1860.
On the 22nd of July cholera broke out in the regiment, and in spite of every sanitary measure being taken, did not finally disappear till the 16th of September, during which time it carried off 1 colour sergeant, 2 sergeants, 66 rank and file, 11 women, and 11 children. It is worthy of remark that during this time only 1 officer was slightly attacked.
On the 20th of December, the regiment having been relieved by the Twenty-seventh Enniskillens, marched to Sealkote, in the Punjab. The state of discipline of the regiment whilst at Gwalior can be gathered from the following official reports:—
Extract from a Report from the Political Agent at Gwalior to the Government of India, dated 15th June, 1859:—
“When it was determined in June last to post a British force at the Laskar, the people expected with dread and deprecation a violent and dangerous, at the least a rude and overbearing, soldiery; but Her Majesty’s Seventy-first Highlanders soon falsified their expectations, and created new feelings. His Highness and the best informed men of the Durbar have assured me that those soldiers, who passed ten months in the Phoolbagh, have by their manners, habits, dealings, and whole demeanour so conciliated the respect and regard of all, that nothing could be more acceptable than the domestication of such a force in the capital. The Durbar further considers that it would bring to Gwalior incalculable industrial advantages, through affording a constant supply of superintendents of public works and skilled labour. I venture to express the hope that His Excellency may consider the Durbar’s view of the conduct of Her Majesty’s Seventy-first Highlanders, commanded by Colonel Campbell, C.B., a very high and true compliment, as worthy of express recognition as good conduct in the field. It is, in my humble judgment, a most fully deserved compliment.
(Signed) “A. A. Charters Macpherson,
“Political Agent.”
“Camp, Agra,
“29th November, 1859.
“My Lord,
“As your Lordship is going to Gwalior, I trust you will not think that I exceed my office if I venture to send you an extract from a report of June last, in which I attract the attention of Government to the admirable conduct of Her Majesty’s Seventy-first Highlanders, and to its appreciation by Maharajah Scindia and his people. The importance of such conduct on the part of the first British troops stationed at the capital of Gwalior might scarcely be over-stated. Having lived with the Seventy-first at the Phoolbagh for about twelve months, my pride in them as soldiers and countrymen must be my excuse to your Lordship for venturing upon the irregular communications of my impressions.