| Description | William regrets not being able to explain matters in person, in not writing for so long. He cannot say why he has been silent, but he has been 'heavy of heart'. He has been trying to do more than was possible. After the indigo dispute was over, and the new rent question was raised, he worked to see results himself, and did not speak to government. He believes he has lost an opportunity. He has been out of Nuddea for three weeks, free of the rent question, indigo and other matters. He applied for a Magistracy near Calcutta [Kolkata] but was rebuffed to complete his work 'to clean the ship up after action'. To his surprise he received his present appointment of Junior Secretary to the Board of Revenue, acting for six months. His predecessor, Eden, has been promoted to the Secretaryship of Bengal with a seat on Council. William is under two old friends, Grote and Fergusson. The Board supervises the revenue of Bengal in Customs, salt, opium, income tax and other areas. He relates how he values the change and he can begin to put himself into shape for coming home. He reacts to pictures of his sisters and agrees with his mother about cultivating the acquaintance of 'young ladies'. His good humour has returned on cartes-de-visites and hopes to have some made so he may be recognised at home. [William] Waterfield has brought the 'frightful' news of the death of Lord Canning. and William gives his judgement of Canning's character. His death is a heavy blow to India. Lord Elgin is universally liked and will guide matter with an easy manner. William commends his firmness in making a decision about Rudd [an execution] and those who intrigued for his pardon were ashamed. The murder was brutal, but it was sad to see Englishmen attempting to 'get him off' with pretences. Mr Henfrey of the railway contended at dinner that transportation was ample warning, but two courses later he was weighing against the perjury of Indians. William has been in Calcutta for three weeks with 'Pundit' [William Waterfield?], initially staying with Tom Cowrie. He again apologises for making his mother wait another six weeks' mail time to receive his letter. [From 7 July] William has moved into his new rooms, and he gives details of 'Pundit'. 'Willy' [William Waterfield?] wants all three pictures if there are copies to spare. |