| Description | They have just received news of the death of Uncle James, more quickly that William had expected. He had received a letter from Julia [Herschel] telling him of the cessation of the Christmas card. It has been a marvellous period of exemption from disruptions, tying the family in bonds of unity. Willam longs to hear Uncle James's final words and asks if there was anything in the 'Carnatic' letter his mother would wish to write again. The map of the terrace walk came, in another letter, with his father's barometric measurements. [From 29 January] He has received a letter offering him the Judgeship of Purneah [Purnia] if Abercrombie refuses it. William is not inclined to take it, characterising it as 'an unhappy district'. He is accustomed to receiving orders, not offers, and thinks it hard to decide for himself. In a postscript, he encloses some university examination papers [not present]. |