Sept. 29, 1826.
My dearest Nephew,—
Within this hour only I received your dear letter, dated Montpellier, Sept. 17th, which I assure you has made quite another (and what is more) a proud woman of me; for your answers to my few questions are so kindly expressive of approbation, that I shall in future not fear to follow my own opinion, which through my whole lifetime I never ventured to do before.
I am glad you did not come to Hanover, for I am sure to part from you once more would finish me before I am quite prepared for going.
The letter you mention having written me before you left England I have not received. The fault does not lie here, for the secretary here takes too much pleasure in sending me my letters.
I must hasten to get my packet away, but will only beg to let me know through Miss Baldwin as soon as you get home of your safe arrival, for I fear you must often be exposed to great dangers by creeping about in holes and corners among craters of volcanoes, but you know best, and I hope you found something....
I am,
My dear nephew’s affectionate aunt,
C. Herschel.
MISS HERSCHEL TO J. F. W. HERSCHEL.