| Description | He has not written about his duties, but resumes from his 'return from the eagles'. He gives an account of his fever brought on by walking in the sun, which he was able to treat with the medicine chest he had ordered when in company with his uncle, and initially forgotten to pick up. He took two pills which he considers helped to suppress fever, but later woke in fear, fainted, and when wakened on the boat thought that his bearers were robbers. He relates how he drew his revolver and the advantages of the Dean and Adams weapon over the Colt pistol. His frightened bearer jumped overboard and made for shore. William realised his error, recovered the bearer, and ordered the boat turned around for Calcutta [Kolkata]. The crew smoked 'in silent passive resistance' until offered 10 rupees to row. William surrendered himself to the doctor at Hougli but it was three days before he got over the effects of the pills he had taken. He is now in perfect health, but has previously reacted badly to the climate, his uncle diagnosing a liver complaint from which he was freed after a diet and gentle treatment. William breaks off to note Sir Charles Napier's reported capture of three line of battleships and a declaration of war. He resumes by relating how he entered the Ganges, describing the river, and landing at his destination where he occupies the west wing of a large house. He discourses on recent mails. [E C] Craster returned on 8 April [?] and William was assigned a small room as a court, to relieve the magistrate of minor cases. He considers it uncomfortable, while the picture of a cutchery in the Illustrated [London News] provokes amusement there. The reality is commonplace, but William feels quite up to the work, referring to the types of cases he tries, and the punishments he can inflict. William then summarises the court proceedings, promising an account of his first three cases in his next letter. |