| Description | William has a new pastime, swimming, but now has earache, and rather than hear an embezzlement case he has closed the cutcherry and gone to bed. He describes the diffident advice of his Indian doctor. He notes the receipt of Bella's and Miss Waterfield's letters, and Louisa's sketch of Mary Waterfield intended for her brother. He reminds the family of ivory ornaments sent to the Waterfields in London, to be collected, and he describes them. Apart from a few curiosities there is little in India that would interest her. They are waiting for an eclipse. He cannot understand what Maria means in her letter, saying that Bella's should not be shown to [William] Waterfield and he exercises his judgement in such matters, with any letter not marked 'private'. He encloses Miss Waterfield's last letter to him and this can be returned. He also sends a letter he wrote some time ago but did not forward, suggesting a token for Nicholas Stewart. The Mutiny continues, with the 65th Regiment in open rebellion with many others. The North West is being held by force, but Bengal is more secure and the recent Muslim festival was quiet. The iodine has come. He and [Hay Tweeddale] Stewart have had another 'desperate fight' over Stewart's plan to break down buildings along the tow path, which excited feeling in town. When William explained that he did not have the power to do this, Stewart expressed his intention to fight. On the matter being put to Forbes, his superior, William was considered to be correct and Stewart thinks himself disgraced. |