers to [Alexander William] Kinglake's 'biting charge' against Napoleon III, whom everyone there pities. He comments at length on Napoleon and the break-up of the French constitution. He thinks that France had good reason for declaring war, in the conduct of the Prussian diplomatists, even though the Emperor might not have been personally desirous of it. They are waiting to see how Prussia will behave, having withdrawn, noting the 'grace' of the action, when the French have 'pounded on'. He articulates the fear of war, and the possibility of the French 'rolling the tide back to Berlin'. [From 20 September] He asks if his mother could look back at his letters from Jangipur, to see if he mentioned 'treasonable' actions involving leather traders and hide dealers in which he arrested a man. His recollection is vague and he may have to produce copy letters in court. William has just heard of Amelia's house having been broken into [Amelia Wade, née Herschel], having news from China after it reaches England. He expresses anxiety, and surprise that no troops have been sent to China and thinks there ought to be a telegraphic link between India and China. He thanks Alex [Alexander Stewart Herschel] for the pendulum curves, not understanding the mechanism of swinging, and gives thanks for an annotated 'Edinburgh' [Review].
|