PUTTIALEE, _19th_.--I have just returned from a twenty-five

miles' ride reconnoitring towards the ghats of the Ganges,

and breakfasted _al fresco_ at 11/4 P. M.; so I am not too

fresh, as you may imagine, after the last few days of hard

work and hard galloping. Colonel Seaton tells me that he

wrote to you after our very successful action here. He does

all his work so well and pleasantly that it is a pleasure to

work under him. We have a very compact force and capital

officers, so everything goes on smoothly and comfortably.

The remnant of the gentry we thrashed here seem never to

have stopped running since. Another party have, however,

crossed over from Rohilcund, and are said to be coming our

way. I only wish they may.

_Dec. 20th._--We march back to-morrow, and shall be at Etah

on the Grand Trunk Road on the 24th, when the convoy will

come on to rejoin us. I have ascertained that the result of

our affair here has been to drive the whole of the rebels

out of the country between this and Futtehgurh.

From Etah we shall disperse the Mynpooree party, and then I

think there will be no rebels left in the Doab save at

Futtehgurh, and those the Commander-in-Chief will dispose

of.

KHASGUNGE, _23d_.--The more we move in this direction, the

more do we realize of the satisfactory results of our

expedition and our fight of the 17th. It really was a very

complete affair, and had it been done under the eyes of the

Commander-in-Chief, I should have been made a colonel.

However, I can but admit that every disposition exists here

to give me (perhaps more than) my due. To-day we have for

the first time heard of the Commander-in-Chief's movements.

He comes up in two columns, _via_ the Grand Trunk Road, and

_via_ the Jumna towards Mynpooree. We shall be at the latter

place on Christmas day, I hope, and clear out the remainder

of the rebels who may still be lurking about the roads and

villages. We caught yesterday one of the rebel leaders, an

old Resaldar, covered with honors, pension, and dignity by

our Government! These rascals are as impervious to gratitude

as they are ignorant of truth. The neighborhood of

Futtehgurh has brought vividly home to me the horrors

committed, and the dreadful fate of poor Tudor Tucker, his

wife, children, and the other victims, is ever before me; it

often recalls a sterner judgment when we feel inclined to

_spare_.

ETAH, _Dec. 24th_.--We got here after an eighteen miles'

march, and hear that the Chief was to leave Cawnpore "in a

few days" from the 14th, and would move up the Grand Trunk

Road with one column, sending another to skirt the Jumna.

General Windham is said to be coming up to take the

divisional command at Umbala.

MULLOWN, CHRISTMAS DAY.--There seems a fatality against our

spending these anniversaries together; but my heart is full

of deep and earnest prayer for you and all my loved ones,

and I try to hope that our next Christmas may be spent _at

home_.

We march to Kerowlee to-morrow, and shall be at Mynpooree on

the 27th, there to halt for a few days, until the convoy is

collected and we can hear from the Commander-in-Chief. We

have just heard that Mayhew is the new Adjutant-General, and

Norman, Deputy. This last is a splendid thing, and shows Sir

Colin's determination to put the right man in the right

place, in spite of all the red tape and seniority systems in

the world! I can hear nothing of our dear friend Napier, but

I suppose he is with Sir James Outram.

MYNPOOREE, _December 27th_.--We have just returned from a

sixteen miles' pursuit of the rebel force posted in front of

this place. They only waited until the Horse Artillery guns

opened on them, and then fled precipitately, so we had to

ride hard to overtake them. They flung away their arms, and

became simple villagers with astonishing rapidity; it would

have done credit to the stage. No one hurt but two of my

sowars. We have got all their guns (six in number), and the

Doab is clear now to Futtehgurh.

MYNPOOREE, _December 28th_.--The Commander-in-Chief had not

left Cawnpore on the 16th, but was to do so very soon; we

hope to hear of him. Please send the inclosed notes to the

ladies to whom they are addressed, and if they like to

inclose me any _miniature_ replies, I will take care they

are safely forwarded to their husbands.

MYNPOOREE, _December 29th_.--I _have_ spoken about poor

Wardlaw's effects, and Mrs. ----'s kind offer was accepted

gladly; but a reference to Meerut was necessary, and I have

not yet had a final answer. Poor fellow! never was a more

gallant charge than the last he led, and I agree with his

brother officers that "a kinder friend, a more gallant

soldier, and a better comrade, never stepped than George

Wardlaw." Both his death and that of his comrade, Mr.

Hudson, were perhaps unnecessary,--by which I mean that a

better acquaintance with their enemy might have saved both.

The former, after the charge, dashed single-handed--with a

cheer--into a knot of matchlock-men waiting to receive him,

and was shot dead instantly. Had he gathered together only

half a dozen dragoons, he might have ridden over them. The

other (Hudson) was shot by a wretched fugitive lying

prostrate in a field. Not understanding their tactics, he

rode up to him and halted, thus offering a fair mark for the

villain's ready musket. He was a son of the ex-Railway King.

MYNPOOREE, _December 30th_, 6 A. M.--I am just starting for

the Chief's camp, which is at or near Goorsahaigunge, some

forty miles from hence. I am taking despatches from Colonel

Seaton, and to see that the road is clear. I hope to be back

to dinner. Mac goes with me.

BEWAR, GRAND TRUNK ROAD, _December 31st_.--Yesterday, I rode

with Mac to the Commander-in-Chief's camp. It was farther

off than I had been led to believe, and I had to go

fifty-four miles to reach him. I found him wonderfully fresh

and well, and met with a most cordial and hearty welcome

from him, General Mansfield, and, in fact, from all. Gough,

Bruce, and Mackinnon, all fat and well. I was much pleased

with all I heard and saw; the sight of the sailors and the

Highlanders did my eyes and heart good. Such dear,

wild-looking fellows as these Jack-tars are, but so

respectful and proper in conduct and manner. Our dear Napier

is wounded, I grieve to say, though, thank God! not badly,

and is left behind at Cawnpore. So I am gazetted a _Captain_

at last! All the letters, papers, and despatches relative to

Delhi have been published, and I am again thanked in

despatches by the Governor-General.... Sir Colin was very

complimentary, and my men, under Gough, have won great

distinction and universal praise. I rejoiced to see my old

friend Norman in his proper place, the _de facto_

Adjutant-General of the army; and Hope Grant has done

everything admirably. We Punjaubee cavalry folks are quite

"the thing" just now.... We had a narrow escape yesterday

from a party of the enemy crossing the road _en route_ from

the southward to Futtehgurh; they attacked my sowars after

we (Mac and I) had ridden on, and killed one of them, and

wounded several. Coming back at night, we passed quite close

to the enemy's bivouac, hearing their voices distinctly; but

by taking it quietly, and riding on soft ground, we got past

unmolested and into Bewar (to which place Seaton moved up

this morning) by 3 A. M., having dined with the

Commander-in-Chief last evening. We had ridden ninety-four

miles since six in the morning. I, seventy-two on one horse,

my gallant Rufus. We astonished the head-quarter people not

a little.

I am again indebted to the pen of Lieutenant Macdowell, for a fuller

account of the hairbreadth escape which he and my brother had in the

course of this ride, in which they so gallantly and successfully

opened communication between the two forces.

"CAMP, BEWAR, _Jan. 1st, 1858_.

"You know we took Mynpooree on the 27th. We halted that day

and the two following. On the night of the 29th, Hodson came

into my tent, about nine o'clock, and told me a report had

come in that the Commander-in-Chief had arrived with his

forces at Goorsahaigunge, about thirty-eight miles from

Mynpooree, and that he had volunteered to ride over to him

with despatches, asking me at the same time if I would

accompany him. Of course I consented at once, and was very

much gratified by his selecting me as his companion. At 6 A.

M. the next morning we started, with seventy-five sowars of

our own regiment. I do not wish to enhance the danger of the

undertaking, but shall merely tell you that since Brigadier

Grant's column moved down this road towards Lucknow, it had

been closed against all Europeans; that we were not certain

if the Commander-in-Chief's camp was at Goorsahaigunge

(which uncertainty was verified, as you will see); and that,

to say the least of it, there was a chance of our falling in

with roving bands of the enemy.[64]

"We started at 6 A. M., and reached Bewar all safe,

fourteen miles from our camp. Here we halted, and ate

sandwiches, and then, leaving fifty men to stay till our

return, pushed on to Chibberamow, fourteen miles farther on.

Here we made another halt, and then, leaving the remaining

twenty-five men behind, we pushed on by ourselves,

unaccompanied, for Goorsahaigunge, where we hoped to find

the Commander-in-Chief. On arriving there (a fourteen miles'

stage), we found the Commander-in-Chief was at

Meerun-ke-Serai, fifteen miles farther on. This was very

annoying; but there was no help for it, so we struck out for

it as fast as we could, the more so as we heard that the

enemy, 700 strong, with four guns, was within two miles of

us. We arrived at Meerun-ke-Serai at 4 A. M., and found the

camp there all right. We were received most cordially by

all, and not a little surprised were they to hear where we

had come from. Hodson was most warmly received by Sir Colin

Campbell, and was closeted with him till dinner-time.

Meanwhile, I sought out some old friends, and amused myself

with looking at the novel sight of English sailors employed

with heavy guns. I also went to see the Highlanders, and

magnificent fellows they are, with their bonnets and kilts,

looking as if they could eat up all the Pandies in India. A

summons to the Commander-in-Chief's table called me away,

and off I went to dinner, when I found Hodson seated by Sir

Colin, and carrying on a most animated conversation with

him. We had a very pleasant dinner, and at 8 P. M. started

on our long ride (fifty-four miles) back. We arrived at

Goorsahaigunge all safe, and pushed on at once for the next

stage, Chibberamow. When we had got half way, we were

stopped by a native, who had been waiting in expectation of

our return. God bless him! I say, and I am sure you will

say so too when you have read all. He told us that a party

of the enemy had attacked our twenty-five sowars at

Chibberamow, cut up some, and beaten back the rest, and that

there was a great probability some of them (the enemy) were

lurking about the road to our front. This was pleasant news,

was it not?--twenty miles from the Commander-in-Chief's

camp, thirty from our own; time, midnight; scene, an open

road; _dramatis personae_, two officers armed with swords and

revolvers, and a howling enemy supposed to be close at hand.

