| Description | His uncle's letter was full of lively interest in others and William reassures him about his 'ague', which was erratic but only once prevented him from going to cutchery and he has been quite well since taking quinine and arsenic at Berhampore. He has thought of volunteering for the North West, but he may not be spared from his duties in Bengal. He continues to discuss his general health, then news and lies. They were told recently that Delhi had fallen and that 7,000 mutineers had been killed, but there was no report from the commanding officer, and it turns out that the siege continues. Cawnpore [Kanpur] was reported to have fallen and Sir Hugh Wheeler was said to have been shot, which was again false, despite being announced officially by government. William comments on the seriousness of the mutiny, although Bengal is all quiet. He notes news of 'Jimmy & Willy', and their military careers. He is pleased that his Aunt Margaret is better. |