| Description | He apologises for not writing, having gone pig-sticking. He is growing accustomed to India as his home, although he has made no new friends. He has been studying character and reading history, agreeing with his father on this, regretting his ignorance, and discussing historical study. He describes Santhals and Pahariyas [Paharias] as 'devils', and their drinking habits, describing a feast at Kadamsar [?]. The cook prepared beans intended for horses with chiretta herb and sawdust, then potatoes with ginger and cayenne. William describes other [deliberately indigestable] dishes prepared, concluding with a heavy breakfast for the 'insatiable wretches'. He writes that the Santhals are now 'reduced to submission', but are not convinced of their error. Very few on the east bank of the Ganges were aware of them before the revolt. The officer in charge of their district, Pontet, was an old hand and the only source of information for government. He would not believe in the insurrection until a European and his wife and sister were murdered 'almost under his eyes'. He has been absolved of blame, and William describes the fate of the leaders of the revolt Seedhoo [Sido], Kanoo [Kanhu] and his two brothers. William provided a hangman for Kanoo, describing him as an 'ogre', but is sure that 'a few years hence the Southals will sing his praises in their own way as patriotically as ever Scots sung...Wallace bled'. He describes and sketches 'a great sacrificing knife' in his possession, found by a sepoy, noting its centre of impact. Kanoo was hanged last month, and William sends half a lock of his hair, the only relic that remains of him, brought to William by the hangman. William's father has asked about his responsibilities, and he describes these, thinking he has the power to do much good in his district. He is expected 'to know how to assume responsibility without fear'. The government can appoint him to any position they like, giving the example of Inspector of Opium Factories, to being a Commissioner. Eden, whom he went to College with, has the task of settling the Santhals, with all powers save those of life and death. William believes he will fail, knowing Eden. William comments on news in letters from home and says that the 'box of photographics' has arrived in good order and a copy Thompson's bill should be sent to him. He will go to Calcutta [Kolkata] on 4 April for his final examination. |