We deliberated what we should do, and Hodson decided we

should ride on at all risks. 'At the worst,' he said, 'we

can gallop back; but we'll try and push through.' The native

came with us, and we started. I have seen a few adventures

in my time, but must confess this was the most trying one I

had ever engaged in. It was a piercingly cold night, with a

bright moon and a wintry sky, and a cold wind every now and

then sweeping by and chilling us to the very marrow. Taking

our horses off the hard road on to the side where it was

soft, so that the noise of their footfalls could be less

distinctly heard, we silently went on our way, anxiously

listening for every sound that fell upon our ears, and

straining our sight to see if, behind the dark trees dotted

along the road, we could discern the forms of the enemy

waiting in ambush to seize us. It was indeed an anxious

time. We proceeded till close to Chibberamow. 'They are

there,' said our guide in a whisper, pointing to a garden in

a clump of trees to our right front. Distinctly we heard a

faint hum in the distance;--whether it was the enemy, or

whether our imagination conjured up the sound, I know not.

We slowly and silently passed through the village, in the

main street of which we saw the dead body of one of our men

lying stark and stiff and ghastly in the moonlight; and on

emerging from the other side, dismissed our faithful guide,

with directions to come to our camp,--and then, putting

spurs to our horses, we galloped for the dear life to Bewar,

breathing more freely as every stride bore us away from the

danger now happily past. We reached Bewar at about two

o'clock A. M., and found a party of our men sent out to look

for us. Our troopers had ridden in to say they had been

attacked and driven back, and that we had gone on alone, and

all concluded we must fall into the hands of the enemy. We

flung ourselves down on charpoys and slept till daylight,

when our column marched in, and we received the hearty

congratulations of all on our escape. What do you think of

it? The man whose information gave us such timely warning,

and thereby prevented our galloping on, by which we should

certainly have excited the attention of the enemy, has been

very handsomely rewarded, and obtained employment.

"It appears from the reports afterwards received, that the

party that cut up our men were fugitives from Etawah, where

a column of ours, under General Walpole, had arrived. They

consisted of about 1,500 men, with seven guns, and were

proceeding to Futtypore. We rode in at one end of

Chibberamow in the morning;--they rode in at the other. They

saw us, but we did not see them, as we were on unfavorable

ground. Thinking we were the advanced guard of our column,

they retired hastily to a village some two coss off.

Meanwhile, Hodson and I, unconscious of their vicinity, rode

on. They sent out scouts, and ascertained that only

twenty-five of our sowars were in the village, upon which

they resumed their march, sending a party to cut up our men,

and, I suppose, to wait for our return. All Hodson said

when we were at Bewar, and safe, was 'By George! Mac, I'd

give a good deal for a cup of tea,' and immediately went to

sleep. He is the coolest hand I have ever yet met. We rode

ninety-four miles. Hodson rode seventy-two on one horse, the

little dun, and I rode Alma seventy-two miles also."

Colonel Seaton, in a letter written shortly afterwards to Mrs. Hodson,

thus describes the anxiety he felt:--

"MAHOMEDABAD, _Jan. 5th_.

"Oh, what a fright I was in the night before we marched from

Mynpooree. Your husband knew that I was most anxious to

communicate with the Commander-in-Chief, and volunteered to

ride across, and as Mr. Cocks said that he had most positive

information that the Commander-in-Chief was at

Goorsahaigunge, I consented. He started at daybreak, taking

a strong party of his own regiment.

"At sunset, one of his men returned, saying that he and

Macdowell had left a party at Chibberamow, and ridden

forward; that the party had subsequently been surprised by

the enemy, and cut up.

"At first, this seemed most alarming, yet I had the greatest

faith in his consummate prudence and skill. I knew Macdowell

was with him, and I said to myself, 'If those two are not

sharp enough to dodge the black fellows, why the d---- is in

it.' But still I could not help feeling most uneasy, and

saying, 'Oh, dear! what should I say to his poor wife!' I

did not sleep one wink all night. In the morning a sowar

galloped in with a note from him. Oh, what a relief to my

mind!

"The day before yesterday, we rode over together to the

Commander-in-Chief's camp at Goorsahaigunge, and found he

had moved on four miles beyond the Kalee Nuddee. We

followed, and came in for the tail of a fight, as there were

still some dropping shots. I was received with great

cordiality by the Commander-in-Chief, and warmly

congratulated on our successes.

"Your gallant husband has now left me, and I find it most

painful to part, for he is a warm friend and true soldier;

always ready with his pen, his sword, or his counsel at my

slightest wish; indeed, he often anticipated my wishes, as

if he could divine what I wanted. I missed his cheerful

manly face at my breakfast this morning, and am not in a

good-humor at all to-day."

In a letter to England of the same date, my brother says:--

At last, after twelve years' service, I am a Captain

regimentally from the 14th September last; poor Major

Jacobs' death after the assault having given me my

promotion,--dearly purchased by the death of such a man! I

have much to be thankful for, not only for the most

unhoped-for escapes from wounds and death, but for the

position I now occupy, and for the appreciation my work has

received from those in power. My new regiment has done good

service, and got much [Greek: kudos].

On January 1, 1858, he writes to his wife from

CAMP, BEWAR.--I must write a few lines on this _jour de

l'an_, though they will be but few, as we start shortly for

the Commander-in-Chief's camp at Goorsahaigunge,

twenty-eight miles off,--the "we" means Colonel Seaton,

Light, and myself. I do hope it will then be decided when

we are to join the Chief, which, for many reasons, I am most

anxious to do. Macdowell wrote you a capital account of our

expedition to Meerun-ke-Serai, which you will get before

this reaches you. He is _game_ to the backbone, but he has

not the physical stamina for such an adventure as that. I am

sorry to say I lost three of my men killed and four wounded,

and my horse, saddle and bridle (English), were lost. I wish

you could coax ---- out of that horse he got of General

Anson; life and more than life sometimes depends on being

well mounted.

_January 3d._--We did not get back from Goorsahaigunge till

two this morning, very weary and tired, and now comes an

order, just as I am sitting down to write, for my regiment

to march at once to join the Chief's camp near Futtehgurh;

so I am again reduced to the mere announcement that I am

safe and well. I have just heard that the rebels have bolted

from Futtehgurh.

FUTTEHGURH, _4th January_.--A night-march of twenty-five

miles, tents up at 1 P. M., after which breakfast, and two

interviews with the Chief and his staff, have not left me

much daylight or time for the post. Futtehgurh was abandoned

as I foretold, and our troops are all concentrating here,

not a shot having been fired. We remain here a few days, but

a few inglorious but needful burning expeditions will

probably be all we shall have to do. Our dear friend Napier

is recovered, or nearly so, from his wound. I hope he will

join the Chief, who appreciates him as he deserves.

_January 5th._--The anniversary of the most blessed event in

my life again to be spent in absence.... I see no chance

just yet of any vigorous action by which the war might be

concluded, and we released from this toilsome campaign. The

Commander-in-Chief is tied by red tape, and obliged to wait

the orders of Government as to where he is to go! Are our

rulers _still_ infatuated? You complain of the shortness of

my letters, and with justice; but the most important

business, often the safety of the force, depends on my doing

my duty unflinchingly. Colonel Seaton dines with me to-day

to drink your health on this _our_ day. I have spoken for

Reginald[65] to come and do duty with him; but I fear that

"Seaton's fighting column" has sunk in the sea of this great

camp, but I will do my best to get the dear boy down here.

_6th._--We march to-day, with a brigade under Colonel Adrian

Hope, on some punishing expeditions. I hope to return in

three or four days, and where we go next is not known.

Seaton has subsided for the present into the simple Colonel

of Fusiliers, which seems hard enough after all he has done.

I hope they will soon give him a brigade.

CAMP, SHUMSHABAD, _January 7th_.--Here we are on the move

again! Colonel Hope's brigade, consisting of the 42d and 73d

Highlanders, 2d Punjaub Infantry, a Royal Artillery battery,

two guns Bengal H. A., a squadron of Lancers, and half my

men--a splendid little force with nothing to do I fear but

pull down houses, the owners of which have all escaped. We

are only a few miles from the place to which we pursued the

enemy from Puttialee, and had Colonel Seaton been allowed to

push on _then_, we should have caught and punished these

rascals as they deserved. Brigadier Hope is a very fine

fellow and a pleasant; about my age, or younger if anything,

though, of course, longer in the army. When he knows more

of India he will do very well indeed, I should think. Wise,

Macdowell, Gough the younger, and a Mr. Cockerell, are with

me. I can make out nothing of our probable plans, or rather

of the Chief's. "Waiting for orders" seems to be the order

of the day. If something is not speedily decided, the hot

weather will be on us before our work is over, and this

would tell terribly on us all.

CAMP, KAIMGUNGE, _January 8th_.--We remain here to-morrow,

and then return, I fancy, to head-quarters. I can bear up

manfully against absence and separation when we are actually

doing anything; but when I see nothing doing towards an end,

I confess my heart sinks, and my spirit hungers after rest.

I should be very, very glad if dear Maynard would make up

her mind to join you. It would be a real comfort to me to

think that we had been able to do anything towards

contributing to her peace or comfort. Independently of my

sincere regard for her, she is her father's daughter, and I

owe him too much gratitude and reverence not to desire to

show it in every way to all of the name and blood of

Thomason.

KAIMGUNGE, _January 10th_.--Our time has been taken up with

riding about the country after Whippoorwills, which elude

our search and grasp, the only consolation being fine

exercise in a fine country. Will you ask Lord W. Hay

whether, if the report of his going home be true, he will

resell me the mules? I should be most thankful to get them

again, and twice the number; they are much better for

baggage than ponies, carry larger loads, and do not knock up

so soon.

CAMP, FUTTEHGURH, _January 12th_.--We returned from our

brief expedition this morning, not having effected much,

though we frightened many, I have no doubt. I was just

talking to Colonel Hope (himself an old 60th man), about my

dear good friend Douglas, when I got your letter inclosing

his most welcome one. How rejoiced I shall be if he returns

to India with his battalion! I quite long to see him once

more. Indeed, as time goes on, old ties of affection and

friendship seem to unite themselves more intimately with

newer and dearer ones, and my heart pines more and more for

home and all which nought but home can give.

FUTTEHGURH, _January 14th_.--I was unhappily so much delayed

by a tedious review yesterday morning, and an interview with

the Chief afterwards, that I did not get to my tent till

after post-time, though I am thankful to say I found some

very precious missives,--the dear girls' letters were a

treat indeed, and gave me very real pleasure. I am beginning

to hope that I shall have my previous services recognized;

for although I do not know that any record of the promise of

a majority was down in Leadenhall Street, still Lord

Dalhousie's promise was distinct, and there is evidently

every desire on our present Chief's part to do me justice.

You ask about my position here, and do not quite understand

how the safety of the camp can depend on my vigilance. This

referred not to this camp, but to Colonel Seaton's (now at

last a Brigadier), where I not only was Assistant

Quartermaster-General, but had all the outposts to furnish.

