Graf Rapfstein brought me lately the Moniteur of December, containing the history of your dear father's life, as read in June, etc., at full length. It is the only copy of the Court paper coming here at Hanover to the French Ambassador, and I was obliged to return it to the same; but Grosekopf has promised to procure these copies from Paris, that we may all have one. Miss Beckedorf read it to me by way of translation, and we both cried over it, and could not withhold a tear of gratitude to the author for having so feelingly adhered to truth in the details of your dear father's discoveries, etc. . . . .
But if I have understood Miss B.'s translation right I could point out three instances where too great a stress is laid on the assistance of others, which withdraws the attention too much from the difficulties your father had to surmount.
(1.) The favours of monarchs ought to have been mentioned, but once would have been enough.
(2 & 3.) Of Alexander and me can only be said that we were but tools, and did as well as we could; but your father was obliged first to turn us into those tools with which we could work for him; but if too much is said in one place let it pass; I have, perhaps, deserved it in another by perseverance and exertions beyond female strength! Well done!
With compliments to all friends, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Babbage,
I remain, my dearest nephew,
Yours most affectionately,
Car. Herschel.
Poor Sir William Watson! [whose death had lately been announced to her.]
