I do not wish to write in what my dear brother William used to call a Dick Doleful style, when our brother Alexander was in the dismals, and out of which we often succeeded in laughing him. But I cannot just now turn to anything of a cheering nature, for yesterday, the 30th, our Queen died, and I have been very unwell in consequence of the violent change in the weather....
The following letter refers to the intended removal of Sir J. Herschel and his family to Collingwood, which he had purchased:—
MISS HERSCHEL TO LADY HERSCHEL.
Hanover, August 2, 1841.
My dearest Niece,—
... I could wish to know something more about the place where you now are.[[58]] How many miles is Collingwood from London? How many from Hastings? Have you any good people or neighbours about you? I think I read in Watson’s Gazetteer, Hawkhurst to be full of poor, and, what is worse, of smugglers. Pray take care of the dear boys and children, that they are not kidnapped in their little rambles from home.
I can for the present only say so much of myself that my friends are almost going to kill me with their visits, like, as they say, the cat did her kitten with kindness. On Sunday I was even honoured with a visit from the Duchess of Anhalt Dessau and the Princess of Rudolstadt—the latter a little astronomer—who remained a whole hour with me. They are both daughters of the late Queen.
1842 Concerning her Brother.
MISS HERSCHEL TO LADY HERSCHEL.
Hanover, Feb. 3, 1842.