_Here_ I am desired to continue my intelligence business;

but there is another officer (Captain Bruce) actually in

charge of the department. I suppose it is intended rather to

employ me when detached from the main force, as the other

day under Brigadier Hope. However, I am at present in charge

of all in Captain Bruce's absence, and my continuing it or

not depends very much on circumstances. Nothing can be

kinder or more cordial than the Commander-in-Chief and

General Mansfield. We seem destined to halt here at present;

half the day has been occupied in changing ground. So when

one can't get one's tent pitched till 1 or 2 P. M., there is

little time for writing for a post closing at 5, considering

that business and eating and washing have to be performed. I

must try and write more to-night.

CAMP ON THE RAMGUNGA, _January 15th_.--I left off my last

letter with a promised intention of writing more last night,

but the result of dining with the Chief was, that I was kept

up so late and had to rise so early that I was fain to carry

my weary limbs to bed at once. We have been occupied all day

in getting down here from the big camp at Futtehgurh some

ten miles off, so that I am again perforce obliged to renew

instead of fulfilling my promise. You will hear of me before

this reaches you; General Grant and Majors Norman and Turner

having taken wing to Umbala for a few days. They have had no

holiday since May, and heartily deserved one, though I must

confess I did feel a little envious when I saw them off.

What would not I give for home once more!

We are here to force a passage across the Ramgunga, a

confluent of the Ganges on the road to Bareilly; but it does

not follow that we shall go there when the passage is open.

Brigadier Walpole commands, and we have enough troops to eat

up Rohilcund; whether we (_i. e._, my regiment) partake of

the "finish" in Oude or not, no one can pretend to foretell.

Colonel Becher will be at Umbala soon, on his way home. You

will be kind to him I am sure, both because you like him

personally, and because he has been most kind and

considerate to me. It was very ungracious as well as

ungraceful, that his name was not mentioned in the

Despatches as it ought to have been; but he is not the only

one who has cause to complain of the "ungraciousness" of our

Delhi General.

CAMP ON THE RAMGUNGA, _January 17th_.--We are still in the

same undignified attitude of looking at nothing and doing as

little; but the halt has been very useful to me in the way

of getting through business, and I have hardly stirred from

my table all day. The plundering propensities of some of my

men have given me much occupation and annoyance, as I always

feel that the ill-conduct of a regiment must more or less

reflect on the officers. The rascals will not discriminate

between an enemy's property, which is fair game, and that of

the villagers and cultivators of the soil. I have several

times been obliged to bring them up with a sharp hand to

save myself from discredit. I sent three sowars to-day to

the Brigadier with evidence and proof enough to hang them,

but he begged me to dispose of the matter summarily myself;

but as I did not choose to be judge, jury, and hangman all

in one, they saved their lives at the expense of their

backs, though I believe the punishment was greater to me

than to them, for I abhor flogging, and never resort to it

but in the extremest cases. Still I must be obeyed by these

wild hordes _coute qui coute_; and when reason and argument

fail, they must learn that I will not weakly refrain from

sterner measures. I am happy to find Sir Colin ready to back

me _a l'outrance_ so as to maintain discipline. Have you

written to our dear friends Napier and Prendergast yet? The

latter is in Calcutta with his bride long ago. Sir James

Outram and Napier have given Mister Pandy a glorious

thrashing at Alumbagh. Hurrah!

_January 19th._--I had to go over to see the Chief,

yesterday, and did not return till night. I also saw good

Colonel Seaton and Becher, who (the last) starts in a day or

two for home and England. I did know about Mr. Wemyss's good

appointment, for Sir Colin good-naturedly gave me the letter

to take to him. Wemyss is a lucky fellow, and will, I hope,

do credit to his luck. I only wish I had some family

interest to bring into play; my lieutenant-colonelcy would

be certain. H. Maxwell is to be the new Adjutant of my dear

old regiment, and ought to make a good one; there is no one

now with the regiment who has any experience of the work,

and Maxwell is more likely to learn than many; he has grown

such a tall handsome fellow since we saw him at Benares, and

is said to be a fine soldier in the field. Mac has a letter

from Lord William speaking with enthusiasm of the conduct of

some of the ladies during the Simla panics. He does not seem

to be the only one who thinks that heroism in the hills is

confined to the weaker sex. I am working to get some pay as

Assistant Quartermaster-General, in addition to my pay as

commandant, which the pay officer objects to, on the ground

that one man cannot draw the pay of two offices. They should

have had two men to do it then; for I worked like a slave,

and the laborer is worthy of his hire. I saw and had a long

talk with your "charming" Mr. Raikes yesterday.

_January 22d._--There has been no news of public importance

for some days, so I am taking advantage of the halt and

comparative idleness to work off arrears of business and

papers, and to prepare rolls and pay abstracts for Captain

Swinton's office. I have consequently not been half a mile

from my tent these two days; moreover, I am resting my

unlucky ankle, which has given me much pain and trouble

lately. I am very glad Mr. Montgomery is at Umbala. I am

sure you would tell him how grateful I have ever felt for

his assistance in raising my regiment; the two troops he

sent me I shall call Montgomery's troops, and the men will

like it too. I am sadly off for horses, so if you really do

not care to ride until "the sweet time of grace" of our

reunion, I shall be very thankful for Selim. Will you ask

Mr. Forsyth to ascertain for me by telegraph, whether Mr.

Eliot at Loodiana has sent off my other troop from thence? I

must try and get as many of my men together as I can during

this halt.

_23d._--Our friend Colonel Seaton is to have command of a

district to be formed of Allygurh, Futtehgurh, Mynpooree,

and the post at Meerun-ke-Serai. It is a very honorable and

important post; but he would prefer, and I for him, a more

active command. I expect the rest of the force will move

into Oudh soon, and I do trust to be at the ultimate capture

of Lucknow, which ought to earn me the Queen's Cross, if

"deerin do" can gain it.

_24th._--They say we are to move soon, but no one knows for

certain, as I have not been into head-quarters for some

days; meantime my pen is busy, _very_ busy, with six months'

arrears to work off, but I am getting on at it famously.

FUTTEHGURH, _26th_.--Late last night I was roused up by an

order to march in here at dawn, so here, accordingly, we

came; and now at 10 P. M. we are off again, on some

expedition which will last us a few days.[66] The Chief

sent for me as soon as we came in, and was very

communicative, and asked my opinion in most flattering

terms. I gave it honestly, and only hope he will follow it,

if we are to make an end of this business before another hot

season sets in. I fancy the whole force will be in motion

soon towards Oudh; but nothing is certainly known as yet,

except that we go to our old place Shumshabad. Colonel

Adrian Hope again commands the brigade; we start almost

immediately, and shall, I hope, do something effective.

FORT FUTTEHGURH, _Jan. 28th_. (_Written with the left

hand, in pencil._)

Though I sent you a telegram, I must manage a few words by

letter to tell you that there is not the very slightest

cause for alarm on my account, for I am really quite well;

only my right arm will be useless for some weeks, but I can

do my duty, and intend to march with the Commander-in-Chief.

What grieves me most is the loss of poor Mac; he was

invaluable to me as a brilliant soldier, a true friend, and

thorough gentleman,--I mourn as for a brother.[67]

_January 29th._--My constant fear is that you should be

alarmed for me. I assure you there is not the slightest

occasion for anxiety. I have a cut on my hand, and another

sabre-cut over the forearm, but neither will be of more than

temporary inconvenience. I am obliged to write with my left

hand, _that is all_. I go about as usual, and dined with the

Chief last night. It was a splendid little affair at

Shumshabad, and our men and officers did wonders, and have

gained great credit. We charged a large body of the enemy's

cavalry, superior in numbers, and all else, to ourselves.

They fought us desperately, returning twice to the charge.

We then attacked their infantry, all fanatics, who fought

with the courage of despair. Their loss must have been

immense; but we have lost one who outweighs them all. I

cannot tell you how much I feel it. We bury the dear fellow

this evening by the side of the murdered Tudor Tucker.

In a letter to England of the same date, he says:--

CAMP, FUTTEHGURH, _Jan. 31st, 1858_. (_Written with left

hand._)

My usual fortune deserted me on the 27th, at Shumshabad, for

I got two sabre-cuts on my right arm, which have reduced me

to this very sinister style of writing (absit omen). We had

a very stiff fight of it, as we were far in advance of the

rest of the troops, and had to charge a very superior body

of the mutineer cavalry; but there was nothing for it but

fighting, as, had we not attacked them, they would have got

in amongst our guns. We were only three officers, and about

180 horsemen,--my poor friend, and second in command,

Macdowell, having received a mortal wound a few minutes

before we charged. It was a terrible _melee_ for some time,

and we were most wonderfully preserved. However, we gave

them a very proper thrashing, and killed their leaders. Two

out of the three of us were wounded, and five of my men

killed, and eleven wounded, besides eleven horses. My horse

had three sabre-cuts, and I got two, which I consider a

rather unfair share. The Commander-in-Chief is very well

satisfied, I hear, with the day's work, and is profusely

civil and kind to me. The force moves on to-morrow towards

Cawnpore and Lucknow, which has at last to be conquered; for

neither Outram, Havelock, nor the Commander-in-Chief were

able to effect a footing in Lucknow. All they could do was

to bring away the Residency garrison. All the lion's share

of the work, in the six weeks which intervened between the

_soi-disant_ relief of the Lucknow garrison by Havelock, and

the real one by the Commander-in-Chief, was done by our

friend Colonel Napier. He is the best man we have left, now

that poor Sir Henry Lawrence and Nicholson are gone. The

next is Major Tombs, or I am much mistaken.... I hope to

return to Umbala when this war is over, to be refitted and

get my men trained and drilled, which is very necessary. I

do hope to be able to get home and see your dear faces once

more, as soon as our great task is accomplished. I want a

change, after twelve years of work, and I want to try what

home and good treatment will do for my ankle, which is very

bad; in fact, I am unable to walk a hundred yards without

pain. Well, I think I have done pretty well with my left

hand. They say I shall be well in six weeks. _I_ say in ten

days; I trust so.

* * * * *

_To his Wife._

FUTTEHGURH, _Jan. 30th_.

Mr. Raikes tells me that he wrote to you immediately after

the action at Shumshabad, lest you should be made unhappy by

report. This was most kind and thoughtful of him; and I do

hope, therefore, that among so many kind friends you will

have been spared any unnecessary pain. Everybody is very

complimentary; even men I never spoke to before. A

flattering rascal told me he considered it an "honor

(forsooth!) to shake even my left hand." I might become too

proud with so much notice, but the memory of 1854-55 is ever

before me. The Commander-in-Chief has been unable to move as

yet, for many reasons, but I fancy we shall march ere long.

