| Description | The rebellion is the only topic to begin a letter and William has ordered the 'Overland Englishman' to be sent every mail; this contains everything known. William believes that the Empire is at stake and the next three or four months will be crucial. He has concerns about the expense of war, and thinks that 'jeering outsiders' should be struck in revenge. His locality remains quiet, although there are concerns about the approaching Muslim festival. A small fort is being built at Berhampore, by strengthening the hospital compound, and they have twenty guns, although there seems little danger. [William] Waterfield has enlisted in the Volunteers there. Youngsters laugh at every light at night being considered a signal and every firework a communication. William discusses conspiracies and the training the Volunteers are receiving. The soldiers of the 35th are amusing, but 'awful bullies' and he gives an impression of Indian's 'dread' reactions to white faces. He refers to the siege of Arrah, with 15 European civilians and 45 Sikhs holding against three regiments, and their eventual relief by 200 soldiers. Numbers of soldiers are now wanted, William believes, referring to the annihilation of a detachment of the 10th Foot and General Lloyd's conduct 'both men & women of the 10th have sworn to take his life if he shews himself'. Mr Samuells is reported to have mentioned that the government has issued orders for a court martial of Lloyd. In the future, there should be suffficient English regiments in India to make a rebellion impossible. William's duties are considerably increased, although reports of crime are down during the rainy season. His most interesting duty is to guard the Bhageerutter from boats passing down with armed men, the worst is scutinising letters to look for treason. He refers to Bella's letter of 4 July [Isabella Herschel] noting that The Times and other newspapers are untrustworthy on Indian subjects. He hopes that Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] is not too disappointed at his Cambridge examinations and William does not attach too much importance to them in fitness for work. He notes William Stewart getting into the Engineers, and Alfred Waterfield's rejection. |