| Description | He received Herschel's letter last Friday. He has been levelling since the beginning of December: up to 5 February cutting a line through the jungle and is now surveying a line from Moradabad to Shahjahanpur, passing through Bareilly. He gives some details of the work. He could have had as much sport as he wanted, but has not been able to get any powder and shot, although he has a gun. Macsween is sorry that Herschel is disappointed in sport, but it is quite right that he has plenty of work. Cutting a line through the jungle is dangerous and tiresome, he says, and he contrasts his task with the establishment and support given to Herschel's. He was just getting into the worst part of the jungle, with tigers and elephants, when he was called to his present line. If he keeps to it he will get on well, but he will not become a consulting engineer for some years. He discusses the cultivation of the land, then asks if Herschel has heard anything of [Isaac Peat] Westmoreland, noting some mutual acquaintances. The 2nd battalion fusiliers have moved to Roorkee from Dehli and he gives other news, including that he has not got a house yet. |