| Description | He hopes his father will have recovered hope for India. They were disappointed in India that the last mail did not bring word that England was ablaze with the news; the only message they received from Clarendon was that reinforcements were on their way. General [Henry] Havelock has recaptured Cawnpore [Kanpur] and is proceeding to relieve Lucknow. He had fought two battles in his first days of march, greatly outnumbered. William believes that the rebellion is largely broken, but it remains a desparate struggle. Three regiments at Dinapore [Danapur] have been allowed to march off. General Lloyd was to take away the percussion caps of these Indian regiments but was too late. Two companies tried to escape by boats, which were run down by a steamer, killing every man. Lloyd had left his regiment uncommanded and was on board the steamer. The three regiments marched on Arrah and William supposes that Europeans there have been killed. Sepoys at Berhampore have been disarmed, as have those at Moorshedabad [Murshidabad]. William described Muslim rivalries in Bengal and the claims and counter-claims coming through his court, where he has placed the Hanafi leaders in prison for a year. He is to travel to Berhampore for a holiday after which he will have to give up his quarters to live with [Hay Tweeddale] Stewart again. He describes Nicholas Stewart's character. The photographs have arrived and that by [Gustave] Le Gray is the finest, superior to any engraving or painting. William considers the photograph in detail and gives his list of next preferences: the Canterbury Baptistry, a Welsh scene, and a cornfield. The essays have arrived, with the telescope and compasses. Quetelet's probabilities is the most striking essay, he believes, 'full of beauty & value', although the theory is not new, as William remembers his father expounding it. The compasses are perfect but he has yet to try the telescope on a star. He compares this telescope to his own, saying that the Adie is not perfectly achromatic for astronomy. [William] Waterfield has send some small ivory items of William's to his mother's home at Dean's Yard and Miss Waterfield will keep them until called for. He has received a letter of hers which he will send home. He thinks he must have a new revolver as his is getting old and bullets are jamming in the barrel. He prefers Adams's last improvement which can be cocked like Colt's pistol and fired in a single pull. Weapons cost £25 in India and William asks for a pocket sized piece to be sent to him. The expense does not matter, since if he does not need it, he can sell it on. He describes what he needs in terms of belt and holsters. His only danger is prospective, since he may be sent elsewhere. |