I am wonderfully well, and the big wound is actually closing

already! is not that famous?

_January 31st._--I have been busy until post-time with

looking over poor Mac's things, and taking an inventory of

them for his mother. I am sure you will write to her as soon

as we can ascertain her address. We march on towards

Cawnpore to-morrow morning; it is a grief to me to be

disabled ever so little just at this time, but in a very few

days I shall be all right again.

_January 31st._--The Chief wont let me go on just yet,

though I really am perfectly able to do so. I am not a bit

the worse for these wounds, beyond the temporary

inconvenience and disgust at being _hors de combat_ in such

times as these. I look forward with the utmost pleasure to

seeing our friend Napier at Lucknow; I wish we could hear

from him. Inglis's despatch is, as you say, most touching,

and his conduct most admirable, as well as hers. I always

thought her a fine character.

_February 1st and 2d._--I am really doing very well, and the

wounds are healing wonderfully fast. In ten days I hope to

use my arm; they threatened me with six weeks! I have indeed

cause for gratitude, not only for my preservation from

greater evil, but for this rapid recovery; happily I was in

good health at the time, and these wounds depend almost

entirely on the state of the blood. I shall remain here

until the day after to-morrow, and then accompany Brigadier

Walpole's brigade to join the Chief at Cawnpore. Colonel

Burn drives me along in a buggy; for though I _can_ ride, it

is not advisable to run the risk of a shake. Every one is

most kind; Sir Colin markedly so. We are to have prize money

for Delhi after all; this will please as well as benefit the

army, the soldiers not being over-well contented with the

six months' batta, thinking that was all they were to get.

It is hardly, perhaps, to be expected that the masses should

be satisfied with the mere consciousness of having done

their duty through such months of suffering as those before

Delhi.

A soldier wrote upon the walls of the Delhi palace (alluding

to Lord Canning's foolish order about six months' donation

of batta, which is but thirty-six rupees and some odd pence

for each man):--

"For the salvation of India, the British soldier gets

thirty-six rupees ten annas, or one rupee one anna per

battle;" adding:--

"When danger's rife and wars are nigh,

God and the soldier's all the cry:

When wars are o'er and matters righted,

God is forgotten and the soldier slighted."

Would you credit it? The Calcutta wiseacres sent up orders

to institute a strict inquiry who wrote this _jeu d'esprit_.

What nuts for the rascal who did it to see how deep his hit

had rankled!

_February 3d._--I am overwhelmed with letters of

congratulation, which I can only acknowledge by a few lines

in this sinister writing. Light has written very warmly,

also Lord William; you must thank them both for me at

present, as we march for Cawnpore early in the morning. So I

shall be at the capture of Lucknow after all! and after that

may God restore us to each other to part no more!

CAMP, JELLALABAD, ON THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD, _February

5th_.--We shall be at Cawnpore in four days more, I trust.

Nothing can be more favorable than the state of my wounds,

and I have felt scarcely any inconvenience from travelling.

I am fortunate in having Colonel Burn for a travelling

companion; pleasant, intelligent, and warm-hearted. He

drives me in his buggy, and we breakfast together _al

fresco_. Fancy the Carabineers of poor Captain Wardlaw's

squadron sending a deputation, headed by a sergeant, to say

on the part of the men how grieved they were that I was

hurt, and to express their hope that I should soon be well

and in the field again. I confess these things are more

gratifying to me than any mention in despatches.

CAMP, MEERUN-KE-SERAI, _February 6th_.--We had a very trying

march this morning, a gale of wind bringing up clouds of

dust and grit, which cut one's face and eyes to pieces. I

half wished I was a lady to wear a veil! We overtook

Maunsell, of the Engineers, who was so badly wounded at

Delhi, poor fellow; he is quite recovered, but his handsome

face a good deal disfigured by the wound in his forehead.

The Governor-General is at Allahabad, and I believe Sir

Colin is gone on to meet him. I am doing well, and getting

more handy in the use of my left hand, but 'tis a cruel

nuisance having only one to resort to. The weather is

getting warm very fast in these parts, and I fear we shall

have the hot weather on us very soon. However, as soon as

Lucknow has finally fallen, I shall make every effort to get

away to organize and discipline my regiment, and for rest

and home for myself.

_February 8th._--I go on into Cawnpore in the morning,

making two marches in one; my arm has not been going on

quite so well the last three days, owing, the doctor says,

to the sharp wind. The wound on the thumb is nearly closed,

and I shall be all right, I hope, after two or three days'

quiet at Cawnpore. The getting up in the cold mornings is

very trying, now that I am unable to ride or walk to get

warm.

CAWNPORE, _February 10th_.--I got here in good time

yesterday, but was kept constantly at work fomenting this

tiresome arm, which had got somewhat inflamed from the

effects of the journey. To-day we cross the river, and

encamp a mile or two on the other side, and there I hope to

halt for a few days. I found letters here from Calcutta, and

have had a visit from Charles Harland, who is as jolly and

hearty as ever. Our friend (Napier) is Chief Engineer with

the force, and a Brigadier to boot. I hope to see him in a

day or two. I have not been to the Chief's camp yet; it is a

long way off, and my arm has prevented me doing anything. I

shall be very thankful when it is well, if but to use it for

writing,--this left-handed calligraphy is sad slow work.

CAMP ON THE LEFT BANK OF THE GANGES, _February 11th_.--I

came across the river late in the evening, and am very glad

I did so, as the air is much purer, and there is no dust. My

arm is already better for the rest, and I hope soon to be

able to begin to use it. Do not buoy yourself up with hope

of honors for me. I shall be a Brevet-Major, and nothing

more I expect. It seems the authorities here never sent home

a list of men recommended for honors; and the home

authorities have been waiting until they get one. "Hinc illae

lacrymae!" And we shall all suffer by the delay in more ways

than one. But we are certainly to have prize money, and

this, with the batta, will take us home this time next year

if not sooner. Dear, dear home, sadly changed and contracted

since I left it, but home still, and dearer than ever since

the dearest part of myself will accompany me.... All old

home memories were so vividly revived yesterday by Charles

Harland's visit, and an extract he read me from a letter

from his brother, describing the enthusiasm of the old

people at Colwich,[68] when the news arrived that the King

of Delhi was our prisoner, and how they came to inquire

whether it was really their "Master William" who had done

it? Bless their innocent hearts, where was they riz? as ----

would say. I am sadly at a loss for a second in command, and

do not know whom to ask for, as officers are so scarce. I

have twice made an attempt to ask for Reginald to join me to

do duty, but my fears for you have made me hesitate; and the

lesson of the other day has taught me the fearful risk the

dear boy would run in an irregular cavalry regiment, with

such work as mine. Still, if you and he wish it, I will ask

for him.

_February 12th._--Here I am, you see, writing (such as it

is) with my right hand once more. I am, indeed, wonderfully

better, and hope to be on horseback in a few days. The scar

on my arm is a very ugly one, and will mark me for life; but

then, as I am not a lady to wear short sleeves, it does not

signify. I was much disappointed this morning to hear from

Colonel Bevin, who came out to see me, that Napier had been

through our camp this morning, not knowing I was here! He is

in Cawnpore, and the doctor wont let me go and see him

to-day, and we march on towards Lucknow to-morrow. It will

be some days yet before the whole force is collected at

Alumbagh. Captain Peel has just gone by with his sailors and

their enormous ship-guns, 68-pounders! I have little doubt

but that Lucknow will be in our hands before another month

is over; and then I shall do my utmost to get my regiment

sent back to Umbala to be formed and drilled, which it wants

badly. I only wonder it does as well as it is. I could

hardly take any other appointment, or even go home, until I

had completed this task; and I like my regiment, and what is

even more to the purpose, the regiment likes me, and would

follow me any and everywhere, I do believe.

CAMP, OONAO, _February 13th_.--Only a short letter to-day,

as I have been writing a right-handed one to "O.," to

satisfy the dear anxious hearts at home. I am able to use my

arm, but very gently, and shall ride to-morrow. Oh, the

pleasure of feeling myself on the outside of a horse again!

_February 14th._--Your telegram has been going the rounds

of all the camps before it found me out. Indeed, you must

not be anxious on my account, or listen to the wild reports

which are always rife. Be sure, if anything were amiss,

there are plenty of our friends here to send you the truth.

I could not dream of your coming to Cawnpore. I would not

hear of it even at Futtehgurh, for, though your nursing and

presence would be infinitely precious to me, a camp is no

fit place for you. I am, indeed, going on wonderfully, and

but for the attack of inflammation I spoke of, and which

turned out to be erysipelas, I should have been quite well

before this; and as it is, I am actually nearer to a total

cure than the men (Sikhs even) who were wounded the same

day. My abstinence from spirit-drinking has stood me in good

stead.

_February 15th._--No letters again to-day! I wish the

Commander-in-Chief would come out from Cawnpore, and there

would be some chance of better postal duty. He is said to be

waiting until the convoy of ladies from Agra has passed

down, lest anything should occur to disturb the road where

he had crossed into Oude with the army,--a not unlikely

thing to happen. I have just seen a notice of my birth,

parentage, and education, and services, in the _Illustrated

News_, as also Seaton's account of the capture of the

Princes. Strange to say, the former is not wrong or

exaggerated in any principal point. The latter is also in

the _Evening Mail_, and I have the honor of appearing in big

print in the leading article. I see also a letter signed "A

Civilian;" not a bad _resume_ in its way. I can cock and

fire a pistol with the right hand, and am constantly working

the arm about to prevent its growing stiff; and I want to

show how much the _will_ has to do with getting over these

things.

OONAO, _February 16th_.--I have this morning succeeded in

exhuming four letters from the bottom of about a

hundred-weight of correspondence addressed to all parts of

the world; the bag was sent up here in the night for people

to find their letters as they could. Mine have made me so

happy. This has been a red-letter day too, for I have at

last seen our friend Napier. He rode out here with Sir

Colin, and I need not say how thoroughly delighted I was to

see him once more. He is looking better but older than when

we parted, but his charming, affectionate manner is as nice

as ever. God bless him! I do love him dearly, as if he were

indeed my born brother. A note from him arrived while he was

here; it had been three days going ten miles! Sir Colin was

most kind and cordial, and prophesies I shall soon be

Lieut.-Colonel. I told him I feared there was small hope of

that, unless my majority could be counted as for the Punjaub

campaign, as Lord Dalhousie promised, but that it had not

been put on record. He immediately said, "Oh, I'll do that

with the greatest pleasure; let me have a memorandum of your

services, and I'll do all I can for you, and I hope soon to

shake hands with you as Lieut.-Colonel, C. B., and Victoria

Cross to boot." I confess I liked this, because it was

spontaneous; it is not the first time I have heard a whisper

about the Victoria Cross, and I confess I do care most for

this; I would rather have it than be made a duke. My arm is

going on admirably, and you may be quite satisfied about me

now I am near our friend; he will always do what is kind,

that we may be quite sure of, and all that is best and

tenderest too, where you or I are concerned. I shall try to

get away immediately after Lucknow is taken, but I fear

every man may be needed for some time, even after that

much-desired event takes place.

