| Description | Noting the reading of a proclamation in the square at Berhampore [the Government of India Act, 1 November 1858] and the breaking of a pane of glass as the only result. Newspapers will report in general what Indians think of it, but William believes that everyone is torpid, with a few exceptions. There have been some illuminations of houses and offers of parties. [7 December] Rajkissen Ray has invited the whole station to dinner the week after and gave good fireworks while the Officers' Mess organised the good dinner. The Baboo sat with the commanding officer and judge, but at a distance, and with his sons and relatives behind. William gives an account of speaking to one relative, and discourses on the nature of respect between Indians and the British, including the enforcement of the salaam. One guest behaved badly towards one of the relatives, by giving orders, and William has seen similar scenes or worse whenever an Indian gives a dinner attended by Europeans. He thinks it painful to have to stand by and see such conduct. Two years ago at a palace dinner he and Waterfield rose to greet their host, but were the only ones to do so. William returns to Jungipoor in a day or two, as Muspratt will relieve him. Work has been hard and there have been six balls and eight parties while he has been there. He has applied for three months' leave, but has been told by Grote that he has no chance of a single day. Johnny [John Herschel] should therefore come to Jungipoor on his way up if nothing else happens. He gives details of possible arrangements. He has lost a fourth horse and has substituted it for an Australian one. Johnny must stop at a hotel, despite having offers of accommodation, including from Major [Henry Edward Landor] Thuillier, the Surveyor General. Watson is coming out on the same steamer as John, and the Cowries will probably take John in. |