Record

RefNoHSF/3/8/15
Previous numbers32.2.32
LevelItem
TitleLetter from William James Herschel, to 'Dearest Father' [Sir John Frederick William Herschel]
CreatorHerschel; Sir William James; second baronet (1833-1917); British developer of fingerprinting and judge
Date2 May 1860
DescriptionThe contest between the [indigo] planters and the ryotts is now being carried out in court, under the new law, which is a 'wretched compromise between justice and expediency'. It is impossible to work it justly and the ryotts are being 'knocked down' despite his efforts. He is horrified at the police, as every daroga is a strong partisan and beyond restraint. He is working through assistants who will not take such a strong view as William. They has been near an outbreak once or twice, but not of armed resistance. William considers it worse than the Mutiny, as then they acted from expediency, while now they pretend to offer justice. The planters would have been ruined by allowing a just contract law. William has been abused on all sides and has considered resigning, but there is no other that could take his place. He gives thanks to Louisa [Herschel] for her note, There is a newspaper letter from a planter who suggests that William should be sent to rule Tuscany.
Extent4p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
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