CAMP, OONAO, _February 17th_.--I grieve deeply at your

anxiety, and can scarcely understand your "terror at the

very name of Cawnpore and Lucknow," except for what has

passed. I am not nearly so much exposed to peril here as at

Delhi; the place, too, and time of year are more healthy; so

continue to "hope on," bravely now as ever, until the end,

which must be very soon.... I am going to spend to-morrow in

Cawnpore with Napier, and have a big talk. The delay in the

brevet is an accident, _not_ owing to the home authorities.

It has gone home now, and my name is in it, Sir Colin told

me.

CAWNPORE, _February 19th_.--I shall ride back to Oonao early

to-morrow morning; the temptation of Napier's society was

irresistible; it is such a pleasure to see him again. There

will be no move hence until the 23d, I think, though it is

getting rapidly hot in this hateful place; but on the other

side the river it is cool, and Lucknow is even more so, I

hear. Osborn Wilkinson has been here, and has gone on

towards Alumbagh. I shall try and get him for my regiment,

if but to do duty; he is a fine fellow and thorough soldier.

OONAO, _February 20th_.--I rode out from Cawnpore this

morning; Colonels Napier and Lugard accompanying me for some

miles,--the latter only arrived yesterday; he is to command

a division as Brigadier-General, I am glad to say. Our

friend is nicer than ever, and looking well.

_February 21st._--As far as I can learn, we (_i. e._, my

Horse) shall have but little to do with the actual capture

or assault of Lucknow, and I fancy our duty will be

protecting the flanks and rear of the army from incursions

of the enemy's cavalry, &c. General Lugard came out this

morning to take the command. I hope Napier will soon follow.

I am very anxious to get on and get the affair over.

_February 22d._--There is not a particle of news of any

kind. I had an attack of fever last night, but it is gone

this morning, and I am all right again; the wound on my arm

is quite closed, and the last bandage discarded; the thumb

is still very stiff, and the joint much enlarged. My wounds

have healed with unprecedented rapidity; and I cannot be

sufficiently grateful that I am so soon enabled to return to

my duty. Dear Douglas Seaton has been very ill again, and

unable to leave England, as he intended, poor fellow. I

believe half his illness is caused by fretting at being away

from his regiment now it is in the field; but he never could

have stood the trial of those months before Delhi. The

Commander-in-Chief tells me that, despairing of getting the

list of recommendations for Delhi from India, the Duke of

Cambridge is making out a list himself from the despatches,

to be corrected hereafter if any omissions occur. The next

mail may, therefore, make me a Major, as I was mentioned

even in Wilson's despatches. God grant I may be able to get

home; that is my great desire now.

_February 23d._--It is midnight, and we march for Alumbagh

at 4 A. M.; so I write a line at once to say I am doing

well, and will send a telegram if anything occurs, which I

do not expect yet. There has been a big fight, within a few

miles of us, between the force under General Hope Grant and

the rebels, and there was a bigger on Sunday at Lucknow with

Sir James Outram's force. I have got hold of a strip of

newspaper this morning, with Brigadier Hope's Shumshabad

despatch, in which I figure so prominently that I am

inclined to indorse it "Hope told a flattering tale," and

send it home to the dear girls. The convoy arrived this

morning (_i. e._, the ladies, &c.) from Agra, so I hope the

Chief will move soon. I was out all the morning with General

Lugard, and was surprised to find how hot the weather is

getting (in the sun) even here; but I am quite well--quite.

In a letter of this date to the Chaplain of the Lawrence Asylum, he

says:--

... I have only to add that in gratitude for the many and

unspeakable mercies which I have received during the past

year, and also as a token of most affectionate regret for

Sir H. Lawrence, I shall thank you to note the increase of

my subscription to the asylum to 100 rupees per annum.

FOOTNOTES:

[59] So he did, but ultimately gave himself up, and was hanged by the

authorities in Delhi.--_Ed._

[60] Referring to his wife's almost miraculous escape, when the horse

on which she was riding fell over a precipice and was killed.--_Ed._

[61] A letter from Delhi, in October, says:--

"The corps raised by that very gallant officer, Captain Hodson, is

composed, more than anything we have hitherto had, of the old sirdars

and soldiers of Runjeet Singh's time, in consequence of which, and the

skill of their commander, they are already an extremely efficient

corps.

"I was talking this morning to a very independent looking Resaldar,

who seemed to be treated by his men much more as they do a European

officer than is ever seen in our service, and who bore himself as the

inferior of no one, and I found that he had been long a colonel of

artillery in Runjeet Singh's service, and very openly went through the

part he had taken against us in the revolt of 1849."

[62] _From Despatch from_ COLONEL T. SEATON, C. B., _to_ MAJOR-GENERAL

PENNY, _Commanding at Delhi_.

"KHASGUNGE, _Dec. 15th, 1857_.

"The General will see by the list of casualties, that

Captain Hodson's newly raised body of Horse was not

backward, and rendered excellent service. It could not do

less under its distinguished commander, whom I beg

particularly to mention to the Major-General, as having on

every possible occasion rendered me the most efficient

service, whether in gaining information, reconnoitring the

country, or leading his regiment."

[63] _Extract from a Despatch from_ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL T. SEATON,

_dated_

"PUTTIALEE, _Dec. 18th, 1857_.

"After the action at Gungeree I specially mentioned Captain

Hodson and his regiment. I can but repeat what I then said,

and beg that the Major-General will be good enough to bring

this officer, and his great and important services, to the

special notice of the Commander-in-Chief."

[64] The following extract from a private letter of an artillery

officer, describing the state of the roads, will give some notion of

the danger of this ride:--

"MYNPOOREE, _December 29th_.

"Since the 20th of October, no letters have passed this

road. The 'Kossids,' whose trade it is to carry letters

through an enemy's country, would not and could not do it,

and no wonder. At one place we saw a poor brute who had gone

from us with a letter to the Chief, and had been caught by

the rebels. He was hanging by the heels, had his nose cut

off, had been made a target of, and roasted alive.

"Pleasant fellows, these rebels, and worthy of all

consideration."

[65] Lieutenant R. Mitford, 3d Bengal Fusileers, now Adjutant of

Hodson's Horse and V. C.

[66] Mr. Charles Raikes, in his interesting _Notes on the Revolt_, p.

109, says: "At night I warned Mr. Power for duty, to go out with the

Brigade. I found it difficult to convince him that 2,000 men, quietly

slumbering around, would, in the course of an half hour, be under

arms, and on the march to attack the enemy. Scarce a creature in the

camp, save General Mansfield, Adrian Hope, Hodson, and I, knew the

plans of the Commander-in-Chief. The men had gone to bed as usual,

when quietly orders were issued, and by half-past ten, Hope, with his

Brigade, was on his march." He then gives several amusing native

accounts of the action at Shumshabad, and afterwards adds,--"Rode to

see Hodson; he is much cut up about Macdowell's loss, but treats his

own wounds very lightly. Being in his sword arm, we shall lose his

invaluable services for a time."

[67] Charles Theophilus Metcalfe, 2nd son of the late James Macdowell,

Esq., of Bengal Medical Service, born 29th October, 1829, appointed to

Honorable East India Company's Service, 1846. Served in Punjaub

campaign of 1848-9, including passage of Chenab at Ramnuggur, and

battles of Chillianwallah and Goojerat, in which he carried the colors

of his regiment, 2d Bengal European Fusileers (medal and clasp).

Served in Burmah, marched with his regiment to Delhi, and served with

it in various engagements, till in August he was appointed second in

command of Hodson's Horse.

"This excellent officer, who was Captain Hodson's second in command,

and right-hand man, sunk under his wound, to the sorrow of all who

knew his rare value as a soldier."--Raikes's _Notes_.

[68] His father's old parish.

CONCLUDING CHAPTER.

ALUMBAGH, LUCKNOW.--THE BEGUM'S PALACE.--BANKS'S HOUSE.--THE

SOLDIER'S DEATH.--NOTICES.--CONCLUDING REMARKS.

_To his Wife._

CAMP, ALUMBAGH, NEAR LUCKNOW, _February 24th_.

We arrived here last night at dusk, after a terribly dusty

march of thirty-six miles. To-day we had a bit of a fight.

The Pandies, ignorant of the reinforcements which had

arrived, had as usual come round one flank of the camp, so

we moved out and caught them as they were trying to get back

again, and took two of their guns. By "we," I mean my own

men and the Military Train men from home. Young Gough, my

adjutant, was wounded, and had his horse shot. I was luckily

in the way, or it would have gone worse with him;[69] my own

horse too (pretty "Child of the Desert") was wounded, and I

was obliged to mount a sowar's horse. Gough will be laid up

for a month, I fear; it is a flesh wound in the thigh. I do

not think Master Pandy will try the same trick again. We

have been out so long that there is time for no more to-day

than this assurance of my safety.

ALUMBAGH, _February 25th_.--I have been calling on Sir James

Outram this morning, and had a most pleasant interview; the

brave old warrior greeted me most cordially, professing his

satisfaction at having _at last_ met one of whom he had

heard so much, &c. &c. The pleasure was certainly mutual,

for I have long wished to meet _him_. He made many inquiries

about you also, and asked whether you had not been in the

hills during the panic, and helped the refugees, &c. How

proudly I could answer all his praise in the affirmative. He

also asked my opinion of Lord William's administration, and

I was glad of the opportunity to testify in his favor.

Altogether this good old soldier's compliments were pleasing

to me, particularly as he was not one of those who in my

time of trouble passed me by on the other side.

The enemy is quite quiet to-day. I fancy we were too much

for his philosophy yesterday. Fancy the Queen Regnant coming

out on an elephant to meet us, to encourage her wavering

followers! I wish the Chief would make haste and finish this

business, it is getting cruelly hot already.

_27th._--All quiet still with the enemy. A packet of letters

has arrived, and brought me all the comfort I am capable of

receiving in this torturing absence; would it were over! I

hear the Chief has crossed the Ganges and is coming on here.

