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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Copy letter, from Lady Herschel [Mary Pitt Herschel] to Charles Babbage

Reference number: HS/20/121

Date: 9 July 1821

Description

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father.
Understands that John Herschel has asked Babbage to be one of his trustees for the marriage settlements to Harriet Gwatkin. William Herschel desires that Charles Babbage to ensure that the Ladie's [Gwatkin's] fortune is placed in funds as John Herschel is perfectly unacquainted with financial business. Asks Babbage to keep this communication secret from her son. Compliments to Mrs Babbage.

Reference number
HS/20/121
Earliest possible date
9 July 1821
Page extent
1 page
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Mary Pitt Herschel

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Citation

Mary Pitt Herschel, Copy letter, from Lady Herschel [Mary Pitt Herschel] to Charles Babbage, 9 July 1821, HS/20/121, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_20_121/copy-letter-from-lady-herschel-mary-pitt-herschel-to-charles-babbage, accessed on 11 February 2026

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_20_121/copy-letter-from-lady-herschel-mary-pitt-herschel-to-charles-babbage

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  • Herschel Letters

    This collection of nearly 10,900 letters, drafts, copies and notes is the largest repository of scientific correspondence from and to Sir John Herschel, leading figure of Victorian science.

    Dates: 1807 - 1875

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