| Description | He gives thanks for her letter and Fancy's [Francisca Herschel] with their 'great excess of joy over sorrow' [at the death of Sir John Frederick Wlliam Herschel]. He notes how the family has come together, and his correspondence with Johnny [John Herschel] is more frequent. Recent letters have been copied to him and vice versa. 'Bella's [Isabella Herschel's] description of her priceless privilege in looking into all his papers & books takes all but the place of actual presence'. Everyone seems to have taken it for granted that William would return home at once. He was glad to hear of Alick's [Alexander Stewart Herschel's] 'noble task' with the counsel of Mr. Pritchard, the 'right-hearted life' given in 'Nature'. He notes his father's method of handling metaphysical questions and his rebuke to William on the subject. He describes his father's character, thinking that honour paid to his genius is small compared with him as 'a man of humble mind in the presence of the Creator'. They have been reading his discourse on Natural Philosophy. He relates his father's attitude to doing duty, and was puzzled that one reviewer accused Sir John of obsequiousness, supposing only that the man misjudged his nervous courteousness for flattery. He gives thanks for the copies of many letters, including [Adam] Sedgwick's. The Indian newspapers have been full of notices. They are approaching the time of uncertainty as to their future destination and he is receiving 'rough treatment' from the High Court, which dismisses careful analysis of a case with a curt remark. He concludes by saying 'he will value the binocular'. |