I believe we had some [Greek: kudos] for the affair of the

25th, though beyond being exposed to a very galling fire, I

did not think much of it myself. Gough's wound is a serious

misfortune to me just now; a gallant, go-a-head boy like him

is not to be easily replaced, any more than poor Mac is. I

myself am laid up with a sore leg; I would not nurse it at

first, and now it is so painful I cannot mount my horse or

even stand without pain, so I shall go into the next

scrimmage on an elephant! Dr. Brougham, however, says it

will be well in four or five days. I did not know Greville

was going home so soon, I hoped to have shaken him by the

_sain_ hand once more before we parted for so long.

ALUMBAGH, _1st March_.--Nothing of public importance is

occurring. I am still unable to ride, so I do regimental

work. I dined with Sir J. Outram (he is the General

commanding here) and with Colonel Haggart, 7th Hussars, last

night; the former is quite affectionate in his manner to me.

He would quite charm you, and were I not out of love with

vanity, would spoil me; but I confess the respectful homage

of the soldiers is pleasanter to my spirit than the praise

of great men. I study to be quiet and do my own business

without elation and pride, satisfied with the testimony of

my own conscience that I strive to do my duty.

_March 2d._--The Commander-in-Chief arrived with a large

part of the force this morning, marched straight through our

camp, and _at_ the enemy (who of course ran away), and

occupied the Dilkoosha, a large garden-house and park near

the city. My unfortunate leg prevented my sharing in the

fray, I grieve to say, and I am actually in a fright lest he

(the Chief) should take Lucknow before I am able to ride!

ALUMBAGH, _March 6th_.--I had time for but the merest line

yesterday, written from Dilkoosha, where the

Commander-in-Chief is encamped, and whither we were

erroneously brought yesterday to return here to-day. I had a

long talk with Sir Colin, who was even more than commonly

kind and cordial. I am not very well, I am sorry to say;

this leg troubles me, and is the effect of the erysipelas

which attacked my arm in consequence of the wounds closing

too quickly. The truth is that I lost about a pound and a

half of blood when I was wounded, and having had two slight

bouts of fever since, I am not so strong as I would be;

however, I am getting on, and am dosed with steel, quinine,

and port wine _ad lib_. My arm is pretty well, but the wound

opened again partially after the 25th, and I have been

obliged to submit to bandages, &c.; still I hope three or

four days will set me all right again, though I fear the arm

will never be quite straight again, or the thumb quite

flexible. I shall have to go home for rest to my body, if

not for comfort to my heart. I have seen Osborn Wilkinson;

he is as nice as possible, and he is now Deputy Assistant

Quartermaster-General to the Cavalry Brigade, to which my

Horse is attached, so I hope to see more of him than of

late. I breakfasted yesterday at head-quarters with Napier,

and grieved to see that he looked worn and troubled. I fear

his health is very precarious.

CAMP, NEAR LUCKNOW, _March 6th_.--... I grieve that you

should be anxious on my account; the same merciful

Providence which has so wonderfully preserved us both

through so many and great dangers, will, I earnestly pray,

continue the same gracious guardianship; yet I strive to be

prepared for all....

I had to march again this morning; a message from Sir Colin

last night to the Brigadier having directed him to put me in

charge of the line of communications with Jellalabad, the

Alumbagh, and his camp. So I had to bring my men up here,

half-way between the two camps, and to make arrangements for

insuring the safety of the roads, and protecting the convoys

on which the existence of the army depends. The worst part

of it is I cannot ride, and have had, for the first time in

my life, to do outpost duty in a dog-cart! _driving_ across

country to post videttes and picquettes, &c. What with this

continued movement and the rest which I am _compelled_ to

take recumbent, I have had no time for writing as I fain

would do. I have heard from Reginald; he is so earnest in

his wish to do duty with my regiment, that I have asked for

him. May God preserve the dear boy from all evil! I shall

never forgive myself if harm comes to him. There is no

decided move at present; the net is gradually closing round

the enemy, some of the Goorkhas and Brigadier Frank's column

having already arrived. You must not expect more than a

Majority for me yet, though I have good reason to believe

that more will come.

_March 8th._--I went up myself to-day to the head-quarters'

camp, to look for letters and see our friend, but failed in

both; but I breakfasted and had a long chat with that

pleasantest of persons, Lugard, now Sir Edward, and while

there I had a letter from Norman to say that Reginald had

been appointed to do duty with my Horse. I can but think he

is too young; but if he must see hard service so early,

better with me than elsewhere. God grant it may be for his

good. I am looking for the end with an eager longing for

rest which I cannot control. Dear Sir Henry used to say I

was ambitious, and I know I was proud and thirsty of

success; but now all desires for the future settle down into

the one thought of home.

_March 9th._--I grieve that report should cause you fear and

anxiety whenever there has been a fight, particularly as the

chances are against my being in it. You should remember that

our force extends now round three sides nearly of Lucknow.

The extreme right of our position, or rather camps, being at

least nine miles from the left; so that engagements occur at

one part which those at the other never perhaps hear of

till next day! This was the case with the Dilkoosha affair.

The Chief passed our camp on the left, moved on some miles,

and occupied "Dilkoosha" (a fine palace, three stories

high), and the ground up to the banks of the Goomtee, almost

without opposition. I was never within miles of him. Indeed,

I have not been on horseback since the 25th, as I am forced

to save myself for emergencies. If anything important

occurs, be sure I will send a telegram somehow. I have

written to Reginald, and sent him a copy of the General

Order appointing him to do duty with my regiment. I have

also got a Lieutenant Meecham, of the Madras army,--a great

artist and good-looking fellow, and, what is much more to my

purpose, a fine soldier I believe. I have also asked for

young Blackburne, whom you may remember in the 20th Native

Infantry at Peshawur,--a friend of Edward Loyd's. He is much

"come out" since then. I do hope Hugh Gough will soon be

well; I do ill without such a dashing fine fellow.

In the affair of the 25th we were leading, and took the

guns,--_i. e._, we fairly captured one, and drove the enemy

away from the other, and kept them at bay until the "train"

came up and secured it. I was not altogether satisfied with

my men in this part of the affair. They hesitated, and let

me go ahead unsupported except by Nihal Singh; old Mahommed

Reza Khan, and one or two others, with Gough, being near.

The consequence was that the enemy concentrated their fire

on our little party. However, the Europeans of the Military

Train hesitated to do what I wanted _my_ men to do, and they

behaved very well immediately afterwards. There has been a

great fuss about the matter; Sir Colin having taken great

and very just offence at its being reported to him that the

cavalry were "led" by Colonel ----, a staff-officer.... He

got wounded, and then was officially reported to have "led

the cavalry," whereas we had Brigadier Campbell (a capital

officer), and Colonel Haggart, of the 7th Hussars, present,

besides the officers commanding regiments, "quorum pars

fui." Sir Colin denounced Colonel ----'s "leading" as "an

insufferable impertinence," called me up, and asked me

before them all, "Were you present with your regiment on the

25th?" and on my saying, "Yes," he cried out, "Now, look

here; look at my friend Hodson here, does _he_ look like a

man that needs 'leading?' Is that a man likely to want

'leading?' I should like to see the fellow who'd presume to

talk of 'leading' _that_ man!" pointing to me, and so forth.

I nearly went into convulsions; it was _such_ a scene....

The Martiniere was taken to-day without loss except poor

Captain Peel, who, I grieve to say, is wounded.

_March 10th._--The mail is come with my Majority. The brevet

has given general dissatisfaction. Some of the double honors

are marvellous; but it should be remembered that these

promotions are given _sponte sua_ by the home authorities,

no recommendations having gone from hence till lately. I am

content myself, having no interest. It proves they perceive

I have done something, or I should not have this beginning;

and it is satisfactory to find that it is universally

considered that I have been shabbily used. Better this by

far than to have people lifting up their eyes and saying I

had got too much! Inglis is justly rewarded, and some

others. I dare say more will come with time. I hope devoutly

that when Lucknow falls I shall be released. We shall know

in a few days,--for even while I write Lucknow seems to be

"falling" fast. Immense progress was made yesterday, with

not more loss than some 18 or 20 wounded, and I hear to-day

they are going ahead again. Pandy has quite given up

fighting, except pot-shots under cover, and runs at the very

sight of troops advancing. I stood on the top of the

Dilkoosha palace yesterday, and watched the capture of as

strong a position as men could wish for (which at Delhi

would have cost us hundreds) without the enemy making a

single struggle or firing a shot. At this rate Lucknow will

soon be in our hands. We (of the cavalry) are kept on the

_qui vive_ watching the southern outlets from the town to

prevent escape, and I expect to see Lucknow taken without

being under fire again. Well, it must be confessed that I

have had my share of the dangers of the war, and whether I

receive honors or not, I have the testimony of my own

conscience that I have done one man's work towards the

restoration of our power in India.... I have been occupied

to-day in trying to get the Victoria Cross for the two

Goughs. Hugh certainly ought to have it.[70]

_March 11th._--Just as I sit down to write comes an order to

move our camp towards Alumbagh again; Jung Bahadoor having

at last arrived with his army and taken up ground between me

and the enemy.... If anything occurs, I will get Colonel

Napier or Norman to send you a service telegram....

This was the last letter which my brother wrote. Having given

directions to his Adjutant, Lieutenant Gough, he said he would ride on

and look out a nice spot for their new camping-ground, and be back in

time to march with them. On his way he heard firing, and riding

forward, found that the Begum's Palace was to be attacked. He

immediately rode to the place, and finding his friend Brigadier Napier

directing the attack, said laughingly, "I am come to take care of you;

you have no business to go to work without me to look after you." The

assault was successful.[71] He entered the breach with General Napier

and several others. In a few minutes they were separated in the

_melee_, and General Napier saw nothing more of him till he was sent

for to him "dangerously wounded." The surgeon of his regiment gives

the following account:--

"We struck our tents and were saddled, waiting for him till

it became so dark that we were forced to go without him, and

reached our ground after sunset. I had gone to the

post-office and was five minutes behind the regiment. When I

came up, I found that Hodson's orderly had come in great

haste, saying that his master had sent for me, but with no

other message. He said that his master had been hit when

advancing with the troops on the Begum's Kotee on foot.

"I mounted and rode off with him at once. From the darkness

of the night and the difficulty of passing the Goorkah

sentries, I did not get to Dilkooshah till 9 P. M. There no

one knew where he was. I then went on to the artillery mess

and learnt that he was in Banks's House which I reached

about 10 P. M. I found him in a dooly and Dr. Sutherland

with him, whom I at once relieved, and learnt the following

particulars from him and from the orderly who remained with

Hodson, and who had been by his side when hit. He had

arrived at Banks's House just as the party going to attack

the Begum's Palace were starting, and fell in with them. The

place had been taken before he was wounded. When the

soldiers were searching for concealed Sepoys in the

court-yard and buildings adjoining, he said to his orderly,

'I wonder if any of the rascals are in there.' He turned the

angle of the passage; looked into a dark room, which was

full of Sepoys; a shot was fired from inside. He staggered

back some paces and then fell. A party of Highlanders,

hearing who had been hit, rushed into the room and bayoneted

every man there.

