Hanover, January 11, 1830.
My dearest Nephew,—
I am sorry it was not in my power to send a letter by way of announcing the Journals, &c., which you will, I hope, receive soon by the messenger who left Hanover the 27th of December. I have been very ill and confined to my room now three weeks, but it seems der Würg Engel[[42]] ist noch einmal vorüber gegangen, at which I am very glad, because I wish to be a little better prepared for making my exit than I am at present.
I intend to amuse myself between this and Easter with collecting and packing up those books which were to be sent to you after my death, and perhaps if I have withstood this terrible winter I may have the pleasure of hearing that you have received them safe, and live in the enjoyment of a few months more, in which I hope to hear of the happy increase to your family, and prosperity in general.
So I am to be godmother! with all my heart! I am now so enured to receiving honours in my old age, that I take them all upon me without blushing....
Jan. 12th.—No letter for me yet! and no news, except that the Landgräfin of Hesse-Homburg sent me yesterday a very handsome fur mantle to wear when I go to the play, with a message that if I did not put it on, by way of saving it, the next thing she sent me would be a rod. I am accused of having been clothed too thin, for which I have been suffering these last three weeks.... I will give my opinion, and in style of a critic, and you will find yourself not to come off quite free from blame. You have represented me as a goddess, whereas I have done nothing but what I believe to be right; and wherever I did wrong, it was because I knew no better!
1830. A Box of Gifts.
MISS HERSCHEL TO J. F. W. HERSCHEL, ESQ.
Hanover, June 18, 1830.
My dearest Nephew,—