| Description | Commencing with his correspondents mathematical proof, which William finds flaws in. He confesses to not having written home since July, he thinks, blaming the necessity of moving in society in his new role. He has gone into training by sharing in every amusement on the station, including being chosen as Steward of the Arrah race meeting, and he asked a woman to act as host 'whom none of the ladies in the station would meet for reasons highly creditable to themselves'. He describes having racing colours made and winning the hack race on his mare 'Cissy', an account of which will be in the 'Englishman' or 'Indian Field'. The Persian 'Vincent', which his correspondent could not ride, was entered into the Galloway stakes, against the highly trained 'Tipperary Boy' whose owner Captain Lambert bet heavily. Although Vincent was twelve years old and had never had a days' training, he cantered home. All of the best races were won by horses from their compound, but no-one regretted the defeated parties' losses. William was also Steward of the race balls and Secretary of the book club. He discusses the benefits of horse races as a meeting place for gentlemen, although ordinary meetings have too much quarrelling and gambling. He notes his correspondent's appointment, although William has been passed over. He describes the weather and other racing. In professional matters, William writes that he has Hare Krishna Singh 'in hand and hopes to hang him', giving a description of his career, rising to become Kunwar Singh's general. The papers he was captured with are instructive, William states, as they copied the English system of government, but offered to halve the payments of Zamindars. William describes the misuse of Darogahs by Europeans to find Indians for minor tasks, and one woman passing through the district who tied up her wet-nurse's feet to prevent her from running away. He warns his correspondent about the necessities of public service, where people will try to convince him that no task can be done without getting the magistrate to seize someone. He dwells on the thoughtlessness of some young Englishmen, but there are examples of those who should know better setting a bad example, calling it 'disguised plunder'. He agrees with Sir Charles Trevelyan that every illegal seizure is a day lost in progress in India and Trevelyan has spoken against impressment in Madras. William closes with personal messages and news of mutual acquantances. |