"The orderly, a large powerful Sikh, carried him in his arms

out of danger, and got a dooly and brought him back to

Banks's House, where his wound was looked to and dressed.

"He was shot through the right side of the chest, in the

region of the liver, the ball entering in front and going

out behind. There had been profuse bleeding, and I saw that

the wound was most likely mortal.

"He was very glad to see me, and began talking of his wound,

which he thought himself was mortal. I lay beside him on the

ground all night, holding his hand, on account of the great

pain he suffered. He was very weak when I arrived, but by

means of stimulants rallied wonderfully, and slept for an

hour or two during the night. At daylight he was much

better, his hands were warm and his pulse good, and I had

hopes that, if the bleeding, which had ceased, did not

return, he might recover. He drank two cups of tea, and said

he felt very well. His account of his being wounded agreed

with the orderly's.

"About 9 A. M. I had the dooly lifted into a room, which I

had had cleared out, where he was much quieter. At 10 A. M.,

however, bleeding came on again profusely, and he rapidly

became worse. I told him that recovery was impossible. He

then sent for General Napier, to whom he gave directions

about his property and messages to his wife. After this he

rapidly sank, though he remained sensible and was able to

speak till a quarter past one, when he became too weak; and

at twenty-five minutes past one died.

"His orderly[72] actually cried over him, he was so attached

to him.

"He was buried that evening by the Rev. Dr. Smith. The

Commander-in-Chief and his staff were present."

General Napier says, in a letter to Mrs. Hodson:--

"I regret bitterly now, that I did not insist on your dear

husband going back, but you know how impossible it was to

check his dauntless spirit."

He and others who were present give the following particulars:--

... "He lay on his bed of mortal agony and met death with

the same calm composure which so much distinguished him on

the field of battle. He was quite conscious and peaceful,

occasionally uttering a sentence:--

"'My poor wife,' 'My poor sisters.'

"'I should have liked to see the end of the campaign and

gone home to the dear ones once more, but it was so

ordered.'

"'It is hard to leave the world just now, when success is so

near, but God's will be done.'

"'Bear witness for me that I have tried to do my duty to

man. May God forgive my sins for Christ's sake.' 'I go to my

Father.'

"'My love to my wife; tell her my last thoughts were of

her.' 'Lord, receive my soul.'

"These were his last words, and, without a sigh or struggle,

his pure and noble spirit took its flight."

Thus, on the 12th of March, 1858, in his thirty-seventh year, closed

the earthly career of one of the best and bravest of England's sons,

one of her truest heroes, of whom it may be said,--"Quanquam medio in

spatio integrae aetatis ereptus, quantum ad gloriam longissimum aevum

peregit."

Great and irreparable as was his loss to his family and his friends,

as a husband, a brother, and a friend, I believe that, at the

particular juncture at which he was taken away, it was still greater,

as a soldier, to his country. It would be difficult to overestimate

the value of the services which he might have rendered, if spared, in

the pacifying of Oude after the capture of Lucknow, or the influence

which he might have had on the fortunes of the war. One of those best

qualified to judge declared, that "Hodson with his regiment would have

been worth 10,000 men." His peculiar qualifications for Asiatic

warfare would have found an appropriate field for their display.

It is unnecessary, however, for me to attempt to pronounce his

eulogium. This has been done by those more capable of forming an

estimate of his rare excellence as a soldier, and of doing it justice

by their words.

Sir Colin Campbell, in a letter of condolence to his widow, thus

expressed himself:--

"MARTINIERE, _March 13, 1858_.

"MADAM,--It is with a sentiment of profound regret that I am

compelled to address you for the purpose of communicating

the sad news that your gallant and distinguished husband,

Major Hodson, received a mortal wound from a bullet on the

11th instant. He unfortunately accompanied his friend

Brigadier Napier, commanding Engineers in the successful

attack on the Begum's Palace. The whole army, which admired

his talents, his bravery, and his military skill, deplores

his loss, and sympathizes with you in your irreparable

bereavement. I attended your husband's funeral yesterday

evening, in order to show what respect I could to the memory

of one of the most brilliant officers under my command.

(Signed)

"C. CAMPBELL,

"_Com.-in-Chief in East Indies_."

An officer who was present at the funeral says:--

"When the part of the service came where the body is lowered

into the grave, all the old warrior's courage and

self-possession could no longer control the

tears,--undeniable evidence of what he felt. 'I have lost

one of the finest officers in the army,' was his remark to

General Napier."

Even Sir John Lawrence, no friendly judge, pronounced him in an

official paper to be--

"One of the ablest, most active, and bravest soldiers who

have fallen in the present war."

Sir R. Montgomery says:--

"I look round and can find no one like him. Many men are as

brave, many possess as much talent, many are as cool and

accurate in judgment, but not one combines all these

qualifications as he did."

I shall best give an idea of the universal feeling of regret awakened

at the tidings of his death by subjoining a few extracts from the

public press at home and abroad, and from private letters. The Bombay

correspondent of the _Times_, after detailing the assault on the

Begum's Palace, wrote thus:--

"At this point fell, mortally wounded, Hodson of the 1st

Bengal Fusileers; Hodson of Hodson's Horse; Hodson, the

captor of the King of Delhi and the princes of his house.

Few of the many losses that have occurred during the

operations consequent upon the mutinies, have caused such

universal regret throughout India as the death of this

excellent officer; and among those in England who have read

of and admired his exploits, not only his comrades of the

Sikh battle-fields, but many an old friend at Rugby or at

Trinity will mourn that his career has been thus early

closed."

The _Times_, in a leading article, thus announced his death:--

"The country will receive with lively regret the news that

the gallant Major Hodson, who has given his name to an

invincible and almost ubiquitous body of cavalry, was killed

in the attack on Lucknow. Major Hodson has been from the

very beginning of this war fighting everywhere and against

any odds with all the spirit of a Paladin of old. His most

remarkable exploit, the capture of the King of Delhi and his

two sons, astonished the world by its courage and coolness.

Hodson was, indeed, a man who, from his romantic daring and

his knowledge of the Asiatic character, was able to beat the

natives at their own weapons. We could better have spared an

older and more highly placed officer."

The following notice appeared in a Bombay paper:--

"From a Lucknow letter which we publish to-day our readers

will learn, with sorrow and regret, that that most able and

gallant officer, Captain Hodson, who has distinguished

himself on so many occasions since the breaking out of the

rebellion, and whose services have been of so brilliant and

valuable a character, has been killed at Lucknow. As a

leader of Irregular Horse, or indeed as a soldier of any of

the non-scientific forces, Captain Hodson was almost

without an equal. He was one of those squadron leaders which

the Indian army can alone rear up. There are few men who

would have managed the capture of the ex-King of Delhi as

this departed hero did. On that occasion his force was small

compared to that he had to cope with; but the determined

daring of the man made up for the disparity, and the old

King came out of his fortification--for a strong

fortification it was--and surrendered. So also with the

capture of the King's sons, who also surrendered themselves,

but whom Hodson found rescued when he reached them, after

having completed the disarming of their band. That was a

moment to test a man. But he of whom we write was equal to

the emergency. The carts in which the princes were, were

retaken immediately. Still the aspect of the armed Mahomedan

crowd around--growing every moment more numerous--was dark

and threatening. It was a situation which required prompt

decision, and promptly did the British leader decide. He saw

that it was necessary that his prisoners should die, and

resolved himself to become their executioner: a wise

resolve, for, probably, had he asked one of his own

Mahomedan troopers to kill the sons of the Mogul, a refusal

would have followed, and that refusal might have been acted

up to by all. He adopted the wiser course, harangued his

men, ordered the prisoners to take off their robes in the

cart, and shot them with his own hand. Had the prisoners

been allowed to leave the cart, their bodies would have been

left behind; for to touch them would, by the troopers, have

been considered defilement, and, left behind, they might

have been fanatically paraded through the country as an

incitement to a fresh rising. Besides, it was necessary that

their remains should be exposed at the Kotwallie in Delhi

with something of the indignity they themselves had caused

to be inflicted on the murdered victims of the 11th of May."

Another published a letter with this sentence:--

"Hodson, splendid fellow, died the following day, most

deeply regretted by all ranks in his regiment. He indeed was

a brave soldier, a clever and truly esteemed commander. May

we not say he was one of the flowers of the 'old Europeans,'

and an ornament to the Bengal army?"

The writer (in _Blackwood's Magazine_) of a series of papers on the

1st Fusileers, says:--

"Then fell one of the bravest in the Indian army, an officer

whose name has been brought too often before the public by

those in high command to need my humble word in praise.

There was not a man before Delhi who did not know Hodson;

always active, always cheery, it did one's heart good to

look at his face, when all felt how critical was our

position. Ask any soldier who was the bravest man before

Delhi, who most in the saddle, who foremost? and nine out of

ten in the Infantry will tell you Hodson, in the Artillery

as many will name Tombs.

"I once heard one of the Fusileers say, 'Whenever I sees

Captain Hodson go out, I always prays for him, for he is

sure to be in danger.' Yet it was not only in the field that

Hodson was to be valued, his head was as active as his hand

was strong, and I feel sure, when we who knew him heard of

his death, not one but felt that there was a vacancy indeed

in our ranks."

The _Times_ correspondent, (Mr. Russell,) in his letter of March 13th,

writes:--

"When I returned to head-quarters' camp this evening, I

found that poor Hodson had died the previous day, and been

buried the same evening.

"He was a zealous and accomplished officer, of great

bravery, ability, and determination, an excellent judge of

the native character, of a humane and clement disposition,

but firm in the infliction of deserved punishment.

"The last time I saw him alive he expressed a decided

opinion that Government must resort to an amnesty, or be

prepared for a long continuance of disturbances."

From the _Delhi Gazette_:--

"He was a perfect gentleman, an accomplished scholar, and we

need scarcely add, (what our columns have so often

recorded,) one of the most brilliant soldiers in this or any

other army. His death is not only a severe family

affliction, but a national calamity, and it will be long

before the name of the capturer of the King and princes of

Delhi will cease to be mentioned with honor, and remembered

with regret."

From private letters of condolence, which would fill a volume, I

select a few passages, in which the writers seem to have seized with

great felicity upon some of the more remarkable features in my

brother's character and actions.

