The Spring Meeting at Lucknow of 1888 inaugurated one of his lordship’s most successful racing years in India. I always feel sorry he was not able to carry out all his racing single-handed, but he did it on such a big scale it became more than one pocket could stand, hence the partnership. The Lucknow races in February brought in 7625 rupees in stakes alone—
| Empress | winning the | All Ponies Handicap | Dunn riding | |
| Myall King | ” | Stewards’ Purse | Dunn | ” |
| Lavercost | ” | Derby | Tingey | ” |
| Little Nell | ” | Mahamet Bagh Plate | Elliott | ” |
In March at Meerut followed more wins, Little Nell, Solheil, Bob, Treasure, and Lavercost roping in 3015 rupees in stakes between them.
The Dufferins’ term of office was up in 1888. They had the pleasure of seeing the new Viceregal Lodge finished before their departure, and enjoyed its roomy comfort after the very circumscribed Peterhoff. Against that they had the discomfort of the move from one house to the other, with one half of their possessions in one house and the other half in the other, when, as usually happens on such occasions, whatever is wanted is sure to be where they are not.
Lord Dufferin had done a good deal of useful work in India, undertaking various reforms and costly measures that his predecessors had seen the advisability of, but postponed, fearing the expense; he consequently left the country (I am told) with a decided financial deficit, to be dealt with by someone else.
On his retirement he was created Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, the latter taken from the city of that name a few miles from Mandalay. Of course there was the usual speculation as to whether Lord William would stay on as Military Secretary. India without Lord William seemed at that time an impossible thing to contemplate.
It might be imagined after so many years of India, combined with the exceptionally strenuous life he led, that his spirits and ceaseless stream of humour and fun might have begun to fail him, yet this was far from the case, he still led the van in fun and frolic.
As the time drew near for the departure of the Dufferins, he issued the proper and usual orders for all concerned, leaving nothing unthought of for everyone’s comfort. Then, wag as he was, he issued the following order, and had it delivered in print to the A.D.C. in attendance on the departing Viceregal party.
Rules to be observed by the A.D.C. in attendance on their Excellencies the Viceroy and the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava after their departure from Calcutta and until their arrival at Aden.
1. The A.D.C. in waiting will have the kindness to report himself every morning in the undress uniform of His Excellency’s staff, and will appear in the same at every station at which any officials meet His Excellency.