| Description | William notes the time he spends writing home. He has been down to Berhampore and describes his meeting with Allen, initially cool since William did not know who he was, but then hearty. He describes Allen's appearance and his own surprise to discover that Allen was a Roman Catholic, he presumes converted by his wife. He describes Allen's wife, and asks for details of a Mrs Haye, since he knows little about his mother's relations. Allen is a lieutenant in the 34th Regiment and was present at the annexation of Oude, which he said was 'quietly done'. He elaborates on this, saying that the only opposition came from dependents of the King, and describing the different attitudes in town and countryside to the British. European officials have set up cutchery courts in the most out of the way places. William notes the outbreak of the Anglo-Persian war, the British command of the sea and asks 'How can Russia for one moment hope to keep us out of Tehran is we choose to take it'. He discusses Lord [Charles John] Canning's policies. William is next in line for promotion, unless a man named Clarke should pass his examination. William's new post would likely be of short tenure. He says that in his 'late annoyance' [with the Indigo planter] he received a full aquittal and the judges's letter was silently condemned. He gives an account of the court's judgement on the matter 'the stupidest thing I have read' and writes that the Sudder Court of Bengal is the most effette of tribunals. He gives thanks for copies of Alick's letter and journal and relays a message to Johnny [John Herschel] that he never expected him to get the sword. The Waterfields are at Tunbridge, but will have left before this reaches Bella. |