"It is hard to lose one upon whom all eyes were fixed, and

whose noble qualities seemed so certain of recognition, and

of speedy advancement to such employments as his fine

natural abilities well fitted him to discharge.

"The very presence of such a man in India was an element of

power apart from all official rank, and he could ill be

spared from among the very few who have learnt to

impersonate in themselves the power of the English nation,

and to let the natives of India feel the irresistible

character of that power. You must have watched him so

anxiously and so proudly that, though thousands of us have

done the same, none can approach the measure of your sorrow

or mourn as you that he can confer no more honor on your

name, but that the opportunities of the future must be

reaped by other and less capable hands.

"I cannot feel easy without expressing to you the great

grief and consternation with which I read the account of

your brother's death. Certainly it would have been little

less than miraculous if, being what he was, he had lived out

this war. And yet I, for one, had always cherished a hope

that I might have seen once more with my own eyes so noble

and gallant a soldier.

"There is, after all, something about skilful courage which

draws the heart to itself more than eloquence, or learning,

or anything else, and your brother seems to have been endued

with this almost more than any living Englishman, brave as

our countrymen are."

* * * * *

"Closely have I watched, during these last few sad months,

the career of that brave brother of yours. I could estimate

his bold and self-sacrificing courage, and knowing as I did

the sort of people over whom he had acquired such perfect

sway, I knew how much a clear and commanding intellect must

have been called into exercise, to aid a strong and devoted

heart. What victims has Lucknow offered up to the fiendish

treachery of those ungrateful men--Lawrence! Havelock! and

Hodson!"

* * * * *

"My grief is not for him; he had done his work in that

station of life in which God had placed him, nobly,

heartily, and as in the sight of God (would that we all did

our work in half such a Christian spirit); but for you all,

who were looking forward to seeing him again, crowned with

the honors he had so hardly won. Well, it has pleased God

that this was not to be; but there is a good hope, more than

a hope, that a reward of a higher kind is his."

From one who had known him in India:--

"From the love and esteem I bore your brother, you will, I

feel sure, allow me to write and express, however

imperfectly words can do it, my deep and heartfelt sympathy

with you and your sisters under this heavy blow. Our

acquaintance was not of long standing, but had rapidly

ripened into intimacy, and I look back to the days spent in

his society as amongst my happiest in India. His very

presence was sunshine.

"Of my admiration for his talents, and the service he

rendered his country, it would be impertinent to

speak,--they are of public note; but of the tender

sympathies, the ready advice, the forgetfulness of self, and

the ever-mindfulness of others, I may testify. His was,

indeed, a rare and beautiful character, and the better he

was known the more he could not fail to be appreciated."

I will add one more letter from General Johnstone, which will show

that even to the last my brother was pursued by the same jealousy and

malignity which had caused him so much suffering in former years:--

"He was too noble to pass through the world without

detractors. The ambitious and brave envied him, because the

brilliancy of his acts put theirs in the shade; I mean,

those not possessed of the disinterestedness of Christians.

"The mean and despicable hated him, because they quailed

before the eagle eye that could endure neither dishonesty

nor cowardice. Their base slanders were in whispers during

his life; now that his gallant spirit is gone, they come

forward in unblushing malignity. I heard the whispers only;

my indignation at learning the baseness with which this true

hero has been treated is beyond all my powers of

expression."

Some of my readers may be interested in a description of Major

Hodson's personal appearance and manner, given in a letter describing

a visit which he paid the writer a few years previously at Calcutta:--

"He was remarkably well made, lithe, and agile; in height

about five feet eleven inches. His hair had slightly receded

from a high and most intellectual forehead, and was light

and curly. His eyes were blue, but animated by a peculiarly

determined, and sometimes even fierce look, which would

change to one of mischievous merriment, for he was keenly

susceptible of the ridiculous, in whatever shape it

presented itself; but usually his look impressed me at once

with that idea of his determination and firmness which have

ever characterized his actions. His nose was inclining to

the aquiline, and the curved, thin nostrils added a look of

defiance in noways counteracted by the compressed lips,

which seemed to denote many an inward struggle between duty

and inclination. These are my impressions of Hodson as I

last saw him; and if you add to this an open, frank manner,

that, _bongre malgre_, impressed you favorably at first

sight with the owner, you will have the charming _ensemble_

that presides over my recollections of three as happy weeks

as I ever passed."

As a pendant to this portrait I give another from a lady's pen, drawn

more recently:--

"There was an indescribable charm of manner about him,

combining all the gentle playfulness of the boy, the deep

tenderness of the woman, and the vigorous decision of the

soldier.

"His powers of attraction extended even to animals; and it

was touching to see his large white Persian cat following

him from room to room, escaping from the caresses of others

to nestle by him. I have often watched the pretty creature

as he threw himself, exhausted with the day's work, on an

easy chair or sofa, rubbing himself against his master,

whisking the long white tail against his fair moustache, and

courting the endearments liberally bestowed. Restless with

others, pussy was at rest if established by him.

"At Delhi there was a wild, shy little kitten, which fled

from every one else, but mewed provokingly whenever he

appeared,--would jump on his knee with all the familiarity

of an old friend.

"With his horses he had the same power of domestication.

They yielded to the sound of his voice with the instinct

that seemed to convey to all that in him they had found

master and friend.

"Over the natives that influence seemed almost magic. When

at Umbala, on ten days' leave, in November last, the wounded

and convalescent Guides (his old corps) were all day

straying into the compound simply to 'salaam' the 'Sahib.'

And if, when lingering on the steps, or in front of the

study door, they were questioned what they wanted, their

answer would be, 'Nothing; they liked to look at the Sahib.'

And so they hung about his steps, and watched like so many

faithful dogs. Especially there was an Affghan boy, (he had

once been a slave,) whose very soul seemed bound up in the

master who had rescued him from his degraded position, and

for whom every service seemed light. He would watch his

master's movements with a look of very worship, as if the

ground were not good enough for him to tread.

"His joyousness of nature made him the most charming

companion. There was a certain quaintness of expression

which gave zest to all he said; and yet there was a

reverence, too, so that, were subjects graver than usual

introduced even by allusion, they at once commanded his

earnest response."

It will doubtless excite surprise, perchance indignation, that one

whom the Commander-in-Chief pronounced "one of the most brilliant

soldiers under his command,"--one whom all ranks of the army in India

reckoned amongst their bravest and most skilful leaders,--one whom the

popular voice has already enrolled amongst the heroes of the

nation,--one whose name was "known, either in love or fear, by every

native from Calcutta to Cabul,"--should have received, with the

exception of a brevet majority (to which he was entitled for services

in 1849), no mark of his Sovereign's approbation, no recognition of

gallant services and deeds of daring, one tenth part of which would

have covered many of Fortune's favorites with decorations.

That recognition, however, which was officially withheld, has been

given in a more marked form by the spontaneous expression of the

feelings of his brothers-in-arms. A committee, composed of officers of

the highest eminence, has been formed at Calcutta for the sake of

recording, by some permanent memorial, their admiration of his

gallantry and skill, and it has been determined that it should take

the form of a monument in Lichfield Cathedral.

Nor will his name be forgotten in India, even by men in office. The

regiment which he raised still is "Hodson's Horse;" and by an order,

published in the _Gazette_ of August 13th, is constituted a brigade,

consisting of the 1st, 2d, and 3d Regiments of "Hodson's Horse."

I do not know that his warmest friends could desire any more

distinguished testimony to his services.

* * * * *

Since these remarks were written, my brother's services have received

a still more public acknowledgment. On the occasion of the vote of

thanks to the Indian Army, on 14th April, 1859, both Lord Derby in the

Upper, and Lord Stanley in the Lower House, mentioned his name in the

most honorable manner.

Lord Stanley spoke as follows:--

"And now, Sir, having paid the tribute that is due to those

who live, it is not fitting that we should pass away

entirely from this subject without recognizing the services

of the dead. (Hear, hear.) Operations like those which have

been carried on for the last eighteen months, could not be

conducted without a great and lamentable loss of life, and

their loss to the public service is not one which can be

measured by any numerical test, because it is always the

best and bravest officers who rush to the front,--who

volunteer for every service of danger or difficulty, who

expose themselves to every risk, and among whom, therefore,

there is necessarily the greatest loss of life. There are

two names which are especially distinguished. The first is

that of Major Hodson, of the Guides, (hear, hear,) who in

his short but brilliant military career displayed every

quality which an officer should possess. (Hear.) Nothing is

more remarkable, in glancing over the biography of Major

Hodson that has just appeared, than the variety of services

in which he was engaged. At one time he displayed his great

personal courage and skill as a swordsman in conflict with

Sikh fanatics; was then transferred to the civil service, in

which he performed his duties as though he had passed his

whole life at the desk, afterwards recruiting and commanding

the corps of Guides, and, lastly, taking part in the

operations before Delhi, volunteering for every enterprise

in which life could be hazarded or glory could be won. He

crowded into the brief space of eleven eventful years the

services and adventures of a long life. He died when his

reward was assured, obtaining only that reward which he most

coveted,--the consciousness of duty done, and the assurance

of enduring military renown. The other name to which I shall

refer is a name which will always be received with feelings

of special and individual interest by this House. No words

of mine can add to the glory attaching to the short but

noble career of Sir W. Peel. (Cheers.) He bore a name which

is inseparably connected with the Parliamentary history of

this country, and it was with feelings of almost personal

pride and of personal grief that a great number of the

members of this House received the accounts of his glorious

achievements and of his untimely end. (Hear, hear.) For his

own reputation he had lived long enough; no future acts

could have enhanced his fame. It is England, it is his

country that deplores his loss."

I have also much pleasure in stating that "in testimony of the high

sense entertained of the gallant and distinguished services of the

late Brevet-Major W. S. R. Hodson," the Secretary of State for India

in Council has granted a special pension to his widow.

FOOTNOTES:

[69] Lieutenant Gough says, that my brother saved his life by cutting

down a rebel trooper in the very act of spearing him.

[70] It has been given.--_Ed._

[71] At the Begum's Palace the defences were found, after the capture

of the place, so much stronger than could be observed or had been

believed, that the General said, that, had he known what lay before

the assaulting column, he should have hesitated to give the order for

advance. They went at it, however, with a rush,--the 93d Highlanders

and 4th Punjaub Rifles, old comrades at the Secundrabagh,--and carried

it.

[72] This orderly, Nihal Singh, afterwards travelled to Simla at his

own expense to see Mrs. Hodson, and beg to be taken into her service

and go to England with her. The men of his regiment cried like

children when they heard the news of his death.